Creative Loafing Tampa: Erin Rashbaum

Park It in the Grass

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

THEATER... By Erin Rashbaum American Stage transforms a 20-year Shakespeare in the Park tradition with the opening of Regina Taylor's Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats at Demens Landing. A far cry from "Where fore art thou Romeo," Crowns is the musical adventure of a girl from Brooklyn sent to live with her grandmother in South Carolina. Via gospel music and funny, poignant stories about love, men and the human spirit, the girl's grandmother and her band of lady friends -- who

Man Up

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

By Erin Rashbaum The usual good guy/bad guy bank robbery is turned on its ear in Spike Lee's gritty dramatic thriller. With his knack for making typically-clichéd racial issues interesting and creating comedic moments at unexpected times, Lee's fast-paced movie keeps you guessing 'til the very end. Denzel Washington plays the cop who's brought in to handle a hostage situation that's been meticulously organized by Clive Owen's mysterious character. Jodie Foster is compelling as a power broker protecting the interests of the obscenely-wealthy

Figures in Emotion

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

DANCE... By Erin Rashbaum Alvin Ailey added some multicultural pizzazz to traditional ballet when his troupe of young, African-American dancers performed in New York in 1958. Still going strong today, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater whirls into town for an electric night of emotionally charged, graceful and highly energetic dance. The three acts include Love Stories, a blend of hip-hop and modern dance set to the music of Stevie Wonder; Reminiscin', inspired by female jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, and

Green is the Word

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

Holiday / Fundraiser... By Erin Rashbaum Green beer, leprechauns and ... running? The morning after you've enjoyed a night of drunken St. Paddy's Day hijinks, trek on down to St. Patrick Catholic School for a 1-mile or 5K St. Patrick's Spring Race through the lovely neighborhoods of South Tampa. Holy O'Malley -- a healthy way to show your Irish pride! Immediately following, the school hosts a St. Paddy's Fair with Irish dancing, displays, cuisine and even a Reptile Discovery Show, featuring a 15-and-a-half-foot albino python by

Singing Women

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

THEATER... By Erin Rashbaum You probably read the book in fifth grade, may have snored through a community theater production or perhaps you've seen the 1994 movie version starring a pre-klepto Winona Ryder. Still, a musical remake of the Louisa May Alcott classic seems about as likely as A Farewell to Arms -- The Ballet, yet here it is in all its Maureen McGovern-esque glory: Little Women -- The Musical. This touring Broadway production depicts the saga of the March sisters as they grow

Holy Golden Statues!

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 04:00:00 MST

SPECIAL EVENT/FUNDRAISER... By Erin Rashbaum Receive star treatment, support a local landmark and watch Jon Stewart host the country's most pretentious awards ceremony at Oscar Night America, one of 47 official parties held by local charities across the country in conjunction with the 78th Annual Academy Awards. The historic Tampa Theatre becomes the backdrop for this swanky celebration, which gives guests the chance to walk the red carpet, take limo rides, be pampered by the make-up folks of Neiman Marcus, and view the awards from

Flan-Filled Weekend

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:00:00 MST

FESTIVAL... By Erin Rashbaum Everyone's favorite caramelicious custard gets the props it deserves at Flan Fest during Ybor City's annual Fiesta Day celebration. Contests begin at noon, among them a Best Recipe contest for professional and amateur flan-sters (the winner congas away with $100 and other prizes) and a flan-eating contest. Flan Fest is just one of the many amusements on tap as the Bay area tips its cap to Ybor's cultural heritage. Other highlights include street performers, arts and crafts, children's activities, an

List Brief

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 04:00:00 MST

Scatologically Speaking... Erin Rashbaum For those of us who might think our own relationships are messed up, Carrollwood Players presents Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? -- Edward Albee's play about academics, their problems and a full liquor cabinet. First premiering in the 1960s, Virginia Woolf earned as much controversy as praise. Albee drew back the curtain for what was at the time an unflinchingly honest look at marital dysfunction via the lives of two college professors -- one jaded, the other newly hired --

Party Like It's 1799

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 04:00:00 MST

Theater

... By Erin Rashbaum One part Midsummer Night's Dream, one part Pretty In Pink, Gaetano Donizetti's The Elixir of Love is sure to please even those who aren't typically opera savvy. First performed in 1832, the classic man-in-love-with-a-woman-who's-in-love-with-another-man scenario has the inexperienced young farmer Nemorino sick with love for the beautiful (but in his mind, unattainable) Adina, who's infatuated with the dashing, confident Sergeant Belcore. The tried-and-true scenario is turned on its head, however, when a quack doctor arrives peddling a love potion. Orlando

Wind, Strings & Other Things

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 04:00:00 MST

MUSIC... By Erin Rashbaum Looking for a sophisticated respite from the bad dancing, obnoxious shout-outs and general drunken carousing found at most concerts nowadays? Try the St. Petersburg Chamber Music Festival, an eight-day event showcasing the talents of more than 40 musicians and composers. This week's highlights include a free retrospective presentation on Norman Dello Joio, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer; a concert tribute to Dello Joio featuring SPC Faculty and Madrigalian Singers; and a program of Mozart compositions performed by the Chamber Music

Creative Loafing Tampa: Erin Rashbaum

Park It in the Grass

Man Up

Figures in Emotion

Green is the Word

Singing Women

Holy Golden Statues!

Flan-Filled Weekend

List Brief

Party Like It's 1799

Wind, Strings &amp; Other Things

Wind, Strings & Other Things