FENCES Breaks 5,000 In Attendance, Sets New Attendance Record

American Stage Theatre Company has never had over 5,000 patrons attend a Mainstage Series production in its 31 year history...until now.

The recently closed FENCES, the third production of American Stage's commitment to perform all ten of August Wilson's plays, had a total of 5,928 attendance for its five week run.

"The interest and support we have received from audiences in Tampa Bay has been amazing," said Todd Olson, American Stage's producing artistic director. "To not only have over 5,000 people come out to enjoy the poetry of August Wilson's FENCES, but to almost break the 6,000 in attendance mark is an incredible testament to our patrons and their love of live theatre."

The rest of the top five attended plays in American Stage's history are DOUBT (4,682), TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (4,601), A TUNA CHRISTMAS (4,453), DINNER WITH FRIENDS (4,327) and ANNA OF THE TROPICS (4,272).

FENCES played from Sept. 15 thru Oct.18, and was directed by Timothy Douglas.

American Stage continues its first full season in the Raymond James Theatre with the new holiday classic, THIS WONDERFUL LIFE, running Nov. 18 thru Dec. 27 (no performances on Nov. 26 and Dec. 25, and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances on Friday, Nov. 27). "Pay-What-You-Can" nights are Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.

It's Christmas Eve and George Bailey stands on a snowy bridge ready to jump...when a guardian angel intervenes! Thus begins the most irresistible "what if" story of all time, a
visually stunning stage adaptation of Frank Capra's classic holiday film that is sure to capture your heart and captivate your spirit. Steve Murray and Mark Setlock's one-man tour de force starring Christopher Swan (MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS) bursts with hope and humor and delivers a witty and moving story brimming with nostalgia and imagination.

American Stage Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1977. The company's mission is to create the most satisfying live theatre in the Tampa Bay area, accessible to all members of the community. Their vision is to preserve the greatest human stories from our past, while creating the most defining stories and storytelling of our time. American Stage presents its six play Mainstage Series on its brand new 182-seat Raymond James Theatre each year. The very popular American Stage in the Park celebrates its 25th Anniversary year. The theatre's other programming includes: After Hours Series, School Tour, and classes and summer camp for children. The Hough Family Foundation is the season sponsor, Raymond James is the Mainstage sponsor, Bank of America is the education partner and WUSF 89.7 is the radio sponsor of American Stage.

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