FST's Million Dollar Quartet is a Hit; Extended Through 1/8

By: Nov. 18, 2016
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Due to popular demand, Florida Studio Theatre extends Million Dollar Quartet through January 8 in the Gompertz Theatre. Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis continue to get audiences moving and grooving in their seats. See four shows for as little as $59. Single tickets range from $56-$59. Subscriptions and single tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

The critics have raved over this electric production. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls it a "Driving, full-throated "production that is "Played with such verve that at times you feel you're really watching the birth of greatness." Sarasota Magazine calls it a "High energy production," "Packed with songs," and "Talented musicians." The Observer says its "Impossible not to have fun" at this production filled with "Heart-pumping 50s rock." Total Theater also describes it as "Phenomenal" with "Rich talents. "Audiences agree calling it a "Magnificent performance," "Absolutely fabulous," and "Phenomenal."

This extension of Million Dollar Quartet allows extra opportunity for audiences to see the production, but also the chance for the actors to really dig in and get to know the characters they are portraying. Playing the deep voiced Johnny Cash is cast member Joe Casey. According to Casey, "The audiences are clapping and singing along every night. They're having as much fun as we are having on stage. It's great to look out and see big smiles everywhere. We feel that energy on the stage. I'll also say that many people have mentioned how my low Johnny Cash voice. I've made it a little lower than I normally speak to capture my character's tone. Nobody's writing any roles today for basses. So thanks Johnny!"

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins shares his excitement for this early announcement less than one week after opening, "Million Dollar Quartet has struck a chord with her audience! This behind the scenes view of the birth of rock 'n' roll shows the southern roots of the music from blues to spirituals to African-American influences. It's an extraordinary journey into the heart of America. Sales are already breaking records."

This production is one that keeps the hips jiving and the joint jumping. Playing the role of the King of Rock, Elvis Presley is Joe Boover. He concludes stating, "It's amazing to have an audience that really appreciates this music. During certain songs I look out and see people of all ages dancing around like they're all teenagers "


Set in the "Home of the Blues" and "Birthplace of Rock and Roll," Memphis, Tennessee, Million Dollar Quartet takes audiences back to the roots of music - and to the beginning careers of four artists who would later make music history. This Tony Award-Winning production, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux runs through January 8 in the Gompertz Theatre. Subscriptions for all four Winter Mainstage shows can be purchased for as little as $59. Single tickets range from $56-$59. Subscriptions and single tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

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 eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building - now 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 Goldstein Cabaret, the renovated Gompertz Theatre, 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. Under Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Richard Hopkins, 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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