Florida Studio Theatre Extends the Acclaimed Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

SARASOTA, Fla. (February 9, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is thrilled to announce that the limited return engagement of Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground has already been extended by popular demand. The acclaimed solo drama by Richard Hellesen – an intimate examination of leadership, legacy, and responsibility – will now run through March 29, 2026. Performances begin on March 11 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab.

History remembers the general. This play reveals the man. Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground offers a deeply human portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower as he reflects on a life shaped by service, sacrifice, and the quiet moral courage required to lead with integrity. Through candid introspection and moments of understated humor, audiences are invited inside the private thoughts of one of America’s most steady hands during turbulent times.

Critics have praised Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground for its emotional power and intimacy. Jay Handelman of ArtsBeat notes the play’s “human touch” and “genuine” storytelling, while BroadwayWorld calls it “riveting” and says it “entrances the audience.” The Venice Gondolier-Sun describes the production as “powerful,” “intimate,” and “perfect,” writing that audiences were “so rapt by the performance” and declaring it “a perfect play for this perfectly intimate space … worthy of Broadway.”

Appearing in the role of Dwight D. Eisenhower is David Sitler*, who returns to FST for this extended engagement. Sitler previously appeared at FST in the one-man show The Things They Carried, as well as The Exonerated and In the Belly of the Beast. His career spans Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres nationwide, with roles ranging from Atticus Finch to Scrooge. His work also includes award-winning performances in film, television, video games, and music videos.

“I am thrilled to be bringing Eisenhower to life,” said Sitler. “His integrity, discipline, and desire to leave something better are all lessons forged in his life from his family, West Point, the battlefield, and his presidency. All qualities we can use a bit more of today in our world.”

This one-man tour de force is directed by Nancy Rominger, who leads new play development at Florida Studio Theatre. She joined FST in 2024 after 12 seasons at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where she served as Associate Artistic Director and Director of the Southern Writers’ Project. Her FST directing credits include Don’t Dress for Dinner, Dog Mom, Shedding a Skin, and Advice.

The creative team includes Nancy Rominger (Director), Kate Landry (Lighting Design), Nicholas Ryan (Sound Design), and Julia Hornsby (Costume Design).
*Indicates members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Experience Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, returning to Bowne’s Lab on March 11 and now extended through March 29, 2026. Preview performances are March 11 and 12, with an official reopening on March 13, 2026. Single tickets start at $29.

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is currently part of FST’s three-show Stage III subscription, which also includes Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk, an inspiring story about forging your own path; and A Night with Janis Joplin, an explosive tribute to one of rock’s most fiery voices. Subscriptions are on sale now for as little as $59, and single tickets start at $29. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call (941) 366-9000.

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Sponsors

Florida Studio Theatre is grateful to the sponsors of its 2026 Stage III series: Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax, The Shubert Foundation, and Florida Arts & Culture.

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is presented through special arrangement with
TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.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.