BLUE SUEDE SHOES Extends for a Third Time at FST

Due to popular demand, FST announces the third extension of Blue Suede Shoes through April 22 in the Goldstein Cabaret. With music from legends like Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley, audiences can't get enough of FST's "Phenomenal" and "Unbelievable" rock & roll music revue. Single tickets may be purchased online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Now extended into its 21st week of performances, Blue Suede Shoes is breaking FST box office records, eclipsing last season's Piano Men as the longest running production in FST history. Audiences are hooked on rock & roll and keep coming back, calling the production "Uplifting," "Fantastic," and the "Best show ever, in fifteen years." Some even say that "The actors would have made the original performers proud."

Critics agree, saying that there's "Never a dull moment" and "You can't help but feel good" (The Observer). With a cast that "Gets the house rocking" with "Hard-driving and explosive solo performances," the Sarasota Herald-Tribune knows that Blue Suede Shoes is a must-see. Total Theater finds it "Arresting" and "Dynamic."

The cabaret setting and enthusiastic energy of FST audiences makes Blue Suede Shoes a unique and rewarding experience for those rocking out onstage. "I enjoy the crowd interactions...when a crowd is loud, I can tell they're enjoying the show. It feeds me more energy than I could conjure on my own," says Gabe Aronson, who plays keyboard, electric bass, and electric guitar in the show. The cabaret is distinct from other productions, Aronson explains, "While we break the fourth wall and present the show, it's still got a script that we can [play with]. Plus, I get to play a bunch of instruments which is like being a kid in a toy store."

Fellow cast member Nygel Robinson (who plays keyboard and electric bass) found that Blue Suede Shoes has helped him "Rediscover his roots." Robinson, originally from North Carolina, grew up surrounded by old gospel music, which is "The root of all the music" in Blue Suede Shoes. When Robinson learned of this latest extension, he shared, "Sarasota is an amazing place and I'm thrilled to stay a bit longer. Being able to do what I love every single night is the biggest blessing ever." Aronson agrees: "I'm super excited for the extension. I love the cast and the show and the theatre!"

Blue Suede Shoes continues in the Goldstein Cabaret through April 22. Single tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

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 then acquired the former Woman's Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and 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 Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and 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. 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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