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What's on stage this week: Darci Lynne Farmer, Florida Orchestra does Michael Jackson

 
Singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, 13, the 2017 America's Got Talent winner, comes to the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts on May 12, 2018. Jerry Hymer Photography.
Singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, 13, the 2017 America's Got Talent winner, comes to the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts on May 12, 2018. Jerry Hymer Photography.
Published May 9, 2018

AGT WINNER: DARCI LYNNE FARMER

By the time Darci Lynne Farmer took the America's Got Talent stage with her puppet, Petunia, the young ventriloquist had already won entertainer of the year honors at American Kids in Branson, Mo., and an International Mini Miss pageant. But her endearing renditions of Summertime and Smokey Robinson's Who's Loving You? put her career on a new track, earning multiple standing ovations from judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell on the way to the 2017 title.

"Before meeting (Cowell) I was very intimidated," Darci Lynne told the Times. "But he is absolutely one of the nicest people you will meet. He is very kind."

The seventh-grader from Oklahoma City said she's loving her national tour, including her first visit to Florida. 7 p.m. Saturday at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. $29.75 and up. (813) 229-7827. strazcenter.org.

Read the full interview with Farmer at bit.ly/tbtstage.

KING OF POP: ORCHESTRA DOES MICHAEL JACKSON

Singer James Delisco, the Florida Orchestra and a rock band join forces to remember Michael Jackson this weekend. Delisco, a countertenor with a five-octave range, originated a similar show in 2010. Before that, he went on two national tours as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neely, who played Jesus in the movie.

In 2015 and with the guidance of Jackson's family members, Delisco developed a smaller tribute show coinciding with his single, Thank You Michael, and including the singer's razor sharp dance moves. Brent Havens conducts. 8 p.m. Friday at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 892-3337. floridaorchestra.org.

LAWYER PSYCHIC: STEVEN THE MEDIUM

In 2010, Steven Macek, a lawyer based in Stoughton, Mass., visited a psychic, who surprised him with a question. The medium "looked straight at me and said, 'Do you know you have abilities?'?" Macek wrote on his website. That validation made sense to Macek, who said he had been able to communicate with his father growing up, despite his father's death. He went on to take courses in mediumship and clairvoyance, earning certifications that are as important to him as his law degree. Since then, Steven the Medium has been performing readings in front of audiences. This one will benefit Rescue a Dog. 6 p.m. Thursday at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Murray Theatre, 1111 N McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $50 and up. (727) 791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.

UNIQUE VOICE: MIKE BIRBIGLIA

In an age of performers with vastly eclectic careers, Mike Birbiglia struck comedy gold early. He applied to Harvard to write for the Lampoon, then turned his rejection into a bit. He joined an improv troupe at Georgetown University and began performing at clubs in Washington, D.C.

Don't Think Twice, the 2016 film he wrote and directed, stars Keegan-Michael Key as a talented performer who takes credit for a skit the entire improv troupe created. Cast members include Birbiglia as the group's leader, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, Chris Gethard and Tami Sagher. Birbiglia will touch on some of those experiences in his standup act. 7 p.m. Sunday at the 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. $34.50 and up. (813) 229-7827. strazcenter.org.