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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2008

FAIRS & FESTS

Saturday

Elves Overboard! Boat Parade of Lights: boats float from Davis Island, passing Channelside and ending at the Tampa Convention Center; 6:30 p.m. Saturday; free; Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 471-1531

Light Up the Night Hot Air Balloon Holiday Festival: seasonally bright-colored hot air balloons light up the sky; 6 p.m. Saturday; free; Hollie's Nursery, 20545 County Line Road, Lutz; (813) 382-8783

THEATER

Today

"Oliver": a combination of Charles Dickens' most unforgettable characters along with one of Broadway's most memorable scores; 7:30 p.m. Friday; $42 to $62; Youkey Theatre at Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland; (813) 834-8100

Today-Sunday

"A Christmas Carol": St. Petersburg Little Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $10 to $20; St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St Petersburg; (727) 866-1973

"Sister's Christmas Catechism": detective skills focus on Bethlehem in this holiday mystery; 7:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $31.50; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa; (813) 229-7827 or (800) 955-1045.

"The Santaland Diaries": features the one-man show starring Brian Shea performing David Sedaris' story of Crumpet, the unemployed, chemically dependent writer who takes a job as a "helper elf" at Macy's Santaland in New York City; 10:30 p.m. today, 10:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, 10:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; "Pay-What-You-Can"; American Stage, 211 Third St., St Petersburg; (727) 823-7529

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory": musical about an eccentric candy maker who offers his chocolate factory to one lucky child with a golden ticket; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; $11 to $25; Manatee Players Riverfront Theater, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton; (941) 748-5875

"Smoke on the Mountain": classic gospel musical with vintage pop hymns; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $10 to $20; Lake Mirror Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland; (863) 603-7529

Saturday

"A Dickens' Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts": Styckes Upon Thump Repertory Company's lead diva falls ill, but the merry troup of over the hill and upstart actors carry on without her, mayhem ensues; 8 p.m. Saturday; $12 to $14; Carrollwood Players Community Theater, 4335 Gunn Highway, Tampa; (813) 265-4000

"Didgeridoo" with Darren Liebman: consists of music, drumming, puppetry, theatrics, comedy, and audience participation; 1 p.m. Saturday; free; South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin; (813) 642-0647

Saturday-Sunday

"Spirit of the Season": holiday musical with production numbers from the Polar Express; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $8 to $15; Bartow Elementary Academy Auditorium, 590 S. Wilson, Bartow; (863) 533-7125

"Steppin' Out": celebration of Irving Berlin hits with a jazz and modern day influence; 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Tuesday; Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; (941) 366-9000

"A Tuna Christmas": holiday comedy in which two actors portray more than two dozen characters that live in the third smallest town in Texas; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday; $24 to $39; American Stage, 211 Third St., St Petersburg; (727) 823-7529

Week Ahead

"A Christmas Carol": crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge takes a magical journey with ghostly visitations as he discovers the key to finding his heart and changing his life; 7 p.m. Tuesday, 1 p.m. Wednesday; $25 to $42; Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 791-7400

"This Wonderful Life": one actor brings 31 characters to life telling a heartwarming tale of love and renewed purpose; 8 p.m. Tuesday, 2 p.m. Wednesday, free; Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; (941) 351-8000

DINNER THEATER

Today-Sunday

"The Frosty Follies": The Show Palace Dinner Theatre presents the holiday musical, "The Frosty Follies," in Hudson.; 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Thursday; $34.95 to $46; The Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson; (727) 863-7949

"Over the River and Through the Woods": Early Bird Dinner Theatre presents their latest in Clearwater.; 4 p.m. today, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday; $29; Early Bird Dinner Theater, 200 S. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 446-5898

Saturday

"Murder On Budget Cruise Lines": actors will perform in Murder She Wrote, Inc., a holiday dinner/theater mystery; 6 p.m. Saturday; $47.50 all inclusive; The Grand Hotel, 20967 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater; (813) 727-7012

