Wristbands and a program tribute are ways the Showcase Players from Music Showcase in Brandon are remembering Zachary Douglas McCarthy, the 16-year-old voice student from Bloomingdale who died in a car accident Jan. 2.
"What Would Zachary Do?" That explains the "WWZD" stitched into the black wristbands worn by director Miquel Oquendo and his cast of players at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico this weekend. "Zachary was one of the most sweetest, nicest kids I've ever met in my entire life," Oquendo said, after the final curtain of the Jan. 26 performance of Parade, the current production of the Showcase Players. "He always had a smile on his face and his emotions were honest. I'll miss him forever." McCarthy, 16, died Jan. 2 after losing control of his car near the intersection of Natures Way and Golf Meadow Boulevard in Bloomingdale, near where he lived. He was a student at Bloomingdale High, where he was active in the band, chorus and Ambassadors …
Moby "Bruiser" Starks has a key role in the Florida Academy of Performing Arts production of "Legally Blonde the Musical!" FAOPA, in residence at Music Showcase in Brandon, is staging the production in May at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop.
It’s a family affair for Josh, Lauren, Connor and Moby “Bruiser” Sparks, who each have a role to play in the Florida Academy of Performing Arts production of “Legally Blonde the Musical!” On stage at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop this month, the production features Connor in a chorus role; his sister, Lauren, in the role as “Margo,” the lead character, Elle’s, best friend; and “Bruiser,” the family pet, in the role as Elle’s dog. As for their younger brother, Josh Starks, his role is backstage, helping to handle the family pet offstage. “It’s busy, busy, busy,” said mom, Rhonda Starks. “We’re in rehearsals every day but it’s been fantastic, meeting a lot of nice people. And the show is coming along so perfectly.” “The show has something …
"Legally Blonde the Musical!" is based on the book and movie, "Legally Blonde," and is being staged in the Greater Brandon community at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop. Opening night is May 24 at 8 p.m., with show dates through May 27.
The following report was submitted by Deborah Evans, director of community relations for the Florida Academy of Performing Arts, in residence at the Music Showcase on Oakfield Drive in Brandon. ______________ Join us for Legally Blonde the Musical! The show is performed by, The FAOPA Players, the newest theatre group with the Florida Academy of Performing Arts. The FAOPA holds its rehearsals at Music Showcase in Brandon. The musical is under the direction of Tammy Modica, who recently completed the successful FAOPA production of The Wedding Singer. The Legally Blonde production is based on the novel "Legally Blonde" and the 2001 film of the same name. It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to …
