This week is the last call for shows under the stars, as St. Pete’s American Stage enters the final performances its wildly popular annual series of shows in the park at Demens Landing. This year, American Stage is producing Ragtime – the Musical in the Park with a nine-piece live band and 23 actors, 16 of which are local.

Ragtime has taken the stage five days a week since April 12, and its final five shows are this Wednesday-Sunday. The annual show in the park is, far and away, the city’s most widely-attended theatrical experience every year, and with a bigger cast and production than ever, this year’s edition is has been a grand repeat of that performance.

Tickets for individual shows are available now, with options for general admission seating, premium areas, or reserved chairs. GA ticketholders are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to help enjoy the show under the stars. Remaining shows take place May 10-14, this Wednesday-Sunday, each beginning at 7:30 pm.

Ragtime is a multi-time Tony Award winner, one of the country’s most celebrated stories of Americana. Set in the melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future and the power of the human spirit to overcome.

The gigantic cast is made up locals, seasoned actors, and for the first time ever, the production will feature two child actors – members of American Stage’s educational programs eager to make their debut on the big stage.

Tampa Bay’s longest running theatre company established Park Series over 30 years ago

Since 1977, American Stage has been dedicated to telling meaningful and compelling stories with integrity and professionalism. As the Tampa Bay area’s longest-running, most critically-acclaimed professional theatre company, they seek to bring the power of quality live theatre to each generation in the community.

Established in 1986, American Stage in the Park was first known for producing Shakespeare to audiences in and around Tampa Bay. In 2006, American Stage in the Park expanded to included comedies and modern musicals presented under the stars each spring at Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Pete.

“Our annual Park show is one of the most impactful services that we offer the City of St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area,” Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray said. “It is a beautiful intersection of our city and our art. We look forward to welcoming audiences from far and wide as they grab their picnic blankets or get a couple chairs, enjoy some tasty treats, and watch great theatre under the stars.”

Tickets to Ragtime are available here, with shows running April 12 – May 14.