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.

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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

Chalk Walk

The Sarasota International Chalk Festival Returns in November

Despite hurricanes and other hurdles, the visual arts show goes on.

10/31/2024 By Kay Kipling

Rising Action

Sarasota's New Living Arts Festival Kicks Off Nov. 10

It's a grand collaboration that brings together more than 60 arts groups, about a dozen schools and studios, 30-plus businesses and roughly 10 foundations and funders.

10/25/2024 By Kay Kipling

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

Coming Up

What's New at the Van Wezel

The performing arts hall announces more music, dance and comedy for its 2024-25 season.

08/25/2024 By Kay Kipling

Music Man

The Sarasota Orchestra Announces Its New Music Director

Giancarlo Guerrero will lead the orchestra into its future, including a vision for a new music center.

08/22/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Review: FST's 'The Outsider' Tackles Politics with Satire

Paul Slade Smith's play goes for laughs, but gets in a few serious points, too.

07/29/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST's Dear Jack, Dear Louise Is a Ken Ludwig Play with Heart

Telling the true story of a World War II courtship through letters, the comedy-drama touches and entertains.

07/08/2024 By Kay Kipling

London Calling

The Sarasota Ballet Returns From Its First London Tour in Triumph

The company performed works by Sir Frederick Ashton with and for The Royal Ballet.

07/02/2024 By Kay Kipling

Up Close and Personal

The Circus Arts Conservatory Delivers Thrills in the Intimate Historic Asolo Theater

Summer is the perfect time to escape to the big top.

06/14/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST Slips Into Summer with a Pleasing Production of 'The World Goes 'Round'

The revue highlights the many and diverse songs of Kander and Ebb.

06/10/2024 By Kay Kipling

Time and Time Again

Reese Witherspoon Backed This Former Lakewood Ranch Resident's Debut Novel

Chatham Greenfield's new YA book, "Time and Time Again," is being published next month by Bloomsbury Children's.

06/05/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

The New Movie 'Guy Friends,' by Longtime Sarasotan Jonathan Smith, Heads to Burns Court

The film was shot in New York and arrives here on May 31.

05/16/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

'Clowns Like Me' Is Back Before Heading to NYC

The one-man show starring Scott Ehrenpreis deals with mental health issues with a mix of hope, humor and heart.

05/15/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

The Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival Returns to the Cook Theatre in June

A wide range of acts will entertain over a six-day fest.

05/14/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

The Verdict Is in on Asolo Rep's 'Twelve Angry Men'

A new musical version of the Reginald Rose play still packs a wallop.

05/13/2024 By Kay Kipling

Lost in Space

A New Exhibition at Sarasota Art Museum Takes Visitors on a Trip to the Stars

"The Truth of the Night Sky" is a collaboration between visual artist Anne Patterson and composer Patrick Harlin.

05/06/2024 By Kay Kipling