T H E A T E R
AMERICAN STAGE
IN THE PARK
American Stage’s 30th annual theatrical production in St. Petersburg’s Demens Landing Park brings the Tony and
Grammy-winning Broadway hit In the Heights onto the stage under the stars. Also a Pulitzer Prize finalist, this energetic,
groundbreaking musical about chasing your dreams and finding your true home has been perfectly cast and executed by
the not-for-profit 38-year old professional theatre. American Stage’s 24th annual Gala Under the Stars, an evening of dining,
bidding and theater, emceed by Jason Alpert, was chaired by the group’s board of trustees chair Matthew Conigliaro. In
the Heights will be presented in the Park through May 17th.
Dr. Kevin Gordon, the provost at St. Petersburg
College’s midtown St. Petersburg campus, and
his wife Evyan enjoyed seeing the fast-paced,
upbeat show.
Photography by Gram
Beth Houghton, executive director of St. Petersburg
Free Clinic, and her husband, former American
Stage board member and Gala chair Scott Wagman,
were table sponsors.
Nancy and Steve Westfall, whose Parkshore Grill
catered the benefit, joked about celebrating his
birthday at the alfresco Gala with his 500 closest
friends.
Kamal and Najla Majeed were impressed by
nine-year-old Annabelle Jenkins’ on-stage
presentation of money she collected for an
American Stage Summer Camp scholarship.
Dominique Heller and her husband Eric Wagman,
son of American Stage supporter Scott Wagman,
were at the table sponsored by Wiand Guerra
King, where Dominique is an attorney.
Linda and David Punzak were excited that the
2016 American Stage in the Park and Gala Under
the Stars will feature a production of the musical
comedy Monty Python’s Spamalot.
9
64 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015
NORAA