Video Was Stand-Up’s Entrée to Comedy

Being a “weird” kid gave Eric D’Alessandro a leg up on his career as a comedian.   “When I was 11 I had a video camera, which was strange to see back then,” said D’Alessandro, who brings his stand-up act to The Straz’s Jaeb Theater Friday, July 14. “Now, every junior high kid is making... Continue Reading →

ARTISTS WE LOVE: Marni Nixon

SHE COULD HAVE SUNG ALL NIGHT She was the voice of Deborah, Natalie and Audrey. Her lilting soprano delivering “Somewhere,” “Wouldn’t it be Loverly” and “Hello Young Lovers” in the film versions of West Side Story, My Fair Lady and The King and I, respectively. For her work on The King and I, Nixon was... Continue Reading →

How well do you know The Straz?

We know how much you love The Straz, but how much do you really KNOW about the Straz, other than it’s fabulous, of course? Well, we’re going to find out. Take this quiz, awarding yourself one point for every correct answer to determine if you are a well-informed Straz patron or if you are just... Continue Reading →

Spotlight on the great outdoors

The Straz Riverwalk Stage rises to provide a safe experience for theater-goers When The Straz, along with the world, went on its pandemic pause in March 2020, the staff went to work finding ways to continue to engage and entertain audiences. Initially, with people avoiding places where people gather, the electronic hearths of televisions, computers... Continue Reading →

A Whole New World: Crafting a Season

A small but mighty coterie of Straz staffers gathers the selections that make each year’s season announcement a much-anticipated event. At the start of every year, as sure as the Florida gardenias blossom, The Straz announces a new season. Every year that season blends old and new, funny and serious, musical and non-musical, spectacular and... Continue Reading →

Companions of the Curtain

Throughout the history of stage and film, friendships between characters often become larger than life They’re classic bonds of camaraderie that have endured the tests of time. From the screen to the stage, through the generations, there have been memorable character friendships that have become synonymous with the show or play in which they’re portrayed.... Continue Reading →

Twerk from Home

The seductive, titillating, sexy and sassy dance show first jumped out of the proverbial birthday cake nearly 30 years ago and three decades later it’s still bringing allure to stages from coast to coast. After more than a year cooling off, the heat will once again turn when Broadway Bares brings some virtual virility to... Continue Reading →

The Stars in The Stars and Stripes

Can serving in the military help prepare you for a performing arts career? Some celebrities began their careers off-stage, serving in the armed forces. While there are many performers who are veterans, we shine a light here on a few in recognition of Military Appreciation Month. James Earl Jones, a multiple Tony®-Award winner who also... Continue Reading →

Breaking Good

We expect to see gymnasts, divers, volleyball players and runners in the summer Olympics. But B-boys and B-girls? For the first time, in the 2024 Olympics to be held in Paris, breakers will be competing for gold, silver and bronze medals. Says Tatiana Sophia Eriksen, who teaches breaking and other forms of hip-hop dance for... Continue Reading →

Why don’t oysters give to charity?

Because they're shellfish. It's no coincidence that National Humor Month begins with April Fool's Day, a day which has sanctioned frivolity and amusement for hundreds of years. "National Humor Month was conceived as a means to heighten public awareness of the therapeutic value of humor. Laughter and joy - the benchmarks of humor - lead... Continue Reading →

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