Sarasota arts groups plan 60+ new events in November theaters, galleries and more
Jay HandelmanEditor’s Note: The November arts events calendar was compiled in the days after Hurricane Milton passed through the region, disrupting schedules and forcing cancellations, postponements and new locations for some events. Please check with the presenting organizations to make sure the events are still happening and where.
Off the Page Literary Celebration
This literary celebration hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and held throughout November includes book talks and signings (with authors such as Amor Towles, Chef Edward Lee, Lisa Unger, Rebecca Renner and Curtis Sittenfeld), writing workshops and more. Nov. 1-21; various locations; sarasotacountylibraries.org/my-library/events/off-the-page
‘A Shining Star is Born’
The Charlotte Players host a sequel to “Charlotte Players Star Search” featuring local talent being judged to determine a winning performer. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $21.40 for adults, $11.20 students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
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‘Six’ The Musical (Teen Edition)
The Ovation Theatre presents the still-running Broadway hit “Six,’ about the six wives of King Henry VIII, in a special teen edition. The musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who won a Tony Award for best score in 2022, tells the story in the form of an elaborate pop concert with each of the six wives sharing their experiences as if they were musical divas competing for the audience’s attention. Nov. 1-10, Ovation Theatre, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. $25, $15 for students. 941-400-4854; ovationfla.com
‘Syncopation’
Allan Knee’s play is a romantic tale set on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1911, where a meatpacker and dishwasher tries to break out of his routine by seeking a dance partner. He meets a shy young woman leading to an unlikely romance. Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush stages the production that features Megan Hendrick and Jared Inman and choreography by Vanessa Russo. Nov. 1-24, Venice Theatre Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $37, $22 for college students and educators and $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Artistry Across Time’
This exhibition, subtitled “Exploring Two Decades of John C. Williams’ Drawings and Sculptures,” highlights work by an artist who blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality. It covers two decades of Williams’ prolific career with both drawing and sculpture. Through Dec. 14. Ringling College Basch Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery
‘Abuelo’s Flower Shop’
Children’s book author Jackie Morera reads from her book and signs copies. 11 a.m. Nov. 2, Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Free, $18 with book included. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
Yamazalde Trio
Violinist Sandy Yamamoto, cellist Matthew Zalkind and pianist Julio Elizalde join together for an Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota program that includes music by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Paul Schoenfeld. 4 p.m. Nov. 2, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. $43-$63. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
Sarasota Art and Dance Night Gala
Reigning Latin Rising Star National Dance Champions Ron Garber and Klaudia Petriti, along with other professional international ballroom dancers headline the Sarasota Art and Dance Night Gala benefitting Sarasota Opera’s youth programs. The evening also will feature singers from Sarasota Opera and other entertainment, as well as a curated display of fine art and a silent auction. Participants may take part in an interactive group dance lesson and social dance party. 6-10 p.m. Nov. 2, Art Ovation Art Hotel ballroom, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $30 general admission, $150 for VIP seating. sarasotaartanddancenight.com
‘War & Peace’
Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Modern Bands and Choirs perform a program that explores struggle and reconciliation through music. 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $5. bookervpa.com/events
Schubert Octet
This Sarasota Orchestra Chamber Soiree program features Franz Schubert’s Octet, which he was commissioned to write, at age 27, in the style of Beethoven’s Septet, Op. 20. He created a piece for string quartet, double bass, clarinet, bassoon and horn. 4 p.m. Nov. 3, Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$52. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Legends: My Favorite Songs’
Naärai Jacobs, daughter of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder Nate Jacobs and now a Los Angeles-based professional performer, returns home to sing some of her favorites. She has performed with Beyoncé at Coachella, Tori Kelly, Mariah Carey and Kanye West and more. Her set list includes hits by Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3-4, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $37-$100. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
