Your January guide to the arts for the Sarasota-Manatee area
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‘Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert’
The new year officially begins with the return of the Strauss Symphony of America recreating the Neujahrskonzert (or New Year’s concert) with golden age Viennese music and dance. It features champion ballroom dancers, conductor Michael Zehetner, soprano Alexandra Reinprech and tenor David Danholt. 7 p.m. Jan. 2. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $46-$90. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Stick Fly’
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory presents Lydia Diamond’s award-winning play “Stick Fly,” about a weekend in the life of an affluent African-American family on Martha’s Vineyard when brothers bring their new fiancees home for a visit, triggering secrets and childhood demons to come to the surface. Directed by Conservatory graduate Marcus Denard Johnson. Jan. 3-22, Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $16-$32. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘Flyin’ West’
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the area premiere of Pearl Cleage’s play about a small group of Black women in the 1890s who leave the South and settle in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas, where they face new challenges building a community. Chuck Smith returns to direct the production. Jan. 4-Feb. 12, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $20 students/active military; $50 for adults. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
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‘Legally Blonde’
The Broadway musical, based on the hit film, about Elle Woods, who gets admitted to Harvard Law School to follow her boyfriend and battles stereotypes and sexism while discovering herself. Jan. 4-5, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$92. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Art of the Soul
ArtCenter Manatee presents an open, all-media juried exhibit offering a range of styles created from a common theme. Jan. 4-27. 209 9th St., West, Bradenton. 941-746-2862; artcentermanatee.org.
Mahler: A View of Heaven
Violinist (and Sarasota resident) James Ehnes joins the Sarasota Orchestra with guest conductor Peter Oundjian and soprano Laquita Mitchell in a program that includes the Sibelius Violin Concerto and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. 7:30 p.m. Jan.5 at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St., West, Bradenton; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 8 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $37-$99. A special Guided Tour program at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at Van Wezel is a shortened version with musical excerpts, history and conversation. $26-$69. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Night at the Museum’
Movies set in and around museums provide the inspiration for this Venice Symphony concert, conducted by Troy Quinn, featuring music from “The Da Vinci Code,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Mummy” and “Night at the Museum.” Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck is a featured soloist on Saint-Saens’ “Danse Macabre.” Jan. 6-7. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Way, Venice. $34-$62. $941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org
Distinction and Unity
Two Hermitage fellows join together for a program touching on varied art forms, including composer and performer Molly Joyce and visual artist Kenneth Tam. 5 p.m. Jan. 6 on the Hermitage Artist Retreat Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. Free with $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Birds of North America’
Urbanite Theatre presents the regional premiere of Anna Ouyang Moench’s two-character drama about a father and daughter who are avid bird watchers but face strains in their relationship because of vastly different opinions and attitudes. Jan. 6-Feb. 12. 1487 Second St., Sarasota. Urbanite. $39, $25 for those under 40 and $5 students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica
Selby Botanical Gardens brings back the artistry of the indigenous Boruca Tribe of Costa Rica for this exhibition and sale of hand-carved and painted balsa wood masks. Jan. 7-22. Selby Museum of Botany and the Arts, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 941-366-5731; selby.org
Dover Quartet
The 2023 Grammy nominees for best chamber music/small ensemble performance, play Beethoven and Mendelssohn in an Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota program. The group was named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $30-$50. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
The popular Irish dance, music and singing show that has captivated the world returns with a reimagined and redesigned production with new lighting, projections, stage and costume designs and a re-recorded soundtrack of music by Bill Whelan. Jan. 10-12. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $37-$87. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Up on the Roof’
