Manatee Players add two 'Christmas Pageant' performances

    Manatee Players have added two performances of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The new shows are at 4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22.
   The show's in the Bradenton Kiwanis Studio Theater, the smaller of the two theaters at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. It about family show about some nasty kids

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

who take over a church's traditional Christmas pageant.
   The Manatee Performing Arts Center is at 502 Third Ave. W in Bradenton. Besides the two newly added performances, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, through Dec.22. The show's only about an hour long so it's appropriate even for young children.
    Tickets are $26. Go to www.manateeplayers.org or call 941-748-5875.

Manatee Players offers classes in aerial dance

   Manatee Players are offering young people a chance to learn to fly this summer. 
   But that means fly like Peter Pan, not fly like a pilot.
   An Illinois company called Hall Associates Flying Effects will conduct workshops in dance, aerial work and wire flying in two five-day workshops at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
   The first camp, for kids from 7 to 12 years old, is set for July 22-26. Enrollment is limited to 25.
   The second camp, from July 29-Aug. 2, is for ages 13-18. That one's limited to 35 campers.
   The fee for each camp is $300. Sessions run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day, and there's a performance at the end of each camp.
   Hall Associates Flying Effects is a nationally recognized company that has created theatrical flying effects for everything from high school productions to major Broadway shows.
   To enroll, call the Manatee Players ticket office at 941-748-5875. Questions about the camp should be directed to Rick Kerby at 941-748-0111.
   The Manatee Performing Arts Center isat 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

Dine at Bradenton-area restaurants, support Manatee Players

   On Monday, May 20, you can support the Manatee Players by dining at any (or all) of 11 Bradenton-area restaurants. All you have to do is go to any of the eateries below and let your server know you're there to support the Manatee Players, and the restaurant will donate part of your bill.
   Participating restaurants include:
   Alvarez Mexican Restaurant, 1431 8th Ave. West, Palmetto. 941-729-2232. (Lunch or dinner.)
   Anna Maria Oyster Bar, all locations. (Lunch or dinner.)
   Atlanta Bread, 6401 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton. 941-792-1380. (Lunch or Dinner.)
   Fav's Italian Cucina, 419 12th St. West, Bradenton. 941-708-3287. (5-8 p.m.)
   Halfway at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 6906 14th St. West, Bradenton. 941-758-7880. (Lunch or dinner.)
   Hooters, 4908 14th St. West, Bradenton. 941-758-1175. (Lunch or dinner.)
   Michael John's Restaurant, 1040 Carlton Arms Blvd., Bradenton. 941-747-8032. (Dinner.)
   Papa Giorgio's, 7644 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. 941-358-6654. (4-9 p.m.)
   Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. West, Bradenton. 941-748-8087. (Dinner.)
   Tarpon Pointe Grille, 801 Riverside Drive East, Bradenton. 941- 746-8700. (Lunch or dinner.)
   YachtSea Grill, 101 Riverfront Blvd., Suite 120. Bradenton. 941-896-9660. (Lunch or dinner.)

Manatee Players stage a strong, emotional 'Fiddler'

