DAS BARBECÜ Kicks Off Florida Studio Theatre's Summer 2012 Season, Now thru 7/15

The 2012 Summer Season kicks off with the fiery fun musical DAS BARBECÜ in the Keating Theatre, tonight, June 13 through July 15. Subscriptions to FST's three-show summer season may be purchased for as little as $29, online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org or by calling the box office at (941) 366-9000. Single tickets to Das Barbecü range from $19 - $36.

Artistic Director Richard Hopkins said, "The summer promises to be a time for laughter and whimsy. Following a highly successful and very dramatic winter season, both the FST staff and the audience are ready to enjoy some lighter fare, and delve into the intelligent design of life that only comedy can provide."

DAS BARBECÜ, with book and lyrics by Jim Luigs and music by Scott Warrender, is loosely based on Wagner's epic Ring Cycle opera. Add in some modern day Texas twang, big hair, and big hats, and you've got a lightning-paced musical that's fun for opera buffs and regular joes alike.

Through flashbacks and songs, the entire Ring Cycle is told at breakneck speed by five actors playing 30 outrageous characters (transformed from gods and monsters to billionaires and road-side show men). Full of heart, this witty fable of love conquering greed is the ulti­mate musical joyride!

The cast includes familiar FST faces Joanna Parson and Stephen Hope. Joanna Parson has appeared in the FST productions of Outlaws and Angels and last summer's Cowgirls. Stephen Hope has appeared in numerous shows at FST-most recently Laughing Matters 2011, That's Life Again, and …Spelling Bee.

Billie Wildrick, Joshua Carter, and Maria Couch make their FST debuts. Both Wildrick and Carter performed together in the recent production of Das Barbecü at Seattle's ACT Theatre. Couch has performed regionally and in New York City at theaters like Lincoln Center, Stages St. Louis, Barrington Stage, Arden Theatre, and Arkansas Rep.

Dennis Courtney will direct the production. Courtney returns to FST after directing this season's Shake, Rattle & Roll and That's Life Again. He is joined by Music Director David Nelson, Choreographer Stephen Hope, Scenic Designer Rob Eastman-Mullins, Lighting Designer Joseph P. Oshry, Costume Designer April Soroko, and Sound Engineer John Valines.

Das Barbecü will have preview performances tonight, June 13 and June 14 at 8pm, with a press opening on Friday, June 15 at 8pm in the Keating Theatre. The play will run through Sunday, July 9.

All 3 shows of the Summer Season – Das BarbecÜ, Talley's Folly and Perfect Wedding – will be presented at both FST's Keating Theatre and Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets range from $19 for previews to $29-$36 for regular performances. Both subscription tickets and single tickets may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000 or online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Cast: Maria Couch* Fricka, Erda, Needa and more, Joshua Carter* Siegfried, Alberich, Milam and more, Joanna Parson* Gutrune, Freia and more, Billie Wildrick* Brunnhilde and more, Stephen Hope* Wotan, Hagen, Gunther, and more

Musicians: David Nelson Music Director and Piano, Jim Prosser Synth, Bobby Brader Synth, Casey Gensler Guitar, Tony Bruno Drums

Production Team: Dennis Courtney Director, Stephen Hope Choreographer, Rob Eastman-Mullins Scenic Designer, April Soroko Costume Designer, Joseph P. Oshry Lighting Designer, John Valines Sound Engineer, Kelli Karen* Stage Manager

*Members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Performance Schedule: Wed. June 13, 8PM – Preview; Thurs. June 14, 8PM – Preview; Fri. June 15, 8PM – Opening; Sat. June 16, 2PM and 8PM; Sun. June 17, 3PM and 7PM; Tues. June 19, 8PM; Wed. June 20, 8PM; Thurs. June 21, 8PM; Fri. June 22, 8PM; Sat. June 23, 2PM and 8PM; Sun. June 24, 3PM and 7PM; Tues. June 26, 8PM; Wed. June 27, 8PM; Thurs. June 28, 8PM; Fri. June 29, 8PM; Sat. June 30, 2PM and 8PM; Sun. July 1, 3PM and 7PM; Tues. July 3, 8PM; Wed. July 4, 7PM – [Earlier show time for Fourth of July]; Thurs. July 5, 8PM; Fri. July 6, 8PM; Sat. July 7, 2PM and 8PM; Sun. July 8, 3PM; Tues. July 10, 8PM and Sun. July 15, 3PM

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by 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 three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and the Gompertz Theatre.

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