- April 4, 2025
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‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
6:30 p.m. at The Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bayshore Road
$10-$20
Visit Ringling.org.
The title of this Victorian-era farce by Oscar Wilde refers to a character (Ernest Worthing) that British bon vivant Algernon Moncrieff assumes to charm young Cecily. After watching the screening of the National Theatre live at The Ringling, don’t be surprised if you find yourself quoting bon mots from Cecily’s mother, Lady Bracknell, who famously declares “To lose one (parent) may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness.” Runs through April 5.
‘Dancing at Lughnasa’
7:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$95
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Joe Dowling, the former artistic director of both the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis and the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, directs Brian Friel’s Tony Award-winning play about the five Mundy sisters living in rural Ireland in the 1930s. The play gets its name from the Gaelic word for August, which is the month agrarian folk celebrate after bringing in the crops. Runs through April 19.
‘No One is Forgotten’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$5-$44
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Written by New York playwright Winter Miller and directed by Urbanite Artistic Director Summer Dawn Wallace, “No One is Forgotten” tells the story of two U.S. citizens imprisoned in a cramped, dirty cell in a foreign land who are determined to remain alive. The tale is based on real-life accounts of American journalists and aid workers imprisoned overseas. Runs through April 27.
‘Shedding a Skin’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$25-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Part of Florida Studio Theatre’s edgy Stage III series, “Shedding a Skin” follows Myah, a young woman whose topsy-turvy life is transformed when she befriends an elderly Jamaican woman. Directed by Nancy Rominger, the award-winning play pays tribute to the power of human connection. Runs through April 25.
‘Five Guys Named Moe’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Written by Clarke Peters, "Five Guys" tells the story of Nomax, who is down on his luck because his girlfriend has left and he's broke. Suddenly, five guys step out of a 1930s-style radio to give him encouragement. Last presented by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in 2011, this musical tribute to R&B pioneer Louis Jordan promises to delight audiences not only with Jordan's music, but with lively dance numbers. Runs through April 6.
'Divas: Time After Time'
8 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$37-$39
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
New to Sarasota? We’ve got two words for you: Jannie Jones. When Jones is performing at Florida Studio Theatre, run — don’t walk — to the Court Cabaret. She is one-third of the trio performing in FST’s new cabaret show, “Divas: Time After Time.” The other talented singers are Aja Goes and Dakota Mackey-McGee. First-timers to FST’s cabaret shows leave the show amazed that there is such talent here in our laid-back beach town. Runs through June 22.
Jazz @ 2 with the Isaac Mingus Quartet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Start the weekend on a jazzy note with the Isaac Mingus Quartet, presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. A jazz and classical bassist, Mingus won acclaim for his performances with New York City cabaret vocalist Carole J. Bufford and with a trio led by legendary pianist Dick Hyman. Also a cellist, Mingus performs with the Venice Symphony. His quartet will perform popular jazz standards and music from the Great American Songbook.
Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night Film and Party
6 p.m. at The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road
$50 (other festival film tickets start at $23)
Visit SarasotaFilmFestival.com.
The 27th edition of the Sarasota Film Festival opens with Peter Miller’s documentary “Marcella,” about the iconic Italian chef and author who spent the last part of her life on Longboat Key. The screening will be attended by the director as well as Victor Hazan and Giuliano Hazan, who will participate in a talkback with the audience. The festival runs through April 13 at various locations, including Ringling College of Art and Design, New College and Cinebistro.
Back to the '80s Block Party
7-10 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota
Free
Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
Step back into the '80s with live music by Scarlet Drive, a female-fronted band known for their mixes of 80's hits, and light bites. Attendees are invited to come dressed in 80's attire.
‘Good Night, Oscar’
7:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$95
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Oscar Levant has largely been forgotten by history. The celebrated pianist and raconteur is most famous for his role as Gene Kelly’s neighbor in “An American in Paris.” Directed by Peter Amster, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of the Broadway hit show focuses on Levant’s appearance on “Tonight Starring Jack Paar,” where he spoke frankly about his mental health issues. Runs through April 26.
‘Losing My Religion’ by Rennie Harris Puremovement
7:30 p.m. at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$30-$40
Visit Ringling.org.
An abstract work created by Rennie Harris, “Losing My Religion” challenges notions of what constitutes street dance and hip-hop culture to tell his life story as well as to reflect on the world’s collective dilemmas. Runs through April 5.
