“dynamic” - Bradenton Herald

“inventive” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“exceptional” - Longboat Observer Pictured: Sarah Ellis, Chris Anthony Giles, and Alexander Stuart with ensemble. Photos by Matthew Holler. by Photos Stuart and Alexander with ensemble. Giles, Anthony Chris Ellis, Sarah Pictured: SARASOTA’S CONTEMPORARY THEATRE 2019-20 WINTER SEASON Welcome to Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre. Our 46th season is filled with award-winning plays and new premieres that were selected with you in mind.

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 finest playwrights, actors, and directors of our day, FST produces the best theatrical experiences for you at prices that are among 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 our audiences continue to grow? Because FST produces plays that explore the things that matter to you today. We produce human stories of our age. We speak to a modern audience. We speak to a contemporary audience. We speak to you.

From the beautiful, tender story of Steve Martin’s and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star to the stunning drama of American Son, to the touching and outrageously funny The Legend of Georgia McBride, we produce shows that illuminate the universal themes of our lives. Our Cabaret Theatre produces the brilliant lyric poets of our day from Cole Porter to Billy Joel to Johnny Cash. We are successful because we are accessible in thought and in price to everyone. Our low ticket prices ensure that anyone can see a show at FST for about the price of seeing 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.

Sincerely,

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

* TCG; Theatre Communications Group 2017 survey of professional American Theatres. sarasota’s contemporary theatre

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE • 4 Mainstage Shows for as little as $69 • 3 Cabaret Shows for as little as $49 • See the best in contemporary theatre • Save as much as 50% over regular single ticket prices • Enjoy our FREE exchange policy • Online ticketing 24 hours a day • Never miss a show

Jordan Bellow, Omar Edwards, Terrell Wheeler. Photo by Matthew Holler. Left to right: Montae Russell by Brian Braun, Michelle Pruiett and Ben Paul Williams by Matthew Holler, Rainbow Dickerson by Maria Lyle.

4the CONTEMPORARY mainstage PLAYS 3 ENTERTAINING REVUES BRIGHT STAR FLORIDA PREMIERE. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony® Music, Book, and Story by nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a Steve Martin. Music, Lyrics, sweeping musical tale of love and redemption. Literary editor Alice and Story by Edie Brickell. Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II who Begins Nov. 6, 2019 awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their Gompertz Theatre unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past. What she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. “Magical. Romantic. Pure.” -The New York Post

A young woman from Israel, Ayelet, reluctantly joins her HANDLE grandmother on a trip to the . Circumstances both WITH CARE absurd and tragic bring Ayelet, who has little command of the By Jason Odell Williams English language, together with Josh, a young American man who Begins Dec. 11, 2019 has little command of romance, on Christmas Eve. Is their inevitable Keating Theatre love an accident…or is it destiny, generations in the making? “Hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” -New York Times

AMERICAN Set in a Miami-Dade police station in the middle of the night, a mother is hunting for answers about her missing teenage SON son. Soon her husband appears, and the evening spirals out By Christopher Demos-Brown of control. Fresh from its critically-acclaimed Broadway run, Begins Jan. 22, 2020 this powerful drama tackles family relationships, love, loss, Gompertz Theatre and identity. “Gripping new play” -Variety

He’s young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the door, and he’s The Legend just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters of Georgia even more desperate, Casey is fired from his gig as an Dinner and a Drink, Anyone? McBride Elvis impersonator in a run-down, small-town Florida bar. By Matthew Lopez When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace Begins April 1, 2020 his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show Gompertz Theatre business—and himself. “A stitch-in-your-side funny new comedy” -New York Times Left to right: Ben Mackel, Nathaniel P. Claridad, Jannie Jones, Julianna Davis Ditmyer, and Tamra Hayden. Photos by Matthew Holler.

the cabaret3 ENTERTAINING REVUES was “The King of Cool.” His effortless charm That’s AmorÉ ! and smooth voice made him a star who captured our By Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins. hearts. From his early days in Martin and Lewis, through Arrangements by Jim Prosser. film, television, and the , this timeless music revue Begins Sept. 25, 2019 celebrates the great songbook of Dean Martin. Featuring Court Cabaret such hits as “,” “That’s Amoré,” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” “The good Lord gave me talent and I’ll use it until it runs out.” –Dean Martin A rousing celebration of songs by the rugged outlaws of Outlaws and country music and the angels who loved them. With hits Angels by legendary “outlaws” like Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, By Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins. and Johnny Cash and “angels” such as Tammy Wynette and Arrangements by Jim Prosser. Dolly Parton, Outlaws and Angels tells the American story of Begins Nov. 20, 2019 lessons learned from hard knocks and lively living. Featuring Goldstein Cabaret such songs as “I Walk the Line,” “Desperado,” “The Bargain Store,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” “Life is a song to me.” –Dolly Parton

There was one constant in America in the 1960s: change. New musicians, writers, and artists inspired a cultural Light My fire revolution across the country. With hits by Bob Dylan, By Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and more, Light My Fire Arrangements by Jim Prosser. Begins Feb. 5, 2020 celebrates the musical soundtrack of one of America’s most Court Cabaret turbulent and electrifying decades. Featuring such songs as “She Loves You,” “Somebody to Love,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and “Piece of my Heart.” “Singing is like loving somebody.” –Janis Joplin Dinner and a Drink, Anyone? FST’s Cabarets offer full service restaurants in Parisian Cabaret settings with fresh foods baked daily and your favorite apéritifs made to order. “A delightful way to enjoy an evening.” - SRQ Magazine

Doors open one hour prior to performance. “There is no doubt in mymind that Florida Studio Theatre is onto something.” – Talkin’ Broadway MAINSTAGE 4 Shows For As Little As $69!

FULL YOU SUBSCRIPTION SERIES PRICE PAY Previews at 8pm (Limited) $116 $69 Back Row Bargain (Limited) $116 $69 Matinees at 2pm (Sun) $154 $89 Matinees at 3pm (Wed, Fri, Sat) $154 $89 Weeknights at 8pm (Tues, Wed, Thu) $154 $89 Weekends at 7pm (Sun) $154 $89 Weekends at 8pm (Fri, Sat) $166 $99 CABARET 3 Shows For As Little As $49! FULL YOU SUBSCRIPTION SERIES PRICE PAY Previews SOLD OUT $54 $49 Matinees at 2pm (Sun, Wed, Sat) $108 $69 Weeknights at 7:30pm (Sun, Wed, Thu) SOLD OUT $108 $69 Weeknights at 6pm (Tues) $108 $69 Weekends at 6pm (Fri, Sat) $117 $69 Weekends at 9pm (Fri, Sat) $117 $69

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Joe Casey. Photo by Matthew Holler. by Photo Joe Casey. STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER CH-23631. 1-800-435-7352 https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/giftgiversquery/giftgiversquery.aspx

Sponsored in part by the State 1241 N. Palm Avenue of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the Downtown Sarasota National Endowment for the Arts. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 1. Yes, I Would Like to Subscribe and SAVE!

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Signature I prefer to receive my tickets via email Jamie Day. Photo by Maria Lyle. Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 224 MANASOTA, FL $49! 1241 North Palm Ave. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Sarasota, FL 34236-5602 3 SHOWS FOR AS LITTLE AS Chris White andRachelMoulton. Photo by Holler. Matthew

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