The Cultured Dog Has Options.

On Thursday, April 14, American Stage presents the outdoor production of RENT. The evening’s extra special touches include a Pay What You Can admission price, Parkshore Grill Catering and (we think the most important touch) the ability to bring your dogs to enjoy the show.

Each year, American Stage in the Park features an outdoor performance on the waterfront at Demens Landing Park (corner of 1st Avenue South and Bayshore Boulevard SE in downtown St. Petersburg). In 2010, The New Barker hosted HAIR on opening night (unofficially called HAIR of the Dog for the evening’s performance). It was the first time American Stage had opened their production to allow dogs in the audience. So successful was the evening’s attendance, they agreed to do it again for this year’s performance of RENT.

Commenting on last year’s performance, Andy Orrell, Director of Marketing for American Stage said, “Once everyone settled in, the dogs mostly enjoyed the outdoors, taking in the Bay breeze and then cuddling up with their humans.” Orrell added, “When Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker first proposed the idea to us in 2009 it was as if a collective lightbulb went off in our heads. Of course, what a doggone great idea.”

RENT is the hit rock musical based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and is known to have changed the face of theatre forever. The story follows a year in the lives of a community of young artists, all struggling to live and celebrate life in New York’s East Village.

Demens Landing is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. What better way to catch a performance under the stars than with your dog, lounging by your side? Bring your blankets or low lawn chairs for your comfort. And you may bring a picnic basket, but adding more pleasure to this year’s outdoor production is the addition of Parkshore Grill Catering. They will be cooking up some fabulous food – cheese boxes, salads and sandwiches for sale at the park. A portion of the proceeds will benefit American Stage.

The evening’s performance begins at 8pm. Come out a little earlier to mingle with other dog lovers, some of the performers and to simply enjoy a beautiful venue. There truly is No Day But Today. Share it with your dog.