Keeping up with a seasonal wave of new productions
This period between Thanksgiving and Christmas offers a treasure trove of options for arts lovers in the Sarasota area, and it’s not all holiday related.
Asolo Repertory Theatre was finally able to open its production of “Hair,” which was delayed for more than 10 days because of a number of positive COVID-19 cases among its vaccinated company members. The production features some eye-catching designs. How you respond to the show may depend on your connection to the musical itself. It’s never been my favorite show, but the production is performed with energy and some strong talent.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has opened its newest holiday revue, “Joyful! Joyful!” with a mix of veteran performers and young performers sharing the stage singing familiar songs in unexpected arrangements. This week marks the opening of Jason Odell Williams’ new play “America in One Room,” a world premiere that was commissioned by Florida Studio Theatre at the start of the pandemic. It sounds like an intriguing play offering a diverse group of people a chance to express their opinions.
This week also marks the opening of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” and the delayed debut of the Players Centre’s new venue inside the Crossings at Siesta Key shopping mall. And Venice Theatre launches the 21st season of its ever-changing musical production of “A Christmas Carol.”
At the Sarasota Orchestra, guest director Teddy Abrams will be leading the “American Voices” concert next weekend, and he has a lot to say about the importance of symphonies performing the work of living composers.
Speaking of composers, a lot of discussion in the last few days has focused on the passing of legendary Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim, and his impact on the theater. I offered some of my own thoughts.
There are still plenty of holiday programs for you to consider from our list of seasonal offerings.
Each Thursday be sure to check out our picks for the Top 10 Arts Events for the week at heraldtribune.com/ticket. And please share the link to sign up for this weekly newsletter with your friends.
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I hope you find something fun to see.
Jay Handelman
Arts Editor
Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: A tidal wave of new shows ushers in the holiday season in Sarasota
