I see a performance here at least twice a year. I would love to go more often but my schedule and inclinations don't allow it. Our group of 4 saw Raisin In The Sun and although it was a bit too long for my taste, it was a wonderful production. We usually go on Pay What You Can nights and these are the pre shows before the opening night while they are still working out any kinks but they need to have the live audience reaction to be able to gauge. I wish they would also include a way to get our feedback from these nights - maybe a form that we could drop in a box? Of course we know that you don't have to take suggestions but it possibly could be helpful. For example, I heard quite a few people comment on the length of this particular performance so there could have been a way to contract some of that dialogue without losing the power of the messages. Those nights are also open seating so if you have a group that you'd like to sit with, get there early. Very comfortable theater with good visuals throughout. And you MUST include their annual performance in the park on your calendar (Demens Landing in...
Read moreA wonderful professional theatre company creating excellent productions in a small black box theatre space. Because of its intimate size, every show has an immersive quality, as it is impossible not to be drawn in when you're that close to the stage (or even on the stage, as there was actually on-stage seating during American Stage's production of "A Marvelous Party." FUN!). This theatre offers a wide range of selections, covering (updated) classics, contemporary plays, drama, comedy, and everything in between, and let's not forget the annual "American Stage in the Park" musical at Demens Landing. There is also a lobby cabaret program with improv, story-telling, and music performances, that deserve to be checked out, along with educational programs for aspiring thespians of all ages.
American Stage has been around since the 1970s, and once you attend one of their performances, you'll understand why this has been a Tampa Bay favorite...
Read moreI saw the outdoor production of Hair at Demen's Landing. Beautiful night to be outdoors watching the energetic rendition of the groundbreaking 60's musical. The stage set up was great, the band did an awesome job and the actors were engaging. The problem I had was with the preset seat I purchased, C3. For some reason even though the production is in a park, the seats are so close together that you can't get out of the row without either stepping on the people's feet or catching the back leg of the chair of the next row, think trying to get out of the window seat on a plane close. I'm pretty agile but after tripping my way out of the row into the aisle at break time I opted not to return to my seat both because it was aggravating that the seats were set that close in the first place and that the average attendee for that show either can't or won't...
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