- March 26, 2025
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‘The Barber of Seville’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” is one of two operas in the Sarasota Opera’s 2025 Winter Festival that follow the adventures of Figaro, the clever servant of Count Almaviva. “Barber” is considered the prequel to Mozart’s masterpiece, “The Marriage of Figaro,” even though it was written later. Spoiler: No one dies in “Barber” and there are a lot of laughs in this light-hearted opera. Runs through March 29.
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
National Theatre Live at The Ringling
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 fictional character (Ernest Worthing) created by British bon vivant Algernon Moncrieff to charm young Cecily. After the National Theatre Live screening at The Ringling, don’t be surprised if you find yourself quoting bon mots from Lady Bracknell such as: “To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” Runs through April 5.
Renaissance Quartet
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$10-$40
Visit PMPSuncoast.org.
Perlman Music Program Suncoast presents the Renaissance Quartet, a New York City-based group featuring four PMP alumni — violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, violist Jameel Martin and Daniel Hass. All graduates of the Julliard School, members of the quartet have been performing together for over a decade.
‘Lost in Yonkers’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1130
$30-$42
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
Neil Simon’s heartwarming play about family dynamics is directed by Sarasota Jewish Theatre Artistic Director Carole Kleinberg. The cast features several of Sarasota’s favorite actors, including Carolyn Michel as Grandma Kurnitz, Michael Raver as Louie Kurnitz, Scott Ehrenpreis as Eddie and Jill Schroeder as Gert. Runs through March 30.
‘Jersey Boys’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
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 by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from the group's humble beginnings in the Garden State to their induction in the 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 25.
Jazz at 2 with the Paul Gavin Quartet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Roll into the weekend as Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Jazz @ 2 with the Paul Gavin Quartet, led by Tampa-based drummer, teacher, composer and arranger.
Sarasota Reggae and Food Festival
4-10 p.m. Friday at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
Enjoy barbecue meat dishes, as well as vegetarian and seafood options, cooked on-site by local restaurants and food purveyors, along with musical entertainment that includes local and regional musicians. Last year's performers included Johnny Long, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones, Memphis Lightning, JP Soars & The Red Hots and others. Also browse a marketplace of arts, crafts and select fine products. Continues 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
‘Momentum’
7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$38
Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com.
Founded by Kate Flowers and her husband Martin Flowers (Roosaare), Azara Ballet is now in its second season. “Momentum” is the last show of its 2024-25 season. It features three dances: “7 Hours,” in which choreographer Martin Flowers addresses cellphone addiction, Arianna Hughlett’s ode to creativity “A Fantastic Trip,” and Gabriel Gaffney Smith’s piece exploring how to disarm bullies, “What’s Your Neighbor Doing?” Runs through March 29.
‘The Marriage of Figaro’
7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$34-$157
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Which is the better opera about Figaro — Rossini’s mirthful “The Barber of Seville” or Mozart’s masterpiece,“The Marriage of Figaro”? Decide for yourself during the Sarasota Opera’s 2025 Winter Festival, which features both. In “Barber,” Figaro helps his master, Count Almaviva, win the hand of Rosina through disguise and trickery. In “Marriage,” the Count begins to covet Figaro’s betrothed. But when he tries to bed her ahead of Figaro, he makes a surprising discovery.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$125
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
After being postponed by the pandemic five years ago, Sarasota Ballet’s Florida premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s sensuous interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet” is finally coming to the Van Wezel stage. Luke Schaufuss and Macarena Giminez play the star-crossed lovers in this full-scale production with elaborate sets, costumes and props as well as a cast of nearly 40 dancers. Get out your handkerchiefs and see why Shakespeare declared, “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
Stephane Wrembel Quartet
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$35
Visit WSLR.org.
One of the world’s leading guitarists, Stephane Wrembel was chosen by renowned composer Hans Zimmer to join his All Star Band, performing alongside Pharrell, Sheila E and Esperanza Spalding. Hailing from France, Wrembel has created his own blend of jazz, gypsy swing and world music. His original compositions have been featured in films such as “Midnight in Paris,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and “Rifkin’s Festival.”
