AMERICAN STAGE ADVENTURES
“in search of...America” HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS: WE’RE GOING FOR A RIDE! Dear Theatre Lover, s the Producing Artistic Director of American Stage, this is an exciting time of year for me. The announcement of our 2016-17 season is my first opportunity to personally craft the line-up of powerful plays that we plan to produce for the Tampa Bay community. Since my arrival in 2015, I've spent a lot of time watching and listening. What I've learned is that American Stage audiences want to experience compelling stories told with a high level of passion and professionalism; stories that surprise you, move you, and offer contemplation... oftentimes all in the same night.
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I believe that now more than ever live theatre is one of the most exciting mediums, not only for entertaining us, but for deepening our understanding of ourselves, our world, and our connection to one another through the vibrant and impactful art of live storytelling. As one great playwright put it:
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” -Oscar Wilde
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2016 - 2017 SEASON
in search of...America
With this in mind, as I was researching my first season of plays for American Stage, it was impossible not to have that process informed by what’s going on in the world around us. At a time when profound questions are being asked about what America is…and what we will become, this season we’ll go on a bold journey to investigate a dynamic range of American experiences, asking questions about the world in which we live. From regional premieres of new works to contemporary favorites to reimagined classics; from smart comedies to psychological thrillers to poetic dramas; I’m thrilled and proud to take you on an exploration of the American experience with powerful stories full of ideas, humor, and heart. Our 2016-17 Season invites you to think, laugh, cry, gasp, and above all, to lean forward as we venture together IN SEARCH OF…AMERICA. Please join me and the American Stage team in our 2016-17 "search." I am so excited to share these tremendous plays with you and don’t want you to miss a single moment of what promises to be an unforgettable season. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
CREDITS
Stephanie Gularte Producing Artistic Director American Stage
Above: Kim Sullivan in JITNEY (photo by Chad Jacobs), (L-R) Juliana Davis and Jed Peterson in THE 39 STEPS (photo by Chad Jacobs), Janis Stevens in 4000 MILES (photo by Kara Goldberg); Pages 4-11: 2016 - 2017 Season artwork by Tracy Copes; Photography by Joey Clay; Page 12: (L-R) Juliana Davis, Jed Peterson, Joey Panek, and Richard Watson in THE 39 STEPS; Page 13: Nikole Williams and ZZ Moor in INTIMATE APPAREL; Back Cover: (L-R) Eddie Ray Jackson and Nikole Williams in INTIMATE APPAREL, Brad DePlanche, J.J. Tiemeyer, and Company in SPAMALOT, Colleen Cherry and Becca McCoy in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY.
727.823.PLAY (7529) | AMERICANSTAGE.ORG
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SEPTEMBER 07 - OCTOBER 02, 2016
Is it strength of character or just a few lucky breaks that determines our fate?
BY DAVID
LINDSAY-ABAIRE
in search of... THE AMERICAN DREAM
Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, where this month's paycheck covers last month’s bills, and where Margie Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Facing eviction and scrambling to catch a break, Margie thinks an old fling who's made it out of Southie might be her ticket to a fresh new start. But is this apparently selfmade man secure enough to face his humble beginnings? Margie is about to risk what little she has left to find out.
"…poignant, brave and almost subversive in its focus on what it really means to be down on your luck." - NY Post.
How do you recognize an impassioned visionary from a cunning conman?
in search of... AN AMERICAN IDOL
Considered by many to be Moliere’s strongest and funniest work, TARTUFFE gets a modern update in this brand new American Stage adaptation. Orgon, a wealthy American businessman entrusts his reputation and his fortune to up-and-coming politician, Tartuffe. As the cunning and lusty imposter insinuates himself deeper into his household and his family, the status quo of Orgon’s world gets turned thoroughly and hilariously upside-down. "…an astonishingly delightful romp…" - NY Post.
OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 20, 2016
JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 19, 2017 AUGUST WILSON CENTURY CYCLE FINAL INSTALLMENT
How do you discover your identity when your heritage has been stolen from you?
