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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

Updated: 12/12/2007 09:33 pm

THEATER

Today-Saturday

"A Christmas Cannoli: Or a Tale of Two Families"; a mob-style Christmas comedy featuring a twist on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; 8 p.m. today and Saturday; $14 adults, $12 seniors 55 and older, students and military, $10 children 12 and younger; Masque Theater, 12482 Berkely Square Drive, Tampa; (813) 980-3321

Today-Sunday

"A Christmas Carol"; a famous miser is about to come face to face with three spirits who will transport him to his childhood, the present and the future; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $10 adults, $5 children; St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg; (727) 866-1973

"Christmas Gremlins II"; Aubrey Hampton's sequel to the original delivers silly family fun, a magic show and a crazy cast of characters including Santa Claus; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Thursday (runs through Dec. 23); $10 to $25; Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa; (813) 879-2914

"Miracle on 34th Street"; the timeless family story pits a department store Santa against a world that has become impersonal and materialistic; 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Thursday, 1:30 p.m. Sunday; $14.99, $10 age 16 and younger; Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport; (727) 345-1474

"It Was a Very Good Yule"; Christmas cabaret featuring a celebration of holiday music, including five centuries of song from madrigals and perennial favorites to novelty tunes; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; $22; Mad Cow Theatre, 105 S. Magnolia St., Tampa; (407) 297-8788

"Radio City Christmas Spectacular"; Santa Claus and The Rockettes perform to holiday favorites; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 1, 5 and 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m., 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; runs through Dec. 30; $39 to $74; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa; (813) 229-7827

"The Big Bang"; singing, dancing, narrating and portrayals of major figures in world history, including Adam and Eve, the Virgin Mary, Plato, Napoleon and more; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; runs through Dec. 23; $26 to $35; American Stage Theatre, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg; (727) 823-7529

"Defending the Caveman"; Rob Becker's insightful play explores the fundamental differences between men and women and the constant battles between them; 7:30 p.m. today, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday; $39.50; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa; (813) 229-7827

"The Real Inspector Hound"; feuding theater critics Birdboot and Moon are swept into the whodunit they are reviewing in this spoof of Agatha Christie-like mysteries; 7 p.m. today, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $10 members and students, $12 non-members; The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs; (727) 712-5762

Saturday

"Santa's Holiday Revue"; a fast-paced, rollicking musical that takes a joyous tour of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday; $7 adult, $5 children; Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo; (727) 587-6793

"Daddy, My Momma Wears the Pants"; an uneducated man endures mistreatment by his wife when he loses his job, forcing her to become the bread-winner; 8 p.m. Saturday; $20; Manatee County Civic Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto; (941) 580-7437

Saturday-Sunday

"Christmas in the City"; an original Youth Holiday Production directed by Jenifer Neale and Ruth Kegel; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $14 adults, $12 seniors (55 and older), students and military, $10 children 12 and younger; Masque Community Theatre, 8825 56th St., Temple Terrace; (813) 980-3321

Sunday

"Gypsy"; musical fable traces the glitzy showbiz rise of two daughters, fueled by an overbearing, ambitious stage mother; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; $47 to $67; Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 791-7400

"C'est la Vie"; a New York-style cabaret show featuring an eclectic mix of songs reminding us to embrace life - the good, the bad, and everything in between; 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday; $5; American Stage Theatre, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg; (727) 823-1600 ext. 201

Week Ahead

"A Christmas Carol - The Musical"; Ebenezer Scrooge, a most unrepentant, miserly fellow, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own Christmas past, present and future; 8 p.m. Wednesday; $20 to $38; Polk Theater, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland; (863) 682-8227

DINNER THEATER

Today-Sunday

"A Show Palace Christmas"; a hairdresser trying to get into heaven has one week to save Christmas; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday (runs through Dec. 25); $32.95 to $44; Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. Highway 19 N., Hudson; (727) 863-7949 or (888) 655-7469

Saturday

"The Poison Lounge"; help crack the case in the Detective Dinner Theater's show (runs through Dec. 29); 7 p.m. Saturday (dinner and the show are at 7:30 p.m.); $49.95 (reservations required); Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa, 25 Belleview Blvd., Clearwater; (727) 446-8569

"Murders She Wrote"; various mystery dinner theater productions, staged on rotating basis, Saturdays (call for schedule) at 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. social); tickets are $46; reservations required; Radisson Hotel, 20967 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater; (813) 727-7012 or (813) 715-4736

Week Ahead

"Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny"; Early Bird Dinner Theatre presents dinner and a show; Thursday through Dec. 23; shows at 6 p.m. (seating at 4 p.m.) and 1 p.m. (seating at 11 a.m.) Thursday; $29.90; Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 200 S. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 446-5898

CHILDREN'S THEATER

Today-Sunday

"A Christmas Story"; Ralphie Parker wants a BB gun for Christmas and will go to any lengths to get one, despite the numerous admonitions of his mother; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; $12 to $14; Carrollwood Playhouse, 4335 Gunn Highway, Tampa; (813) 265-4000

