Experience an unforgettable January at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida, where a diverse array of artistic performances awaits. From the soulful sounds of 'Ain't Too Proud' to the thrilling 'Rock of Ages,' there's something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the spirit of Harriet Tubman brought to life, or the musical journey of Pink Martini. Join us for a month of culture, creativity, and community celebration.

Straz Center's January Spectacular: A Celebration of Music, Theater, and Culture

Welcome to 2025 where the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL is setting the stage for an extraordinary array of events. From Shakespearean drama and iconic musicals to vibrant cultural celebrations and stunning operatic performances, this year's lineup is a testament to the Straz Center's dedication to diverse and enriching artistic experiences. Whether you're a fan of classic tales like 'Macbeth' or in search of the infectious energy of 'Rock of Ages', there's something to cater to every taste. Let's delve into this captivating season.

An Artistic Odyssey: Exploring Straz Center's Eclectic Lineup for 2025

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Bay is set to host an eclectic array of events from early 2025. With themes spanning from cultural celebrations, epic musical tributes, and gripping dramas, to fresh operatic takes and magical concert experiences, there's something for everyone. This exciting lineup features local talents and international icons, offering a unique blend of performances that promise to captivate audiences with their diverse narratives and artistic expressions.

Tampa Bay's Cultural Extravaganza: A Journey Through Art, Music, and Drama

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa is buzzing with anticipation as it hosts an array of diverse events in 2025. From the vibrant 'Arts Legacy Remix' celebrating local cultures to the thrilling mystery of 'The Pillowman', there is something for everyone. Enjoy culinary delights at 'TASTE at The Straz', witness the heartwarming production of Disney's 'THE LION KING', and experience the operatic charm of 'La Bohème'. These events, along with many others, showcase the unique talents and creativity thriving in Tampa Bay.

Discover the Creative Pulse of Tampa at the Straz Center's Upcoming Events

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Bay is set to host an exhilarating lineup of events celebrating diverse artistic expressions. From the free, culturally rich 'Arts Legacy Remix' to the award-winning 'Back To The Future: The Musical', the season promises a rich tapestry of performances. Additionally, 'Magic Tree House' and 'Spring Into Dance' provide platforms for young talent, while 'The Butterfly’s Evil Spell' offers a blend of theater and visual arts. The season culminates with symphonic grandeur and dance diversity, making it an unmissable cultural experience.

Unveiling Tampa Bay's Cultural Tapestry: Highlights from Straz Center's Spring Lineup

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, is hosting a vibrant series of events that promise to captivate diverse audiences with a rich tapestry of performances. From the cultural fusion of Arts Legacy Remix to the theatrical enchantment of The Butterfly’s Evil Spell, and the musical brilliance of Ragtime, Blues And All That Jazz, this lineup offers something for everyone. With performances featuring talented artists and engaging discussions like Voices Of The Community Town Hall, there's no shortage of artistic expression to explore.

Celebrate Tampa Bay's Cultural and Artistic Extravaganza at Straz Center

This summer, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa is hosting a trio of remarkable events that promise to entertain and inspire. From the whimsical retelling of a familiar magical world in PUFFS, to the uproarious, fast-paced romp through Shakespeare's entire oeuvre, and finally, a symphonic journey through the beloved digital landscapes of Stardew Valley, each event offers a unique cultural experience. Dive into the world of these engaging performances, celebrating storytelling, humor, and music.

A Theatrical and Musical Journey: PUFFS, Shakespeare Abridged, and Stardew Valley Symphony

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is set to host a thrilling lineup of events in 2026, offering audiences a rich tapestry of theatrical and musical experiences. From Shakespearean comedy to contemporary musicals, these performances promise an engaging dive into the world of performing arts. Highlights include 'The Comedy Of Errors,' 'The Choir Of Man,' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 in Concert,' each offering unique storytelling crafted by talented artists. Prepare to be entertained, inspired, and moved as these creative works unfold on stage.

