Florida Studio Theatre's BURT & ME Held Over Due to Popular Demand

The sweet sounds of Summer sing from the stage with FST's Summer Mainstage production of Burt & Me. Due to audience demand, FST has added additional performances, for even more Burt Bacharach and Hal David fans to enjoy! Additional performances will be held on June 21 and 23 at 8 pm and June 25 at 2 pm. Burt & Me is the first production of the Summer Mainstage subscription. See three shows for as little as $39. Subscriptions are available for purchase by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

The show opened to a weekend of packed houses, roaring cheers, and standing ovations.

Sharing in the joy of this music are the cast members of Burt & Me. Each has their own appreciation to the soundtrack of this musical. "I didn't realize how many Burt Bacharach songs I already knew and heard hundreds of times in my life," said returning FST company member, Nick Anastasia. "I just didn't know they were written by Burt Bacharach. It's truly a testament to his skills as a songwriter, and how he was able to adapt his styles to so many different voices. The ability to craft an intricate piece of music, and all the while still being accessible enough to be a hit 'pop' song, is a talent that is few and far between, and Burt Bacharach had it."

With the growing excitement and enthusiasm seen from audiences, Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins comments on the decision to add performances, giving theatre goers even more chances to sing along to these sweet summer melodies. "The production reflected such strong audience response that there was no alternative but to add more performances. I'm delighted to be running for a fourth week. It's a testament to the excellent performances and musicality of the cast and a band. It's also a testament to the music of Burt Bacharach."

Returning FST company member Stacey Harris also shares the love of Burt Bacharach's music and the lyrical memories found within each refrain. "I have always been a big fan of Burt Bacharach music," said Harris. "These songs hold a special place in my heart. I remember, as a child, sitting on the floor, methodically paging through my parents' old piano books, and when I landed on the ones I knew, I would sing through them. Many of these were Burt Bacharach tunes. How I knew them, I'm not sure. Perhaps my parents had played records, or I had heard them on the radio? But to have the opportunity to perform in a show that is chock full of these hits is a true joy."

Whether you are an actor on stage, or an audience member in the seats, Burt & Me is proving to be a night of summer fun and joyful celebration. Additional performances will be held on June 21 and 23 at 8 pm and June 25 at 2 pm. Burt & Me is the first production of the Summer Mainstage subscription. See three shows for as little as $39. Subscriptions are available for purchase by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

About Florida Studio Theatre

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.

Photo credit: Matthew Holler

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