BY AUGUST
WILSON
in search of... A NEW BEGINNING
In a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911, owners Seth and Bertha Holly play host to a makeshift family. Each denizen of the boardinghouse has a different relationship to a past of slavery as well as to the urban present. They include proprietors, an eccentric clairvoyant with a penchant for old country voodoo, a young homeboy from the South, and a mysterious stranger searching for his wife. One of the most spellbinding and emotionally rich plays in the Cycle, JOE TURNER shines a light on America’s newly freed men and women determined to take their rightful place in a new world. "Has the haunting power of a ghost story…Electrifying." - The Washington Post
Is your DNA your destiny?
BY DEBORAH
ZOE LAUFER
in search of... A CURE
With genomic breakthroughs happening at breakneck speed, we can learn more about what our futures may hold than ever before. But how much should we know? And who gets to decide? An electrifying new play by one of the most exciting voices in American theatre, INFORMED CONSENT is a powerful drama about one woman’s quest to answer the mysteries of science and her own life. Inspired by a landmark court case between one of the country’s largest universities and a Native American tribe, INFORMED CONSENT takes us into the personal and national debate about science vs. belief. "…urgent, challenging and of the moment, grappling with concepts that scare us and intrigue us." - The Cleveland
MARCH 15 - APRIL 9, 2017
MAY 31 - JUNE 25, 2017
What is the cost of American capitalism in the Middle East?
BY AYAD
AKHTAR
in search of... A FREE MARKET
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar lays bare the raw, unfettered power of global finance in this intense, fastmoving, and contemporary political thriller. American banker Nick Bright finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when an Islamist militant group kidnaps him in Pakistan. When the United States won’t negotiate for his release, Nick offers to raise the $10 million ransom on his own by teaching his captor, Bashir how to play the stock market. In a race against the clock to save his own life, Nick must ask: is the price of freedom something he’s willing to pay? "...a scary (and dreadfully funny) treatise on the universality of human greed." - Variety
Has technology brought us closer together or made us virtual strangers?
BY
LAURA EASON
in search of... A CONNECTION
This smart and sexy play encapsulates the divide between Gen-X and Gen-Y, two demographics separated by only a few short years, and an expansive gulf of technical predilections. When twenty-something sex blogger Ethan tracks down his idol, the gifted but obscure forty-ish novelist Olivia, he finds they each crave what the other possesses. As attraction turns to intimacy they inch closer to getting what they want, while also confronting the dark side of ambition and the trouble of reinventing oneself when the  past is only a click away. "...a hell of a lot of fun." - The Hollywood Reporter
JULY 12 - AUGUST 6, 2017
APRIL 19 - MAY 14, 2017 AMERICAN STAGE IN THE PARK
hairspray
GALA UNDER THE STARS is on April 21, 2017 Our Largest Opening Night Party of the Year!
Music: Marc Shaiman
It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable "pleasantly plump" teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do!
Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Book: Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan
WINNER! BEST MUSICAL TONY AWARD
"The Ultimate Feel Good Show" - Guardian Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters
it ' s a wonderful life A LIVE RADIO PLAY BY JOE LANDRY
LI MI T E D RUN! This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, and live, on-stage sound effects, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. "One of the best holiday shows around. Fresh and inventive. Highly recommended." - Chicago Sun-Times
DECEMBER 10 - 24, 2016 HOLIDAY SHOW
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE SPOTLIGHT SERIES Join us to explore the themes and artistry within each mainstage production.
FOREWARD Take your theatre-going experience to the next level through a series of informative and entertaining lectures. Professor Emerita, Dedee Aleccia, will speak on the history, context, and characters of select plays within our season. Following her presentation, a member of the creative team will talk about their approach to the production being discussed.
prologue Arrive early and enjoy our new interactive prologue series. This discussion will explore fascinating details about the play and the artists prior to select performances.
chatback Join us after select performances for an exciting and illuminating conversation with the actors about the performance you just experienced! 12
2016 - 2017 SEASON
Opening Night The excitement of an opening night is positively infectious! Before the show enjoy an open bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from some of St. Pete's best restaurants. After the final bows, you are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, and staff in the theatre lobby for dessert, coffee, and conversation.
