What better time for a chilling mystery thriller than the middle of a hot Florida summer? Sarasota's Florida Studio Theatre ends its 2000-2001 season with Will Osborne and Anthony Herrera's Smoke and Mirrors, running July 25-Aug. 12.
Set on a private island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Smoke and Mirrors pits top film producer Hamilton against his screenwriter, movie star, publicist and the local sheriff for control of a multi-million dollar movie. Complicating his plan is the illicit romance between Clark, the writer, and Hamilton's wife, Barbara. Her deciding on which man she truely loves will make or break Hamilton's schemes.
Douglas Jones stars as Hamilton with Matthew Aibel as Clark and Karen Vesper as Barbara. Also in the cast are Andres Faucher (Derek) and Gene Jones (Leroy Lumpkin).
The design team includes Tim Baumgartner (sets), Jeffrey E. Salzberg (lighting) and Marcella Beckwith (costumes). Jennifer L. Boris is the production stage manager.
Tickets are $26-$18. Florida Studio Theatre is located at 1241 North Palm Avenue. For reservations, call the box office at (941) 366-9000. Florida Studio Theatre is on the web at http://www.fst2000.org. -- By Christine Ehren