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By SARAH HOYE

shoye@tampatrib.com

Published: October 5, 2008

TAMPA - What better way to deal with the current tough economic times than to escape - even if only for a night?

Get swept away to fantasy land with "Cats," "Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy" and "Chicago," presented live when Broadway Across America stops at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

"People are looking for ways to get away from their everyday troubles," says Ron Legler, president and CEO of the Florida Theatrical Association, the season's presenter. "It makes you forget that the world is a tough place."

In 2006, the 2,030-seat theater on the downtown waterfront completed its $20 million renovation, including a multilevel lobby and green space.

Community support is the key to the survival of the theater, with Broadway being a precious performing art commodity, Legler says.

"Broadway really is powerful and moving. The more we support it, the greater it gets," says Legler. "We think that Mahaffey Theater is one of the best-kept secrets in the country."

Tickets for the three-show 2009 Broadway Across America season are on sale and range from $121 to $332.

Season tickets also are on sale. For ticket information and performance locations, call (866) 698-7469. The Mahaffey Theater is at 400 First St. S.

Here's a look at the 2009 season:

Jan. 6-11 - "Cats" is the winner of seven Tony Awards and features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory.'

Feb. 3-9 - "Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy" has an international cast of 25 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians.

April 24-26 - "Chicago," is a razzle-dazzle tale of sin and celebrity and the winner of six Tony Awards and a Grammy.

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832.

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