It’s Showtime! Carrollwood Cultural Center’s New Community Theatre Debuts its First Production Next Month

The spirit and tradition carried by the late Mary Ann Scialdo, internationally renowned pianist and beloved teacher, will be carried on through the formation of a new community theatre at the

Although the idea of creating a community theatre had been swirling in the minds of CCC’s executive team since its doors opened on March 1, 2008, the timing hadn’t felt right until now.

The theatre company has been named the Carrollwood Cultural Center MAS Community Theatre after Scialdo, the Center’s former Artistic Director, who, at 67 years old, died in July of 2010 from brain cancer. 

Scialdo taught at Miles Elementary School and Webb Middle School before joining the team at CCC.  The petite 4’ 11” Juilliard graduate created several of the Center’s distinguished programs including the Weekend Broadway Kids Program for children 7-16 years old.

“Mary Ann was a driving force that got the cultural center on its feet. She was tragically taken from us much too soon, and this is just one way we can perpetuate her memory,” said Nancy Stearns, president of Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center (FCCC), a 501(c)(3) organization “dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents through arts and culture”.

MAS Theatre’s inaugural production will be Come Blow Your Horn, Neil Simon’s first play, which debuted in America in 1961. 

Two years later, Horn was made into a full-feature film starring the legendary Frank Sinatra.  Old Blue Eyes portrayed Alan Baker, a fast-living Casanova enjoying his bachelorhood in New York City during the ‘60’s.  Tired of living with his parents, baby bro Buddy appears on Alan’s doorstep, ready to follow in his sibling’s footsteps.  As the story progresses, one of the brothers decides to end his playboy lifestyle.

“We wanted people to be familiar with our first show.  Even if they haven’t heard of Come Blow Your Horn, everyone knows the name ‘Neil Simon,'" said Executive Director Paul Berg, who has not seen either the play or the movie. 

Although they do plan on reviving some dramatic favorites, Berg believes they will rely on more comedic performances. 

“In light of this economy, our goal is to entertain – not depress – people," he said. "Entertainment is a form of escapism, and we want to make our audience laugh.”

Stearns said she would like to see audiences embrace the community theatre idea.

“I have community theatre in my blood,” said Stearns, one of the original founders of the Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa’s oldest community theatre company.  “Although the formation of the MAS Community Theatre has been fun and exciting, our biggest challenge is to fill up those 212 seats during each performance.  Our hope is to select plays that are inviting enough to bring in a full audience.”

Less than 10 unpaid actors are needed for this play (three male and four female roles), which boasts a much smaller cast than most productions.  Open auditions were held at the beginning of this month.

“This is a new venture and that in itself is the biggest challenge.  In addition to holding active auditions, we are working hard to establish a team of sound technicians, set and lighting designers, costume designers, stage hands and more,” said Itzy Friedman, the show’s director.

“Mary Ann was a talented, loving soul, and I miss her terribly.  Before she passed, I made a promise to her to form this community theatre, and I have every intention of keeping that vow,” said Friedman. 

The center will showcase five performances between May 20– June 15, with tickets costing $10 and $15.  Attendees may purchase seats by calling (813-269-1310), stopping by, or logging onto their website.

To learn more about the Carrollwood Cultural Center, including information on the facility’s  band, chorus, classes, workshops, summer camps, art exhibits, clubs (book and bridge), youth programs, and other events and offerings, log on to www.carrollwoodcenter.org.