FST Extends DANCING LESSONS Through 3/8

Sometimes two left feet can lead to the discovery of true grace and strength during life's most difficult steps. Join Ever Montgomery and Senga Quinn as they discover the hilarious and heartwarming truth about each other and ultimately about themselves. FST is proud to announce the extension of Mark St. Germain's Dancing Lessons, now playing through March 8 in the Keating Theatre. Subscriptions are available to see three shows for as little $37. Single tickets range from $18-49. Tickets can now be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

This smart, soulful drama of compassion and acceptance opened on December 10 in the Keating Theatre. Audiences have raved about this production. "Incredible." "Fantastic acting!" "Illuminating." The Critics agree. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls it an, "Intuitive, humorous, and perceptive play." "The Observer describes this touching and thought-provoking production as having "Brilliant dialogue" and "Vivid characters."

Playing the role of Senga, Vanessa Morosco recalls a moment of deep connection with the audience. "One night, as I received exciting news from Ever, I reached out to hug him to say thank you. Ever, we learn though the course of the play, does not like to be touched -and the audience knew that. But overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, Senga can't help herself. As I reached out to embrace him, an audience member cried out to me, 'Don't touch him!' I was so moved that this audience member was so committed to both of us. In spite of the fact that she was sitting out there in the darkness, she could not help but to break the fourth wall of the theater to try to help me. The Sarasota audiences are incredible. As Senga, I feel trapped in my tiny New York City apartment, consumed by loneliness and fear. As an actor I feel the joyous camaraderie of the audience as they open their hearts, humor, and imaginations to this beautiful story. It's as though they have all jumped into my cramped apartment with me and are supporting both Senga and me through the journey."

Jason Cannon, cast as Ever, shares this sentiment of cathartic connection between actor and audience. "What has been most rewarding is talking to audience members who have first-hand experience with family members or friends on the Autism spectrum," stated Cannon. "To hear from them that we are telling this story with integrity, humor, and empathy is so incredibly fulfilling and to know that our show has been a catalyst for real conversation in our community, seeing in real time people's assumptions about "normal" being challenged and even shattered. That's ultimately why I got into theatre in the first place. To - in my own small way - make the world a better place."

Dancing Lessons runs through March 8, 2015 in the Keating Theatre. Subscriptions are available to see three shows for as little $37. Single tickets range from $18-49. Tickets can now be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Photo by Cliff Roles