FST's MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Breaks Ticket Sale Record

Selling over a record-breaking 20,000 tickets, Million Dollar Quartet must close on January 20. This explosive and energetic production kicked off FST's Mainstage season with a roar. Producing their largest theatre season to date, FST opened all five of its theatre spaces to full capacity before January. Running as many as 11 shows in just one day, FST also launched their inaugural Children's Theatre series and revived the Stage III series.

With so much happening on stage and behind the scenes, audiences have raved over this stand-out production that celebrates the music and memories of some of music's biggest icons before they were famous. The energy of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis has taken audiences on a thrilling ride of unforgettable music and lively theatre night after night. Walking out of Gompertz after each show, audience members share their impressions of the performance. "Really amazing." "I want to see it again and again!"It's just phenomenal!"

Critics agree. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune says "You feel you're really watching the birth of greatness." Talkin' Broadway says "Everything about this production is top notch." The Observer says this show "Rocks the house." Audiences enthusiastically agree with comments such as "Spectacular," "What talent!" and "Unbelievable."

"Million Dollar Quartet has exceeded all of our expectations," said Managing Director, Rebecca Hopkins. "We knew it would be a great show for the Sarasota audience when we selected it, but wow! We are really proud of this production. It has been one of those magical experiences when everything comes together. We have an incredible cast that was supported by a fantastic design team under the superb direction of our Associate Artist Jason Cannon. It's rare that you have every single piece come together so smoothly. This is one of those shows."

Director Jason Cannon also comments, "It's always gratifying when one's work is so completely embraced by the audience you serve. We've had patrons come back to this show five and six times. While the music itself is a huge factor in that depth of connection, I think it also speaks directly to FST's mission and aesthetic. In rehearsal we wrestled these songs to the ground, we dissected the deceptively simple lyrics, and we engaged with the humanity of the historically based characters as honestly as we could. We knew the show was inherently entertaining, but we also recognized how provocative this music was when it first came out, and that musical truth-a truth born out of poverty and desperation and hunger-was always at the front of our artistic approach to the show.

Add in the incredible integrity of our cast and the inclusive intimacy of our Gompertz Theatre, and it becomes clear why this production is so effective. And while for the moment it's absolutely wonderful to celebrate the triple success of MDQ-artistic, critical, and commercial-what I most appreciate is the joyous generosity of our audience."

With the demand for this show holding strong throughout the entire run, FST continues with a record-breaking season. This Tony Award-Winning production, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux must close on January 20 in the Gompertz Theatre. For more information on all FST shows, please call the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or visit us 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.

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