Editor’s Note: While Sarasota always offers more events than any one person could possibly attend, here are a few that stood out this week to ArtsBeat editors Jay Handelman and Carrie Seidman. For a full calendar list of events and performances in the area, visit our friends at the Arts Alliance of Sarasota County
March 31 - April 4
Hannah Jewel Kohn and Nick Fradiani in “A Beautiful Noise.” / Photo by Jeremy Daniel
The biographical musical has become a staple in Broadway theater. Like “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” and “MJ,” the Michael Jackson musical, “A Beautiful Noise,” created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, is another high-energy musical memoir, filled with songs you’re likely to know the words to. It also traces the story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-topping superstar with classics like “Sweet Caroline” and
“America.” Get ready for a heavy hit of nostalgia — and look for my review after opening night.
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” March 31-April 4. $56-166. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. vanwezel.org; 941-263-6799
— Carrie Seidman
April 1-May 17
Rachel Moulton stars in Noah Haidle’s “Birthday Candles” at Florida Studio Theatre. Photo provided by FST
Rachel Moulton, who has offered some of the most impressive performances at Florida Studio Theatre in recent years, takes on a new challenge in the Southeastern premiere of “Birthday Candles.” In Noah Haidle’s play, Moulton plays Ernestine Ashworth, who recounts the story of her life from 17 to 101 through the tradition of baking a birthday cake. Kate Alexander directs the production, which marks her 10th collaboration with Moulton. Debra Messing starred in the play’s New York premiere in 2022.
‘Birthday Candles’ runs April 1-May 17 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. Tickets start at $39. floridastudiotheatre.org; 941-366-9000
— Jay Handelman
April 2
When the Sarasota artist, activist and former Ringling College instructor John Sims died unexpectedly and far too soon in 2022 at the age of 54, those who knew and appreciated him and his artistic endeavors joined together to preserve his studio on Tenth St. as a gallery and exhibition space. The Halo Arts Project, which provides programming and financial support to visual artists in Florida, is currently hosting a collection of privately-owned works from the Petrucci Family Foundation at the gallery that embody the spirit of “Àṣẹ,” a Yoruba concept that exists across the African diaspora and is understood as “the power to make things happen.” “Àṣẹ: Seeing Spirit in Afro-Carrribean Art,” features 30 works by 23 artists showcasing the cultural exchange between Caribbean and American artists.
One of the 30 privately-owned works on display through May 15 in “Àṣẹ: Seeing Spirit in Afro-Caribbean Art" at the John Sims Studio Gallery./ Courtesy photo
Àṣẹ: Seeing Spirit in Afro-Caribbean Art, John Sims Studio Gallery, 1639 Tenth St. Thursdays/Fridays 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays/Sundays 1-6 p.m. (closed Easter, April 5). Exhibition runs through May 15. Free. haloartsproject.com; 941-313-2294
— Carrie Seidman
April 4
If you’re not yet familiar with Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s “In Studio” series, it’s time you discovered this intimate black box theater which serves as an incubation platform for artists in varying stages of their career to showcase in-progress and finished works of dance, theater and other genres more eclectic. This month, Sarasolo, directed by Ann Morrison and Blake Walton, takes over the space, with three separate solo productions. On April 4 it’s “Seeds of Hope: A Hero’s Journey,” a play with music written and performed by Prentiss “Buzz” Heron; on the 11th you can see “O Solo Me O,” three solo plays written by Booker High VPA students Tyler Ashlock, Robert Heath and Selena Levya; and on the 18th, actress Jan Wallace stars in her own solo play “The Locket,” an autobiographical tale. All performances are at 3 and 7 p.m.
“Buzz” Heron kicks off the first of three programs presented by Sarasolo as part of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s “In Studio” black box series. / Photo courtesy Sarasolo
“In Studio” at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, featuring works produced by Sarasolo. $15-30. 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300. sarasotacontemporarydance.org 941-260-8485.
— Carrie Seidman
April 5-6
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is making some “Lasting Impressions” with two salon-style concerts featuring three emerging artists in a program of Impressionist music. It features Michael Turkell, principal second violin of the Sarasota Orchestra, Victor Minke Huls, assistant principal cello of the Florida Orchestra and pianist Maria Parrini of the Lincoln Center Stage Quinto. They will be performing violin and piano sonatos by Enescu and Faure, and Ravel’s duo for violin and cello. The concerts are followed by a reception.
“Lasting Impressions” at 4 p.m. April 5 (sold out) and 6 at the Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota. $70. artistseriesconcerts.org
— Jay Handelman
Through April 12
Work by Native American Women Artists is on display at The Ringling in the exhibit “Ancestral Edge.” Image provided by The Ringling
You have just a two more weeks to see the Ringling Museum exhibit “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism in the Works of Nine Native American Women Artists.” It’s an impressive display craftwork, design and art that touches on Native ancestry, communication between tribal cultures and the lives of the artists themselves. You’ll see basket weaving, photography, printmaking, textiles and more.Wo
“Ancestral Edge” is on display through April 12 in the Keith D. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. ringling.org/event/ancestral-edge
— Jay Handelman
