Sophie Tucker Returns to FST for Limited Engagement 3/7/12

Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas returns to Sarasota for a limited engagement beginning March 7, 2012 in the Gompertz Theatre. The hit show, developed at FST in 2001, has been produced across the country including theatres in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Toronto.

Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas was developed at Florida Studio Theatre under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, with assistance from Kathy Halenda and Jack Fournier, where it ran for more than 100 performances. The show is one of the most successful productions in FST history, enjoying three sold-out runs at FST and in more than 20 productions across the country.

Known for her for her bawdy sense of humor and outspoken views on men and relationships, Tucker’s legacy has influenced comediennes and singers alike for generations. Catapulted to fame after an arrest for lewd behavior on-stage, this gutsy vaudeville entertainer is identified by the songs “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong,” “You’ve Gotta See Your Mama,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” and, most especially, “Some of These Days,” which became her signature song.

Kathy Halenda returns to take on the title role. Ms. Halenda has previously appeared in the FST productions in all three productions of Sophie Tucker, as well as No Way to Treat a Lady, Brassy Broads, Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, Inspired Lunacy, and The Robber Bridegroom. A professional actor and singer for over twenty-five years, Ms. Halenda has performed in over 180 productions, including seventeen national tours in cities across the globe. Favorite roles include Nancy in “Oliver”, Mae West in “Ziegfeld”, Mama Rose in “Gypsy”, Miss Mona in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” Miss Hannigan in “Annie” and the title roles in “Mame”, “Hello, Dolly” “Evita” and “Annie Get Your Gun”. The New York Daily News called her “a red hot mama” and The Village Voice called her “an Ethel Merman style diva”.

Sophie Tucker will begin performances March 7, 2012 and run for a limited engagement through March 18, 2012 in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets range from $32-$34 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000 or online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org. FST is located in Historic Downtown Sarasota at 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota FL 34236.

About Florida Studio Theatre

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.

A full production schedule follows below:

Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas

Performance Schedule

March 7, 2012 - March 18, 2012

Gompertz Theatre

Tickets: $32 - $36
Wednesday, March 7 at 8PM

Thursday, March 8 at 8PM

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