A Cultural Odyssey: Upcoming Performances at the Straz Center

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is gearing up for an incredible 2026 season with a lineup that's sure to dazzle audiences of all ages. From the captivating Dog Man: The Musical to the hauntingly humorous Beetlejuice, there is something for everyone. This season's offerings dive into unique narratives, with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and drama, featuring works by renowned artists like Alicia Keys and Will Butler. Let's explore what makes these events a must-see for both theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Unforgettable Productions at Straz Center: A Preview of 2026's Most Anticipated Shows

After seven films, it all comes down to this: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 will grace the screen once more—this time in concert! The characters you love are back, battling villains and protecting Hogwarts™ from Voldemort™ himself. Hear a live symphony orchestra bring Alexandre Desplat’s music to life and experience all the action as the film is projected onto a giant screen with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

EPSG:4326

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

FADE IN: The open ocean, 1974. Filming is delayed … again. The lead actors — theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider — are crammed into a too-small boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic … if it doesn’t sink them all.

The Shark Is Broken

Comic book creators George and Harold have reached fifth grade and are ready for a challenge: making a musical based on one of their characters, Dog Man, a part-human, part-canine crime fighter. No problem, right? No. There are problems, all right, and that’s what fuels this charming stage adaptation of the popular children’s book series, which is itself a spin-off of Captain Underpants, all from the mind and pen of author Dav Pilkey.

Dog Man: The Musical

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way.

& Juliet

Choir of Man was a sensation at Straz in 2023, immersing audiences into British pub life with a rollicking collection of songs and stories. The show, which celebrates community and camaraderie, will return for one night and two shows. Reacquaint yourself with the regulars of “The Jungle” or meet them for the first time in this energetic, crowd-pleasing show.

The Choir Of Man

The name Blue Man Group tells you who you’ll see – three men with skin painted blue – but doesn’t tell you what you’ll see, which would require a much longer name. Art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication are among the tools the aforementioned cerulean trio use in a performance that celebrates connections with people and the world around us.

The Blue Man Group

A stranger arrives in town only to find that everyone knows their name but thinks they’re someone else. In this fairy tale of a farce believed to be one of the Shakespeare’s earliest, everyday miracles, mistaken identity, and double double (oh what trouble!) vision makes for a brisk evening of laughs!

The Comedy Of Errors

Straz Center’s Opera Tampa is proud to welcome one of the world’s most celebrated sopranos. Renée Fleming has performed in the world’s finest opera houses as well as at the Super Bowl, Buckingham Palace and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her most recent recital and concert program, Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene, inspired by her Grammy Award®-winning album of the same name, is an expression of her love of nature and her concerns for the planet or, in her words, “this theme of nature as both our inspiration and our victim.” The performance features music ranging from classical to contemporary, and will include a National Geographic-produced film spotlighting the beauty of the natural world. A tireless advocate for the powerful impacts of arts in health, last year she published Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Well-being.

Renée Fleming

Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel and Frances Ford Coppola’s iconic film, this thrilling new musical features a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman and direction by Tony Award® winner Danya Taymor. Entertainment Weekly says, "It has the power to inspire an entire generation."

The Outsiders

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return to Tampa. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more.

Les Misérables

From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award®-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the critically acclaimed films La La Land and The Greatest Showman, A Christmas Story, The Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.

A Christmas Story

A simple ukelele can be a mighty instrument in the right hands. Taimane has the right hands. She moves fluidly and fluently from Bach to Zeppelin, with stops at flamenco and the traditional music of her home, Hawaii. Her virtuosity is matched by her passion for live performance and her ability to connect with audiences. Taimane’s videos have garnered 50,000,000 views and her social media followers number nearly half a million. The word is out – see what Taimane’s fans are raving about.

Taimane

A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of five Tony Awards® including Best Musical. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated Jessica Stone (Water for Elephants).

Kimberly Akimbo

Sway and swoon to the soundtrack of the agrarian life a la digital. A 35-piece orchestra will perform music from the popular role-playing game Stardew Valley. Video will feature gameplay footage as well as original content created for the concert. See the farm grow through the seasons, and enjoy visits to valley attractions such as Pelican Town, Skull Cavern, Ginger Island and Calico Desert.

