Photo Flash: FST's ALWAYS PATSY CLINE

Artistic Director Richard Hopkins commented, "The story is based on the very real relationship that evolved between Patsy and one of her fans, Louise. Louise relates the story of her time with Patsy and in doing so we remember why we loved Pasty so much. And then of course there are the songs, the lyrics, and the parade of period costumes. Not to mention a great band."

Always...Patsy Cline will star New York Actress Christine Mild as "Patsy Cline," who portrayed the role last summer at the Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron, Ohio. Mild's other credits include "Young Gertrude Stein" in Galati/Flaherty's Loving Repeating (About Face/MCA, Chicago - Jeff Nomination, Original Soundtrack Jay Records); "Grizabella," Cats (Carousel); and most recently "Factory Girl/Fantine u.s. in Les Miserables (Marriott Theatre).

Florida resident and Artistic Director (Key West Red Barn Theatre), Joy Hawkins will star as "Louise" and will also direct the production. Hawkins has played "Louise" for the past 11 years in major regional theatres across the country as well as touring Scotland and England. Her directing credits include; Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Opus, Seascape and Spitfire Grill (Red Barn Theatre). She also has directed for The Tennessee Williams Theatre, Tucson's Invisible Theatre and The Allenberry Playhouse.
Music Director Vince DiMura returns to Florida Studio Theatre after serving as music director for Hula Hoop Sha-Boop in the Goldstein Cabaret. DiMura as a Jazz pianist/Composer has performed on concert stages throughout North America, Canada and Latin America and has released two CD's "Imperfect Balance" and "A Darker Shade of Romance." He is best known for his arrangements of My Way: A Sinatra Cabaret and I Left My Heart: A Tribute to the Music of Tony Bennett.
"The Bodacious Bobcats" will back up Miss Cline and will include musicians; Vince DiMura on Piano, Skip Ellis on Rhythm & Steel Guitar, Chad Dance on Bass and Peter Leon on drums.

The production design team includes FST staff member Marcella Beckwith (Costume Design), Lauren Feldman (Scenic Coordinator) and Colleen Jennings (Lighting Design).
The musical tribute, Always...Patsy Cline opens February 17 and continues through February 28, 2009 at the Gompertz Theatre. Tickets are $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 2008 - 2009 Season and to the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photos by Amy Steinmetz