This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida.Pictured: Meredith Jones and Blake Price. Photo by John Jones.

Mainstage Playbill

Bright Star

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

* Denotes member Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Music DirectorPaul Helm

UnderwritersGaele Barthold, Cookie Boudreaux & Dennis Hassell, Joan & Larry Castellani, Ed & Judy Christian,

Georgia Court, Shirley Fein, Sydney Goldstein, Wendy & Bob Grady, Gulf Coast Community Foundation,Robert & Bonny Israeloff, Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy, Patrick & Mary Mulva, Anne H.S. Nethercott,

Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts of Community Foundation of Sarasota County,Gail & Skip Sack, Dorothy Waldron, Herald-Tribune Media Group

Co-ProducersSandy & Jim Goldman, Jeff Hotchkiss & Betsy Winder, Jack & Priscilla Schlegel, ABC7

Scenic Designers Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay

Costume Designer Kathleen Geldard Lighting

DesignerNick Jones

Sound DesignerThom Korp

CAST (in alphabetical order)

Directed by: Kate Alexander

Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

Produced byJoey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Zebulon LLC, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Len Blavatnik, James L. Nederlander, Carson & Joseph

Gleberman, Balboa Park Productions, The Shubert Organization, Jamie deRoy/Catherine Adler/Cricket Jiranek

In Association WithRodger Hess, A.C. Orange International, Broadway Across America, Sally Jacobs & Warren Baker, Diana DiMenna, Exeter Capital,

Agnes Gund, True Love Productions, And The Old Globe

Stage Manager: Roy Johns*

BAND (in alphabetical order)

Choreographer Ellie Mooney

D.C. Anderson* ..................................Daddy MurphyMimi Bessette* ........ Mama Murphy, Florence, ClerkMichael Grieve .................. Daryl Ames, Max, DoctorMeredith Jones* .................................. Alice MurphyMax Meyers* .............................................Billy Cane

Travis Mitchell* ................................... Mayor DobbsRachel Mulcahy ..............................Lucy Grant, EdnaBlake Price*.................................. Jimmy Ray DobbsAshley Rose* ............... Margo, Well Dressed WomanWilliam Selby* ....................... Daddy Cane, Stanford

Howie Banfield .............................. Banjo, MandolinChuck Davis .................................................... Guitar

Paul Helm ......................................Piano/ConductorKroy Presley ......................................... Upright Bass

Assistant Stage Manager: Jynelly Rosario*

Music, Book & Story by STEVE MARTIN

Music, Book & Story by EDIE BRICKELL

Inspired By A True Story

UNDERSTUDIESFor Jimmy Ray Dobbs - Michael Grieve; for Alice Murphy - Ashley Rose*

DANCE CAPTAIN: Michael Grieve

D.C. ANDERSON (Daddy Murphy) excitedly returns to FST (Hairspray and The Fabulous Lipitones) for Bright Star! Recent: The Graduate (Penobscot), Anne of Green Gables (Finger Lakes), Gypsy (Riverside), The Music Man (Goodspeed). Films: Norman,

Miles, Rich Boy Rich Girl. Previously: Steppenwolf, Guthrie, and Northlight regional theatres. Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera. Off Broadway: York’s Storyville, Transport Group’s Queen of the Mist (cast recording). A singer/songwriter with 9 CD’s available. Hobbies: photography. dcanderson.net

MIMI BESSETTE (Mama Murphy, Florence, Clerk) Broadway/Off-Broadway: Bonnie & Clyde (Emma), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Dawn), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey) and Smoke on the Mountain (Denise). First National Tours: Parade,

Keep on the Sunny Side, Big River, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Regional: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Irish and How They Got That Way, Woody Sez, Cowgirls, Always...Patsy Cline, Blood Brothers, Nunsense, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Guitar Girls, and Woody Guthrie’s American Song. Film/TV: Annie (opposite Jamie Foxx) and Difficult People (opposite Andrea Martin). Her albums Lullabies of Broadway and Lullabies of Broadway Act II just got picked up by Broadway Records. mimibessette.com

MICHAEL GRIEVE (Daryl Ames, Max, Doctor) is thrilled to be returning to FST! Previously FST credits: The Wonder Years. Professional credits include: Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast (Beast), and 9 to 5: The Musical (Dwayne) at the

Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Other notable credits include: The Glorious Ones (Flaminio Scala), The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), and Big Love (Oed) at the Festival de la Teatro de la Habana. Michael

graduated from The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University class of 2017, and is incredibly grateful to be a part of this beautiful musical.

