What to see at Tampa Bay theaters in the new year

The new year is here, so why not resolve to see more local theater? There are outstanding professional theater companies in Tampa Bay presenting thoughtful, provocative and sometimes just plain fun shows.

Broadway is also still in town at Tampa’s David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. First up is the revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical comedy “Company” (Jan. 9-14). Then it’s “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” (Feb. 7-18), a colorful spectacle that brings Baz Luhrmann’s film to life. strazcenter.org.

Here’s what local companies have on the roster in January and February.

Early Bird Dinner Theater

One Slight Hitch (Jan. 6-Feb. 18): This farce by cranky comedian Lewis Black follows a bride on her wedding day as her mother tends to making the preparations perfect. When the doorbell rings, all hell breaks loose. $50, includes dinner. 13355 49th St. N., Clearwater. 727-446-5898. earlybirddinnertheater.com.

Jobsite Theater

Twelfth Night (Jan. 17-Feb. 11): The theater’s commitment to presenting the works of William Shakespeare continues with this comedy, with music composed by Jeremy Douglass. After a shipwreck, young Viola thinks her twin Sebastian has drowned and sets off to explore the land on her own. She disguises herself, and mistaken identity and unrequited love ensue. Tickets start at $20 and are subject to increase upon demand. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. jobsitetheater.org.

American Stage

The Chinese Lady (Jan. 31-Feb. 25): The play follows 14-year-old Afong Moy as she arrives in New York in the 1800s, the first Chinese woman to set foot in the U.S. She’s immediately put on display as a sideshow act. It sounds dark, but it’s billed to be “told with winking humor and forthrightness.” Tickets were not on sale at time of publication. 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529. americanstage.org.

Tampa Repertory Theatre

Straight White Men (Feb. 1-18): This comedy penned by Young Jean Lee — the first female Asian American playwright to be produced on Broadway — explores privilege and identity in 21st century America. When three brothers gather at their childhood home for Christmas, the conversation turns to the challenges of being a straight white man in a changing world. Directed by Emilia Sargeant, this is “a must-see for anyone who has ever loved, hated, or been a straight white man.” The company offers choose-your-price tickets that range from $12 to $60. University of South Florida Theatre Centre, TAR 120, 3837 USF Holly Drive, Tampa. 813-556-8737. tamparep.org.

The Off-Central Players

Whiskey & Soda (Feb. 1-11): It’s 1979 in Washington, D.C., and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is in town. While preparing for her speech at the White House, she invites John Lennon over for a drink and a proposition that could change the course of his life. $15-$35. 2260 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-202-7019. theoffcentral.com.

Freefall Theatre

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (Feb. 9-March 10): This musical comedy is a collaboration between legendary late novelist Kurt Vonnegut and the Oscar-winning songwriting team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Millionaire Eliot Rosewater’s journey to find himself brings him to his family’s struggling hometown in Indiana. Misadventures change Eliot and the town irrevocably. $55, $25 youth tickets. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205. freefalltheatre.com.

Stageworks Theatre

I Am My Own Wife (Feb. 9-25): Based on a true story, this tells the tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transgender woman who survived the Nazi and East German Communist regimes. $45-$50, $50 opening night. 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-374-2416. stageworkstheatre.org.