Florida Studio Theatre Celebrates The Baby Boomer Generation

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) proudly presents The Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers, a quirky music revue that takes audiences on a ride through the highlights of the Baby Boomer experience. Featuring such hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "It's My Party," and "She Loves You," this Cabaret chronicles what it was like to be one of America's first teenagers. Single tickets are now available at (941) 366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org.

"This show is really a celebration of the first chapter of the Baby Boomer journey," explained Rebecca Hopkins, FST's Managing Director and the Cabaret's Lead Developer. "The Boomers' young lives really impacted American culture. They were the first generation to have free time, which made them America's first teenagers."

Between 1946 and 1964, almost 76 million children were born as a huge influx of men and women returned home from World War II. These children became known as the Baby Boomers, and they are one of the most powerful and influential generations in modern American history. They were a generation of many firsts-the first generation to have disposable time and income, the first generation to grow up with television, while also demanding wholesale societal change. Baby Boomers were raised with the idea that progress could be achieved if they all worked together, and this belief has trickled down through their children and grandchildren.

"The Baby Boomers invented rock & roll, and brought us Elvis and the Beatles," added Hopkins. "They came of age during a time of massive social upheaval. They were the hippies at Woodstock and the soldiers in Vietnam. They were children of the Cold War, yet they dreamed of walking on the moon. It's not just the size of this generation that made them the most powerful one in our history, it's their 'anything is possible' spirit. They developed that in their youth and never let it go."

Bringing these eclectic and memorable songs to life are cast members Alayna Gallo, Chris Anthony Giles, Michael Gray Grieve, and Stacey Harris. Gallo has performed in two Broadway productions-as Lorraine in Jersey Boys and in the ensemble of Tarzan-as well as on the national tours of Jesus Christ Superstar and Jersey Boys. Giles has starred on Boardwalk Empire and The Mysteries of Laura, as well as on the national tours of Memphis and Wonderful Town. Grieve performed as the Beast in Disney Cruise Line's production of Beauty and the Beast, and as Kenickie in Bigfork Summer Playhouse's production of Grease. Harris has previously been seen in FST's productions of Burt and Me, That's Life, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and That's Life Again.

The Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers begins February 6 and plays through June 9 in FST's Court Cabaret. Single tickets can be purchased at (941) 366-9000 or at floridastudiotheatre.org.

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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