MEREDITH JONES (Alice Murphy) is thrilled to return to FST just months after closing The Marvelous Wonderettes where she played Betty Jean. You might also recognize her from playing the title role of Patsy Cline in last year’s production

of Always...Patsy Cline. Favorite regional credits include Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Mary in Vanities, and Julia in The Wedding Singer. Meredith graduated from Emerson College in Boston, MA with a BFA in musical theatre and currently lives in NYC with her number one fan, her husband!

MAX MEYERS (Billy Cane) Off Broadway: Lolita, My Love (The York), The Christians (Playwrights Horizons). National Tour: Buddy Holly Story (Van Wezel Jan. 2015) Favorite Regional Credits: Fun Home (Ensemble Cincinnati), HAIR (Short North), Last Five

Years (Eagle), Midsummer (TUTS), Timon of Athens (RADA). Visit maxmeyersonline.com to learn more. @heyitsmaxmeyers

TRAVIS MITCHELL (Mayor Dobbs) is thrilled to be spending some time in beautiful Sarasota, FL with such a renowned theatre! National Tours: Rock Of Ages, Catch Me If You Can, Spring Awakening, Elf the Musical. Notable Regional: Les

Miserables (Thenardier), Big River (Pap/King), South Pacific (Harbison), The 39 Steps (Clown 1). Film/TV: Law & Order: SVU (Season 20 Finale), The Spinning Man (Craft Award; NY First Run Fest), Partitioned Heart (Best Short Drama; CineYouth Chicago Film Fest), Hell Is Empty, due out this Winter. travistravistravis.com

ARTIST PROFILES

ARTIST PROFILESRACHEL MULCAHY (Lucy Grant, Edna) is so excited to make her Florida Studio Theatre debut and share this beautiful story! She originally hails from Syracuse, NY, but currently resides in NYC. Recent credits include: The Buddy Holly Story

(Forestburgh Playhouse), Once (Northern Stage, Ivoryton Playhouse and The Engeman Theater), Shakespeare in Love (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Ring of Fire (Timberlake Playhouse) and the National Tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Enjoy the show! rachelmulcahy.com @raymulcay

BLAKE PRICE (Jimmy Ray Dobbs) is floored to be making his FST debut! NYC: NYMF, Freedom Summer (Mickey Schwerner). US National Tours: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty Navarro). Regional: North Shore Music Theatre,

Oklahoma! (Curly McLain), Palm Beach Dramaworks, The Spitfire Grill (Joe Sutter), Texas Shakes, Carousel (Billy Bigelow). TV/Film: Land of the Outlaws (Bobby Ames), Duress (Kurt). Education: BFA Music Theatre Performance, Western Michigan University. Rep: The Krasny Office, NYC.

ASHLEY ROSE (Margo, Well Dressed Woman) is beyond excited to be back in Sarasota after last being seen as Natalie Goodman in FST’s production of Next to Normal! NYC credits: Junk: A Rock Opera (Joe’s Pub), Cynthia in Standby (FringeNYC and Gallery Players). Regional

favorites: The Spitfire Grill (Percy), Ghost (Molly), Hair (Sheila) and Always…Patsy Cline (Patsy Cline). TV: NBC’s America’s Most Talented Kid. Ashley is also an award-winning singer-songwriter. Most recently she co-wrote the song “Trace of You,” which climbed the Billboard dance chart to No. 22. BFA in theatre from Montclair State University. ashleyrosemusic.com

WILLIAM SELBY (Daddy Cane, Stanford) FST: Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, Older Than Dirt, and Laughing Matters, Vol. 5. Regional: Bernadette in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Gateway, Ogunquit Playhouse-Broadway World

Award nomination), Billis in South Pacific (Ivoryton Playhouse-Broadway World & CT Critics Circle Award nominations), Barrymore, The Presidents (with Rich Little), Hot n’ Cole, The All Night Strut. Bill performed for many years in Forbidden Broadway, and directed 19 productions of the show across the country. Off-Broadway: The Daring Duo (Bridge Theatre), Nerds (NYMF), Forbidden Hollywood (Triad), Juba (Vineyard), The Apple Tree (York). NY Workshop: Finding Nemo for Disney.

HOWIE BANFIELD (Banjo, Mandolin) is looking forward to being part of Bright Star! He started playing guitar, mandolin, and banjo at an early age and entered music competitions shortly thereafter. He has been a bluegrass, old time country, and western swing band leader in Canada and the United States. He came to Anna Maria for a long weekend 38 years ago and never left. He has played along the Gulf Coast area ever since as a soloist and in acoustic-oriented bands.

