CONTACT: Nicole Clayton
Public Relations Associate
(941) 366 – 9017 ext. 338
DATE: June 5, 2014
From Nazi Germany to American Radio Icon,
FST Presents Becoming Dr. Ruth
in the Keating Theatre June 25
(Sarasota, FL) — Florida Studio Theatre announces the opening of the second show in the Summer Mainstage Season Becoming Dr. Ruth, by Mark St. Germain. The show will open in the Keating Theatre June 25 and run through July 27, 2014. Subscriptions to see all three shows of the season can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from $34-44. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
Witness the heroic journey of Dr. Ruth Westheimer as she revisits her fascinating life after the death of her third husband. From her time as a young child in a Swiss orphanage to her time working as a celebrity sex therapist, Dr. Ruth approaches the chapters of her life with a charming sense of humor. A moving, funny portrayal of one woman’s determination to survive, thrive and keep learning.
Directing the show will be FST’s Associate Director, Kate Alexander. Alexander recently directed the hit show Freud’s Last Session, also written by Mark St. Germain. When asked about her preparation process for this show Alexander stated, “In thinking about Becoming Dr. Ruth, I had a moment. Even with her hard life as a young survivor of WWII, without family and immigrating alone to Israel, she became a sniper in the Israeli Army, and forged an exemplary life study and meaning. She embodies what it means to be alive and continually ‘chooses joy.’ She is witty, funny, and brave, but beneath that is a woman. A woman who chose not to be a victim and not to surrender to the emotions of the catastrophic elements in her life. This direct ability to defy circumstance and choose the life-affirming emotion of joy is quite remarkable and a sustaining force in the play.”
Playing Dr. Ruth is returning FST company member Susan Greenhill. With previous roles including Shirley Valentine, Ficton, Southern Comforts and …And L.A. Is Burning. Greenhill speaks to the task of portraying this life force of a woman. “I look at it as if I’m inviting the audience in to experience my Dr. Ruth. Many actors have played Lincoln or Roosevelt or Golda Meir. Each have put their own stamp or interpretation on it. The most important aspect for me is embodying the heart of the character.”
Dr. Ruth has certainly garnered a reputation in her later years as a feisty yet lovable public figure. However, few know how she became this legendary icon. Becoming Dr. Ruth looks at the intimate and inspiring story of one small body that exudes strength, humor, and above all hope.
ecoming Dr. Ruth will open in the Keating Theatre June 25 and run through July 27, 2014. Subscriptions to see all three shows of the season can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from $34-44. 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 five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the renovated Gompertz Theatre, the John C. Court Cabaret and the new 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. 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.
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2014 Summer Season
Summer Mainstage:
Pump Boys & Dinettes – June 4
Becoming Dr. Ruth – June 25
Taking Shakespeare – July 23
Summer Cabaret:
At The Hop – June 10
Clearly Invisible – July 8
Somewhere Over The Rose – August 5
Improv:
FST Improv – June 7
Special Events:
Sarasota Improv Festival – July 11 & 12
