Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre

“dynamic” - Bradenton Herald

“exceptional” - The Observer

“inventive” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

Tapr

ena M

ichell

e Aug

ustin

e, Sa

rah H

und,

Mich

ael D

aly, a

nd Pa

trick

No

onan

. Pho

tos b

y Bria

n Bra

un, M

atth

ew H

oller,

and M

aria

Lyle.

2017 SUMMER SEASON

to Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre. This summer you will have three shows in the Mainstage and three shows in the Cabaret to enjoy all summer long. This season features a melting pot of song, love and laughter. That’s six great shows to enjoy in the “off-season” in Sarasota.

We are located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. FST’s campus is a village of theatres, each small in size and large in impact. Our five theatres provide an intimate and engaging setting for high-quality, professional performances. By attracting the top playwrights, actors, and directors of our day, FST produces the best theatrical experiences for you at prices that are the lowest of any theatre in the nation.

At FST we play to capacity audiences and boast the largest subscription audience of any theatre in Florida.* Why do audiences love us? Because we produce plays that explore the real issues of our day and the gripping human stories of our age. We speak to a modern audience. We speak to a contemporary audience. We speak to you. From the charming ‘coming of age’ musical Burt & Me (featuring the hit songs of Burt Bacharach), to the touching and very funny Doublewide, we produce shows that illuminate the universal themes of our lives. We are successful because we reach everyone. We reach the heart. Our low ticket prices ensure that anyone can see a show at FST for about the price of going to a movie.

If you want great contemporary theatre, not to mention a good seat, I invite you to subscribe today. FST is a theatre big enough to serve you and small enough to know you. These plays are your plays: the reflection of your life and of the world we live in. Florida Studio Theatre is dedicated to providing you with a theatrical experience that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains. Enjoy.

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director* TCG; Theatre Communications Group 2011 survey of professional American Theatres.

Welcome sarasota’s contemporary theatre

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE• Save over 50% off regular prices• Enjoy our liberal exchange policy• Online 24 hours a day• See the best in contemporary theatre• Never miss a show• 3 Summer Mainstage Shows for as little as $39• 3 Summer Cabaret Shows for as little as $39

sarasota’s contemporary theatre

Stacey Harris, Gil Brady, Randy Glass, and Stacey Scotte. Photo by Amy Steinmetz.

Burt & MeBook by Larry McKennaMusic & Lyrics by Burt Bacharach & Hal David

Begins May 31, 2017Gompertz Theatre

The AbsoluteBrightnessof Leonard PelkeyBy James Lecesne

Begins July 5, 2017Keating Theatre

DoublewideBy Stephen Spotswood

Begins August 2, 2017Gompertz Theatre

Joe and Lacey, high school sweethearts, once shared the love of basketball and Burt Bacharach. After meeting years later, Joe comes up with an elaborate scheme to get Lacey back through the soundtrack of their youth. A coming of age story featuring the music of Burt Bacharach, with songs such as “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’.”“Brilliant” -Broadway World

In this AWARD WINNING SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL PREMIERE, tenacious and flamboyant 14 year-old Leonard Pelkey disappears. A small town New Jersey detective slowly unravels the mystery, portraying over a dozen eccentric characters along the way. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.“Life changing” -Forbes

Jim Starkey’s American Dream is a modest one: to replace the family’s doublewide trailer with a comfy house his daughter can inherit. His family’s aspirations, though, may be shaped by forces and desires beyond his control. A heartfelt and resonant comedy about one blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them... and to each other. NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE!

941.366.9000

The Swingaroos. Photo provided.

the mainstage3 CONTEMPORARY PLAYS

Dinner and a Drink, Anyone?The Green Room Come Early, Come Hungry, Leave Satisfied.

Join us in The Green Room prior to your performance! Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling the Box Office.

Jeffrey Plunkett and Kim Sullivan. Photo by Amy Steinmetz. Marina Re, Andy Prosky. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Joe and Lacey, high school sweethearts, once shared the love of basketball and Burt Bacharach. After meeting years later, Joe comes up with an elaborate scheme to get Lacey back through the soundtrack of their youth. A coming of age story featuring the music of Burt Bacharach, with songs such as “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’.”“Brilliant” -Broadway World

In this AWARD WINNING SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL PREMIERE, tenacious and flamboyant 14 year-old Leonard Pelkey disappears. A small town New Jersey detective slowly unravels the mystery, portraying over a dozen eccentric characters along the way. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.“Life changing” -Forbes

Jim Starkey’s American Dream is a modest one: to replace the family’s doublewide trailer with a comfy house his daughter can inherit. His family’s aspirations, though, may be shaped by forces and desires beyond his control. A heartfelt and resonant comedy about one blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them... and to each other. NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE!