Stardew Valley Symphony Of Seasons

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac received what must be the greatest compliment a Mac tribute band could hope for: the endorsement of founding member and co-namesake, drummer Mick Fleetwood. The focus is on Fleetwood Mac’s most popular era, so expect large doses of 1975’s eponymous album and the massively popular 1977 follow-up, Rumours. The group’s grasp of the Mac catalog means the set also will include some deep tracks and lesser-known cuts.

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac

One of the most popular artists in Latin American music, Andrés Cepeda is a 30-year veteran having begun his career with Poligamia, a band he formed in his teens. The native Colombian began his solo career in 1999, and has scored numerous hit albums and singles, as well as hotly anticipated live performances. He served as a coach on La Voz Colombia, Colombia’s version of The Voice, for three years. He’s celebrated for his romantic musical style as well as his bold blending of genres.

Andres Cepeda

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical. Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

Water For Elephants

Step into a world just beyond the ordinary, where artistry leads the way. Gala for Straz Center is more than a celebration—it’s a journey into the heart of the performing arts, wrapped in mystique and quiet wonder.

Gala for Straz Center

Get your fishnet stockings, corsets and platform shoes out of mothballs and get ready to “do the Time Warp again” again! The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour salutes the film that launched midnight movie mania. Enjoy a shadow cast performance, a costume contest and a Q&A with three of the film’s original cast members: Barry Bostwick (Brad), Nell Campbell (Columbia) and Patricia Quinn (Magenta). The highlight will be a screening of the original, uncut 1975 film. Audience members will receive a bag of props, so leave yours at home.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Jobsite’s Halloween streak remains undefeated! A blues-inflected country score by legend John Mellencamp and a claustrophobic, refractured parable from the master of thriller Stephen King combine to create the spooky, cautionary tale of GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY.

Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County

The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back.

The Wiz

Blippi, the blue-and-orange clad children’s entertainer, is going places – specifically Disney World. Blippi and best friend Meekah are starring in a series of videos in which they explore Disney World and its adjoining parks as well as Disney Cruise Lines. It’s another giant step for the show, which began on YouTube and was picked up by Netflix, attracting more than a billion views along the way. Yes, with a “b.” In this new show, Blippi, Meekah and all of their friends discover the joy of making music.

Blippi: Join The Band Tour!

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a Bram-new comedy you can really sink your teeth into. Filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references, it’s a 90-minute, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, perfect for audiences of all blood types.

Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors

Students interested in pursuing a college degree in dance, music, or theater are encouraged to attend Straz Center's 6th Annual Performing Arts College & Career Fair. This event is free and open to the public. All attendees, including guardians and guests, must register to attend. The opportunity to meet with college reps begins at 1 p.m. in Rehearsal Hall and concludes at 3 p.m.

Performing Arts College & Career Fair

A highly anticipated girls' trip, meant to be a bonding reunion and a source of new memories, spirals into an absolute nightmare.  The “tea” is spilled, and secrets are revealed on this wild, cross-country road trip.

The Trip

Twelve men deliberate the conviction or acquittal of a teenager charged with murder based on reasonable doubt; disagreement and conflict among the jurors force them to question their morals and values.

12 Angry Men

Led by sound healer Davin Youngs, The RESET promises to take audience members on a journey to deep inner space. Beginning with mindful exercises which encourage connections to the self and others, The RESET then becomes a concert of music and sounds that encourage and enhance the powerful and profound journeys the experience inspires. The RESET is a 90-minute performance, which is preceded by a 60-minute cleanse and restore yoga class led by YogaSix.

The RESET

Having shrunk Shakespeare’s wit and wisdom into manageable morsels of madness, Jobsite returns to tear around the stage in doublets and Chuck Taylor’s on a riotous romp through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, plus the sonnets, in 90 minutes. This special encore features new cast members, new gags, changed-up sketches, but the same guaranteed belly-laughs -- even if you don’t know your Hamlet from a hole in the ground. Creative Loafing ranks seeing “an (abridged) anything at Jobsite” #12 on the list of the top 20 things to do to be considered a true Bay Area resident!

