ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (May 7) – High-quality drama, music and art will be featured each night for a entire week when Florida’s First Coast Arts Festival comes to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 18-24. Presented by the University of Florida’s College of Fine Arts, the Festival features nightly theatrical and musical performances as well as the 2009 Juried Student and Alumni Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition.

The dramatic performances include Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen’s romantic masterpiece about five English sisters and their search for husbands; The Complete Works of Shakespeare, abridged, a hilarious romp through 37 of the Bard’s greatest works in only 90 minutes; and Grease, the classic musical tribute to life in an American high school in the 1950’s.

The Festival’s musical performances include A Night at the Opera featuring unforgettable pieces from classic operas and outstanding arias, duets and quarters by legendary composers performed by a 25-voice concert ensemble. In addition, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present an inspiring Americana Pops concert.

The Festival will also feature the 2009 Juried Student and Alumni Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition with award-winning creations inspired by ecology, theology, African religion, human perception, fiber arts, and more.

The Festival schedule::

May 18 8:00 PM - Grease

May 19 8:00 PM - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare abridged

May 20 8:00 PM - Pride and Prejudice

May 21 8:00 PM - A Night at the Opera

May 22 7:00 PM - Pride and Prejudice
9:00 PM - Grease

May 23 7:00 PM - The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra - Americana Pops Concert
9:00 PM - Grease

May 24 5:00 PM - Pride and Prejudice
7:00 PM - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare abridged
9:00 PM - Grease

Tickets are priced at $20-$25 per evening and are available at www.ticketmaster.com (venue: St. Augustine Amphitheatre). For complete festival details, go to www.floridasfirstcoastartsfestival.com . Florida’s First Coast Arts Festival is funded in part by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.

For more information on events and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.653.2489.

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