- March 10, 2026
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‘The Unfriend’
1:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$31-$77
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Asolo Repertory Theatre stages the U.S. premiere of “The Unfriend,” a new play from Steven Moffat, the writer of TV’s “Dr. Who,” “Sherlock” and “Dracula.” A casual invitation extended in courtesy leads to a mysterious stranger taking up residence in the home of a middle-class British couple. Runs through March 22.
The Doo Wop Project
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$31-$71
Visit VanWezel.org,
Unless you were there or you saw “Jersey Boys,” it’s hard to imagine that once there was a time when a capella groups stood singing on street corners in places like Brooklyn, Newark and Pittsburgh. Yeah, doo wop was a thing in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Doo Wop Project aims to recapture that bygone era with a show.
Terell Stafford, Florida All State H.S. Jazz Band
7 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail
$60 and up
Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.
A double bill of Terell Stafford and the Florida All State High School Jazz Band kicks off the opening night of the Sarasota Jazz Festival. In addition to serving as the music director of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Stafford is an acclaimed jazz trumpeter, a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, leader of his own quintet and director of jazz studies at Temple University. Joining him are the Florida All State High School Jazz Band. The Jazz Festival continues through March 14.
‘The Mirror Crack’d’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$31-$77
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Former Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards directs Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of the classic spy novel, “The Mirror Crack’d," a period drama set in a quiet English village. When the gentry fete a Hollywood siren and her entourage, a murder occurs that only Miss Marple can solve. Runs through March 14.
Trio Gaia
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$40-$50
Visit PMPSuncoast.org.
In this concert presented by Perlman Music Program Suncoast, Trio Gaia performs works inspired by mythological imagery and enchanting sound worlds. On the bill are Karol Szymanowski’s “Mythes," Charlotte Sohy’s “Piano Trio, Op. 24” and Gabriel Fauré’s “Piano Trio in D minor.”
‘The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, Sarasota Jewish Theatre's production of the Charles Busch play follows a matron whose lethargic is shaken up by the reappearance of a childhood friend. Runs through March 15.
‘Il trovatore’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$200
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Under Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera made its name by becoming the only opera company in the world to perform all the operas of Verdi. The Opera concluded the Verdi Cycle in 2016, but since then it has performed a Verdi opera in its winter festival. This year’s selection is “Il trovatore,” which follows the noblewoman Leonora, who is in love with the troubadour Manrico, and who does not return the affections of Count di Luna. Runs through March 29.
‘Three Pianos’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Under Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Florida Studio Theatre has grown into a downtown entertainment campus with something for everyone. FST’s winter cabaret show “Three Pianos” is an ode to superstars of the keyboard such as Ray Charles, Elton John and Alicia Keys. These mavericks didn’t tinkle the ivories; they tore up the rulebook. Runs through April 19.
Art Center Sarasota exhibition
10 a.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Come to the latest art exhibition at Art Center Sarasota, which is marking its 100 anniversary. The new exhibition cycle has four shows: Herion Park: UnBroken; Rooted in Community; Kendra Frorup: At Home Anywhere, and the juried show: Art of the Spectacle, which explores the intersection of fashion, circus and stagecraft. The works in the galleries are for sale. Runs through April 18.
Cirque des Voix
2 p.m. at Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
$40-$100
Visit KeyChorale.org.
A collaboration between Key Chorale and the Circus Arts Conservatory, Cirque des Voix (“Circus of Voices”) is unlike any circus you’ve ever seen before: it features aerialists and other circus artists, Key Chorale’s symphonic chorus of more than 100 voices and The Venice Symphony. This year’s theme is “Superheroes vs. Supervillains” and includes John Williams’ “Superman March,” Danny Elfman’s “Spider-Man” and “Dr. Strange” scores and Brian Tyler’s “Iron Man 3,” “Avengers” and “Thor” themes.” Runs through March 15.
When the Saints Go Marching In
7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$41 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
In this Sarasota Orchestra Pops concert, guest conductor Byron Stripling leads you on a tour of classic songs immortalized by Jazz Age icons and New Orleans favorites such as Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey and Louis Armstrong. A former lead trumpeter with the Count Basie Orchestra, Stripling and the Sarasota Orchestra are joined by vocalist Crystal Monee Hall and pianist Bobby Floyd. Runs through March 14.
‘The Merry Widow’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $35-$200
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Set in 1905 Parisian aristocracy, Franz Lehár ‘s opera “The Merry Widow” tells the story of a wealthy widow whose life is upended when a former flame returns. One of four operas running in the Sarasota Opera Winter Festival, it is a crowd pleaser because it marries music, dance and comedy. This new English-language production is conducted by Anthony Barrese and directed by Katherine M. Carter. Runs through March 27.
‘Althea and Angela’
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.
Directed by Tree Fort Productions founder Katherine Michelle Tanner, Todd Olson’s play tells the real-life story of Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson, who teamed up to win the 1955 French Open and Wimbledon and changed women’s professional tennis forever. Runs through March 15.
