“Off the Charts” a Musical Time Machine

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) in Sarasota is set to dazzle audiences with its latest musical revue, “Off the Charts!” This electrifying production, currently running to February 9, 2025, in the intimate Court Cabaret, promises to take theatergoers on a thrilling journey through the greatest pop hits of the 20th century.
“Off the Charts!” celebrates the inception of the Billboard Top 100 in 1958, which revolutionized the music industry by tracking the most popular hits week by week. The show spans four decades of chart-topping music, from the 1950s through the 1990s, featuring beloved classics such as “My Girl,” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “The Greatest Love of All,” “She Loves you”, “Downtown”  and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” Iconic musicians such as Beatles, Smokey Robinson, Supremes, Percy Sledge,  Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye and many more are celebrated.
_L to R_ Carson Collins_ Katelyn Bowman_ Joyce Paulino_ and Jarius Miquel Cliett in FST_s Off The Charts_ Photo by Sorcha Augustine_

The Creative Team

This original production is the brainchild of Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser. Under the direction of Catherine Randazzo, with choreography by Ben Liebert and musical direction by Darren Server, the show promises to be a feast for the senses

A Stellar Cast

The four-person ensemble bringing these timeless hits to life includes:

  • Carson Collins: A versatile performer with credits including “Jersey Boys” and “The Bridges of Madison County”
  • Jarius Miquel Cliett: A multi-hyphenate artist making his FST debut, fresh from the national tour of “The Book of Mormon.” Jarius received applause throughout his performance for his strong voice.
  • Joyce Paulino: An accomplished performer with a diverse background in theater and voice-over work
  • Katelyn Bowman: Returning to FST after her appearance in “Little Shop of Horrors,” with regional credits including “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”

The FST Experience: It’s More than Just a Show

See my brief video of the historical Court Cabaret Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre has long been a cultural cornerstone in Sarasota, known for its commitment to contemporary theater and fostering new talent. The Winter Cabaret Series, of which “Off the Charts!” is a part, is a popular fixture in FST’s seasonal lineup, offering intimate musical experiences that celebrate the lyrical poets of our time FST goes beyond simply putting on performances. They offer a complete theater-going experience, inviting Cabaret attendees to dine at the venue beginning one hour before the scheduled performance. As a non-profit theater, FST relies on the support of its patrons and donors to continue providing high-quality entertainment and educational programs. The theater’s mission extends beyond entertainment, aiming to make Sarasota “a great place to raise children, and an even better place to raise adults”

Looking Ahead to FST Winter Cabaret Series

“Off the Charts!” is just one of the exciting productions in FST’s 2024-25 Winter Cabaret Series. Theater enthusiasts can look forward to other shows like “59th Street Bridge,” scheduled to run from November 20, 2024, to March 30, 2025. See brief video of “Off the Charts” on stage performing.

Florida Studio Theatre’s “Off the Charts!” is poised to be a highlight of Sarasota’s cultural calendar. With its blend of nostalgia, musical excellence, and theatrical flair, this production invites audiences to relive the golden age of pop music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these classic hits or discovering them for the first time, “Off the Charts!” promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment that celebrates the enduring power of music to create memories and bring people together.

If You Go:

Playing at the Court Cabaret Theatre (part of FST Campus downtown), through February 9

“Off the Charts” Tickets, click here

Andrea Mastrocinque-Martone is Sarasota Event Calendar’s Chief Editor. She is the former A & E Editor for Sarasota Observer Newspapers and is currently a public relations consultant. www.Insightfulpr.com

Sarasota Events Calendar features the best events in art, culture, food, wine and music in the Sarasota area including Bradenton, St Pete, Venice, Nokomis and Tampa.

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