Getting Back to His Roots – Meet Rod Brogan of “Network”
Before Rod Brogan became a full-time actor in his late 20s, he studied journalism in college and worked as a radio reporter after graduation. In FST’s Mainstage production of Network, Brogan gets to revisit his time in the newsroom. Brogan plays Max Schumacher, the Head of the News division for the fictional TV network, UBS. In the play, Max’s best friend and co-worker, Howard Beale, … Continue reading Getting Back to His Roots – Meet Rod Brogan of “Network”
Crafting a Cabaret – Meet Jason Cannon, Lead Developer of “A Place in the Sun”
Jason Cannon has directed dozens of shows, including the hit Mainstage production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, at Florida Studio Theatre. But this Season marks something new for the theatre director—he worked with members of FST’s artistic team to develop the popular Cabaret, A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder. We sat down with Jason to talk about the power of … Continue reading Crafting a Cabaret – Meet Jason Cannon, Lead Developer of “A Place in the Sun”
A Positive Light: Meet Madalyn McHugh of “A Place in the Sun”
Madalyn McHugh returns to FST this season for her fourth show at Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre: A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder. In past FST productions, McHugh has brought the music of Carole King, Dolly Parton, and Alicia Keys to life onstage. This Season, she takes on the music of Stevie Wonder, performing some of Wonder’s top hits, including “You Are … Continue reading A Positive Light: Meet Madalyn McHugh of “A Place in the Sun”
Clawing Her Way to the Top – With Carly Zien of “Network”
When the critically-acclaimed film Network was released in 1976, it was seen as a darkly comic satire of the television industry. The movie went on to win four Academy Awards, including the award for Best Actress, which Faye Dunaway won for her portrayal of Diana Christensen. This Season, FST presents a theatrical adaptation of Network, a crackling drama that was adapted by Lee Hall and … Continue reading Clawing Her Way to the Top – With Carly Zien of “Network”
Sports and Sacrifice
It’s the semi-finals of the U.S. Open—there are bright lights, high stakes, and screams from adoring fans. You see the desperation in the players’ eyes and hear the ball being volleyed across the court. But in FST’s Regional Premiere of Anna Ziegler’s fast-paced drama, The Last Match, you also get an exclusive look into the athletes’ innermost thoughts and feelings as they play in one … Continue reading Sports and Sacrifice
Lights, Camera, Music!
What would The Wizard of Oz be without “Somewhere Over the Rainbow?” Who can (or even wants to) imagine Jaws with out its iconic “Dun-Dun…” or Star Wars without its sweeping orchestral score? From the early days of silent films to today with beloved songs like “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On,” music and movies have always gone hand in hand. This … Continue reading Lights, Camera, Music!
Prickly Ears: The Post-Pandemic Years
I was recently asked “Did the Pandemic change your theatre?” And the answer is a resounding, “Yes.” The biggest change is in the audience. Their ears are “more prickly.” They are more easily offended. And many of them tend to take political sides, and indeed, politicize issues that were not intended to be political at all. The good news is that FST makes every effort … Continue reading Prickly Ears: The Post-Pandemic Years
Stevie Wonder and The Eye of Imagination: Artist Spotlight on Sean Holland II
Like the music pioneer Stevie Wonder, Sean Holland II was born and raised in Michigan, where Sean has performed in some of the state’s most prestigious venues. Now, he brings the music of his fellow Michigander to life onstage in FST’s lively Cabaret, A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder. We sat down with Sean to talk about the importance of versatility … Continue reading Stevie Wonder and The Eye of Imagination: Artist Spotlight on Sean Holland II
Debating Our Country’s Future – With Marissa Gast of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
When Marissa Gast moved to Sarasota to be an Acting Apprentice at FST, she knew she would spend a year learning from FST’s team of professional artists, but she had no idea that she would be a key cast member of one of FST’s Mainstage productions. Marissa Gast makes her FST Mainstage debut this season with What the Constitution Means to Me, an Obie Award-winning … Continue reading Debating Our Country’s Future – With Marissa Gast of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
Taking on A Dream Role – With Amy Bodnar of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
When Obie Award-winning playwright Heidi Schreck was a teenager, she traveled the United States giving speeches about The Constitution for prize money. These experiences inspired her to write What the Constitution Means to Me, an engaging and entertaining play that is now playing in FST’s Keating Theatre. Actress Amy Bodnar, who has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in national tours, plays Schreck in FST’s production … Continue reading Taking on A Dream Role – With Amy Bodnar of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
FST Stage Directions 