Florida Studio Theatre Extends DAMES AT SEA

Florida Studio Theatre has announced the final extension of its opening Summer Mainstage musical, Dames at Sea, now held over through Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Gompertz Theatre. With book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, and music by Jim Wise, Dames at Sea is a high-energy production celebrating movie musicals from the golden age of Broadway.

This nostalgic pastiche follows Ruby, a wide-eyed chorus girl from Utah, who arrives in New York determined to become a star. With the help of Dick, a sailor and aspiring songwriter, she lands a part in a struggling Broadway show and fights for her time to shine. Featuring toe-tapping tunes like “Good Times Are Here to Stay” and “Broadway Baby,” Dames at Sea delivers pure theatrical fun with heart, humor, and plenty of dance.

“Dames at Sea is one of those rare shows that fills the room with joy from the very first note,” said Ben Liebert, the show's director/choreographer and an FST Associate Artist. “It's packed with heart, humor, and dazzling dance numbers – and this cast brings it all to life with such sincerity and spark.”

Liebert's work as a director and choreographer includes FST's Jersey Boys and Waitress as well as productions like Into the Woods, The Producers, and Ordinary Days. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway in Wicked, as well as in off-Broadway and regional productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, and Chicago.

Starring as Ruby is Emily Ann Brooks, making her FST debut. Joining her is Devin Johnson*, who previously starred as Ogie in FST's production of Waitress. “It's been a joy performing for these Sarasota audiences again,” said Johnson. “They are always game to go on this wonderfully wacky journey with us each night. I am thrilled that so many patrons have had the chance to enjoy our show!”

Rounding out the six-person cast are Jenna Coker-Jones* (FST debut) as Mona, Kelsey Stalter* (FST debut) as Joan/Dance Captain, Larry Toyter (FST debut) as Lucky, and Joel Newsome* (Reel Music) as Hennesey/Captain.

The Production Team includes Ben Liebert (Director/Choreographer), David Caldwell (Music Director), Nathaniel Beliveau (Associate Music Director), Axis Studios Design (Scenic Design), K. April Soroko (Costume Design), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nicholas Christensen (Sound Design), Shira Lebovich* (AEA Stage Manager), Nathaniel Avery (Stage Management Intern), and Tori Martinson (Stage Management Intern).

*Indicates members of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.