Director Scott Keys and musical director Michelle Kasanofsky create an original cabaret revue built around hit songs by Carole King and James Taylor with a five-person cast playing characters bonding on an apartment rooftop. Jan. 10-29. Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $37, $21 college/educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘A Little Night Music’
Christopher Confessore conducts this Sarasota Orchestra Great Escapes concert designed to make you want to kick up your heels, with music from ballet to the nightclub and opera to Broadway, including Sondheim, Motown and Carmen’s “Toreador Song.” Jan. 11-15. Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $45-$108. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘The Three Musketeers’
Ken Ludwig, author of Asolo Rep’s 2020 production of “Murder on the Orient Express,” puts his comedic touch on Alexandre Dumas’ novel about the daring d’Artagnan who joins forces with three of the best musketeers as they face off against injustice and dangerous characters. Directed by Peter Amster. Jan. 11-March 26. Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $29-$95. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘Proof’
The Players Centre presents David Auburn’s 2001 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the daughter of a recently deceased math genius who worries that she may suffer the same mental health challenges while also dealing with her own mathematical genius. Kelly Wynn Woodland directs. Jan. 11-22. Players Centre for Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota. $13 students, $30 adults. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
Violin and Voice
Hermitage Artist Retreat fellows Lady Jess, a violinist, arts leader and advocate, and playwright Terry Guest (“At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen”) share words and music based on their experiences in life and work. 5 p.m. Jan. 12. Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. Free, $5 registration fee. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Belles Take the Big Easy’
Charlotte Players presents Alicia Lane Dutton’s comedy about five women who travel from Alabama to New Orleans for one of their bucket list adventures, Mardi Gras, where they face some personal and group challenges. Jan. 12-22. Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $22.50-$25; $13 students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
‘The Odd Couple’
Preston Boyd directs the female version of Neil Simon’s comedy, where Oscar and Felix are transformed into Olive and Florence, as two mismatched roommates, trying to find a way to get along with the help of their Trivial Pursuit-playing friends. Jan. 12-29. Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. $25; $15 students. 941-778-5755; theislandplayers.org
Kathleen Supové: ‘Next Door’
New Music New College presents a return concert by pianist Kathleen Supové, who tries to break down walls between performer and audience. This concert explores “the ambiguity and richness of the term ‘next door.’” 8 p.m. Jan. 14, Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $15. A free Artist Conversation is at 5 p.m. Jan. 12. Newmusicnewcollege.org
Jerry Saltz: Art is Life
Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz returns to Sarasota to talk about his latest book, “Art is Life: Icons & Iconclasts, Visionaries & Vigilantes, & Flashes of Hope in the Night” at 1 p.m. Jan. 14 in Thomas McGuire Hall at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40, $35 for members. sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’
Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre presents a stage adaptation for young audiences of the popular C.S. Lewis story about a group of children venturing through the door of their wardrobe into the land of Narnia. Select Saturdays and Sundays Jan. 14-Feb. 25. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
George Crumb Tribute
ensemblenewSRQ salutes iconic American composer George Crumb and those he influenced with a concert that features his “Madrigals” for soprano, flute and percussion and “Black Angels” for string quartet and electronics, along with Margaret Brouwer’s “Demeter Prelude.” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $25, $10 for a streaming option. ensrq.org
‘Circles & Spheres’
The 14th annual curated exhibit from the art glass collection of Richard and Barbara Basch, features pieces with the common theme of cylindrical shapes. Barbara Basch will lead docent tours at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursday beginning Jan. 18. Jan. 17-March 24, Basch Gallery. Also, an exhibit of work by glass artist Therman Statom. Ringling College, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
Danielle Talamantes and Kerry Wilkerson
Metropolitan Opera soprano Danielle Talamantes joins her husband, bass-baritone Kerry Wilkerson, in a program of music from the Great American Songbook, including Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein and Sondheim. Joseph Holt accompanies them in this Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota program and dinner. 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. $65. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
Beginning JanuaryFlorida Studio Theatre sets the return of provocative Stage III season
Steven Butler comes home to the PlayersPlayers Centre hires new artistic director
