St Louis's Municipal Opera in Forest Park – fondly referred to as the Muny – began life in 1918 when crews built the entire theater between two huge oak trees in just 49 days and is the country's oldest outdoor venue.

Over the years, the Muny's productions have attracted such theatrical luminaries as Debbie Reynolds, Pearl Bailey and Lauren Bacall and this season's program will include familiar classic shows such as My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof.

Some of the most up-to-date and hottest productions regularly premiere amongst the annual program of seven musicals including contemporary shows like High School Musical and The Producers.

But where the Muny differs from most other theaters is that you don't have to pay to get in if you don't mind sitting at the back.

Prices for those who wish to pay begin at $9 but 1,500 of the 11,000 seats are given away free on a first come, first served basis and many bring a picnic to enjoy while they queue.

These tickets will place you in the last nine rows and regulars recommend you take binoculars for when the curtain rises at 20:15.

The Muny prides itself on emphasizing the scale of its shows with extra special touches – this season, a real helicopter will fly overhead during the evacuation scene in Miss Saigon.