Florida Studio Theatre Adds New Performances to The Last Romance by Popular Demand

SARASOTA, Fla. (August 4, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has added new performances of The Last Romance, the final production of its 2026 Summer Mainstage Series. Due to popular demand, audiences now have even more opportunities to embrace this heartwarming romantic comedy through August 16, 2026.

Critics are falling in love with The Last Romance, with BroadwayWorld saying it’s a “heartwarming treat” that “instantly captivates” and “encapsulates the essence of what we adore.” ArtsBeat agrees, calling it “beautiful” and a “lighthearted pleasure.” Sarasota Magazine calls it “lovely” and “charming” while Family Beautiful declares the show is a “shining example of why audiences continue returning season after season.”

The Last Romance begins when widower Ralph takes a different path on his daily walk. Unexpectedly, he meets Carol, an elegant woman who just might change his life. What begins as a chance encounter blossoms into a compelling journey of second chances. Brimming with warmth and wit, this uplifting comedy reminds us that love can arrive when we least expect it – at any age.

“We can all relate to these characters in different ways. They are so human,” said Jason Sekili, playing The Young Man. “I want audiences to think about why we lie and keep secrets, and what life would be like if nobody did. I also hope they leave considering how dramatically our lives can change when we're willing to step outside our routines and break free from monotony.”

The show is directed by Kate Alexander, who has led productions at FST including Birthday Candles, A Tailor Near Me, and Dorothy’s Dictionary. As the founder of FST’s award-winning theatre education program, she has trained thousands of students and played a vital role in shaping the theatre’s artistic vision for more than 40 years.

Starring in the production are Broadway veterans John Guerrasio* as Ralph Bellini and Laura Gardner* as Carol Reynolds, both making their FST debuts. They are joined by Bonnie Black* as Rose Tagliatelle (Jewtopia) and Jason Sekili as The Young Man (FST debut).

The production team includes Kate Alexander (Director), Jessé Martins (Music Director), Axis Studios Design: Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay (Scenic Design), Tony Toney (Costume Design), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nicholas Christensen (Sound Design), Paul Meier (Dialect Coach), Tonia Sina (Intimacy Consultant), Shira Lebovich* (AEA Stage Manager), and Mariana Villarreal (Stage Management Intern).

*Indicates members of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Don't miss your chance to experience The Last Romance, now featuring newly added performances through August 16. Single tickets start at $25.

Don’t wait – now is the perfect time to renew your subscription for the 2027 Summer Mainstage Series, where subscribers can see three Mainstage shows for as little as $59. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.

NEW PERFORMANCES 

August 12 – 7PM

August 13 – 7PM

August 14 – 8PM

August 15 – 8PM

###

Sponsors

Florida Studio Theatre is grateful to its sponsors of the 2026 Summer Mainstage Season: Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax, The Shubert Foundation, Florida Arts & Culture, SRQ Magazine, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

THE LAST ROMANCE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com

About Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is Sarasota’s contemporary theatre. Founded in 1973, FST has grown to a village of five theatres located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Each theatre is small in size and large in impact – providing intimate and engaging settings for high-quality, professional performances. 

Today, FST has established itself as a major force in American Theatre. FST is the largest subscription theatre in the state of Florida and among the largest in the country, serving more than 225,000 live attendees each year across its diverse programs: Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, Improv, The FST School, and New Play Development.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. Hip and historical, entertaining and challenging, we are where everyone is welcome to engage in the art of theatre.