The Sarasota Players has announced its 96th season, a lineup of shows exploring resilience, self-expression and the impact of strong voices on the world. Titled "Rebels & Dreamers: A Season of Bold Voices," the 2025-2026 schedule features one local premiere and several familiar titles, marking what is expected to be the company’s final season at its temporary home in The Crossings at Siesta Key shopping center.

Opening the season is The Wedding Singer (Sept. 24–Oct. 5)—yes, based on the Adam Sandler movie–which makes its Sarasota debut with a lively and heartfelt story of love, second chances and chasing dreams.

The season’s holiday production (Dec. 3–14) remains under wraps due to licensing restrictions, but the theater describes it as a musical about a “curly-haired orphan who remains optimistic despite dealing with the Great Depression." Get the gist?

January brings Rent (Jan. 7–18), Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical about love, loss and survival in New York City’s bohemian underground. In March, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (March 25–April 5) delivers a gripping exploration of mass hysteria over the Salem witch trials and the consequences of speaking truth to power. Closing the season is Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins (April 29–May 10), a darkly satirical look at those who sought infamy instead of glory, challenging the very idea of the American Dream.

Shows this season take place in the repurposed former Banana Republic store that The Sarasota Players transformed into a theater space. Last fall, the City of Sarasota approved a 30-year lease for the company to take over the underused Payne Park Auditorium, with renovations set to begin this summer. The project will introduce a new lobby, restrooms and a flexible seating theater for roughly 200, creating a permanent home for the Players and a venue available for other arts groups and community events. It’ll also be closer to downtown Sarasota.

Players subscription renewals begin April 9, with new subscriptions going on sale May 1. Single tickets will go on sale July 1. For more information, call (941) 365-2494 or click here.