‘Babel’
Florida Studio Theatre opens its 2023 Stage III series with world premiere of Jacqueline Goldfinger’s play set in the near future where two couples are struggling to get pregnant as it raises questions about eugenics and the value of babies in society. Jan. 18-Feb. 10. Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $18-$39. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine
The Sarasota Concert Association presents the orchestra, founded in Lviv in 1902, with conductor Theodore Kuchar and violinist Vladyslava Luchenk. The program features Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Op. 81 and his Violin Concerto and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Way, Venice. $50-$115. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘Silent Sky’
Lauren Gunderson, one of the most produced playwrights in the country, tells the story of pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, working at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, while exploring a woman’s place in society during a time of many scientific discoveries. Jan. 19-March 5, Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $29-$95. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘Next to Normal’
Manatee Players presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a wife and mother dealing with mental illness and the impact it has on her relationship with her husband and children. Cory Boyas directs. Jan. 19-29. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave., West, Bradenton. Manatee Players, $33. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘The Cemetery Club’
Venice Theatre reopens its Pinkerton Theatre for the first time since Hurricane Ian damaged its larger mainstage space, with Ivan Menchell’s romantic comedy about three Jewish widows who meet for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves. Jan. 20-Feb. 12. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $35, $21 for college students and educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Man V. Nature: The Art of the Story Collection’
Author and Hermitage Artist Retreat Fellow Diane Cook reads selections from her debut work “Man V. Nature,” a collection of stories, and talks about creating such collections around a theme. 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at Bookstore 1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Free admission with a $5 registration fee. Hermitageartistretreat.org
Music of Billy Joel and Elton John
The Sarasota Orchestra Pops concert, conducted by Stuart Chafetz, features piano man Michael Cavanaugh, who performed Joel’s songs in the Broadway dance show “Movin’ Out.” Jan. 20-21, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40-$90. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Micro Works in Progress
The Ringling’s Art of Performance series presents a showcase of works in progress being created by artists in the Sarasota area. Four local creators will be chosen for a program of pieces that run no more than 10 minutes and getting their presentations in front of a live audience. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $10, $5 members. 941-359-5700; ringling.org/events/microwip-thehat
‘Miniature Masterpieces’
Key Chorale presents a program of brief “masterpieces,” including works by Verdi, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Hogan and Whitacre and performed by the Key Chorale Chamber Singers. 4 p.m. Jan. 21-22. Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota. $35-$45. 941-552-8768; keychorale.org
Kareem Fahmy’s ‘Distinct Society’
As part of its Artists and Thinkers series, Hermitage Artist Retreat presents a virtual conversation with playwright Kareem Fahmy, who will talk about his play “Distinct Society” just days before its world premiere in Salt Lake City. It is set in a library that straddles the U.S.-Canada border and is used as a meeting place by people separated by the “Muslim ban.” 5 p.m. Jan. 23. Via Zoom. $5 registration fee. Hermitageartistretreat.org
Scottish Songs
Mezzo soprano Susan Platts performs with Sarasota Orchestra musicians in this Chamber Soiree program that features Brahms’ “Zwei Gesange,” Schubert’s “Auf dem Strom” and selections from Beethoven’s “Schottische Lieder.” 4 p.m. Jan. 22, Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40-$50. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Aladdin’
The national tour of Disney’s Broadway hit featuring songs by Alan Menken comes to Sarasota for a week with the story of a poor young man who finds a magical lamp with a Genie inside and ends up falling in love with a princess. Jan. 24-29. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $47-$122. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Network’
Florida Studio Theatre presents the regional premiere of Lee Hall’s recent Broadway hit, adapted from the classic film by Paddy Chayefsky, about television anchorman Howard Beale who rails against changes in the media world, prompting a viewer revolt. Jan. 25-March 19. FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$39. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Roots, Routes and Rhythm’