"Murder on the Set": Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa presents "Murder on the Set" dinner theater in Clearwater.; 7 p.m. Saturday; $49.95; Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, 25 Belleview Blvd., Clearwater; (727) 446-8569

DANCE

Today-Saturday

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker": features a new interpretation of this classic fairy tale, with choreography based on the original work of Vasily Vainonen from 1934; 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday; $25 to $85; Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St Petersburg; (727) 892-5798

Sunday

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker": features a new interpretation of this classic fairy tale, with choreography based on the original work of Vasily Vainonen from 1934; 2 p.m. Sunday; $30 to $46; Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 712-2759

"The Nutcracker": The Dance Theatre of Tampa, a non-profit arts organization, presents The Nutcracker, featuring acclaimed guest artists, Elisabeth Holowchuk and Benjamin J. Lester; 2 p.m. Sunday; adults, $24-$20; children ages 3 to 12, $20-$15; USF College of Visual and Performing Arts, W. Holly Drive, Tampa; (813) 944-6838

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker": features a new interpretation of this classic fairy tale with choreography based on the original work of Vasily Vainonen from 1934; 3 p.m. Sunday; $25 to $65; Youkey Theatre - Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland; (863) 834-8100

"The Nutcracker": Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet presents a timeless classic at the Sarasota Opera House; 1:30 p.m. Sunday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; 729-9388

Tuesday

"The Nutcracker": The Orlando Ballet performs on Tuesday in Carol Morsani Hall at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The difference with this performance is that 100 children from the Patel Conservatory will take part in the production. There are two shows, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, with tickets from $22 to $65. Call (813) 229-7827.

ARTS

Today

Art After Dark: "Starbucks Employee Artists": presentation of local Starbucks employee art with entertainment, including spoken word poetry and live music; 8 p.m. Friday; $10; Tampa Museum of Art (Interim), 2306 N. Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 274-8130

Opening reception: "Ellen Kaiden & Sharyn Wolf": exhibition of new watercolor and jewelry work; 6 p.m. Friday; free; Katharine Butler Gallery, 1943 Morrill St., Sarasota; (941) 955-4546

Today-Saturday

Opening reception: "New Work by Dolores Coe, Carla Poindexter and Josette Urso": 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; free; Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 556A Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; (941) 366-2093

Saturday

Art in the Park: artwork from many mediums, including music and performing artists; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; free; Williams Park, First Avenue North and Third Street, St. Petersburg; (727) 804-6993

Opening reception: "Annual Art Show": The Tarpon Springs Art Association presents their annual juried art show 12 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; free; Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 Alternate 19 S., Tarpon Springs; (727) 940-4103

Kwanzaa Celebration and Workshop: celebration of African-American culture, offering information about principles Kwanzaa is founded upon, also dancing and African-themed art; 1 p.m. Saturday; free; Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland; (863) 688-5423

COMEDY

Today

Open mic: Coconuts Comedy Club hosts open mic night every Friday in Clearwater.; 7 p.m. Friday; Coconuts Comedy Club, 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater; (727) 797-5653

Today-Saturday

Danny Bevins: performs; 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; $15; Coconuts Comedy Club, Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort, 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg; (727) 360-5653

Kortney Williams: performs; 9 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m. Saturday; $10; Coconuts Comedy Club, 3311 U.S. 98 N, Lakeland; (863) 688-7972

Uncle Dow Thomas: performs; 9:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday; $15; Coconuts Comedy Club, 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater; (727) 797-5653

Today-Sunday

Brian Bradley: performs; 8 and 10:30 p.m. today, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; $16; Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 864-4000

Flip Schultz: performs; 8 p.m. Friday, 10 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; $14 to $18.50; Side Splitters Comedy Club, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 960-1197

Week Ahead

Ha Humbug with Mike McCarthy: comedian performs; 8 p.m. Tuesday; $6; Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 864-4000