‘Perfect Pitch’
Key Chorale celebrates the start of a new season with its annual luncheon featuring performances by the Key Chorale Chamber singers and Student Scholars. It also will present its Perfect Pitch Award to Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. $125 single ticket, patron and sponsor options also available. 941-552-8768; keychorale.org
‘Amy Kligman: Turning’
The artist, a 2001 graduate of Ringling College, showcases her varied career journey, including her shift from an exhibiting artist to an esteemed arts administrator and curator. Her work touches on her upbringing in the American Midwest and her involvement in grassroots curating. Nov. 4-Dec. 14. Ringling College Patricia Thompson Alumni and Skylight Galleries, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery
‘Sixth Annual War Paint’
Each year, Ringling College of Art and Design highlights work that celebrates “Profiles of Courage — The Greatest Generation.” It features work by students and faculty who capture images or the spirit of local veterans in portrait form. Nov. 5-Dec. 13. Ringling College Selby Foundation Illustration Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery
‘The Curious Savage’
The opening of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s season was delayed a week because of Hurricane Milton. It begins with John Patrick’s 1950 comedy about a battle between kindness and philanthropy and family greed, as a woman’s stepchildren plot to gain an inheritance they think should be theirs. Nov. 5-24. FSU/Asolo Conservatory, Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $30, $15 for students. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
'Waitress'
Kaitlyn Davidson, who has starred on Broadway and national tours, makes her Florida Studio Theatre debut in Sara Bareilles’s musical version of Adrienne Shelly’s independent film. This energetic and moving musical is about a waitress with a gift for pie-making who is trapped in an abusive marriage, finds herself pregnant and is seeking an escape to a better life. Nov. 6-Dec. 29, Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39-$59. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Winner’s Circle
Artist Series Concerts presents a luncheon program featuring winning performers from its 2024 Statewide Piano Competition, including first prize winner Yance Zheng (a student at Lynn University Conservatory in Boca Raton). Second prize winner Le Phuong Pham and third prize winner Quang Vo both attend Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. 11 a.m. Nov. 7, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $70. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
A Salute to Veterans Concert
Strings Con Brio marks Veterans Day with a concert that provides an historic overview of American music, from the Civil War to the Big Band sound of the 1940s, as well as tributes to U.S. Armed Forces. Conductor Kenneth Bowermeister leads the ensemble. 7 p.m. Nov. 7, Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota. Free. stringsconbrio.org
‘Going Places’
The Sarasota Orchestra introduces music director designate Giancarlo Guerrero with this season-opening Masterworks concert, which was moved to the Sarasota Opera House after the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall suffered hurricane-related flooding damage. Guerrero is joined by violinist Vadim Gluzman performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in a program that also includes Dvořák’s “Carnival’ Overture and “New World” Symphony. Dates also have changed. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7-8 and 2 p.m. Nov. 9. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $39-$105; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
'On Golden Pond’
Ernest Thompson’s acclaimed and popular play shares the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are spending their 48th summer at their home on Golden Pond. Their quiet routine is interrupted by their divorced daughter, who leaves her fiancé’s teenage son with them while she goes traveling. Nov. 7-17. Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $29. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
Living Arts Festival
Sarasota Rising has been working for two years on its first Living Arts Festival, but the schedule has likely been disrupted by Hurricane Milton. It is scheduled to open with a preview party at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, $100, followed by a free Rise and Shine Saturday event Nov. 9 to get youth engaged with the arts. Festival events run through Nov. 17. sarasotarising.org
‘The Good Doctor’
The Players Studio, part of the Sarasota Players, opens its 2024-25 season with a production of Neil Simon’s comedy inspired by Anton Chekhov. Performed by the program’s teenage actors, the play is made up of a series of comical vignettes narrated by a writer who shares stories from his childhood, about family and friends and his adult life experiences. 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9, 2 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10. Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130. $24, $14 for students. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