Shariffa Ali, one of the first winners of the Hermitage Major Theater Award, joined by her South African-born vocalist Vuyo Sotashe, talks about her new project about a small South African town middle school choir’s efforts to disguise one member as a girl for a national competition. 5 p.m. Jan. 26. Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Free with $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Dance Makers’
Sarasota Contemporary presents its annual program of new work by nationally acclaimed contemporary dancers performed by company members, set to everything from Miles Davis to athletic Afro-Cuban sounds. Choreographers come from Orlando, Miami, Austin, Texas and Sarasota. Jan. 26-29. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $15-$50. Virtual streaming Jan. 28-29. $16. 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org
‘In Rep’
The Sarasota Ballet presents a world premiere by company member Arcadian Broad and the Sarasota premiere of Jessica Lang’s “Shades of Spring,” which was created for its August program at the Joyce Theatre in New York. It also includes Frederick Ashton’s “Facade.” Jan. 27-30, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets start at $35. 941-359-0099; sasrasotaballet.org
Joseph Keckler in Concert (NYC)
The singer, writer and multimedia creator presents a program for The Ringling’s Art of Performance series of music and more that straddles lines between “comedy, commentary and communion,” in conjunction with the premiere of his musical short “GPS Song,” which was filmed at the Historic Asolo Theater. Jan. 27-28. Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $10-$35. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Steven Moeckel and Joanna Goldstein
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents violinist Steven Moeckel, concertmaster of the Santa Fe Opera Company, and pianist Joanna Goldstein in a recital featuring works by female composers. 4 p.m. Jan. 29. Fischer/Weisenborneresidence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota. Refreshments follow. $55. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
Emerson String Quartet
One of the most prominent chamber ensembles in the worlds returns to Sarasota in a stop on their farewell concert tour during their 47th and final season. The program features works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Beethoven. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. $30-$85. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘Blue Man Group’
Three performers covered in blue create an unusual spectacle on stage with light, paint, drums, comedy and more in this long-running hit show appropriate for the entire family. Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$102. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Annual Member Exhibition
ArtCenter Manatee presents its annual member exhibition, an all-media juried exhibition, with an opening reception at 5 p.m. Feb. 2. Also opening is MetalWorx with the Florida Society of Goldsmiths and Ralph Berger. Jan. 31-Feb. 24. 209 9th St., West, Bradenton. 941-746-2862; artscentermanatee.org
Continuing
Lee Mayor exhibition
The exhibition “Lee Mayer: Lost Summer,” landscape paintings by 1972 graduate Lee Mayer continues through March 17 in the Ringling College Patricia Thompson Alumni & Skylight galleries); 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
Florida Studio Theatre
The Broadway musical “Something Rotten,” about two Renaissance-era playwriting brothers trying to compete with Shakespeare and inadvertently creating the first musical comedy, continues through Jan. 8 in the Gompertz Theatre. Heidi Schreck’s play “What the Constitution Means to Me” runs through Feb. 26 in the Keating Theatre. Two cabaret productions also continue: “A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder” runs through March 26 in the Goldstein Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. “The 70s: More Than a Decade” runs through Feb. 12 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Journeys to Places Known and Unknown’
This exhibition, subtitled “Moving Images by Janet Biggs and peter campus” looks at how two artists of different generations use moving images to look at science, philosophy and spirituality. Through Jan. 15, Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Ringling Museum
Several exhibits are ongoing, including “As long as there is sun, as long as there is light,” featuring selections from the Bring Gift and the Ringling’s modern and contemporary art collection, through Jan 7; Highlights from the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Collection of Photography, through Feb. 12 in the Searing Galleries; “A Decade of Collecting,” featuring 100 pieces the museum has added to its collection in the last 11 years. Through Jan. 22 in the Searing Galleries. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
PMP/Suncoast Winter Residency
After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast with more than 30 young string players working with professional musicians and featured in public rehearsals and master classes. Through Jan. 7 at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org Celebration concert at 5 p.m. Jan. 5, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $40-$80. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: January guide to theater, art, music, and dance in Sarasota-Manatee
