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.

Preview

Jennifer Jones, the First Black Rockette, on Her Path to Radio City Music Hall

It's not easy for any dancer. For Jennifer Jones, the first African American Rockette, it was harder. She tells her story in a talk at the Sarasota Art Museum.

12/01/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

'Come From Away' Opens the Asolo Rep Season with a Bang

Everyone's on their game with this musical about plane passengers and townsfolk on Sept. 11, 2001.

11/17/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST's 'Lucky Stiff' Takes Audiences on a Romp to Monte Carlo

The show by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty offers energetic, freewheeling fun.

11/10/2025 By Kay Kipling

100 Years of Art

Art Center Sarasota Celebrates Its 100th Birthday This Year

In its century-long history, Art Center Sarasota has often led the way in our visual arts community.

11/04/2025 By Kay Kipling

Building the Future

Sarasota’s Arts Scene Sets the Stage for What’s Next

A number of building projects and high-profile capital campaigns with combined fundraising goals of $975 million are on the horizon.

11/04/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Urbanite Theatre's 'Monsters of the American Cinema' Confronts the Really Scary Stuff

In Christian St. Croix's play, the monsters are close to home.

11/03/2025 By Kay Kipling

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

Rupp Rehab

The Ringling's Rupp Pavilion Heads Toward a Restoration

Built in 1961, the building on the art museum campus long served as the Banyan Cafe.

09/24/2025 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

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 View

Ringling Museum's 'Currents of Resistance' Tackles Our State's History, Ecology and More

Hermitage Greenfield Prize-winning artist Sandy Rodriguez fills the Monda Gallery with images depicting Florida's complicated past—and present.

07/30/2025 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

Still a Thrill

Art Deco Style Remains Forever Cool, as an Upcoming Exhibit at Sarasota Art Museum Shows

The show will display more than 100 Art Deco posters dating from the 1920s and ’30s, from the collection of part-time Sarasotans Bill and Elaine Crouse

07/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

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

Happy Father's Day

This Year’s Sarasota Music Festival Delivers a Special Onstage Father-Son Collaboration

Sarasota Music Festival music director Jeffrey Kahane will play a piece written for him by his son, Gabriel.

06/06/2025 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