FST Brings Timeless Tales to Life With Humor, Hijinks, and Heart in Aesop’s Fables

Florida Studio Theatre Brings Timeless Tales to Life With Humor, Hijinks, and Heart in Aesop’s Fables

Sarasota, FL (December 4, 2024) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) invites audiences on a delightful journey of timeless wisdom and whimsical fun with Aesop’s Fables, part of its 2024-2025 Children’s Theatre Series. Adapted by Sarah Durham, this lively two-actor production debuts January 4 and runs through February 2 in FST’s Keating Theatre.

Experience beloved classics such as The Tortoise and the Hare and The Boy Who Cried Wolf like never before! Bursting with humor, hijinks, and timeless lessons, this interactive production engages audiences of all ages. Through vibrant performances and creative storytelling, FST’s talented duo brings Aesop’s unforgettable characters to life.

 “Aesop’s fables are timeless — literally and figuratively,” said Ben Liebert, Creator and Director of Aesop’s Fables. “They wrap valuable life lessons in entertaining stories about tortoises, hares, boys crying wolf, and every creature under the sun. Our version, written by FST Improv mastermind Sarah Durham, is wacky, wild, and full of heart. What better way to share these morals and improve the world than through a fun time at the theatre!”

The production stars Julia Ruggirello and David Allsup, both members of FST’s Professional Training Program.

The creative team includes direction by Ben Liebert, additional music by Jim Prosser, scenic design by Nick Schons, costume design by Chelsea Allen and Rossitza Lovetcheva, lighting design by Kate Landry, sound design by Naomi Marin, and stage management by Kara Powell.

Join the fun from January 4 to February 2! Tickets start at just $12. 

Aesop’s Fables is part of FST’s two-show Children’s Theatre Series subscription package. The package also includes The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays, a collection of award-winning plays by elementary school students worldwide. Subscriptions are available for only $18.75. Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling 941.366.9000.

AESOP’S FABLES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE*

Saturday, January 4 at 10AM and 12PM

Sunday, January 12 at 10AM

Saturday, January 18 at 10AM and 12PM

Sunday, January 26 at 10AM

Sunday, February 2 at 10AM

Saturday, February 8 at 10AM

*Additional performance dates may be added.

SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors for the 2024-25 Children’s Theatre Series: The Shubert Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Wells Fargo, The Exchange, Embracing Our Differences, Sister Cities Association of Sarasota, The Patterson Foundation, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, and Publix Super Markets Charities. Deck the Halls is also sponsored in part by the Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, The School Board of Broward County, Florida- SEAS Program, and funded in part by a grant from the Suncoast Credit Union.

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About Florida Studio Theatre

Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Artist Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne’s Lab Theatre. 

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience.  FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world.  As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.

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