Sophie Tucker may have been “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” but her legacy lives on, thanks to the incomparable Kathy Halenda. An accomplished actress and self-described “broad,” Halenda had been heating up theatres for over a decade before she found a kindred spirit in Sophie Tucker. With the support of Florida Studio Theatre and writing partner Jack Fournier, Halenda debuted a tribute to … Continue reading Return of the Red Hot Mama with Kathy Halenda

Before there was Bette Midler, Mae West, or Miss Piggy, there was Sophie Tucker. Armed with a quick wit and a powerful voice, Sophie Tucker defied all stereotypes and expectations to become one of the most popular entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. She emerged from an era flush with flappers, a large woman with even larger personality – a woman who … Continue reading An FST Favorite Comes “Home”

She’s bawdy. She’s naughty. And she’s BACK! Florida Studio Theatre is thrilled to reopen its Mainstage with one of the “hottest” shows in FST history, celebrating the one, the only, the incomparable Miss Sophie Tucker. Inspired by the real life and artistic impact of one of the most popular entertainers of the first half of the 20th century, Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red … Continue reading Getting Hotter All the Time!