Florida Studio Theatre Extends Hit Cabaret Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey

Audience favorite now extended through July 19, 2026.

SARASOTA, Fla. (June 9, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce that its popular summer cabaret Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey has been extended through July 19, 2026 in FST's Goldstein Cabaret. Featuring the unforgettable music of the folk revival era, this uplifting musical celebration has captivated audiences with its rich harmonies, timeless songs, and heartfelt storytelling.

Since opening in May, critics and audiences alike have embraced the production. Family Beautiful praised the show as a "gentle, gorgeous folk reverie" filled with "stillness, beauty, and heart," while BroadwayWorld called it a "musical time machine" and a "surefire hit." The Venice Gondolier-Sun simply declared, "Don't miss this flight."

Created by Producer and Music Supervisor Aaron Gandy, Leaving on a Jet Plane revisits the songs that helped define a generation. Featuring beloved hits from artists like Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the show celebrates a period when music brought people together and gave voice to hope, change, and community.

"There's something timeless about folk music," said Gandy. "These songs speak to our shared experiences in a way that still feels relevant today. Audiences have connected deeply with this material, and we're thrilled to continue sharing it throughout the summer."

Bringing these iconic songs to life are Collin Purcell, Brian Ott, and Katie Blackwell, whose warm vocals and easy camaraderie have made the production a favorite among theatergoers. Accompanied by rotating bassists led by Geoff Neuman, the performers create an intimate concert experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

Whether audiences are hearing these classics for the first time or revisiting the soundtrack of their youth, Leaving on a Jet Plane offers an evening filled with memorable melodies, heartfelt performances, and the enduring spirit of the folk movement.

Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey is now extended through July 19, 2026. Single tickets start at $37.

The show is part of FST's Summer Cabaret Series, which also includes Songbirds of the Seventies and Legacy: Motown & More!. Summer Cabaret subscriptions start at just $59. Tickets and subscriptions 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 Cabaret Season: Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax, The Shubert Foundation, The Exchange, and Florida Arts & Culture.

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.