- December 23, 2024
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'Hamilton vs. Jefferson: The Rivalry That Shaped America'
10 a.m. at The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
$49
Visit ThoughtfulProductions.com.
Sponsored by The Observer, this lecture by Louis Masur, the Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University, looks at competing views of government by Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and Thomas Jefferson, the first Secretary of State who later became president.
Circus Sarasota 2024
7 p.m. at the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
$30-$80
Visit CircusArts.org.
Now in its 26th season, Circus Sarasota returns to Nathan Benderson Park with a brand new big top and a fresh lineup. Ringmaster Joseph Bauer Jr., a 15th-generation circus family member, presides over the action. Runs through Sunday.
‘Clyde’s’
7:30 p.m. at Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$24-$32
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s” takes place in a kitchen filled with ex-convicts on a quest to create the perfect sandwich. Final performance is 8 p.m. Saturday.
‘Little Women’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$45-$105
Visit VanWezel.org.
The musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale of four sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — and their beloved “Marmee” offers lessons for today’s generation. Continues Friday.
‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Last seen at the opera in 2012, “Lucia di Lammermoor" stars soprano Ashley Milanese, making her company debut in the title role. Christopher Oglesby plays Lucia’s star-crossed lover Edgardo and Jean Carlos Rodriguez is Enrico, Lucia’s ambitious brother. Runs through March 23.
'Luck of the Irish'
7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
From $47
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
It’s not too early to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as the Sarasota Orchestra performs Leroy Anderson’s “Irish Suite,” including “The Wearing of the Green,” Percy Grainger’s “Irish Tune from County Derry,” better known as “Danny Boy,” and many more favorites from the Emerald Isle. Runs through Sunday.
‘Misery’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota
$30/Students $13
Visit ThePlayers.org.
Directed by Kelly Woodland, “Misery” is based on the Stephen King novel about a best-selling romance novelist who is imprisoned in the home of his No. 1 fan. Runs through Sunday.
‘Parade’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
$30-$40
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
Directed by Scott Keys, the musical “Parade” features a cast of 24 characters and is based on a real-life story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Atlanta accused of murdering a young female employee. Runs through March 17.
‘The Glass Menagerie’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$27
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
Can a “gentleman caller” redeem a down-on-its-luck family’s fortunes? The question asked by the classic Tennessee Williams play, directed by Lee Gundersheimer, still resonates today. Runs through Sunday.
Ringling Underground
8-11 p.m. at Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
$15; members and students free
Visit Ringling.org.
Music, art and games come together in the Museum of Art Courtyard. This week's lineup include House of I, a rock band from Miami; Treedom, which plays music inspired by North African culture, Arab culture and Western pop and reggae; and Wolves of Glendale, who combine music and humor.
Royal Rummage Sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
$5
Visit StMaryLBK.org.
Shop for a variety of new-to-you items at the annual St. Mary Women's Guild Royal Rummage Sale. Continues 9 a.m. to noon Saturday with free admission. The Friday presale offers first choice, and Saturday offers the discounts. As the day goes on, more departments are put on markdowns.
Jazz @ 2 - Pete BarenBregge Sextet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Pete BarenBregge and friends. BarenBregge is a saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, music editor and jazz educator whose focus is creating quality music.
Shelly Belly
6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$28
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Shelly Belly made her mark in the comedy world with videos that earned millions of views and 100 million likes through her social media accounts. Her Southern twang and funny persona were a hit with audiences during her stint on the Netflix reality show “The Circle.” Runs through Saturday.
BélO in Concert
7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota
$30-$40
Visit Ringling.org.
The latest in The Ringling’s Art of Performance Francophone series features BélO, known as Haiti’s musical ambassador to the world. His sound is a mixture of jazz, worldbeat, rock, reggae and Afro-Haitian traditional rhythms. Continues Saturday.
‘The Women of Broadway’
7:30 at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$40
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.
Written and directed by Katherine Michelle Tanner, this cabaret stars Mila Alice, Sharon Orienstein, Martina Long, Cianna Bostock and Kathryn Parks. It celebrates female musical theater writers in honor of Women’s History Month. Runs through March 17.