The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]

Step into worlds imagined by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet take you into these masters’ works with magnificent digital projections that immerse viewers in the unmistakable artistry of Post Impressionist and Impressionist painters.  An original score is a soundtrack to your journey through hundreds of Van Gogh’s and Monet’s masterworks.

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet

MATILDA THE MUSICAL is a delightful musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved story about a brilliant young girl with a vivid imagination and a love for books. Matilda is an extraordinary child who uses her cleverness and courage to overcome obstacles, including her neglectful parents and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress of her school. With a whimsical score and charming characters, this uplifting tale celebrates the power of resilience, friendship, and the magic of imagination. Perfect for young performers and audiences alike, MATILDA THE MUSICAL reminds us that even the smallest among us can change the world!

Matilda The Musical

Join the Choral and Chamber Orchestra Intensive students for an evening of contemporary works and classical favorites. Students from throughout the region come together to showcase some of what they have learned in their week at Patel.

Choral And Chamber Orchestra Intensive Concert

This performance features over 150 students from all across the United States who are enrolled in the Next Generation Ballet®'s Summer Intensive.  Students will showcase what they learned in classical ballet, contemporary dance and musical theater in this professionally produced performance in the elegant Ferguson Hall.

Summer Intensive Showcase

FINDING NEMO: KIDS is an enchanting musical adaptation of the beloved Disney-Pixar film that takes audiences on an underwater adventure! Follow the journey of Marlin, a timid clownfish, as he sets out to rescue his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a scuba diver. Along the way, Marlin teams up with the forgetful yet lovable Dory, encountering a colorful cast of ocean creatures that teach him the importance of bravery, friendship, and letting go. With catchy songs, vibrant choreography, and heartfelt moments, FINDING NEMO: KIDS is a captivating experience for young performers and audiences, reminding us all that family and love can conquer any wave!

Finding Nemo: Kids

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain school and conquered evil. You Know Who He Is. This is not his story, sorry, but that of those who also happened to be there, too. PUFFS is a play for anyone who has never been destined to save the world! This clever show “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to place fourth at a very dangerous magic school for kids. Overlooked and underestimated, the Puffs are a perky, well-meaning, loyal group of outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a hero can be.

PUFFS

Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. With an unforgettable score, featuring soaring ballads and rousing choral numbers, this winner of four 2000 Tony Awards including Heather Headley as Best Actress in a Musical is the perfect season ending show for MAD Theatre of Tampa.

AIDA

We close this year’s townhall series with a discussion of varied art mediums that can help shape, unify, and ultimately heal a community, as it has done over many generations.

To ask our panelists any questions and to sign up for our Community Engagement Events Newsletter, please use this link.

Voices Of The Community Town Hall

SHUCKED is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”) and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.

Shucked

In this tour de force concert, Byron Stripling showcases ragtime masters Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton plus blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters. With humorous vignettes and a finale that closes with an unforgettable toe-tapping jam session, this is one of Byron Stripling’s signature shows. Featuring keyboardist Bobby Floyd of the Ray Charles, Dr. John and Count Basie Bands.

Ragtime, Blues And All That Jazz

The Straz Center is pleased to present the Third Annual Arts and Mind Village Convening of 2025. In partnership with Johns Hopkins University's International Arts + Mind Lab and as an extension of the virtual Arts & Mind Village Chat, this event will create an engaging environment where scientists, researchers, and members of our community discuss the impact and actualization of the arts and healing.

Arts & Mind Village Convening

There is a ticket delivery delay in place until two days prior to the event. Tickets will not be emailed until then. Tickets are only available online until the delivery delay is lifted.DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS FROM ANYONE OR ANY OTHER SITE OTHER THAN IMPROV.COM TICKET RESALE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.TICKETS SUSPECTED OF BEING PURCHASED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF RESELLING MAY BE CANCELLED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE IRVINE IMPROV.EVENT INFO:There is a two-item minimum purchase requirement in the showroom for all guests. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served, with the exception of groups and premium booths.No cell phone use, photography or video recording is permitted during performances.All sales are final.MISCELLANOUS:For group sales info, e-mail our Events Manager to learn about special menu options and reserved seating.Additional questions may be addressed in our Frequently Asked Questions.For further assistance, contact Irvine Improv.

