FST's A Marvelous Party Extends at The Keating Theatre, Plays Through 7/5

The sounds and wit of Noël Coward will continue at Florida Studio Theatre due to popular demand! After critic and audience praise, A Marvelous Party: The Noël Coward Celebration will be held over on the Keating Theatre, on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Sunday, June 28 at 3:00 pm, Friday, July 3 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, July 5 at 3:00 pm.

Audiences have had a ‘marvelous' time at the musical celebration of Coward's greatest work. Comments range from "That was...dare I say...marvelous," "Who wouldn't like a show like that?" and "Very funny!"

A dazzling evening of ravishing melody and witty repartee, A Marvelous Party draws from Noël Coward's songs, plays, and journals in an effervescent revue that is a true summer sparkler. Songs include "Mad About the Boy," "I'll Follow My Heart," "I've Been to a Marvelous Party" and more!

A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration made its World Premiere at Northlight Theatre, Chicago, in 2005. Academy Award-winner, Sir Noël Peirce Coward, born in England was an acclaimed playwright, composer, director, actor and singer. He was known for his wit, flamboyance and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise."

A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration cast includes co-creator Carl Danielsen (Carl), who last appeared at FST in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and 2 Pianos 4 Hands. Danielsen won the acclaimed Joseph Jefferson Award for a previous performance in A Marvelous Party! for the World Premiere at the Northlight Theatre. He has also appeared in the production at GeVA and Actors Playhouse. Other credits include Edgar in King Lear, Jim Walton in World Goes Round and Barnum in Barnum. Also starring are New York Actress Stefanie Morse (Stefanie) who also returns to the role after productions at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Florida Stage. Other credits include Betty in White Christmas, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (National Tour) and Diana in A Chorus Line (European Tour). Broadway Actor Robin Haynes (Robin) also stars. Haynes Broadway credits include Blood Brothers and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. His numerous theatre credits include the National Tours of My Fair Lady as Butler, JEKYLL & HYDE as Spider/Savage and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story as Norman Petty.

The live band includes Music Director, Todd Lindemood on Piano and Tony Bruno on drums.

The production design team includes Director Fred Weiss, Scenic Designer Lauren Feldman, Lighting Designer Michael Pasquini and FST staff member Marcella Beckwith as Costume Designer.

The energetic A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration continues through July 5, 2009 at the Keating Mainstage. Tickets are $19 - $32 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person, by phone (941) 366 - 9000 or online at www.floridastudiotheatre.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.

Florida Studio Theatre is grateful to Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy for underwriting the 2009 Summerfest Season and to the Florida Arts Council, Sarasota Arts Council, Tourist Development Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo by Amy Steinmetz
Sailers L to R: Carl Danielsen and Robin Haynes