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Hedwig at Jannus
April 6 - May 8 2022

Footloose

"For The Love Of Dancing"

Music by Tom Snow | Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar,
Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

Park opens at 6 PM | Show begins at 8 PM

SPECIAL DATES:

Pay What You Can Previews: April 6-7, 2022
Opening Night Gala: April 8, 2022
Pets in the Park Night: April 17, 2022
Community Celebration Night Partner: The New Barker
Pride Plus Night:
April 24, 2022

Run Time: 2 Hours and 30 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission.

Gala Under The Stars
Park Map
Tickets
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Performed at Demens Landing Park

Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes as the high-energy pop musical FOOTLOOSE dances into Demens Landing for American Stage in the Park’s 2022 production. Based on the explosive rock-n-roll musical movie, this Broadway hit tells the story of Ren McCormack, a big-city teen who finds himself out of place in a rural town where dancing has been outlawed. As he tries to carve out a place for himself, he ignites a revolution in the town as the younger generation rebels against the strict rules of the local preacher.  Through explosive choreography and invigorating songs, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the spirit and optimism of young people fighting for change.

“Exhilarating!  You’ll have a hard time staying in your seat.” –WNBC

ABOUT AMERICAN STAGE IN THE PARK

American Stage in the Park has been a celebrated Tampa Bay tradition for over thirty years. Established in 1986, American Stage in the Park was first known for producing Shakespeare to audiences in and around Tampa Bay.  In 2006, American Stage in the Park expanded to included comedies and modern musicals presented under the stars each spring at Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Pete.

PLEASE NOTE: No alcohol or pets are allowed into the park, by City Ordinance. Food and beverages (both alcoholic and non) are available at concessions.

Refund Policy: All tickets are non-refundable and final upon purchase.

Health and Safety Policy: American Stage in the Park: Footloose is an outdoor event. Please note that our health and safety guidelines will be different than our Mainstage productions.
Masks are recommended but not required for audience members.
Proof of vaccination or a negative covid will not required for this event.

Title Sponsor

Gala Host Sponsor
Partner Sponsors
  • Sherri Richie Burke

Co-Partner Sponsors
  • Sandi & Dick Averitt

Digital Program Sponsors

Media Sponsor

Print Sponsor

Signage Sponsor

Beer Sponsor

Meet The Team

Shain Stroff*
Director/Choreographer

Shain has been part of the Park production creative team since 2016 and counts Footloose as his 5th American Stage Park production. He directed and choreographed Hairspray,  choreographed and associate-directed Mamma Mia!, and choreographed Spamalot and The Producers. He won the Theatre Tampa Bay award for outstanding choreography for Spamalot and was nominated for outstanding choreography on all the American Stage in the Park productions he has choreographed. Shain recently produced, directed, and choreographed The Rocky  Horror Show and Seussical at The Alhambra Theatre. Regional direction/choreography  credits include Mame (freeFall Theatre, Saint Petersburg), Rock Odyssey (Adrienne Arsht  Center, Miami), Pippin (Show Palace Theatre, Hudson), A Christmas Carol, and many  others (Alhambra Theatre, Jacksonville). Shain has been on the production team at the Alhambra Theatre for the past five years, where he has choreographed over 25 productions and  currently serves as the associate producer and resident choreographer. He resides in Jacksonville with his partner Nicolas Feyaerts, and two beautiful rescue dogs Nadia and  Sammie. His direction and choreography work has been honored with several awards and nominations throughout the state of Florida. This year marks Shain’s 22nd year in the business. He is also a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Much love and thanks to Nicolas and his family in the Saint Louis area. Instagram: @shain_stroff

The Band
  • Keys
  • Jose Simbulan
  • Guitar
  • Paul Stoddart
  • Bass
  • Joe Grady
  • Drums
  • Burt Rushing
  • Drums (sub)
  • Melanie Downs

Meet The Cast

Alex DeLeo*
Ren McCormack

Alex is grateful to be returning to the stage in Footloose. In 2018, Alex sustained multiple ankle fractures during a performance which halted his career. He moved to St. Pete to be with family, have surgery, and begin physical therapy. “If not for the love and support of my family and friends, I would not be back on stage today.” Credits – Broadway: Wicked, Kinky Boots (TO); Nat’l Tours: We Will Rock You (Ensemble u/s Galileo), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Ensemble u/s Adam/Felicia), Bat Out of Hell (Hollander). Alex has also performed the lead in We Will Rock You (RCCL) worked regionally at The Muny, North Shore Music Theatre, York Theatre, company member of DanceLabNY, seen in the most recent Wicked commercial, signed with MSA. Attended Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for musical theatre and is currently back in school for business administration. Love to TH.

