(Sarasota, FL) — Getting old is not for sissies, but it sure is good for a laugh. FST’s final Cabaret show of the Winter Season, Older Than Dirt, examines all that comes with getting older; from wrinkles to retirement. Older Than Dirt runs in the Court Cabaret from February 8 through June 11, 2017. Subscriptions for all three Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $39. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at
(941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.
Older Than Dirt provides a witty and heartfelt 360 degree view of aging. From the physical challenges to re-entering the dating scene, this concert celebrates the ups and downs of getting older. Older Than Dirt brings back the wacky writers of Laughing Matters combined with some of the funniest songs ever written on aging. From joints popping to mirrors mocking, this show proves you should never be ashamed of your age. Featuring songs such as, “Age of Urology,” “The Cougar Boogie,” “Father Time,” and “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think).”
Helping to guide audiences over the hill is Rebecca Hopkins, Lead Developer of Older Than Dirt and FST Managing Director. When writing this concert Hopkins pulled inspiration from many areas, “As a writer, I had a lot of people I could ask ‘Does this ring true?’ Or ‘Is it going too far?’ So many actually said to me, ‘No, go further.’ People want to laugh about the aging process. This show helps them face the fears of getting older.”
Cast in this production are all returning company members Dane Becker, Richie McCall, Emily Mikesell, and William Selby. Previously performing in Laughing Matters, both McCall and Selby once again bring maturity and mayhem to the Court Cabaret stage. Selby speaks to his anticipated return. “I had so much fun doing Laughing Matters (vol.5) Lock the Gates! last year. What a pleasure it is to return to FST, this time with a show I’m not quite sure I qualify for: Older Than Dirt. As I consider myself to still be a 25 year old, I don’t quite understand why I was cast. The fact that I was 25 years old a good thirty years ago, is neither here nor there. It was our Director, Richard Hopkins, who wrote back, ‘Bill, we wanted the juvenile point of view.’ This made me very happy, and I gladly accepted the part! I’m looking forward to working again with the fun and funny Richie McCall, who’ll be able to teach me a thing or two about really old age!”
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Becker’s previous FST credits include Hairspray and Inspired Lunacy. McCall’s previous FST credits include Harry Who, Laughing Matters (vol. 5) Lock the Gates!, and Never Marry a Girl with Cold Feet. Mikesell has previously performed in FST’s productions of Pump Boys and Dinettes, Guitar Girls, Urban Cowboys, and Kings of Country. Selby was most recently seen alongside McCall in Laughing Matters (vol. 5) Lock the Gates!
Older Than Dirt opens in the Court Cabaret from February 8 through June 11, 2017. Subscriptions for all three Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $39. 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 Artist, 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 Producing Artistic Director 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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