CHUCK DAVIS (Guitar) started his musical career playing guitar in rock bands, Top 40 cover bands, and show bands. He was the lead guitarist for The Happenings, See You in September (1966), and I’ve Got Rhythm (1967). He shared the stage with Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”), Lou Rawls, Little Anthony, Johnny Maestro, and The Brooklyn Bridge, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Lou Christie, Martha Reeves and The Vandella’s, and The Shirelles. A long-time resident of Hudson Valley, NY, he relocated to Florida three years ago. Most recently, Chuck has been the guitarist for Come Together (FST), Piano Men (FST), Always..Patsy Cline (FST), and The Toxic Avenger (Venice Theatre).

PAUL HELM (Music Director, Piano) is excited to be back! Previous FST credits include Guitar Girls, Murder for Two, and Never Marry A Girl With Cold Feet. He has also performed, directed, and music

ARTIST PROFILESdirected with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, freeFall Theatre Company, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Fireside Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theater, Skylight Music Theatre, Bucknell University, and the UW-Platteville Heartland Festival. Paul resides in New York City. paulhelm.net

KROY PRESLEY (Upright Bass) is excited to be returning to Florida Studio Theatre for their production of Bright Star! His first appearance on the Mainstage was in winter of 2016 for Million Dollar Quartet, as Jay Perkins. He has since performed twice with Carole J. Bufford in Roar! and Come Together, as well as with The Blue Eyed Betty’s, for their Cabaret productions.

KATE ALEXANDER (Director) is the Associate Director At-Large of FST and the Founder of the FST Theatre School with its acting method of training. Ms. Alexander is directing the 2020 Suffragist Project and has also directed numerous productions and premieres on the FST stages including Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow, Wednesday’s Child; Cherry Docs; Straight White Men; Always...Patsy Cline; The Things They Carried; Native Gardens; Heisenberg; The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey; brownsville song (b-side for tray); Clever Little Lies; Alabama Story; Outside Mullingar; Over the River and Through the Woods; Chapatti; Dancing Lessons; Becoming Dr. Ruth; Freud’s Last Session; Thurgood; South Beach Babylon; The Columnist; Talley’s Folly; Jericho; Next Fall; The Savannah Disputation; Ghost-Writer; Two Jews Walk into a War...; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Sylvia; Shotgun; The Miamians; Brooklyn Boy; The Exonerated; Wit; Proof; Lobby Hero; and Ten Unknowns. Ms. Alexander has also been a resident actress for over 25 years. Some of her leading roles were in the plays: Edward Albee’s The Goat; Filumena; Master Class; Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women; The Occupant; The Play About the Baby; Golda’s Balcony; and Taking Shakespeare. Ms. Alexander is the recipient of numerous acting, directing, and public service awards, including FAER, She Knows Where She’s Going Award (Girls, Inc.), The Woman of Light Award, National Council of Jewish Women Award, The Woman of Power Award, the Sarasota County Arts Leadership Award, Education Award, Sarasota

Manatee Jewish Federation, The Unity Award, and most recently, the One World Award. Ms. Alexander leads the FST Forums Series and developed the Blue Butterfly Theatre Program, a program for teens suffering from grief through loss. She created the Art of The Gesture program at Ringling College of Animation and is the co-author of The Animated Short, with Karen Sullivan, now in its 2nd edition.ISABEL & MORIAH CURLEY-CLAY (Scenic Designers) are award-winning scenic designers whose theatrical work can be seen on regional stages across the U.S. Recent credits include: The Magic Negro and other Blackity Blackness as told by an African American Man who also happens to be Black (Alliance Theatre); Two Trains running (Triad Stage); Dot (Kenny Leon True Colors, Billie Holliday Theatre NYC); The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Alabama Shakespeare); Lumberjacks in Love (Penobscott Theatre); Native Gardens (Aurora Theatre); Book Of Will, I Love To Eat (Theatrical Outfit); The Cake, Pipeline, How to Use A Knife (Horizon Theatre); Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew, Paradise Blue, Proof (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre). Past designs at FST include, Ethel Waters: His Eye is On The Sparrow; The Marvelous Wonderettes; Wednesday’s Child; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder; Other People’s Money; Honor Killing; Always...Patsy Cline; Native Gardens; Doublewide; Rich Girl; Clever Little Lies; The God of Isaac; The Fabulous Lipitones; Alabama Story; Outside Mullingar; Butler; Taking Shakespeare; Chapatti; Inspired Lunacy; Dancing Lessons; Hairspray; and One Man, Two Guvnors. Isabel and Moriah’s designs were featured in American Theater Magazine’s Inaugural Roll Call, 7 Theatrical People To Watch, and are both members of USA 829. axisstudiosdesign.comKATHLEEN GELDARD (Costume Designer) Most recently at Florida Studio Theatre: Clever Little Lies. Recent regional credits include You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Cincinnati Playhouse; Assassins at Signature Theatre; Lifespan of a Fact at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Other regional theatres include Shakespeare Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arena Stage, Portland Center Stage, Huntington Theatre, Baltimore CenterStage, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth,

