Food & Wine
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Wed, November 12, 2025
The Great Gatsby - Classic Drama at Tampa Theatre
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/14 .. great-gatsby-classic-drama-at-tampa-theatre.html
Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 4:34 GMT by Sarasota Herald-Tribune- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Top 10 Arts & Culture Events for the Week of Nov. 16–23, 2025
The Tampa Bay Herald‑Tribune’s “Top 10 Arts & Culture Events” roundup—published on November 14, 2025—brings a smorgasbord of creative offerings to the region, from theatre and dance to visual arts and live music. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor looking to soak up the local scene, there’s something on this list that will catch your eye. Below is a full‑length look at each event, including where and when to go, what to expect, and why you should consider adding it to your calendar.
1. “The Great Gatsby” – Classic Drama at Tampa Theatre
Date & Time: Friday, Nov 16 (7 p.m.) & Saturday, Nov 17 (7 p.m.)
Location: Tampa Theatre, 1401 N. Main St.
Ticket Price: $35–$50 (varies by seating tier)
The Tampa Theatre, a historic gem in downtown Tampa, is hosting a new staging of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, directed by local luminary Maria Ortiz. The production is billed as “a lush, cinematic re‑interpretation” that incorporates a live jazz band and period‑accurate set pieces. According to the Herald‑Tribune article, the cast features rising stars Lena Cortez (Jay Gatsby) and Jamal Nielson (Daisy Buchanan), along with a supporting ensemble that brings the 1920s to life. The show is a must‑see for fans of classic literature and theatrical spectacle.
2. “Jazz at the Bay” – Evening Concert Series at Bayfront Park
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 20 (6:30 p.m.) & Sunday, Nov 21 (6:30 p.m.)
Location: Bayfront Park, 2000 E. Kennedy Blvd.
Ticket Price: Free (concession stands available)
The Herald‑Tribune highlights this family‑friendly series, which features the Tampa Bay Jazz Collective—a mix of seasoned local musicians and promising newcomers. The series aims to showcase the vibrant music scene that thrives in the Tampa Bay area, with sets ranging from swing and bebop to contemporary jazz fusion. The events are open to all ages, and the park’s waterfront view adds a picturesque backdrop. In the article, an interview with the bandleader Evelyn Parker notes that the series “celebrates the city’s musical diversity and community spirit.”
3. “Echoes” – Contemporary Art Exhibition at Tampa Museum of Art
Date & Time: Wed–Fri, Nov 18–20 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.)
Location: Tampa Museum of Art, 2001 N. Franklin St.
Ticket Price: $25 (adult), $15 (students/seniors)
“Echoes” is a solo show by Florida native Marcus DeVries, known for his immersive mixed‑media installations that explore memory, sound, and spatial perception. The Herald‑Tribune quotes the museum director, Susan Kim, who says the exhibition “offers a unique sensory experience that challenges conventional notions of gallery space.” The show includes a series of projected soundscapes that respond to visitors’ movements, creating a dynamic, interactive environment. The museum’s weekend openings on Nov 18–20 are a perfect opportunity to see the exhibit without the weekday crowds.
4. Sculpture Walk – Outdoor Installations at University of Tampa
Date & Time: Sun–Sat, Nov 21–27 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Location: University of Tampa Grounds, 1115 N. Florida Ave.
Ticket Price: Free
The Herald‑Tribune’s “Sculpture Walk” is a self‑guided tour of 15 large‑scale sculptures scattered across the University of Tampa’s campus. Artists such as Nina Garcia and David R. Lee have contributed pieces that range from abstract bronze works to kinetic installations that move with the wind. The University’s Art Department has collaborated with the local cultural council to provide audio guides, available in multiple languages. The walk is designed to be family‑friendly, with picnic areas and a playground nearby.
5. Film Screening: “Midnight Dreams” – St. Petersburg Film Festival
Date & Time: Thurs, Nov 23 (8 p.m.)
Location: St. Petersburg Film Festival Hall, 700 Atlantic Ave.
Ticket Price: $15 (student discounts available)
The Herald‑Tribune spotlights the festival’s opening night film, “Midnight Dreams”, a low‑budget indie drama from director Hiro Tanaka. The film tells the story of a group of teens in a small coastal town who find themselves entangled in a supernatural mystery after a midnight walk on the beach. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the director and cast, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the creative process. The event is open to the public, with advance tickets sold through the festival’s official website.
6. “Poetry in the Park” – Live Readings at Lakewood Park
Date & Time: Fri–Sat, Nov 25–26 (5 p.m.–7 p.m.)
