Florida Studio Theatre Presents SYLVIA, Closes 8/29

Florida Studio Theatre presents Sylvia, a comedy about a middle-aged man and the two women in his life, his wife and his dog. The final production of FST's Summerfest Series, A.R. Gurney's funny and stirring Sylvia opens July 28.

Sylvia opened off-Broadway to critical acclaim in 1995, with Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role. The New York Times declared it critic-proof, "at least for anyone who has ever owned a dog, loved a dog, wanted to wring a dog's neck or wished the dog would take a long weekend." Greg finds stray labradoodle Sylvia in Central Park and brings her home as a way of coping with his midlife crisis. His wife Kate, who has found empty-nest stability through her new career as a teacher, is annoyed by the chaos brought on by the new pet.

Playwright A.R. Gurney is renowned for his explorations of middle-class life and the American Protestant psyche. His works include Scenes from American Life, The Dining Room, and Love Letters. He has received numerous accolades, including a Drama Desk Award in 1971.

This is the second time Florida Studio Theatre has presented Sylvia; it was previously produced in 1996.

New York actor Jeffrey Plunkett will play multiple roles in Sylvia; his previous FST credits include Opus, Permanent Collection, The Gambol of Love and Pure Confidence. Also returning is Broadway actress Rita Rehn as Kate. She previously appeared in the title role of the FST production Always, Patsy Cline. Her Broadway credits include Allergist's Wife, Nine and A Chorus Line.

Sylvia features returning actress Kate Abbruzzese in the title role; she previously appeared at FST in the children's production of Rumpelstiltskin. Other credits include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth at the Powerhouse Theatre. New York actor Warren Kelley joins the cast as Greg in his first FST production. His off-Broadway credits include George Bernard Shaw in the New York premiere of Engaging Shaw, Trenchard Voysey in The Voysey Inheritance and Owen HeathCliff Jones in Elvis and Juliet.

Associate Director Kate Alexander directs the production. She has directed numerous FST shows, including Shirley Valentine, Pure Confidence, Proof, The Exonerated, Brooklyn Boy and last season's Shotgun and Bridge & Tunnel. She has also performed leading roles in Golda's Balcony, Master Class and The Occupant, among many others.

The production design team includes Lauren Feldman as Scenic Designer, Nicole Wee as Costume Designer and Michael Foster as Lighting Designer.

Sylvia opens July 28 and runs through August 29 at the Keating Theatre. Tickets are $19-$34 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person, by phone (941) 366-9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

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 its newest space, the Gompertz Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, 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.

Florida Studio Theatre is grateful to Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy and Jules and Sheila Rose for underwriting the 2010 Summerfest Season and to Co-producer Mildred Stein, the Sarasota Arts Council, Tourist Development Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Interviews are available with the cast and/or director based on availability.

Schedule follows on the next page.

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