St. Petersburg Gears Up for Holiday Musical Extravaganza
St. Petersburg is set to sparkle with holiday cheer as Broadway on the Bay presents their second annual holiday musical revue, A Very Broadway Christmas. The performances will take place at the Mahaffey Theater on Friday, featuring two shows at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
The husband-and-wife duo, Scott Difford and Heather Tepe, founded the theater company after moving from New York to St. Petersburg in 2021. With impressive backgrounds in Broadway, Tepe began her career in “Gypsy” at the tender age of 10, while Difford boasts experience in prominent productions like “The Book of Mormon.” Their journey reflects a deep commitment to bringing high-quality theatrical experiences to the Tampa Bay area.
This year’s holiday revue features an ensemble of talented performers, including Kate Rockwell, Felicia Boswell, Geoff Packard, Chelsea Packard, Justin Gomlak Greer, alongside local sensation Pranysqa Mishra. The show promises a lively atmosphere, amplified by a live five-piece band, as they perform 26 beloved Christmas-themed songs.
Connecting with the Community
Difford emphasizes their strategy of connecting with the Broadway community, which has proven essential for their endeavors in St. Petersburg. Their ability to bring in notable talent signifies a commitment to quality and community engagement.
Other Holiday Attractions
The holiday spirit extends beyond just one performance. The Tampa Bay area is alive with various festivities and performances this season. The Florida Orchestra will present their popular Holiday Pops concert, while other theatrical productions are ongoing across the region.
Stageworks will host The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical, with its Friday show already sold out, though additional performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, Who’s Holiday at Off-Central is also sold out for its remaining shows.
In addition to these, It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play at Tampa Repertory Theatre features multiple showings this weekend. For an innovative twist, American Stage will present a unique one-person adaptation of Wonderful Life.
Concerts and Holiday Shows
This weekend’s entertainment lineup is packed with musical offerings, including Mindi Abair and Classic Albums Live. Fans of vocal harmony can enjoy holiday shows by popular groups like Rockapella and Home Free.
For those seeking a more theatrical experience, the freeFall Theatre is presenting A Christmas Carol in Concert, with multiple performances scheduled for this weekend and Christmas Eve. Additionally, families can look forward to Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, set for Saturday evening at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
A Season to Celebrate
As the holiday season approaches, the variety of entertainment options available in St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area creates a vibrant cultural landscape. From musical revues to classical concerts, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.
