FST Announces Its Second Extension Of ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE

Due to tremendous audience response, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces the second extension of its first Mainstage production of the Summer Season, Always...Patsy Cline, mere days after it opened. This musical, which Sarasota Magazine calls "Perennially popular," celebrates Patsy Cline and her music's staying power. Now extended through July 1, Always...Patsy Cline is part of a 3-show Summer Mainstage subscription package, which can be purchased for as little as $59. This package also includes Murder for Two, a whimsical musical mystery whodunit, as well as Other People's Money, another Off-Broadway hit exploring ethics and business. Subscriptions as well as single tickets are available by calling the FST box office at (941) 366-9000 or at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

With a live band, known as The Bodacious Bobcats, and featuring over 25 of Cline's most popular songs, such as "Walking After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces," "Crazy," and "Sweet Dreams," Always...Patsy Cline honors the late, great country music icon. In this tuneful and memorable tribute, Patsy Cline's most avid fan, Louise Seger, tells the story of Cline's rise to legendary stardom from her humble beginnings performing in honky-tonks to the famous Grand Ole Opry. Cline's distinct sound and powerful emotion behind her music captivated audiences in the 1950s and 60s and continue to resonate today. Audiences said that Meredith Jones, the actor charged with portraying Cline, is "Terrific!" and "Wonderful!"

Critics agree, saying that Jones "Brings Patsy Cline to life" and "Captures her look and sound" (Sarasota Herald-Tribune). Kay Kipling of Sarasota Magazine says that the production "Revives the magic of the legendary country star" and that Susan Greenhill, who plays Louise Seger, "Wins over the audience." Marie Kilker of Total Theater calls Always...Patsy Cline "Impressive" and "A genuine hit."

Musical Director Justin Cowan said, "I love our show, it's a lot of fun. I think audiences are responding really positively to it." Jones was thrilled, saying, "I absolutely love playing Patsy Cline! It's been a dream to be here." Greenhill added, "As Patsy's biggest fan [in the show] and as Meredith's biggest fan, I get to hear her for so much longer, so I'm happy."

Now extended through July 1 in FST's Gompertz Theatre, Always...Patsy Cline honors the country music icon whose distinct, emotionally raw vocals and talent continue to remind us of music's ability to connect and inspire us all. Always ...Patsy Cline is part of a 3-show Summer Mainstage subscription, which can be purchased for as little as $59. Subscriptions as well as single tickets are available at 941.366.9000 and 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 Gompertz Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, 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 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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