THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Starts Investigations Tonight at FST

Who let the hound out? This summer, Sherlock Holmes attempts to solve the mystery of the moor at Florida Studio Theatre. The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, begins tonight, July 1 in Gompertz Theatre. This twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes tale makes for a funny, cunningly clever whodunit adventure. 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.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were never so funny. The game is afoot as three actors take on multiple roles, a 'la 39 Steps, to poke fun at the mystery and melodrama of the moor. Cast in this brainy and sometimes baffling murder mystery are three actors that between them play 17 roles on stage.

Returning FST cast member Patrick Noonan describes his preparation for such a demanding role stating, "As a comedic actor, shows like this are right up my alley. As challenging as playing different roles is, it's equally fun. I starred in The Mystery of Irma Vep in 2008 with FST which demanded both actors to play multiple roles. When I read The Hound of the Baskervilles, it reminded me of what a great time I had playing in Irma Vep. They are cut from the same cloth. As far as preparation goes, mine is fairly simple: I learn my lines as quickly as possible. It's only when I am off-book that I can begin to make discoveries and interesting choices. I played Sherlock Holmes when I was a wee 20 year-old in my home town of Milwaukee in a musical called Baker Street. It'll be nice to bring him out again and dust him off." Noonan's previous FST credits include Monty Python's Spamalot, Jewtopia, The Mystery of Irma Vep, and Edward Albee's Occupant.

Playing so many different characters could be considered crazy by some, but perhaps it's better described as creatively daring. Directing this kooky cast is Gavin Cameron-Webb. Having served as the Artistic Director of Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, New York, Cameron-Webb makes his FST directorial debut in this comedy that the New York Times describes as a "Surprisingly elegant production."

Joining Noonan on stage are returning FST company members Michael Daly and Tom Patterson. Daly shares his own personal connection to Sherlock Holmes stating, "I have always been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and of sleuthing novels in general, since my grammar school days when I read all of the Encyclopedia Brown books. Playing multiple roles in a production, especially a comedy, is exhilarating. The action is non-stop. Even when one is offstage, there is a squad of dressers and stage managers on hand (performing masterfully themselves) to transform these three men into their next role. It's just a wild ride all the way through."

Audiences may remember Daly from FST's production of Complete Works and Patterson from his previous role in FST's Shotgun.

Join us this summer as these dashing and delightfully deranged characters attempt to solve the mystery of the moor. The investigation begins July 1 and continues through August 2 in the Keating 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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