The JerseyTenorsBy The Jersey Tenors

Begins June 13, 2017Court Cabaret

The Blue Eyed BettysBy The Blue Eyed Bettys

Begins July 18, 2017Court Cabaret

Roar! The Music of the 1920’s and BeyondBy Carole J. Bufford

Begins Aug. 22, 2017Court Cabaret

The newest Opera/Rock mash-up sensation that creates an explosive blend of iconic music. From the opera classics to artists such as Queen, ABBA, Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Springsteen, and more – The Jersey Tenors will have you singing along as they raise the roof with their powerful voices.“High energy” – Herald & Review

With Daniel Emond on banjo, Sarah Hund on fiddle, and Ben Mackel on guitar, The Blue Eyed Bettys delight with their contemporary bluegrass sound. An original music group formed while performing in the hit FST Cabaret show Poems, Prayers, and Promises, audiences are snapped to attention with their powerful vocals, three part harmony, inventive storytelling, and natural onstage chemistry. “Exciting” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Featuring classics from the Jazz Age songbook made famous by the likes of Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Helen Morgan, Ruth Etting, Al Jolson, and more. Join as Carole travels back to a time where flappers, vamps, and sheiks were shimmying in gin joints as a whirl of great social and political change happened all around them.“One of Cabaret’s brightest rising stars” - TimeOut

the cabaret3 ENTERTAINING REVUES

Carole J. Bufford. Photo by Seth Walters. Ben Mackel. Photo by Matthew Holler.The Swingaroos. Photo provided.

Dinner and a Drink, Anyone?FST’s Cabarets are full service restaurants in a Parisian Cabaret setting with fresh foods baked daily and your favorite apéritifs made to order. “Hunkering down in the cozy FST Cabaret is always a delightful way to enjoy an evening.” - SRQ Magazine (Doors open 1 hour prior to your performance).

Marina Re, Andy Prosky. Photo by Matthew Holler.

floridastudiotheatre.org

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!“You should be going to FST.” - Venice Gondolier

SUMMER MAINSTAGE3 Shows for as Little as $39!2017 SUMMER MAINSTAGE

Previews at 8pm (Wed, Thu)

Back Row Bargain (Limited)

Matinees at 2pm (Sun)

Matinees at 3pm (Sat)

Weeknights at 7pm (Sun)

Weeknights at 8pm (Tues, Weds, Thurs)

Weekends at 8pm (Fri, Sat)

$75$75$108$108$108$108$117

$39$49$59$59$59$59$64

FULLPRICE

YOUPAY

Arthur W. Marks. Photo by Maria Lyle.

1241 N. Palm AvenueDowntown Sarasota

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

SUMMER CABARET3 Shows for as Little as $39!2017 SUMMER CABARET

Previews at 7:30pm (Tues, Wed)

Limited Vision (Limited)

Matinees at 2pm (Sat, Sun)

Weeknights at 7:30pm (Sun, Tu, Wed, Th)

Weekends at 6pm (Fri, Sat)

Weekends at 9pm (Fri, Sat)

$54$102$108$108$117$117

$39$49$59$59$64$64

FULLPRICE

YOUPAY

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!1. Yes, I would like to Subscribe and SAVE 50%!

2. Pick your Series: (from the chart on the left)

3. Add up your Total!

4. Payment:

Name Phone ( ) Email Address City State Zip

Summer Mainstage Series: # of Subscriptions Price Per SubDay/Time

x

x

=

=

=

$

$

$Summer Cabaret Series: # of Subscriptions Price Per Sub Day/Time

Handling Fee: $3.00 PER Subscription Handling Feex

# of Subscriptions Handling Fee/Sub$3.00

GRAND TOTAL: $

Check

Credit Card

VisaMaster CardDiscoverAmerican Express

941.366.9000 www.floridastudiotheatre.orgfst@floridastudiotheatre.org

BE A FRIEND: Make a $35 or more tax-deductible contribution to FST. (Mark an X through if uninterested)

$Donation

35.00

Jamie Day. Photo by Maria Lyle.

Exp. Date: ______/_______

Signature: _________________________

CVV: ____________

NON-

PROF

IT O

RG.

U.S.

PO

STAG

EPA

IDPE

RMIT

NO

. 224

MAN

ASO

TA, F

L

fst@

florid

astu

diot

heat

re.o

rg

SUBS

CRIB

E NOW

!

3 sho

ws fo

r $39

Sara

sota

’s Co

ntem

pora

ry T

heat

re

florid

astu

diot

heat

re.o

rg94

1.36

6.90

00

1241

N. P

alm

Aven

ueSa

raso

ta, F

L 342

36-5

602

Sid Solomon and Rachel Moulton in The God of Isaac. Photo by Matthew Holler.