TAMPA — A real-life, high-stakes survival story on top of the Andes Mountains will have audiences holding their breath as Stageworks Theatre brings the acclaimed stage adaptation of “Touching the Void” — complete with an 18-foot-tall climbing wall that actors will scale during the production — to audiences. The production will run from Jan. 16 through Feb. 1 at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa’s Channel District.
Evening performances will be Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be presented Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Visit www.stageworkstheatre.org.
Based on the true story of mountaineers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ near-fatal 1985 expedition in the Peruvian Andes, “Touching the Void” captures the extraordinary test of human endurance, friendship and survival. Adapted by David Greig from Simpson’s bestselling memoir, the production blends rigorous physical staging with a gripping narrative about resilience, loyalty and the will to live against impossible odds.
In the most ambitious set and staging effort in Stageworks’ 43-year history, Suncoast Productions has designed an 18-foot-tall climbing wall that spans the stage and transforms it into a mountainscape. The immersive set enables actors to perform vertical climbing sequences live, bringing the perils of mountain climbing into the theater itself and allowing audiences to experience the altitude, danger and isolation of the Andes in real time.
“’Touching the Void’ is unlike anything we’ve ever produced,” said Karla Hartley, Stageworks’ producing artistic director, who is also directing the production. “The scale of the set — both literally and artistically — pushes us into new territory. It’s a deeply human story about resilience and the will to survive — but it’s also a thrilling theatrical experience. The climbing wall creates an environment where audiences don’t just watch the danger unfold, they feel it. That immediacy makes this true story’s triumphs and heartbreaks even more powerful.”
The production continues Stageworks’ tradition of igniting the human spirit by presenting bold, thought-provoking theater that sparks conversation and invites audiences into powerful, character-driven stories. Following this fall’s high-energy staging of “Evil Dead: The Musical,” “Touching the Void” showcases the range, ambition and artistic diversity at the heart of Stageworks’ 2025–26 season.
“Touching the Void” stars Luis Rivera as Joe, Robert Logan Mays as Simon, Brianna McVaugh as Sarah, and Seth Henley-Beasley as Richard. All of the actors are making their Stageworks debut.
In addition to Hartley, the creative team includes scenic design by Tom Hansen of Suncoast Productions, costume design by Andrés Mota, and lighting design by Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud. Heather Krueger will serve as production stage manager.
Stageworks’ opening night champagne receptions, sponsored by The Stuffed Mushroom, give all opening night ticket holders the opportunity to attend a pre-performance event with the cast for an additional $25.
Stageworks Theatre is Tampa’s longest-running professional theater company. Its mission is to ignite the human spirit and be a catalyst in eradicating intolerance through performing arts and education. Over the years, Stageworks has been honored with numerous local and regional awards for Best Theatre Company, Best Actor, and Best Director. To learn more, visit www.stageworkstheatre.org.