   For their first show in their spectacular new theater, Manatee Players staged a spectacular show, the flashy and high-tech “Miss Saigon.”
   Now that they’re easing into the space, still so new that the unobtrusive smell of wet paint lingers, Manatee Players are offering a quieter, more traditional, but no less impressive musical.
   “Fiddler on the Roof” is a gentle but emotional musical that gets its power from characters and delicate writing rather than bombast. 
   That makes the show especially demanding for the performers, but the Manatee Players cast pulls it off admirably.
   The large choral numbers are among the highlights of this staging, but the performances in the important roles are all engaging.
   Tevye, the beleaguered father caught in a struggle between tradition and modernity, is a tough role. He’s the only complex character in the whole show, and anyone who takes on the role has to compete with two legendary performances, by Zero Mostel and Topol.
   Michael Bajjaly makes a fine Tevye, faithful to the spirit of the character without being imitative of the classic performances. Tevye’s wry one-liners  come across just as well as the heaviness of his emotional burden in Bajjaly’s performance.
   The music in “Fiddler” (by Jerry Bock) is not especially melodic -- “If I Were a Rich Man” is a notable exception -- and some songs are difficult to sing. Bajjaly sings some of them imperfectly, but because he’s such an appealing actor, the songs all work. “Do You Love Me?,” a musically awkward song, ends up being the emotional highlight of the show, thanks to the chemistry between Bajjaly and Sharon Albert, who plays his wife Golde. 
   There are a lot of noteworthy performances in smaller roles, especially all three of Tevye’s marrying daughters, Marina Wright, Katherine C. Herbert and Emily Arthur.
   There’s also a really solid seven-piece orchestra.
   Director Cheryl Carty’s approach is straightforward. But she adds a nice touch by having the title character, the actual fiddler, much more prominent than usual. The fiddler, a symbol both of the tradition that binds Tevye and his need to maintain balance, is a nearly constant presence, dancing through across stage at pivotal moments.
   “Fiddler” is on the long side, solidly over two and a half hours, and has only a couple of good songs. So there are times when this production feels tedious. But there are more times when it feels engaging and even powerful.
   Details: Through May 19, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $26-$36. Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

Manatee Players finally, formally announce "Les Miz"

   Perhaps the worst-kept secret in town has been that Manatee Players will be staging "Les Miserables" next season. Company officials have been publicly and frequently dropping unsubtle hints for months, including saying that they'll be performing a musical that "won't make you miserable."
   Now they've made it official. "Les Miserables" is slated to run Aug. 8-25. It'll be the first show of the Manatee Players' 2013-14 season.
   Any doubts that the company could pull off such a huge show were banished by the stunning production values of "Miss Saigon." the first and current show in their new home at the Manatee Performing Arts Center at 502 Third Ave. West.
   For information, call 941-748-5875 or visit www.manateeplayers.com.
  

Manatee Players elevate the trite "Miss Saigon"

   If you've been following events leading up to Thursday's opening of "Miss Saigon," the Manatee Players' first show at their new Manatee Performing Arts Center, there are two things you're probably most curious about.

   The first is the theater itself, and it absolutely lives up to all the hype.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center

   It's a phenomenal place to see a show, with comfortable seats, perfect sight lines, good acoustics and sensational technical possibilities. Almost every regional professional theater company in the United States should be envious.
   The other thing you might be wondering about is the helicopter. The gimmick of "Miss Saigon," ever since its days on Broadway, has been a helicopter landing on stage in the second act. It's by far the most interesting thing that happens in the show, so it's almost impossible to do the show without the helicopter.
   In the Manatee Players' production, the illusion of a helicopter landing is quite credible. Director Rick Kerby promised it would look and feel like a helicopter, and it does.
   So then, onto the production itself. It's a wondrous thing to behold, with breathtaking lighting by Joseph P. Oshry, beautiful sets by Marc Lalosh and costumes by David Walker and Georgina Willmott. There's nothing in the look of this production that wouldn't be at home in a Broadway tour. (And in fact, a couple of people who had seen "Miss Saigon" on Broadway and on a Broadway tour said this production was better.)
   The only technically lacking aspect was the inconsistent sound. Some voices sounded muddled, body mics interfered with each other and in one ensemble scene, one singer's voice drowned out all the others. On a few occasions the very good six-piece orchestra -- which sounded much larger -- drowned out the cast.
   And that cast is generally terrific, especially considering most of them are very young and the show is extremely demanding, vocally and dramatically.
   "Miss Saigon" is, of course, a reworking of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly," transposed to the last days of the Vietnam War. A GI named Chris has an affair with a girl named Kim who has reluctantly become a prostitute. When he comes back to America, he still thinks about her, but he eventually marries. Then he learns Kim has had his child and goes back to Vietnam to find her. Kim has been waiting for him through the years and is devastated to find out Chris is married.
   Holly Rizzo is marvelous as Kim. She wields a beautiful voice and her singing is overflowing with emotion. The other standout performance -- though a much smaller one -- is Channing Weir as Chris's wife. (She will not be in the role in all performances.) Her one solo song, "Now That I've Seen Her," is one of the best musical moments in the show.
   Omar Montes is also very strong as the Engineer, the show's flashiest role.
   The cast as a whole sings well and the dancing, choreographed by Kerby, is especially impressive.
   One problem, though: "Miss Saigon" is not a good show. The melodies are haphazard, the lyrics are 12 pounds of cliches in a 10-pound bag. The same team that wrote "Les Miserables" wrote this show, but it feels as though they didn't put a lot of effort into it.
   Now that Manatee Players finally have a theater worthy of their talents, it's exciting to imagine what they'll be able to do when they tackle worthy material.
   Details: March 28 to April 14 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. West. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Most shows are already sold out; others have limited availability. Tickets: $26-$36. Information: www.manateeplayers.com or 941-748-5875.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/03/29/4458771/cast-and-designers-elevate-miss.html#storylink=cpy

