Florida Studio Theatre Announces Final Extension of Dames at Sea

This energetic musical is now playing through July 13

(Sarasota, FL) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce the final extension of its opening Summer Mainstage musical, Dames at Sea, now held over through Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Gompertz Theatre. With book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, and music by Jim Wise, Dames at Sea is a high-energy production celebrating movie musicals from the golden age of Broadway. Tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.

Audiences and critics alike have fallen head over heels for Dames at Sea, praising it for its charm, wit, and buoyant energy. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune says the musical “sets sail to spread joy” and “feels like a breath of fresh air.” Sarasota Magazine describes it as a “summertime escape” that “delivers with panache,” while the Observer calls the production “a boatload of laughs” that is “love at first sight.”

“This show captures the sheer delight of theatre,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “It reminds us of a time when musicals were pure magic. Dames at Sea both pays homage to – and pokes lighthearted fun at – what made this era of theatre special. Ultimately, it lifts people up and leaves them smiling.”

Praised as “a delightful, tap-dancing extravaganza” by The New York Times, this nostalgic pastiche follows Ruby, a wide-eyed chorus girl from Utah, who arrives in New York determined to become a star. With the help of Dick, a sailor and aspiring songwriter, she lands a part in a struggling Broadway show and fights for her time to shine. Featuring toe-tapping tunes like “Good Times Are Here to Stay” and “Broadway Baby,” Dames at Sea delivers pure theatrical fun with heart, humor, and plenty of dance.

“Dames at Sea is one of those rare shows that fills the room with joy from the very first note,” said Ben Liebert, the show’s director/choreographer and an FST Associate Artist. “It’s packed with heart, humor, and dazzling dance numbers – and this cast brings it all to life with such sincerity and spark.”

Liebert’s work as a director and choreographer includes FST’s Jersey Boys and Waitress as well as productions like Into the Woods, The Producers, and Ordinary Days. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway in Wicked, as well as in off-Broadway and regional productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, and Chicago.

Starring as Ruby is Emily Ann Brooks, making her FST debut. Joining her is Devin Johnson*, who previously starred as Ogie in FST’s production of Waitress. “It’s been a joy performing for these Sarasota audiences again,” said Johnson. “They are always game to go on this wonderfully wacky journey with us each night. I am thrilled that so many patrons have had the chance to enjoy our show!”

Rounding out the six-person cast are Jenna Coker-Jones* (FST debut) as Mona, Kelsey Stalter* (FST debut) as Joan/Dance Captain, Larry Toyter (FST debut) as Lucky, and Joel Newsome* (Reel Music) as Hennesey/Captain.

The production team includes Ben Liebert (Director/Choreographer), David Caldwell (Music Director), Nathaniel Beliveau (Associate Music Director), Axis Studios Design (Scenic Design), K. April Soroko (Costume Design), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nicholas Christensen (Sound Design), Shira Lebovich* (AEA Stage Manager), Nathaniel Avery (Stage Management Intern), and Tori Martinson (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 last chance to experience Dames at Sea, now extended through July 13! Single tickets start at $39. Dames at Sea is part of a three-show subscription package, which also includes Dorothy’s Dictionary, a heartfelt story about connection and literature, and Don’t Dress for Dinner, a fast-paced comedy of errors. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.

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Sponsors

FST’s production of Dames at Sea is sponsored in part by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax, The Shubert Foundation, Herald-Tribune LOCALiQ, and Florida’s Cultural Coast.

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.