Florida Studio Theatre Extends GUITAR GIRLS

Due to audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces the extension of its second cabaret of the season, Guitar Girls, celebrating some of America's greatest female singer-songwriters now through April 7. Brimming with heart and featuring songs from music legends like Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell, audiences have called the production "first rate," "powerful," and "full of energy and charm." Tickets can be purchased online at floridastudiotheatre.org, or by phone at (941) 366-9000.

Written by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Catherine Randazzo with arrangements by Jim Prosser, Guitar Girls honors the female singer-songwriters who have made an undeniable impact on the music industry and society as a whole. Every night audiences sway and bob their heads along to such great hits as "Jolene," "Big Yellow Taxi," "Coal Miner's Daughter," and "I Will Always Love You."

"We are so thrilled to see Guitar Girls take off the way it has, although I'm not surprised," shared Rebecca Hopkins, FST's Managing Director and one of the developers of the Guitar Girls. "The women we celebrate in this show are essential to the American musical landscape of the 20th century. They've influenced so many artists, including this cast, who are rocking the house each night with their own individual talent and style. It's a really unique blend of artists. All five bring something special to the stage. The audience has fully embraced the show and dance out of the theatre each night. It's been a great second act to a really hot Cabaret season."

According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, "There is no denying the heart, passion, fire, and musical pleasures in[...]Guitar Girls." The Observer calls it "Magical" and "Soulful." The Venice Gondolier Sun claims that when Cat Greenfield takes the stage to perform "Me and Bobby McGee," "It was as though Janis Joplin had returned to sing again."

The female musicians highlighted in Guitar Girls serve as an inspiration for those on and offstage. "I remember learning how to play some of these songs [that are featured in Guitar Girls] on my own guitar, and looking up to these incredible female artists who had thrown off the yoke of societal expectation and followed their passion," explained Cat Greenfield, who plays almost every instrument with strings attached in FST's hit Cabaret. "For a long time, the world of professional music had predominantly been a man's world-the men ventured out and inspired the masses with their talent and tunes, and their wives and daughters were expected to stay home. The women who wrote and performed these songs brazenly catapulted themselves through that glass ceiling, inspiring all women musicians going forward. I'm thrilled to be able to sing some of the songs that inspired me to also follow my passion."

In addition to Greenfield, Guitar Girls features Joe Casey, Tamra Hayden, Jannie Jones, and Anna Stefanic. The show is directed by award-winning artist Catherine Randazzo.

Guitar Girls continues in FST's Goldstein Cabaret through April 7. Single tickets may be purchased online at floridastudiotheatre.org, or by phone at (941) 366-9000.

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