American Stage in the Park presents 'The Pirates of Penzance'
Article published on Monday, March 17, 2008 |
ST. PETERSBURG – American Stage Theatre Company presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s hit musical-comedy "The Pirates of Penzance during the theatre’s 23rd annual production of American Stage in the Park, April 9-May 4, at Demens Landing Park.
Pay What You Can nights are April 9 and 10. Gala Under the Stars, a fundraising event, is April 11.
Come again to American Stage in the Park to see the greatest musicals under the stars! But beware; pirates are landing at Demens Landing Park.
Gilbert & Sullivan struck musical-comedy gold with their band of wild, chest-pounding, crew of pirates who make it a rule never to hurt orphans (as they are all orphans themselves). "The Pirates of Penzance" is a hilariously colorful storybook adventure of fair maidens, swaggering pirates, bumbling policemen and true love that’s perfect for the entire family.
The story revolves around young Frederic who seeks to leave the Pirate King and his band of scalawags on his rapidly approaching 21st birthday. After falling in love with a Major General’s daughter, Fredric must devise a way to protect his new family from the Pirate King and his nefarious plans, while at the same time finding a way to break free from his obligations to the pirates. Will Frederic save the day?
Featuring a glorious score of several updated, Gulf Coast flavored songs, this swashbuckling classic includes the most famous patter song ever written, "I am the very model of a modern Major General".
"As we continue to evolve this fun spring tradition of theatre under the stars, we're so excited about being able to bring "The Pirates of Penzance" to Bay-area audiences," said Todd Olson, American Stage’s producing artistic director. "Adults and kids alike love this fantastic musical that’s part ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and part ‘Monte Python’s Flying Circus’, and it's just the kind of outdoor experience we've always wanted for the Park."
Directed by Olson, with music director Vince DiMura, the cast includes Zach Nadolski (Frederic), Darrel Blackburn (Pirate King), Gina Varchetto (Mabel), Jack Eddleman (Major General) , Joey Panek (Samuel), Kelly Sardinas (Betty), Steven Flaa (Sergeant), Michael Titone (pirate), Lauren Wood (Kate), Jane Strauss (Ruth), Katti Christopher (Edith), Kathryn Ohrenstein (Isabel), Derek Baxter (police) and JT Crowder (pirate).
Show time is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Tickets prices for general admission lawn seats are $11 for Thursday and Sunday performances and $14 for Friday and Saturday performances. Reserved chair seating is $26 and premium blanket seating is $21 for all performances. Kids 12 and under are free on the lawn.
Pay What You Can nights are April 9 and 10. Gala Under the Stars is April 11 (closed to general public).
For tickets or more informaton, call thee American Stage Box Office at 727-823-PLAY (7529) or visit www.americanstage.org.
American Stage in the Park is performed outdoors at Demens Landing Park, located on the corner of First Avenue North and Bayshore Boulavard S.E. in downtown St. Petersburg. The box office is located at 211 Third St. S. in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.
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Article published on Monday, March 17, 2008
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