young american night On this night, twenty-somethings can experience the power of live theatre, enjoy drink specials, and mingle with the artists at an exclusive after party for only $15.
pride night Spend a night OUT at American Stage! Before the performance, mix and mingle with friends old and new, enjoy drink specials, experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes presentation, and hear from prominent members of the LGBT+ community.
in search of...America
ACT ONE CLUB
SUPPORT POWERFUL STORIES. BOLDLY TOLD. As a nonprofit, 501 (c)3 professional theatre company, American Stage depends on the generosity of a strong community of supporters to help us present world-class theatrical productions and arts education. Your contribution to our annual fund will provide the steady stream of support vital to our year-round pursuit of excellence.
Every Gift Creates Impact! Whether $100 or $10,000, your tax-deductible gift to our annual fund makes a difference and will be recognized with donor benefits as an ACT 1 CLUB member designed to bring you even closer to the theatre-making experience.
DONATE TODAY
Online: americanstage.org/donate Phone: 727.823.1600 x 203 Email: development@americanstage.org American Stage operates as a non-profit professional theatre and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, registration #CH-4175. A copy of the official registration and financial information for American Stage (CH4175) may be obtained from the division of consumer services visiting www.800Helpfla.Com or by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
727.823.PLAY (7529) | AMERICANSTAGE.ORG
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box office information HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm and one hour before performance until intermission Saturday - Sunday: One hour before performance until intermission
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Wednesday at 7:00PM *New Time! Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8:00PM Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:00PM
2016-2017 MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCE PRICING
Wednesday Previews “Pay What You Can” at the door or $15 in advance Thursday Previews $29 Wednesday and Thursday Evenings, Saturday and Sunday Matinees $39 Friday and Saturday Evenings $49 Opening Night *includes pre and post show reception $59
Discounts available for students, seniors, active and retired military, and local artists.
HOW TO BOOK
WEB AMERICANSTAGE.ORG
PHONE 727.823.PLAY (7529) IN PERSON 163 3RD ST N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701
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2016 - 2017 SEASON
in search of...America
Subscribe and Save Become a 2016-2017 American Stage subscriber to venture “In Search of...America” and save up to 25% off single ticket pricing.
Subscribers enjoy the following benefits: . Huge savings over single tickets . Priority seat-selection . Special savings on additional single tickets . No-fee ticket exchange (when 24-hour notice is provided) . Lost ticket insurance . Special pricing on select American Stage events . Exclusive subscriber rewards card for savings at local restaurants and shops
6-PLAY PACKAGE
Select any six mainstage plays for as low as $23 per ticket and enjoy all the additional benefits.
FREEDOM PASS
Opening Night
$270
Weekend Evenings (Fri and Sat)
$222
Weekend Matinees (Sat and Sun)
$192
Weeknights (Wed and Thurs)
$186
Thursday Preview
$138
the ultimate freedom!
The Freedom Pass gives YOU the flexibility to see all six shows (one ticket per show), but on your own terms to accommodate your on-the-go lifestyle. Book your dates as you go or all at once – you have the freedom to see each show when you want. $222
5-PLAY PACKAGE
Select five mainstage plays plus additional benefits.
Opening Night
$235
Weekend Evenings (Fri and Sat)
$195
Weekend Matinees (Sat and Sun)
$170
Weeknights (Wed and Thurs)
$165
YOUNG AMERICAN PASS
Are you in your 20s? Become a Young American to experience unlimited powerful, visceral, and bold theatre – whenever and however often you choose!* Only $15 a month *For more information or to order, call our box office or visit online.
727.823.PLAY (7529) | AMERICANSTAGE.ORG
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SUBSCRIBERS SAVE UP TO 25% OFF SINGLE TICKETS
JOIN THE SEARCH
AMERICA
in search of...
2016-2017 SEASON Newspaper Media Sponsor:
Radio Sponsor:
Media Sponsor:
Mainstage Sponsor:
163 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727.823.PLAY (7529) WWW.AMERICANSTAGE.ORG
POWERFUL STORIES. BOLDLY TOLD.
Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
Services & Facilities: The theatre features accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, listening system & seating
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 100 Tampa, FL