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How to Use a Knife
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How To Use A Knife

    

In the chaotic hustle and bustle of a Wall Street restaurant, Chef George gets a fresh start when he takes over this melting pot of a kitchen. Two rowdy Guatemalan line cooks, a wet-behind-the-ears busboy and a reserved African dishwasher serve up drama nightly. The heat really turns up when the authorities arrive, looking for a wanted man. Fast paced and gritty, How to Use a Knife explores both the personal and moral questions that arise when the ugliness of the past boils over.

How To Use A Knife by Will Snider will begin January 17, 2018 in the Bowne's Lab Theatre. Subscriptions and Tickets are available online by clicking the button above or by calling the FST Box Office at 941-366-9000. SUBSCRIBE NOW to see all 3 shows for as little as $49!

How to Use a Knife contains use of explicit language, some violence, and graphic discussion of sexual and violent content. Audience discretion is advised.

Dining with us prior to or after your show!

Dining hours:
1:30pm performances: dine prior to your show in the theatre! Reservations are not required, but you must arrive at 12:00pm.
2:00pm performances: dine prior to your show in the theatre! Reservations are not required, but you must arrive at 12:30pm.
7:00pm performances: dine prior to your show in the theatre! Reservations are not required, but you must arrive at 5:30pm.
5:00pm performances: dine with us after your show in the Green Room Cafe & Bar. Reservations are required, click here to make a reservation.

Please be aware that dining opens 90 minutes before showtime, and we ask that you arrive no later than 45 minutes before showtime to ensure service. All service ends 30 minutes before show time, however, concessions will still be available in the lobby, and you may bring beverages into the theatre.

To see our menu, click here.

To view the Bowne's Lab Theatre seating chart, click here.

To view a large print version of our playbill, click here.

Do you need a ride to the theatre? Click here to find out more about our partnership with iTN Suncoast.

Sponsor Logos

    

Director  |  Jason Cannon
Scenic Designer | Bruce Price
Lighting Designer |  Bryce Benson
Costume Designer   |  Adrienne Webber
Sound Designer  |  Thom Korp
 

CAST

George  |  Sam Mossler*
Steve |  Cedric Cannon*
Michael  |  Chris Tipp*
Jack  |  Michael Fraser
Carlos  |  Alfredo De Quesada*
Miguel  |  Omar Pelaez*
Kim  |  Alexis Hyatt*
* Denotes member Actors’ Equity Association. The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

ALFREDO DE QUESADA (Carlos) is thrilled to be at FST! Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he got his BA in Theatre Arts from Boston College and continued his studies with Terry Schreiber at the T. Schreiber Studio. Off B-way: De La Guarda, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (American Globe Theatre) and countless shows with the Spanish Repertory Theatre. Tour: The Barber of Seville (Figaro). Regional: The Glass Menagerie (Tom); and The Temperamentals (Bob Hull). TV/Film: Fragmentos de Amor, Che Part I: The Argentine, The Blacklist: Redemption (NBC), The Knick (Cinemax), Orange is the New Black (Netflix), and Law & Order (NBC).

OMAR PELAEZ (Miguel) is a Peruvian actor who began his career in his home city of Lima. He has been working in NYC since he graduated from the NY Film Academy Acting Conservatory in May 2016. He is a multifaceted actor who works in theatre, movies, TV/web series, and TV commercials. He recently worked on 5 Hijas Feas, which won the HOLA award for Best Drama Production; and Las Sirvientas, for which he received an ACE Awards’ Special Distinction. Omar is working on a movie, an action web series, and is continuously developing his craft, training with acting coach Anthony Abeson.

CEDRIC CANNON (Steve) credits: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Arrow Rock Lyceum), Sweetee (Signature Theater), In Dahomey (Henry Street Settlement), Cats (Hamburg), Goddess (O’Neill Theater Center), Mikado (NYGAS), Carmen Jones (European Tour), Three Willies (The Kitchen), Man of LaMancha (Nat’l tour), The Pirates of Penzance (NYGAS), Camelot (Nat’l tour), Porgy and Bess (Nat’I Tour). Regional: Houston Grand Opera, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera, Frankfurt Opera, New Orleans Opera, Atlanta Opera, Edmonton Opera, Opera Carolina. Concert: Carnegie Hall, Israel Kibbutz Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Pushkin Festival, Polish Radio Orchestra, Filarmonica De Montevideo Pittsburgh Symphony, and Reykjavik Symphomy. TV/film: Blind, The Slap, Good Funk, Right of Way, Moon and Sun, Seven Lovers, Old 37 Know Your Logic, Raw Nerve, Cosby, Oz, All My Children, As the World Turns, Jon Benjamin has a Van, and Porgy and Me.

MICHAEL FRASER (Jack) is an Ohio University graduate and Acting Apprentice at Florida Studio Theatre. His favorite past roles include, Jason in Occupation: Dad; Williamson in Glengarry Glen Ross; and FST’s Children’s Theatre series. He is a proud cast member of FST Improv and performs here in Bowne’s Lab on Saturday nights. He could not be more grateful to collaborate with such a talented group of artists on a show like this.


