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Arts + Entertainment | Trending

From left, the cast of Charlotte's Web: Benjamin Brandt, Gemma Vodacek, Observer editor Spencer Fordin, Jack Bausch, Marissa Gast, Jeric Gutierrez and Caroline Younglove. (Photo by Lydia Baxter)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 19, 2022
FST enlists Observer's arts editor as true friend and good writer

Spencer Fordin is a ham. But he's not an actor. Not until Florida Studio Theatre asked him to walk on to Charlotte's Web.

  • Arts + Culture
Brenna Markey, Stefano de Peppo and Hanna Brammer star in Sarasota Opera's production of the rare Cimarosa gem "The Secret Marriage." (Photo by Rod Millington)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 19, 2022
Sarasota Opera brings rare gem in 'The Secret Marriage' to kick off fall season

It was one of the world's most popular operas in its day and may have caused the longest encore ever. But Cimarosa's 'The Secret Marriage' is rarely performed in America.

  • Arts + Culture
Phở Cali's lemongrass chicken is a rich and textured blend of herbs and spices. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 19, 2022
Lemongrass leads blend of herbs and spices that set Phở Cali's chicken apart

It's a recipe that's been made for centuries in Vietnam. And yet lemongrass chicken has made a seamless transition across the world for diners of all palates and persuasions.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Buddy Holly Story is playing at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for one night only. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 19, 2022
The best things to do around Sarasota for Oct. 20-26

A new season begins for Sarasota Ballet and Jazz Club of Sarasota, and there's plenty of drama and music to take in around town.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Cast of Guys and Dolls: Warren Nolan, Derric Gobourne Jr., Thomas-Matthew Elijah Shands, Leon S. Pitts II, Lee Hollis Bussie (kneeling), Brian L. Boyd, Michael Charles, Aaron Pottenger, Carvas Picke. (Photo by Sorcha Augustine)
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 19, 2022
Old classic gets new life in faithful recreation

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe brings new life to eternal favorite “Guys and Dolls.”

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The Sarasota Ballet, pictured earlier this summer, will mark its season opening program Premieres on October 20, (Photo by Frank Atura)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 14, 2022
Sarasota Ballet's newest dancers hit the ground pirouetting

Macarena Giménez and Maximiliano Iglesias uprooted their lives and are learning a new language with a new dance company in a new country.

  • Arts + Culture
The Ladd Brothers are in town for the Scrollathon event. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 14, 2022
The best things to do in Sarasota: Oct. 13-19

The fall entertainment season is underway in Sarasota, bringing theater, comedy, art exhibits and dance to a hungry audience.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Jerald Wheat and Imani Lee Williams in Looking for Ithaca. (Photo by Sophia Marquart.)
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 13, 2022
Asolo Rep on Tour brings Homer into the modern day

It was hard enough to adapt Homer's "The Odyssey" for the modern day. And then Hurricane Ian came along.

  • Arts + Culture
Michelle Rogers is a favorite behind the bar at Dry Dock. She's worked at the restaurant for 14 years. (Photo by Lesley Dwyer)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 5, 2022
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill serves up a family recipe

Michelle Rogers, a longtime bartender at Dry Dock, says the Longboat Key seafood restaurant has become home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The drinks get made and placed on trays and then the guests choose which they liked the most. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 5, 2022
Subtlety and nuance are in the mix at cocktail competition

Set the Bar, Sarasota’s annual mixology competition, brings service professionals from 25 different establishments to compete for customers and accolades.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 4, 2022
The best things to do around Sarasota for Oct. 6-12

Hurricane Ian hit Sarasota with a roundhouse right, but entertainment comes back with a flourish this week as the city begins to rebuild.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Venice Theatre suffered extensive damage in Hurricane Ian, but it isn't irreparable. (Courtesy photo)
  • By Spencer Fordin
  • October 4, 2022
Hermitage, Venice Theatre begin road to recovery

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Venice Theatre suffered damage from Hurricane Ian that will require extensive renovation.

  • Arts + Culture
Van Wezel Performing Arts Center escaped major damage in Hurricane Ian and will stage a benefit concert on Friday. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 4, 2022
Van Wezel and Sarasota Orchestra team up for benefit concert

The storm is done, but the recovery is just beginning. And the Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are teaming up to raise money.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota institution Ann Morrison, shown performing at an Asolo Repertory Theatre function earlier this year, looks forward to directing 'The Mockingbird's Nest' at the One-Act Play Festival. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • October 4, 2022
One-Act Play Festival brings four new works to life

Four playwrights, four directors and four very different first-time productions will hit the stage at the Jane B. Cook Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
Michael Begay is a performer who works in chamber music, metal music, Native American flute and experimental sounds (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 3, 2022
Indigenous composers take center stage at EnsembleNewSRQ

The first concert of EnsembleNewSRQ's season, First Voices, will feature the works of Indigenous composers.

  • Arts + Culture
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  • April 4, 2026
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