Editor’s Note: While Sarasota always offers more events than any one person could possibly attend, here are a few specially selected this week by 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
February 18-March 29
From left, Maicy Powell, Stephanie Zandra and Jada Carson are part of the cast of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production of “How I Got Over: A Gospel Revue.” Photo by Sorcha Augustine
In the summer of 2016, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe created some musical fireworks with the original revue “How I Got Over: A Gospel Revue” created by founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. It returns after a decade with a mostly new cast singing a dancing everything from traditional favorites to inspirational songs. In my review of the original production, I wrote: “It’s a gospel show that will sound familiar to anyone who grew up singing or hearing the music in their own churches and a refreshing and joyful production for those discovering many of the songs for the first time.”
Runs Feb. 18-March 29 at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $54. $24 for students 25 and younger and active military; $44 for previews Feb. 15-17. westcoastblacktheatre.org; 941-366-1505.
— Jay Handelman
February 18-March 22
I’m eager to see the next play at Asolo Repertory Theatre, the comedy “The Unfriend,” because it was written by Steven Moffat, who worked on nearly 100 episodes of the long-running hit “Dr. Who,” and co-created the “Sherlock” series with Benedict Cumberbatch. It’s about a somewhat timid couple who somehow invited a lively American woman they met on a cruise to stay as a houseguest. And all they want her to do is leave. It marks Moffat’s playwriting debut. Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein stages the production which features returning Asolo actors Mark Benninghofen and Sally Wingert.
Runs Feb. 18-March 22 at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $31-$73 for March 18-19 previews and $35-$105 for regular performances. asolorep.org; 941-351-8000.
— Jay Handelman
February 19
Dancer LaMichael Leonard Jr., an alum of Sarasota’s Booker High School, performs and leads masterclasses at The Ringling. Photo provided by The Ringling
A Work in Progress Showing with LaMichael Leonard, Jr.
If this one isn’t already on your radar, you’ll have to settle for being put on the wait list (there are future performances to come during his residency). LaMichael, as he’s known, is a Booker High alum who is now an internationally recognized dance artist. He’s returned to his roots to do a residency at The Ringling museum after a long stint as the first Black principal dancer at the Lido Cabaret in Paris and a nine-year tenure with Bill R. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. If you can’t get in to this program, where he’ll be showing a work in progress, there’s still room in his master class at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16; you don’t have to be a dancer, but you do have to be able to move!
6:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd. To be added to the waitlist, call 941-360-7399. To buy a ticket for the master class ($15; $5 for students) go to https://www.ringling.org/event/masterclass-with-lamichael-leonard/
— Carrie Seidman
February 19-21
MashterWorks: A Popup Exhibition of Creative Reinvention
This is an unusual exhibition presented by Creative Liberties Artists Studios, Galleries and Creative Academy in which artists were invited to begin with a completed artwork they did not create — whether from a thrift store, a yard sale or a swap with a friend — and transform the piece into a new creation of their own. At least 25% of the original artwork had to be retained. All the work, on view through February 21, will be available for sale.
Free. Reception February 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Creative Liberties, 927 N. Lime Avenue. creativeliberties.net
— Carrie Seidman
February 21
The Golden Age of Television
This sounds like some good nostalgic fun. Bell Productions of Florida is presenting this program of original music by New York composer, recording artist and Venice resident Michael Treni, who will lead a 30-piece wind orchestra comprised of some of Sarasota’s top musicians in a selection based on some of those favorite TV tunes you will just never get out of your head.
7 p.m., Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way. $35. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-golden-age-of-television-tickets-1976457482535
— Carrie Seidman
Through March 8
Jean Tafler stars in the Florida Studio Theatre production of “Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk.” Photo by Emiliano Mejias
“Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk” is a relatively modest show, but it had a big impact on me on opening night at Florida Studio Theatre. Jean Tafler, who has been featured in such FST shows as “Bad Books” and “Pictures from Home,” returns as a 67-year-old unhappily married woman with 11 children who decides, on something of a whim, to walk the length of the Appalachian Trail. She became the first solo woman to walk the whole thing, and she had no training. Director Nancy Rominger uses wooden creates to represent mountains, forests, rivers and creeks as Grandma makes her journey. And Catherine Bush’s play allows time to learn about this woman’s childhood (her father was a Civil War hero) and her family life. It’s an inspiring story with a nice theatrical flair.
Runs through March 8 in Bowne’s Lab at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. Tickets are $29-$46. floridastudiotheatre.org; 941-366-9000.
—Jay Handelman
