FST Presents The World Premiere Production Of PARALYZED

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) presents the World Premiere of Paralyzed by Etan Frankel, a striking story of guilt, personal responsibility, and the power of forgiveness. In this dramatic new play, the discovery of a mysterious suicide note in Georgia hotel bathroom sets two strangers' lives in unforeseen directions. This production marks the first World Premiere presented as part of FST's Stage III Series. Paralyzed runs from March 18 to April 10 in FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre. Single tickets range from $25-39 and can be purchased online at floridastudiotheatre.org or by phone at (941) 366-9000.

"Paralyzed is about the capricious nature of life," said Richard Hopkins, FST's Producing Artistic Director. "The play examines how 'luck' leads to fortune and misfortune, and how, in the end, it is not about if we are 'lucky' but how we respond to the events in our lives."

This World Premiere follows Leigh and Lee, two strangers who have little in common besides their names. Leigh is a brilliant, Type-A statistician who tries to maintain control over her invariably changing life. Lee is a driven former football player who is ill-equipped to live a life that does not revolve around athletics. Pain, shame, and mercy set their lives on unexpected paths that go anywhere but according to plan.

"A single moment can alter our lives in irreversible ways," said Meg Gilbert, Director of Paralyzed.

"In Paralyzed, we watch Leigh and Lee struggle to come to terms with the choices they have made- or the lack thereof. Not making a choice is what truly haunts us, and the last thing we want to see is our wrongs reflected back to us."

Playwright Etan Frankel is best known for his work as a writer and producer for Shameless, Friday Night Lights, Animal Kingdom, and Get Shorty. Paralyzed has been in development for several years-it was part of FST's 2007 Richard and Betty Burdick Reading Series. Ars Nova, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, and Primary Stages have all held workshops and readings of the play.

Reuniting to play Leigh and Lee, respectively, are Rachel Moulton and Alexander Stuart. Last season, the pair starred in FST's hit Mainstage production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Stuart played the main character, a teenager named Christopher Boone, and Moulton played Christopher's mother, Judy.

"I am thrilled to be working with her again," said Stuart about his Paralyzed cast mate Rachel Moulton. "I am looking forward to sharing what we create with Sarasota audiences-a lot of love will be going into it."

Paralyzed runs from March 18 through April 10 in FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre. Tickets are now on sale at (941) 366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org.

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