EDGE Ft. Lauderdale

Performing to a sell-out crowd each night, actress Amber Stone steps into the dancing shoes of film great Ginger Rogers, which are certainly no small shoes to fill.

She is doing so in Backward in High Heels, the musical biography developed by Lynnette Barkley and Christopher McGovern, that is having its world premiere at the Florida Stage. And it being the story of Rogers’ life, it is filled with all the singing and dancing one would expect.

Stone brings Rogers onto the stage each night with pride. "Ginger Rogers was very inspiring - especially to women," Stone says. Ginger Rogers played roles that often pushed her level of comfortableness, a similarity Stone recognizes having started her career as a singer/dancer before moving into the role of actress.

This challenge has paid off, as the entire run of the show, through April 29th, is sold out. Stone says that the struggle of the acting challenge "on Rogers’ part, exemplifies courage and I am in awe of it."

The script, covers 34 years of Rogers’ life, but focuses on the key points of her early career. During this time is when Rogers advocated for women to receive equal treatment in Hollywood and the show-business world. Again, this has hit the star of the show in a very personal way. Her story is "timeless," says Stone, and although takes place decades ago, many can still strongly relate to its teachings and Rogers’ inspiration as a female performer.

Stone says that she has been "working with an amazing cast and incredible talent." Many cast members must play various parts and characters throughout the performance and since they "all are wearing multiple hats," Stone says, "it’s a great creative environment to be involved in."

So far crowds have given great feedback and the cast is now happy to be in its official run - "the dust has settled, and we have worked out the kinks," says Stone.

She has truly enjoyed her experience so far, and only expects it to get better as the shows continue. This particular show has "given me a greater respect for [Ginger Rogers], and for the time period in which she lived," says Stone.

This is the third musical biography that Florida Stage has decided to produce for its audiences. Backwards in High Heels, is yet another crowd pleaser. Quite possibly, this show may be asked to continue its success beyond South Florida. For more information, visit the Florida Stage website or call 1-800-514-3837.