- December 13, 2025
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Art Center Sarasota honors 100 years of art and imagination with its year-long centennial season. The lineup includes its first Authors & Illustrators Book Fair (Dec. 6) and a dazzling revival of the Beaux Arts Ball (March 21). Add a jam-packed calendar of the Art Center’s shows, classes and creative happenings and you’ve got a season worthy of the legacy. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4; various events through March 21. Visit ArtSarasota.org.
The Sarasota Orchestra’s “Copland: An American Journey” celebrates the genius of Aaron Copland. It’s a spirited tribute to the composer who captured the nation’s soul in his music. Under the baton of conductor David Alan Miller, the orchestra’s musical odyssey will transport audiences through the vast landscapes of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and “Rodeo” and the sparkling lights of Broadway in his jazz-infused “Music for the Theatre.” Bass-baritone William Socolof brings Copland’s timeless folk songs to life with power and passion. January 4, 4 p.m., Sarasota Opera House. Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Peter Rothstein’s “All Is Calm,” at the Asolo Rep, is a choral-theater piece about peace. It honors the unlikely “Christmas Truce” of 1914 — a spontaneous cease-fire on the night before Christmas. It took place on the killing field dividing two armies on the Western front in World War I. “No Man’s Land” is what they called it. One brave German solider stepped into it — and transformed it into Everyman’s Land. Peace miraculously broke out. Enemy soldiers put down their arms and came together for a joyful time of carols and fellowship. You’ll hear the soldiers’ words, in quotes drawn from letters and diaries. You’ll hear their songs in Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach moving arrangements. It’s a fitting tribute to the “Christmas Miracle.” And the bold leap of faith that made it happen. December 3-19. Visit AsoloRep.org.
Work-life balance? That’s not in the job description — especially in Big Tech. Directed by Meg Gilbert, Urbanite Theatre’s production of Max Wolf Friedlich’s “Job” examines the human cost of the modern 9-to-5. Jane, an ambitious young tech employee, seemed destined for success until an ugly viral video made her the story instead of the storyteller. The company promptly put her on leave. Now, she just wants her job back. But that decision rests with Loyd, the company therapist, who suspects Jane might be damaged goods. Their evaluation begins politely enough, but the conversation soon spirals into a psychological duel — moral, generational and existential. At its core lies one burning question: What do we owe each other in the digital age? Friedlich’s sharp, tightly wound thriller delivers 80 minutes of crackling tension and no easy answers. You might think twice before sending in your résumé. Runs Jan. 9–Feb. 15. Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Santa makes a magical visit every holiday season. Thanks to the Sarasota Ballet, so does “The Nutcracker.” Take center stage with its beloved annual production of Tchaikovsky’s classic, where the curtain rises on a world of wonder. Snowflakes swirl, toy soldiers march, and Clara and the Nutcracker Prince battle the Mouse King before journeying to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s an enchanting escape from the ordinary. You’ve probably seen it before — but see it again. With Robert de Warren’s choreography, Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, world-class dancers and lavish sets and costumes, this holiday tradition never grows old. December 12–13 at Venice Performing Arts Center. December 21–23 at Sarasota Opera House. Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
