Sarasota Theatre Newsroom

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced two new programs in May, with additional May and June programming to be opened for registration in the coming weeks.

'Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!!!' Ah, the magical chant that kickstarted a phenomenon in the late 1980s, creating a cult following that endures to this day. From its origins as a beloved Tim Burton film, 'BEETLEJUICE' has now taken the stage on Broadway and embarked on a successful two-year touring journey.

I am on a journey of not only seeing shows that I have never seen before, but also ones that I have never heard of before. This is rare with someone with extensive theatre knowledge but such was the case at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. The stage was set for a touching exploration of one of the 20th century's most fascinating figures: Oscar Levant. 'Good Night, Oscar,' directed by the talented Peter Amster, is a masterful blend of humor, poignancy, and insight into the life of a man who oscillated between brilliance and despair. This compelling one-act play unfolds without an intermission, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully in the rhythm of Levant's life.

From the opening moments on the Van Wezel's stage for 'Les Misérables,' the audience is transported into the heart of 19th-century France, a tumultuous time fraught with poverty, revolution, and the ceaseless quest for redemption.

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced complete casting for the epic closing of the 2024 – 2025 Season, Jesus Christ Superstar, which begins previews on May 14, 2025. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice and directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Jesus Christ Superstar runs May 14 – June 15. 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce the second Young Artist Program showcase of the 2024-2025 season. Young WBTT artist Maicy Powell will present “Growing Pains of a Young Lady” at WBTT.

The Sarasota Concert Association has revealed its 2025-26 Great Performers Series, marking the organization’s 81st season. See the full lineup and learn more!

This was the central event of a three-day celebration, hosted by the Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation.

This was the central event of a three-day celebration, hosted by the Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation.

Arts Advocates recently presented Andy Sandberg, artistic director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, with its Luminaire Award. This award is presented to individuals to celebrate their outstanding contributions to the arts in Sarasota.

Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have announced the line-up for the Spring 2025 First Light Festival. Since 1998, the EST/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project has developed over 300 plays that challenge and broaden the view of science in the popular imagination. 

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has announced the appointment of Keren Shani-Lifrak as executive director. Lifrak will begin her duties with ASC on May 1, working alongside Marcy Miller, current executive director, until her retirement on June 30. 

Sprinkles, sea monsters, and more — straight from the minds of young creatives, these whimsical elements take center stage in Florida Studio Theatre (FST)'s 2025 Young Playwrights Festival on May 17!

Sprinkles, sea monsters, and more — straight from the minds of young creatives, these whimsical elements take center stage in Florida Studio Theatre (FST)'s 2025 Young Playwrights Festival on May 17!

Florida Studio Theatre is honoring the late Mary Jo Reston, a supporter of the theater for nearly two decades, for providing a $1.25 million legacy gift that will help sustain the nonprofit’s artistic programming for years to come.

Florida Studio Theatre is honoring the late Mary Jo Reston, a supporter of the theater for nearly two decades, for providing a $1.25 million legacy gift that will help sustain the nonprofit’s artistic programming for years to come.

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced that it has received a $5,000 education grant from the Manatee Community Foundation in support of Asolo Rep On Tour.

Asolo Repertory Theatre celebrated with a ribbon cutting of the new Jody Reston Costume Storage, the future home of Asolo Rep's $1 Million costume collection on Saturday, March 29.

Asolo Repertory Theatre celebrated with a ribbon cutting of the new Jody Reston Costume Storage, the future home of Asolo Rep's $1 Million costume collection on Saturday, March 29.

Arts Advocates has announced its schedule of May events, which includes the annual scholarship awards luncheon, an exhibit by the Petticoat Painters, a silk painting class at and tour of Island Gallery in Bradenton, an art talk with David X. Tejada, a creative portraits playshop, and the final Van Wezel tour of the season.

Arts Advocates has announced its schedule of May events, which includes the annual scholarship awards luncheon, an exhibit by the Petticoat Painters, a silk painting class at and tour of Island Gallery in Bradenton, an art talk with David X. Tejada, a creative portraits playshop, and the final Van Wezel tour of the season.

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) will present Joshua Harmon's dark comedy “Bad Jews” from April 30 to May 11, and the Be A Theatre Maven program for this play on May 2, at The Sarasota Players.

Although Sarasota Opera's Winter Festival has ended, area residents will have the opportunity this spring to view recorded performances of three operas from this year's season for free at The Bay park, the blue-and-green gathering place in downtown Sarasota!

For the final show of its 25th anniversary theatre season, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present “Syncopated Avenue,” which will take audiences on a musical journey through the captivating and entertaining world of tap dance.

What did our critic think of JERSEY BOYS at Florida Studio Theatre?