Three PCCA grads lead \u2018The Magi\u2019<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 American Stage\u2019s production of \u201cThe Magi\u201d feels like a homecoming \u2014 and not just because it\u2019s the holidays. The cast and director of the holiday musical features three graduates of local performing arts high school, Pinellas County Center for the Arts. \u201cThe Magi\u201d runs through Dec. 21 at the Raymond James Theater at American Stage, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
PCCA alumni Tristan Braboy and Morgan Tapp play The Magi, a band that has been touring for eight years, and a couple for nearly as long. The story finds the duo at a crossroads, just in time for the holiday season: Nixon (Braboy) wants to settle down and buy a house, while Judevine (Tapp), wants to sign a major contract and continue touring.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like I’m playing like an extended version of myself a lot of the time, which is really cool,\u201d said Tapp, who is now based in New York, but spends most of her time in regional theatre productions across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s given me a lot of perspective in my personal life,\u201d added Braboy, in reference to his character, Nixon. \u201cOn how to work together and make sacrifices for the person that you love, and how to grow together to meet that end goal that you both want and are longing for.\u201d<\/p>\n
The musical is based on O. Henry\u2019s classic holiday short story, \u201cThe Gift of the Magi.\u201d The original story follows a couple in early 1900s New York City, who give up their most prized possession to buy each other the perfect Christmas gift. In doing so, they sacrifice the one thing that would have given their partner\u2019s gift meaning.<\/p>\n
Audiences are in for a complete reimagining with \u201cThe Magi.\u201d Featuring an indie-folk soundtrack by Eli Pafumi, Nixon and Judevine navigate their relationship\u2019s twists and turns in a show that blends holiday rom-com warmth with indie-musical honesty.<\/p>\n
Directing \u201cThe Magi\u201d is Anthony Gervais, associate artistic director of American Stage \u2014 and a PCCA graduate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love a full circle moment,\u201d said Gervais, reflecting on attending PCCA with Braboy before they both studied musical theatre at the Boston Conservatory. “I think all of us would say [PCCA] influenced every aspect of our artistry. That laid the foundation for the work that we do now.\u201d<\/p>\n
General admission tickets are $45. Visit www.americanstage.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Studio 1212 announces upcoming exhibition<\/p>\n DUNEDIN \u2014 An opening reception for \u201cElements of Line\u201d will take place on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 to 4 p.m., at Studio 1212 Art Gallery, 234 Monroe St., Dunedin.<\/p>\n Studio 1212 opens the New Year with \u201cElements of Line.\u201d Artists are taught to use the visual ingredients of the elements of art and Studio 1212 is devoting the new year\u2019s exhibits to the elements of line, shape, value, color, form, space and texture. Join local award-winning artists to view their beginning through the elements and plan to follow their journey throughout the year with each new exhibit.<\/p>\n The gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exhibition will continue through Feb. 22.<\/p>\n View additional art and gallery sponsored events at studio1212.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tickets on sale for Strawberry Festival concerts<\/p>\n PLANT CITY \u2014 Tickets to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival’s headline entertainment shows on the Wish Farms Soundstage are now on sale.<\/p>\n For event information, a concert schedule and links to purchase tickets, visit flstrawberryfestival.com<\/a>. Tickets also are available through the festival’s app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store), by phone at 813-754-1996, or in person at the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City. For information regarding<\/p>\n ADA-accessible seating or group sales, call 813-719-6680.<\/p>\n “We’re thrilled to welcome guests back for another extraordinary year,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “Each season, our entertainment offerings grow in exciting new ways, and this year is no exception. We appreciate the unwavering support of our community and look forward to celebrating with everyone once again.”<\/p>\n Advance tickets for admission are also available and can be purchased while buying tickets for headline entertainment shows. Advance admission tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12, and children 5 years old and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.<\/p>\n The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, more than 650,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce, contests, local vendors, rides, and world-famous strawberry shortcake. The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival, themed “Still Growing,” will take place Feb. 26 through March 8 in Plant City.<\/p>\n For more information, visit flstrawberryfestival.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n