Lea Marinelli*
Ariel Moore

Lea is delighted to be joining the cast of Footloose for the reopening of American Stage in the park. Her most recent credits include Molly Jensen in Ghost The Musical at Theatre West End and young Judy Garland in Babes In Hollywood at the Winter Park Playhouse in central Florida. A native New Yorker, Lea studied at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC. From there she’s been very fortunate to travel & work all over the US, Europe and Middle East. Credits include, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK), Thursford Christmas Spectacular (UK), Lazytown Live! (international tour). She can also be seen dancing in the 2014 film “Muppets Most Wanted.” In 2017, Lea found a home at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando performing in The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue; Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Live; Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration; Celestina Warbeck & The Banshees.

Troy D. Wallace*
Willard Hewitt

Troy was most recently seen as Jiff in “Kevin Can F*ck Himself” on AMC. He was last seen on stage as Fish in The Royale at TheatreSquared. Other regional credits include: John Hunter/Ensemble in Treasure Island (Maine State Music Theatre); George Murchison in A Raisin In The Sun (American Stage Theatre Co); and Sonny In The Heights (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe). Other Film and TV credits include: Grown Noah in “Mandingo” (Sundance), Damon in “Laugh Now, Cry Later”; and Office Jock in “Workplace Jargon” (Rhino Media). He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. Troy co-founded and currently serves as President of the Black Theatre Caucus. He thanks his family, chosen family, and loving partner Ashley for their constant support. Follow him in instagram @troydwallace

Tay Anderson
Rusty

Tay is thrilled to be making her debut at American Stage! Regional credits include: Bonnie Parker in Bonnie And Clyde The Musical (Garden Theatre), Peggy Jones in The Andrews Brothers and Lois Franklin in Life Could Be A Dream (Winter Park Playhouse), Missy Miller in The Marvelous Wonderettes (Victory Productions), Madame in Cinderella and Mary Bailey in Miracle In Bedford Falls (Orlando Repertory Theatre), Enid in Legally Blonde The Musical and Ethel in 42nd Street (Maine State Music Theatre). She has participated in all four years of the Florida Festival of New Musicals at the Winter Park Playhouse, three as a performer and one as a director. She also won the Orlando Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Ambrosia Pilar in A Tennessee Walk (Garden Theatre). Much love to Mom, Dad, CK and Kaycee!

John Perez
Rev. Shaw Moore

John is an actor and singer based in St. Pete, as well as the Education & Engagement Associate at American Stage. He could not be more excited to be making his AS Park debut! Selected favorite credits include: Piragua Guy (In the Heights), Man 2 (Songs for a New World), Che (Evita), Agwe (Once on this Island), Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors), Jake (Evil Dead: The Musical), as well as world premiere readings of El Wiz, The Impossible Escape Of Don Misterioso, and Saudades.

Megan Ann Fernandez
Vi Moore

After a ten year hiatus, Megan Fernandez could not be more honored and excited to return to her theatrical roots with American Stage in the Park. After a childhood spent on stage, Megan trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she specialized in musical and experimental theatre. She has performed all over the world, including experimental theatre workshops in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Hair (Crissy/Company), Once on this Island (Company), Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche Dubois), Julius Caesar (Portia), and Red Light Winter (Christina.) In 2004, Megan played Rusty in Footloose at Sarasota’s Eight O’clock Theatre. Eighteen years later, she is back as Vi. When she is not onstage, Megan is a practicing criminal defense attorney with Fernandez Bardine Law as well as a Reiki Master and practitioner with Sacred Spaces Healing.

Emilia Sargent*
Ethel McCormack

Emilia is thrilled to be returning to American Stage. Favorites: Grounded (The Pilot; Best of the Bay and Theatre Tampa Bay awards), Silent Sky (Henrietta Leavitt, TTB award), A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche DuBois, Best of the Bay), Heisenburg (Georgie), A View from the Bridge (Beatrice Carbone), I do! I do! (Agnes), Metamorphosis (Aphrodite), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), and My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle). SAG/AFTRA member, Emilia has appeared in “America’s Most Wanted”, “22”, and is the spokesperson for “Colotraq.” M.F.A. in Directing/ Arts Administration from the University of Idaho, she serves as the Producing Artistic Director/CEO of the Tampa Repertory Theatre and runs the Emilia Sargent Studio for Voice and Acting. Her students have soared to premier collegiate programs and professional careers which reach to Broadway. This one is for her girl squad since the 1980s.

