If you’re a Baby Boomer (like me) who appreciates the iconic music of the 60’s & 70’s, you’ll want to head to Florida Studio Theatre (FST) and see their final Cabaret show of the season, “Creedence Clearwater Remixed.” You’ll be instantly catapulted into a time warp and find yourself singing the lyrics of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s many hits, as they were the musical pioneers of country rock.
One of Sarasota’s most liveliest (and affordable) venues is the Florida Studio Theatre (FST). Located in the heart of downtown, is presenting Creedence Clearwater Remixed!, a high-energy revue celebrating the musical pioneers of country rock. The show explores the songbook of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the one band that outsold The Beatles in 1969. The show features hit songs like “Green River, “Proud Mary,” “Suzie Q,” Fortunate Son,” “Have you Ever Seen the Rain,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and many, many other well-known hits.
The show was created by Vaden Thurgood, who has previously been seen in FST’s Summer Cabaret presentations of The Jersey Tenors (2017) and The Jersey Tenors: Part II (2022). Over the course of the show’s nine-week run, an array of different performers will take FST’s Goldstein Cabaret stage to bring Creedence Clearwater Revival classics to life. Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was formed in El Cerrito, California, in 1967. The band consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty, his brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford. These members had played together since 1959, first as the Blue Velvets and later as the Golliwogs, before settling on Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967.
CCR’s musical style encompassed roots rock, swamp rock, blues rock, Southern rock, country rock, and blue-eyed soul. Their songs were often characterized by John Fogerty’s distinctive vocals and guitar playing, as well as the band’s tight rhythm section.
CCR quickly rose to fame in 1968 with the release of their debut album, Creedence Clearwater Revival, which featured the hit singles “Suzie Q” and “I Put a Spell on You.” Their second album, Bayou Country (1969), was even more successful, spawning the hits “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” and “Green River.”
Over the next few years, CCR released a string of hit albums, including Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmo’s Factory (1970), Pendulum (1970), and Mardi Gras (1972). They also scored a number of top ten singles, including “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” “Up Around the Bend,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”
CCR’s success began to decline in 1972, due to a number of factors, including internal conflicts and John Fogerty’s growing creative ambitions. The band broke up in 1972, after the release of their seventh album, Mardi Gras.
Despite their relatively short career, CCR remains one of the most popular and influential rock bands of all time. Their music has been covered by countless artists, and their songs have been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. In 1993, CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
CCR’s music continues to resonate with listeners today, due to its timeless melodies, catchy hooks, and John Fogerty’s powerful vocals and songwriting. Their songs are often seen as reflections of American culture and values, and they continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
If you go:
The show began in late August and runs through October 22 at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
Dine at The Goldstein Cabaret, which opens one hour prior to each performance
for pre-show dining. Pre-show dining service ends 15 minutes before showtime.
About Florida Studio Theatre
Celebrating their 50th year now, 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 200,000 live attendees each year across its diverse programs:
Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, 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.challenging, we are where everyone is welcome to engage in the art of theatre.