Manatee Players go big for 2013-14 season at Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton

The Manatee Performing Arts Center is in the final stages of construction, preparing for its opening in March and the Manatee Players' new 2013-14 season. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/02/08/4384632/manatee-players-go-big-for-2013.html#storylink=cpy

The Manatee Players' first full season in the multimillion dollar Manatee Performing Arts Center, scheduled to be ready for the March 28 opening of "Miss Saigon," promises to impress with an eclectic lineup featuring several large productions that wouldn't have been possible in the troupe's current Riverfront Theatre.

The 2013-14 season includes eight major musicals in its main Stone Hall and six shows in the smaller Bradenton Kiwanis Studio Theater.

The Stone Hall highlights are a trio of Broadway hits, all premieres for the Bradenton community theater company. These start with Mel Brooks' comedy "Young Frankenstein" followed by the family-friendly crowd pleaser "Shrek: The Musical" and the Gershwin showcase "My One and Only."

"We're trying to reach out to a younger audience without alienating our true patrons," said Rick Kerby, the Manatee Players' producing artistic director. "We tried hard to get new, just-released titles in the mix."

Read more.

Manatee Players' remarkable run at Riverfront Theatre in Bradenton shouldn't be forgotten

Manatee Players production of "Cabaret" in 1988. Photo provided.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/27/4367936/manatee-players-many-decades-at.html#storylink=cpy

In December 1953, the Manatee Players' brand new Riverfront Theatre in downtown Bradenton opened its doors with a production of the heartwarming play "I Remember Mama."

The troupe has continued performing at the venue on the waterfront in downtown Bradenton for nearly six decades, winning numerous awards including major ones on national stages.

Judging by the company's current, sold-out production of Cole Porter's musical "Anything Goes," which just last year could be seen again on Broadway, The Manatee Players will be entertaining audiences for many more decades.

But, as regular Bradenton Herald readers are well aware, that remarkable run at the Riverfront Theatre will end when the Manatee Performing Arts Center opens in March with a production of "Miss Saigon."

The new multi-use venue will surely be a huge boon for downtown Bradenton, but it's important we don't forget all the fabulous fun and hard work that happened inside the Riverfront Theatre.

To help preserve those memories, The Manatee Players and the Bradenton Herald are reaching out to all the actors, volunteers and board members from the community theater company's rich history for photos from past productions.

Email scanned photos to me at wtatangelo@bradenton.com.

That doesn't work for you?

Give me a call at 941-745-7057 and I'll see what can be done to get those photos saved for posterity and viewed by our fellow theater enthusiasts.

Read more.

Manatee Players announce cast for 'Miss Saigon,' which opens new theater in Bradenton

Holly Rizzo as Young Bonnie

The Bradenton area's most highly anticipated show of recent memory, the Manatee Players' production of "Miss Saigon" that will open the brand new Manatee Performing Arts Center in March, has been cast.

