Theater News

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to Be Renamed David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is being renamed the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

The new name for the center comes with the announcement of a gift from Straz’s foundation. As part of a confidentiality request in the donation agreement, the dollar amount will not be disclosed, but it represents the largest individual philanthropic gift made to a cultural institution in the bay area.

The performing arts center opened in 1987 on land donated by the city. Its construction cost $57 million, financed by private contributions and municipal bonds. The complex started out with three theaters and has grown to include two more and a conservatory.

Next week, Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure, which features Janet Dacal, Jose Llana, Karen Mason, Darren Ritchie, and Nikki Snelson, will begin performances at the center.

For further information, visit www.tbpac.org.