He invites readers to sit in on rehearsals, crash the opening night party, spend time backstage mid-performance and tour some of the cast's favorite hangouts in sunny Sarasota.
The Pink House in all of it's pink glory. I live here with Mike Backes and Ashley Picciallo. We have a little too much fun! When I was here for Altar Boyz, I lived in the Yellow House right next door!
James LaRosa
It’s so great to be back in Sarasota. There are palm trees everywhere you go. Not only right outside my door, but down every other street as well. This is during a walk in the adorable downtown area.
James LaRosa
Did I mention the gorgeous palm trees right outside my door? Not to mention on every other block as well? Love this tropical climate!
James LaRosa
A potluck dinner party? Hell yes! That night Ashley Picciallo's macaroni salad was a favorite. That's my "Natalie!" ;)
James LaRosa
Lido Key. Literally, a five-minute drive from the Pink House and the theatre. How is this a job?
James LaRosa
At the table read. Hard at work. Can't wait to get up on our feet!
James LaRosa
Stacia Fernandez and Mike Backes in rehearsal.
James LaRosa
The walkway to the Israeloff Patio. This is right under where rehearsal takes place. Great place to sit down on your Equity five!
James LaRosa
Ashley Picciallo and Mike Backes asleep in the living room after a long day of rehearsal. Good thing I was able to sneak a quick shot. :-)
James LaRosa
At my costume fitting. This suit is a winner! Take note of costume designer Sara behind me.
James LaRosa
We happened to be in Sarasota during the "Chalk Festival." So cool. Artists from all over the world were drawing some amazing masterpieces on the street out of chalk.
James LaRosa
More chalk festival artwork. Amazing!
James LaRosa
A bunch of children live in action during the Chalk Festival.
James LaRosa
A great sculpture I pass by everyday on my short 2 block walk to the theatre. The bay of Sarasota is lined with public art. It’s a very “art-centric” town.
James LaRosa
A view of Florida Studio Theatre from the side. The Sudakoff Theatre Wing!
James LaRosa
A shot of the sky on the way back to the Pink House.
James LaRosa
This is the view from my front porch. Most of FST’s interns live there. What a great view, with the palm trees.
James LaRosa
Florida Studio Theatre is located in the historic downtown area, and only a block from us is The Sarasota Opera house.
James LaRosa
FST is comprised of three theatres. The mainstage is called the Keating, which is where we perform Next to Normal.
James LaRosa
This is the entrance to FST's Cabaret Theatre. The current show is That's Life, Again!
James LaRosa
The Gompertz is the third theatre that makes up FST. I love its unique architectural design! Recently, FST announced it will be renovating the space and building an additional complex. They break ground in January.
James LaRosa
Opening night party!!! Are we a good looking group of six people or what? Starting left to right: Scott Guthrie, Mike Backes, Stacia Fernandez, Leo Daignault, Ashley Picciallo, and me, James LaRosa!
James LaRosa
The party was a blast! Here I am with Stacia Fernandez.
James LaRosa
This is Richard Hopkins, artistic director of FST and the director of our show. This is my second opening with Richard after working under his direction as Abraham in Altar Boyz.
James LaRosa
Stacia Fernandez, Ashley Picciaillo and Leo Daignault. What a family!
James LaRosa
Mike Backes, Ashley Picciallo and I know how to celebrate.
James LaRosa
Mike Backes and Ashley Picciallo about to head to the gym before the show.
James LaRosa
Leo Daignault and I head to brunch.
James LaRosa
Leo Daignault takes his dog Maggie for a walk before heading to the theatre.
James LaRosa
The entrance to our lovely stage door. I like to get there before any potential patrons arrive.
James LaRosa
The Keating lobby with our window card and headshots. It’s so fun to see the theatre come to life each night.
James LaRosa
Blake tending bar for the patrons...
James LaRosa
Kayliane, our ASM and Court, one of our dressers, hanging out backstage.
James LaRosa
Our music director Aimee Radics warming up before the show. She’s a rock star.
James LaRosa
I sit next to Scott Guthrie in the dressing room, giving me a good chance for photo opportunities.
James LaRosa
Here I am with Ashley Picciallo in our first costume. Almost time for places!
James LaRosa
Our leading lady Stacia Fernandez live in action. Opening costume! She sure knows how to rock a bathrobe.
James LaRosa
Leo Daignault on the stage. Clearly in the moment!
James LaRosa
James LaRosa and Scott Guthrie in our dressing room during the middle of Act I. He's dressed as Dr. Madden and I'm in my "It's Gonna Be Good" costume.
James LaRosa
One of my favorite parts every night! During one of my backstage crossovers, I spot our ASM Kayliane sorting the pills Stacia discards during "I Miss the Mountains."
James LaRosa
Henry and Natalie in costume before heading onstage for "Natalie's recital."
James LaRosa
Stacia Fernandez and Mike Backes backstage. Mom and son!
James LaRosa
Doing 8 shows a week is hard work! On our day off, we love to head to the beach for a glorious relaxing day. Did you know Sarasota’s Siesta Key was just named #1 beach in the US? Love it! Come see us soon!
James LaRosa
Stacia Fernandez leads a company that includes Mike Backes as Gabe, Leo Daignault as Dan, Ashley Picciallo as Natalie, James LaRosa as Henry and Scott Guthrie as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine. Richard Hopkins directs.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
Next to Normal arrived on Broadway March 27, 2009, and officially opened April 15, 2009, at the Booth Theatre following an Off-Broadway run at Second Stage and a regional engagement at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. It ended its Broadway run Jan. 16, 2011.
The Broadway production earned Tony Awards for Best Score (Kitt/Yorkey), Best Orchestrations (Kitt/Michael Starobin), Best Actress (Alice Ripley) and received Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Featured Actress (Jennifer Damiano), Best Actor (J. Robert Spencer), Best Direction (Michael Greif), Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.
For more information about the Florida Studio Theatre's production of Next to Normal, click here.
