There’s a lot going on this weekend, so how do you choose? How about something that you’ll miss unless you catch it in the next three days? Consider one of these 10 last-chance, only-chance events.
1) The Man of La Mancha. Spanish Lyric Theatre is performing the beloved musical inspired by Cervantes’ Don Quixote this weekend only, and it’s a shame the run is so short because it’s really good. The production is distinguished by a cast with strong singing voices (handy when you’ve got to sell big anthems like “The Impossible Dream”) and acting chops to match. Michael Pruitt anchors the proceedings with a charismatic, appealingly vulnerable Don/Miguel; Katie Michaels is a feisty, complex Aldonza/Dulcinea; director Patrick Brafford moves the action smoothly between the worlds of the imprisoned author Cervantes and the yarn he spins about the windmill-tilting Don; John Burchett sets the mood with evocative lighting and slide projections; and Jeremy Silverman and ensemble do well by the tricky, melodic score. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. HCC Ybor Mainstage Theatre, 1411 E. 11th Ave., Tampa, spanishlyrictheatre.com.
2) Copenhagen. The New York Times called this Tony-winning drama “the most invigorating and ingenious play of ideas in many a year” when it debuted on Broadway in 2000, and Tampa Rep’s expertly acted and directed production, which closes this weekend, demonstrates why that assessment remains accurate. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Tampa Repertory Theatre, Studio 120 in the Theatre Center (TAR), University of South Florida, 3837 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, tamparep.org.
3) Florida Orchestra: Schubert’s Symphony No. 9; Bates Cello Concerto w. Joshua Roman. Joshua Weilerstein conducts a program including the Schubert symphony and Still’s Poem for Orchestra, plus a cello concerto by Mason Bates written specifically for TFO special guest, “rock star cellist” Joshua Roman. Furloughed government workers can receive up to 4 complimentary tickets with a valid government ID for this weekend’s concerts only. Come to the TFO Will Call window starting 90 minutes before each performance, present your valid government ID and receive up to 4 complimentary tickets, while supplies last. Free tickets for kids and teens in advance. Click here for more information. Fri., 8 p.m., Straz Center, Tampa; Sat., 8 p.m., and Sun., 2 p.m., Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, floridaorchestra.org.
4) Voices: The Encore. Back by popular demand, Voices: The Encore is an evening-length work by the brilliant dancer/choreographer Alex Jones, an interactive solo that seeks to reveal life’s many complexities. And while you’re at the Studio, be sure to check out Midtown Through Our Eyes, an exhibition of photography and writings by students in the K-12 Journeys in Journalism program. Sat., 7:30 p.m., Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, studio620.org
5) Nile Rodgers & CHIC. Aaaahhh… freak out! Mega-hit producer Rodgers and his disco-riffic band CHIC take a break from touring with Cher to promote their critically acclaimed new album, It’s About Time. Fri., 8 p.m., Duke Energy Center for the Arts/The Mahaffey, 400 1st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-300-2000, mahaffeytheater.com.
6) Columbinus. A sometimes uncomfortable mix of fictional recreation, satirical skits and Laramie Project-style transcripts, this hybrid work responding to the school shootings 20 years ago at Columbine High School in Colorado is nevertheless a must-see for two reasons: the impressive performances by a young cast (some not yet out of high school themselves) and the post-matinee talkbacks with well-chosen spokespersons from groups like Moms Demand Action and experts in psychology, education and law enforcement. Last Saturday afternoon, the post-show discussion was enlightening, sobering and profoundly moving, especially since one of the audience members who spoke up was a survivor of the Parkland shootings. Take note: This is the production’s final weekend. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Post-performance talkbacks after the Saturday and Sunday matinees. Innovocative Theatre Company at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, innovocative theatre.org. For tickets, go to stageworkstheatre.org or call 813-374-2416 ext. 1.
7) Moving Current Dance Collective 2019 Winter Concert. The company celebrates its 21st season of producing and supporting the contemporary dance community of Tampa Bay and beyond with works by Cynthia Hennessy and Marion Baldeon Kampert. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., USF Theater 2 TAR, 3829 W. Holly Dr., Tampa, moving current.com.
8) Martinis & Matisse. UPDATE: OOPS! It’s already too late. I’ve just been informed that this great event is completely sold out. So… if you’ve got your tickets already, good on you! If not… better luck next year. Meanwhile, think about helping the Clearwater Free Clinic, which delivered $6.1 million in medical care to uninsured families last year. Sat., 7-10 p.m., Frank Crum Building, 100 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, martinisandmatisse.org.
9) Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass. Peter Max The Retrospective 1960-2019: Collected works from the studio of America’s iconic pop artist, through Sunday; gallery receptions Sat., 5-8 p.m., and Sun., 1-3 p.m. 247 Main St,, Safety Harbor, sydentelgalleries.com.
10) Children’s Gasparilla. OK, sure, Gasparilla will be with us for eternity (its next installment due Jan. 26). But Children’s Gasparilla is a kinder, gentler and less booze-powered event, and this weekend will be your last chance to enjoy it with your favorite pirate-clad 4-year-olds — because, alas, they’ll never be 4 again. Sat., 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Vendors and children’s activities open along Bayshore Blvd. at 11. The Children’s Gasparilla Parade will run from 3:30-6 p.m., beginning at Bay to Bay & Bayshore proceeding north to Edison Ave. gasparillapiratefest.com.
