Florida Studio Theatre Announces Lineup for its 2024 Stage III Series

December 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2024 Stage III Series, dedicated to presenting edgy contemporary work that is challenging in content and unique in form. FST’s 2024 Stage III Series lineup features three daring plays penned by award-winning playwrights: Ugly Lies the Bone by Lindsey Ferrentino, A Night in November by Marie Jones, and The White Chip by Sean Daniels. 

“The 2024 Stage III Series tackles difficult subjects,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “Ugly Lies the Bone deals with overcoming personal obstacles that can appear overwhelming. A Night in November explores overcoming bigotry and hatred, and The White Chip addresses overcoming addiction. The thread that connects these three plays is that each one offers a solution to a unique circumstance, which is something that I think we are all looking for right now.”

The Series begins January 17 with Ugly Lies the Bone, a compelling drama by Florida native Lindsey Ferrentino. Called “A raw and inescapably moving play” by The New York Observer and “Transformative and exhilarating” by TheaterMania,  Ugly Lies the Bone follows Jess, a female veteran who returns to her hometown after three tours in Afghanistan. She brings vivid memories of war and painful burns with her and faces months of physical rehabilitation. Jess begins to transition to civilian life, soon realizing that things in Titusville, FL, have changed even more than she has. Through a new form of computer-simulated therapy, Jess finally finds a way to escape her pain, but can she find the strength to not only survive—but actually thrive—in the real world?

FST helped develop Ugly Lies the Bone  in early 2014—the play was part of the theatre’s Richard and Betty Burdick New Play Reading Series that year.

“We have wanted to produce Ugly Lies the Bone for years now,” said FST’s Producing Artistic Director, Richard Hopkins. “We’re proud to be bringing it to Sarasota audiences again, this time as a full-fledged production. This play is filled with hope and asks important questions about rebuilding your life and the relationships in it.“

Next up is the highly acclaimed Irish comedy, A Night in November by Marie Jones, which begins playing February 21 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre. Called “Extremely funny” and “Impressive” by British Theatre Guide, A Night in November is a hard and humorous look at “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The play follows Kenneth McCallister, an opinionated government clerk who (barely) tolerates his wife, his in-laws, and his Catholic boss. On one fateful night in Belfast, as the Republic of Ireland qualifies against Northern Ireland for the World Cup, Kenneth finds himself watching the fanatical hatred of the crowd rather than the match—an event that profoundly changes his life. 

FST’s 2024 Stage III Series concludes with the Florida Premiere of The White Chip by Sean Daniels, an Off-Broadway hit based on the playwright’s own life experience. The White Chip is centered on Steven, who is steps away from his dream job running one of the hottest theatres in the country. Steven also happens to be an alcoholic spinning out of control. This darkly funny play follows Steven’s life from first sip to first love, from critical hit to critical care, all the way to rock bottom, where he carves an unusual path to sobriety. Called “A delicate equilibrium between laugh-out-loud comedy and gasp-inducing, self-inflicted tragedy” by The New York Times, The White Chip is a wry and wild theatrical journey to recovery. Part of The Recovery Project, The White Chip begins playing March 20 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre.

With its mission to “produce theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains,” and to “make theatre accessible  and affordable to as many people as possible,” FST offers all three Stage III productions for as little as $49. Subscriptions are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or through the Box Office at (941) 366-9000.

FST’s Stage III Series is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The production is also supported by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues, and the Shubert Foundation.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

Ugly Lies the Bone by Lindsey Ferrentino  |  January 17 – February 9, 2024 

After three tours in Afghanistan, Jess finally returns to her hometown, bringing with her vivid memories of war and painful burns. As she transitions to civilian life, Jess realizes that things at home have changed even more than she has. Through a new form of computer-simulated therapy, Jess finally finds a way to escape her pain. But can Jess find the strength to not only survive, but actually thrive, in the real world?

A Night in November by Marie Jones |  February 21 – March 15, 2024

One of the most highly acclaimed Irish comedies, A Night in November is a hard and humorous look at “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The play follows Kenneth McCallister, an opinionated government clerk who tolerates his wife, his in-laws, and his Catholic boss. On one fateful night in Belfast, as the Republic of Ireland qualifies against Northern Ireland for the World Cup, Kenneth finds himself watching the fanatical hatred of the crowd rather than the match—an event that profoundly changes his life.

The White Chip by Sean Daniels |  March 20 – April 12, 2024

FLORIDA PREMIERE. Steven is on top of the world: he’s married, has good friends, and is steps away from his dream job running one of the hottest theatres in the country. He also happens to be an alcoholic spinning out of control. Follow his life from first sip to first love, critical hit to critical care, all the way to rock bottom, where he carves an unusual path to sobriety. Part of The Recovery Project, The White Chip is a wry and wild theatrical journey to recovery.