Performing Arts

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

Review

Urbanite Theatre Goes on a Journey with 'Spaceman'

An astronaut on a long solo mission confronts both technical and personal crises.

01/06/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST's 'The Heart Sellers' Is a New Asian-American Tale

Set in the 1970s, Lloyd Suh's two-character play both touches and amuses.

12/16/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents 'Snow Queen' at the Van Wezel

The performance is set to reopen the hall after flooding, and the company has its own survival story.

12/09/2024 By Kay Kipling

Forever Daredevil

Circus Legend Elvin Bale Reflects on His Groundbreaking Career

Bale, who lives in Myakka, will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame's class of 2025. Due to post-hurricane damage to the Circus Ring of Fame plaques, the event will take place in 2026.

12/06/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Bound for Stardom

Meet Three Young Performers Making a Name for Themselves on Local Stages

Nikolina Šupe, Finley MacBeth and Kayla Hayes' stars are shining bright.

12/01/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Start Spreading the News

The Best Shows, Exhibits, Talks and Performances Coming to Sarasota This Season

We’re in for another stellar arts season. Here are some of the shows and events we’re most jazzed about.

11/21/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Beautiful—The Carole King Musical' Has Hits Aplenty

The season opener looks at the ups and downs of prolific songwriter King's life.

11/18/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Serves Up Some Sweet Moments with 'Waitress'

This musical version of the 2007 movie offers self-realization along with its pies.

11/14/2024 By Kay Kipling

Awards

Naomi Iizuka Named Fifth Recipient of Hermitage Major Theater Award

An award-winning playwright based in California, Iizuka will receive a cash prize of $35,000, a residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and a developmental workshop in a major arts capital.

11/04/2024 By Staff

Review

Take a Bite of Urbanite Theatre's 'Jennifer, Who Is Leaving'

There's both laughter and tears on tap at the Dunkin' Donuts in this Morgan Gould play.

10/21/2024 By Kay Kipling

The Show Must Go On

Now in Its 75th Season, Venice Theatre Looks Back to Its Very First Show—and Forward to a Restored Theater

The theater is still struggling to get its mainstage space, the Jervey Theatre, in working order after 2022’s Hurricane Ian wrought major havoc.

09/01/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Sarasota Opera Announces Lineup and Casts for 2025 Winter Festival

The season opens Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, and casts include some company favorites, along with singers making their Sarasota Opera debuts.

08/26/2024 By Staff