FOOD & DRINK

Today

Moscow Ballet-VIP Event: The Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg will feature Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker." Then dine with the stars of the ballet at St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant & Lounge following the performance; 7:30 p.m. Friday; $100 per person; St. Petersburg Nights, 6800 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach; (727) 363-3832

Saturday

Downtown Farmers Curb Market: Downtown Farmers Curb Market takes place in the plaza of Curtis Peterson Building every Saturday in Lakeland.; 8 a.m. Saturday; Curtis Peterson Building, 200 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland; (863) 221-4633

Pinellas County Market in the Park: Discover a rich harvest of farm-fresh produce, natural products and gardening items. Entertainment, food and education make this market a fun morning for the entire family. Special events and programs are planned.; 9 p.m. Saturday; Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo; (727) 582-2100

Ybor City Saturday Market: Ybor City Saturday Market takes place every week in Centennial Park in Tampa. The market features jewelry, purses, hats, arts and crafts, candles, dog goodies and more.; 9 a.m. Saturday; free; Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 241-2442

Week Ahead

Gingerbread Man Cookie Competition: includes gingerbread man stories and cookie decorating; 6:30 p.m. Monday; free; Largo Public Library, 351 E. Bay Drive, Largo; (727) 587-6715

OTHER

Today

"Babes in Toyland": Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center presents the holiday musical "Babes in Toyland" in Tarpon Springs.; 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $12 to $20; Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs; (727) 942-5605

"Santa's Holiday Revue": a fast-paced musical taking a tour around the world of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa; 11:45 a.m. Friday; $5.50 to $6.50; Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon; (813) 685-8888

Carbon Motors Pure Justice Tour: presents the new Carbon "E7" - the world's first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle; 9 a.m. Friday; $16.95 to $20.95; Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 987-6000

Christmas Event at The Oaks: Come out and enjoy the holiday fun for the entire family. Photos with Santa at little or no cost. Every child gets a candy cane or small treat. Start a new tradition.; 5 p.m. Friday; The Oaks, 202 E. Broad St., Riverview;

Presents for Primates: a seasonal celebration where primates open special presents from zoo staff and docents as part of their enrichment program; 1 p.m. Friday; zoo pass holders and children two and younger are free, $14.50 to $18.95; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa; (813) 935-8552

The Magic of Christmas: concert features SPC Madrigalians performing various holiday songs; 7:30 p.m. Friday; free to children and students with ID, $4 to $5; Leepa-Rattner Museum Of Art, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs; (727) 712-5762

Victorian Christmas Stroll: a recreation of Victorian era holiday decorations set within the Henry B. Plant museum at the University of Tampa, including decorated trees, antique cabinets, three-story Victorian-styled dollhouse and carolers; 10 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; children 12 and younger are free, $4 to $10; Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 258-7304

Winter Celebration With Santa: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the Ruskin Family Support and Resource Center for fun, photos and activities.; 6 p.m. Friday; Free; Ruskin Family Support and Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. S.E., Ruskin; (813) 641-5600

Saturday

Movie screening: features "Christmas Story" presented by Disciples of Christ Christian Fellowship and includes music, drama, food, and fellowship; 6 p.m. Saturday; free; Gardenville Recreation Center, 6219 Symmes Road., Gibsonton; (813) 677-8600

Strawberry Classic Car Show: includes classic cars and trucks, live entertainment and classic car vendors; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; free; McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., Plant City; (813) 754-3707

Book signing: Leukemia survivor and author, R.J. Prieto, promotes his Christmas book, "Dewey's Christmas Adventure"; 10 a.m. Saturday; Little Bookworms, 8111 Lakewood Main St. Unit 103, Lakewood Ranch; (941) 907-3808

Book signing: Ruth Fishell signs copies of her new book, "Peace in Our Hearts; Peace in the World"; 11 a.m. Saturday; free; The Village Bookshop, 1006 11th Ave., Bradenton; (941) 750-9141

