St. Petersburg’s American Stage in the Park returns: 7 things to know for 2024

Beloved St. Petersburg tradition American Stage in the Park returns to Demens Landing Park on the downtown waterfront April 3. The annual outdoor event is the theater company’s largest production, on a stage they construct in an open field.

This year’s production is “Beauty and the Beast,” based on the 1991 Disney animated film. The “tale as old as time” has themes of redemption, love and inner beauty, with talking clocks and teapots. It includes songs “Be Our Guest” and the titular “Beauty and the Beast” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

Outdoor live theater is a unique experience. To help you navigate it, here’s what to know about the show, where to park, theme nights and ideas for snacks to bring.

What to know about this production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’

We caught up with Kenny Moten, the show’s director, and Alexi Ishida, who plays Belle. This is the first time either has worked with American Stage.

Ishida was the understudy for the role on Disney Cruise Lines — which is based on the 2017 live-action movie — but never actually got to perform it.

“It’s really nice to get to be able to revisit the original animated classic and also get to fully flesh her out, because I didn’t really feel like I got a chance to on the ship,” she said.

Ishida said she and Moten are working to bring out Belle’s “bite” — sassy one-liners that make Belle feel more contemporary than stereotypical Disney princesses.

Moten said he’s encouraging actors to not only bring themselves to the roles, but also to create a version that resonates with young people watching it for the first time.

“We’ve just taken some ideas to, you know, really kind of bring it into a little more modern times,” he said. “If Cogsworth is whistling a tune, you might hear another song that you might recognize from another film.”

The pre-show playlist is pop music-forward with a focus on being family-friendly.

“We really are creating community and a party in the park prior to the show,“ he said. “We’ve really gone into thinking about what does the experience feel like from start to finish. It’s not just the show. It’s walking to Demens Landing, it’s sitting in the park. It’s feeling that sense of community.”

Directing a show of this size is a “big lift,” Moten said, but very exciting.

“There’s just nothing like sitting outside under the stars and watching live theater,” he said.

Themed nights for 2024

While there is no official singalong night, feel free to dress in character and belt out the tunes during any show.

Preview nights are April 3-4 with reduced ticket prices: $28 for general blanket and chairs, $33 for premium blanket and $43 for premium chairs.

The official opening night on Friday, April 5, is a fundraiser. Options include a dinner table seat with tableside food and beverage service for $150 or a reserved chair with open bar option that includes wine, beer, soft drinks and light snacks for $75.

Express yourself at Pride night on Sunday, April 14.

“Bring your beast to meet their Belle” on Pets in the Park Night on Sunday, April 21.

What kind of seating is allowed

There are a few different seating options for the park shows. One is the general blanket area that allows blankets and chairs with no legs. There’s also a premium blanket option for those who want to be closer to the stage; chairs with no legs are also allowed in this section. All other chairs will be seated in the general chair section. The final section is for those who want to purchase a reserved chair seat.

Pack a picnic for American Stage in the Park

Concessions offering beverages and food will be available, including popcorn and charcuterie boards with vegan and vegetarian options.

But you can also bring in your own food. Need inspiration? A few years ago, we came up with ideas for three different kinds of picnics to bring. Think: easily packable pasta salads and make-ahead bruschetta, meats and cheeses and fruits.

Where to park near Demens Landing Park

Demens Landing Park is on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, at Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue South. These are the two closest parking options: Southcore Garage, 101 First Ave. S., $1 per hour (max $7); and Al Lang parking lot 1, 230 First St. S., $5 per day. For more downtown St. Pete parking, visit discoverdowntown.

Will bad weather cancel a show?

If it’s looking like bad weather, check American Stage’s Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates on whether the show is canceled. Ticketholders will also be notified by email and issued a credit that can be used to rebook. If you have any questions, call the box office at 727-823-7529 or email boxoffice@americanstage.org.

How to get tickets

The show runs Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. through May 5. Tickets are $35 general blanket and chairs, $45 premium blanket and $50 reserved chair. They can be purchased by calling the box office at 727-823-7529 or visiting americanstage.org. Demens Landing Park is located at Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S.E., St. Petersburg.