CHRIS TIPP (Michael) is thrilled to be making his Florida Studio Theatre debut in How to Use a Knife. He will also be seen in Constellations. From New York City, he is a member of the New Circle Theatre Company where he works closely with playwrights in the development of their work. He has worked regionally in 4000 Miles as Leo (New Jewish Theatre), Sex With Strangers as Ethan, and in Hamlet as Laertes (Rebel and Misfits Productions). Chris was also seen at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis in A Christmas Carol, STAGES Saint Louis’ productions of Alice In Wonderland as The March Hare, and South Pacific as Professor, and played the title role in The Who’s Tommy at the Springer Opera House.  A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, Chris received his MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University.

SAM MOSSLER (George) first stumbled through FST’s doors at 9-years-old. Though his artistic journey has taken him to more brutal and inclement markets, he is always happiest to find himself at home. New York: The Owl and The Pussycat (Creative Space); The Sexes: According to Dorothy Parker (NY Comedy Club). Regional: The Philadelphia Story (New Harmony Theatre); Twelfth Night (Shakespeare on the Hudson); The Threepenny Opera (Connecticut Grand Opera). As a writer, Sam’s plays have been produced in New York and Los Angeles, and his screenplays have received honors from the Austin Film Festival and the International Screenwriters Association. He is most proud of his work as a Teaching Artist in FST’s Education program. www.sammossler.com

ALEXIS HYATT (Kim) is thrilled to be making her debut at Florida Studio Theatre, and will be seen in Constellations later this season. Regional Theater: Boeing Boeing, The Liar, All My Sons, The Game’s Afoot (Gulfshore Playhouse); To Kill a Mockingbird (Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey); Blithe Spirit, The Importance of Being Earnest, No Sex, We’re British, M.Butterfly (Northern Stage); Dulcy (Dorset Theater Festival); and many others. TV/Film: Orange is the New Black; Only Way Out; Yass Queens. BFA University of the North Carolina School of the Arts.

JASON CANNON (Director) is an Associate Artist at FST, where his responsibilities include directing, teaching, New Play Development, and the Acting Apprentice Program. Shows directed at FST include: Once, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Robin Hood, Doublewide, Burt & Me, The Dragon vs. the Hiccups, Gidion’s Knot, Stalking the Bogeyman, Million Dollar Quartet, The Velveteen Rabbit, Relativity, My Name is Asher Lev, and Butler (which earned Best Director nominations from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Creative Loafing). His performance as “Ever Montgomery” in Dancing Lessons garnered “Best Actor of 2015” awards from both Sarasota Magazine and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is a seven-time Kevin Kline Award nominee (and one time winner for Outstanding Leading Actor). He appears regularly with FST Improv. Proud member SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. jasoncannon.biz

JYNELLY ROSARIO (Stage Manager) a Puerto Rico native, Jynelly is a former Stage Management intern and recipient of the 2016-2017 Mandelker Award. She is thrilled to join FST’s staff as a Stage Manager. Jynelly has worked as a Musical Theatre Teacher, Director, and Stage Manager since 2011 with companies such as Broadway Illusions Inc., Teatro CeDIn, The Black Box Theatre Workshop and Teatro Caribeño. Selected credits: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Little Prince, Rent, Footloose, and In The Heights. FST Credits: Million Dollar Quartet, Alice With A Twist, Rich Girl, The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, The Write Stuff, Playmakers Tour, Once.

BRUCE PRICE (Scenic Designer) joined the FST staff in 2002 as the Production Stage Manager.  In 2004 Mr. Price was promoted to Production Manager.  In the past 15 years, he has over seen the technical aspects of over 190 productions.  Mr. Price has designed sets for a number of FST productions including: Stalking the Bogeyman, Gidion’s Knot, Grounded, The Exonerated, Thurgood, Relativity, Velveteen Rabbit, Soul Mates, Robin Hood, Deck The Halls, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as FST Children’s Theatre and Cabaret Productions. 

ADRIENNE WEBBER (Costume Designer) is the current Florida Studio Theatre Costume Shop Manager. She has designed and coordinated costumes for The Barter Theatre, The Barter Players, Chautauqua Opera, FSU MFA film and video program, FSU MFA acting program, Asolo Children’s tour program, Sarasota Players, and Anna Maria Island Players. Her most recent designs include: Blue Suede Shoes, Mack the Knife: The Bobby Darin Songbook, The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, and Grounded. She is happy to be back in Sarasota with her new FST family.

BRYCE BENSON (Lighting Designer) hails from Buford, Georgia, and is ecstatic to be a part of the FST intern program. He works as the lighting intern and master electrician for the theatre. He is a recent grad from the University of Georgia, where he studied lighting and directing. Previous lighting credits include The Blue Eyed Bettys, Robin Hood, Deck the Halls, (Florida Studio Theatre); The Skin of Our Teeth, and The 39 Steps (University of Georgia).

