Performing Arts

Showtime!

The Sarasota Players Announce 96th Season Lineup

From rock ballads to revolutionaries, the 2025-26 schedule brings passion, perseverance and powerhouse performances to the Crossings at Siesta Key stage.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Aims for the Big Time with 'Jersey Boys'

The demanding, tune-filled show traces the journey of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to music stardom.

03/31/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Urbanite Theatre's 'No One Is Forgotten' Is an Intense Experience

Winter Miller's play focuses on two women detained in a cell, somewhere, indefinitely, and what it does to them.

03/24/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Dancing at Lughnasa' Is a Poignant Memory Play

Irish playwright Brian Friel's look back at his own history resonates decades later in a tender production.

03/24/2025 By Kay Kipling

Magic M.D.

Dr. Howard Cohen Brings Close-Up Magic to Sarasota

By day, Cohen treats patients here in town. By night, as magician Howard Stevens, he conjures wonder, one sleight of hand at a time.

03/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Curtain Up!

Asolo Rep Announces 2025-2026 Season

Eight shows will include a reimagining of "Movin' Out" helmed by Twyla Tharp, Asolo Rep's first production of "Fiddler on the Roof" and a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama.

03/11/2025 By Staff

Hitting the High Notes

Sarasota Opera Announces 2025-2026 Anniversary Season

The organization will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sarasota Opera House in April 2026.

03/10/2025 By Staff

Unity Awards

Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota Creates Joy and Connection Through Song

“When people come to our concerts, we hope it bridges gaps and starts conversations.”

03/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Creative and Candid

Actress Heather Graham Shares Candid Insights on Filmmaking, Perseverance and Female Representation

The "Boogie Nights" actress talked with students and film lovers about the creative grind, industry challenges and the personal journey behind her latest film, "Chosen Family."

02/25/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Awards

Music and Sound Artist Rucyl Mills Named 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Winner

Mills' musical compositions blend noise art, bass wave, sample collage and avant-garde R&B.

02/25/2025 By Staff

On Stage

Review: Asolo Rep's 'Anna in the Tropics' Is a Mixed Success

While Nilo Cruz's play is always lyrical, its motivations are not completely convincing.

02/24/2025 By Kay Kipling

R.I.P.

Remembering Howard Millman

A longtime theater professional, Millman will be especially remembered for saving the Asolo Rep at a bleak moment in its history.

02/20/2025 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 2025-2026 Season Celebrates 'The Soul of a People'

WBTT's 26th season will feature fan-favorite performances, a drama by playwright and actress Dominique Morisseau, and a world premiere.

02/19/2025 By Staff

All the World's a Stage

The Sarasota Players Secure 30-Year Lease for Payne Park Auditorium

The company plans completely renovate the building, with construction slated to begin by fall of 2025 and the goal of opening in late 2026.

02/05/2025 By Staff

The Dish

Alton Brown Brings His Farewell Tour to the Van Wezel on Feb. 16

Brown's shows are famous for their over-the-top shenanigans and creative culinary demonstrations. "It will be an evening of culinary hijinks," he promises.

02/05/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Women at War

In Ken Ludwig’s 'Lady Molly of Scotland Yard,' Female Detectives Save the Day

An interview with the prolific playwright.

01/29/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST's 'The Cancellation of Lauren Fein' Doesn't Pull Punches

Christopher Demos-Brown's play about a university professor targeted by complaints covers a lot of bases—and feels especially timely.

01/28/2025 By Kay Kipling

Britcom

Review: Saving the World at Asolo Rep with 'Lady Molly of Scotland Yard'

Ken Ludwig's new play puts a comedy spin on England's fight against the Germans in World War II.

01/27/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Turns to August Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle' with 'Fences'

Almost 40 years after its debut, this play about dreams denied remains powerful.

01/20/2025 By Kay Kipling

Broadway's Back!

Van Wezel Hall Launches Its 2025 Broadway Season With 'Funny Girl'

Singer-actress Melissa Manchester is among the stars of the show in its first national tour.

01/10/2025 By Kay Kipling