St. Pete’s American Stage, which has put on incredible performances with its “Beyond the Stage” series, has broken the mold yet again. The celebrated theatrical company debuted “Tales By Twilight” this January, an outdoor theater experience taking place in the woods of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve every weekend through February 18, making this weekend the final opportunity to experience this amazing show.
Tales By Twilight offers guests two different plays to choose from, each selected specifically for their adaptability to the nighttime splendor of Boyd Hill under the stars. Don Zolidis’ 10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse ran from January 12-28, and now Ron Fitzgerald’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve is being performed from February 2-18.
Unlike normal outdoor theatre that takes place on a set stage, the entire grounds of Boyd Hill are the stage, as both guests and performers traverse the trails of the nature preserve. While the performance makes stops along the way, where each stop takes place in each show is left entirely in the hands of the individual director.
“I’m excited about the idea of the audience physically moving through different scenes on the nature trail, engaging with the story on a more personal level, and feeling connected to the natural environment,” says Ashley White, Associate Artistic Director at American Stage.
There are six shows per weekend, with each play being performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm and 8 pm throughout their individual runs. Tickets for each show, available while supplies last, are $35.
10 Ways to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse, January 12-28:
10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, is an outrageous comedy in which two guides offer tips to survive an ever-present zombie horde. “It kind of lends itself to a non-traditional setting,” says Anthony Gervais, who will direct the piece. Gervais is currently an artist in residence at Studio620, and recently appeared in White Rabbit Red Rabbit. “What I really think is cool about it is the perspective switch that happens when you’re not sitting in a dark room, but standing on your feet in a different environment while watching the play. It revitalizes that experience. It wakes you up a bit.”
The Diary of Adam and Eve, February 2-18:
In February, Boyd Hill will become a proverbial Garden of Eden for The Diary of Adam and Eve, a humorous and reflective reimagining of the creation myth, based on Mark Twain’s short story of the same name. The play chronicles the first couple through their tumultuous first meeting, fall from grace, and lives beyond Eden. The story, which takes place entirely in nature, is a match made in heaven for Boyd Hill. “The audience will experience a sense of immersion and participation in the story as they traverse the Boyd Hill nature trail through the story,” says Ashley White. Dylan Barlowe will direct.
Tales by Twilight will take place at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL. The entire series runs January 12 – February 18, Friday – Sunday. Tickets and more information are available here.
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