Cool plays, comedy when it's hot outside

Catch a cool show when it's too darned hot

Find a refuge from the heat and food for thought at these stage performances in the Tampa Bay area:

1 You can catch Mamma Mia! in theaters or live on the stage at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The show runs Tuesday to Aug. 24. Tickets are $42 to $80. Toll-free 1-800-955-1045; www.tbpac.org.

2 Head to Ybor City to catch a performance of The Full Monty by the MAD Theatre of Tampa at Hillsborough Community College, Palm Avenue and Avenue Republica de Cuba, in Ybor. Performances through Aug. 31. $18 to $22. (813) 386-6173 or www.madtheatre.com.

3 Maybe satire is your cup of tea. If so, Embedded at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is just the ticket. Tim Robbins' play runs through Aug. 31. Tickets are $24.50. (813) 229-7827 or www.jobsitetheater.org.

4 Catch a midweek laugh with Joe Delion at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at Coconuts Comedy Club, at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort in St. Pete Beach. $15. (727) 360-5653 or www.coconutscomedyclubs.com.