FST to Present KINGS OF COUNTY, 7/16

FST's second Summer Cabaret production, Kings of Country, celebrates some of the most talented and respected artists in American music history. Written by Eric Scott Anthony, this toe-tapping salute to the south takes center stage in Florida Studio Theatre's Court Cabaret on Thursday, July 16, 2015. Single tickets range from $32 - $36 and may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Spanning four decades of music royalty, filled with stories from songs such as "Crazy" to "I Got Friends in Low Places," these songs are woven into the fabric of American music history. Featuring artists such as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, and more.

Returning FST company members Eric Anthony, Tony Bruno, and Jon Brown, from the cast of Shake, Rattle, & Roll, and Emily Mikesell from Urban Cowboys will join Broadway star of Once, Ben Hope to perform some of music's most beloved country songs. Show creator Eric Anthony speaks to the personal connection that sparked his initial call to country music stating, "Johnny Cash brought me to country music. His rock and roll or rockabilly sound is what first interested me. I grew up a classic rock guy, thanks to my dad. After Johnny it was George and Hank. Since then I was hooked. The music was a bit simpler, which gave the lyrics the spotlight."

Performing in over 37 productions, Tony Bruno's previous FST credits include audience favorites such as the record-breaking American Pie, Smokey Joe's Café, and Spamalot. Mikesell's previous credits include Guitar Girls, Man of La Mancha, and Lone Star Love. Rounding out this cast, Brown's previous credits include Altar Boys and Blood Brothers.

Country music is filled with songs that paint a picture, a story that is both emotional and truthful. Anthony speaks to his anticipation of bringing this production to the Cabaret stage stating, "We first performed Kings of Country in October of 2011 at the Flat Rock Playhouse. I felt that the documentary style of going through the genre, rather than one individual, was both unique and satisfying. I'm so happy to be able to do this show at FST. This is the venue I had in mind when I created the show. At that point I had done Night Train to Memphis, and was about to come back for Shake, Rattle, & Roll in the Goldstein Cabaret. I knew the cabaret spaces here would offer the best setting."

Kings of Country opens in the Court Cabaret on Thursday, July 16, 2015. Single tickets range from $32 - $36 and may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at
(941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.