The most frenetic part of the Sarasota arts season is coming to a close, but there are still plenty of entertainment options to keep your dance card full. Here are a few recommended by Jay and Carrie for the coming week; a full calendar listing is available from our friends at the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.
April 28-May 3
The cast of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning play “Stereophonic” at the Straz Center in Tampa. Julieta Cervantes photo
One of the most acclaimed Broadway plays of recent years is nearing the end of its national tour with a week-long stop at the Straz Center in Tampa. “Stereophonic” by David Adjmi received more Tony Award nominations than any other play in history and won the most Tonys of any show in 2024. It’s about an emerging rock band in a studio trying to record a new album and dealing with the pressures that fame and stardom bring. It’s a play, but it does feature original music by Will Butler of Arcade Fire.
‘Stereophonic” runs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets are $62-$133. strazcenter.org; (800) 955-1045
April 29-May 10
Clockwise from upper left, Brian F. Finnerty, Caitlin Ellis, Craig Weiskerger and Jason Ellis star in the Sarasota Players production of “Assassins.” Photo provided by Sarasota Players
In their always topical and thought-provoking musical “Assassins,” composer Stephen Sondheim and writer John Weidman introduce audiences to the people who killed or attempted to assassinate American presidents. Director Scott Keys says it’s not a show about politics. In fact, most of the assassins (or would-bes) were looking for attention in their lives or for a cause. Keys, who directed a production at Venice Theatre 22 years ago, returns with a new staging at the Sarasota Players. Craig Weiskerger, who played John Hinckley in that first production, now plays John Wilkes Booth. Jason Ellis plays Lee Harvey Oswald.
“Assassins” runs April 29-May 10 at the Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $35, $15 ($30 and $15 for the April 29 preview). theplayers.org; 941-365-2494
— Jay Handelman
May 1
When you think of choral music, you’re probably not thinking jazz. But you’ll be in for a surprise if you attend Via Nova Chorale’s “Jazz Mass for a New Humanity,” featuring an all-star cast of jazz players and powerhouse vocalist Maicy Powell, from the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. This work, created by pianist/conductor/bandleader Steven Phillips, pairs texts of the Latin Mass with sacred writings from other traditions, including poetry by Maya Angelou, Wendell Berry and Cynthia Rylant.
Via Nova Chorale will present “Jazz Mass for a New Humanity” at the First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota. / Courtesy photo
Via Nova, which merged last year with Choral Artists of Sarasota, promises this concert will “renew our vision for a loving humanity.” Who wouldn’t be in favor of that right about now?
“Jazz Mass for a New Humanity,” Via Nova Chorale. 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street. $40 ($10 students). vianovachorale.org; 941-263-2086
— Carrie Seidman
May 1-2
The Sarasota Ballet in Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Birthday Offering.” / Photo by Frank Atura
For The Sarasota Ballet’s final program of the season, “Foundations of Royalty,” the company is bringing back three historic pieces, each with ties to the Royal Ballet where Director Iain Webb and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri began their professional careers. Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Birthday Offering” was created for seven prima ballerinas in 1956 to celebrate the Royal’s 25th anniversary. “Checkmate” pays homage to the 25th anniversary of the passing of The Royal’s founder and “mother of British ballet,” Dame Ninette de Valois. And a reprise of Peter Wright’s “Summertide” marks what would have been the choreographer’s 100th birthday. Get your fill of ballet royalty before summer’s live performance drought.
“Foundations of Royalty,” The Sarasota Ballet. Featuring Ashton’s “Birthday Offering,” de Valois’ “Checkmate,’ and Wright’s “Summertide.” 7:30 p.m. May 1 and 2; 2 p.m. May 2. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $35-125. sarasotaballet.org; 941-359-0099.
— Carrie Seidman
May 2-3
Ali Wasmund and Yinoelle Colon in “A Memory Away” by Lake Gibson High School playwright Patricia Brady, winner of last year’s Theatre Odyssey Student Playwriting Festival. / Courtesy photo
It’s time again for Theatre Odyssey’s annual 10-Minute Student Playwriting Festival — the 14th annual to be exact. Come cheer on the eight high school finalists whose entries rose to the top of this year’s competition. The script judged “best play” will win a $1,000 scholarship for its aspiring playwright.
Theatre Odyssey’s “10-Minute Student Playwriting Festival.” 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 2; 2 p.m. May 3. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton. $30. theatreodyssey.org; 941-748-5875.
— Carrie Seidman
May 3
Jamal Sarikoki leads Key Chorale’s “One Light, Many Voices” concert. Photo provided by Key Chorale
Key Chorale has a big theme in mind for its “One Light, Many Voices” concert on Sunday. It is described as a festival of the human spirit and sacred song. Guest conductor Jamal Sarikoki leads the concert that will bring together more than 150 voices from Key Chorale, joined by the choirs of First United Methodist Church and Church of the Redeemer. There will also be a brass sextet, timpani and organ for the program. Sarikoki has put together a program that mixes masterworks with some contemporary music centered on themes of wonder, freedom, service and hope.
‘One Light, Many Voices,” 4 p.m. May 3 at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $35, $10 for college students and free for students 18 and younger. keychorale.org; 941-552-8768
— Jay Handelman
