SARASOTA THEATER REVIEWS

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...

Lauren Fein, a distinguished tenured professor at her university, has dedicated her life to assisting others through her groundbreaking research efforts. Her valuable contributions to the unnamed University community, along with a strong network of esteemed colleagues and a loving family, showcase t...

What did Broadwayworld's critic think of LADY MOLLY OF SCOTLAND YARD at Asolo Repertory Theatre? Read the full review here and learn more about the production,. ...

August Wilson penned his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in 1983. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it delves into the African-American experience, generational prejudices, and other challenging themes. By concentrating on the journey of one family, the play portrays a spectrum of difficult times that individual...

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a captivating and vibrant production of “Funny Girl,” a classic musical that has endured the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. This Broadway tour, filled with laughter, heart, and stunning performances, brou...

A highly accomplished woman successfully joins NASA and embarks on a solo mission to Mars following her late husband's path. Initially filled with a cheerful demeanor, she finds herself alone on the spaceship stage, confiding in her computer and an answering machine stocked with messages from Earth....

What did our critic think of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel?...

The Manatee Performing Arts Center has once again delighted audiences with its enchanting production of 'The Wizard of Oz,' a timeless musical that brings to life L. Frank Baum's beloved story....

What did our critic think of A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe?aDuring the Holidays in Sarasota, there's always a buzzing downtown parade, an increase in traffic and tourists, and a festive celebration at the West Coast Black Theatre! If you're anything like me, you've got a bunc...

The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s rendition of All is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914 offers a poignant breath of fresh air. ...

Sometimes it is great to review a show you are really familiar with as it provides the varied perspectives by which one views a musical. Such is the case with Little Women. I loved watching a tale I knew from a fresh perspective. The Sarasota Players’ production of Little Women is a beautifully re...

What did our critic think of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Life has an uncanny way of serving up surprises, doesn't it? Take Jenna Hunterson, for example. Here she is, a multi-talented waitress and baker stuck in a situation stickier than overcooked caramel. Her husband? Let's just say he's the perfect recipe for disaster. And just when Jenna thinks things ...

Nan, working alone on a cold winter’s night at a local donut shop, juggles tasks with the grace of a circus performer. Her husband’s calls provide a touch of comedic relief as he bumbles around searching for his elusive car keys. Nan's patience, though worn thin, endures with an exhausted yet lo...

What did our critic think of SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...

In a fun and heartwarming tale that many of us know well, 'Shrek the Musical' tells the story of an embittered ogre named Shrek whose peaceful swamp home is taken over by fairy tale creatures banished by the power-hungry Lord Farquaad. With the comical Donkey by his side, Shrek strikes a deal with F...

The Fantasticks, the beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for over 50 years, recently graced the stage at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and what a delightful performance it was! With its timeless story, enchanting music, and talented cast, this production of The Fantastick...

What did our critic think of THE OUTSIDER at Florida Studio Theatre?...