‘Wildflowers’
7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail
$35 afterward
Visit DingbatTheatre.org.
Performed in Dingbat Theatre Project’s new “Bakyard,” “Wildflowers” is a raucous celebration of female country music singers from June Carter Cash to Shania Twain. Expect the unexpected at Luke Manual’s Dingbat, which is like fringe theater in a black box, and now a backyard. Runs through March 21.
‘The Blue-Sky Boys’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre's Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
In 1962, President Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon.” Like an improv troupe with wicked math skills, NASA’s engineers and scientists cooked up the “blue-sky” method with wild brainstorming sessions. Ask anything, think about anything. Directed by Richard Hopkins with Kate Alexander as associate director. Through March 15.
‘One Hit Wonders’
9 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$37-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Is it better to have had just one song top the charts than to have had none at all? You’ll have time to think about that question as you listen to such hit songs as Don McLean’s “American Pie,” a runaway hit that eclipsed other success in the troubadour’s career, and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” from Bobby McFerrin. Runs through June 21.
Embracing Our Differences Tour
10 a.m. at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.
Embracing Our Differences’ annual exhibition of 50 pieces of billboard-size art from around the world celebrating kindness, inclusion and respect comes to Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The exhibition features artwork and artists from 125 countries and 48 states. Runs through April 19 with weekly tours each Saturday at 10 a.m. Through April 19.
‘Susannah’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$200
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
There are a lot of centennial celebrations in Sarasota this year. By attending “Susannah,” you can fill two boxes on your birthday bingo card. It’s the 100th anniversary of the Sarasota Opera House, where “Susannah” is being performed, and it’s the centenary of composer Carlisle Floyd’s birth. Those looking for a Florida connection will be pleased to learn that “Susannah” debuted in 1955 at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Runs through March 28.
‘Life’s a Beach’
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 Main St.
$17-$20
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Watch as talented FST Improv performers poke fun at Sarasota rituals and customs including the annual snowbird migration, confusion about who has the right of way in a roundabout and dogs in strollers. Did somebody mention never-ending construction? It’s all grist for the tropical mill in “Life’s a Beach.” Runs weekends through March 23.
‘La bohème’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$43.26-$185.40
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Composed by Puccini in the 1890s, ‘“La bohème” follows the seamstress Mimi and her struggling artist friends in 1830s Paris. One of the world’s most beloved operas, “La bohème’" served as the inspiration for Jonathan Larson’s Broadway musical “Rent” and the movie “Moulin Rouge.” More than a century after its debut, the opera continues to win new fans with its heartrending tale of love, poverty and loss. Runs through March 28.
The Jazz Ambassadors with Trumpeter Tim Leahey
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
The Jazz Ambassadors and its sister group the Suncoast Concert Band draw a crowd during their Sunday performances during season, both for high-quality programming and attractive pricing. Call 941-907-4123 to reserve your ticket in advance and please be sure to dial the right number.
Beethoven, Beats and Beyond
6 p.m. at The Bay Sarasota, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Beatbox artist Karim Manning joins the string quartet Upward Notes for a journey that combines spoken word and classical music. One highlight of the program is sure to be a new take on Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”
WBTT Young Artist Program Showcase: Zion Thompson
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$29-$100
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
The final Young Artist Program Showcase of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2025-26 season features Zion Thompson, a former participant in WBTT’s Stage of Discovery youth musical theater program. Thompson made his WBTT mainstage debut last year’s in August Wilson’s “Fences." His solo showcase is called “Ignite the Night (Watch Me Shine).” Runs through March 16.
Jimmy Vivino plus Michele Malone
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Club, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$79
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Veteran bluesman Jimmy Vivino has spent six decades performing with artists such as Canned Heat, Levon Helm, Jimmy Vaughan, Al Kooper and has served as music director for Conan O’Brien for 30 years. Joining Vivino on this co-production of WhiteLeaf Private Concert Club and McCurdy’s Comedy Club is Michele Malone.
Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement
10 a.m. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$28
Visit Selby.org.
Each year, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens stages a blockbuster show in its Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition series. This year, Selby is showcasing artist Alexander Calder and his abstract moving sculptures, dubbed “mobiles.” Calder’s interest in suspension provides a provocative pairing with Selby’s collection of epiphytes, or air plants. Runs through May 31.
Celtic Angels Ireland
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $31-$76
Visit VanWezel.org.
On March 17, some people are known to raise a glass or two to St. Patrick. A more beatific way to pay homage to Irish culture is with a concert by Celtic Angels. Their concert of traditional Celtic and contemporary melodies is complemented by the Celtic Knight Dancers.
Matthew Frost Trio
10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St.
Free with registration
Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.
The son of keyboardist Craig Frost, who performed with Grand Funk Railroad and Bob Seger, Matthew Frost was born into music. His compositions combine jazz, blues and funk influences. In this performance sponsored by Sarasota Music Archive, Frost is joined by bassist Jack Berry and percussionist Douglas Rogells.
