FST's OPUS Adds Performances Due To Demand

Due to popular demand, additional dates have been added to Florida Studio Theatre's production of Opus! The critically-acclaimed production and audience pleaser has lead to Sold-Out houses! Added performances will include Sunday, January 11 at 8:00 PM; Thursday, January 15 at 8:00 PM; Sunday, January 18 at 3:00 PM and Tuesday, January 20 at 8:00 PM.

"On the surface, it's about a string quartet. On a deeper level, the quartet is a microcosm of all group endeavors. It's about people working together, which makes it universal. How can people achieve something together? How do they get along-or not? We all face these questions-in the theater, in an orchestra, anywhere," stated Artistic Director and Show Director, Richard Hopkins.

When their mentally-imbalanced violist disappears, a world-class string quartet takes a chance on a gifted but relatively inexperienced young woman. With only a few days to rehearse a grueling Beethoven masterpiece, the four struggle to prepare their highest-profile performance ever - a televised ceremony at the White House. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure cooker as passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the fleeting nature of their life's work.

The Opus company performers include New York Actor Scott Giguere (Alan), New York Actress Susan Hyon (Grace), Broadway Actor Christian Kohn (Dorian), New York Actor Jeffrey Plunkett (Elliot) and New York Actor Ron Siebert (Carl).

Florida Studio Theatre's Artistic Director, Richard Hopkins directed the production. The production design team includes Nayna Ramey as Scenic Designer, Michael Klaers as Lighting Designer and FST staff member Marcella Beckwith as Costume Designer.

The harmonious drama, Opus continues through January 30, 2009 at the Keating Mainstage. Tickets are $19 - $32 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person, by phone (941) 366 - 9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org !

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by 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 three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and its newest space, the Gompertz Theatre.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, 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.

Photo by Amy Steinmetz