THOMAS KORP (Sound Designer) a former FST intern, is excited to be entering his second season as staff. Sound design credits include: Once, Burt & Me, The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, The Columnist, Talley’s Folley, A Chorus Line, Spamalot, and The West Side Waltz. Mixing Credits: Next to Normal, Das Barbecü, Smokey Joe’s Café, The World Goes Round, Tango: Buenos Aires, We Will Rock You. Sound engineer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 2014 – 2016.

WILL SNIDER (Playwright) was born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. His play How to Use a Knife received a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere in the 2016-17 season through Capital Stage (Sacramento), Phoenix Theatre (Indianapolis), Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City), and InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia) and won Philadelphia’s Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play. Other plays include The Big Man (Ensemble Studio Theatre’s 35th Marathon of One-Act Plays), Strange Men, and Death of a Driver. His work has been developed at MCC, NNPN National Showcase of New Plays, The Kennedy Center, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Serials @ the Flea, the claque, and MAKEHOUSE. He is an alumnus of Youngblood and received an EST/Sloan Grant and The Kennedy Center’s Paula Vogel Playwriting Award. MFA: UCSD.

RICHARD HOPKINS is the Producing Artistic Director of Florida Studio Theatre. Mr. Hopkins has fostered the development of FST’s Mainstage and Cabaret productions. His many directing Mainstage credits include: Inspired Lunacy, The Best of Enemies, Next to Normal, Race, Ruined, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Boleros for the Disenchanted, Permanent Collection, and Metamorphoses, among numerous other plays. Mr. Hopkins led the development of FST’s Cabaret productions of Blue Suede Shoes, Mack the Knife, Older than Dirt, Piano Men, and The Prima Donnettes. Mr. Hopkins also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Florida Studio Theatre. This includes overseeing the creation and implementation of all FST programming, including Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, New Play Development, Education, and Touring. Since his arrival at FST in 1980, Mr. Hopkins has guided the theatre from a small touring company to a nationally recognized regional theatre which impacts over 200,000 adults and children annually. He created the New Play Development Program, the Cabaret Series, FST’s award winning WRITE A PLAY Program, and he has directed the design and renovation of all FST’s theatres. Mr. Hopkins is the recipient of numerous awards including the Arts Leadership Award from the Sarasota Arts Council, the Richard G. Fallon Award for Artistic Excellence from the Florida Professional Theatres Association, and the 2012 Cultural Champion Award from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. In 2016, Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Luminaire Award honoring excellence in creativity, philanthropy, advocacy, and all elements that are keys to future growth of the Arts in Sarasota.  In 2017, Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Florida Theatre Conference Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the Sarasota community and the state of Florida, and his dedication to developing future artists, educators, and advocates.

REBECCA HOPKINS serves as Managing Director for Florida Studio Theatre, and as such, is the Chief Operations Officer. Mrs. Hopkins is responsible for the oversight of FST’s Administration, including the Business Office, Development, Marketing, Box Office, Front of House, Restaurant, budgeting, and maintaining the overall quality of FST’s internal management. Nationally, Mrs. Hopkins is President of the National New Play Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the League of Resident Theatres and the Theatre Communications Group. She has been actively involved in development of FST’s Cabaret productions since her arrival in 1998. This season she is the lead developer on Blue Suede Shoes and on the development team for Mack the Knife and Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits. Previously, she was the lead developer on Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves; Older Than Dirt; Yesterday; American Pie; and Poems, Prayers, and Promises, and co-developer of Piano Men. She has been the head writer on all five Laughing Matters shows. Some of her favorite shows she helped develop include: The Prima Donnettes; That’s Life; The Wanderers; My One and Only Gershwin; Hot and Cole; Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits; The British Invasion; The Flip Side;  and Outlaws and Angels. In addition, she is the founder and producer of FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival. In 2012, the Arts & Cultural Alliance awarded Mrs. Hopkins the Cultural Champion Award in recognition of her many years of accomplishment and growth with Florida Studio Theatre. In 2016, Mrs. Hopkins was awarded the Luminaire Award honoring excellence in creativity, philanthropy, advocacy, and all elements that are key to future growth of the arts in Sarasota.

    

Bowne's Lab is located on the corner of First Street and Cocoanut Avenue inside of The Hegner Theatre Wing. For GPS purposes use the address of 1265 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. To see a list of our buildings and shows, please see below. For more information please call the FST Box Office at (941) 366-9000.

Do you need a ride to the theatre? Click here to find out more about our partnership with iTN Suncoast.

For those who require additional assistance or handicap parking/drop off, please see the map below. Handicap parking is reserved for patrons with a handicap tag and is in the lot across from the Hegner Theatre Wing. The area for drop off of handicap passengers/patrons for Bowne's Lab is along the corner of First Street and Cocoanut Avenue. If handicap parking is not available and you are dropping off a passenger, our lobby concierge would be happy to wait with them until you return. For any questions regarding handicap parking please call the box office at (941) 366-9000.