Local Author Book Fair
Bookstore1Sarasota hosts an outdoor book fair with 18 local authors, who will sign copies of their memoirs, nonfiction stories and novels. Among them are Herald-Tribune columnist Carrie Seidman, author of “A Place at the Table,” a collection of food/memoir essays; Dan Landon, author of “From the Back of the House,” about his experiences as a Broadway house manager; Judy DeYoung, author of the children’s book “Light Fright”; and Sandra Gurvis, author of “Three Ringling Circus” about the Ringling Brothers. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 9, Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
‘This Good Earth’
The ensemble formerly known as Musica Sacra of Sarasota returns for a new season with a new name — Via Nova Chorale. Artistic Director Steven Phillips says the group is moving beyond sacred music and has a goal of “changing the world through music.” The opening program features choral and instrumental music of various cultures, poetry by Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry, with string quintet, percussion and keyboardist Glenn Priest. 4 p.m. Nov. 9, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $35. 941-374-0940; vianovachorale.org
‘The Hobbit’
Dean Burry’s musical telling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic story “The Hobbit” returns to the Sarasota Youth Opera for two performances for family audiences. It’s about a hobbit who is dragged into a heroic quest that leads him to accidentally acquire a golden ring of power. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $15-$30. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘Patti Smith: A Book of Days’
Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point opens an exhibit of photographs by poet, singer and musician Patti Smith that capture her life on the road as a performer. The photos have been collected in her recently published “A Book of Days,” which was inspired by her Instagram account featuring photos she started sharing in 2018. Large prints will be displayed around the Spanish Point campus Nov. 9-Aug. 31. Smith, the first artist in residence at Selby, will perform a concert in conjunction with the exhibit at 7 p.m. Nov. 14. Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. 941-366-5731; selby.org
‘Great Balls of Fire’
Singer and musician Jason Cohen performs as Jerry Lee Lewis in this Pops Orchestra concert that celebrates classic rock ‘n’ roll and Veteran’s Day. Music Director Robyn Bell leads the orchestra, which has moved one performance from Riverview Performing Arts Center because of roof damage. The orchestra also has canceled plans to add a third performance for each weekend concert series. 3 p.m. Nov. 10, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; $35-$65. 941-926-7677; thepopsorchestra.org
‘Jack Davis: Legacy of Laughter’
Ringling College galleries celebrate the long and comical career of cartoonist and illustrator Jack Davis to mark his 100th birthday. It features more than two dozen drawings along with memorabilia from his long career, which included decades at MAD magazine, as well as work for EC Comics and more. Nov. 12-March 22. Ringling College Stulberg Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery
Zota Quartet
The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast presents the Zota Quartet, which was formed at the 2023 Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop. The musicians come from New York, Florida, Shanghai and Korea. The name is thought to be a Native American term meaning clear and beautiful. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $25 general admission, $35 VIP front row, $10 youth under age 21. pmpsuncoast.org
SunHAT Eco-Performance Fest
The Ringling’s Art of Performance series offers a variety of Eco-Performance programs and artists who touch on ecology, climate emergency and environmental justice in their work. It includes Dance Heginbotham’s “You Look Like a Fun Guy” (Nov. 13-14); The SunHAT Festival Party (7 p.m. Nov. 14); Mondo Bizarro’s “Invisible Rivers” (Nov. 16-17); Compagnie Zolobe of Madagascar presenting “Sakasaka” (Nov. 15-18); and Gelsey Bell’s “Morning//Mourning” (7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16). Most programs are pay what you wish. The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
Asolo Repertory Theatre opens its new season with the Broadway hit “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which uses her many hits to recount King’s beginning as a teenage songwriter, the blossoming of her career, her partnership and marriage to Gerry Goffin and her shift to a solo career. Julia Knitel, who played King on Broadway and on a national tour, stars, with Devin Archer as Gerry Goffin. Broadway veteran Anne L. Nathan plays Carole’s mother, Genie Klein. Nov. 13-Jan. 5, Asolo Rep, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$98. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘All Roads Lead to Venice’
