The economic downturn couldn't overshadow the Mardi Gras revelry Tuesday as partiers jostled for beads on parade routes and the French Quarter swelled with boozy fun and masked crowds. ...more

February 25, 2009

When most people think of "Hamlet" they think of a tragedy, but the students starring in the upcoming performance of "Haunted Hamlet" at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel are hoping to change that perception. ...more

February 18, 2009

In an effort to ward off evil spirits, colorful lions helped ring in the Year of the Ox. ...more

February 11, 2009

CARROLLWOOD In an effort to ward off evil spirits, colorful lions helped ring in the Year of the Ox. The costume lions were part of a Jan. 31 Chinese New Year event at First International Oriental Market. ...more

February 5, 2009

I have to admit I was more than a little dismayed at the lack of attendance at the Jan.17 performance of "Don't Drink the Water" performed at the Highlands Little Theatre by local talent. All the people out there griping about nothing to do in the area just don't listen. For the past number of years, I have been giving praise to the actors and actresses at the Highlands Little Theatre, as well as the behind-the-scene people who do so much. The set design does not arrange itself, the costumes do not just jump on the cast, the lines don't just flow out of their mouths, the lighting doesn't just happen, the cast just don't happen to enter, exit and so forth at the right time. It takes hours of work! So it was heartbreaking to see the number of empty seats in the theater as if people just don't care. ...more

January 27, 2009

Forget all the talk about New Year's resolutions. In January, the focus at Freedom Plaza inevitably turns in just one direction: it's almost time to "Frolic" once again! ...more

January 21, 2009

Masque Community Theatre President Joe LoPinto describes Ruth Kegel as the "glue" that holds the nonprofit group together. ...more

December 31, 2008

A Christmas gift that comes to life each year, in the form of "The Nutcracker" ballet, depicts a battle between good and evil, with the good guys coming out on top. ...more

December 24, 2008

I have to admit I had mixed feeling about being at Highlands Little Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast" Saturday night, as I am a big fan of the Heartland Idol contest, and the finale for this season was Saturday night. But since my husband and I have season tickets for the theater and Saturday was our night, we had no choice to miss out on the Idol contest. ...more

November 13, 2008

Dear Abby: Please help me. I wasn't sure how to handle an uncomfortable situation last Halloween, and your answer will help me be better prepared this year. ...more

October 26, 2008