Chad Daniels

Irvine Improv

Celebrate the close of another great year at The Patel Conservatory at our annual end-of-the-year celebration.

Patel Conservatory End Of Year Celebration

Beginning Dance 1 students explore the joy of movement while learning their first dance steps.

Beginning Dance 1 Recital

Music icon and legendary survivor Tina Turner provided the soundtrack of a generation while her story inspired hearts and minds around the world. Celebrate her legacy with her biggest hits, including What's Love Got to Do With It?, Proud Mary and more.

Simply The Best

Enjoy an evening of music presented by the Patel Conservatory's Vocal Arts Choirs and Chamber Ensembles.

Spring Music Spectacular

Paloma San Basilio is a Spanish singer, songwriter, producer and actress. She is a recipient of the Latin Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award for her valuable contributions to Latin music.

Paloma San Basilio Last Concert

Next Generation Ballet’s Spring production is a showcase for the diversity of dance. The performance will feature the first ballet created specifically for an NGB spring show. Created by flamenco great Irene Rodriguez, the piece will explore a variety of regional Spanish dance forms and will feature performances by Rodriguez with close to 175 student dancers. The delightful Circus Polka, choreographed by Jerome Robbins, will begin the show on a whimsical note. The production concludes with George Ballanchine’s Who Cares?, a salute to Broadway set to the music of George Gershwin.

Ballroom, Broadway And Ballet

The Fraggles are back and Fraggle Rock is your top destination for fun, adventure and big, furry creatures. Based on the recent reboot of Jim Henson’s beloved ‘80s creations, the show features an all-new story that follows the Fraggles on a mission to find the magical Celebration Stone. The production was created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the studio that’s created some of the greatest special effects in film and TV. Back to the Rock Live! is a must-see for Fraggle Rock fans both young and vintage.

Fraggle Rock

A decade ago, Michael Francis conducted Aaron Copland’s grand Third Symphony for a momentous occasion – his first opening night as Music Director of The Florida Orchestra. For “The Great American Symphony,” Copland sought a big finish, and he found it in his own Fanfare for the Common Man. That fanfare is the inspiration for the opening work on this program, Joan Tower's Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, which she dedicates to “women who take risks and who are adventurous.” Gershwin’s Piano Concerto will be in the hands of guest soloist Tzimon Barto, a bodybuilder, novelist, poet and philosopher from Eustis, FL.

Copland's Symphony No. 3

Devised in Jobsite’s captivating style as expressed in Shockheaded Peter, Gorey Stories and Jobsite’s Alice, this imaginative English-language adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s first play (El Maleficio de la Mariposa) fuses live music, visual art, puppetry, theater magic and aerial and circus arts into thrilling a theatrical experience. Lorca’s mystically poetic world of beetles, fireflies and other magical creatures is disrupted when a hypnotic, wounded butterfly enters their dewdrop paradise. A young beetle is cast under a love spell, but a hungry scorpion is sure to shake things up in this timeless tale of beauty and desire.

The Butterfly’s Evil Spell

Tampa Bay Symphony

The spring recital features students in Preparatory tap, Level 1A jazz and tap, Level 1B jazz, and Intermediate Just for Kicks.

Breakin' Out

The spring recital features students enrolled in Beginning Dance 2, Beginning Dance 3 and Primary. It is an opportunity for the students to have their first experiences on a professional stage. Parents see what their children have learned during the year in ballet. A number of advanced NGB/PCYB students are incorporated into the performance so the younger students and parents can see the progression of the school.