DANCE

Today

"Swing Time" features live music and dancing with the Lounge Cat band singing Rat Pack favorites, Louis Armstrong originals and more; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. today; $11; Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., St. Petersburg; (813) 274-4950

Today-Sunday

"De/Reconstructing Mata Hari"; Nejla Y. Yatkin draws upon ancient myths, Eastern dance traditions, contemporary dance, poetry, physical and psychological theories unraveling the mystery of history's spies; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday; $24.50; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Teco Theater, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa; (813) 229-7827

Saturday-Sunday

"The Nutcracker"; ballet based on the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; $12 to $25; Blake Performing Arts Theatre, 1701 North Blvd., Tampa; (813) 684-4282

ARTS

Today

Art After Dark; event features psychedelic and surrealist artwork by various artists including live installations, interactive photo shoots, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and more; 8 to 11 p.m. today; $10 (free for members); Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa; (813) 274-8130

Closing reception; "Hidden or Missing," an exhibit of Julie Weitz portraits featuring hooded faces and bearded men; 6 to 10 p.m. today; free; 5art, 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa; (813) 340-9056

Opening reception; features "Reduced," juried and curated by Kurt Piazza, in conjunction with the opening of Tracy Midulla Reller's "Connectivity and Austerity," a stark visual commentary on connectivity and themes of duality; 6 to 10 p.m. today; free; West Tampa Center of the Arts, Gallery 209, 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa; (813) 453-4381

Student reception; features artwork including drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, computer graphics, animation and mixed media by the graduating seniors; 7 to 9 p.m. today; free; University of Tampa, Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 253-3333

Saturday

Family Fun Saturdays; family-suitable gallery tour for ages 6-11 and hands-on activities, games and crafts; tour at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, activities from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; included in admission: $15 adults, $13.50 seniors, military and police, $10 students, $4 ages 5 to 9 and free age 4 and younger; Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 S. Third St., St. Petersburg; (727) 823-3767

Art show and sale; showcasing local artists' work available for purchase; hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served; 7 p.m. today; free admission; Romeo's Gallery, 1515 Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 263-7393

Saturday Art Market; features an outdoor display of various arts and crafts available for purchase; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; free admission; Williams Park, corner of Second Avenue N. and Fourth Street, St. Petersburg; (727) 898-6061

Sunday

Closing reception; "Frida Kahlo: Images of an Icon" features photographic portraits of the Mexican artist taken throughout her life; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; admission by donation; Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa; (813) 274-8130

FOOD & DRINK

Today

Holiday Celebration; features wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, commemorative wine glass and live music; 6 to 9 p.m. today; $10; Florida Estates Winery, 25241 S.R. 52, Land O' Lakes; (813) 995-0393

Russian Christmas Spectacular; winter wonderland features Russian cuisine, Georgian wines, Ukrainian vodkas, live music, holiday scenery, dancing and more; free admission (cost for some items); St. Petersburg Nights, 6800 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach; (727) 363-3832

Saturday

Wine Festival and Market includes homemade arts and crafts, jewelry, live music by Angelo Cooke and wine samplings; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; free; Florida Estates Winery, 3101 37th Ave. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 526-2113

Estrella's Tropical Parranda features an evening of tradition with music, cuisine, toy drives, prizes, Puerto Rican cuisine, contests and more; 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday; $5 to $20; Estrella Tropical Restaurant and Deli, 1941 S.R. 60 E., Valrico; (813) 643-8700

TOURS

Today-Sunday

Victorian Christmas Stroll; features a 19th century tour of rooms adorned with Victorian-style trees, lush greenery, antique toys and fanciful ornaments; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (runs daily through Dec. 23); $3 to $10; Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 258-7302

Week Ahead

Balcony-to-Backstage Tour; stroll through a Tampa city landmark taking in the historic sights including a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ; 11:30 a.m. Wednesday; $5 donation, free members and children 12 and younger; Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 274-8981

OTHER EVENTS

Today

Downtown Alive After Five; features a music series, block party, fundraiser, downtown mixer, and more; 5 to 8 p.m. today; free; along Franklin Street between Twiggs and Madison streets, downtown Tampa; (813) 221-3686

Today-Saturday

September 11 Memorial and Museum features a traveling exhibit paying tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001, including photographs, artifacts, film and more; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Saturday; free; Legends Field, One Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa; (212) 445-8108

Mistletoe Marketplace; features crafts, Santa visit, hayrides, children's activities, food, entertainment, thousands of lights and creative decorations; 6 to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; free admission; Eagle Lake City Hall Complex, 75 N. Seventh St., Eagle Lake; (863) 293-4141

Today-Sunday

Wild Wonderland; the North Pole takes over the zoo for a nighttime spectacle of lights, animatronic displays, reindeer, live entertainment, photos with Santa and more; 6 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; $13 adults, $11 children ages 3-11, free for children age 2 and younger; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa; (813) 935-8552

Winter Wonderland; holiday village features bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides and more; 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (runs through Dec. 21); free admission (fee for some activities); corner of Drew Street and Fort Harrison Avenue, downtown Clearwater; (727) 442-2099