La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, Kennedy Center, Round House Theatre, and Folger Theatre.NICK JONES (Lighting Designer) returns to FST after designing lights for last season’s Who Loves You, The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade, Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow, Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s, Buyer & Cellar, Cherry Docs, Hand to God, and Snow White. Having designed in Sarasota and New York, credits span numerous companies and projects such as Asolo Rep, Dog Days Theatre Company, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Additionally, he serves as a Lighting Assistant on the New Year’s Eve Times Square Celebration. For a full list of works, visit his website at standbylx.net.THOM KORP (Sound Designer) As FST’s Sound Supervisor, Thom does more than wrangle rogue microphones. Sound design credits include: That’s Amoré!, Who Loves You, The Cottage, The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade, The Cottage, Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow, Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Wednesday’s Child, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers, Straight White Men, Guitar Girls, Unchained Melodies, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Once. Mixing Credits: Next to Normal, Smokey Joe’s Café, The World Goes Round, Tango: Buenos Aires, and We Will Rock You. ELLIE MOONEY (Choreographer) is an Associate Artist at FST as well as a director, choreographer, performer, and teaching artist. After residing in NYC and working nationally and internationally, Ellie made an artistic home in Philadelphia. There, she worked at the historic Walnut Street Theatre on over 30 productions. Additionally, Ellie taught musical theatre classes at the Walnut Street Theatre School and Rutgers University. Recent Florida Studio Theatre Credits: The Marvelous Wonderettes, and Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

ROY JOHNS (Stage Manager) is pleased to be back for another season at FST. He has had an exciting and varied career both on stage and behind the scenes from Tokyo Disneyland to the White House. Past credits at FST include: The Cottage; Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow; The Marvelous Wonderettes;

Wednesday’s Child; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder; Other People’s Mondey; Murder For Two; Always...Patsy Cline; Honor Killing; Native Gardens; Once; Doublewide; The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey; Burt & Me; Rich Girl; brownsville song (b-side for tray); Million Dollar Quartet; The God of Isaac; The Roommate; The Fabulous Lipitones; Alabama Story; Outside Mullingar; One Man, Two Guvnors; The Hound of the Baskervilles; Chapatti; Hairspray; and Taking Shakespeare.JYNELLY ROSARIO (Assistant Stage Manager) Off Broadway: Square Go, Posting Letters to the Moon, Killing Time (59E59 Theaters). FST: Buyer & Cellar, Cherry Docs, Hand To God, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Things They Carried, Constellations, How to Use a Knife, Once, and Million Dollar Quartet. Highlights: Passionata (Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse), Rent, Footloose (The Black Box Theatre Workshop), The Little Prince, Tarzan, In The Heights (Teatro CeDIn), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Annie (Broadway Illusions). jynellyrosario.com STEVE MARTIN (Music, Book & Story) is one of the most well-known and pervasive talents in entertainment. His work has earned him an Academy Award, five Grammy Awards (two for comedy, three for music), an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. As an author, Martin’s work includes the plays Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Underpants, and Meteor Shower. Also an accomplished banjoist, Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award established to reward artistry and bring greater visibility to bluegrass performers.EDIE BRICKELL (Music, Book & Story) released the debut multiplatinum album Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars with New Bohemians in 1988. Her recent works include a 13-track collaboration with Steve Martin titled Love Has Come for You. The album won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and inspired the musical Bright Star. Their second album, So Familiar, is out now.SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jason Brass, Wig Master

