Florida Studio Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL Extends

Due to popular demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces a one-week extension of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and book & lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Led by Broadway actress Stacia Fernandez, the contemporary rock musical "rocks your heart, your mind, and your soul" (The Observer).

Additional performances include:

Tuesday, January 10 at 8PM

Wednesday, January 11 at 8PM

Thursday, January 12 at 8PM

Friday, January 13 at 8PM

Saturday, January 14 at 8PM

Next to Normal opened to an electric audience on Friday, November 4 in the Keating Theatre at FST (located at 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota FL). Critics and audience alike have been raving about the powerful production and performances of the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-winning musical. The Bradenton Herald said, "'Next to Normal' might not be for everybody but it's must-see performance art for anyone interested in what the exciting possibilities are in musical theater," while SCENE Magazine said it was "a compelling evening in the theatre." Sarasota Herald-Tribune gave a nod to director Richard Hopkins, calling the production "energetic, loving, open and enveloping."
Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a suburban American family trying to take care of themselves and each other. It features music by by Tom Kitt, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. It won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. Next to Normal was chosen as "one of the year's TEN best" by major critics around the country including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. "A work of muscular grace and power. It is something much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical." - The New York Times

The principal cast is comprised of Broadway actress Stacia Fernandez as Diana, Broadway actor Leo Daignault as Dan, New York actress Ashley Rose as Natalie, Broadway actor Mike Backes as Gabe, New York actor James LaRosa as Henry, and New York actor Scott Guthrie in the roles of Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden.

Directed by FST's Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, the creative team includes: Aimee Radics as Music Director, Stephen Hope will assist with Musical Staging, april soroko as Scenic Coordinator, Sara J. Hinkley as Costume Designer, David M. Upton as Lighting Designer, and Eric Stahlhammer as Sound Designer.

Single tickets to Next to Normal range from $29-$40 for regular performances. A subscription to all 4 plays of the Mainstage Season ranges from $39-$61. 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.

About Florida Studio Theatre

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.

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