Sarasota Rising’s Living Arts Festival puts a spotlight on the arts in Venice, with a day of arts immersion with participation by the Venice Art Center, Downtown Association, Venice MainStreet, Venice Symphony and Venice Theatre, among others. 1-8 p.m. Nov. 14, various locations. sarasotarising.org
‘Locker Room Talk’
Author Melissa Ludtke, who worked to break boundaries as a female sports reporter trying to gain access to athletes in the locker room, talks about her book “Locker Room Talk” with former baseball all-star Tommy John. 6 p.m. Nov. 14, Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $40 with a copy of the book, otherwise free general admission. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
WBTT 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe marks a quarter century with a party that includes cocktails, dinner, a celebratory showcase of local talent, and dancing. 6-10 p.m. Nov. 14. The event has been moved from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which is closed because of Hurricane Milton, to the Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org for ticket information
‘Instrumental Influencers’
Troy Quinn leads The Venice Symphony in this concert that explores the common connections among Beethoven, Vivaldi, Haydn and Brahms, and who influenced their music. It includes Beethoven’s “Egmont” overture and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. Principal Viola Rafael Ramirez will perform Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. $39-$71. 941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org
‘The Music of Giuseppe Verdi’
The Sarasota Opera House is known as Verdi’s American home, and the Sarasota Opera celebrates the range of his music with this concert. It features selections from “Aida,” “La traviata,” “A Masked Ball,” “La Forza del destino,” “Rigoletto” and more. Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi leads the Sarasota Orchestra and such past Sarasota Opera singers as Young Bok Kim, Victor Starsky, Rochelle Bard, Virginia Mims and Jean Carlos Rodriguez. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 3 p.m. Nov. 17. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$105. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
'Still Waters'
MARA Art Studio & Gallery presents a diverse group show of work by gallery artists who look at beauty and serenity in moments of calm. Nov. 15-Dec. 20. 76 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-914-8110; marastudiogallery.com
‘Storybook Nutcracker’
Katherine Michelle Tanner, founder and artistic director of Tree Fort Productions Projects, has written and composed her own version of the classic story about The Nutcracker designed for the company’s Theatre for Young Audiences Series. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 136, Sarasota. $25. treefortproductions.com
‘Voices of Azara’
Azara Ballet launches its second season with a program featuring four works created by members of the professional dance company. Co-founder and Artistic Director Katie Flowers describes the program as a “celebration of our company’s unique talent and creativity.” It features co-founder Martin Roosaare’s “Dance Party,” Olivia Huseonica’s “Is This What Love Is?” Cecilia Roddy’s “Fortune in Divergence” and Sarah Brandon’s “In Praise of Stillness.” 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23, 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 17 and 24. Ovation Black Box Theatre, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. $28-$30. Digital tickets for the 2 p.m. Nov. 24 performance are $15. azaraballet.org
A Celebration of Youth
Sarasota Rising’s first Living Arts Festival comes to a close with about a dozen local arts organizations highlighting youth artists. Groups include The Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, The Cuban Ballet School, Rise Above Performing Arts, Sarasota Youth Opera, Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, Key Chorale, Venice and Riverview high school choirs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Artist Series Concerts and more. 7 p.m. Nov. 17. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. $20, $5 for students. sarasotarising.org
‘Larry Fink/Martha Posner: Flesh and Bone’
This exhibition looks at the creative dialogue between photographer Larry Fink and sculptor Martha Posner, who were romantic partners for more than 30 years. Their work was radically different in style, but they shared themes of desire, vulnerability and brutality. Nov. 17-April 13. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotartmuseum.org
‘Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer’
Sarasota-based artist Joe Fig is known for his “Contemplation” series of small, intimate paintings of people looking at artwork in museums and galleries. This exhibit is a record of his encounter with the Johannes Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in 2023. His images watch visitors looking at the art, as well as the gallery space and Vermeer’s canvases. Nov. 17-April 13. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotartmuseum.org
Project Trio
