Sentimental Journey

Saying Farewell to Sarasota's Players Centre for Performing Arts' Longtime Home

The Players will be moving out of the North Tamiami Trail location in just a few weeks, and several parting events are planned.

By Kay Kipling August 20, 2020

The sun is setting on the longtime home of The Players Centre for Performing Arts.

How do you say goodbye to your longtime community theater home? The Players Centre for Performing Arts, which is moving from its North Tamiami Trail location in Sarasota in October after decades there, is trying in several ways.

First, to practical matters. The company has already begun its As Seen Onstage sale, divesting itself of costumes, props, luggage, furniture, lighting fixtures, greenery, antiques and more. The Players is even selling theater seats. (Perhaps you have a favorite you’ve occupied over the years). These are $50 each, with an extra $25 charge for a plywood base. Sale hours at the theater are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. (You can also purchase props and costumes at The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime.)

Second, the Players Centre is offering “So Long, Dearie” farewell tours, with dates of Sept. 3-5, 10-12 and 6 and 13, with tickets $10. Get a few Players friends together to take pictures, say goodbye and see the theater for the last time before the doors close and the company moves to temporary quarters prior to a long-awaited move to a new facility planned in Lakewood Ranch. Reservations are available now; the bar will be open, and groups will be restricted in size, with masks required due to Covid-19 concerns. (A virtual tour is also available to purchase online.)

And third, coming up Sept. 25 will be the celebratory virtual show, A Few of Our Favorite Things, saying adieu to 90 years of performances in Sarasota. Video submissions from performers, crew members, volunteers and other Players people—featuring songs, dance, memories, etc.—will be compiled, edited and presented online at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $20. For tickets and more info, visit theplayers.org.

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