freeFall logo with tagline "Simply escape awhile."

What’s on at freeFall…

June 2 – July 9, 2023

OZ

music and lyrics by Michael Raabe

book by Eric Davis

Preempted from our 19/20 season, this much-anticipated world-premiere musical by freeFall’s artistic director and resident music director finally takes its turn as we close our 22/23 season. This original musical explores the genius of L. Frank Baum and his complicated relationship with his most famous creation, the Land of Oz. This is the story of a dreamer at the dawn of a new age who reinvented the fairy tale in a distinctly American way, painting an idealized and magical vision of a world where witches might be good, and what you’re seeking is already inside you.

presenting sponsors: The Garth Family Foundation – IMO Granville Curtis Garth | Kate Tiedemann & Ellen Cotton | Bill Ward
presenting sponsors: Marion Rich
community partners: Rick Behnke & Robert Newell | Betsy Schweitzer | Cherie Willard
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$29.00

Per Month

  • Admission to all freeFall events
  • See shows as many times as you’d like*
  • At least 3 unique events each mont

SUBSCRIBE!

Enjoy as much freeFall programming as you’d like, all at an amazing savings over single tickets. Join us for any and all of our programming from mainstage productions to Tandem Series cabarets and special events. With at least three unique events per month, there’s always something to enjoy.

*Some restrictions apply. See detailed description.

June 7, 2023 at 7pm

Return to Oz (1985)

part of Movies with Matthew, hosted by Matthew McGee

Dorothy (Fairuza Balk) finds that her old friends have been turned to stone, and urban blight has struck the Emerald City. Assisted by new friends, Dorothy battles the wicked Princess Mombi and the evil Nome King, saving her friends and restoring the Emerald City. You’ll love accompanying Dorothy on this second thrilling adventure based on L. Frank Baum’s “Oz” books! With every twist in the yellow brick road, you’ll find awesome new surprises and special effects that will astound you!

This screening will include a pre-show discussion with Matthew and a special guest. Return to Oz is rated PG and has a running time of one hour and forty-nine minutes.

June 15 at 7pm

Ryan James Monroe and Thomas Hodges: Time Travelers

“Spellcasting is real, but in order to spellcast, you must first travel through time. Excavating the past, visioning into the future, with feet grounded in the present moment, we will navigate our memories, our lives, and our heartbreak with a musical intensity that will leave you feeling empowered and charged with the intimate knowing that you are not alone.”

Following a sold-out engagement at New York City’s iconic Joe’s Pub and the release of their debut album TIME TRAVELERS, Ryan James Monroe and Thomas Hodges are bringing their music to St. Pete! St. Pete native, Ryan James Monroe, returns to freeFall after almost a decade where he was last seen locally in concert. 

June 23, 2023 at 7pm

freeFall Sings!

hosted by Michael Raabe

WE’RE OFF TO SING THE WIZARD – “Ease On Down” to freeFall for this Toto-ly OZ-some evening of song celebrating the music of The Wizard Of Oz, Wicked, The Wiz and all things OZ!  Led by resident music director Michael Raabe. 

August 11 – September 10, 2023

At Home with Ethel Waters

written and performed by Rose Weaver

A pioneer film, stage, television, and recording star, Ethel Waters paved the way with ground-breaking performances from The Cotton Club to Broadway. From iconic songs like “Stormy Weather” to her captivating performances in Cabin in the SkyThe Member of the Wedding, and many more, Miss Waters left an indelible mark on the world of popular entertainment and the nation.

Brought to you by Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles under the direction of artistic director, Wren T. Brown.
presented by: Al May | Brian Reale
community partners: Bill Ward | Cherie Willard

October 6 – November 5, 2023

Nightsweat

a comedy by Natalie Symons based on an original idea by Matthew McGee

When a recently canceled celebrity housewife and her entourage try to escape the media at an AirBnB in The Berkshires, things go terribly and hilariously wrong as the ladies find themselves in the middle of a manhunt for the Berkshire Strangler. The Hollywood elites find themselves triggered by mistaken identities, bad cell service, a set of twins, power outages, a missing alternator, and a mysterious landlady in this hilarious thriller from the writers that brought you The Buffalo KingsThe People Downstairs, and The Night Before.

Presented by: Michael Miller & Robert Jenkins | Bill Ward
Sponsored by: Drs. Jo Ellen & Jim Carlson | Bill & Suzanne Garth
Community partners: Pat West & Tim Doyle | Cherie Willard

November 24 – December 24, 2023

Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play

Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith
Original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz

When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes all the difference. With live Foley effects and a score of beloved holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a holiday classic that will melt even the most cynical of hearts.

Presented by: Clark-Schine Family Foundation in celebration of Marjorie Clark-Schine’s centennial
Community partners: Hal Freedman & Willi Rudowsky

February 9 – March 10, 2024

Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater

Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Additional lyrics by Dennis Green

Experience an outrageously funny fantasy about people, their pleasures and pains, a penetrating satire on insanity – a millionaire’s private lunacy. Featuring an infectious score by the Oscar-winning team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of HorrorsGod Bless You, Mr. Rosewater is a legendary collaboration between one of America’s greatest novelists and the songwriting team behind some of the greatest hits of all time.

Sponsored by: Bill Ward
Community partners: Ralph & Joanne Contursi | Gary & Linda Hansen | Judy Heintzelman | Cherie Willard

April 12 – May 12, 2024

Nollywood Dreams

By Jocelyn Bioh

It’s the nineties in Lagos, Nigeria, and the “Nollywood” film industry is exploding as the second-highest producing film industry in the world. This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy follows the story of Ayamma, a young woman who works with her sister at their parent’s travel agency, who dreams of leaving her job and becoming a star. When she auditions for a new film by Nigeria’s hottest director, tension flares with his former leading lady, and sparks fly with Nollywood’s biggest heartthrob.

Community partners: Hal Freedman & Willi Rudowsky | Cherie Willard

I challenge you to find a better theatre.  Anywhere.

Meet the cast.

Over the past decade, freeFall Theatre has proven itself to be Tampa Bay’s premier producer of musical theater.
Creative Loafing
Jon Palmer Claridge
A superb theatre for the ages, freeFall consistently delivers quality, professional entertainment.
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