FST Extends ONCE Again Through 1/19

Florida Studio Theatre is pleased to announce the final extension of Once. Due to audience demand, performances have been added on January 17 at 8 p.m., January 19 at 3 p.m., and January 19 at 8 p.m. Filled with song, dance, and a highly creative cast, this emotional and captivating production continues to entertain audiences night after night in the Gompertz Theatre. Subscriptions are still available to see four shows for as little as $59. Single tickets range from $56-$59. Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Director Jason Cannon shares his personal response to audience reactions to this energetic and emotional musical. "While we always plan and hope for extensions, my first feelings when the audience clamors for more performances are always humility and gratitude. As soon as you take audience support for granted, you lose sight of the reasons you are doing the art in the first place."

Critics have raved over Once. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls this a "Rousing" production that is "Engaging and heartwarming." Broadway World says Once "Hit the ball out of the park," with "Exceptionally gifted performers" calling it "A flawless production." Sarasota Magazine says "You'll be impressed by their life and spirit."

Audiences enthusiastically agree. Not only do they get the view from their seats, but they also have a unique view from the stage. With a drink in hand from the real onstage Irish pub and a chance to mingle alongside the cast on before each performance, audiences weigh in stating, "That was fabulous!" "It was phenomenal," and "Absolutely amazing."

Director Jason Cannon concludes, "What's been especially gratifying is that the audience has reacted to this beautiful piece exactly as the FST artistic team reacted to it. We couldn't wait to present this show in our Gompertz Theatre. We knew the intimacy of the venue and our minimalist aesthetic would bring out the sweetness and raw truth of the story, and the audience thankfully has agreed!"

About Florida Studio TheatreSet around a charming Irish pub filled with song and dance, Once continues in the Gompertz Theatre through January 19. 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.

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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