CONTACT: Nicole Clayton
Public Relations Associate
(941) 366 – 9017 ext. 338
DATE: July 9, 2014
FST celebrates two legendary
performers this summer in the court cabaret
(Sarasota, FL) — Two iconic female performers are remembered and honored in song and story at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret. The final show in FST’s Summer Sidekicks Series, Somewhere Over the Rose: The Songs and Stories of Judy Garland and Bette Midler, opens August 5 and runs through August 31. Single tickets are on sale for $32. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
Paying tribute to the songs, styles, and stories of two women, this show captures all the classic spirit of Judy Garland with the fiery style of Bette Midler. Kathy Halenda returns to FST to bring a renewed existence to these legendary females. Featuring songs such as “Singin’ In The Rain,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “From A Distance.”
Halenda speaks to the task of portraying such legendary figures stating, “Somewhere Over the Rose focuses on two of my personal idols, Judy Garland and Bette Midler. Sarasota audiences have seen me portray a great lady in Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas and some great characters in The Brassy Broads of Broadway. But this show, while similar in style, explores the songs, stories, and similarities between these two incredibly different yet incredibly real women.”
Comparing and contrasting these two acclaimed women is returning FST favorite, the illustrious Kathy Halenda. She has appeared in FST productions of Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas, Brassy Broads, Dirty Blonde, Inspired Lunacy, and Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits among others. L.A. Stage describes her as “a genuine powerhouse.” Called “a red hot mama” by The New York Daily News, Halenda gives audiences a taste of the raw talent and undeniable charisma.
Getting to know these two larger-than-life performers is like a balancing act. Known for her refined elegance and flawless singing voice, Judy Garland led a private life of struggle and turmoil. Continuing to deliver performances filled with bold and brassy vocal talent, Midler has led a personal life filled with family, friends, and good fortune.
Artistic Director, Richard Hopkins, speaks to the return of this vivacious vocal vixen stating, “This summer Kathy Halenda will explore the music of her heroines. For 90 minutes, Ms. Halenda will immerse herself and her audience in the musical worlds of the legendary Judy Garland, and the incomparable Bette Midler. This event will be sure to bring out the best in Ms. Halenda. Already known for her larger than life demeanor, and brassy chops, Kathy is ready to meet the challenge of the comedy and passion found in the song book of Midler and Garland. I expect we will see and hear Ms. Halenda at the top of her form.”
Somewhere Over the Rose: The Songs and Stories of Judy Garland and Bette Midler opens
August 5 and plays through August 31. Single tickets are on sale for $32. 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 renovated Gompertz Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the 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. 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.
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
