Report on Florida Studio Theatre FST’s Court Cabaret TOO DARN HOT, developed by Richard Hopkins, Jim Prosser, and Rebecca Hopkins
Report by: Sherry Janes
TOO DARN HOT
Florida Studio Theatre is another amazing venue which makes one marvel at the seemingly endless array of theatrical offerings in a town the size of Sarasota. Not only providing variety, FST delivers a level of quality and professionalism that surprises.
Adding another dimension to the entertainment experience, the Court Cabaret also offers full dining and beverages while enjoying live entertainment.
Presenting the cabaret show, TOO DARN HOT, transports the audience back to the 30’s and 40’s when a new style of jazz and swing music produced timeless songs. Amongst the most prolific musicians of his decade, Cole Porter was also one of the most renowned and successful composer/lyricists of all time, writing over 25 musicals.
This musical revue features his most memorable hits, performed by a cast of four remarkably talented vocalists who also incorporate some of the choreography of the era. A totally entertaining and pleasurable theatrical experience, TOO DARNED HOT, should be on the list for all lovers of one of America’s all-time favorite song writers, Cole Porter. Even if not a fan of his music, this is a delightful production offering great talent and entertainment.
http://www.floridastudiotheatre.org
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CONTACT: Nicole Clayton
Public Relations Associate
(941) 366 – 9017 ext. 338
DATE: February 3, 2014
FST is Burning Up with the Opening of
TOO DARN HOT
(Sarasota, FL) — FST’s Court Cabaret heats up with TOO DARN HOT on Friday, February 19, and will run through June 7, 2014. The show is developed by Richard Hopkins, Jim Prosser, and Rebecca Hopkins. Subscriptions for all three shows can be purchased for as little as $35 and up to $49. Single tickets range from $18-$36. Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
The 30’s and 40’s brought about a new style of jazz and swing music, which boasted composers and lyricists like Rogers & Hammerstein, George & Ira Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Cole Porter was among the most prolific musicians of his decade, with timeless songs such as “It’s DeLovely,” and “I Love Paris.” Porter was one of the most renowned and successful Broadway composers/lyricists, writing over 25 musicals. Among his most successful are ANYTHING GOES, FIFTY MILLION FRENCHMAN, and the Tony Award winning KISS ME KATE.
Florida Studio Theatre is thrilled to present the cabaret show TOO DARN HOT, which transports audiences back to the sizzling, simmering musical styles of Cole Porter. Porter’s songs are filled with satiric wit and enchanting romance. His sophisticated, robust sound defined the era, and continues to influence music today.
FST Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will be directing this production, and he speaks to the perennial nature of Porter’s music, stating, “Cole Porter is one of America’s favorite song writers. [He is] witty, urbane, and heartfelt. He is also one of my favorites. An evening with Cole is like an evening at the most elegant cocktail party you could imagine: inhabited by the most intelligent people, all with a sense of humor.”
TOO DARN HOT will have a cast of four, including two returning FST performers: Stephen Hope and Gayle Samuels. Stephen Hope has performed in numerous FST shows including 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and BY GERSHWIN. Gayle Samuels has previously appeared in THE WORLD GOES ROUND and HARRY WHO. Derrick Cobey and Ruthie Stephens will be making their FST debuts.
Hope is excited to return, having established personal connections to many FST patrons. “I’m delighted to be back in front of the FST audiences. I’ve been privileged to perform for them so often that most of the faces are familiar, we’ve shared many a tune and laughed together alot. Add that relationship to the sparkling wit of a Cole Porter lyric set to an immortal Cole Porter melody – I mean, what could be better?”
TOO DARN HOT heats up the Court Cabaret on Friday, February 19 and will run through June 7, 2014. Subscriptions for all three shows can be purchased for as little as $35 and up to $49. Single tickets range from $18-$36. Subscriptions and single tickets may 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 eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman’s Club building – now 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 four theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the renovated Gompertz Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and the John C. Court Cabaret, and the Bowne Lab Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, 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.
Too Darn Hot
Performance Schedule
February 19, 2014 – June 1, 2014
John C. Court Cabaret
Tickets: $18 – $36
