'Bad Dates' One Woman Comedy Plays Sarasota

Bad Dates Examines Dating Scene…One Shoe at a Time

Florida Studio Theatre continues its 2006 Summerfest season with the touching one-woman comedy, Bad Dates by Theresa Rebeck. The second of three plays in the Summerfest Season, Bad Dates opens June 14 and runs through July 16, 2006 in FST's Gompertz Theatre.

The play's main character and narrator is Haley, a single mother who manages a restaurant in order to provide for herself and her thirteen year old daughter. After years of being too busy to bother with the dating scene following her divorce and exodus from Texas to New York City , Haley finally decides it's time to give dating one more shot.

As she tells the horror stories of her first few attempts at dating as a post-30 single mother, Haley dons new outfits and new shoes (out of her collection of over 600 pairs) for each new date. While almost everyone can relate to bad date nightmares, it's not likely that many of us have experienced anything nearly as frightening as Haley's experiences.

From the man obsessed with his colon to small talk with the "Bug Guy," the modern dating scene looks pretty dreary in most of the play. When the Romanian mob gets involved it seems as though staying home alone with a good movie might be the right idea. However, by the end, in spite of all her difficulties, Haley discovers that you never know when you might meet the right person.

Playwright Theresa Rebeck creates a world that is both familiar and interesting in Bad Dates . With experience writing for television dramas such as LA Law and Law and Order: Criminal Intent , Bad Dates reveals Rebeck's talent for writing for the stage. With movies and television shows (think "Sex and the City") embracing the world of 30 and 40-somethings seeking mates, it's no surprise that a young playwright would have something to say as well.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Says Bad Dates is "so much fun, we don't want it to stop," and the Arizona Daily Star calls it "Very clever."

Annie Fitzpatrick will be making her FST Debut in Bad Dates as the only cast member. Michael Haney will direct the show, with assistance from guest artist Phil Monat (Lighting Design) and from FST staffer Marcella Beckwith (Scenic Design and Costume Coordination.)

Bad Dates begins June 28 and runs through July 16, 2006 at FST's Gompertz Theatre. Tickets are $19-32 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000.

The Gompertz Theatre

1241 North Palm Avenue

Sarasota, FL  34236

Administration: (941) 366-9017

Box Office: (941) 366-9000

Fax: (941) 955-4137

E-mail: fst@fst2000.org

Website: www.fst2000.org

Performance Schedule

Wednesday, June 28                8:00 pm (Preview)

Thursday, June 29                   8:00 pm (Preview)

Friday, June 30                        8:00 pm (Opening)

Saturday, July 1                       2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 2                         3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Tuesday, July 4                       8:00 pm

Wednesday, July 5                  8:00 pm

Thursday, July 6                      8:00 pm

Friday, July 7                          8:00 pm

Saturday, July 8                       2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 9                         3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Tuesday, July 11                     8:00 pm

Wednesday, July 12                8:00 pm

Thursday, July 13                    8:00 pm

Friday, July 14                        8:00 pm

Saturday, July 15                     2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 16                       3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

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