Cameron Hale Elliott*
Chuck Cranston

Cameron is excited to be back for his second production with American Stage, and especially the return of the summer park show! Last seen as Al in A Chorus Line (The Wick, interrupted), he has also been seen as Sky in Mamma Mia! (American Stage, Alhambra Dinner Theatre), Tony in West Side Story (Theater West End), Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (Henegar Center), Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Jack Kelly in Newsies (Titusville Playhouse). Based in NY, he is ready to take on the world and achieve many goals this year and future years to come after our brief theatrical pause. Thanks go out to Shain, the creative team, and American Stage for this extreme honor, and thanks always go out to mom, dad, and family for never doubting he would go far and do great things. Let’s cut Footloose!

Mac Hawbaker*
Male Ensemble/Cop/Cowboy Bob/Rev. Shaw, Wes, Coach Dunbar Understudy

Mac Hawbaker is excited to be making his American Stage debut. Some of his favorite roles include Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Carlo in My Man Godfrey. He would like to thank American Stage and his fellow cast/crew members for making this opportunity a joyous one to remember. He would also like to thank you, the audience, for continuing to support the art of Theatre.

Jada Griffin
Elenor Dunbar/Betty Blast

Jada was most recently seen as Goneril in Tampa Rep’s King Lear. Other regional credits include Ali in Mamma Mia! (Francis Wilson Playhouse), #25/ The Captain in The Wolves and Mrs. Gottlieb in Dead Man’s Cellphone (University of South Florida), Virginia Woolf in Orlando (USF BRIT program) , and professional voiceover work on a national commercial “#OneUSF” for the University of South Florida. She graduated from University of South Florida with her Bachelor’s in Theatre Performance and continued her study in a musical theatre summer intensive under various accredited instructors of Musiktheater Bavaria, originally based in Germany.

Donovan Whitney
Coach/Principal Dunbar

Donovan is happy to be returning to American Stage, and to be performing in the park show! Previously he worked at American Stage as an acting and production apprentice, and also as a teaching artist. Florida theater credits include: A Clockwork Orange (Jobsite Theater); Pipeline, Joyful! Joyful! (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe); Between Riverside and Crazy (American Stage); Evil Dead: The Musical (Stageworks Theatre). Other regional credits include: Prowess (Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis); Jubilee in the Rearview Mirror (Indianapolis Fringe); Paper Swords: A Musical (Indianapolis Fringe); Taming of the Shrew (Catalyst Repertory Theatre).

Tyler Fish*
Wes Warnicker

Wes is excited to return to his hometown of St. Pete and to American Stage in the Park after performing in The Producers as Mr. Marks/Jason Green and others. He was most recently seen in freeFall Theatre’s production of Dames at Sea (Hennesey/Captain). Some other favorite roles include Crazy for You (Bobby Child), Singing in the Rain (Cosmo Brown), The Full Monty (Ethan), Hello Dolly! (Rudolph), 42nd Street (Bert Barry), Annie Get Your Gun (Charlie Davenport), On the Town (Chip), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Kenny Franks), and Barefoot in the Park (Paul Bratter). Tyler also appeared on HBO’s “The Deuce” and performs as a member of the Voices of Gotham chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.  He would like to thank his parents for their perpetual support, and sends a special “Life is Good” to his wife Erin.

Melanie Souza*
Betty Blast/Lulu Warnicker

Melanie is thrilled to be back out in the park after this long hiatus. A native Rhode Islander who now calls Sarasota, FL home. Melanie has graced stages throughout the USA. National Tour: Menopause the Musical (Earth Mother), Favorite Regional: Mamma Mia! (Rosie), Hairspray (Prudy Pingleton), Informed Consent (Dean Hagan, Jillian’s Mother), In the Heights (Abuela Claudia), The Bikinis (Karla), Social Security (Trudy Hayman) with Barbara Eden, Addams Family (Grandma Addams), Breaking Up is Hard to Do (Esther Simowitz), Sister Act (Sr. Mary Lazarus), Stepping Out (Dorothy) with Donna McKecknie and 9 TO 5 (Roz). Love to M & D, John and Carlo for all their love and support. www.melaniesouza.com

Bryce Bayer
Bickle

Bryce was most recently seen as an Angel in Kinky Boots at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre. Other regional credits include: Roy in A Chorus Line and an Ursula Puppeteer in The Little Mermaid (St. Louis MUNY). Bryce also appeared in the Florida Festival of New Musicals last summer as Michael Darling in The Lost Girl (Winter Park Playhouse). He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. Special thanks to Bryce’s family, friends, and father. @bbayer7

Brandon Rodriguez
Jeter/Lyle Understudy

Brandon is making his American Stage debut in Footloose and is excited for the opportunity to perform again. Brandon graduated from The University of Tampa with a B.A in Music and a Minor in Theatre and Dance. He was seen in many productions such as Guys and Dolls, Pirates of Penzance and Theory of Relativity. He has also performed in other shows such as La Traviata (Straz Center); and 40 YEARS OF BROADWAY (Carrolwood Players). He’s also had the chance to dance with projectALCHEMY Momentum (Studio @620). Brandon would love to thank his friends and family for the constant support, Thank you to the amazing cast and crew and to remind his students to always follow their dreams!