This dynamic and innovative trio features Peter Seymour (double bass), Greg Pattillo (flute) and Daniel Berkey (saxophone). The group, which plays a fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop and world music, is presented by Artist Series Concerts. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. $43. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘Nothing New: Archives of Affection’
This Ringling College gallery exhibition explores queer love captured through more than 300 historic daguerreotypes of male couples. Daguerreotypes were the earliest form of photography and prevalent in the mid-19th century. Some of the images were taken in photo booths, while others are candids taken by family and friends. Nov. 19-Feb. 1, Ringling College Willis Smith Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery
‘59th Street Bridge’
Florida Studio Theatre’s cabaret series celebrates the music of John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and more in this original musical revue. It features “Annie’s Song,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Both Sides Now” and more hits. Nov. 20-March 30. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $18-$42. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘The Structure of Things: Making Theater on Both Sides of the Atlantic’
British playwright Sam Steiner, known for the play “Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons," shares the stage with American playwright Alex Lin, a Hermitage Roundabout Fellow, to talk about the art of playwriting while offering pointers on how to tell stories. 1 p.m. Nov. 21, Hermitage Artist Retreat at New College of Florida, Robertson Park, 359 College Drive, Sarasota. $5 registration fee. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘No Sex Please: It’s Christmas’
A builder invites prospective homebuyers Fred and Gladys to spend the holidays in what he calls “the house of the future,” hoping that the spirit of the season will help close the deal. But various Christmas Eve shenanigans threaten the builder’s plans. Nov. 21-Dec. 15. Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $29, $14 for students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
‘Giselle’
The Sarasota Ballet brings back Peter Wright’s full-length version of this romantic classic ballet, which it first presented in 2009. It’s a story of young love, betrayal, tragedy and redemption set to music by Adolphe Adam, that will be performed live by the Sarasota Orchestra. Nov. 22-23, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$125. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org
‘Catch of the Day’
This Ringling Museum exhibit, subtitled “Flying Fish from Modern Japan,” features modernist lacquerware, glass and metalwork objects, textiles and works on paper and silk featuring a motif of flying fish. Nov. 23-April 6. Chao Center for Asian Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Excelsis Percussion Quartet
Artist Series Concerts present this all-female quartet, which won a 2024 Chamber Music America Artistic Projects Grant. A group made up of performers from around the world, the musicians say they try to unite people through their music. 4 p.m. Nov. 24. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $43-$63. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘Nutcracker & the Mischievous Elves’
The Rosemary Youth Ballet by Onyx Studio 2 presents a modern twist on the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” with current and past students performing alongside guest former professional dancers. It is all set to the familiar music by Tchaikovsky. Guest artists include Marcus Miranda, Abbey Gonzalez Kay and Edward Gonzalez. 6 p.m. Nov. 24, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$75. onyxstudio2.com or sarasotaopera.org
‘Ives and Schoenberg at 150’
ensembleNEWSRQ marks the 150th birthdays of groundbreaking composers Arnold Schoenberg and Charles Ives, who were born a month apart in 1874. The concert features Stephen Drury, a major interpreter of Ives' music, playing his Piano Sonata No. 2: Concord, Mass, 1840-1860. Singer Thea Lobo performs Schoenberg’s “Pierrot lunaire.” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25, First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. $30, $10 for livestream. ensrq.org
‘A Motown Christmas’
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates the holiday season with the return of this musical celebration featuring a collection of holiday songs as performed by the greats of Motown. Nov. 27-Jan. 5. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $47-$57, $22 students age 25 and younger and active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
‘Recipe for the Holiday’
Tree Fort Productions Projects presents an original musical revue created by Artistic Director Katherine Michelle Tanner. It is designed to create a perfect recipe for the holiday season. Nov. 29-Dec. 15, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 136, Sarasota. $40. treefortproductions.com
‘Deck the Halls’
Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre celebrates the holiday season with a uniquely Florida perspective in a new edition of this annual collection of songs and sketches that explore holiday traditions in Sarasota. Nov. 30-Dec. 24. Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $12. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Continuing
