Leno, "Once" added to Straz Center season

   The Straz Center in Tampa has announced a bunch of additions to its 2014-15 season.
   By far the biggest of newly announced acts are the return of "Once," (Sept, 22-27, 2015), the wonderful musical that was a hit at the Straz earlier this year, and Jay Leno, who brings his standup comedy to the Straz on March 29

Jay Leno

   Leno headlined the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall gala last season, but he's not scheduled to come back to the Bradenton-Sarasota area in 2014-15. But several of the new shows on the Straz Center  season schedule will also be at Van Wezel, including The Piano Guys (at the Straz Feb. 4, at Van Wezel Feb. 7), Celtic Woman (Straz April 25, Van Wezel April 24) and "Menopause: The Musical" (Straz June 2-7, Van Wezel Jan. 5). So the Straz shows give Bradenton-area residents some alternate dates.
  Most of the recently announced acts aren't slated to come any closer than Tampa, though. You might have make the drive up to the Straz if you want to see comedians Demitri Martin (Dec. 12), Russell Peters (Jan. 18) and musicians Gaby Moreno (Nov. 7), the Celts (March 19), Kissy Simmons (Nov. 1), Will and Anthony (Dec. 6), Karen Mason (Feb. 14) and Natalie Prass (May 11). A lot of the concerts, including "Lion King" star Simmons, are in a cabaret setting in the intimate Jaeb Theater.
  Theatrical shows that have been added include "Dixie's Tupperware Party" (Oct. 15-19), "50 Shades! The Musical Parody" (Jan. 25), the one-man musical "My Sinatra" (Feb. 28) and "Late Nite Catechism With Sister Mary Z."
   Dance performances includes the Youth America Grand Prix (Jan. 10) and Next Generation Ballet's "Coppelia" (May 1-2).
   Tickets for most shows go on sale Saturday, Aug. 30. Call 813--229-7827 or go to strazcenter.org. The entire season, most of which was announced in June. is on the website. more shows will almost certainly be added later.