Taylor Hilt Mitchell*
Travis

Taylor “can’t stand still” because he’s making his American Stage debut with this incredible cast and creative team! National Tour: Disney’s Beauty And The Beast (Tumbling Carpet), The Wizard Of Oz (Mayor of Munchkin City), Seussical: The Musical (Wickersham Brother/Vocal Captain). Alhambra Theatre & Dining: Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). Actor’s Playhouse: It Shoulda Been You (Brian), Evita (Dance Captain), Memphis (Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer), Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer). Barrington Stage: Fiddler on the Roof (Schloime/Boris). Capital Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Story (Chief Male Elf), Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain). Pittsburgh Music Theatre: Newsies (Newsboy). HUGE thanks to Shain, Mom, Marc and his family for their love and support. Proud graduate of Catholic University and proud AEA member. http://www.taylorhiltmitchell.com @taylorHmitchell

Hailey Hendrickson
Female Ensemble/Ariel/Ethel/Vi Understudy

Hailey is thrilled to be making her American Stage Park debut! Recent credits include Grease (Cha Cha/Radio Singer), Seussical the Musical (Bird Girl 2/ASL), The Merry Widow (Clou Clou), Singin’ in the Rain (Dance Captain/Female Cover), and Young Frankenstein (Assistant Choreographer). Hailey graduated from The University of Tampa with a degree in Musical Theatre. Thank you Shain for this opportunity. Love to Mom, Dad, my fiancé Erick, and the music of my childhood – Kenny Loggins. haileyhendrickson.com, @_haileyhendrickson

Bianca Chico
Wendy Jo/Rusty Understudy

Bianca is so happy to be returning for her second park show! A Florida native, she was most recently seen in South Florida’s The Polar Express Train Ride. Other regional credits include Rusty in Footloose (Alhambra Theatre & Dining); Estella in West Side Story (Show Palace Dinner Theatre); Ensemble in Mamma Mia! (American Stage). Bianca also made guest appearances in Disney’s Dance the Magic Holiday & Spring Parade; The Radio City Christmas Spectacular feat. The Rockettes (The Straz Center for the Performing Arts); Norwegian Cruise Line’s Stars at Sea. She has been more active in the dance world recently as an instructor/choreographer in Clearwater. Bianca would like to thank everyone who is involved with bringing back live theatre, you are giving a gift that is unlike any other.

Nayda Baez
Urleen

Nadya is very excited to make her debut at American Stage! A Florida native and graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy NY, her recent credits include Rosalia and Maria/Anita understudy in West Side Story  and Veronica in Heathers (Florida Repertory Theatre), Dapple Cow in Click Click Moo (Emerald Coast Theatre Company), Hermia/Snug in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She’d like to thank the creative team for giving her this opportunity. Bendiciones y amor to mom and dad. Enjoy the show!

Zummy Mohammed*
Dance Captain/ Lyle/ Chuck Understudy

Zummy is very excited to be in his first production with American Stage. He is very thankful for this opportunity and is excited that Footloose is his first contract as an Actors Equity Association member. He was most recently seen as Tateh in Ragtime at the Arden Theatre Company and Nikos/Carlos/ Ensemble in Legally Blonde at The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Other regional credits include: Bobby in A Chorus Line, Racetrack Higgins in Newsies and Rodolpho in Matilda. Zummy received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Temple University in 2019, recently moved to New York to pursue his acting career and is very thankful for this opportunity to work with such talented and hardworking artists. Zummy wants to thank American Stage, his friends and family for their support and wishes the cast and crew a great run. Break a leg!

