FST Announces Second Extension of BLUE SUEDE SHOES

Due to popular demand, FST announces the second extension of Blue Suede Shoes through April 15 in the Goldstein Cabaret. With music from legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley, audiences are swooning over "[FST's] best show in 10 years." Single tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Audiences share their enthusiasm for the show saying it is, "Exceptional," "Astounding," and "Unbelievable." Blue Suede Shoes has connected with audiences in such a deeply gratifying way-after all, the cabaret's music is the soundtrack of our audiences' lives. When audience members hear "Teddy Bear" or "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," it jogs memories of their youth-perhaps they are reminded of "A first date, a first kiss, a wedding dance," says the Cabaret's Director Catherine Randazzo. "These moments are on the hearts and minds of the audience as they leave the theatre."

Seeing audience members being transported back in time firsthand has been "A really lucky experience," says Blue Suede Shoes cast member Gabriel Aronson. "You can clearly see people in the crowd reliving some memory," Aronson continues, "[Like] when a couple embraces during 'Love Me Tender.'"

Critics have also been exhilarated by this rockin' musical revue. Sarasota Herald-Tribune praises the show's "Multi-talented cast" for their ability to "Deliver a burst of rock history" with such exuberant energy. Total Theater finds it "Dynamic" and "Rousing," while The Observer describes it as "Sizzling" and "High voltage."

Blue Suede Shoes also explores rock & roll's roots and the genre's profound effect on American culture in the 1950s. The cabaret does not shy away from discussing the issues that permeated everyday life in the 50s, and audiences may even be surprised by the connections among the era's top musicians.

"I always knew the music was important, but as we dug into it, I was struck more and more by the depth of influence rock & roll has had on our society from the very beginning," explains Rebecca Hopkins, the Lead Developer of Blue Suede Shoes. "It is truly amazing discovering how one artist connects to another and how these young kids transformed not just music, but American culture."

Blue Suede Shoes continues in the Goldstein Cabaret through April 15. Single tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

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 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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