Florida Studio Theatre Announces "LEAVING ON A JET PLANE: A FOLK JOURNEY" for 2026 Summer Season

Broadway + NYC

Broadway

Off-Broadway

Off-Off Broadway

Cabaret

Dance

Opera

Classical Music

Eastern

Central

Western

St. Louis

Austin

Washington, DC

Philadelphia

Los Angeles

Orlando

West End

WEST END

UK Regional

International

Canada

Australia / New Zealand

Europe

Asia

Latin America

Africa / Middle East

Entertainment

TV/Movies

Music

The folk cabaret features Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young hits at FST's Goldstein Cabaret in Sarasota

POPULAR

Get all the top news & discounts for Sarasota & beyond.

Florida Studio Theatre will kick off its 2026 Summer Season with Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey, an intimate and nostalgic journey through the ‘60s folk movement. Featuring hit songs from Simon & Garfunkel to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, this cabaret celebrates the spirit of a generation. Previews begin May 12, officially opening May 14, with performances through July 12 in FST's Goldstein Cabaret.

Get all the top news & discounts for Sarasota & beyond.

Created by Producer and Music Supervisor Aaron Gandy , Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey rediscovers the heart and harmony of the 1960s in an intimate and joyful tribute. Featuring acoustic favorites from John Denver , Joni Mitchell , The Lovin' Spoonful, and Cat Stevens , this warm and authentic cabaret proves that folk music wasn't just a moment: it was a movement.

“It's a pleasure to have Florida Studio Theatre carry on the legacy of this influential genre,” said Gandy. “FST's commitment to intimate, high-quality performances is a perfect match for this music, which has always been about connection, community, and shared experience. We're honored to celebrate these timeless songs with Sarasota audiences.”

A specialist in American musical theatre and popular song, Gandy has produced acclaimed symphonic and theatrical works, including last summer's hit cabaret A Band Called Honalee. He has also conducted Broadway productions of Disney's The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall.

The lively cast features Collin Purcell, making his FST debut after touring nationally with A Band Called Honalee since 2023. Returning to FST is Brian Ott, who previously appeared in 59th Street Bridge and last summer's production of A Band Called Honalee. Rounding out the cast is Katie Blackwell, stepping into her first full FST cabaret after appearing in select performances of that same production. They are joined by a rotating lineup of bass players, led by Geoff Neuman, who also performed at FST last summer in A Band Called Honalee.

The creative team includes Catherine Randazzo (Line Producer), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nicholas Christensen (Sound Design), and Carissa Ater (Sound and Lightboard Operator).

Relive the timeless joy of the ‘60s with Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey from May 12 to July 12, 2026. Previews are May 12 and 13, with opening night on May 14, 2026. Single tickets start at $37.

Videos

Sarasota SHOWS

Recommended For You

Sign up for announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows!

© 2026 - Copyright Wisdom Digital Media , all rights reserved. Privacy Policy

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/LEAVING-ON-A-JET-PLANE-A-FOLK-JOURNEY-Will-Open-2026-Summer-Season-at-Florida-Studio-Theatre-20260508)._