Growing older isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, and Florida Studio Theatre is exploring the many aspects of aging in the premiere of its original show “Old Enough to Know Better: Aging Well in Sarasota.”
Sally Bondi, left, and Dan Higgs in a scene from the original play "Old Enough to Know Better," drawn from interviews with nearly 100 Sarasota area residents about what it's like to get older. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FST
The play was created from interviews of nearly 100 Sarasota area residents conducted by FST staff members and volunteers about their lives. The show has been under development for nearly two years, and some of those interviewed have seen earlier versions of the script, which has been drastically revised over that time.
“It has undergone significant changes,” said Jason Cannon, the director and co-author with artistic director Richard Hopkins. “What we really learned is that the topic is too big for one play. It would have to be an eight-hour Tom Stoppard-type play. So we narrowed our focus.”
Lonetta Gaines is one of the actors sharing stories about what it's like to get older in the premiere of Florida Studio Theatre's "Old Enough to Know Better." PHOTO PROVIDED BY FST
The production may have the look of an elaborate staged reading. Actors will be seated on stools and will have scripts in front of them, but there will be staging, lighting and projections to accompany each of the stories they tell.
The cast features Sally Bondi, Nicu Brouilette, Allison Campbell, Lonnetta Gaines, Dan Higgs, Katelyn McKelley, Bob Mowry and TJ Patrick.
Cannon said the production is the first step in a series of original plays the theater hopes to develop. And Cannon said FST also plans to take the show on tour.
“We’re going to create a shorter version of the show and take it back to the people where we got the stories from” at senior centers, nursing homes, community groups and other venues, he said.
THEATER PREVIEW
“OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER: AGING WELL IN SARASOTA”
Runs July 30-Aug. 9 in Bowne’s Lab, Florida Studio Theatre, 1247 First St., Sarasota. Tickets are $34-$36. For more information: 366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
