Robert D. Thompson 
St. Petersburg Named to MovieMaker’s Annual List
ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg has been named one of the best places to live and work as a MovieMaker filmmaker in 2022 according to St. Petersburg’s Clearwater Film Commission.
MovieMaker compiles its annual list based on surveys, production expenses, tax incentives, additional research, and personal visits whenever possible.
“We are thrilled to be on this list for the second year in a row,” said Tony Armer, Film Commissioner for St. Petersburg/Clearwater. “Everyone in our region knows it’s a great place to live and work. But many don’t know how amazing this field is for making movies. We have worked hard over the years to develop the film industry in St. Pete Clearwater. It’s exciting to see that hard work paying off with all the productions filmed here. Receiving national recognition for our efforts is the icing on the cake.
“St. Petersburg made a big comeback last year after the challenges of 2020,” said MovieMaker editor Tim Molloy. movies in our new normal while enjoying safety, serenity and so much sunshine.
MovieMaker is dedicated to the art and craft of moviemaking. His list of the best places to live and work as a filmmaker in 2022 appears in the new issue and online at moviemaker.com/best-places-to-live-and-work-as-a-moviemaker-in-2022.
St. Petersburg’s Clearwater Film Commission covers all 24 cities in Pinellas County, supporting and working to bring feature films, television, commercials, photo shoots, music videos and digital media projects to the destination. The St. Pete Clearwater Film Commission supports local and iconic film festivals, fosters industry development with a strong cash back incentive program, free workshops, and operates an online production guide and database of location. For information, visit www.filmstpeteclearwater.com.
Live Oak Theater will stage “Newsies the Musical”
BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theater Company will present “Newsies the Musical,” by special arrangement with Music Theater International, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville. Production will run from March 18 to April 3.
Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children 13 and under. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.
For specific performance dates and times and to purchase tickets, visit liveoaktheatre.square.site, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com or call 352-593-0027.
“Newsies the Musical” is a musical based on the 1992 musical film “Newsies”, which is inspired by the real-life 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York City. The show has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein based on the film script by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White. The musical premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012, where it played over 1,000 performances before going on tour.
Live Oak Theater Company is a 501(C)(3) non-profit directory company of local artists, located at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. The Live Oak Theater Company exists to enrich families, individuals and the community by providing positive artistic experiences in the performing arts.
Creative Pinellas will present WE Convene
LARGO — Creative Pinellas, in partnership with the Pinellas Community Foundation, is preparing to launch a series of public meetings on key topics of importance to the arts and arts organizations.
The world has changed for the arts – and the community as a whole – and we are at a tipping point that will define the future of arts and culture in Pinellas County.
“It’s time for artists, arts organizations, businesses, and residents of Pinellas County to come together to assess, evaluate, and ultimately determine what our directions will be,” said Barbara St. Clair, CEO of Creative Pinellas. “We are excited to set the stage for us to come together to discuss topics critical to the growth and well-being of the arts and its cultural landscape.”
From February there will be six meetings, free and open to the public at Creative Pinellas’ gallery, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. Sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will include a keynote speaker, insight into local arts and thought leaders, and a facilitated workshop to deepen the conversation. At the end of each session, participants will be asked to volunteer to continue reflecting and working on the individual topic discussed. Then in September, Creative Pinellas will invite everyone to come together for a public community meeting on all the topics explored.
Here is a list of scheduled WE Convene sessions:
• February 24: Public Art and Placemaking, with co-host Forward Pinellas and keynote speaker Renee Piechocki, a public artist
• March 24: Performing Arts, with co-host The Florida Orchestra and keynote speaker Mark Cantrell, President and CEO of TFO
• April 28: Accessibility and Equity
• May 19: Arts and tourism
• June 23: Economic needs and well-being of artists
• July 21: arts and community education and awareness
“Vibrant arts and culture are essential for thriving communities,” said Pinellas Community Foundation CEO Duggan Cooley. “The arts support the expression of our humanity, expand our ability to learn and contribute to our economy. The pandemic highlights the need to reassess how Pinellas County elevates and champions arts organizations and artists in rapidly changing times. PCF is thrilled to partner with Creative Pinellas, intentionally engaging our community in dialogue, leading to actions that strengthen the future of the arts.
To register for an individual session, go to www.CreativePinellas.org/WEConvene. All sessions are free and open to the public.
George Michael tribute show postponed
CLEARWATER – The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theater recently announced that “The Life and Music of George Michael,” scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, has been postponed.
Tickets will be honored on the new date, Friday, February 24, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
This all-new theatrical-style concert chronicles the incredible journey George Michael has had with music and his fans.
The comedian postpones his appearance at the Capitol
CLEARWATER – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ryan Hamilton has postponed his next performance at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theater on Friday, February 4.
Tickets will be honored on the new date, Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
Capitol postpones Gino Vannelli concert
CLEARWATER — The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theater recently announced that Gino Vannelli’s upcoming show, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m., has been postponed.
Tickets will be honored on the new date to be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com.
Eric Johnson postpones his tour to 2023
CLEARWATER – It was announced today that due to numerous unforeseen difficulties and to provide fans with additional distance from the current COVID environment, Eric Johnson has decided to postpone his 2022 tour to 2023.
The tour includes a date at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theater on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Tickets will be honored on the new date, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
Fans will see and hear brand new music for this tour and Johnson appreciates his fans’ continued understanding and support. For a full list of tour dates, visit www.EricJohnson.com.
Theater to present ‘Little Women: The Musical’
NEW PORT RICHEY – ‘Little Women: The Musical’ will be presented February 25-27 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.
General admission tickets are $25 per person. Visit www.facebook.com/RicheySuncoastTheatre or call 727-842-6777.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time.
Produced nationally and internationally, “Little Women” has received critical acclaim for its ambition to bring such a well-known story to the stage. This timeless and gripping story comes to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartbreak, hope and undying love. The original production starred the incomparable Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations for his performance.
Based on the life of Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo tries to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers aren’t interested – her friend Professor Bhaer tells her she needs to do better and write more of herself. Reluctantly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in the American Civil War.
