(Sarasota, FL) — Presenting a searing story of self-discovery, FST brings The God Of Isaac to the Gompertz stage to complete the 2016 Summer Mainstage Season. Written by James Sherman, this courageous and challenging journey of one man in search of answers runs from August 3 through August 21 in the Gompertz Theatre. Tickets are available online at floridastudiotheatre.org or by calling the box office at 941-366-9000.
It’s 1977 and a neo-Nazi group wants to stage a demonstration in the Jewish community of Skokie, Illinois. Isaac Adams, a second generation American Jew, wonders what his involvement should be – if anything. Determined to find the truth, Isaac journeys to find the meaning of his heritage, his relationships, and himself.
The God of Isaac is described by the Chicago Sun Times as “Hilarious, shrewd, and touching”. Broadway World calls it, “Hysterically funny…and touching.” Directing FST’s production is Associate Director, Kate Alexander. Alexander recently directed Alabama Story which was included in FST’s Dialogues on Diversity series. Alexander shares what attracted her to take the reins of this heart-warming hero journey. “There comes a time in our youth, for many of us, when we experience the rites and rituals of our inhabited world that are perceived as outmoded,” said Alexander. “Those things we held dear; our religion too can seem arcane, or seen as relics of our parents’ time. They lack meaning for us. We have an identity ‘crisis.’ We set off to find who and what we are. And so it is with Isaac.”
Playing the inquisitive Isaac Adams is FST newcomer, Sid Solomon. Solomon’s previous New York credits include The Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing. Solomon shares his personal connection to Isaac’s internal struggle stating, “What does it mean to be Jewish? It’s a question that all Jews wrestle with, many of us for our entire lives. For some, it’s tradition. For others, it’s faith. Still others find it in culture. What unites us all, I think, is the need to continually ask the question of ourselves. The question of Jewish identity is at the heart of The God of Isaac, and it’s what so excites me about coming to Florida Studio Theatre to play the title role. The events in James Sherman’s play challenge Isaac (and the audience he’s speaking to) to come to grips with what Judaism means to him. It’s a warm, funny, yet meaningful piece.”
Cast alongside Solomon are returning FST company members, Kevin Cristaldi, Eric Hoffmann, Marina Re, and Rachel Moulton. Cristaldi’s previous FST credits include Next Fall and A Triump of Love. Hoffmann was most recently seen in the lead role of FST’s hit production of Butler this past Winter Mainstage season. Moulton was last seen in Alabama Story, and audiences remember Re from her spunky spirit in Over the River and Through the Woods. Rounding out the cast is newcomer Rebeca Miller. Her previous credits include Noises Off, The Tempest, and Charlotte’s Web.
Running from August 3 through August 21 in the Gompertz theatre, The God of Isaac is a story about heritage, family, and the path to discovering oneself. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at
941-366-9000, by going online at floridastudiotheatre.org, or by visiting our 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 venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style 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. 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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