ARTIST PROFILES

EXECUTIVE STAFFRICHARD HOPKINS is the Producing Artistic Director of Florida Studio Theatre. Mr. Hopkins has fostered the development of FST’s Mainstage and Cabaret productions. His many directing Mainstage credits include: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Honor Killing, Inspired Lunacy, The Best of Enemies, Next to Normal, Race, Ruined, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Boleros for the Disenchanted, Permanent Collection, and Metamorphoses, among numerous other plays. Mr. Hopkins led the development of FST’s Cabaret productions of Guitar Girls, Mack the Knife, Older than Dirt, Piano Men, and The Prima Donnettes. Mr. Hopkins also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Florida Studio Theatre. This includes overseeing the creation and implementation of all FST programming, including Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, New Play Development, Education, and Touring. Since his arrival at FST in 1980, Mr. Hopkins has guided the theatre from a small touring company to a nationally-recognized regional theatre, which impacts over 215,000 adults and children annually. He created the New Play Development Program, the Cabaret Series, FST’s award-winning WRITE A PLAY Program, and he has directed the design and renovation of all FST’s theatres. Mr. Hopkins is the recipient of numerous awards including the Arts Leadership Award from the Sarasota Arts Council, the Richard G. Fallon Award for Artistic Excellence from the Florida Professional Theatres Association, and the 2012 Cultural Champion Award from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. In 2016, Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Luminaire Award, honoring excellence in creativity, philanthropy, advocacy, and all elements that are keys to future growth of the arts in Sarasota. In 2017, Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Florida Theatre Conference Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the Sarasota community and the state of Florida, and his dedication to developing future artists, educators, and advocates. REBECCA HOPKINS serves as Managing Director for Florida Studio Theatre, and as such, is the Chief Operations Officer. Mrs. Hopkins is responsible for oversight of FST’s Administration, including the Business Office, Development, Marketing, Box Office, Front of House, Restaurant, Budgeting, and

maintaining the overall quality of FST’s internal management. Mrs. Hopkins serves on the Board of Directors for the League of Resident Theatres and for the Theatre Communications Group. She is the former President of the National New Play Network. Mrs. Hopkins has been actively involved in development of FST’s Cabaret productions since her arrival in 1998. In addition to being Lead Developer for That’s Amoré!, this season she is also part of the development team for Outlaws & Angels and Light My Fire. Previously she was the lead developer on The Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers; Unchained Melodies; Blue Suede Shoes; Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves; Yesterday; American Pie; and Poems, Prayers, and Promises. She has been the head writer on all five Laughing Matters shows. Some of her favorite shows she helped develop include: Mack the Knife: The Bobby Darin Songbook; The Prima Donnettes; That’s Life; The Wanderers; My One and Only Gershwin; Hot and Cole; The British Invasion; The Flip Side; and Outlaws and Angels. In addition, she is the founder and producer of FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival. In 2012, the Arts & Cultural Alliance awarded Mrs. Hopkins the Cultural Champion Award in recognition of her many years of accomplishment and growth with Florida Studio Theatre. In 2016, Mrs. Hopkins was awarded the Luminaire Award, honoring excellence in creativity, philanthropy, advocacy, and all elements that are keys to future growth of the arts in Sarasota.

We encourage you to take photos with the set before and after the show

and share to social media! We just ask that you please recognize

the scenic designers:

@axisstudiosdesign

@FloridaStudioTheatre #BrightStar

FST FORUMS

Bright Star features bluegrass and Americana music and relies heavily on the banjo to bring its score to life. Steve Martin considers the banjo an “emotional instrument,” and its popularity in American culture certainly attests to that. But, contrary to what most people think, banjos were not conceived in America.

Banjos, originally called “banjar,” were first brought over on slave ships from West Africa through the Caribbean to North America. The original banjo was nothing more than a dried out gourd with strings. The sound of this instrument has been described as “distinctive metallic,” which comes from its form – in essence, a drum with a

long neck and strings attached to be plucked or strummed.

The twangy sound of the banjo became a staple in Southern music through slave songs, where it quickly spread through minstrel shows and performances.

The banjo’s rhythmic, toe-tappin’ style could be heard alongside more popular jazz instruments in music coming out of New Orleans. Its sound and shape kept evolving as it traveled north into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where it eventually transformed into the sleek but raw instrument that we are accustomed to today.

THE banjo through the ages BY hannah zwerner

UNDERWRITERSGEORGIA COURT I love great theatre and FST delivers that. FST is among the best theatre companies I have seen, but it is more than a theatre company. It is an organization that recognizes it is part of the greater community– and it reaches out to that community in positive, productive ways. As the owner of Bookstore1 Sarasota, I have been proud to partner with FST in the creation and celebration of contemporary literary works. Having FST so accessible adds to the joy of living in the fabulous arts community that is Sarasota.

SHIRLEY FEIN My support of FST was immediate. I felt a comfortable intimacy and a grandeur regarding their intellectually stimulating and entertaining performances. I salute FST for having exceptional management, a friendly and caring staff, and performers extraordinaire! It is my sincere pleasure to be a sponsor of the 2019-20 Winter Mainstage Season, full of new and exciting productions for us all to enjoy. See you there!