Art Center Sarasota
The Art Center features three solo shows and a juried exhibit, including “Echoes of Belonging,” featuring paintings by Gabriel Ramos; ‘pouring, storing and ore-ing,” featuring Amy Sanders’ repurposing of ordinary objects; and “Faces and Places,” paintings and drawings by David Fithian. The juried show has the theme of “Euphoria.” Through Nov. 16, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
Florida Studio Theatre
The cabaret production of “Off The Charts,” tracing the biggest pop hits and musical stars of the second half of the 20th century, continues through Feb. 9 in the Court Cabaret. $18-$42. FST Improv stages a competition among improvisers in “Out of Bounds,” 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 30. Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $15-$18. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Lemon Bay Playhouse
In Pat Cook’s comedy “Two Witches, No Waiting,” two sisters are thought to be witches because of a story spread by a woman who unexpectedly vanished, and the complications when one of their sons tries to get to sell the home. Through Nov. 3. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $27, $20 for students. 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com
Manatee Players
The Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical "Merrily We Roll Along" about a trio of friends, is told backwards in time, from a stormy adulthood back to the night they met and formed decades-long relationships. Cory Woomert, Christos Nicholoudis and Jennifer Baker star. Through Nov. 10. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $35-$40. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
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Concerts, parties, events and more:100-plus things to do in November in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda
The Ringling
Multiple exhibits continue, including The Ringling portion of the regional “Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration,” which is running at five different museums. Through Jan. 26. skywaytampabay.com. Also on display are “Embodied,” highlighting the human figure with pieces from the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, through Sept. 21, 2025; “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5; “Radical Clay,” an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by contemporary women artists from Japan, through May 11; “Enduring Light,” an exhibit of photographs by two of the nation’s most consequential photographers, Roy DeCarava and Danny Lyon, through Feb. 9 in the Searing Wing; “I want you to know my story,” an exhibit by St. Louis-based artist Jess T. Dugan, who explores identity with photography, video and writing, through Feb. 25 in the Monda Gallery; “Sumi-e Exhibition: East Asian Brush Painting,” presented by the Sumi-e Society of America Sarasota Chapter, through Dec. 2 in the Community Gallery; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Sarasota Art Museum
Several exhibits carry over into November. “Tammy Nguyen: Timaeus and the Nations” features work by a multidisciplinary artist who is known for merging figures, abstract shapes and tropical vegetation. “Claire Ashley: Chromatic Blush” features the artist’s colorful inflatables, which are both sculptures and paintings. Through Jan. 19. Molly Hatch’s “Amalgam,” a display of ceramics that covers walls on two floors continues through April 26, 2026. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Selby Gardens
Hurricane Milton limited Selby Gardens’ operations, but its annual showcase of orchids is open to the public. “The Orchid Show 2024: Purple!” features a display of purple orchids in the Tropical Conservatory, along with an exhibit of botanical books, prints, photographs and other materials in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. Through Dec. 1. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 941-366-5731; selby.org
Urbanite Theatre
Urbanite Theatre opens its 11th season with the regional premiere of Morgan Gould’s comedy “Jennifer, Who is Leaving” about three women who find themselves together overnight at a doughnut shop and talking about the demands placed on women. Through Dec. 1. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. $44, $30 under age 40, $5 for students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
Venice Theatre
The stage musical version of the hit film “9 to 5” is about three female office workers who seek to gain some control in their male-dominated world. Kim Kollar, Jamie Becker and Jenny Van Dien star. Through Nov. 24, Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. $37, $22 for college students and educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its 25th season with “Soul Crooners: Solid Gold Edition,” a musical revue featuring soul hits from such artists as Marvin Gaye, the O’Jays, the Commodores, Earth, Wind and Fire and more. Through Nov. 17. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $22-$52. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
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