American Stage Hosts Gala Under the Stars

What do you get when you combine downtown St. Pete’s waterfront view with a big city performance? The American Stage Theatre Company has been answering that question, now, for 27 years. This year’s theatre choice is the Rocky Horror Show.

The “American Stage in the Park” series started almost 30 years ago and was originally called “Shakespeare in the Park.” It was not until 2006 that organizers decided to broaden the performance options and not limit the shows to just Shakespearean works.

“It’s just been growing and growing and growing,” said Stephanie Snyder, Marketing Director for American Stage.

For 2012, American Stage hosted a gala event on Friday night to launch the popular performance series. The fundraiser included a silent and a live auction, a gourmet dinner by Parkshore Grill and a sneak peak performance of the Rocky Horror Show.

Snyder revealed some exciting opportunities that this year’s series has to offer. “The Rocky Horror Show has its own performance within the performance,” explained Snyder. “This year, we have participation kits for sale at the concession stand.”

The $5 kit includes: newspaper, water gun, glow stick, rubber glove, melba toast, bubble maker, piece of plaid and a playing card.

Another unique offering this year is the onstage seating. There are 10 seats, located onstage, up for grabs for each performance. For ticket information and themed nights, see the chart below.

Friday night marked the beginning of the month long performance series. The last show will be on May 13th. The shows run weekly, Wednesday through Sunday, at 8 p.m.

• Tickets:

General Admission Lawn Seats:

Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday- In advance $11; At the gate $13

Friday and Saturday- In advance $14; At the gate $16

Select Seating Options:

Onstage Seating (only 10 seats available per show) $35, Wednesday- Sunday

Reserved Chair Seating $27, Wednesday- Sunday

Premium Blanket Seating (or lying down) $21, Wednesday- Sunday

• Theme Nights:

Bicycle Night- Every Sunday (4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13)

Motorcyle Night- Friday, 4/20

Pets in the Park Night- Sunday 4/22

Runner's Night/St. Anthony's Triathlon- Friday, 4/27

Pride Night- Saturday, 4/28

Hospitality Night- Sunday, 4/29

Demens Landing is located at 1st Ave. S. and Bayshore Blvd SE.

Will Call opens at 5:30 p.m.
Gates open at 6 p.m.