Florida Studio Theatre Celebrates Second Chances in The Last Romance

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 17, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to produce The Last Romance, a charming love story for anyone who believes the best chapters still lie ahead. Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro, this endearing adventure bookends FST’s 2026 Summer Mainstage Series. Performances begin in the Gompertz Theatre on July 22, with an official opening on July 24, 2026.

Called “a joy to experience” and “sure to please” by the Observer, as well as “an absolute delight” and “a treat for theatre-goers” by BroadwayWorld, 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 simple conversation 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.

“When we reach a certain age, the dreams of our youth often return for another chance, if we are lucky,” said director and FST Associate Director At-Large Kate Alexander. “But sometimes those dreams come at a price. DiPietro understands that beautiful journey, in all its humor and pathos. Indeed, The Last Romance has many stories of love within it – but ultimately, isn’t the romance with ourselves?”

A celebrated director, educator, and actor, Alexander 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 John Guerrasio as Ralph Bellini and Laura Gardner as Carol Reynolds, both making their FST debuts. Together, they bring decades of experience from Broadway, regional theatres, television, and film. 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.

Open your heart to The Last Romance from July 22 to August 16, 2026. Previews are July 22 and 23, with opening night on July 24, 2026. 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.

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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.