Are you ready to kick off your Sunday shoes? American Stage is proud to bring the iconic Footloose: The Musical to Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Pete from April 6 through May 8.
For more than 30 years, American Stage has presented an outdoor performance so everyone in the community can enjoy a professional theater experience. “Footloose was chosen because it’s a good-time, fun musical based on the movie that many people have seen,” says Rachel Harrison, associate artistic producer.
The high-energy, rock ‘n’ roll show tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to 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.
In order to welcome those who might not be able to afford a professional theater production, two preview performances will be offered on April 6 and 7 for $21 per person or “Pay What You Can” at the gate. Tickets for subsequent performances start at $21 per person when purchased in advance.
Lawn and reserved seatings are available. GENERAL Lawn Admission (ADVANCE): Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $21; Friday, Saturday: $27 GENERAL Lawn Admission (AT THE GATE): Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $32; Friday, Saturday: $37 PREMIUM Blanket Seating: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $38; Friday, Saturday: $42 RESERVED Chair Seating: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $42; Friday, Saturday: $53 Lawn admission free to children 6 and under.
To ensure everyone has a good view, only chairs without legs will be allowed in the general and blanket seating areas. A “stadium seat” is a good example of the type of chair that is acceptable. Other types of chairs can be used at the back of the general lawn seating. Many people decide to make it an even more special evening by planning picnics with food from home or from concession trucks at the site. (Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the park.) Demens Landing opens at 6 nightly, with every performance starting at 8 p.m.
Construction and Closure Details for Demens Landing
Due to the construction of the Footloose stage, Demens Landing Park will be closed for public use until the show ends on May 8. Parking for the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina will be by permit only now through May 8. The park over the First Avenue SE bridge will be closed to the public during performances.
Elaborate Sets Enhance the Production
Jerid Fox, former director of production operations, designed the Footloose sets in 2020. “They are weatherproof and very rugged,” Harrison reports, “and have a very rural look with barns, a train bridge and water tower. There will be a church and houses with dining rooms that roll onto the stage on trestles, with of course plenty of room for dancing.” “This is a very anticipated and long-awaited production,” producing artistic director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj says. “With national actors and many of our local musicians returning, folks can count on a very fun and memorable evening.”
Pre-order tickets for Footloose at AmericanStage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Demens Landing Park is at First Avenue SE at Bayshore Drive.