Spring Into Dance

Relaxed performances of Patel Conservatory productions are presented in a welcoming environment that is judgement-free. Subtle changes to technical elements may include house lights remaining at half, the removal of strobe and fog effects and avoidance of sudden changes in amplified sound. Guests may bring personal headphones, ear plugs, stim objects and tablets into the performance venue. Relaxed Performances are also a great option for parents who would like to introduce their youngest children to theater.

Magic Tree House

Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel” and “Back in Time.”

Back To The Future: The Musical

At this unique townhall, we welcome our partners for a discussion of arts in academia to gain a deeper connection and understanding of our community. Guests include site coordinators, educators, artists and advocates.

Two of the most acclaimed creative forces in modern dance, producer Robert Lepage and choreographer Guillaume Côté, bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the dance stage. This timeless tale of revenge, treachery and madness will be told through movement, music and set design. Shakespeare with no dialogue? Shakespeare with no words?! Don’t miss this innovative retelling of this classic tragedy. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.

Hamlet Prince Of Denmark

Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.

Jess Cramp

Spellbinding violinist Alexi Kenney makes his TFO debut in one of the most beloved concertos of all time, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, conducted by Michael Francis. In Ma Vlast, Smetana composes a love letter to his Bohemian homeland in a series of symphonic poems. The evening does not end quietly. Janacek’s fierce, potent Taras Bulba will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Beethoven's Violin Concerto

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on April 12, 2025. The event will take place at the David A. Straz Center - Carol Morsani Hall, a venue known for its magical ambiance and world-class performances. Starting at 2:00 PM, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of performing arts in Tampa, US. Don't miss this chance to experience the captivating power of live performance. For a sneak peek of what to expect, visit the Straz Center's official YouTube channel. Secure your tickets now at Ticketmaster! Visit the Straz Center's official website for more information.

The Lion King (Touring)

David A. Straz Center - Carol Morsani Hall

Who doesn’t adore La Bohème? With its tragic lovers, touching arias and potent emotional insight, this lyric masterpiece seems inexhaustible, as Straz Center’s Opera Tampa returns to its classic roots. Audiences bond with the struggling bohemians because to be carefree and young is romantic, and when illness intrudes on the plan, everybody ends up singing. That’s what opera is about, and it doesn’t get much better than in Puccini’s most resilient work. 

La Bohème

Patel Theater Ensemble Showcase

Join us as we celebrate the talent of tomorrow in a recital of some of Patel Conservatory’s best and brightest!

Music Honors Recital

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Tampa’s best-loved musical returns to the Straz Center. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

Disney’s THE LION KING

Show is open to Hillsborough School District students by invitation from the Straz Center's Community Engagement Dept. to Arts Education Partnership Sites. A check-in table will be in the Ferguson Lobby with guest list, and will be manned by a member of the Community Engagement Dept.

Open Rehearsal - La Bohème

The Straz Center’s annual eat-and-drink extravaganza puts you in vibrant downtown Tampa with access to the Tampa Bay area’s best food, craft brews, cocktails and more for one ALL-INCLUSIVE price. This signature fundraising event has raised over $3 million in support of the Straz Center’s world class productions and arts education programs.

TASTE at The Straz

We’re excited to bring together BIPOC media members, including reporters and public relation specialists, to explore their important roles in the community. They will share their creative process and experiences as they work toward more visibility in the arts and health community.

One of the most popular adventure tales of all time, Treasure Island spins an action-packed, fun-filled tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of characters with bad intentions who met their match and are foiled in their attempts. From the Panto company as told as only they can, it's seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkis, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola. This thrilling adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous long John Silver, a scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle and the message that good wins over evil every time

Treasure Island

The ultimate showstoppers from Broadway blockbusters. Spend an evening with songs from Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, Lion King, Annie, Jersey Boys, Chicago, CATS, A Chorus Line and more performed by some of Broadway’s top vocalists.

Blockbuster Broadway

Flamenco has been Siudy Garrido’s passion almost since birth. Daughter of Siudy Quintero, the acclaimed flamenco dancer and instructor, she made her stage debut at age 5. She has carried on and added to her family’s legacy, mastering other dance styles and bringing elements of jazz, classical and contemporary dance to expand flamenco’s artistic range and its audience. Bailaora is a deeply personal work, an autobiographical journey exploring the evolution of flamenco as well as Siudy’s individual journey.