Christmas House: includes community trees decorated with lights and model railroads on display; 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, free; The Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz; (813) 601-0874

Ghetto Xmas Party: includes a festive fashion costume contest and live entertainment, including the Clearwater punk/reggae/ska group Full Fledged Unit, Crate Brothers and DJ Mega; 9 p.m. Saturday; free to ages 21 and older, $5; Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Ybor City; (813) 241-8600

Book Signing: H. Terrell Griffin tours to promote "Blood Island: A Matt Royal Mystery"; 1 p.m. Saturday; Barnes & Noble, 4010 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; (941) 923-9907

Movie screening: "Kung Fu Panda": outdoor movie in the park; 7 p.m. Saturday; free; Fort Meade Recreation Area, U.S. 98 on Peace River, Fort Meade; (863) 534-4340

Northpointe Village Classic Car Show: classic cars, antiques, muscle cars, street rods, hot rods and customs; 4 p.m. Saturday; free; Northpointe Village Shopping Center, 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Odessa; (813) 468-0277

Red, White and Snow: festivities includes candy cane search, arts and crafts, holiday music and a visit from Santa; 12 p.m. Saturday; free; Highland Recreation Center, 401 Highland Ave., Largo; (727) 518-3018

Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade: holiday parade followed by a candy cane hunt and a visit from Santa; 10 a.m. Saturday; free; Craig Park On the Bayou, 3 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs; (727) 937-6109

Sunday

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa": characters from the Central Park Zoo go on another incredible adventure; 10 a.m. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; $5.95 to $7.95 ; Imax Dome Theatre at MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 987-6000

Film screening: "Il Viaggio a Reims," 1:30 p.m. Sunday; free; Leepa-Rattner Museum Of Art, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs; (727) 726-6990

Book signing: Janet Conner will sign copies of "Writing Down Your Soul" after the 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m. Sunday; Unity Truth Center, 5844 Pine Hill Road, Port Richey; (727) 848-7702

Photos with Santa-Hyde Park Village: Humane Society of Tampa Bay hosts holiday pictures with St. Nick; 12 p.m. Sunday, 5 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Wednesday; Donation; Hyde Park Village, 1622 Snow Ave., Tampa; (813) 876-4150

Book signing: See Ray Lampe on tour promoting the book "The NFL Gameday Cookbook"; 2 p.m. Sunday; Barnes & Noble, 4136 U.S. 98, Lakeland; (863) 859-3334

Symphony in Lights: light show is choreographed to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra; shows nightly at 6 p.m. 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.; free; The Shops at Wiregrass, Bruce B. Downs Blvd and State Road 56, Wesley Chapel; www.symphonyinlights.com.

Week Ahead

Movie screening: In "Amelie," an innocent and naive girl in Paris discovers love while using her own sense of justice to help those around her; 7 p.m. Monday; John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; (941) 359-5700

Book signing: Leukemia survivor and author, R.J. Prieto, promotes his Christmas book, "Dewey's Christmas Adventure"; 1 p.m. Monday; Circle Books, 478 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; (941) 388-2850

In the Zone Hoops Camp: two-day youth basketball clinic offering sessions of fundamental instruction; 10 a.m. Monday and Tuesday; $50 to $62.50; St. Pete Beach Community Recreation Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St Pete Beach; (727) 460-1904

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Seasonal music and the Christmas story presented. Communion offered. Cookies and hot and cold cider served after the service.; 6 p.m. Wednesday; Free; South Pointe Clubhouse, 10520 Southern Pointe Blvd., Riverview; (813) 758-3406

Movie screening: Downtown Dade City hosts its final movie in the park for the year with the animated feature "Polar Express", telling the story of a boy who boards a magical train destined for the North Pole; Trolley Tours offer free rides before movie at 5 p.m.; 7 p.m. Saturday; free; Historic Pasco Country Courthouse lawn, 37918 Meridian Avenue, Dade City; (352) 523-5052

Sara Minton

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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