* Nice to see the collaboration between the Tampa Museum of Art and the University of South Florida’s Graphicstudio. More than 100 works from Graphicstudio are now on exhibit through May 18 at TMA.
The on-campus, print-making studio dates to 1968 and includes some of the biggest names in the art world–from Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist to Chuck Close and Robert Mapplethorpe. Ironically, in a city whose ongoing marketing charge is to tell the world about what we have here, Graphicstudio is arguably better known throughout the art world than in its own community.
This TMA-USF partnership will help recognize the renowned art prophet in its home town.
* So far, the Straz Center is liking what it’s seeing with the reception accorded the musical comedy Disenchanted! now playing at its Jaeb Theater. It’s a part of the Best of Broadway Series that the Straz produces itself–and is included in season-ticket packages for its nearly 10,000 subscribers. Last year the Jaeb was the relatively intimate venue for the Gershwin paean ‘S Wonderful. Previously, Forever Plaid was there for a year.
Disenchanted!, an irreverent, feminist riff on iconic, fairy tale figures that opened Jan. 28, will run through April 13. Or possibly longer. “It’s been full and the audiences have been enthusiastic,” says senior director of communications Paul Bilyeu. Indeed, the Jaeb’s normal capacity of 265 has been bumped up to 308, as some upper-level tables have been replaced by chairs.
“Disenchanted! is a bit of a hybrid,” notes Bilyeu. “It’s from Orlando, where it had a nice, healthy run. We knew it would play well here. Testimonials (from audience members) have been easy, which they always aren’t. They were lined up the other night.”
Indeed, the night we were there, the audience was audibly responsive.
But like any entertainment, it’s not for everybody. Audiences are reminded not to bring their kids. But it’s hardly raunchy fare.
It has societal zingers, and it has unfunny silliness. Call it Carol Burnett meets Betty Friedan meets Norma Rae meets South Park.