My Hometown Fest
Noon to 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
$30-$40; kids 12 and under free
Visit MyHometownFest.com.
This regional food and craft beer sampling event at Nathan Benderson Park features food, beer, children’s activities, vendor booths, exhibits and live music. Parking is $10. Proceeds benefit Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and Sertoma Kids.
‘Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci'
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$39-$162
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
The Sarasota Opera's 2025 Winter Festival features the double bill of "Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci," an adulterous duo staged so often together that they are known as "Cav" and "Pag," for short. "Cav" takes place on an Easter Morning in a small village in Italy while "Pag" is a play within a play and is the mother of all sad clown stories.
In-Studio Series: Sarasolo
3 and 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
$20
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.
An incubator for artists, Sarasota Contemporary Dance's In-Studio series provides a space and an audience for works in various stages of development. This performance features Deb Unger in a piece exploring a tug-of-war between mother and daughter that transcends the grave.
Tournament of Fools
8:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Members of FST Improv compete in a series of skits, songs and games to win laughter, applause and the title of Champion of the Fools! Audience members vote after each round on who stays and who goes. At the end of the show, there can only be one comedian left standing.
‘Stiffelio’
7:30 at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$34-$157
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
The Sarasota Opera keeps its Verdi mojo going with one of the composer’s lesser-known operas. “Stiffelio” tells the tale of a Protestant minister torn between the Christian forgiveness he preaches and his desire for revenge after he discovers his wife’s infidelity. Runs through March 30, when the Opera's Winter Festival ends.
Catalyst Quartet
4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$43-$63
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents Catalyst Quartet, an ensemble that seeks to redefine the classical musical experience. With Abi Fayette and Karla Donehew Perez on violin, Paul Laraia on viola and Karlos Rodriguez on cello, the group has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Miami’s New World Center and Carnegie Hall. This program features music by Gershwin, Piazzolla and Ravel.
Joshua Tree
6 p.m. at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave.
$10
Visit HamletsEatery.com.
Following their Nirvana MTV Unplugged concert, Music Compound’s Album Ensemble returns with this performance of U2’s The Joshua Tree, including instructors and students of all ages. Food and drink will be available from Hamlet's Eatery, although The Bazaar shops will not be open.
Embrace the Kaleidoscope
7:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$55; members $45
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
Enjoy an evening of music with clarinetist Sergey Gutorov and pianist Jessé Martins, emulating classic international artists including Francis Poulenc, Carl Maria von Weber, Giuseppe Verdi, Béla Kovács and Astor Piazzolla. Meet the musicians after the event at a champagne reception. Registration required.
Joan Osborne and Friends
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Club, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$95
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Barry Weisblatt’s WhiteLeaf Private Concert Club teams up with McCurdy’s to present eight-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne, whose 1995 album “Relish” launched the international hit “What If God Was One Of Us.” Osborne will be joined by G.E. Smith, the lead guitarist for the duo Hall & Oates during the band's golden era from 1979 to 1985, and Jimmy Vivino, best known as the leader of the house band for the TBS late-night TV talk show, “Conan."
'The Simon and Garfunkel Story'
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail
$45-$75
Visit VanWezel.org.
Many people who will attend “The Simon and Garfunkel Story” already know the tale because they lived it. Still, it’s fun to reminisce. This tribute show takes audiences back to the days when songs like “Mrs. Robinson” played on the radio and the jukebox. Ironically, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel parted ways in 1970 after the release of their fifth album,“Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Calming those roiling rapids proved a bridge too far for the iconic folk-rock duo.
‘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.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. $45-$85
Visit VanWezel.org.
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has been cited as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts and has won three Grammy Awards as well as Tony and Emmy nominations for his work as a band leader, composer and soloist. His quartet is known for its bold interpretations of jazz and pop classics as well as original compositions.