SYDNEY GOLDSTEIN FST is important to me because I have always enjoyed the theatre and it provides a good, thought-provoking play. Its productions are unique to our community. My favorite show was Master Class in 1998 with Kate Alexander. I generally like the dramas, which make us think and touch our emotions. FST has many facets, all of them worthwhile. It is my pleasure to support these efforts!

WENDY & BOB GRADY We were so impressed when we first visited FST, that we immediately wanted to become involved. Whenever you come across a theatre program as unique as FST’s, where the key to getting art into the hearts of so many has been found – in a comfortable and easily accessible way – you know you’ve spotted a winner. We are proud to be Underwriters – associated with the finest staff and talent anywhere – and hope that others will join us in supporting FST’s important work.

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION For 25 years, together with our donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed our region

GAELE BARTHOLD FST is family and an integral part of my life. Its community contributions are myriad and a model of theatrical excellence. Quality and diverse stage productions at affordable prices are but one component of FST’s offerings. Other contributions include extensive contact with local schools to foster student creativity and theatre appreciation, structured and wide-ranging educational programs for adults and children, community forums and other community outreach programs, and a strong commitment to New Play Development and excellence in the arts. FST is a gem that warrants our widespread financial and artistic support. I am proud to serve on FST’s board and to support it financially and otherwise.

COOKIE BOUDREAUX & DENNIS HASSELL In today’s hustle and bustle world, FST refreshingly reminds us of what it means to be human. These basic truths can sometimes be easy to overlook in a world consumed by busyness. After leaving an FST performance, each audience member is filled with a renewed sense of life–as awakened human beings.

JOAN & LARRY CASTELLANI We have been attending Florida Studio Theatre for many years, and we have found so much to enjoy. We love the diversity of the art FST offers, and are consistently impressed at the talent showcased on their many stages. We appreciate that Richard, Rebecca, and the rest of the FST staff show a true dedication to their craft. And most importantly, we are grateful that a theatre of this caliber exists in our city. We are proud to be supporters of this Sarasota treasure.

ED & JUDY CHRISTIAN Sarasota is continually voted as an area that has an exceptionally high quality of life and the arts. A very big part of this is Florida Studio Theatre. FST sets the mark and excels in invariably producing a high-level quality theatre experience. No doubt about it, FST is a strong part of the fabric that makes Sarasota the stand-out community that it is. Please join with us and other donors to ensure that FST will grow and continually challenge us with great theatre and entertainment on all levels.

UNDERWRITERSthrough bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, we have become the philanthropic home of nearly 1,000 families, individuals, organizations, and businesses that have established charitable funds here, and we have invested over $320 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.

ROBERT & BONNY ISRAELOFF Our favorite FST story happened while attending a performance for the first time many years ago and saying, “This is theatre! Do they have a season subscription?!” FST is thought-provoking, Broadway-worthy theatre. We believe FST is important because it enriches our community; it helps make Sarasota what it is. This is why we have proudly contributed to past expansions – especially the new Gompertz Theatre complex – to aid FST’s mission in being even more accessible to the public.

DENNIS & GRACI MCGILLICUDDY FST is important to us because we believe so strongly in the transformative power of the arts. For close to 30 years now, we have been so fortunate to experience first-hand how that transformative power works its magic in the hands of an organization that is not only experienced and dedicated, but so highly skilled in their craft. The values of the theater and its leadership, as reflected in its mission, and as manifested in its work, whether it be on the Mainstage, in the Cabaret, in its Education and community outreach programs – these are values that we so strongly believe in. As a consequence, it is a privilege for us to be a part of, and supportive of this great theater. PATRICK & MARY MULVA We discovered FST after moving to Sarasota in July 2018, and were so impressed with the diversity and quality of the performances. The breadth of entertainment offerings delight,

challenge, and provide thought provoking subjects for a broad range of audiences. In addition, their work in bringing theatre experiences into the schools provides an exposure to the arts that open new doors to young people. FST is a cultural pillar of the Sarasota arts community. We are proud to be a part of its continuing success as supporters and by serving on the board of directors.

ANNE H.S. NETHERCOTT (1926-2019) When asked to define giving, Anne said: “My mother used to say the best way to find you is to lose yourself, by focusing on the needs of others rather than on oneself.” So giving has always been an important family value, which in childhood was reinforced by the community experience of surviving The Depression. Anne was proud to be a supporter of FST. MURIEL O’NEIL FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY With a gift from The Muriel O’Neil Fund For The Performing Arts of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, an endowed fund was established to help underwrite FST’s winter Mainstage Series for many years to come. Muriel’s sister, Dr. Gertrude Hight, established this gift with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to ensure Muriel’s legacy would live on and support an area of the community she deeply cherished.

