SRQ DAILY Jun 27, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition
"A big part of what we do at Dingbat is to try and make theater as inclusive and accessible as possible."
Although the various performing arts organizations around Sarasota make it look easy, producing theater is an incredibly difficult task. The play or musical that audiences see before them on any given night is the product of months and months of preparation from both the on stage talent and the production team. The team over at Dingbat Theatre Project knows this well. Founded in 2020, the 501(c)3 non-profit wraps up its fifth year of production this weekend with its run of Pippin.
It’s a milestone from a company that was started out of nothing more than a few friends with a dream of creating theater. “We’re a super small company,” says Luke Manual, founder and producing artistic director. “A lot of what we do is resource-based on what we have and the time that we’re able to commit to it.”
Dingbat’s next slate of mainstage shows will kick off on July 25, with Dingbat’s Hercules, and will be a part of an eight-show season that runs through June 2026. “Dingbat’s Hercules is a project my friend Austin Howeth and I have been working on for about seven or eight years at this point,” says Manual. “It’s a two person comedic interpretation of the Hercules myth, kind of in the style of Greater Tuna or The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). There are 12 monsters that Hercules has to defeat and Austin and I trade off who plays Hercules and who plays the monster each time.”
Dinbat prides itself on providing accessible theater for all types of audiences. Sometimes, that means edgier, R-rated productions like Samantha Fuller’s I’m Going to Marry You, Tobey Maguire—a comedic romp about a 14-year-old girl who kidnaps Tobey Maguire at the height of his fame in 2004 only to find that her idol is not the prince charming she thinks him to be. Other times that means adapting childhood classics into family friendly shows like Dingbat’s Winne-the-Pooh, set to premiere in December. “A big part of what we try to do at Dingbat is trying to make theater as inclusive and accessible as possible, which includes people with kids and kids themselves,” says Manual. “Winnie-the-Pooh is adapted directly from the novel—I took a red pen to the book and cut out everything that I felt was extra fat and then we’ll present the book as is.”
Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231, 941-451-7706 
Judah Immanuel in Dingbat's production of
Sister Europe is Nell Zink’s most intellectual novel to date, providing the reader with different languages, sometimes translated, sometimes not. So if you’re German or French, or bilingual and like to exercise your linguistic prowess, this novel is magnifique, or should I say, herrlich.
Set in contemporary Berlin, the story centers on individuals, some familiar, some not, who attend an author award ceremony. Zink, an ex-pat herself, sprinkles in her knowledge of Germany, geopolitics, and architectural knowledge through her character's witty banter, making you smitten with each one equally. And there are many to enjoy: Demian who is in the publishing business and attends sans wife, his trans daughter Nicole who attends by accident after being scooped up by Toto, Demian’s longtime friend. Then there’s Klaus, an undercover officer who was following Nicole thinking she was an underage troller looking for a hook up. Avianca, a bouncy internet date, who Toto has repeatedly been stood up by, so frequently that she is known as The Flake, appears finally to be his escort. Livia, an emotional deep soul who used to be Toto’s girlfriend, attends with her French poodle Fisti and last but not least, Radi, a young Middle Eastern nobleman who is serving as a reluctant host due to his mother’s aversion to Berlin’s winter cold.
With this many personalities, you can imagine a great time and indeed, Zink provides a fun ride as the cast of characters descend into the cold night in search of food better than the hotel ceremony provided. Relationships bud and collapse as the group bonds with a whimsical, surprising finish. A perfect beach or airline read for anyone in need of a little lightness, but at the same time cerebral, in search of distraction from our madcap world.
Sister Europe by Nell Zink 3/25/25 ISBN #: 9780593534915.
