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St. Petersburg, FL - American Stage is sharing a moment of joy amidst the aftermath of two hurricanes that have devastated Tampa Bay.
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, staff members Alexandria Blaha (Company Manager) and Travis Hawkes (Video Producer) were forced to cancel their wedding set for this past weekend. Enter American Stage’s Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray, who immediately began calling around Tampa Bay to find a space before their marriage license expired.
It was Duncan McClellan who answered.
The art gallery, named after the world-renowned glass sculpturist, kindly offered to host the ceremony this Wednesday in their event space – which was thankfully intact.
“Well, we’re pleased to host their wedding as we host many events to benefit DMG school project, our Glass educational not-for-profit,” says Duncan McClellan.
“We felt so bad for them as several of their plans had to be changed because of the weather. Our gallery, sculpture gardens, and hot shop provide a wonderful setting for different types of events. All proceeds from the rentals go to our charity,” he adds.
Says Travis Hawkes: “To get married anywhere is special, but to have Duncan McClellan's gorgeous venue as our backdrop is beyond what we thought we'd have after the hurricane hit. Our original theme was "Floral and vibrant" and it's safe to say that dream has been kept alive!”
After an intimate ceremony, the wedding party will dine at a local restaurant before making their way to American Stage to see Ring of Fire. The Johnny Cash musical — plagued by its own hurricane-related cancellations — returns for its final week of shows, Wednesday through Sunday.
From Murray: “The stress, anxiety and depression that can take hold when we face times like this should not be ignored. So a wedding, and then a show about community and love - I’ll take it. Ring of Fire is soul-healing fun. I need this injection of happiness!"
The Thursday, October 17th performance of Ring of Fire will include a post-show “Hootenanny” in the theatre’s lobby. Attendees are invited to enjoy a relaxed jam session with the cast and crew after the show. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own instruments – and favorite line dances – to join in the fun.
Adds Hawkes: “Alexandria and I have both been saying that we were going to get married 'come hell or high water' and we are insanely thankful for the friends and family we have and the communities we're in for getting us to the finish line!”