Sarasota Theatre Newsroom

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a captivating and vibrant production of “Funny Girl,” a classic musical that has endured the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. This Broadway tour, filled with laughter, heart, and stunning performances, brought an exhilarating experience to Sarasota's theatergoers, showcasing the undeniable talent of its cast, particularly Hannah Shankman and Sean Seamus Thompson.

 Florida Studio Theatre will honor trailblazing female artists with Divas: Time After Time, an exciting cabaret celebrating the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals.

As Sarasota Opera’s winter season approaches, the company has expanded its marketing staff. Learn more about the new additions to the staff and the company here!

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced a new program with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright as he returns to Sarasota for “The PlayWRIGHT's the Thing.”

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has been selected to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program. This initiative helps cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. to strengthen technology and management practices.

Florida Studio Theatre has announced a $5,000 charitable gift from Publix Supermarkets Charities to support its WRITE A PLAY program during the 2024–2025 season.

Back by popular demand, and now as an Independent Artist Program showcase, McKenzie will present an updated version of her Young Artist Program showcase at WBTT this month. Learn more here!

The Ringling Museum of Art will host the first public showings of the original commissions resulting from the 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize (HGP).

Van Wezel, the beloved cultural institution in Sarasota, opened last week with a bang and has been delighting audiences ever since! With a jam-packed schedule, they are forging ahead gloriously. We recently had the opportunity to chat with their dedicated Executive Director, Mary Bensel, to learn about the incredible journey they underwent to achieve their ambitious goals, following the immense challenges faced after Hurricane Milton.

Embracing Our Differences will celebrate the start of its 2025 large-scale, outdoor Sarasota exhibition this month. Learn more about the upcoming event here!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will invite the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an inspirational performance. The production will feature song, dance, and dramatic reenactments of Dr. King's most powerful speeches.

Atomica Arts's co-founders, Maria Schaedler-Luera and Will Luera, have been named Co-Executive Directors of LifeLine Productions. Learn more about the company!

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will present Duo Karolina & Iwo in February, plus more performances! See full February programming and learn how to purchase tickets to upcoming shows.

The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s inaugural Wonder Gala on December 6 at The Ora was an evening of inspiration and generosity. Learn more about the Center's programming!

2025 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning's (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series features internationally renowned experts discussing a wide range of domestic and global issues.

Arts Advocates has announced its schedule of February events, which includes an art talk about Robert (Bob) Chase, a luncheon in the Arts Advocates Gallery, an exhibit by Susan Klein, and more.

A highly accomplished woman successfully joins NASA and embarks on a solo mission to Mars following her late husband's path. Initially filled with a cheerful demeanor, she finds herself alone on the spaceship stage, confiding in her computer and an answering machine stocked with messages from Earth.

Sarasota Jewish Theatre will present a post-pandemic update of Jeff Baron’s “Visiting Mr. Green” this month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

The Hermitage Artist Retreat's popular series, “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens,” continues its fifth anniversary season and kicks off a brand-new year with “Book, Music, and Lyrics,” featuring Emmy Award and Drama Desk nominee Mark Sonnenblick.

What did our critic think of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel?

Art Center Sarasota's 2024-2025 exhibition season will continue with four exhibits, January 30-March 1. Learn more about how to view the exhibitions here!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its 25th anniversary season’s dramatic offering, August Wilson’s “Fences', next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

 Arts Advocates will host a “Creative Liberties Exhibit,” featuring works by the studio artists of Creative Liberties Artist Studios. The exhibit, which runs through January, showcases Sarasota's vibrant artistic community.

Chamber music ensemble ensembleNEWSRQ will continue its ninth season with 'Visions & Miracles,' a concert featuring five works for strings, flute, and clarinet.

The Sarasota Concert Association will present the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Jan Chalupeckcký and featuring pianist Maxim Lando, in Sarasota. Learn how to purchase tickets.