What better way to have a live theater experience than to go out into the woods to hear stories that stretch across the trails? Mark your calendar for Jan. 11 through Feb. 25, 2024, when American Stage will present “Tales by Twilight” at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Attendees won’t just sit back in an outdoor theater – they also will hike through an easy three-quarter mile trail to hear various parts of a play presented by six professional actors.
The idea for “Tales by Twilight” came about when “We were considering different places to stage a performance in order to engage more people in a live theater event,” producing artistic director Helen Murray says. “We approached the Boyd Hill organization, and they have been so supportive and enthusiastic.”
The performance will feature a selection of three pre-existing plays whose stories embody Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Each will run for two to three weeks, so you may want to return several times. One is a “spooky tale on the trail,” another works in harmony with nature, and the third is geared toward children. All take place during the early evening hours.
Staging a play in the woods presented some unique challenges. “We had to make sure we will not be upsetting the natural state of the Boyd Hill Preserve,” Murray says. “For example, the lighting had to be designed so it won’t disturb the creatures who live there.”
Tickets are $33 for adults and free for anyone younger than 20. “All of our American Stage shows except for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ qualify for our free Under 20 program,” Murray says. “I promise this will be a wild and cool event!”
More Upcoming Shows
There is still time to catch “acts of faith,” which runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 17 at the American Stage Theatre. It follows a young woman who gets mistaken for a prophet and begins using her “gift” to right wrongs and punish the wicked. “The Chinese Lady” will run from Jan. 31 through Feb. 25. The story of the first Chinese woman to immigrate to the United States, it is told with winking humor and forthrightness and follows the life of 14-year-old Afong Moy, who was immediately put on display for a paying public once she arrived in New York.
Bring the entire family to “Beauty and the Beast,” to be presented April 3 through May 5. It is the annual outdoor performance in Demens Landing Park. Another new location this season will be at Jannus Live, when “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will run from May 15 through June 16. This darkly humorous self-love story, powered by a live band, rock music and hard-hitting lyrics, explores gender identity, acceptance and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. “The Figs” rounds up the season from July 10 through August 4 and may feel like “the ‘Shrek’ universe on an acid trip.” It’s a story of kindness and what we’ll sacrifice for love.
Why not join in the fun and sign up for classes at the American Stage Drama School? Offered for those 5 years old through adulthood, the second semester begins in January with a variety of classes for all ability levels.
“We hope everyone will take advantage of the unique experiences you will always find at the American Stage,” Murray says.
“Tales by Twilight” runs Thursdays through Sundays at 6 and 8 p.m. from Jan. 11 through Feb. 25, 2024. Pre-order tickets at AmericanStage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Boyd Hill is at 1101 Country Club Way S in St. Pete.
