SARASOTA THEATER REVIEWS

In the 1590s, there were two brothers named Nick and Nigel Bottom, and they had a burning desire to create a play that would be a huge success. Sadly, their dreams were overshadowed by the immense popularity of a Renaissance genius known as “The Bard”, someone we all know as William Shakespeare....

Florida Studio Theatre's Winter Cabaret Season opens with 'Feeling Good', giving us a sneak peek into what the upcoming season holds. Dressed to the nines in black-tie attire, adorned with rhinestones, this show is a nod to the classic American Songbook. 'Feeling Good' effortlessly combines a fantas...

Dingbat Theatre has once again demonstrated its prowess for producing unique and original works with its latest offering, 'I'm Gonna Marry You, Toby Maguire.' This play, which cleverly intertwines humor with poignant moments of reflection, is not only a testament to the talent of its cast but also a...

“A Band Called Honalee”'s performance is filled with poignant moments that pay tribute to a bittersweet era in American history....

Organizing a dinner party can be a fun and exciting experience, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Picture this: a mix-up occurs, and your hired chef ends up posing as your mistress, while your non-domesticated mistress is suddenly in charge of cooking....

In the nondescript convalescent center, a punishment is brewing for a teen experiencing growing pains. After getting into trouble at school, he's sentenced to a unique form of community service - reading to the play's namesake, Dorothy. Thus, 'Dorothy's Dictionary' unfolds as a quirky tale of unexpe...

'Too Darn Hot' is a fun and light musical experience created and performed by the dynamically talented Carole J Bufford. If you find yourself trying to escape the scorching heat of summer, this show is the perfect oasis for you....

The theatre consistently has an amazing transformation; within this  year, from a donut shop to a spaceship, and now as the cozy living room of the Curtly family in their latest work, From 145th to 98th Street....

To wrap up another great season Asolo brings us “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Brought to Broadway in 1971 and running through mid-1973, after 711 performances, to mixed review. By 1980 the musical was one of the highest grossing musicals worldwide. It also holds the record for the longest-running We...

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center has come alive with enchantment and mischief as it hosts the touring performance of the Broadway musical Beetlejuice. Directed with flair and creativity, this delightfully dark and comedic musical captures the spirit of Tim Burton's beloved film while morphing it...

Nate Jacobs, the Founder and Artistic Director of West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), loves to tell stories. In his director’s notes for the last few shows I have noticed that he always refers to the utmost importance of telling our stories. ...

I am on a journey of not only seeing shows that I have never seen before, but also ones that I have never heard of before. This is rare with someone with extensive theatre knowledge but such was the case at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. The stage was set for a touching exploration of one of the 20th ...

From the opening moments on the Van Wezel's stage for 'Les Misérables,' the audience is transported into the heart of 19th-century France, a tumultuous time fraught with poverty, revolution, and the ceaseless quest for redemption. ...

What did our critic think of JERSEY BOYS at Florida Studio Theatre?...

Urbanite Theatre presents 'No One is Forgotten,' by Winter Miller, a gripping and unsettling production that delves deep into the raw emotions of its characters. The play is set in a unique space with tiered seating, positioning the audience above the two prisoners, offering a visceral perspective i...

Indulge your senses, for to merely label “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” as a mere Broadway success is an egregious understatement of this unparalleled masterpiece. Allow me to regale you with the sumptuous details of its grandeur - during its opulent Broadway premiere in 2019 at the illustrious Al ...

World-renowned virtuoso Itzhak Perlman graced the exquisite city of Sarasota this past weekend, bringing his unparalleled talent to our charming community. With performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the prestigious White House and captivating audiences worldwide as he played for numerous p...

What did our critic think of FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...

Sarasota Players has provided audiences with a thought-provoking musical with their recent production of 'Fun Home,' the Tony Award-winning musical that brings Alison Bechdel's poignant graphic memoir to life. This innovative and emotionally resonant show, which first premiered on Broadway in 2015, ...

Neil Berg's '115 Years of Broadway' is an absolute show-stopper! It's like a time machine whisking you away to the glamorous eras of Broadway, starting from the dazzling 1930s and 40s all the way to the present day. ...

Rise Above is a theatre group venturing into a new territory as they perform 'A Diary of Anne Frank', which is the first play they have taken on. This timeless story, known to many, carries a deep emotional weight as it sheds light on the struggles of our fellow human beings. Despite the lessons lea...

Asolo's latest play, 'Anna In The Tropics,' delves into heartbreak and tragedy with a touch of elegance and flair. The plot unfolds in a mesmerizing dance of life imitating art, as the characters find themselves entangled in a web of emotions as intricate as a Russian novel. With each passing moment...

Do you ever go see a show and know you will be on your feet for a standing ovation the minute the last chord sounds? I have now seen Come From Away 7 times including last year at the Van Wezel and it simply never gets old. It is powerful. It stirs your soul...

On a dimly lit stage enveloped in an air of mystique, a melodious bandoneon tenderly caresses the night's silence, its haunting notes reverberating through the hushed theater. Bathed in a solitary spotlight, the instrument's melancholic melody sets the stage, foretelling an evocative and passionatel...

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a vibrant rendition of 'The Addams Family,' a musical that has captivated audiences since its Broadway premiere in 2010. Based on the beloved characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, the show effortlessly blends humor, macabre charm, and cat...