"In the Mood for A Melody"
Florida Studio Theatre Presents
Diverse Piano Music from the 20th Century
Are you in the mood for a melody? If so, the music of Piano Men might
just be the way to ring in the new year. FST's newest Cabaret revue, which
begins January 10, is a tribute to the virtuosity of the "piano men" of
the last century. These men were a unique kind of musician. They raised
some hell. Found some religion. And, most importantly, they wrote about
it.
Billy Joel's song, "Piano Man," typifies the spirit of the show and is
also the inspiration for the show's title. From the legendary Fats Waller
to contemporary artists such as Elton John and Barry Manilow, Piano Men
focuses on the great songs of the popular "piano man" and the songs that a
generation knew well, loved and found both meaningful and entertaining.
The roots of the "piano man" can be traced to jazz and blues. Scott
Joplin's rags, popular around the turn-of-the-century, started the
trend for the piano player/songwriter. From Joplin, the genre evolved into soul
and R&B with Little Richard's famous wail which, in turn, inspired the rock
'n roll beats of Elton John and Billy Joel.
Piano Men not only traces these roots, but shows the similarities
between the "piano men" of yesteryear and contemporary artists. The songs
highlight the personal history and the journey shared by all piano men. Starting
from humble beginnings, the piano finds and faces the excitement of adolescence
before discovering the initial inspiration to create a song.
But the musical inspiration and passion that stirred the piano men's
creativity also had a darker side. Experiencing success, while
simultaneously struggling with doubt, the "piano man" was able to
create some of his finest work and realize his full potential in songwriting.
Told individually, these stories are the journey made by each "piano man".
Collectively, the story is told in Piano Men.
Dennis Courtney, who directed the season opener Ethel Waters: His Eye
is on the Sparrow, returns to direct Piano Man. He is joined by FST Staffers
Michael Sebastian (Musical Director) and Marcella Beckwith (Scenic &
Costume Designer. Piano Men was created in-house by FST staff under the
direction of Richard Hopkins.
The cast of Piano Men includes Jannie Jones, who just finished a
successful run in FST's production of Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow.
She has also appeared in the FST Cabaret productions of Too Darn Hot: A
Tribute to Cole Porter and One-Hit Wonders. Ms. Jones will be joined by FST
newcomers David Abeles and Scott Pearson. Mr. Abeles has appeared in Bus Stop
and On the Razzle at Williamstown Theatre Fest and in Works of Shakespeare
(Abridged) at the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Mr. Pearson has
appeared in Carousel, The Who's Tommy and Miss Saigon at Pittsburgh Civic Light
Opera and in Forever Plaid at West Virginia Public Theatre.
Piano Men begins January 10 and runs through March 25, 2006 in the
Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets range from $19 for previews (January 10 and 11) to
$26-29 for regular performances and may be purchased from the FST Box Office
in person or by calling (941) 366-9000.
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.
Piano Men
Performance Schedule
January 10 - March 25, 2006
Tuesday January 10 7:30 p.m. Preview
Wednesday January 11 7:30 p.m. Preview
Thursday January 12 7:30 p.m. Opening
Friday January 13 7:30 p.m.
Saturday January 14 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.
Sunday January 15 4:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday January 17 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 18 7:30 p.m.
Thursday January 19 7:30 p.m.
Friday January 20 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.
Saturday January 21 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.
Sunday January 22 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