Don’t miss On Stage 2025 by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet on July 19 at 6:00 pm at the Sarasota Opera House. Royal Ballet guest artists Francisco Serrano and Leticia Dias join Summer Intensive dancers from around the world in classical and contemporary works. Our audiences agree: “This showcase never fails to delight!” “Incredible, first rate” “I was stunned by the talent”
Two of Sarasota’s most critically recognized choral ensembles are joining forces. Choral Artists of Sarasota, which recently celebrated its 46th season and the retirement of longtime artistic director Joseph Holt, will merge with Via Nova Chorale—an innovative vocal ensemble originally founded in 2008 as Musica Sacra and renamed in 2024 following the appointment of Steven Phillips as artistic director. The merger ensures the continuation of Choral Artists’ legacy of artistic excellence, professional engagement, and community-centered programming.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome back Get The Led Out to Sarasota on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10am ET. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-create the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album...GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants...a high energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart- thumping intensity.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to announce the plays chosen for its summer 2025 Newish Jewish Play Reading Series. The series includes “Observant” by Pamela Weiler Grayson on July 21, “Time Will Tell” by Jeffery Kin on August 4, and “A Black and White Cookie” by Gary Morgenstein on August 11. The 7:30 p.m. play readings are presented at The Sarasota Players in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $20 per reading or $54 for the three-play series. To purchase single tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494; the three-play series can only be purchased by calling 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
From July 16-20, the Donelly Theatre at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be hoppin' with the Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret Series. Two different shows will be offered: "Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso," starring Michael Mendez as he pays tribute to the music and legacy of the barrier-breaking singer, actor and civil rights activist, and "The Titan and The Muse – Love Deluxe," a soul-drenched concert experience weaving the iconic duets of legends like Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson, and Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown, starring Raleigh Mosely II and Jazzmin Carson. Performances of “Harry Belafonte” will take place on Wednesday, July 16 and Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Performances of “The Titan and The Muse” will take place on Thursday, July 17 and Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.
The Venice Symphony is proud to announce the appointment of Roger Effron as Chair of its Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 season. Effron brings a lifetime of leadership in education and civic engagement to the role, along with a long-standing dedication to The Venice Symphony and the Venice community. The Venice Symphony also welcomes three new trustees to the board: Robby Cordes MAS (Master Advertising Specialist), Joshua P. Perez, Esq. and Natalie Croston. For more information about The Venice Symphony, visit www.thevenicesymphony.org.
On Monday, Goodwill Manasota will open a new ADC (attended donation center) on Cortez Road at the location of the former Ghost Street Kitchen; the site has undergone a complete renovation. ADCs are critical to supporting Goodwill's mission of changing lives through the power of work - each donation from the community powers three hours of job training, education and opportunities for those who may have barriers to employment. The address is 8004 Cortez Road; hours will be 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception.
Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.
Join us for the 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Luncheon, honoring local women leaders with the 2025 Leadership Circle inductions, PopUp Boutiques and a post-event networking reception.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Celebrate local changemakers at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon, where we’ll present the Good Hero Awards and unite the philanthropic community. The event will feature a panel on giving trends, the Giving Tree Program, and the SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops.
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
The Ringling Museum of Art hosts a significant collection of Creative Prints produced by Japanese artists who believed in the practice of self-designing, self-carving, and self-printing their own work. The Creative Print movement was inspired by early 20th-century European prints that called attention to self-expression and artistic exploration through the medium of woodblock prints.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
The figure is one of the oldest records of our existence as a species capable of storytelling; depictions of the human body constitute some of the oldest subjects in art. EMBODIED expands on the definition of the human figure by bringing together varied representations in painting, sculpture, fiber, video, and mixed media by some of the most exciting artists working in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Step into the charming world of A Year with Frog and Toad, a Tony-nominated musical that brings Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters to life through delightful songs and heartwarming storytelling. This enchanting production follows two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they navigate the four seasons, learning lessons of friendship, perseverance, and joy along the way.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
On Sunday, July 27th we welcome you to Muddled - A Mixologist's Chopped Competition! Get ready for a night of cocktails, creativity, and competition at Gecko’s Grill & Pub – Stickney Point. Watch as talented mixologists battle it out to create the tastiest and most unique drinks using mystery ingredients. Cheer on your favorite bartender as they shake, stir, and muddle their way to victory. 16 mixologists will compete for the title of Gecko's Muddled Champion and there can only be 1 winner! The competition is limited to first 16 Mixologists to register. The winning cocktail will be featured on a special menu after the contest at all Gecko’s Grill and Pub locations.
Gecko's Grill and Pub — Stickney Point, 6606 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231
Back by popular demand! Roger Bean's new show is a nostalgic tribute to golden oldie TV show melodies in a wild musical gameshow within a gameshow format. You'll be sure to find yourself humming and playing along!
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
The Wedding Singer kicks off the season with a high-energy celebration of love and second chances, proving that sometimes, the biggest dreamers come from the unlikeliest places. This is a Sarasota premiere.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 3501 S Tamiami Trl Suite 1130, Sarasota
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
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