Florida Repertory Theatre's HEART SONG Runs Now thru 5/11

Florida Repertory Theatre has announced the opening of, Heart Song, a new play by Stephen Sachs making its Eastern US premiere at Florida Rep as part of the theatre's commitment to produce new works and nurture emerging playwrights.

Opening tonight, Apr. 25, Heart Song, plays through May 11 in the Historic Arcade Theatre with four nearly sold out preview performances Apr. 22-24.

Heart Song is a touching, heartfelt comedy that tells one woman's story of friendship and renewal through the healing power of Flamenco.

"Florida Rep made a commitment this year to develop new plays and to nurture playwrights as part of our ensemble of artists, and this spring we're happy to be giving Heart Song its Eastern United States premiere," said Producing Artistic Director and Heart Song director, Robert Cacioppo. "It was an honor to welcome Mr. Sachs into the creative process as we worked on his play. Stephen's presence and input were invaluable, and it was a great opportunity for Florida Rep's artists to collaborate with such a great writer on a brand-new work. We're pleased to say that he'll be back for the opening of the weekend-fresh from working on another of his new plays on London's West End starring Kathleen Turner!"

Heart Song follows Rochelle, a middle-aged woman in the midst of a crisis and looking for a new lease on life. With the help of her friends, she finds her passion again in the most unlikely of places-a Flamenco dance class! Florida Rep audiences will be among the first to see this beautiful story of a life renewed that is filled with enchanting music and sensual Flamenco dancing.

Heart Song stars Florida Rep Ensemble Members, Carrie Lund, Michelle Damato, and Patricia Idlette, as well as Jo Yang, making her Florida Rep debut. Lund, Florida Rep's Co-Founder and Associate Producer, has been seen this season in Social Security, My Three Angels, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Clybourne Park. Damato, well known by Florida Rep audiences for her portrayal of the title role in Sylvia, was most recently seen in last season's hit comedy Miracle on South Division Street. Idlette returns after appearing in last season's The Little Foxes, and stage and screen veteran, Jo Yang, makes her Florida Rep debut in Heart Song.

The cast of Heart Song also includes four local women as member of the "Flamenco Circle," who in the play, are enrolled in Rochelle's class. The Women of the Circle are Beth Haely, Jonita Martin, Kathleen Moye, and Fort Myers' own Diva, Stephanie Davis.

Also featured in the cast is Carolina Esparza, a well-known Flamenco and classical Spanish performer from St. Petersburg, Florida, whose work has been seen on stages from Sarasota to Tampa and St. Pete. Esparza choreographed the dances in Heart Song, taught masterclasses for Florida Rep's actors, and will appear as a featured dancer in the production.

Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo (Clybourne Park) directs the play, and is joined by an expert team of designers including set designer, Robert F. Wolin (Hound of the Baskervilles), lighting designer, Matthew McCarthy (Grand Night for Singing), costume designer, Roberta Malcolm (My Three Angels), sound designer, Tim Cobb (Collected Stories), stage manager, Audrey M. Brown (Santaland Diaries), and assistant stage managers, Jessica A. Short and Nick To.

The production was choreographed by Carolina Esparza and co-choreographer, Cindy Lee Overton. Overton owns and operates 1st Danz Studio in Fort Myers, and both taught and made her studio available for Flamenco rehearsals and masterclasses throughout the process.

Heart Song by Stephen Sachs plays Apr. 25-May 11, with four preview performances on Apr. 22-24. Regular performances are Tues.-Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Saturdays at 2pm.

Heart Song is generously sponsored by Berne Davis and GE Foundation.

Tickets are on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at floridarep.org. Single tickets are priced at $45 and $40, and $25 for discounted previews and Back Row Bargain tickets.

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