Siudy Garrido Bailaora

Featuring the award-winning dancers of the Patel Conservatory Popular Dance Program alongside artists from Next Generation Ballet (NGB), ON THE EDGE offers something from the contemporary dance world for everyone. Directed by NGB Artistic Director, Philip Neal, ON THE EDGE showcases a variety of works fusing high-energy precision with the fluidity of contemporary dance.

On The Edge

For almost four decades, The Peking Acrobats have dazzled audiences with their amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. The acrobats’ stunning prowess at trick cycling, tumbling, juggling, somersaults and gymnastics. High-tech special effects keep their performances moving forward, while backing musicians’ use of traditional Chinese instruments provides an essential link to the roots of their art.

The Peking Acrobats

THE PILLOWMAN is an exhilarating comedy-drama about a fiction writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is interrogated when several bizarre incidents occurring in town resemble the gruesome content of their short stories. When the writer’s mentally disabled brother also is brought in by two officers, the police procedural takes unforeseen twists and turns. This thriller was one of London’s hottest tickets when it premiered in 2003 with Billy Crudup and again just last year in a revival starring Lily Allen.

The Pillowman

The “In Memoriam” segment of this year’s Academy Awards® was particularly poignant, thanks to an emotional duet featuring tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo. Their rendition of “Time to Say Goodbye” lit up the internet and made clear that the younger Bocelli was a talent to watch. His debut solo album, Matteo, was released in 2023, a winning mixture of pop, classical crossover and yearning ballads. Now, Matteo is making his mark in concert on his first headlining tour.

Matteo Bocelli

The author of 65 operas, Donizetti was no slacker, and Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amore and Don Pasquale still hold sway in theaters around the world. Straz Center’s Opera Tampa offers a fresh take on Pasquale, a masterpiece that represents the golden tradition of opera. But don’t expect the usual setting in Rome − the action of this creative new production takes place in our own Ybor City, so it’s sure to generate local excitement. 

Don Pasquale

The end begins. Part one of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ is here! CineConcerts invites audiences back to witness the beginning of Harry’s most important battle yet, with the full film accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Harry, Ron, and Hermione set out to track down the secret to Voldemort’s power!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 in Concert

Returning after a successful run at Stageworks Theatre in 2023 When the Righteous Triumph delves deep into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. This compelling drama brings to life the courageous stories of individuals who stood up against injustice and fought for equality through sit-ins that led to the desegregation of Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. The play follows a diverse group of activists, each with their own struggles and triumphs, as they come together to challenge segregation and discrimination. Through their eyes, audiences witness the tension, fear, and hope that defined this pivotal era in American history. From organizing peaceful protests to facing violent opposition, their journey is one of resilience, solidarity, and unwavering belief in the power of justice.

When The Righteous Triumph

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after,” Disenchanted! has your answer. The musical lifts the curtain on the happy endings of storybook princesses and, sister, it’s not so sparkling. The musical Disenchanted goes behind the magic to ask the question, “Did I eat a poisoned apple for THIS?” See how the princesses deal with their disappointment when Disenchanted! returns to the Straz.

Disenchanted!

Tom Rush emerged during the early 1960s folk revival and made a successful – artistically, at least - transition to 1970s singer-songwriter. He’s known more for introducing his listeners to new songwriters – Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor among them – than for writing them himself (although his tune “No Regrets” has been covered numerous times by artists such as The Walker Brothers, Emmylou Harris and Midge Ure). At 83, he’s still performing with a set full of beautiful songs leavened by Rush’s wry humor.

An Evening With Tom Rush

Show is open to Hillsborough School District students by invitation from the Straz Center's Community Engagement Dept. to Arts Education Partnership Sites. A check-in table will be in the Ferguson Lobby with guest list, and will be manned by a member of the Community Engagement Dept

Open Rehearsal - Don Pasquale

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Tampa in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. It’s thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, and in London’s West End…and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Tampa as it makes its premiere at the Straz Center in February 2025.

