- May 2, 2025
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Artist’s Reception: Rob Rashkow
5 p.m. at Harmony Gallery, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
In search of “groovy people”? You’ll find them on the walls and mingling in the crowd at this art exhibition of the same name by Rob Rashkow. Guitarist and vocalist Nino Pinelli will play blues music at the opening reception for this show, which continues through May 20 during building hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
‘Beetlejuice’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$50-$135
Visit VanWezel.org.
Based on Tim Burton’s classic film, this musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With its witty book, surprising set and a score straight out of the underworld, “Beetlejuice” is familiar and new at the same time — a winning formula for Broadway musicals based on hit films. Runs through April 27.
Molière’s ‘The Learned Ladies’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. West, Venice
$35
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
The French playwright known as Moliere was a social critic of his era. In this play, he takes on the pretensions of the female salon where individuals who gave the play its title sought to educate themselves, sometimes engaging in a little hanky-panky on the side. Think Oscar Wilde with a French accent. Runs through May 4.
‘Syncopated Avenue’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Known for its homegrown musical revues and performances of plays celebrating African-American stories, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe developed its own original full-fledged musical with “Ruby” in 2024. Now, with “Syncopated Avenue,” the company is producing its first tap dance revue, which explores the history of the art form. Runs through May 25.
‘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.
‘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” is the moving tale of two female Americans who withstand captivity in a foreign prison through grit, humor and loving solidarity. The tale is based on real-life accounts of American journalists and aid workers imprisoned overseas. Runs through April 27.
‘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.
‘Jersey Boys’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$49-$69
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
There are countless imitations, but there is only one “Jersey Boys.” Winner of both the Tony (Broadway) and Olivier (London’s West End) awards, the musical tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in the Garden State to induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This isn’t a musical revue; it’s a full-fledged musical directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through May 31.
Suncoast Boat Show
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza
Free
Visit SuncoastBoatShow.com.
Boat enthusiasts will assemble for the annual boat show in Sarasota Bay to admire cruisers, motor yachts and other types of watercraft on display. Continues 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Jazz at Two with Hot Club SRQ
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Kick off the weekend with Hot Club SRQ, which plays Gypsy Jazz and bills itself as “an acoustic string, swing time machine.” The performance is part of Jazz Club of Sarasota’s weekly series at Unitarian Universalists of SRQ.
‘Evita’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
$37
Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com.
Don’t cry for the Manatee Players! They’ve enjoyed the talents of Rick Kerby as their producing artistic director for over two decades. For their last production of the season, the community theater presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical “Evita,” about the former first lady of Argentina who was beloved by the followers of her sometimes oppressive husband Juan Peron. Runs through May 11.
‘Movements of Genius’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$125
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
For its final program of the season, the Sarasota Ballet presents a lineup that it has dubbed “Movements of Genius.” There’s something for everyone on a bill that includes Balanchine’s “Serenade” with music by Tchaikovsky, Jerome Robbins’ “Into the Night” with music by Chopin and “A Wedding Bouquet,” by Sir Frederick Ashton, whose works the Sarasota Ballet has championed. “Bouquet” is set to the music of Lord Berners. All three ballets will be accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra. Continues through April 26.
Comedy Roulette
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’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 the mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May 30.
Suncoast Concert Band: Derby Bound
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
For horse racing lovers, the day of the Kentucky Derby is a national holiday. The race isn't until the first Saturday in May, but grab your best hat and get ready for the annual “run for the roses” with this concert by the Suncoast Concert Band. Call 941-907-4123 to check on ticket availability and please be sure to dial the right number. Sorry, no mint juleps will be served.
Ring Sarasota: Celebrate! Join the Party!
5 p.m. at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave.
Free
Visit RingSarasota.org.
Handbell ensemble Ring Sarasota has been making the rounds of local churches this season. This week, they bring their Celebrate! Join the Party! program to Sarasota. The series features a selection of handbell arrangements, each capturing the spirit of a different month. We’re not making any promises, but “Singing in the Rain” is on Ring Sarasota’s set list for this season so April showers may bring a performance of this piece.
‘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 estate Friar Park, you can't help feeling the late Beatle would approve of this living tribute. After all, he dedicated his 1980 memoir, "I, Me, Mine" to "gardeners everywhere." Runs through June 29.
Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration
The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with $25 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.
The Ringling joins museums around the world in honoring the centenary of maverick artist Robert Rauschenberg, who burst onto the art scene in the mid-20th century with his collages he called “combines.” The first American to win the grand prize at the Venice Biennale, Rauschenberg set the stage for the Pop Art movement popularized by Andy Warhol. The exhibition includes works that The Ringling had in its collection, including pieces Rauschenberg created during his time on Captiva Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he moved in 1968 and remained until his death 40 years later. Runs through Aug. 3.
Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$55-$85
Visit VanWezel.org.
For fans of the Swedish rock group ABBA, here’s another chance to relive the memories of their youth and be a “Dancing Queen” all over again. With the Broadway musical and film version of “Mamma Mia,” the band has acquired legions of new followers for its feel-good music. The tribute band Arrival from Sweden has sold out arenas worldwide, performed with over 120 symphonies, and appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.
‘Bad Jews’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130
$30-$42
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
To members of the Jewish faith who live by a moral code, the title of Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s latest production, “Bad Jews,” might be offensive. But under the artistic direction of Carole Kleinberg, the company doesn’t shy from controversy. Written by Joshua Harmon, this edgy comedy follows three adult cousins as they compete to own an heirloom hidden by their grandfather during the Holocaust. Runs through May 11.
