Florida Studio Theatre Presents STALKING THE BOGEYMAN

FST's Stage III series opens with Stalking The Bogeyman, adapted by Markus Potter and David Holthouse. Based on true events, this chilling drama is the first production in the return of Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III Series. A subscription to all three Stage III shows may be purchased for as little as $39. Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000.

Stalking the Bogeyman follows renowned journalist David Holthouse's secret pursuit of justice for a crime hidden for 25 years. This new play explores the dangers of vengeance, the power of forgiveness, and the strength of family. Based on the true story featured on the weekly radio broadcast, "This American Life," Stalking the Bogeyman "Doesn't have a fairy tale ending and isn't about pat conclusions," states Holthouse, "But is a powerful jumping-off point for discussion and, hopefully, healing."

Critics have weighed in on this emotional and thought-provoking play. The New York Times calls it "Riveting" and "Breathtaking." London Theatre describes it as a "Gripping and harrowing drama" with a "Highly powerful message."

FST Associate Artist and Director of Stalking the Bogeyman, Jason Cannon, speaks to the darker intensity of this play. "It is visceral, provocative, and difficult, yet ultimately uplifting. You don't truly experience the peak unless you've been in the valley, and Bogeyman asks us to go into some of the darkest valleys you can imagine, so that when the power of forgiveness, healing, and humility finally emerges, we are left asking ourselves some of the most important questions about our own morality, integrity and grace."

Returning to Florida Studio Theatre for the role of David Holthouse is David Perez Ribada. His previous FST credits include The Miamians, Boleros for the Disenchanted, and In the Book Of. According to Ribada, "From the second I read the script, I felt an instant connection. Although my circumstances are vastly different, I too have a bogeyman. I can relate at a minimal level to what the character goes through, and his description of what it was like when he saw his bogeyman 25 years later. It was exactly how I felt when I encountered mine some 30 years later. I hope this production not only shows the perseverance of the human spirit but the healing quality of confronting your fears head-on. I cannot wait to dive deeper into all this show has to offer."

Joining Ribada are fellow cast members Andy Prosky and Katherine Michelle Tanner. Prosky's previous credits include Alabama Story and Over the River and Through the Woods. Tanner was previously seen in FST's productions of Sundew, Next Fall, and Metamorphosis. Making their FST debuts are Michael Stewart Allen, Kate Hampton, and Todd Licea.

Cannon wraps up the anticipated relaunch of this raw and gritty series stating, "FST strives to challenge with as much gusto as we entertain, and Stage III is unabashedly a place where that balance leans aggressively toward challenging!"

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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