- September 5, 2026
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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe breaks new ground with its first-ever Shakespeare production. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” sweeps audiences into a world of mischievous fairies, tangled romances and magical transformations in one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies. Directing is Geoffrey Owens, known to many as Elvin Tibideaux on “The Cosby Show,” whose extensive work as an actor, director and Shakespeare educator makes him an ideal guide for this magical journey. Jan. 13-Feb. 21. Visit WBTT.org.
A single photograph can tell an entire story. “Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder” brings together nearly 100 images by renowned photographers, including Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus and Gordon Parks. Drawn from Lauder’s personal collection, the exhibition captures both history and humanity through extraordinary images of everyday life, iconic figures and pivotal moments. Oct. 18-April 4 at Sarasota Art Museum. Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Sarasota Opera charts new territory with its first-ever Gilbert and Sullivan production. “H.M.S. Pinafore,” one of the most popular comic operettas, follows a young sailor and a captain’s daughter whose romance collides with the rigid rules of class and social rank. Filled with clever wordplay, memorable melodies and sharp satire, the Victorian favorite has delighted audiences for nearly 150 years. Soprano Hanna Brammer stars as Josephine, joined by baritone Jake Stamatis as Captain Corcoran and tenor Derrek Stark in his Sarasota Opera debut as Ralph Rackstraw. Feb.13-March 19. Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
What happens when two people with nothing in common are trapped together on a New York City garbage route? Plenty, as it turns out. Urbanite Theatre’s production of “The Garbologists” pairs Danny, a veteran sanitation worker, with Marlowe, an Ivy League-educated newcomer, for a funny and unexpectedly moving look at class, identity and connection. As the two clash over everything from work to worldviews, they gradually discover common ground amid the city’s discarded treasures. Written by Lindsay Joelle, this heartfelt comedy explores what we throw away, what we hold onto and the surprising bonds that can emerge in the most unlikely places. Jan. 8-Feb. 14. Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Klezmer has always borrowed from the world around it. Now, Schmaltz & Pepper is taking the tradition in exciting new directions, blending Yiddish music with jazz and classical influences. Led by violinist and vocalist Rebekah Wolkstein and clarinetist Eric Abramovitz, the quintet blends virtuosic musicianship with original compositions inspired by klezmer, Yiddish swing, jazz and classical traditions. Joined by multi-instrumentalist and arranger Drew Jurecka, pianist Jeremy Ledbetter and bassist Michael Herring, the group delivers performances that are both soulful and exhilarating. Jan. 5 at The Ora. Presented by Artist Series Concerts. Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
For more than four decades, Midori has captivated audiences around the world with her extraordinary artistry, technical brilliance and deeply expressive performances. The violinist joins the Lucerne Festival Strings for a special matinee concert presented by the Sarasota Concert Association, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a work celebrated for its soaring melodies and dazzling virtuosity. The program also includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, bringing together two masterworks in an afternoon of exceptional music-making. Feb. 28 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Visit SarasotaConcertAssociation.org.
