It's the new year and while it's time to return to normal life after a month of celebrating, it's also time to look ahead at what 2018 will bring. For the arts in Pinellas County, January brings American stage classics from two of the area's best theatre companies, with musical acts and art shows sprinkled throughout. If you're looking for some thought-provoking theatre or a good time out, here are a few events happening this month in the 727area.
Art:
Stirling Art Studios & Gallery: Sketch Group, Portraits, & More.
January 1 - January 31
The January exhibit at Stirling Art Studios & Gallery runs the entire month, featuring the portrait work of a local Sketch Group. A free reception for the public to meet the artists will be held on Second Friday, January 12, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. You can also visit the Stirling artists-in-residence (15 artists in 10 studios), and Penny Lane, the Ultimate Beatles Museum. Have your picture taken in the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper cutout located in the courtyard downstairs!
Staged Theatre:
Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility presented by Aquila Theatre at Tarpon Arts
Sunday, January 21, 2:00 p.m. | General: $40, Member: $35
Seduction, courtship, love, heartbreak and surprise abound in this classic romantic comedy, directed by Desiree Sanchez and performed at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center's Aquila Theatre. Based on the popular Jane Austen novel, this new production combines an innovative use of space, movement, design and sound. The cast will offer a free talkback to ticket holders at 1:00 p.m., prior to the performance.
January 22-28, January 31-February 4, February 9-11, February 14-18 | Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Thursday - Friday, 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m. | Tickets start at $39
"We the people... will not have our dreams deferred."
A Raisin in the Sun has been called "a milestone in the American Theatre" by Ebony. The first play in American Stage Theatre Company's American Legacy series is directed by L. Peter Callendar. The story of the Younger family battling the pull of their cultural roots and assimilating in a white Chicago neighborhood is a timeless story that remains relevant today. This performance opens January 22 and runs through February 18.
January 26-28, January 31-February 4, 7-11, 14-18 | Wednesday, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m., Thursday 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00 & 7:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. | Tickets start at $25
Tennessee Williams' seminal masterpiece comes to life at Freefall Theatre in January and February. Williams' semi-autobiographical work, portraying Amanda WIngfield reliving her idealized youth, is a classic in American theatre. This performance opens Friday, January 26th and runs through Sunday, February 18th.
Music:
Whitney & Synia Swingin’ & Singin’ - by Al Downing Jazz - American Stage Theatre Company
Friday, January 5, 8:00 p.m. | Advance: $25, At the door: $30
Featuring Whitney James & Synia Carroll with La Lucha
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association starts 2018 off with an evening of jazz at American Stage Theatre Company. Whitney James and Synia Carroll will sing original duet arrangements of classic jazz tunes with St. Pete's own rhythm section La Lucha (Alejandro Arenas on bass, James Suggs on trumpet, John O’Leary on piano and Mark Feinman on drums). See two amazing jazz performers singing together for the first time in this exciting collaboration.
A Night of Hits with The Company Men at Tarpon Arts
Thursday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. | General: $40, Member: $35
Nationally recognized pop vocal group The Company Men bring their A Night of Hits tour to the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. The four-man vocal group will perform 60+ songs in 90 minutes from six decades of music, featuring performers from numerous Broadway shows. This is a hand-clapping, dancing-in-your-seat kind of night you don't want to miss!
Well-Strung: The Singing String Quartet at Tarpon Arts
The New York City-based string quartet brings their classical and pop music fusion to the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. Described by the New York Times as "a talented quartet of men who sing and play instruments," Well-Strung has garnered national recognition from the Huffington Post, CBS News, and The Today Show.
Whether you take in a show in downtown St. Petersburg, or go to a music event in Tarpon Springs, come back to 727area.com for the best food, drink and things to do in Pinellas County. Events will be updated throughout the month, so don't forget to check out the site. If you haven't already done it, subscribe now... it's free!