David A Straz Jr Center for the Performing Arts

This center for performing arts has a great variety of shows from comedians, to magicians, to Broadway shows.  The Straz has good seating and is clean.  Great place to see a show!

The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (better known as The Straz Center to the locals), is one of Tampa's real hidden gems. The Straz Center boasts five theaters, the Patel Conservatory, a rehearsal hall, and it's located along the Hillsborough Riverwalk. Each of the performance halls has a unique personality and each venue hosts different kinds of events from touring Broadway, grand opera, jazz concerts, performance art and a free movie series on the lawn.

Brittany and I have been a few times to see Broadway shows in the Carol Morsani Hall which features major productions of Broadway musicals, operas, ballets and orchestral concerts. Morsani Hall is listed as one of the ten best performing arts venues in the country, seating about 2500 people, which means that little ol' Tampa can bring in some of the world's best theatrical performances.

We've seen Wicked, Cats, Evita, Jersey Boys, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. All of the performances were first-class, and it's really nice to be able to enjoy such world-class shows right here in town, without paying the big New York City Theater District prices.

Self-parking is conveniently located across the street from The Straz, and they also offer valet parking, though much pricier. You can purchase drinks and snacks out in the lobby during intermission, and there is a full-service restaurant located on the premises -- though I've never tried the place.

If you like going to the theater, then I highly recommend that you take in a show at The Straz. It's a good excuse to get all dressed up and add a bit of culture to your life.

I had an overall positive experience with a large group of friends recently. No complaints about the staff. We sat in the first level above the floor and found the seats right at the balcony were really low to the ground. Like unusually low. While it wasn't an issue for our 5ft friends, the taller guys were a bit uncomfortable. It also felt like the interior was a bit outdated, which I didn't expect. I was also happy that self-parking was under $10 when my friends (who go regularly) warned that they've had to pay almost $20 in the past to valet (that's kind of obscene). Would I go back? Yeah.