Ice Skating; features an indoor ice skating rink for one and all to enjoy; 7 to 10 p.m. today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $7 adults, $6 children 2 to 12 ($5 if you bring your own skates); The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland; (863) 834-8100

Saturday

Christmas Village; features pajama costume contest, caroling, visit from Santa, Festival of Lights Boat Parade and more; 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; free; John's Pass Village, 12901 Village Blvd., St Petersburg; (727) 391-6025, Ext. 2

"Dive with the Elves"; features Santa and Mrs. Claus and scuba diving elves from the North Pole; 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday; $17.95 adults, $14.95 seniors age 60 and older, $12.95 children age 12 and younger, free for children age 2 and younger (bring a wrapped toy of equal or greater value to the admission price and receive $10 discount); The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 273-4000

Strawberry Classic Car Show; features antiques, customs, classics, hot rods, food vendors, crafters, a visit from Santa Claus and more; 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday; free; McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., downtown Plant City; (813) 754-3707

Holiday Gala; features dinner, dancing, music and more; 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; $60 to $65; Doubletree Hotel, 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa; (813) 879-4800

George Galfo's Mystics; travel back to the '50s and '60s with the Mystics performing such classics as "Hushabye," "Don't Take the Stars," "White Cliffs of Dover" and "Sunday Kind of Love"; 7 p.m. Saturday; $20; Red Rose Inn and Suites, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City; (813) 288-6909

Arrgh! Bonney-Read Krewe invades the Odyssey's Shipwreck Pirates & Treasure exhibit, featuring treasures, beads, face painting, story time and more; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; $25.95 adults, $22.95 seniors 60 and older, $20.95 children 2 to 12 (bring an unwrapped toy, receive one free child admission); Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 987-6000

Ybor City Market; featuring jewelry, purses, hats, arts, crafts, candles, dog goodies and more; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; free admission; Centennial Park, corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Tampa; (813) 241-2442

"One Last Stand" wrestling tournament features XWE Heavyweight Champion Torcher Bobby Wohlfert's last match, Christmas Carnage Match, Tag Team Matches, State Title Match and more; 8 p.m. Saturday; $10; Boys and Girls Club, 7790 61st St. N., Pinellas Park; (727) 368-6137

"Dickens Carolers" features holiday music from carolers attired in costumes from days gone by; 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday; free; The Pier, end of Second Avenue N.E. on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront; (727) 821-6443

Holiday Open House; features handmade wood chairs and sculpted fish by artist Ken Snell, sculptures and functional clay works by Maggie Clark, musical guest Dennis Devine and more; 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday; free admission; San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley Road, San Antonio; (352) 588-4228

Book discussion; author Bessie Ciarcia reads from and discusses her book "Thinkin', Thinkin', Think," featuring a community of people working together to bring back a little boy who has been kidnapped and molested; 2 p.m. Saturday; free; New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey; (727) 853-1279

Holiday Parade; "90th Year of Holiday Cheer" features the Shriners, car clubs, antique fire engines, Pinellas County Sheriff's vehicles, clowns, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more; 1 p.m. Saturday; free; along Main Street, downtown Safety Harbor; (727) 724-1530

Saturday-Sunday

Railfair and Model Train Show and Sale features model items and railroad antiques available for sale; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; $7 adults, free for children under 12; Florida State Fairgrounds (use Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. entrance), 4800 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa; (813) 740-3505

Santa's Special Ride features a Christmas train ride and visit from Santa; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $12 adults, $8 children 3 to 11, free children 2 and younger; Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish; (877) 869-0800

Sunday

Santa visit; the jolly old elf poses with children for photos, picks strawberries and more; 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 and Dec. 23; free; Hydro Harvest Farms, 1101 Shell Point Road E., Ruskin; (813) 645-6574

Gallery talk; William Knight Zewadski discusses his collection of theater-themed antiquities; 3 p.m.; $8 adults, $7 seniors 65 and older, $4 college students (with current ID) and children (age 7 to 18), free for members and children age 6 and younger; Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 896-2667

Concert and book signing event features "A Night Before Christmas" with Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves, the Voicexperience singing holiday favorites, and Milnes signing his autobiography "American Aria: Encore"; 7 p.m. Sunday; $13 to 15; Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs; (727) 942-5605

Holiday Jazz and Blues features a diversity of traditions including jazz, classic Christmas songs, storytelling, spoken word, dinner and more; 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday; $12; The International Bazaar, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 770-0870

Week Ahead

"Musical Storytime" features children's musician Mr. Richard Peeples playing songs from his new release "Polka Dot Puzzle"; 4 p.m. Thursday; free; Borders, 2020 Town Center Blvd., Brandon; (561) 394-0193

Melinda Ramos

The deadline for submitting Events listings is a week before publication. Mail listings to Events, Friday Extra, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601 or e-mail friextra@tampatrib.com

Some of these events are sponsored by The Tampa Tribune

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