Into the woods without delay
But careful not to lose the way
Into the woods, who knows what may
Be lurking on the journey?
You can heed Stephen Sondheim’s words beginning this week, when St. Petersburg theater American Stage returns to Demens Landing Park with its annual outdoor play.
This year’s show is perfect park fodder: “Into the Woods,” the whimsical musical from legendary composer Sondheim and writer James Lapine. It follows a cast of classic Grimm fairy tale characters, but the story has a few twists and turns up its sleeve.
It runs March 25-April 26 at Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Petersburg. American Stage’s play in the park debuted in the 1980s as a monthlong series of outdoor performances and has become an annual tradition.
Attendees can choose from reserved chair seating, premium blanket seating or regular blanket seating.
If you’re OKwith sitting on the ground or on a low chair, try the blanket seating, which adds a lovely dose of whimsy to one of Tampa Bay’s most magical nights of theater. Arrive when gates open (usually at least an hour before showtime) and pack a picnic or purchase the snacks and drinks available there.
There are themed nights throughout the run of the show, including: Pets in the Park night on April 12, Rays & Rowdies Fan Night on April 17, Pride in the Park on April 19 and Tampa Bay Times night on April 23 (come say hello!).
Demens Landing is at Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S. The two closest parking options are the Southcore Garage, 101 First Ave. S., and the Al Lang parking lot 1. For more parking options, visit stpete.org.
Reserved chair (select your chair seat) tickets are $60; premium blanket (closest to the stage, general seating) tickets are $50; general blanket (behind premium blanket, general seating) tickets are $40.
Purchase online or contact the box office at boxoffice@americanstage.org or 727-823-7529.