GAIL & SKIP SACK Extraordinary, creative and thought provoking productions, each with an incredible cast of talented professionals, make Florida Studio Theatre an absolute jewel in Sarasota. Additionally, the Cabaret shows are expertly crafted, and provide entertainment that is worth many times their bargain pricing. Sarasota is fortunate to have the FST at the epicenter of the area’s performing venues.

Recognizes our Legacy Underwriters & Legacy Co-Producers for their commitment to the Art of FST, establishing an endowed fund to support cherished programs for many years to come.

CO-PRODUCERSSANDY & JIM GOLDMAN One of the main reasons we moved to Sarasota was because of the abundance of artistic venues. After moving here in 2001, we immediately joined Florida Studio Theatre and the company never ceases to amaze us. The talent is wonderful, and the play selection and variety is always exciting and different. There have been many changes to the theatres since then and they all have allowed the theatre to reach more people and to remain current. We are also so impressed with the effort they make to reach out and enrich our community. We look forward to each season with anticipation, and they always deliver wonderful theatre.

JEFF HOTCHKISS & BETSY WINDER Since moving to Sarasota area, we have become avid supporters of the Florida Studio Theatre. FST’s commitment to accessible and affordable theatre makes it a tremendous asset to the entire community of Sarasota. It provides great entertainment while challenging us on the issues of the day. We are proud to be able to support this wonderful institution.

JACK & PRISCILLA SCHLEGEL When we moved permanently to Sarasota 20 years ago we were told by many that we should try FST. We did, and were so pleased with our experience that we immediately became subscribers to the Mainstage and Cabaret, and have never hesitated to renew each year. The quality of the plays and actors, the affordable ticket prices, their public forums on contemporary issues, and bringing theater experiences into our schools

all have a profound impact on our community. For all these reasons and more, we decided to increase out financial support and Co-Produce Bright Star.

ABC7 - WWSB From Palmetto to Port Charlotte, we cover it all. Whether it’s breaking news, hurricanes or severe weather coverage, or a local high school sports victory, ABC 7 and MySuncoast.com is YOUR source for Suncoast News. We live, work, and play in the communities we serve and We’re Here for You!

UNDERWRITERSDOROTHY WALDRON I support FST for its diversity of programming: Mainstage, Cabaret, Improv, WRITE A PLAY children’s program, summer camp, adult education classes, and the VIP program for special needs children. It is truly a wonderful community asset.

The HERALD-TRIBUNE MEDIA GROUP enjoys a history in this community that spans more than 90 years. Partnering with organizations such as Florida Studio Theatre allows us to contribute to our region’s rich creative culture in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice providing an unparalleled media landscape through the newspaper, HeraldTribune.com.

EDUCATION & TOURSDirector of Children’s Theatre .....................Caroline KaiserDirector of Education ...............................Christine HopkinsEducation Administrator .................................Pamela SmithTeaching Artist/YPF Coordinator ...................Adam Ratner Education Group Sales Assoc ......................Hannah BagnallTeaching Artist .....................................................Denee Lortz

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP

AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT GROUP

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCEHouse Counsel ..............................................Michael E. Siegel.................................................................. Shutts & Bowen LLPFacility Custodian ..............Confidence Cleaning CompanyCaretaker ................................................................ Doctor Nik

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMActing Apprentice ...................................Samantha DempseyActing Apprentice ......................................Brooke EmmerichActing Apprentice .................................... Anna Lee HawkinsActing Apprentice ............................................. Tim HiemstraActing Apprentice ............................................. Marc JohnsonActing Apprentice .................................................. Pedro LeosActing Apprentice .......................................... De’Ja McKnabbActing Apprentice .........................................Reilly O’ConnellActing Apprentice ............................................ Megan PiggottActing Apprentice .............................................Will StapletonActing Apprentice ...........................................Kyle Van FrankActing/Improv Fellow ............................... Anna WeatherwaxArtistic/Directing Fellow .....................................Drew NorrisCompany Management Intern .............Chelsea WhittemoreCostume Intern ...............................................Chelsea BannanCostume Intern .........................................David Wesley PriceDevelopment Intern .....................................Camryn MacIverEducation Fellow ............................................. Austin HowethGeneral Management Intern .......................................JT PriarLighting Fellow ....................................................Justen ZhangLiterary Intern ...............................................Benedict BurgessLiterary Intern .....................................................Alex DrinnenLiterary Intern ......................................... Madison McAllisterLiterary Intern ...............................................Hannah ZwernerMarketing Intern ...............................................Alyssa ParrishPlaywriting Fellow ............................................Sarah DurhamProduction Intern ................................................... Jacob ScottProduction Management Intern ................. Chase KnapsteinScenic Production Intern .......................... Shannen McClureScenic Production Intern ............................. Joshua WilliamsSound Fellow .................................................... David SabbaghStage Management Intern ........................... Elizabeth AdamsStage Management Intern .............................. Amanda BalterStage Management Intern ...............................Henry HansonStage Management Intern .............................. Shira LebovichStage Management Intern .................................... Emily MickStage Management Intern ...............................Helena Rankin

