Florida Studio Theatre Extends THE COLUMNIST Through April 14

Due to popular demand, Florida Studio Theatre announces an extension of the powerful political drama The Columnist, written by David Auburn. This profound drama based on the true events of Joseph Alsop's life is currently running in FST'S Keating Theatre. Tickets can now be purchased through April 14, 2013 online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office. The Columnist opened to an excited audience on Friday, January 30th in the Keating Theatre at FST.

Additional Performance Schedule:

Tuesday April 9 8pm

Wednesday April 10 8pm

Thursday April 11 8pm

Friday April 12 8pm

Saturday April 13 2pm & 8pm

Sunday April 14 3pm

For decades, political columnist Joseph Alsop was beloved, feared and courted in equal measure by the people whose careers he determined. He sat at the center of Washington life as one of the most powerful journalists in the country. Based on the true events of his life, The Columnist explores the turmoil of the '60s, the Vietnam conflict and the profound personal cost of Joe Alsop's political involvement at a time of dizzying change.

David Auburn, whose Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award-winning Proof dazzled critics and audiences alike, brings this riveting story to the stage. Mr. Auburn has also been awarded the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. The show is being directed by FST Associate Director Kate Alexander. Ms. Alexanderhas directed over 25 shows at FST. The Columnist features a talented crew under the direction of Ms. Alexander. Brian Prather, a well seasoned Off-Broadway Designer, is new to FST as the Scenic Designer. Richard Chamblin returns as Lighting Director along with Sarah Bertolozzi as Costume Designer.

The cast includes returning Florida Studio Theatre favorites Jeff Plunkett as Joe Alsop, as well as Rachel Moulton playing Susan Mary Alsop, Rob Gomes appearing as Stewart Alsop and Seth Teegarden as Philip. New faces to the FST are John Keabler as Andrei, Marie Claire Roussel as Abigail and Michael Zlabinger as Halberstam.

Jeff Plunkett has appeared at FST previously in Permanent Collection, Pure Confidence, Opus, Sylvia, and Race. His Off-Broadway credits include Have Mercy and Concertina's Rainbow at The Cherry Lane Theatre, among others. Rachel Moulton returns to FST after last season's production of Jericho. Rob Gomes is no stranger to FST, as he portrayed Eric Weiss in Brooklyn Boy. He also spent time on the Broadway stage in shows The Last Night at Ballyhoo and Racing Demon. John Keabler has played in Off-Broadway productions of the comedy Psycho Therapy and Wonder of the World. Marie Claire Roussel has been in several shows at The Flea, an Off-Off-Broadway theatre, appearing in productions such as Anderson County and Victor Victorious and others. Michael Zlabinger has been in Off-Broadway productions of The Tempest and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Seth Teegarden is an Acting Apprentice at FST and is currently performing in The Playmakers Tour.

The Columnist will continue playing in the Keating Theatre until April 14, 2013. Single tickets are $18 - $36. Season subscriptions are still available. Tickets may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000 or online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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