Kay Kipling is executive editor of Sarasota Magazine, where she has worked in one capacity or another for more than 30 years. (Yes, she’s seen a lot of changes.) She also acts as arts editor for the magazine, frequently interviewing local and national arts personalities as well as writing features on the performing and visual arts scene and online reviews of theater productions. A longtime member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the magazine’s theater critic, she spends untold nights in Sarasota’s many theaters every year and has served on numerous arts grant panels at both the state and local level. In her off time she enjoys reading, movies, nature walks and, all too seldom, the beach.

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

That's the Spirit

A New Exhibition at The Ringling Delivers Chills, Thrills and Plenty of Historic Curiosities

Spiritualism became a huge movement in America in the 19th century, prodded by the horrific casualties of the Civil War, and, later, in the 20th century, the carnage of World War I.

03/05/2025 By Kay Kipling

From the Archives

Death of an Art Dealer

The murder of a Palm Avenue gallery owner—who was found with her left hand resting atop a Sarasota Magazine article—sparked a lengthy investigation resulting in the arrest of Elton Brutus Murphy.

03/03/2025 By Kay Kipling

Preview

A New Exhibit at The Ringling Pays Tribute to Robert Rauschenberg

"Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration" will be on view through early August.

02/28/2025 By Kay Kipling

Uncertain Future

A Newly Formed Group Is Working to Oppose New College's Proposed Takeover of the Ringling Museum

Citizens to Protect the Ringling is rallying museum supporters ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

02/27/2025 By Kay Kipling

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

Garden Beatle

Selby Gardens' New Exhibit Pays Tribute to George Harrison

And his widow Olivia shared memories and poetry related to her late husband at a special event on Tuesday.

02/14/2025 By Kay Kipling

Sneaker Peeker

A New Sarasota Art Museum Exhibit Presents Footwear of the Future

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks focuses on innovative designs and new technology.

02/12/2025 By Kay Kipling

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

Museum Pieces

Artist Joe Fig Paints Viewers Looking at Paintings by Johannes Vermeer

“It’s pretty meta," Fig says.

01/15/2025 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

Funding Fallout

State and Local Leaders Cut Funding for Arts Organizations This Year. Will Things Be Any Better Next Time Around?

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in funding for the arts in June due to concerns over content, and the Sarasota County nixed grants to three arts organizations a month later.

11/21/2024 By Kay Kipling