Performing Arts

Review

WBTT's 'Purlie' Spreads a Message Through Laughter

The musical uses often broad comedy to tackle racism in the Jim Crow South.

10/13/2025 By Kay Kipling

Theater for Everyone

Sarasota Jewish Theatre Continues to Grow Its Audience and Its Programming

The company enjoyed a sold-out season last year and continues to expand under artistic director Carole Kleinberg.

09/08/2025 By Kay Kipling

A Family's Leap

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Is Built on Politics, Determination and Family

After escaping Cuba for America, Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez started a ballet school. Now their son Francisco is a star at The Royal Ballet in London.

09/08/2025 By Carrie Seidman

Preview

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces More Shows for the Season

A lineup of musicians, comedians and even game shows adds to the already announced Broadway show list.

08/25/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Goes for Farcical Fun with 'Don't Dress for Dinner'

The action is fast and the lies are even faster in this piece by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon.

08/11/2025 By Kay Kipling

On Stage

Review: FST's "Dorothy's Dictionary" Spells It All Out for Us

The intimate two-character play reminds that human relationships--and books--matter.

07/14/2025 By Kay Kipling

On Pointe

Royal Ballet Soloist Francisco Serrano Returns to Sarasota for a Gala Performance on July 19

Serrano is the son of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School founders Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez—native Cubans and former dancers who defected to the U.S. in 1993 and whose school now draws students from around the world.

07/11/2025 By Carrie Seidman

Review

Tap into Nostalgia with FST's Dance Musical Comedy "Dames at Sea"

It's a summertime escape that may leave you humming.

06/16/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Urbanite Theatre's 'From 145th to 98th Street' Measures the Cost of a Family's Journey

A world premiere, Nia Akilah Robinson's play centers on parents and kids at odds.

06/10/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Closes Season in Often Stunning Fashion

The now classic rock opera makes its bow on the Asolo stage with a lot of drive.

06/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

Family Affair

A World Premiere Play Takes a Look at a Black Family Facing Change, Both Within and Without

“It’s about parents trying to reckon with their kids having grown into the people they are and having to really get to know each other,” says playwright Nia Akilah Robinson.

05/12/2025 By Kay Kipling

Fab Forward

The Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest Celebrates 15 Years This Weekend

All are welcome at the event on May 10 at Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota.

05/07/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Preview

Sarasota Orchestra Announces 2025-2026 Season

It's the orchestra's first season with Giancarlo Guerrero as music director.

04/29/2025 By Staff

Review

WBTT Taps Its Way Into the World Premiere Musical 'Syncopated Avenue'

The new show pays tribute to the sometimes forgotten art of tap dancing.

04/23/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

'Beetlejuice' Blasts Into the Van Wezel With Demonic Energy

The Broadway musical version of the well-known movie delivers chills, thrills and laughs.

04/23/2025 By Kay Kipling

Let's Dance

The Sarasota Ballet Announces 2025-2026 Season

This year's performances include three world premieres, pieces marking anniversaries and milestones and classics by Balanchine, Bintley and, of course, Ashton.

04/21/2025 By Staff

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Good Night, Oscar' Introduces the Talented, Troubled Oscar Levant

Doug Wright's play presents a critical moment in the life of the musician, raconteur and pianist.

04/07/2025 By Kay Kipling

Broadway, Here We Come

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces Its 2025-26 Broadway Season

Included are several Sarasota premieres, along with returning hits.

04/06/2025 By Kay Kipling

Tap Tap

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Pays Tribute to Tap with a Brand New Musical

The show is the brainchild of the troupe’s artistic director Nate Jacobs.

04/03/2025 By Kay Kipling