Florida Studio Theatre Opens 2026 Summer Season with Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey

SARASOTA, Fla. (May 8, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) kicks off its 2026 Summer Season with Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey, an intimate and nostalgic journey through the ‘60s folk movement. Featuring hit songs from Simon & Garfunkel to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, this cabaret celebrates the spirit of a generation. Previews begin May 12, officially opening May 14, with performances through July 12 in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret.

Created by Producer and Music Supervisor Aaron Gandy, Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey rediscovers the heart and harmony of the 1960s in an intimate and joyful tribute. Featuring acoustic favorites from John Denver, Joni Mitchell, The Lovin’ Spoonful, and Cat Stevens, this warm and authentic cabaret proves that folk music wasn’t just a moment: it was a movement.

“It’s a pleasure to have Florida Studio Theatre carry on the legacy of this influential genre,” said Gandy. “FST’s commitment to intimate, high-quality performances is a perfect match for this music, which has always been about connection, community, and shared experience. We’re honored to celebrate these timeless songs with Sarasota audiences.”

A specialist in American musical theatre and popular song, Gandy has produced acclaimed symphonic and theatrical works, including last summer’s hit cabaret A Band Called Honalee. He has also conducted Broadway productions of Disney’s The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall.

The lively cast features Collin Purcell, making his FST debut after touring nationally with A Band Called Honalee since 2023. Returning to FST is Brian Ott, who previously appeared in 59th Street Bridge and last summer’s production of A Band Called Honalee. Rounding out the cast is Katie Blackwell, stepping into her first full FST cabaret after appearing in select performances of that same production. They are joined by a rotating lineup of bass players, led by Geoff Neuman, who also performed at FST last summer in A Band Called Honalee.

The creative team includes Catherine Randazzo (Line Producer), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nicholas Christensen (Sound Design), and Carissa Ater (Sound and Lightboard Operator).

Relive the timeless joy of the ‘60s with Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey from May 12 to July 12, 2026. Previews are May 12 and 13, with opening night on May 14, 2026. Single tickets start at $37.

Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey is part of FST’s three-show Summer Cabaret subscription package, which also includes Songbirds of the Seventies, featuring favorites from iconic singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Carole King; and Legacy: Motown & More!, a dynamic tribute spanning the greatest classics from the ‘60s through today. Subscriptions start at just $59 and can be purchased online 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.