Cultural Center Delivers Laughter, Drama

Carrollwood area residents hoping to catch live theater with a twist of comedy or a dash of drama don’t have to drive far. The Carrollwood Cultural Center’s February lineup delivers both laughter and tears.

On tap this month are two special appearances by acclaimed British actor David Payne in his one-man production of “An Evening with C.S. Lewis.”

This performance shouldn’t be missed, said Evelyn Bless, vice president of the center’s board of directors.

"When I saw ‘An Evening with C.S. Lewis’ last year, I was – to use Lewis' own phrase – 'surprised by joy,'" said Bless. "The one-man show was the best theatre I'd seen in years: powerful and uplifting."

Payne brings “An Evening to C.S. Lewis” to the 4537 Lowell Road stage Feb. 16 at 2 and 8 p.m.

He returns to the center Feb. 17 to deliver “Prisoner of Passion,” which is the story of Apostle Paul during his arrest in Rome. This show only has one scheduled appearance at 2 p.m.

“Using dialog taken almost entirely from the New Testament, this theatrical performance takes on a new and thrilling dynamic as the drama unfolds,” wrote Adrienne Hutelmyer, the center’s spokeswoman.

Advanced tickets for either of Payne’s shows are $20 for members, $24 for nonmembers and $22 for seniors age 65 and up. Day-of-show tickets are $22 for members, $26 for nonmembers and $24 for seniors.

‘Comedy in Motion’

While Payne brings drama to the local stage, Dan Kamin wants to leave his audience laughing.

Kamin, a comedian and performer, appears this Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. in “Comedy in Motion: A Cheap Evening of Expensive Theatre.”

“He’ll lampoon overpaid and egotistical performers of all kinds, including pompous opera singers, obnoxious know-it-all magicians and feuding ‘Dancing with the Stars’ hopefuls,” Hutelmyer wrote about the show.

Tickets for Saturday’s performance are $20 in advance for members and $26 for nonmembers. Day-of-show tickets are $22 for members and $26 for nonmembers.

To find out more about the shows or to buy tickets, visit the Carrollwood Cultural Center online. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office, 4537 Lowell Road.