Jada Austin
Urleen Understudy/Ensemble

Jada Austin is a singer and actress from Clearwater, FL. She is ecstatic to be returning to American Stage following her portrayal of Nana in School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play. She would like to thank her parents, brothers, and her boyfriend, Eduardo, for encouraging her to follow her dreams and for their endless love. You can follow her everywhere @missjadaa

Jessica Jennelle
Female Ensemble/Wendy Jo Understudy

Jessica Jennelle was most recently seen as Ginette in Almost, Main at West Coast Players. Other roles include The Laramie Project, Medea, and Laughing Stock all at St. Petersburg College Arts Dept. She also worked on productions such as Pippin and Into the Woods as a Props Master. She is currently studying at St. Petersburg College finishing up her transfer program to University of South Florida. She would like to thank her family, friends and Remi for the endless love and support throughout the years.

* Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an International organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org

What happens if it rains?

A little rain certainly won’t stop us, but should weather conditions look serious enough to cancel or abruptly discontinue a performance, ticket-holders will be able to exchange their tickets for another performance. If a call to cancel a performance is made prior to the show starting we will make the announcement on our facebook page.  If you have any questions you can call the Box Office at 727.823.7529 or email boxoffice@americanstage.org

Will there be food & drink available for purchase?

Need something to eat, stop by the concessions or drinkery. We will have charcuterie boards (vegan options available), snacks, popcorn with a commemorative Ragtime bucket for purchase. As well as a selection of beers and wines from local vendors.

Where can I park?

Demens Landing Park is located on the waterfront right in the heart of Downtown St. Pete. Below are the two closest parking options: Southcore Garage 101 1st Avenue South St Petersburg, FL 33701. Al Lang parking Lot # 1 230 1st Street South St Petersburg, FL 33701. For more downtown St. Pete parking visit DiscoverDowntown.

Can I bring a chair?

Chairs with no legs will be allowed in the Premium or General Blanket area. All other chairs will be sat in the General Chair section.

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Beyond The Footlights

April 21, 2022

Before experiencing the performance, join Producing Artistic Director, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, for a conversation exploring the themes, connections, and ideas that ignite us. Guest panelists include relevant voices from the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay community and beyond.

Free for performance ticket holders.

American Stage in the Park brings 'Footloose' to St. Petersburg's Demens Landing

April 7, 2022

American Stage in the Park, an annual rite of spring in Tampa Bay, is bringing a musical version of "Footloose" to St. Petersburg's beautiful Demens Landing.

The family-friendly outdoor spin on the Kevin Bacon movie classic will run April 6 to May 8.

American Stage in the Park bringing 'Footloose The Musical' to St. Pete

April 5, 2022

Get ready to kick off your shoes because "Footloose The Musical" is coming to American Stage in the Park following a two-year delay due to COVID-19.

The production, based on the 1984 film, will run from April 6 through May 8 at Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg.

American Stage in the Park returns in St. Petersburg with ‘Footloose - The Musical’

April 4, 2022

After being postponed for two years, American Stage in the Park returns to Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg with Footloose — The Musical on April 6. It runs through May 8.

American Stage in the Park returns, performing Footloose under the stars

March 31, 2022

Shows under the stars are returning as St. Pete’s American Stage has announced upcoming performances of Footloose at Demens Landing. The show is the highlight of the annual American Stage in the Park series, back for the first time since 2019, and performances run from April 6 – May 8.

American Stage getting ‘Footloose’ on its feet

March 26, 2022

It’s been three years since American Stage’s last big “park show.” In April 2019, Mamma Mia! thrilled bay area audiences on the company’s temporary stage in Demens Landing Park. The 2020 musical, the followup, was close to the starting gate when the coronavirus pandemic lowered the curtain on theatrical productions everywhere.

How long is the trail?

The trail is just under a mile. The trail is not paved but is wheelchair accessible; expect bumps in the path.

How long is the show?

Each adventure will last for approximately 60–70 minutes.

Dos and Don'ts

Do bring bug spray, a reusable water bottle, extra layers (a jacket will do!), a poncho, comfortable walking shoes, and a headlamp with a red light setting (if you don’t have one, we will provide it).

Don’t smoke or vape on the trial, feed wildlife, or bring your own flashlight.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Boyd Hill is a nature preserve; we are not allowed to bring food or drinks on the trail. There will also be no concessions for sale.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not allowed.

Where are the restrooms?

Patrons can find restrooms at the park next door to Boyd Hill, which is still located within the parking lot.  

Where should I park?

The parking lot and trail entrance are located at 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. As you walk toward the visitor center, there will be a gate to your right with American Stage signage and staff. You will enter through this gate.

Will I see snakes, alligators, and other live animals?

Since the performance is at the nature preserve, it is possible to see animals in their natural habitat. But there will be staff with you at all times.

GEt YOur TIckets Now

or call American Stage’s Box Office
at 727-823-PLAY (7529)