The Power of Connection: Florida Studio Theatre Presents Dorothy’s Dictionary
Florida Studio Theatre (FST), a cornerstone of Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene, continues its commitment to thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatre with the Southeastern regional premiere of Dorothy’s Dictionary by E.M. Lewis. Running this season as part of FST’s Stage III Series, the play offers a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and the unexpected ways human connection can change lives. With its intimate setting and compelling performances, Dorothy’s Dictionary invites audiences to witness the transformative relationship between two seemingly mismatched individuals—a troubled teen and a terminally ill librarian—and how literature becomes a bridge between their worlds.
A Story Rooted in Healing
At the heart of Dorothy’s Dictionary is a simple premise with profound depth. The story follows Zan, a high school student facing consequences after an altercation, who’s assigned to perform community service at a local library. There, he meets Dorothy, a wise, warm, and witty librarian who is grappling with a terminal illness. What begins as a reluctant partnership gradually evolves into an honest and powerful friendship. Through their conversations—often revolving around books—they each begin to open up, heal old wounds, and learn to trust again.
Playwright E.M. Lewis crafted this play as a tribute to the power of storytelling and the profound impact of human empathy. She skillfully uses the setting of the library not just as a backdrop, but as a symbolic sanctuary—one where growth, knowledge, and emotional rebirth are made possible. For Dorothy, words and books are lifelines; for Zan, they are initially foreign and unwelcome. But over time, they become tools for understanding, expression, and connection.
Florida Studio Theatre’s production of Dorothy’s Dictionary brings E.M. Lewis’ powerful script to life with honesty, nuance, and emotional depth. Performed in the intimate Keating Theatre, this moving interpretation highlights the characters’ journeys without tipping into sentimentality—making every moment feel authentic and immediate. Dorothy’s Dictionary is part of FST’s 2025 Summer Mainstage Series, following the joyful Dames at Sea and leading into the fast-paced comedy Don’t Dress for Dinner.
The direction highlights the subtle shifts in the relationship between Zan and Dorothy. Their conversations begin with sharp edges—defensiveness, resentment, awkwardness—but gradually soften as trust builds. This slow-burning connection underscores the authenticity of their bond. The performances are key: Zan’s youthful frustration and guarded demeanor are portrayed with layered vulnerability, while Dorothy’s wisdom, tinged with the fragility of illness, resonates with gentle strength. Together, they represent two people who need each other more than either initially realizes.
More Than a Play—A Conversation Starter
Dorothy’s Dictionary is not just about the characters on stage—it’s about the world around us. It raises pressing questions about intergenerational connection, the role of mentorship, and the enduring power of literature in a digital age. The play encourages viewers to consider the importance of listening, of opening up to others’ experiences, and of finding meaning in unexpected relationships.
In an age where many young people feel misunderstood and many older adults feel invisible, the story of Zan and Dorothy is both timely and timeless. It reminds us that empathy can cross generational divides and that healing often begins with a simple act: a conversation.
Florida Studio Theatre often engages its audience beyond the stage, and Dorothy’s Dictionary offers rich material for talkbacks, community outreach, and educational programming. The play is a natural fit for student matinees or partnerships with local schools, libraries, and youth organizations. Its themes also speak to caregivers, educators, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of kindness and storytelling.
Why This Story Matters
In its commitment to fostering community dialogue through theatre, Florida Studio Theatre has chosen well in producing Dorothy’s Dictionary. It’s a quiet but powerful story—one that doesn’t rely on spectacle but rather the strength of character, narrative, and emotional honesty.
The play gently but firmly addresses issues like death, isolation, and emotional neglect, while offering hope through its portrayal of resilience and renewal. It invites us to reflect on our own relationships and how we might use words—spoken or written—as tools for understanding and compassion.
Moreover, Dorothy’s Dictionary champions the importance of libraries and librarians—an especially relevant message today. In a time when books are sometimes challenged or removed, and libraries face funding cuts, this story is a love letter to the spaces and people who make knowledge accessible and offer solace to the lonely.
Final Thoughts
As part of its 2025 season, Florida Studio Theatre’s presentation of Dorothy’s Dictionary is a testament to the enduring power of live theatre to inspire, connect, and heal. With heartfelt performances and a story that resonates deeply, the play reminds us that even in our most difficult moments, connection can be found—and that books still have the power to change lives.
Whether you’re a lover of literature, a fan of heartfelt drama, or simply someone seeking a story that stays with you long after the curtain falls, Dorothy’s Dictionary is not to be missed. In this tale of two unlikely companions, FST delivers a performance as rich in meaning as any book on the shelf—and perhaps even more powerful.
https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org
“Strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers from the pages of a book.”
