Florida Repertory Theatre Extends FASCINATIN' GERSHWIN Through 3/22

Florida Repertory Theatre has announced the opening of Fascinatin' Gershwin, a glamorous evening at the theatre that celebrates the music that defined a generation.

Lush, sophisticated, and full of joy, this dazzling revue of the Gershwin songbook opens in the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Jan. 28 to over two weeks of sold out performances, and plays an extended run through Mar. 22.

Written, conceived, and directed by Florida Rep Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, Fascinatin' Gershwin takes audiences back to the glitz and glamour of the 1930s, and features over forty classic songs that are now American standards. This elegant cabaret evening is a journey through the music of George and Ira Gershwin, and includes "Swanee", "Fascinatin' Rhythm", "The Man I love", "Someone to Watch Over Me", "They Can't Take that Away from Me", "Summertime", "Our Love is Here to Stay", and many more.

Fascinatin' Gershwin was written and conceived more than thirty years ago and premiered at New York's now famous night Club, Don't Tell Mama's. The premiere production was hailed as "Impressive!" by The New York Times, called "Cabaret Artistry" by Backstage Magazine, and given "Three Cheers" by The New York Post.

Fascinatin' Gershwin is being revived and refreshed by Cacioppo and his team, and features an all-star line-up of New York musical theatre talent-all of whom are making their Florida Rep debuts. The ensemble cast includes Scott Guthrie, Arlo Hill, Michael McAssey at the piano, Julia Osborne, and Danielle Erin Rhodes.

Mr. Guthrie comes to Florida Rep after a recent appearance in the regional premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Next to Normal with Sarasota's Florida Studio Theatre, and extensive work all over the northeast. Mr. Hill, a recent Harvard graduate, was seen most recently in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera. Mr. McAssey is an actor, singer, and pianist whose work has been seen on Broadway, Off Broadway, and in regional theatres and national tours across the country. Ms. Osborne has performed extensively in New York, internationally, regionally, and toured the country in the recent Tony-winning revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific. Ms. Rhodes, whose work at the piano is also featured in Fascinatin' Gershwin, has worked extensively in regional theatres across the eastern US, in New York, and Europe.

Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Clybourne Park), directs the production again after having conceived the revue in the early 1980s, where the first of many productions, enjoyed a lengthy run at Don't Tell Mama's on 46th Street. Cacioppo is joined on this production by his original creative collaborators, music director, Victoria Casella; chroeographer, Arthur D'Allessio; and assistant director/choreographer, Michael Marotta (who directed last season's hit, A Grand Night for Singing). The creative team for Florida Rep's production includes set designer, Bruce R. Bailey (Tribes); lighting designer, Richard Crowell; costume designer, Ashli Arnold (Arsenic and Old Lace); sound designer, John Kiselica (Tribes); and production stage manager, Amy L. Massari (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike).

Fascinatin' Gershwin, with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, plays Jan. 30 - Mar. 22, with three sold-out preview performances on Jan. 28 and 29. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm. There is a special early-bird twilight performance on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 6pm, and tickets are still available for that performance.

Fascinatin' Gershwin is generously sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust and The Galloway Family of Dealerships.

Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at floridarep.org. Subscribe now for the best seats and biggest savings. Single tickets are priced at $45, and $25 for discounted previews.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

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