Sarasota Theatre Newsroom

Do you ever go see a show and know you will be on your feet for a standing ovation the minute the last chord sounds? I have now seen Come From Away 7 times including last year at the Van Wezel and it simply never gets old. It is powerful. It stirs your soul

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 26th season will be a celebration of the “Soul Of A People.” In its 2025-2026 theatre season, WBTT will offer fan favorites, a drama by playwright/actress Dominique Morisseau, and a brand-new world premiere show. 

The Sarasota Concert Association will present the National Symphony Orchestra at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The orchestra will present a program featuring internationally-acclaimed violinist Hilary Hahn. Learn how to attend.

There's much to celebrate next season at Sarasota Opera. After a two-year hiatus, the company is bringing back its Fall opera in October 2025, which will be Così fan tutte, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, followed by Sarasota Youth Opera's production of Hans Krása's Brundibár.

Florida Studio Theatre is extending its production, The Cancellation of Lauren Fein, through mid-March in the Gompertz Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has received an $80,000 grant award from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in support of Hermitage visual artists and their associated public programming.

Rise Above Performing Arts will present The Diary of Anne Frank. This powerful and riveting drama hits Sarasota this month. Learn more about the upcoming performances here!

Florida Studio Theatre will present the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of Bad Books by award-winning playwright and television writer Sharyn Rothstein.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a vibrant rendition of 'The Addams Family,' a musical that has captivated audiences since its Broadway premiere in 2010. Based on the beloved characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, the show effortlessly blends humor, macabre charm, and catchy musical numbers to deliver an unforgettable evening. This production, fueled by an exceptional cast and dazzling visual effects, transported the audience into the delightfully dark world of the Addams family.

Arts Advocates has announced its schedule of March events, which includes a luncheon with guest speaker Barbara Ramsay, chief conservator of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; and two art talks in the Arts Advocates Gallery.

Lauren Fein, a distinguished tenured professor at her university, has dedicated her life to assisting others through her groundbreaking research efforts. Her valuable contributions to the unnamed University community, along with a strong network of esteemed colleagues and a loving family, showcase the profound impact she has had on those around her.

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will present Harp Royalty on March 2 at First Presbyterian Church, Horns of Plenty on March 13 at Sarasota Yacht Club, and Grammy Award winner Catalyst Quartet on March 30 at First Presbyterian Church.

Sarasota Opera will open its 66th season this month with the double bill of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

The Broadway Theatre Project has revealed the dates and format for its 2025 Summer Intensive, the renowned performing arts program founded by Broadway legend Ann Reinking. Learn more and see how to attend.

Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera's artistic director and Richard Russell, general director, have announced the addition of six new members to the organization's Board of Trustees — David Bialosky, Joseph Mallof, Sue Neumann, Alastair Hunter-Henderson, Tamara Jacobs, and Thomas Garden.

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced complete casting for the Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic drama Anna in the Tropics, which begins previews in February.

The Sarasota Players will present Shakespeare's Twelfth Night outside at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. Before the show enjoy performances, and a festival-type atmosphere. Learn how to attend.

August Wilson penned his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in 1983. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it delves into the African-American experience, generational prejudices, and other challenging themes. By concentrating on the journey of one family, the play portrays a spectrum of difficult times that individuals may look back on in their later years, while also acknowledging the fleeting moments of joy that can shine through even the toughest circumstances.

Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) and Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 are celebrating their long-term partnership by offering a trip to the internationally renowned Lucerne Festival.

In the month of February – which is Black History Month – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present several offerings focused on Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, August Wilson.

What did Broadwayworld's critic think of LADY MOLLY OF SCOTLAND YARD at Asolo Repertory Theatre? Read the full review here and learn more about the production,.

Family values are the cornerstone of our existence, and despite the differences in our upbringings, we can all relate to the dynamics of a quirky family. Snap, snap! The Addams Family stands out as the epitome of eccentricity and charm, proudly wearing their 'creepy and kooky' banner for all to see.

Asolo Repertory Theatr has announced complete casting for the World Premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Lady Molly of Scotland Yard, which begins previews on January 17, 2025.  See photos from the production.

Florida Grand Opera has received an additional $1 million matching gift from philanthropists Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart.

Sarasota Orchestra has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation for the 2024-2025 season. This award will help advance Sarasota Orchestra's mission to engage, educate and enrich the community through high-quality, live musical experiences by supporting Manatee County students' participation in the Sarasota Youth Orchestras program.