American Stage Theatre Company will conclude its 29th season with the Florida premiere of Stephen Temperley's musical comedy Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins, running from July 16 through Aug. 10 on the mainstage, 211 Third St. S., in downtown St. Petersburg.

In something of a cultural coup, American Stage has cast Broadway veterans Neva Rae Powers and James Valcq in the theater’s production of the off-Broadway hit.

Powers will portray Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy socialite who suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Despite her shortcomings, her recitals brought her as much fame and celebrity as explosions of derisive laughter and critical condemnation.

Valcq, meanwhile, will fill the shoes of Cosme McMoon, a musician who initially sees Jenkins as little more than a meal ticket. With time, his contempt gives way to admiration and affection.

Performances will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees will be Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. Tickets range from $22 to $35 depending on the date and time of the performance. Pay What You Can Nights will be Tuesday, July 22 and 29, 7:30 p.m.

Neva Rae Powers and James Valcq will star in American Stage Theatre's production of Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins. Photo courtesy American Stage Theatre.

The Tampa Bay area doesn’t hold back when celebrating the nation’s birthday. From Siesta Key to Tarpon Springs, there are plenty of events planned to commemorate July Fourth, including fireworks, parades and picnics.

Maybe that’s not what you had in mind this year, though.

If you’re tired of spending Independence Day stuck in an uncomfortable lawn chair in a crowded park or fighting beach traffic following the fireworks display, the Museum of Science and Industry is offering something a little different this year.

A limited number of guests will gather at the museum to enjoy an evening featuring dinner “under the stars” inside Saunders Planetarium, dancing in the Kids In Charge children’s science center and a musical performance by Spirit of Freedom.

What about the fireworks, you may ask.

Guests will gather on top of the IMAX Dome Theatre for a 360-degree view of Tampa Bay – what better way to view fireworks.

Cocktails will start at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner seating at 7:30 p.m. Individual seats are $225. Couples are $400. To make reservations, call 813-987-6077 by June 30.

National Clean Beaches Week runs from July 1 through 7 this year, and with Independence Day just around the corner, the scheduling couldn’t be better.

In conjunction with National Clean Beaches Week and the mayor’s beautification program, volunteers are needed for beach clean-up projects at Ben T. Davis Beach and Picnic Island Beach on Saturday, July 5, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Thousands are expected to visit Tampa’s beaches on the Fourth of July and, unfortunately, that means that tons of trash will be left behind. Volunteers and city staff will be left holding the proverbial bag – more precisely, the trash bag. These respectable people will be picking up trash and litter and returning the beaches to their natural beauty following all the holiday hubbub. Gloves, trash bags and water will be provided.

The city of Tampa urges its residents to get involved to help keep the beaches clean and healthy. Furthermore, in accordance with the principles of Clean Beaches Week, beachgoers are asked to:

• Leave no trace at the beach
• Walk one mile on the beach
• Enjoy one healthy seafood meal
• Swim, surf and boat responsively.

For information or to volunteer, call 813-221-8733.

The sixth annual Dunedin Craft Festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Dunedin along Main Street.

More than 100 local and national crafters will showcase their art. Affordable, original works will be available for purchase. Sponsored by American Craft Endeavors, the event is open to the public and admission is free.

Participating crafters will sell and display works of folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, handmade clothing, scented soaps and other unique items. Visitors will have an opportunity to interact with the crafters, learn about their art and their inspirations.

If you need to get out of the heat for a little while, there are plenty of shops, galleries and restaurants in the vicinity from which to choose. The Painted Fish Artists' Studio and Gallery, for example, exhibits works of fine art. On Sunday, June 29, from 1 to 3 p.m., author Linda Taylor will be signing copies of her new book Great Women Exploring Nature: How Florida Influenced Their Lives. She'll also discuss the project which includes ten original illustrations by calligrapher Linda Renc. Bill Renc's painting 21 Palms is featured on the cover.

Restaurants, such as Flanagan's Irish Pub, Casa Tina and La Maison, serve some of the finest food in the Tampa Bay area.

Dunedin is found in Pinellas County just north of Clearwater.