Holmes Beach resident and Manatee High School student Holly Rizzo, whose numerous theater credits include the Manatee Players' current production "Anything Goes" and Young Bonnie in the Asolo Repertory Theatre's 2010 regional premiere of the "Bonnie & Clyde" musical that played on Broadway, will play the lead, Kim.

Kim is the 17-year-old recently orphaned and forced to work at "Dreamland."

Billy Masuck, a Manatee Players veteran recently seen in "Legally Blonde," will play Chris, the American G.I. sergeant about to leave Saigon and return to America.

Brian Chunn, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in "Anything Goes," will play Chris' friend John.

Omar Montes, Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes," will play Engineer, a French-Vietnamese club owner.

"Miss Saigon" will be directed and choreographed by Rick Kerby, The Manatee Players' producing artistic director, with Aaron Cassette as musical director and costumes by David Walker.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/17/4353814/manatee-players-production-of.html#storylink=cpy

Stay tuned for who will play the stripper Gigi Van Tranh, Ellen, Tam, Thuy and the rest of the famed roles.

Details: March 28-April 14, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Tickets: TBA. Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/17/4353814/manatee-players-production-of.html#storylink=cpy

—Photo of Holly Rizzo as Young Bonnie by CLIFF ROLES/Special to the Herald 

Progress at Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton: photos

The southeast side of the lobby, "the cabaret corner," of the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Here's an update on the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton, which is scheduled to open March 28 for the Manatee Players' production of "Miss Saigon" that runs through April 14.

The building is at 502 Third Ave. W.

The wall directly in front of the entrance with primer coat on it at Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.

Denny Miller, marketing director of the Manatee Players, noted that the studio theater and lobby started receiving its first coat of paint Monday and will be finished early next week.

The ceiling grid in the lobby will be starting its installation on Monday as well. All counter tops bar/bathrooms/box office and dressing rooms have been ordered and scheduled for installation in less than four weeks.

The concession area of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. 

Chillers have been delivered and installed. Florida Power and Light has released and delivered all the wiring need for the first phase of hooking up to permanent power and an FPL certified sub-contractor will be trenching in front of the building to lay-in the lines.

The primer coat being applied in the Kiwanis Studio Theater of the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Plumbing fixtures are on order and should be on site in days and the drywall in the administration wing started being installed Monday.

"All doors and hardware have been ordered a wonderful cheery wood color to match the wood work of the chairs in the main house," Miller noted.

Bradenton Herald archives for Manatee Performing Arts Center

—All photos provided by Manatee Players

Manatee Players' 'Anything Goes' sold out for entire Jan. 17-Feb. 3 run in Bradenton

People gather outside the Manatee Players facility currently under construction in Bradenton for a press conference. BRADENTON HERALD FILE PHOTO

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/20/3951450/manatee-players-press-conference.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

The Manatee Players' production of "Anything Goes," Jan. 17-Feb. 3, is sold out, the Bradenton community theater company announced Friday.

There is a waiting list started at the box office one hour before curtain time of each performance. Being on the list does not guarantee a seat, "but every effort is made to fill unoccupied seats at curtain time," reads the statement issued by the troupe's marketing director.

Several performances of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," running Feb. 21-March 17 are also sold out. "Forum" was originally scheduled to close on March 10 but has been extended through March 17.

"There are still good seats available for March 12-17," the statement reads. "You certainly don’t want to miss seeing the last show in the old Riverfront Theater!"

The Manatee Performing Arts Center is scheduled to be open in time for the Players' production of "Miss Saigon" that runs March 28 to April 14.

Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

LISTEN: Manatee Players' debut Christmas CD features Bradenton area, national stars

The Manatee Players' debut Christmas CD features contributions from the award-winning Bradneton area actors as well as songs by famed rocker Rick Derringer ("Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo"), country music superstar Jeff Cook (Alabama) and Kim Betts (daughter of Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts).

The Bradenton Herald's own Vin Mannnix also can be heard on the "Merry Christmas with the Manatee Players & Friends" album singing "Holly Jolly Christmas."