Masterworks: Grand Treasures
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$39-$105
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Directed by Earl Lee, this Masterworks program opens with the premiere of “Horizons,” a commission from American composer Peter Boyer to honor longtime Sarasota Orchestra Artistic Administrator Pat Joslyn. Also on the bill are Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto with soloist Jon Kimura Parker. It’s followed by audience favorite, Brahms’ Fourth Symphony. Runs through April 6.
Run for the Turtles
7:30 a.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key
$40; children under 14 $30
Visit Mote.org.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium hosts its annual 5K and 1-mile races to support sea turtles at Siesta Beach. The 1-mile fun run begins at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K begins at 8 a.m. An award ceremony will follow the 5K.
Spirit Fest
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
$12; kids 12 and under free
Visit SpiritFestUSA.com.
Meet psychic readers, wellness practitioners, artists authors, with all day speakers and vendors selling merchandise including crystals, skincare and candles, aura photography and more. Continues 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
'Considering Matthew Shepard'
4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave.
$40
Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
Choral Artists of Sarasota presents “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day cantata that tells the story of a young gay man who was beaten and left to die on a fence in Wyoming in 1998. The piece was presented by Choral Artists in in 2024 and was brought back this year with help from the Community Foundation of Sarasota and private sponsors. A light reception will follow the performance.
Comedy Roulette
8:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Looking to have fun on a Saturday night in Sarasota without breaking the bank? Look no further than Florida Studio Theatre Improv Troupe. A team of four experienced improvisers deliver a mix of short form, long form and musical improv in a mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May 30.
'George Harrison: A Gardener's Life'
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$28
Visit Selby.org.
George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life” is the ninth installment of the annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series. Walking around the 15-acre sanctuary on the Sarasota bayfront where gardens and botanical displays have been erected to mirror those in Harrison’s Friar Park estate, you can’t help feeling the late Beatle would approve of this living tribute. After all, he dedicated his 1980 memoir to “gardeners everywhere.” Runs through June 29.
Music in Motion
3 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$35; members $30
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
Percussionist Scott Blum leads a jazz quartet in celebrating notable jazz greats like Duke Ellington. Sarasota Contemporary Dance director Leymis Bolanos Wilmott is also slated to perform.
‘Oh, Henry’
Suncoast Concert Band
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Now in its 92nd season, the Suncoast Concert Band kicks off this program with “Oh, Henry!” The tribute to composer and band director Henry Fillmore was written by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin, director of the United States Marine Band. Call 941-907-4123 to reserve a ticket and please be sure to dial the right number.
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit MyLWR.com.
Join the crowd for the monthly free concert and block party series. Sweet Fleet is the featured entertainer with a Fleetwood Mac tribute. The event will benefit the MVP Feel Good Fund. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks and sponsor booths and has rides and activities for kids.
The Market on Longboat Key
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit Facebook.com.
Join the fun every first and third Monday, December through April. Try the many food trucks while you do your local shopping. You will find artists, apparel, sandals, fresh flowers, plants and more. 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. You can also preorder pies, cakes and breads to be ready and waiting upon your arrival.
Monday Night Jazz Cabaret with La Lucha
7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz Club of Sarasota presents La Lucha, a Tampa Bay trio that consists of three best friends from different parts of the world: Alejandro Arenas (Colombia), John O’Leary (Mexico) and Mark Feinman (U.S.). Doors open at 6:30 for food and beverage service.
‘Les Misérables’
7:30 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$50-$155
Visit VanWezel.org.
Amaze your friends with the fun fact that the source material for the show — Victor Hugo’s book of the same name — was inspired by the Paris revolt of 1832, well before the French Revolution. Acclaimed as one of the greatest musicals ever made, “Les Miz” includes such standards as “Master of the House,” “One Day More” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” Runs through April 13.
Tessa Lark
7:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave.
$43-$63
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents violin/fiddle virtuoso Tessa Lark, who moves easily between the worlds of classical and bluegrass music. Lark has dazzled audiences during her recent appearances with the Sarasota Orchestra and at the Sarasota Music Festival. During this concert, the Grammy nominee will play what she calls “Stradgrass,” original works that reflect her classical training and Kentucky roots.
‘Into the Woods’
7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1130
$34
Visit The Players.org.
Fairy tales come to the stage in the Sarasota Players production of “Into the Woods,” the 1986 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Directed by Brian Finnerty, this musical weaves together the plots of “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel” and other childhood staples into a show that appeals to theatergoers of all ages. Runs through April 20.
