Sarasota Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - January 05, 2025

What did our critic think of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel?...

Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Manatee Performing Arts Center
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 12, 2024

The Manatee Performing Arts Center has once again delighted audiences with its enchanting production of 'The Wizard of Oz,' a timeless musical that brings to life L. Frank Baum's beloved story....

Review: A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - December 11, 2024

What did our critic think of A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe?aDuring the Holidays in Sarasota, there's always a buzzing downtown parade, an increase in traffic and tourists, and a festive celebration at the West Coast Black Theatre! If you're anything like me, you've got a bunc...

Review: ALL IS CALM - THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 at Asolo Rep
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 10, 2024

The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s rendition of All is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914 offers a poignant breath of fresh air. ...

Review: LITTLE WOMEN at The Sarasota Players
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 09, 2024

Sometimes it is great to review a show you are really familiar with as it provides the varied perspectives by which one views a musical. Such is the case with Little Women. I loved watching a tale I knew from a fresh perspective. The Sarasota Players’ production of Little Women is a beautifully rend...

Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - December 08, 2024

What did our critic think of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Review: WAITRESS at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - November 13, 2024

Life has an uncanny way of serving up surprises, doesn't it? Take Jenna Hunterson, for example. Here she is, a multi-talented waitress and baker stuck in a situation stickier than overcooked caramel. Her husband? Let's just say he's the perfect recipe for disaster. And just when Jenna thinks things ...

Review: JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING at Urbanite Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - October 28, 2024

Nan, working alone on a cold winter’s night at a local donut shop, juggles tasks with the grace of a circus performer. Her husband’s calls provide a touch of comedic relief as he bumbles around searching for his elusive car keys. Nan's patience, though worn thin, endures with an exhausted yet loving...

Review: SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - October 26, 2024

What did our critic think of SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...

Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - September 25, 2024

In a fun and heartwarming tale that many of us know well, 'Shrek the Musical' tells the story of an embittered ogre named Shrek whose peaceful swamp home is taken over by fairy tale creatures banished by the power-hungry Lord Farquaad. With the comical Donkey by his side, Shrek strikes a deal with F...

Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
by Jacob Ruscoe - September 20, 2024

The Fantasticks, the beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for over 50 years, recently graced the stage at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and what a delightful performance it was! With its timeless story, enchanting music, and talented cast, this production of The Fantastick...

Review: THE OUTSIDER at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - August 17, 2024

What did our critic think of THE OUTSIDER at Florida Studio Theatre?...

Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Sarasota Players
by Jacob Ruscoe - August 11, 2024

The Sarasota Players' production of 'American Idiot' was a thrilling and electric performance that captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of Green Day's iconic album. Directed by Brian Finnerty, the show was a powerful and immersive experience that left the audience on the edge of their seats...

Review: HEATHERS at Fed's Backyard Theater
by Jacob Ruscoe - August 07, 2024

Federico Hradek, has worked tirelessly to transform his garage into a fully functioning theater complete with a stage and professional lighting. The ambience created by this intimate setting was perfect for the dark comedy that is Heathers....

Review: THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 17, 2024

Florida Studio Theatre impresses with their Summertime Mainstage Season opener, delivering a delightful mix of love songs, and sharp-witted comic numbers. This lively revue, perfectly suited to lift spirits during the weighty summer months, captures the essence of joy with both familiar and lesser-k...

Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Rise Above Performing Arts
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 11, 2024

Spring Awakening, with music by Duncan Sheik and Lyrics by Steven Sater, takes audiences on a wild ride through the tumultuous seas of adolescence. Exploring themes of attraction, desire, insecurity, and the rollercoaster of young adult life, this electrifying show is a must-see for anyone looking t...

Review: OAK at Urbanite Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 03, 2024

Making its World Premiere, OAK is presented at our own Urbanite Theater. When entering the black-box space random hip-hop music is playing, but on closer observance, everything is placed with intention. The mix of music used throughout the story, from old TLC through Tyla’s current Billboard hit Wat...

Review: TWELVE ANGRY MEN at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - May 15, 2024

What did our critic think of TWELVE ANGRY MEN at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Review: MARVIN GAYE: PRINCE OF SOUL at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - May 06, 2024

WestCoast Black Theatre Troupe revives one of their most popular original shows, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul. Created, adapted, and directed by WBTT’s founder, Nate Jacobs, Gaye’s story is told through the narration of his family and friends. Of course, peppered throughout is the enchanted music tha...

Review: TROUBADOUR at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - April 14, 2024

What did our critic think of TROUBADOUR at Florida Studio Theatre?...

Review: HAMILTON at Van Wezel all you could hope for and more
by Jacob Ruscoe - March 29, 2024

Hamilton is one of those musicals that everyone should see at some point. Let’s face it, even non-musical theatre people know of and have most likely seen the production. The show has received heralded reviews at every turn. So it is no surprise that the Broadway touring version of Hamilton that gra...

Review: DIAL M FOR MURDER at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - April 14, 2024

What did our critic think of DIAL M FOR MURDER at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Review: THE WHITE CHIP at Florida Studio Theater
by Shanti M. Kennedy - March 25, 2024

Another Florida premiere brought to us in Florida Studio Theatre Bowne’s Lab, White Chip brings highly charged raw emotion to the stage. No stone is left unturned in the trials of our main character, Steven, and his journey from being a wild young party boy to a full-blown alcoholic and back to sobr...

Review: RUBY - A WORLD PREMIERE MASTERPIECE at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Jacob Ruscoe - March 10, 2024

Ruby is a masterpiece of musical theater that deserves all the praise it receives. The creative direction, sensational vocals, and chemistry between the cast members all contribute to making it a must-see production....

Review: LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - March 11, 2024

What did our critic think of LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL at Van Wezel? Little Women, the Musical, based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel, focuses on the relationship of four sisters while their father is away serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, this beloved...