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Sarasota News Leader February 1, 2013 Page 87 THE COLUMNIST OPENS FEB. 1 AT FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE Florida Studio Theatre will present David Auburn's The Columnist, the story of noted political writer Joseph Alsop's fall from power in the 1960s, in the Keating Theatre from Friday, Feb. 1, through April 7. "The Columnist is a refreshing play, full of intrigue and passion," Alexander says in the release. During the period it covers, she adds, "Every aspect of our lives changed; every institution, from the very personal, such as marriage, to our grand institutions, such as our government. Powerful people and powerful organizations once thought sacrosanct were brought down. A quest for 'the truth' emerged from the youth generation and a new idea of 'truth' was born." "For decades, political columnist Joseph Alsop was beloved, feared and courted in equal measure by the people whose careers he determined," an FST press release says. "He sat at the center of Washington life as one of the most powerful journalists in the country," it adds. The cast includes returning FST favorites Jeff Based on the true events of his life, The Col- Plunkett as Joe Alsop, Rachel Moulton as Suumnist explores the turmoil of the '60s, the san Mary Alsop, Rob Gomes as Stewart Alsop Vietnam conflict "and the profound personal and Seth Teegarden as Philip. New faces to cost of Joe Alsop's political involvement at a the FST stage will be John Keabler as Andrei, time of dizzying change," the release points Marie Claire Roussel as Abigail and Michael Zlabinger as Halberstam, the release adds. out. Auburn, whose Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award-winning Proof dazzled critics and audiences alike, "brings this riveting story to the stage," the release notes. The show is being directed by FST Associate Director Kate Alexander. Single tickets are $18 to $36. Season subscriptions are still available. Tickets may be purchased from the FST box office in person, (1241 N. Palm Ave.), by calling 366-9000 or going online at FloridStudioTheatre.org. Jeffrey Plunkett is Joseph Alsop in The Columnist at Florida Studio Theatre. Contributed photo by Brian Braun.