Lusty, Bawdy Romp - 'Measure For Pleasure'
By: Beau Higgins Apr. 14, 2007
FST's Stage III Series Ends with Modernized Restoration Comedy
Measure for Pleasure to Open at the Gompertz Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III Series is ready to complete its third season in the Gompertz Theatre with David Grimm's Restoration romp, Measure for Pleasure. Performances begin Wednesday, April 25th and play until Friday, May 18th.
Having received its world premiere performance at New York City's Public Theatre on February 21st, 2005, Measure for Pleasure will now be given its much anticipated regional premiere at Florida Studio Theatre. David Grimm has earned a GLAAD 2000 Media Award nomination, and some of his other works such as The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue, Enough Rope, Kit Marlowe, andSheridan, Or Schooled in Scandal have been seen at some of the most prestigious regional theatres in the country including Hartford Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and La Jolla Playhouse.
Lust runs amok in the outrageously funny restoration romp. Gentlemen, ladies, and rogues devise cunning plans (for sex), concoct secret identities (for sex), and partake in daring duels (for sex), ultimately landing in true love. Measure for Pleasure is a naughty contemporary comedy dressed up in eighteenth century style. The theme of unrequited love (or at least lust) has never been depicted with more 'eloquently bawdy' humor.
Making no attempt to cover up its sexual under-tones, David Grimm defends his naughty humor, comparing the Restoration time period to our own contemporary society: "The strange hypocrisy now is that we do live in a puritanical country, but we're obsessed with sex…. It leads us to some incredible beauty and also to some complete disasters in our lives." In the words of New York Times' Charles Isherwood regarding the play: "Smut has been around forever."
The play has been described as being "jam-packed with duels, deceits, disguises and other tomfoolery" by Variety Magazine, and The New York Times compliments its "authentically sharp wit", saying it "delights most consistently".
Russell Treyz returns to FST to direct Measure for Pleasure after having earned a 2006 Handy Award Nomination for his direction of Around the World in 80 Days, which played on the Keating Mainstage. This time, his very talented cast includes returning FST actors, Gabra Zackman (Metamorphoses), Tom Piper (Metamorphoses), Eric Hissom (Around…80 Days), and Sheila Stasack (The Last Schwartz); and newcomers Aaron Galligan-Stierle, Shannon Noecker, and Andy Phelan. Handling the design for this production will be FST regular Nayna Ramey on sets, along with FST's resident costumer, Marcella Beckwith.
This play may include language and/or situations that are uncomfortable or offensive to some audience members.
Single tickets range from $19 for previews to $29-32 for regular performances. A subscription to all 3 shows ranges from $39-52. Both subscription tickets and single tickets may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Florida Studio Theatre
1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Box Office 941-366-9000
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