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Letter to the editor

Things to do

By Times Staff Writers
Published January 25, 2008

25 Today

Beauty and the Beast: The Showcase Players present their version of the Disney classic. You'll be transported to the French town where Belle lives with her father. After finding that her father has been kidnapped by a beast, she traders her freedom for his. 7 p.m. today through Sunday at the James McCabe Theater, 506 Fifth St., Valrico. Matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: $10 at the door or in advance at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive., Brandon. Information: 685-5998.

Florida Orchestra: The Florida Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, conducted by Stefan Sanderling. The program also will feature the orchestra's debut of French cellist Xavier Phillips in the premiere of Henri Dutilleux's Tout un Monde Lointain (A Whole World Distant). All Masterworks concerts are to be preceded by preconcert talks that begin an hour before curtain time. 8 p.m.; Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; $26-$54. Call 229-7827.

Bill Gaither's Homecoming: Bill Gaither and his lineup of gospel singers come to Tampa for his popular Homecoming Concert. The show, hosted by the Grammy Award-winning artist, features the Gaither Vocal Band, Joy Gardner, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Gordon Mote, Ivan Parker, and Janet Paschal. 7 p.m.; St Pete Times Forum, Tampa; $22.25-$39.25. Call 301-2500.

Jim Breuer: Star of the film Half Baked and former Saturday Night Live comedian Jim Breuer brings his stand-up act full of impressions to Tampa. With the Sirius radio show Breuer Unleashed under his belt and a hosting gig on VH1's Web Junk 20, Breuer will be sure to keep fans laughing with his antics. 8 and 10:30 p.m. today, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday. All shows after 10 p.m., except Friday, are 21 and up; Improv, Tampa; $25. Call 864-4000.

Art exhibit: The West Tampa Center for the Arts hosts the opening reception for the multimedia exhibit FLOCAS. The event features works created by graduates at the University of South Florida and Florida State University. VSA Arts of Florida also will exhibit work by artists with disabilities in the Open Door Gallery. The exhibit runs for three weeks. 6 p.m.; West Tampa Center for the Arts, Tampa; suggested donation is $3. Call 453-4381.

26 Saturday

Taylor Swift: Down-to-earth country music star Taylor Swift, 18, is headed to Tampa. Inspired by her opera singer grandmother, Taylor has been playing guitar since age 12 and hit the big time in 2006 with her debut single, Tim McGraw. 8 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; $29.50-$45.50. Call 229-7827.

27 Sunday

A Kid's Life: A heartwarming musical filled with upbeat music, A Kid's Life features dancing and colorful characters. The play is about 5-year-old Zack and his golden retriever best friend, Starsky. Together, the two companions embark on an exciting adventure through their hometown. 2 and 4 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; $7.50-$11.50. Call 229-7827.

My Fair Lady: Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady stars Rex Harrison, the linguist known as Henry Higgins who draws flower girl Eliza Doolittle, played by Audrey Hepburn, into a social experiment to make her a presentable member of high society. The film won eight Oscars and features the classic songs I Could Have Danced All Night, On The Street Where You Live and Wouldn't It Be Loverly?3 p.m.; Tampa Theatre, Tampa; $6-$8. Call 274-8286.

Tampa Blues Festival: As part of the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, this spirited event is a must-see for all blues lovers. Special guests include Shirley Brown, Marvin Sease, Theodis Ealey, Latimore, Bobby Rush, Mel Waiters, Bobby Blue Bland, Sir Charles Jones and Floyd Taylor. 6 p.m.; St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa; $42.50-$49.50. Call 301-2500.

28 Monday

Bethany and Rufus: The soulful vocals of Bethany Yarrow, daughter of Peter Yarrow, and the cello of Rufus Cappadocia come together for the duo's tour to promote their album900 Miles. 7:30 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; $25.50 advance, $29.50 door. Call 229-7827.

Joyce J. Scott: The University of Tampa is premiering the work of artist Joyce Scott. Known for using her art to speak out against racism, sexism and other prejudices, Scott has been creating objects and commenting on social issues for more than three decades. (Scott will not attend the premiere, but will come to the university in February.) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; University of Tampa Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, Tampa; free. Call 253-6217.

31 Thursday

Documentary: The Tampa Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and a local chapter of the NAACP host the film Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, Prince Among Slaves, produced by Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer. The film is based on the true story of an African-American prince named Abdul Rahman who is enslaved in the American South in 1778. In a story of overcoming hardships, Rahman gains his freedom and starts a new life in America. 7 p.m.; Tampa Theatre, Tampa; $10. Call 274-8286.

Compiled by Jonathan Milton and Eric Smithers.

[Last modified January 24, 2008, 23:09:41]