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Out & aboutBy MARY ELMORE © St. Petersburg Times, published May 25, 2001 PLAY EXPLORES AIDS EXPERIENCE: The Yellow Boat is based on the true story of Benjamin Saar. A hemophiliac, Benjamin received blood transfusions, one of which gave him HIV. The play uses warmth and humor to explore the boy's experiences as well as the ignorance and fear in those around him. Benjamin is a gifted artist whose drawings and the play illustrate his amazing joy for life as he approaches death at age 10. Nine actors between the ages of 12 and 17 were selected from 40 who auditioned for the part. The play is directed by Jorge Acosta and performed by University Area Community youth participating in Hillsborough Community College's Performing Arts Program, part of the Prodigy youth cultural arts collaborative at the University Area Community Center Complex. The original score for this production was composed by St. Petersburg native William Wade, who currently lives and works in New York City. Mr. Wade will perform the score with Steve McColly serving as music director. Prodigy is a $1.2-million prevention, intervention and diversionary program that uses visual and performing arts to improve attitudes and learning skills and to help more than 1,000 Hillsborough County youths realize their dreams and potential. Performances are at 7 tonight and Saturday, 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, 7 p.m. on June 2 and 3:30 p.m. on June 3 at the University Area Community Center Complex, 14013 N 22nd St. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested; those with reservations will be seated first. For information, call (813) 558-5212. FIFTH ANNUAL SCRATCH MY BACK CONCERT: This family event has a heavy emphasis on good music, great food and a worthy cause. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to raise money and awareness against animal abuse. Scott "Pinetop" Peterson, drummer for the Quivering Rhythm Hounds, spearheaded this event five years ago after the loss of his beloved black lab, Molly. Molly died after someone locked her in a car and she became overheated. The concert features live R&B, blues and classic rock from a past winner of the Battle of the Media Bands, the award-winning Quivering Rhythm Hounds along with special guest Johnny G. Lyon. Steve Otto will be master of ceremonies with the help of Tampa Tribune movie critic, Bob Ross. Numerous prizes will be raffled off including gift certificates from O'Briens Irish Pub, Windy City Pizza, Lakeside Inn and a round of golf for four at Cheval Country Club. The grand prize is two Northwest Airline tickets to anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road. The tax deductible donation is $7 at the door; children under 10 are free. For information, call (813) 977-6474. JOURNEY INTO AMAZING CAVES: Take a journey into a world that might be described as an adventure to another planet. Journey into Amazing Caves is the story of scientists who dare to challenge themselves physically, emotionally and intellectually. The scientists and film crew rappel down sheer cliff faces, raft underground rivers, crawl, wriggle and squeeze through tiny passages as they struggle toward their ultimate goal: the unexplored chamber. Preserving and protecting these caves for future generations is a prime objective of the cavers and the film, which is part of the Adventure Series by MacGillivray-Freeman Films, the producers of Everest and Dolphins. The movie is showing now through Nov. 15 at the IMAX Dome Theater, Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave. Tickets are $7 adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children. For information, call (813) 987-6300. -- If you have cultural or entertainment news, write to Mary Elmore at North of Tampa, St. Petersburg Times, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618. Fax: (813) 226-3352. Or e-mail us at northtampa@sptimes.com.
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