News Summary
Tampa is abuzz as ‘The People Downstairs’, a comic drama by Natalie Symons, prepares for its debut at Stageworks Theatre. Originally scheduled for 2020, the show faced delays due to COVID-19 but is now set to run from this Friday until February 23. Featuring a talented cast and exploring the character-driven narrative of Mabel Lisowski and her family, this production marks a significant return for Symons, who will also act in the play. Theater enthusiasts are eager to experience this much-anticipated performance.
Tampa Prepares for the Debut of “The People Downstairs”
The beautiful city of Tampa is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes the much-anticipated opening of Natalie Symons‘ comic drama, The People Downstairs. The show is set to hit the Stageworks Theatre stage starting this Friday and will run through February 23. This is a huge moment for Syoms, who has faced quite the rollercoaster ride since the production was first set to launch.
The Journey to the Stage
Originally developed and workshopped at the American Stage in St. Petersburg back in early 2020, The People Downstairs was all set for two preview performances on March 11 and 12 of that same year. But as we all know, the world had other plans with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing everything to a sudden halt. After 19 long months of waiting, the play finally returned, albeit with a limited three-week run that included socially distanced seating. Unfortunately, many eager fans were left disappointed when they couldn’t get a seat to see what Symons lovingly crafted.
What’s the Play About?
The narrative dives deep into the lives of its characters, focusing on Mabel Lisowski, who is not only nearly blind but also struggles with agoraphobia. She shares her world with her alcoholic father, Miles, who works as a mortician, and Todd, an introverted mortician’s helper who adds to the dynamic. The interplay of these characters offers both humor and poignancy, making it a gripping watch.
A Multifaceted Talent
In addition to her impressive writing endeavors, Symons has also made a remarkable comeback to acting—a role she had not tackled since 2015. This time, she will be stepping into the shoes of Mabel, one of the main characters. It’s certainly a challenge, but knowing Symons, she’s likely to bring a unique perspective to the role.
Familiar Faces Behind the Scenes
The production is in capable hands, with Karla Hartley, Symons’ old classmate from their theater days, serving as the artistic director of Stageworks Theatre. She is also involved in reviving the play. The talented cast is rounded out with Don Walker portraying Miles, Gavin Hawk as Todd, and Hartley herself taking on the role of Shelly Williams, the court-appointed worker. The production is directed by Kristin Clippard, ensuring every scene lands just right.
What’s Next for Symons?
After facing the trials of the last few years, it seems that good times are ahead. Symons is already setting her sights beyond this production. She has plans for additional runs of The People Downstairs and is currently in the works of writing a screenplay alongside another mystery novel. Her debut novel, Lies in Bone, has already made waves, winning the 2021 Best Book Award from the American Book Fest.
Final Thoughts
As Tampa gears up for this reimagined production, theater enthusiasts are hopeful for a successful run. With Symons back in the spotlight and a talented team backing her work, The People Downstairs promises to deliver an engaging experience. So, if you’re in the area, grab your tickets and come support this amazing local talent — it’s sure to be a captivating performance!
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Natalie Symons – The People Downstairs Lives On
- Wikipedia: Theatre
- St. Pete Catalyst: Arts Alive Podcast – Playwright Natalie Symons
- Google Search: Natalie Symons
- St. Pete Catalyst: At American Stage, The People Downstairs Makes Its Long-Delayed Debut
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drama
- St. Pete Catalyst: Weekend Arts Forecast – Whole Lotta Laughs
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
