As I've mentioned before, I'm currently in a show at Little Lake Theater called Anna in the Tropics which tells the story of Cuban cigar rollers in a Tampa-based factory in 1929. The story, which is more of a day-in-the-life character study than anything else, is well-acted and the script is award winning. There's plenty to like and appreciate about the show on its own. However, the theater has gone a little above and beyond this time to try to make the experience more than just "seeing a play" but experiencing a different "world". The theater offers and sells themed deserts and drinks to match the shows, it hosts talk-backs after the performances, it uses real cigars (rather than a fake stage-version) and it intentionally pre-scents the theater with fragrance to put the audience in the spirit of the show before it even begins.
Today, in just a few hours, the theater is even hosting a "cigar tasting" event before the performance, sponsored by a local business. While I've never smoked in real life, I'm curious to stop by the event is see just what the world of "cigar tasting" is really like. It's clear that the cigar-culture is a bit more refined than a joyless cigarette habit, and that, if used rarely, it's possible to appreciate cigars without becoming addicted. I have no intention to use cigars regularly, or perhaps even ever again once the show is done, but I appreciate the chance to see what they're all about while I'm involved in this production.
Live theater is much different than TV, movies, or sports. I think events like this let it tap into some of its strengths, rather than just falling short when compared directly to other forms of entertainment.
Today, in just a few hours, the theater is even hosting a "cigar tasting" event before the performance, sponsored by a local business. While I've never smoked in real life, I'm curious to stop by the event is see just what the world of "cigar tasting" is really like. It's clear that the cigar-culture is a bit more refined than a joyless cigarette habit, and that, if used rarely, it's possible to appreciate cigars without becoming addicted. I have no intention to use cigars regularly, or perhaps even ever again once the show is done, but I appreciate the chance to see what they're all about while I'm involved in this production.
Live theater is much different than TV, movies, or sports. I think events like this let it tap into some of its strengths, rather than just falling short when compared directly to other forms of entertainment.
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