Mannix About Manatee: Lending voice to Manatee Players benefit CD

The CD is a fundraiser for the capital campaign drive to finish the new Manatee Performing Arts Center near the Riverwalk in Bradenton. The new performing arts center is nearing completion with a target opening in March 2013. The CD is available online at manateeplayers.com or by calling or visiting the box office at the Manatee Players, 102 12th Street West  Bradenton, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or one hour prior to performances. The box office phone number is 941-748-5875. The cost of the CD is $15.

Listen: "Holly Jolly Christmas" by Vin Mannix and "The Prayer" by Steve and Dianne Dawson

Here is a track listing with all the performers, many of whom are performers on the Manatee Players’ stage.

1. "White Christmas," Greg Wiegers*
2. "Where Are You Christmas?" Kim Betts*
3. "Rock & Roll Guitar," Jeff Cook (Alabama)
4. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Eliza Lipton* and Delaney Couch*
5. "The Christmas Song," Travis Roger
6. "Rudolph Medley," The Choir*
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas," John Rinell
8."All I Want for Christmas Is You," Channing Weir*
9. "My Grown Up Christmas List," Ken Basque*
10. "Winter Wonderland," Rick & Jenda Derringer
11. "Breath of Heaven," Wendy Brown*
12. "The Dreidel Song," Professor Soup
13. "O Holy Night," Grace Gibbs*
14. "Baby, It's Cold Outside," Denny Miller* and Meg Newsome*
15. "When Christmas Comes to Town," Kathleen Fairchild
16. "Holly Jolly Christmas," Vin Mannix
17. "The Prayer," Steve and Dianne Dawson*

*Manatee Players performers

Produced by Jason Lipton and The Del Couch Music Education Foundation

—CD cover art photo provided by Manatee Players

WANTED: Manatee Players photos from the past

Manatee Players production of 'Cabaret' in 1988. Photo provided.

As the new Manatee Performing Arts Center comes closer to its scheduled completion in March, the history of the Manatee Player's Riverfront Theater becomes more important.

The Manatee Players and the Bradenton Herald are reaching out to all the actors, volunteers and board members from the community theater company's rich history for photos from the past productions.

If you have scanned your show photos, please email them to mpshowpix@gmail.com and/or wtatangelo@bradenton.com.

Manatee Players to get $250,000 from county for new theater in Bradenton

The Manatee County Commission today formally authorized a $250,000 contribution to the new Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.

The money will be matched with $250,000 that the Manatee Players' organization has already raised from ticket buyers, said Janene Witham, executive director of the Manatee Players.

Read more. 

— File photo of the under-construction Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton by PAUL VIDELA/Bradenton Herald

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/25/4214574/manatee-commission-to-contribute.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/25/4214574/manatee-commission-to-contribute.html#storylink=cpy

REVIEW: Manatee Players' 'Evita' is must-see theater in Bradenton

Dianne Dawson won for Best Actress last year at the national AACTFest11 in Rochester, N.Y., for her role in the Manatee Players 2010 production of “Sunday in the Park with George.”.

She’s equally brilliant in “Evita.”

Dawson brings Eva Peron (1919-1952), the onetime first lady of Argentina, to life in all her divisive glory in the somber pop operetta by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The show follows Eva’s rise from small-town girl to big-city actress to the most powerful woman in Argentina.

Dawson sings beautifully, moves gracefully, and, most importantly, inhabits the role with smart objectivity.

While other actresses wrongheadedly worshipped Peron (yes, here’s looking at you, Madonna), Dawson does a superb job of depicting the historical figure as both beloved political leader and opportunistic wife of a dictator.

Another Dawson, Dianne’s husband Steve, plays the narrator Che as if channeling Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

When the Dawsons share the stage, it’s first-rate theater by any metric.

