Performing Arts

Holy Writ

Brandon Farris Is Rising in the World of Christian Rap

Farris is better known by his stage name, YB.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Strictly von Schmidt

Remembering Longtime Sarasotan Eric von Schmidt

If you’ve loved folk music from the 1960s on, you probably owe a debt to Eric von Schmidt.

01/25/2018 Photography by Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's Morning After Grace Goes for Laughs Before Heart

It takes a while for Carey Crim's play to feel real.

01/21/2018 By Kay Kipling

Funny Guy

Comedian Brian Regan Returns to the Van Wezel Next Month

Regan talks to us about his creative process, his new act and his DirecTV show Loudermilk.

01/18/2018 By Megan McDonald

Review

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's The Mountaintop Aims to Inspire

The fictionalized version of the last night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life packs some surprises.

01/18/2018 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's Shakespeare in Love Offers Theatrical Fun with Flair

The stage adaptation of the hit movie entertains in a lively, flavorful production.

01/14/2018 By Kay Kipling

Review

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Punches Hard with The Motherf***er with the Hat

Language is a weapon used powerfully by the hurting characters in this Stephen Adly Guirgis play.

01/04/2018 By Kay Kipling

In the Spotlight

Michael Mendez's Star Continues to Rise at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Mendez has been performing in shows at WBTT for several years.

12/27/2017 By Kay Kipling

Music by the River

A Century of American Music Comes Alive at Snook Haven

Mark your calendar for a Thursday performance.

12/27/2017 By Robert Bowden

Review

Florida Studio Theatre's Heisenberg Explores the Mysteries of Attraction

The two-character play brings together an unlikely pair of lovers.

12/18/2017 By Kay Kipling

It's Showtime

The Sarasota Culture Collective is Accepting New Members

The Culture Collective allows anyone ages 21 to 39 to experience Sarasota's vibrant and growing arts community.

12/07/2017 By Ella Melzer

Christmas Time Is Here

The Charlie Brown Christmas Live Show Brings Vince Guaraldi's Soundtrack to Life

The national touring show hits the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.

12/04/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Your Shot

Hamilton is Coming to The Straz

Combine rap, show tunes and American history and what do you get? Award-winning entertainment that's created a national obsession.

11/30/2017 By Ella Melzer

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Things to Do With Kids

Sarasota has plenty for kids to do.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Local Theater

The region’s theaters offer a world of family-friendly experiences.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Cuban Guitarist Renesito Avich Livens Up Sarasota

Arvich plays the national instrument of Cuba—a tres guitar—all over Sarasota.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

Volunteers from All Over the Country Help Keep Myakka Running

Some are locals who sign up for a few hours or days a month; others—mainly retirees—come in their campers from all over the country and live in the park for months on end.

11/29/2017 By Pam Daniel and Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's Evita Breathes New Life into This Lloyd Webber-Rice Hit

Under the direction of Josh Rhodes, the season opening production is compelling and assured.

11/19/2017 By Kay Kipling

Review

Urbanite Theatre's Echoes Haunts with Two Dramatic Stories

Two women, decades apart, face harsh realities when they leave home on a mission.

11/19/2017 By Kay Kipling

It's Getting Hot in Here

98 Degrees Will Perform at the Van Wezel During Its Christmas Tour

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a second Christmas album and holiday tour.

11/16/2017 By Stephanie Isaac