SARASOTA — Kate Alexander played the role of Maria Callas the first time I saw her perform at Florida Studio Theatre — at least 15 year ago. She never sang a note but she embodied opera singer Maria Callas, totally.
Currently, Alexander is directing “Troubadour,” which has to do with another type of opera — Grand Ol’ Opera and the Ryman in Nashville, Tennessee. In this play, we watch as man tries to emerge from his father’s musical shadow.
The set by Isabel A. and Moriah Curley-Clay is sometimes the broadcast studio of Pooch Johnson (Kevin Bernard) at station WGAL. Bernard also portrays another character to spice things up a bit — as if this story needed spicing.
He is interviewing Billy Mason (Scott Wakefield) as this story begins. Billy Mason is a really big star (especially in his own eyes). Mason’s son Joe (Caleb Adams) might be expected to follow in the footsteps of his father but dad has other ideas, not to mention an ego the size of Texas.
How could his son ever truly be able to follow such an icon?
Filling the role of love interest for the son is Sarah Colt as Inez Miller with another would-be star played by Deanna Ott as Ludee Feeback.
The two girls and the younger Mason need the right kind of clothes to wear on stage in the capital of country. Ready to provide that is Sheffield Chastain as Izzy Weiss, a yiddish designer and self promoter with plenty of sequins.
Providing the backup music are Darren Server on keys, Kroy Presley on upright bass and Gary Grall on guitar.
Actually, by, the time the show ends, it turns out that everyone is a musician except for Izzy. But a Jewish man like him might have a klezmer in the back room.
Meanwhile, he provides as many twists and turns to the story as he does sparkle on the costumes of young Joe Mason and the girls.
Billy doesn’t need a lot of sparkle. He is a super star after all and not afraid to let everyone know it.
And the Curley-Clay set is equally versatile as the story moves around Nashville to such places as the Ryman, Pooch’s radio studio, Izzy’s design room and more.
Will the son make it in Nashville or follow in the path planned by his father? Perhaps the son will outshine the father — just one more thing to think about in this musical tale.
Being a fan of country music is not required, although it can’t hurt because there is plenty of good ol’ country music emanating from the stage to every seat in the Gompertz Theatre.
Others on the production team include music director Darren Server, lighting designer Ben Rawson, sound designer Nicholas Christensen and music director Darren Server.
The Gompertz is in the building on First Street, which also is home to the Court Cabaret and Bownes Lab Theatre.
Enjoy dinner before the show in the Green Room which has selections from lobster bisque to quiche, sandwiches, salads and some fine entree dinner and desserts.
For tickets to this and any other shows, especially summer season tickets, call the box office at 941-366-9000 visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org
Be sure to inquire about season ticket packages which can save as much as 30 percent of single ticket prices
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