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Moonlight Magic: Outdoor Shows Bring Art To The Masses
Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH
The American Stage in the Park production of "Altar Boyz" opened last week at Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg.
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Published: April 17, 2009
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Five men strut across the stage, fold their arms across their chests and cock their heads for that classic poser stance as they sing "Jesus called me on my cell phone."
Laughter ripples across Demens Landing Park, where the young and old lounge on blankets and beach chairs while quietly quaffing homemade pesto pasta, cheese and crackers, and grapes and wine.
It's Pay What You Can night at American Stage in the Park with the musical "Altar Boyz," produced by the local American Stage Theatre Company. The off-Broadway play expertly chronicles the escapades of a Christian boy band (think New Kids On The Block goes born again) and marks the company's 24th annual outdoor season.
That's just about how many times Florida Blood Service co-workers Gene Young and Tim Malone have been coming to this event, back when it was called Shakespeare in the Park, long before marriages and babies, and grandchildren.
"You've just got to love a night in the park," says Young, 41, who shares the family blanket covered in pillows with wife, Susie, and 4-year-old daughter Olivia.
All that stands between the St. Petersburg family and the stage are yards of soft green grass (thanks to a good soaking rain the night before) and a breakfast tray topped with snacks, including fat rigatoni smothered in fresh pesto that took Young nearly two hours to render from his backyard basil.
Beside him sits Malone and his 5-month-old grandson, Robbie, who's happily gnawing a carrot slice.
"It's his first show," proud granddaddy boasts. "We're breaking him into the theater habit."
That's the idea behind this affordable outdoor show. Bringing the art to the masses.
For more than two decades, American Stage has been limited to a 144-seat venue at its Third Street South digs. In June, the theater moves three blocks away to 188 seats at 163 3rd St. N. for the opening of "Tuesdays With Morrie."
Taking productions to the park is a way to allow hundreds more people to see them, says marketing director Andy Orrell.
"We wanted to do something for the community, to enjoy a much larger audience," he says.
Wednesday's special preview show attracted some 244 patrons, who paid an average $5 to $10 per ticket. Tickets generally start at $11 for lawn seats and go up to $27 for reserved chairs. On weekends, the outdoor event has been known to draw close to 2,000 theater lovers.
"It's not just about the show, though," Orrell says. "It's about the experience."
Demens Landing is nestled between Bayshore Boulevard and a marina, its grounds ringed by palms and jagged rocks and its location poised for spectacular sunsets and moonlit skies.
"It's just perfect," swoons 66-year-old Faith Hoogs of Gulfport, who has attended the event almost yearly since its inception.
On this first night, she is joined by three girlfriends from Largo's Ranchero Village for Girls Night Out.
"To see a play about boys," quips Gretchen Kralles, a 65-plus snowbird from Seneca Lake, N.Y.
Pam and Dick Stern, their daughter Jan and son-in-law Jim Keck showed up early — four hours early. Four chairs and a table served them well for cards, snacks and drinks.
"It's different than being inside," says Pam Stern.
During the preshow wait, as music blares from giant speakers, Marjorie Scott's four children, ages 5 to 15, race around their blanket while Scott's niece, Tanya Walker, sets out Cheez-Its with cheese and salami.
"I used to go to this before you guys," Scott, a 38-year-old St. Petersburg native, tells the kids. "It's an outing, a little bit of culture. And it's free."
Walker, 32, hopes to set an example for her children, ages 6 to 11. And she likes the idea of passing along a family tradition. "It's something I did as a kid, so now I can bring my kids here."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: American Stage Theatre Company presents "Altar Boyz" for the annual American Stage in the Park. The musical is directed by Steven Flaa and stars Dick Baker, Jonathan Lovitz, Brendan Cataldo, Nick Cearley and Bradley Vile.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through May 10
WHERE: Demens Landing Park at First Avenue North and Bayshore Boulevard, St. Petersburg
ADMISSION: $11 for general admission lawn seats at the box office and $13 at the event for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; $14 at the box office and $16 at the event for Friday and Saturday performances; $21 for premium blanket seating at all performances; and $27 for reserved chair seating. Purchase through the box office at 211 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, or online at www.americanstage.org
INFORMATION: (727) 823-7529
Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.
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