Florida Studio Theatre Presents: The World Goes ‘Round

May 20, 2024 | Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) kicks off its Summer Mainstage Series
with The World Goes ‘Round, a captivating musical revue celebrating the legendary
works of John Kander and Fred Ebb. This dynamic revue weaves together a collection
of unforgettable songs from iconic shows like Chicago, Cabaret, and more. The World
Goes ‘Round begins on June 5 in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets range from $39
to $59 and are now available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling 941.366.9000.
The World Goes ‘Round is part of a three-show subscription package, which also
includes Ken Ludwig’s heartwarming drama Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and The Outsider,
a comedy that cleverly critiques modern politics. Subscription packages start at just
$59 and can be purchased at 941.366.9000 or online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The World Goes ‘Round offers a compelling look at life through a series of vivid
vignettes, powered by the music of Kander and Ebb. The show, conceived by Scott
Ellis, Susan Stroman, and David Thompson, debuted off-Broadway in 1991 to critical
acclaim, earning the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and the Drama Desk
Award for Outstanding Musical Revue. The production weaves an eclectic array of love
songs, torch songs, and witty numbers into a seamless narrative, featuring classics like
“Cabaret” and “New York, New York,” alongside lesser-known pieces like “A Quiet
Thing” from Flora the Red Menace. This will be FST’s third time producing the show,
following previous productions in 2013 and 2003.
“Each song tells a complex human story, reflecting personal struggles and triumphs.
It’s a reminder of the continuous challenges we face, and the resilience required to
overcome them,” noted director and choreographer Ben Liebert who will be joining
FST’s staff as an associate artist. Liebert directed Red Riding Hood for the FST’s
Children’s Theatre and choreographed Up on the Roof and Laughing Matters (Variant
6) for FST’s Cabaret. In his new role, Liebert will collaborate closely with FST’s resident
artists, contributing to the direction and choreography of the theatre’s diverse range
of productions. His extensive background in theatre, spanning both performance and
direction, aligns seamlessly with FST’s commitment to delivering innovative and
engaging theatrical experiences to its audiences.
The cast includes returning performer Zak Edwards alongside Lani Corson, Dayna
Dantzler, Dion Simmons Grier, and Crystal Kellogg, who are set to make their FST
debuts. Edwards will be reprising the role he played in the 2013 FST production of The
World Goes ‘Round. “Kander and Ebb are masters at capturing the full spectrum of
human emotion in their music, making every song relatable and profoundly engaging,”
said Edwards. “People say this all the time, but this is a case where it’s true: This show
has something for everyone. It’s hilarious. It’s moving. It features some of the best
music ever written for the Broadway stage, wonderful singing, and incredible dancing
that brings it to life. And most importantly, it has so much to say about what it’s like to
be human.”
The creative team features direction and choreography by Ben Liebert, scenic design
by Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, costume design by Harry Nadal, lighting design by
Andrew Gray, sound design by Nicholas Christensen, and stage management by Roy
Johns.
FST’s production of The World Goes ‘Round 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
the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax
Revenues, and the Shubert Foundation. Thank you to our media sponsor, the Herald
Tribune Media Group.
FST’s production of The World Goes ‘Round is presented and licensed through special
arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).