Too Darn Hot at Florida Studio Theatre: A Sultry Summer Serenade

When Florida Studio Theatre promises to turn up the heat with its Summer Cabaret Series, they deliver—and then some. With Too Darn Hot: Songs for a Summer Night, running through September 14 in the intimate John C. Court Cabaret, Sarasota audiences are treated to an evening that is equal parts nostalgia, wit, and musical sophistication.

This sizzling cabaret is led by the incomparable Carole J. Bufford, whose reputation precedes her. Bufford has won acclaim from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and beyond. Her resume includes Nightlife, Bistro, and BroadwayWorld awards, and it’s easy to see why. On stage, she is not simply a singer—she is a storyteller, a mood-setter, and a charismatic tour guide through decades of iconic music.

From the very first note of “Too Darn Hot,” Bufford pulls the audience into a sultry summer dreamscape. With a program featuring timeless standards from legends like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Ray Charles, and Patsy Cline, she crafts an evening that feels like a moonlit stroll through music history.

One of Bufford’s greatest talents lies in her ability to reimagine familiar songs. She doesn’t merely perform them—she breathes new life into every lyric, finding emotional nuances that surprise and delight. Her delivery of “Blame It on the Summer Night” becomes a wistful meditation on fleeting romance, while “Steppin’ Out with My Baby” transforms into a joyful, carefree anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of summer nights out on the town.

Accompanying Bufford is an exceptional trio of musicians who elevate the show far beyond the ordinary. On bass and cello is Isaac Mingus, a New College of Florida graduate whose smooth, understated playing provides a warm backbone to every number. His occasional cello passages add depth and unexpected beauty.

Angela Steiner commands the piano with finesse. Her background in orchestration and musical direction from top regional theaters shines through in every subtle chord change and playful improvisation. Meanwhile, Aaron Nix on drums offers tasteful, precise rhythms that support without overshadowing—a balance that is crucial in cabaret. Together, this ensemble operates less like a backing band and more like co-conspirators in Bufford’s musical narrative.

The atmosphere of the John C. Court Cabaret cannot be overlooked. With seating for just 100, the venue transforms each performance into a shared secret between artist and audience. The close quarters allow every eyebrow raise, every sly smile, and every hush in Bufford’s voice to resonate deeply. Sarasota locals often say there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and that intimate magic is precisely why this space is beloved.

Between songs, Bufford sprinkles the evening with anecdotes and reflections that charm the audience as much as the music itself. She shares stories about the songs’ origins, muses on summer’s heat and midnight breezes, and even teases the audience with playful asides. These interludes feel organic and spontaneous, yet they skillfully guide the audience from one mood to the next.

A highlight of the evening is the thematic journey Bufford constructs. Rather than presenting a simple setlist, she weaves a narrative thread that ties each number into a greater exploration of summer’s passions and possibilities. It’s this attention to narrative structure that transforms the show into an experience rather than just a concert.

The show’s 90-minute runtime (plus a brief intermission) is perfectly judged. It’s long enough to provide a satisfying immersion into Bufford’s world, yet concise enough to leave audiences wanting more. For many, it becomes a night they can’t stop talking about—an ideal memory for Sarasota’s sultry season.

Tickets are reasonably priced, ranging from $18 to $42, with subscription packages starting at $59 for three shows in the Summer Cabaret Series. Considering the caliber of performance and the intimate setting, it’s a remarkable value. Subscribers also enjoy perks like discounted tickets and flexible exchanges, making it even easier to indulge in multiple cabaret evenings throughout the summer.

Beyond the music itself, there’s a sense of community in these performances. As patrons sip wine and share knowing glances during beloved tunes, the room buzzes with shared warmth—a reminder of live performance’s unique power to connect us.

“It’s not just too darn hot… it’s too darn fabulous to miss.”

https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org