Broadway Icon Laura Bell Bundy Joins Mahaffey Summer Camp for Special One-Night Event
The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is proud to announce a special one-night-only event featuring Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy, best known for originating the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical. Friday, July 18, Bundy will headline a cabaret-style fundraiser performance, featuring two solos, plus a special number from Wicked, where she starred as Glinda on Broadway. She will join the Legally Blonde Jr. summer campers from Mahaffey’s Class Acts program for a collaborative performance.
In its third year, the Mahaffey Class Acts Summer Camp provides transformative performing arts education for students across the region. Ms. Bundy will lead a private workshop with the students, working with them to refine their performance, offer professional insights, and provide one-on-one coaching before their show the following week. The workshop itself is not open to the public, but the evening performance provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the impact of arts education and support future programming.
Dean Street Gallery Presents Love of Local — One-Night Celebrating Tampa Bay’s Boldest Artists
Tampa Bay’s vibrant art scene takes center stage with the launch of Love of Local, a one-night-only art event presented by Dean Street Gallery on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Located next to the Oxford Exchange at 403 W. Grand Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, the gallery will be transformed into a dynamic cultural hotspot showcasing the cutting edge of local artistic talent.
Love of Local celebrates the region’s most compelling contemporary artists—visionaries who are shaping Tampa’s creative identity and gaining recognition far beyond the Bay. Guests will experience a curated collection of thought-provoking and visually striking works that reflect the community’s diversity, creativity, and cultural pulse.
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts to Celebrate Educators With Special Appreciation Event on May 27th
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts will host an Educator Appreciation Event on Tuesday, May 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The event will celebrate local teachers and allow them to learn more about the Foundation’s CLASS ACTS programming and the free field trips available to schools in a six-county area. Educators who have yet to experience a Class Acts performance are encouraged to attend and discover how these programs can be incorporated into their curriculum, offering students a chance to engage with the arts in the coming school year.
“We believe the future of the arts lies with our youth,” said Bill Edwards, CEO and President of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. By offering free, accessible performances and field trips, we provide valuable educational opportunities while fostering a lifelong love for the arts. These programs enhance our theater’s regular programming by connecting with young audiences early, creating future theatergoers and artists. Children from all backgrounds can experience live theater and develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.”
Mahaffey Theater Expands Summer Camp Program with New Technical Theater Track Featuring Legally Blonde Jr. Production
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts proudly announces its 2025 Summer Camp, part of the acclaimed Class Acts youth education initiative—and this year, it’s bigger than ever. In addition to the traditional performance-based theater camp for ages 8–18, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is launching a Technical Theater Summer Camp for students interested in exploring the magic that happens behind the curtain.
Both programs culminate in a full production of Legally Blonde Jr., a youth-adapted musical filled with heart, humor, and high-energy songs.
Camp Dates: July 7–25, 2025
Tech Camp Track: July 14–25, 2025
Show Dates: July 18, 25 & 26, 2025
“I’m thrilled to welcome students back for our third summer of learning and creativity,” said Katrina Young, Class Acts – Education and Outreach. “We see incredible confidence, teamwork, and talent growth each year. I can’t wait to see the imagination and joy this year’s campers will bring to the stage—and behind it!”
Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater Celebrates 60 Years With Rock Legends Cheap Trick
The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is turning 60, and we’re celebrating in style! Join us Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, for a rock ‘n’ roll birthday bash featuring legendary band Cheap Trick, live in concert at 8:00 PM.
For six decades, the Mahaffey Theater has stood as a cultural landmark in downtown St. Petersburg. It hosts world-class performances, fosters youth education through the arts, and enriches the community with more than 250,000 patrons annually. As we mark this milestone, we invite the community to celebrate the past, present, and future of the Mahaffey.
All ticket holders are invited to a pre-show Anniversary Party starting at 6:00 PM to kick off the celebration. Come early and party with 98.7 The Shark, enjoy drink specials, live music, and a chance to win front row tickets! Doors open at 5:30 PM.