Jan ColemanLarry ColemanShirley FeinMaddy FreshwaterCarol GilbertSy Goldblatt Jim GoldmanSandy GoldmanRobert GradyWendy GradyBonny IsraeloffValerie Joels

Patricia KordisMarie Kropp

Susan LandauFrank MalicksonMatty Matheson

Graci McGillicuddyIna Schnell

Alan SchottensteinLois Schottenstein

Lois StulbergCharlie Ann Syprett

Martin Taffel

941.366.9000 | floridastudiotheatre.org

FST COMPANY

Ina SchnellCommissioner Willie

Charles ShawHoward Tevlowitz

Honorable Charles E.WilliamsRose Chapman

Hon. Larry L. EgerTrevor HarveyThe Jewish Federation of Sarasota-ManateeGilbert KingMichéle D. RedwineDr. Eddy Regnier

BOARD OF TRUSTEES President ............................................... Dennis McGillicuddyVice-President ............................................. Richard HopkinsSecretary/Treasurer ......................................Patricia Courtois Trustee ..............................................................Gaele BartholdTrustee ...............................................................Georgia CourtTrustee ................................................................Jeff HotchkissTrustee .............................................................Robert IsraeloffTrustee ..............................................................Barbara LupoffTrustee ................................................................Patrick MulvaTrustee ..................................Honorable Charles E. Williams

EXECUTIVE STAFFProducing Artistic Director ....................... Richard HopkinsManaging Director ......................................Rebecca Hopkins

ARTISTIC STAFFAssociate Director At-Large .........................Kate AlexanderCasting/Hiring Coordinator ........................... Alexa Doggett Casting Associate/Artistic Assistant ............. James Ashford Resident Pianist ..................................................... Jim ProsserAssociate Artist ................................................. Jason CannonAssociate Artist ...................................................Ellie MooneyAssociate Artist .......................................Catherine RandazzoDirector of Improvisation ......................................Will LueraAssistant to the Artistic Director .....................Doris IemoloLiterary Associate ................................................. Meg Gilbert

PRODUCTION STAFFProduction Manager ............................................. Bruce PriceProduction Manager ..............................................Lizzi NehlsAssistant Production Manager.............................Louis VetterMainstage Stage Manager ...................................... Roy JohnsAssistant Stage Manager ................................. Jynelly RosarioTechnical Director .................................................. Jim FosterCostume Shop Manager ...........................Adrienne WebberSound Supervisor .................................................Thom KorpLighting Supervisor .................................Michael CummingsProps/Paint Supervisor .............................. Kristine KreutzerLead Carpenter .................................................. Marco Acosta

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFGeneral Manager .............................................Jill ZakrzewskiDirector of IT .................................................... Clarke Weigle Business Manager .......................................Carmen GonzalezAssociate Business Manager ........................ Orville CorderoBusiness Office Associate ................................David WallaceAsst. to the Managing Dir ..........................Phyllis SilvermanFacilities Manager .......................................Joseph Goepfrich Facilities Technician .............................. Mark Quackenbush Company Manager ...........................................Luke JohnsonDirector of Marketing .....................................Becca JenningsPublic Relations Associate ................................. Lydia Baxter Marketing Associate............................................. Sarah HaleyMarketing Assistant ..............................................Justin JonesDirector of Indiv. Giving ................ Melody Mora-ShihadehDevelopment Associate .............................Melanie MarcottePatron Services Manager ....................Kelsey Wehde WilsonBox Office Manager ..................................... Keith McClimenAsst. Box Office Manager ...................................Gigi DelperoAsst. Box Office Manager ...........................Noah ScheibmeirEvents Coordinator ........................................Matthew QuickRestaurant Manager .............................................. Tom CurryRestaurant Manager ..........................................Karen KrasterAsst. Restaurant Manager .................................. Kristy PlumReceptionist/ Volunteer Coord ....................... Joan O’Dowd