‘Up on the Roof’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
If you missed Florida Studio Theatre’s cabaret show, “Up on the Roof,” fear not: It’s back for an encore. Created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, “Up on the Roof,” pays tribute to songwriting duos who made their home in New York's Brill Building such as Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Runs through March 24.
Zoë Lewis
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota
$18-$22
Visit WSLR.org.
Dubbed the “band in a body” because she plays so many instruments, Provincetown-based Zoë Lewis brings a program of vintage jazz, world music and storytelling to Fogartyville. She is joined by recorder player Roxanne Layton of neoclassical new age-music ensemble Mannheim Steamroller.
Festival of the Arts
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
The annual Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival returns featuring original, handmade works from artists. Explore paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more. Meet the artisans and commission a piece if you don't find what you want. Continues Sunday.
Community Open House
10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKey.org.
Community members are encouraged to attend this free event. It includes live music, food trucks, local restaurants, over 30 local businesses and more. Town departments, nonprofits, houses of worship and clubs will all be there.
LeMarche Bohemien Outdoor Marketplace
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota
Free
Visit DestinationDowntownSarasota.com.
This Parisian-inspired, open-air marketplace brings together a variety of artisans making unique goods and art, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography and woven wearable art.
Irish Celtic Festival
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
For those of Irish Celtic descent or those who just want to be Irish for the day, this event features the luck of the Irish with traditional food, craft beers, hard ciders, live music, dance performances and a Lucky Dog Parade.
Tony Danza: Standards and Stories
7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$50-$106
Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.
Tony Danza and his four-piece band return to Venice with a show that combines standards from the Great American Songbook, soft shoe, ukulele and anecdotes about live and music.
'Miss Julie’
7:30 p.m. at Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$24-$32
Visit AsoloRep.org.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory performs Strindberg’s classic “Miss Julie,” which explores the forbidden love affair between a nobleman’s daughter and a servant. Runs through Sunday.
‘Carmen’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Georges Bizet’s tale of a seductive gypsy is considered one of the most accessible operas, thanks to its unforgettable tunes. Don’t be surprised if you hum along as you watch Carmen (Chelsea Laggan) conquer Corporal Don José (Victor Starsky) and then cast him aside for the dashing bullfighter Escamillo (Andrew Manea). No one can resist the charms of Carmen. Runs through March 22.
Paul Anka: Seven Decades Tour
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$85-$135
Visit VanWezel.org.
Paul Anka is the only artist in history to have had a song on the Billboard charts during seven consecutive decades. Watch him perform hits like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Diana,” “Puppy Love” and "Lonely Boy,” backed by an all-star band.
‘Simply the Best!’
7:30 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$55; members $45
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will perform music from the 1970s including Diana Ross, The Four Tops and Stevie Wonder. The program is from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Champagne reception with an opportunity to meet the artists.
The Market on Longboat Key
10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKey.org.
Enjoy food trucks and live music while browsing clothing, flowers, plants, artwork, sunglasses, handcrafted goods and more in the market. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing. Some food vendors let you preorder pies, cakes, and breads so they will be ready and waiting upon your arrival.
Champions of Magic
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$30-$65
Visit VanWezel.org.
Turn off your computers and cellphones and spend an evening with The Champions Of Magic, who offer mind-blowing illusions not to be seen anywhere else.
Curtis on Tour
7:30 p.m. at Studio for the Performing Arts, 5840 26th St. W., Building 11A, Bradenton
$40
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents three Curtis Institute of Music alumni – Benjamin Beilman, violin; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; and Oliver Herbert, cello – with three current Curtis students – Na Hyun Della Kyun, violin; Emad Zolfaghari, viola; and Francis Carr, cello – in a stirring program of string sextets.
Friends of the Selby Public Library Gala
6 p.m. at The Bandstand at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
$40
Visit SelbyLibraryFriends.org.
Join Friends of the Selby Public Library for an evening of fun, appetizers, cash bar and great music at the ‘50s- themed gala for the people. Proceeds benefit Selby Library programs, services and resources.