Directed and choreographed by Manatee Players Artistic Director Rick Kerby, the production moves fluidly with the large cast used smartly to depict much larger crowds of Argentinians. All three leads, which include Bradley Barbaro as Peron, deliver nuanced, tasteful performances. There’s not a superfluous move or gesture in the show.

Marc Lalosh’s winning set features a revolving platform with twin, ascending staircases. The back wall serves as a screen for images of the real Peron in action. The projections work wonderfully thanks to the striking similarity between Eva Peron and Dianne Dawson, dressed in spot-on costumes by Jean Boothby.

The lighting by Joseph Oshry enhances the visuals throughout the show while Aaron Cassette deftly leads a seven-piece through a score that alternates between operatic and Broadway pop.

There are many reasons to see the Manatee Players’ production of “Evita.” Need just one? I’ll go with Dianne Dawson’s chilling rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” It will make you instantly forget every other version of the song you’ve heard before.

And maybe even dry your eye.

Details: Sept. 20-Oct. 7; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. Tickets: $26 (adults), $15 (teachers) and $13 (students). Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

—Photo provided of Dianne Dawson as Eva Peron in Manatee Players production of "Evita."

WEEKEND: 'Main Street Live' in Bradenton, 'Evita' at Manatee Players, Movieville and more

The popular Bradenton street party Get Down Downtown restarts today as "Main Street Live." The monthly bash on Old Main Street will now feature new music acts, new vendors from Suncoast Food Trucks and a food court with more tables in the intersection area across from the Lost Kangaroo Pub.

The most celebrated Manatee Players of recent years are returning to downtown Bradenton today for the opening of "Evita."

After debuting last June at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, Movieville International Film Festival returns with screenings in Sarasota and an event in Bradenton.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206946/movieville-international-film.html#storylink=cpy

The good witch of rock 'n' roll returns to the Tampa Bay area in support of her latest solo album, "In Your Dreams."

The Players Theatre's 83rd season opens today with the often overlooked gem "Applause."

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206919/the-players-of-sarasota-open-season.html#storylink=cpy

And more in Weekend.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206948/stevie-nicks-to-play-mahaffey.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206924/manatee-players-production-of.html#storylink=cpy

—Music fills the air as the Michael Mac Band plays during sunset on Old Main Street in Bradenton. HERALD FILE PHOTO by Paul Videla.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206937/popular-bradenton-street-party.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206937/popular-bradenton-street-party.html#storylink=cpy

REVIEW: 'Legally Blonde' at Manatee Players in Bradenton allows young stars to shine

The Manatee Players typically stage musicals that are older than a good percentage of the performers on stage.

Not so with “Legally Blonde,” which opened the Bradenton company’s 66th season Thursday.

Based on the 2001 hit movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, the musical proved the ideal vehicle for the community theater’s young stars.

The entire cast deserves praise but the show wouldn’t be nearly as commendable if not for the performance by Cassandra Caballero as Elle Woods.

Judiciously borrowing only a few of Witherspoon’s trademark mannerisms, the Sarasotan made the charming character her own indelible creation.

From delivering comedic one-liners to dealing with an unwanted sexual advance, Caballero displayed serious acting chops.

A fine dancer, the recent University of Miami graduate also sang with the strength, range and sensitivity of a polished professional.

Like the movie, “Legally Blonde” finds pretty sorority sister Elle being dumped by her UCLA boyfriend Warner and then following him to Harvard Law School.

'Legally Blonde' opens Manatee Players' 66th season in Bradenton 

Elle’s fellow graduate students are appalled by her pink attire and pampered Chihuahua.

(Yes, there’s a real dog on stage, actually two, and they’re both adorable).

But, you guessed it, Elle eventually wins the stuffy Harvard students over and proves to be much brighter than the brainless blonde they thought her to be.

Unlike the movie, Elle’s Delta Nu sisters serve as a Greek chorus that specializes in suggestive dance moves and references to naughtiness that may, or may not, offend certain audience members.

On balance, though, “Legally Blonde” is two hours of harmless, frothy fun teeming with a refreshingly youthful exuberance.

