Mormons shut down Straz site
Well, that headline may not be exactly right. But it caught your attention, right? This upcoming arts season’s biggest draw to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is no doubt the Broadway musical comedy The Book of Mormon. It’s been promoted on billboards in Tampa and teased on television and print ads. So when the performing arts venue began selling tickets in mid August, it was no surprise that tickets were being sold faster than the Gospel could be handed out at every door. But the rush of ticket sales came at a price. The heavy traffic brought StrazCenter.org to a grinding halt the day tickets were available, causing the Straz Center to email subscribers (and the media) explaining the problem. The short, apologetic message asked those experiencing trouble purchasing online to call the box office or visit the box office in person to secure tickets. There is no doubt that the musical, penned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, will pack the large auditorium when it runs Nov. 12-24.
Watching lesbians
Seminole Heights residents Pam DiMuccio and Liz Hillen could make television history this upcoming season. The partners of 14 years are finalists on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live wedding contest, which could mean the couple’s legal wedding in New York could be televised nationally. The couple told Watermark that they had considered a wedding in the past, but always considered it just a huge party since it wasn’t legal. Now, however, with the defeat of DOMA and marriage equality sweeping across the country, the couple is ready to get hitched in front of the cameras. But to make that happen, they need votes. To push the couple across the finish line, visit BravoTV.com/Wedding and vote up to 40 times! Time is running out. Votes can be cast through Sept. 6, so get online and show support for this Tampa Bay couple!
Mary settles in Clearwater
That Hamburger Mary is such a tease! The new Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater is slowly trickling out information about the Pinellas County location, but in a way that leaves us begging for more. On its Facebook page, “Aunt Mary” has shared that her new location is 28910 US Highway 19 in North Clearwater. But what she doesn’t share is the dates of the grand opening celebration. Kurt King, who runs the Mary’s in Ybor, is behind the Clearwater location and hostess and performer Melanie Minyon, Carrie West and Mark Bias have been helping prep the restaurant for its big debut. More details will be released on that Facebook page in the coming days, so find the page and click “like” to keep up on the info.
Sir/boy contest dates set!
The Tampa Bay Leather Sir/boy 2014 contest dates have been set, and it will return to the Flamingo Resort in October. The contests sixth year will be Oct 4-6, with a kick off meet-n-greet with the judges and contestants. The following day, Oct. 5, is the contest on the outdoor stage (weather permitting) beginning at 8 p.m. And on Sunday, the weekly T-dance will have a leather theme as the winners and promoters meet and greet with guests and fans. As with past years, each night will have demonstrations and Beer busts going on to keep the festivities going. For details, visit FlamingoFla.com or TampaLeatherClub.com.
