Florida Studio Theatre to Present PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, 6/4-29

Florida Studio Theatre announces the opening of the first show in the Summer Mainstage Season Pump Boys and Dinettes, book, lyrics, and music by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann. The show will open in the Gompertz Theatre June 4 and run through June 29, 2014. Subscriptions to see all three shows of the season can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from $34-44. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Summer officially begins in the Gompertz Theatre with the Broadway hit that founded the "guitar theatre" genre, Pump Boys and Dinettes. It was written and performed by the original Broadway cast. Adding to the true originality and artistry of the piece, for the first time actors sang and played their own instruments on stage during the show. This led the way for other shows like Company and Sweeney Todd that so many are familiar with today.

The pump boys sell high octane fuel on North Carolina's Highway 57 and the sassy dinettes run the Double Cupp diner next door. Between changing tires and baking pies, the gang performs a rousing, down-home mix of country western, rock 'n' roll, and blues in this charming tale of friendship, romance, and life's simple pleasures.

Director, Jason Edwards returns to FST after previously directing and starring in the 2001 production of Pump Boys and Dinettes. Edwards shares a personal connection to this piece that runs back to childhood. "Pump Boys and Dinettes is set in rural America, but it's not really a country western musical. When I was growing up, there weren't too many of these shows around. My dad was in the gas and oil business so I could relate. As a southerner I wanted to represent the south well. That was and still is my primary goal."

This show features a dynamic triple threat cast, all who will not only act, but also sing and play their own instruments live on stage. The cast includes Randy Glass, Jamie Mohamdien, Charlynn Carter, T. Scott Ross, and two returning company members recently seen in the FST cabaret sensation Poems, Prayers, and Promises, are Sarah Hund and Ben Mackel. Hund, who will be playing the role of Prudie Cupp, describes her return to FST stating, "I've had such a blast doing Poems, Prayers, and Promises. It's one of those rare shows that you wish would never end. But I am very excited to get started on Pump Boys and Dinettes. I've been wanting to do that show for such a long time - I'm glad I'm finally getting the chance to do it. I'm also happy to have a few more months in Sarasota - this town has really grown on me. And not just the amazing beaches. Sarasota has such a supportive arts community that I haven't experienced anywhere else."

Edwards speaks to his return to Sarasota stating, "It's always special to me to come back down south to do this show. You can't fool people down here. You better tell them the truth. That's interesting to me. It's fun and a challenge. This show has been a special part of my career."

Pump Boys and Dinettes will open in the Gompertz Theatre June 4 and run through June 29, 2014. Subscriptions to see all three shows of the season can be purchased for as little as $39. Single tickets range from $34-44. Tickets may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

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