(Sarasota, FL) — At FST the hairspray is still holding strong. Due to popular demand Florida Studio Theatre is pleased to announce the final two-week extension of Hairspray through January 24, 2015. Single tickets range from $18-49. Subscriptions are also available to see four shows for as little $49. Tickets can now be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
Hairspray has proven to have extra holding power among Sarasota audiences. “What a joy!” “What a rebel-rousing show!” “Really the best show I have seen here.” The Critics agree. The Sarasota
Herald-Tribune calls it, “A big splashy musical” and “Colorful production.” ”The Observer weighs in about this funky and upbeat production describing it as, “High octane, high energy, and high concept” with “Full-tilt performances from start to finish.”
“I’m delighted that this production is finding such a passionate and loving audience in Sarasota,” said FST Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “I’ve seldom seen such explosive energy from an audience. They literally leap to their feet at the end of the show. The audience response to the show is particularly gratifying given that this wonderful musical started from the seed of a rebellious cult film and evolved into a universal statement of love and joy that everyone can embrace. ”
Hairspray is a show for all ages. In addition to the two week extension, FST has also added additional high school student matinee performances. Students from Booker High School(including students from the Visual and Performing Arts program), Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, and Sarasota Polytechnical High School will all be bused in to see Tracy and the gang singing and dancing their way back to the 60s. Knowing first-hand the impact this show had on her life, Hairspray’s own Brooke Shapiro shares her thoughts on playing a character that relates so deeply to many teens today. “Hairspray is an important show for teens to see because although Tracy is constantly being bullied, she still fights for what she believes in. She closes her ears to the hurtful words and allows her dreams to take the lead. It is important for teens to be aware that they do not need to fit into a certain mold, they just have to be confident in themselves and they will find where they truly belong.”
Hairspray runs through January 24, 2015 in the Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets range from $18-49. Subscriptions are also available to see four shows for as little $49. Tickets can now be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
About Florida Studio Theatre
Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne’s Lab Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.
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WINTER MAINSTAGE
HAIRSPRAY – November 12 – January 11
DANCING LESSONS – December 10 – February 27
FLY – February 4 – April 4
CHAPATTI – April 8 – May 30
WINTER CABARET
WITH THE PRIMA DONNETTES – October 22 – February 5
AMERICAN PIE – December 31 – April 23
NEVER MARRY A GIRL WITH COLD FEET
AND OTHER LIFE LESSONS FROM VAUDEVILLE – February 18 – June 7
FST IMPROV
OUT OF BOUNDS MATCH UP – October 18 – January 3
WRITE A PLAY
RAP-Punzel – September 23 – November 14
