Photo Flash: First Look at Florida Studio Theatre's JERICHO;Opening Tonight, 4/6

Florida Studio Theatre opens Jericho by Jack Canfora, a National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere, tonight, Friday, April 6, 2012, in the Keating Theatre (1241 N. Palm Avenue). Part of the Sarasota Festival of New Plays, Jericho makes its final stop of it's "rolling" world premiere, after opening at Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis and New Jersey Repertory Company early this season. Tickets for the world premiere play are on sale through June 9 and can be purchased online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

We have a look at the production photos below!

Jericho explores how extraordinary events affect the lives of ordinary people.  In 2005 New York City, a Jewish 9/11 survivor and a Palestinian 9/11 widow find themselves embroiled in one family's personal and political dramas. With surprising humor and wit, Jericho reminds us that all struggles are ultimately personal. 

Kate Alexander, FST Associate Director, will direct Jericho. Ms. Alexander has directed numerous productions and premieres on the FST stages including this season's Next Fall, The Savannah Disputation, Ghost-Writer, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Sylvia, Bridge & Tunnel, Shotgun, Shirley Valentine, The Miamians, Brooklyn Boy, The Exonerated, Wit, Proof, Lobby Hero, and Ten Unknowns. Ms. Alexander has also been a resident actress with Florida Studio Theatre for the past 20 years. Some of her leading roles were seen in the plays: The Goat, Filumena, Master Class, Three Tall Women, The Play About the Baby, and Golda's Balcony.

New York actress Eleanor Handley is making her debut with Florida Studio Theatre as Beth, the woman who lost her husband on 9/11. In dual roles, Will Little, a local actor whose recently starred in WCBTT's A Raisin in the Sun, portrays Beth's psychiatrist Dr. Kim and her husband Alec. New York actor Mark Light-Orr plays Josh, the 9/11 survivor. New York actor Michael Satow is Ethan, Beth's new boyfriend and Josh's brother; New York actor Rachel Moulton is Josh's wife Jessica; and New York actor Diane Ciesla plays Rachel, the family matriarch.            

In addition to director Kate Alexander, the creative team for Jericho includes Set Designer Bob Phillips, Lighting Designer Bryon Winn, Costume Designer Sara J. Hinkley, Stage Manager Kelli Karen, Technical Director Dan Yerman, and Production Manager Bruce Price.

Jack Canfora's plays have been read and performed throughout the United States and England since 2001. His first full length play, Place Setting, was read in Los Angeles in September 2005 and starred Steven Weber and Jon Cryer. In June 2007, the New Jersey Repertory Theatre staged Place Setting where it received excellent notices. The New Jersey Star-Ledger named it, along with plays by Teresa Rebeck, Elaine May and Edward Albee as one of the best plays of 2007.

His play Poetic License, after debuting at New Jersey Rep in 2008, will open Off-Broadway at 59E59 this year. The Abingdon Theatre awarded him their 2011 Playwriting Award for Poetic License. Jack served as a writer for the award winning and tragically defunct internet magazine Angst American Style, where his work was featured on CNN. His sketch comedy writing was frequently seen in Greenwich Village in the late 90's and on the main stage of the world famous Comedy Club "Caroline's". 

Jericho plays in the Goldstein Cabaret through June 3, 2012. Single tickets are $32 - $34 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000 or now online at www.floridstudiotheatre.org.

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 eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building – now 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 three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and its newest space, the Gompertz Theatre.  

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience.  Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, 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.

Photo Credit:  Maria Lyle

Eleanor Handley and Mark Light

Eleanor Handley, Will Little, and Mark Light

Eleanor Handley and Michael Satow