Come hear the music of the most successful band of the decade, together with the Royal Symphony Orchestra. A spectacular show of lights and special effects. Performing all the hits and new songs as you never heard before The Coldplay "Symphonic" Experience will make you vibrate with emotion.

A Coldplay Experience

Get ready for Sessions—a two-day immersive experience designed for tattooers to discover, learn, and grow into their full potential.

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a game-changing event built on genuine connections, meaningful growth, and a shared passion for pushing boundaries in tattooing. Here, industry-leading presenters and attendees come together as equals, creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive, no matter their experience level.

Sessions Tattoo Educational

Isaac Mizrahi is either the finest fashion designer who ever got on the mic, or the best live performer who ever picked up a needle and thread. A man of many and varied talents, Mizrahi performs sets heavy on standards (“You’re the Top”) and standards-to-be (Madonna’s “Borderline”) with plenty of between-song snark concerning fashion, celebrities and social media for starters.

Isaac Mizrahi

This special evening brings together Broadway Ball and Opera Tampa Grand Gala for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Broadway, opera, dance, music and arts education – all of the transformational artistic foundations the Straz delivers best.
Begin the evening with cocktails and a silent auction before moving to Morsani stage for a gourmet dinner prepared by our chefs at Maestro’s. You’ll have a chance to bid on unforgettable bespoke items and experiences at the live auction. And you’ll thrill to powerful live performances throughout the evening. Top off your night with desserts and dancing in the lobby.

Gala for the Straz Center

Sunny Jain is a one-man fusion factory. The Indian-American composer-musician is rooted in the sounds of Southern Asia, which he mixes and merges with jazz, hip-hop and other sounds from Jain’s ever-expanding musical universe. His band Red Baraat was a frenetic explosion of bhangra, rock and hip-hop. Jain’s latest release, Wild Wild East, is a globe-trotting journey through a world of cultures and musical styles.

Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East

Set during the American Civil War, Little Women brings Louisa May Alcott's book to life as it details the lives of the close-knit March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. It is a classic coming of age piece that embodies the struggles of growing up female in a man’s world; the security of a loving family and the sadness in learning that, inevitably, time brings change.

Little Women

The Super Scientific Circus starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, proves that science can be fun and funny. Alternately assisted and foiled by the comedic antics of Trent the Mime, Mr. Fish uses amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beachballs, bull whips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure, and ultraviolet light.

Super Scientific Circus

Alton Brown has been one of the country’s most popular foodies since his irreverent Good Eats program premiered in 1999. Conceived as a cross between Julie Child, Mister Wizard and Monty Python, it established Alton as both a humorist and a chef. He’s also a fountain of food history and trivia. He’s hinting – but not promising – that this is his last tour, so take away from that what you will.

Alton Brown Live

An independent producer/presenter has rented the theater for this performance; it is not programmed by the Straz Center.

It’s hard to imagine a movie without music. Legendary composer John Williams has given us some of the most recognizable film scores in cinema history and changed the way we experience movies. Join us for the ultimate celebration of his seven-decade career with music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., Jurassic Park, Jaws and more.  With five Academy Awards and 26 Grammy Awards, his incredible body of work is virtually unparalleled in the industry.

The Music Of John Williams

This show will be conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio. This evening of soaring arias, crossover hits and famed love songs in honor of the Valentine’s season is presented by Straz Center's Opera Tampa .

Andrea Bocelli In Concert

Amalie Arena

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway – and head out on the road across America.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Mar 25 - Apr 5, 2026

Hell's Kitchen

Mar 11 - Apr 5, 2026

The Shark Is Broken

Apr 29 - May 4, 2026

Stereophonic

6 - 31 May, 2026

Danny And The Deep Blue Sea

13 - 18 May, 2026

SIX

13 - 14 Mar, 2026

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert

Mar 11 - Apr 5, 2026

The Shark Is Broken

Articles & News

Straz Center for the Performing Arts