Florida Studio Theatre Presents PIANO MEN

FST's second Cabaret show, Piano Men brings the passion and pizazz of some of the greatest known piano players of the twentieth century to center stage. Piano Men runs in the Goldstein Cabaret from November 30 through March 31 highlighting the virtuosity and elegance of artists such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Barry Manilow. Subscriptions for all three Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from $30-$36. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

From honkytonks to magnificent concert halls, the artists of Piano Men performed on a variety of stages, lived diverse lifestyles, and most importantly, wrote about their experiences. Piano Men features songs such as "Piano Man," "Your Song," and "I Write the Songs." Progressing from artist to artist, each piano player adds their own style and unique musical fingerprint to the keys. No one player does it the same.

Directing this production is FST's Associate Artist Catherine Randazzo. Her most recent FST directing credits include hit productions, Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves and Yesterday. Randazzo brings a childhood passion to her direction of this production. "What was really great for me is the fact that I have studied piano since I was five," said Randazzo. "I was thrilled when I found out I was going to be a part of the development process and study Billy Joel, and Barry Manilow. These artists were my world. Then when I found out I was directing. It was my dream because I lived in that world as a kid singing and playing the piano. I have great respect for anybody that can do both and do it incredibly well."

Tickling the ivories in this energetic revue and making their FST debut are John Grieco and Brian Walters. Grieco's previous credits include West Side Story, South Pacific, and Million Dollar Quartet. Walters has previously performed in Murder For Two, One Singular Sensation, and The Who's Tommy.

Even after the final curtain call, Walters' passion for piano continues. "When I perform in a play or a musical, after the show you can most likely find me at home noodling around on my piano. The piano is a friend I can always confide in. At the end of the day, it gives me a chance to play and sing anything I want, whether it's a song from a show, a Billy Joel song, a jazz standard, or one of my own! Many of the songs we're doing in this show are ones that I find myself singing off my own little set list. Performing in Piano Men gives me an exciting opportunity to fully bring some of my favorite songs to life, and to celebrate these incredible artists who gave us so much joy through their music."

Throughout the twentieth century, piano music has evolved from the ragtime and jazz tunes of Fats Waller and Scott Joplin, to the rock n roll and jazzy hits of Little Richard and Ray Charles. Piano Men celebrates the evolution of the pianist and the contribution to music throughout the decades.

Piano Men opens in the Goldstein Cabaret on Friday November 30, 2016. Subscriptions for all three Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from
$30-$36. Subscriptions and 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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