—Photo: Warner Huntington lll, played by William Masuck, talks with Elle, played by Cassandra  Caballero, in a scene from the Manatee Players' production of "Legally Blonde" at the Riverfront Theatre in Bradenton. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald gjefferies@bradenton.com.

Details: Through Sept. 2; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. Tickets: $26 (adults), $15 (teachers) and $13 (students). Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

WEEKEND: 'Legally Blonde' at Manatee Players in Bradenton, Fabulous Indepedent Film Festival, D.L. Hughley and more

The movie "Legally Blonde" has been charming audiences ever since hitting cinemas a decade ago.

The equally popular musical ran on Broadway (2007-08) before touring North America (2008-11).

The show opens the Manatee Players' 66th season today in downtown Bradenton.

Recent University of Miami graduate and Sarasotan Cassandra Caballero (pictured) landed the lead role of Elle.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/16/4159957/legally-blonde-opens-manatee-players.html#storylink=cpy

Continue reading.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/16/4159957/legally-blonde-opens-manatee-players.html#storylink=cpy

Fabulous Independent Film Festival in Sarasota opens with 'Sassy Pants': interview  

D.L. Hughley headlines comedy show at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg 

'Countdown to the Blues' in Bradenton continues with Nitro and Sarasota Slim

And more in Weekend.

Photo — Elle, played by Cassandra Caballero, in a scene from the Manatee Players production of Legally Blonde at the Riverfront Theatre. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald GJEFFERIES@BRADENTON.COM

Robin Givens says Mike Tyson marriage was 'a lifetime ago'

While actress Robin Givens workshops her new play "Joy in the Morning" with the Manatee Players in Bradenton, ex-husband Mike Tyson will be on Broadway.

The former heavyweight boxing champion of the world's one-man show “Undisputed Truth,” directed by Spike Lee (“Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X”), has a 12 show Broadway run starting July 31.

Givens, who appeared in the Broadway production of "Chicago," married Tyson in 1988. She accused him of spousal abuse on national television before the couple divorced about a year later.


Tyson has said in interviews he will be talking about Givens during his Broadway show.

“You know, this I’ll say, it’s so funny because I literally have a child that’s almost the same age I was when I got married” at age 21, Givens said when I interviewed her earlier this month in downtown Bradenton.

“Literally, it’s like for me just a lifetime ago. I don’t, you know, I was a baby so I don’t know how much is (him airing dirty laundry) or whatever. But, literally, it’s funny for me because I look at my son and I’m like I was about that same age."

The Manatee Players will present "Joy in the Morning," which Givens co-wrote and directs, Aug. 2-3 at Riverfront Theatre in downtown Bradenton.

Read more of my Givens interview.

—Publicity photo of Robin Givens.

Single tickets on sale for Manatee Players of Bradenton

It sure doesn't feel like "season" but the Manatee Players 2012-13 scheduled starts next month with single tickets for most of the musicals going on sale Monday (July 16).

Tickets are available next week for "Legally Blonde" (Aug. 16-Sept. 2), “Evita” (Sept. 20-Oct. 7), “Pump Boys and the Dinettes” (Oct. 25-Nov. 11), “Plaid Tidings” (Nov. 28-Dec. 16) and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Feb. 21-March 10, 2013).

Single ticket sales for “Miss Saigon” (March 28-April 14, 2013) and “Fiddler on the Roof” (May 2-19, 2013) will be announced at a future date.

Read more here: http://heraldbuzzworthy.blogspot.com/2012/03/manatee-players-add-legally-blonde.html#storylink=cpy

Tickets are $26 for adults, $15 for teachers with a valid ID and $13 for students with a valid ID. Season tickets are still available as well. The box office is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before curtain for each performance. The Manatee Players are located at 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 941-748-5875 or online at http://www.manateeplayers.com.

Manatee Players add 'Legally Blonde,' 'Anything Goes' to 2012-13 season

Manatee Players add 'Legally Blonde,' 'Anything Goes' to 2012-13 season