Pirates Invade Demens Landing

Pirates laid siege to downtown St. Petersburg this weekend as the 23rd annual American Stage in the Park began its occupation of Demens Landing, on the corner of First Avenue North and Bayshore Boulevard.

For this year’s production, American Stage Theatre opted to produce Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance,” complete with its young lovers, pirate king and the Major General. Todd Olson, the company’s producing artistic director, helmed this production and oversaw some innovative modifications to the classic musical comedy. For starters, it’s set in modern times. Olson added some bikinis, some Gasparilla-style pirates and more contemporary sounding music to appeal to a broader audience.

The production will continue through May 4. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 p.m. Tickets range from $11 to $27 depending on day and seating preference.