News Summary
Renowned comedian Wanda Sykes will bring her ‘Please & Thank You Tour’ to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg on May 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $61.50. Sykes, who has entertained audiences for over 20 years, continues to be a leading figure in comedy, bringing her sharp wit and engaging storytelling to the stage. Fans are advised to secure tickets early, as her performances often sell out quickly.
ST. PETERSBURG – Renowned stand-up comic, writer, actress, and producer Wanda Sykes is set to perform in the Tampa Bay area as part of her “Please & Thank You Tour.” The highly anticipated event is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. The performance will take place at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, located at 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets for the show are priced starting at $61.50 and can be purchased through themahaffey.com.
Sykes has captivated audiences for over 20 years, establishing herself as one of the leading figures in comedy. Recognized for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, she has been ranked among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America and is often regarded as “one of the funniest stand-up comics” by her peers.
Over the years, Sykes has garnered numerous accolades for her work, including three Primetime Emmy nominations in 2023. Two of these nominations were for her Netflix special “Wanda Sykes; I’m an Entertainer,” marking her sixth stand-up special. She also received a nomination for her role as Gladys Murphy in “Crank Yankers,” a character she first originated in 2004. Prior to that, Sykes earned Emmy nominations in 2020 for her portrayals in notable shows, including her role as Moms Mabley in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and voicing Gladys Murphy in “Crank Yankers.”
Background of Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes began her career in comedy in the late 1990s, quickly gaining popularity for her unique comedic style and insightful social commentary. Her influence and contributions to the comedy world became increasingly apparent as she received back-to-back Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2017 and 2018 for her role in ABC’s “Black-ish.” With each project, including films and television specials, Sykes continues to demonstrate her diverse talents and ability to resonate with audiences.
In addition to her stand-up routines, Sykes has also achieved success in television, having appeared in various shows and films. One of her most acclaimed specials, “Wanda Sykes: Not Normal,” is available for streaming on Netflix and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019. Her extensive experience in the entertainment industry showcases her versatility and commitment to delivering quality content to her viewers.
Event Details
The upcoming performance in St. Petersburg promises to be an entertaining evening filled with laughter and relatability, embodying Sykes’ signature blend of humor that touches on various aspects of life, society, and culture. As she brings her “Please & Thank You Tour” to the area, local fans of comedy can expect a dynamic show that reflects her extensive career and recent works.
With anticipation building for the May 2025 performance, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as Sykes’ shows are known for selling out quickly. The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater stands as an ideal setting for a night of comedy, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
As the date approaches, audiences eagerly await the chance to experience Wanda Sykes live in St. Petersburg, celebrating her ongoing contributions to the world of comedy and entertainment.
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Additional Resources
- TBN Weekly
- Wikipedia: Wanda Sykes
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: Wanda Sykes comedy
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wanda Sykes
- Billboard
- Google News: Wanda Sykes
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
