FST Goes OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, Beginning 7/22

In the age of Skype and FaceTime, families are closer than ever, or are they? Find out this summer, with Florida Studio Theatre's third Mainstage show, Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro. Beginning July 22 in Gompertz Theatre, this funny family drama offers audiences a glimpse back to the days when Sunday family dinners were a regular tradition. Subscriptions for all three Mainstage shows can be purchased for as little as $39 by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

Over The River and Through the Woods comes from Joe DiPietro, the author of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; The Last Romance; and Broadway's Memphis. Faced with a life-changing career decision, Nick must navigate the scheming shenanigans of all four of his grandparents to make him stay. Surprises and hilarity abound in this family fiasco.

Whether coming from a family of four or fourteen, from the suburbs or the city, we all have that grandma who thinks everyone is always hungry. Or maybe it's the grandpa that refuses to turn on the air conditioner in 90 degree weather. Or how about the adorable and exhausting grandma who is known for her astute matchmaking skills.

Directing this heartwarming production is FST Associate Director, Kate Alexander. Alexander reflects on the life lessons and pivotal moments this show brings to the table stating, "All life is about leave-takings and the prices we pay when we change. After re-reading this play, I fell in love with it all over again. It is a play for all ages. With the backdrop of an Italian family, it is truly about all of our families as it reveals this most tender juncture we experience in life - leaving home and saying goodbye to our parents and grandparents. The rich, messy, maddening, and hilarious hidden texture of this special change is almost never revealed in literature or film. With aplomb, humor, and heart, DiPietro reveals those hidden heart strings, the prices we pay, and the love that remains as we cross over the river into the woods of the unknown."

Portraying Nick's feisty grandparents are returning company members Rita Rehn (Sylvia, In The Book Of), Marina Re (The Miamians, Boleros For The Disenchanted), and Eric Hoffmann (Our Son's Wedding, The Last Romance.) New to the FST stage is John Tillotson. Tillotson has toured nationally in The Sound of Music and internationally in The Phantom of the Opera and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Rounding out this cast of comical characters is Caley Milliken and Matt Decapua. Decapua's previous credits include Brooklyn Boy, The Miamians, South Beach Babylon. Milliken's previous credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream, A Christmas Carol, Leap Year, and Richard III.

Join FST this summer as we go Over the River and Through the Woods. The production begins on July 22 in the Gompertz Theatre. Subscriptions for all three Mainstage shows can be purchased for as little as $39 by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by 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 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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