Location: Lakewood Park, 101 Lakewood Dr.
Ticket Price: Free (donations appreciated)
This weekly series invites local poets to share their latest work in a relaxed, outdoor setting. The Herald‑Tribune notes that the event has become a beloved tradition for community members who appreciate spontaneous literary expression. Featured poets include Aisha Patel (award‑winning slam poet) and Thomas O’Connor (emerging poet known for his introspective prose). The park’s amphitheater provides a comfortable seating area, and the event is suitable for all ages.
7. “Rhythm & Roots” – Dance Fusion Performance at Orpheum Theater
Date & Time: Sat, Nov 20 (7 p.m.)
Location: Orpheum Theater, 1401 N. Main St.
Ticket Price: $30–$45
This evening’s highlight is a fusion dance showcase featuring a blend of Afro‑Latin, contemporary, and traditional Tampa dance styles. Choreographed by Marvin Gomez, the production promises an energetic, culturally rich experience. The Herald‑Tribune quotes Gomez, who says the show “bridges cultural gaps through movement and rhythm.” The event will include a pre‑show reception where attendees can meet the dancers and the creative team.
8. “The First Florida” – Historical Play at St. Augustine Historical Society
Date & Time: Sun, Nov 21 (6 p.m.)
Location: St. Augustine Historical Society, 1115 St. Augustine Blvd.
Ticket Price: $20 (students/seniors discounted)
Set against the backdrop of Florida’s oldest city, this play reenacts the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1565. The Herald‑Tribune reports that the production is both historically accurate and emotionally engaging, with a cast of local actors portraying key figures such as Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Doña Maria de la Cruz. The event includes a post‑play discussion with a local historian, offering audiences an educational follow‑up to the dramatic experience.
9. “La Traviata” – Opera Performance at Florida Opera
Date & Time: Tues, Nov 22 (7:30 p.m.)
Location: Florida Opera, 800 E. Howard Ave.
Ticket Price: $55–$90
The Herald‑Tribune highlights this week’s opera performance, the Italian classic La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Staged by the Florida Opera’s renowned production team, the show features a cast of talented singers, including soprano Clara Nguyen (Violetta) and tenor Luis Ramirez (Alfredo). According to the article, the opera’s production is notable for its modern set design and lush orchestral arrangements, promising an unforgettable evening for both opera aficionados and newcomers alike.
10. Craft Market & Live Music – Downtown Arts District
Date & Time: Fri–Sat, Nov 24–25 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Location: Downtown Arts District, 500 E. Howard Ave.
Ticket Price: Free (shopper fee for vendors)
The Herald‑Tribune rounds out its list with a vibrant weekend market that combines handcrafted goods, local art, and live music. Vendors include Sierra & Co. (hand‑woven jewelry), Parker & Sons (custom woodwork), and Artisan Bakery (fresh baked goods). Live acoustic sets by local musicians—such as The Bay City Band and Melody Lane—fill the street with melodic ambience. The event is a perfect place to find unique gifts, sample local flavors, and soak in the creative pulse of Tampa’s downtown.
Why These Events Matter
The Herald‑Tribune’s selection underscores the richness of Tampa Bay’s cultural calendar. From classic theatre to contemporary dance, from jazz serenades to cinematic thrillers, each event offers a distinct lens through which to experience the region’s artistic diversity. Many of the highlights—such as the free “Jazz at the Bay” series and the “Sculpture Walk”—are intentionally accessible, ensuring that culture remains an inclusive experience for all. Meanwhile, the paid productions, like The Great Gatsby and La Traviata, provide polished, high‑production‑value experiences for those willing to invest a bit more time and money.
Beyond the entertainment value, these events foster community engagement. The “Poetry in the Park” readings, the historical play in St. Augustine, and the weekend craft market all invite audiences to participate actively, not just observe. For tourists, these events offer a window into the local artistic spirit; for locals, they serve as reminders that the cultural scene is vibrant and ever‑evolving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a theatre buff, a music lover, an art enthusiast, or a casual cultural explorer, the Tampa Bay Herald‑Tribune’s “Top 10 Arts & Culture Events” for Nov. 16–23 offers something that will resonate. Mark your calendar, gather your friends or family, and dive into the artistic offerings that make the region a cultural hotspot. The week ahead promises an eclectic blend of drama, rhythm, visual wonder, and storytelling—an invitation to celebrate the arts in all their vibrant forms.
Read the Full Sarasota Herald-Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/arts/2025/11/14/top-10-arts-culture-events-this-week-nov-16-23/87085583007/ ]
