The Straz Center for the Performing Arts has been here in Tampa for 30 years and it is continuing to get bigger and better. They have announced their list of upcoming Broadway shows including The Phantom of the Opera, The Color Purple, Waitress, Hamilton, and Chicago.
In August of 2015, Hamilton hit Broadway and ever since fans have been making travel plans and buying tickets years in advance to see the musical about the life of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. For fans located in Tampa, the wait will be over February 12, 2019 – March 10, 2019 when Hamilton hits the Straz stage.
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Straz is also welcoming many classic Broadway shows this year. Phantom of the Opera’s breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier.
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Along with the classic The Phantom of the Opera, more recent, updated Broadway shows are coming as well. The Color Purple was the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! It follows a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times) directed by Tony winner John Doyle. Waitress was Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s film, it tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. However, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
Straz is going all out this year by including Chicago. Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise that Chicago has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. Now it’s coming to Tampa!
Click HERE to check out show-times and buy tickets.
Photos courtesy of Straz Center of the Performing Arts.
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