SRQ DAILY Oct 31, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition
"The play is based upon the book, which was also adapted into a very popular movie, so I love the fact that our audience will come in with some familiarity of the show."
Stephen King, the undisputed “King of Horror,” published his debut novel Carrie in 1974. 51 years later, King’s influence still runs strongly through the veins of modern culture—HBO just released a new series, It – Welcome to Derry and a film adaptation of King’s 1982 novel The Running Man is set to hit theaters this November. King’s influence is felt here on the Gulf Coast, where the Manatee Performing Arts Center is staging its last few productions of Misery, which runs through November 2.
The play, which is making its debut at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, is an adaptation by William Goldman of Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name. Misery is a masterclass in tension: when celebrated author Paul Sheldon wakes up in an isolated cabin after a devastating car crash, he finds himself in the care of his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes. As time goes on, however, Paul realizes that he is not a patient of Annie’s, but rather a prisoner.
“The play is based upon the book, which was also adapted into a very popular movie, so I love the fact that it has title recognition and our audience will come in with some familiarity of the show,” says Rick Kerby, producing artistic director of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. “It’s a disturbing play and to try to interpret that on stage is a great challenge for us, but one that we’re really excited about.”
Misery will be staged in Manatee’s second, smaller theater, the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, which will lend itself to the visceral nature of the production. All of Misery takes place in Annie’s living room, with Paul held captive. “It’s so intimate that it’s going to be fun for the audience to be right there with the actors—you’re going to feel like you’re in the living room where all of the action is taking place,” says Kerby.
Critical to the play is the chemistry between the two actors playing Paul and Annie. Not only the emotional chemistry between captor and captive, but the physicality of the tense situation must be apparent between the actors as well. “90 percent of a good production is getting the right people in the right parts,” says Kerby. “One part of the audition process was trying to pair up people who do have that chemistry, that physicality that stacks up against each other, the right temperament for the roles and ultimately the acting chops to go along with it.”
Misery, October 16 to November 2, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, 34205 
Pictured: The set of Misery. Provided photo.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, in partnership with the Sarasota Art Museum, is hosting Arts in Education Celebration on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum. This free, open house-style event offers the community a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the vibrant arts education programs thriving in Sarasota County public schools. The celebration will feature continuous performances by student groups from ten area schools, including Venice High School Jazz Ensemble, Sarasota High School's Marching Band and Drumline, Booker High School VPA's dance and modern band groups, and vocal performances from Sarasota Middle School's Joyful Voices Choir and Ashton Elementary's Choir. Additional performances include strings from Laurel Nokomis School and dance and musical theatre from North Port High School. For more information about the Arts in Education Celebration and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's education initiatives, visit www.sarasotaarts.org or call 941-365-5118.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces today that Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe will headline the Hermitage’s sold-out fall fundraising event, “The Artful Lobster: An Outdoor Celebration!” on Saturday, November 8 from 11:30am to 2pm. This year’s event returns to the Hermitage’s historic beachfront campus on Manasota Key after being displaced by the hurricanes in 2024. The popular fall luncheon will also feature performances from acclaimed guitarist and Hermitage Fellow Mattĩs Čudars, the 2023 recipient of the Hermitage Prize in Composition at the Aspen Music Festival & School; and from 2024 Hermitage Cross Arts Collaborative Fellow Raleigh Mosely II. For more information about the Hermitage and upcoming programs, visit: HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Every child deserves a chance to grow, heal, and thrive. The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s second annual Wonder Gala, on Friday, December 5 at The Ora, is a night that makes those possibilities real. This powerful celebration honors the courage of children and families who have overcome immense challenges—and the compassion of a community that helps them succeed. Guests will experience moving narratives, the inspiring “Wonder Wall” of portraits, a gourmet feast by Michael’s On East, an open bar, and powerful performances by rising vocalist Allison Nash and Soul Sensations—sure to fill the dance floor. More than an evening of elegance, the Wonder Gala is a call to hope—where generosity transforms lives and dreams take root.
Vocalist Allison Nash will return to the Wonder Gala stage to inspire guests with her radiant voice and soulful performance.
Eleni Katz, bassoon and Nina Bernat, double bass, kick off the Lunch and Listen series on November 13, 11:00 a.m. at Palm Aire Country Club. Two of classical music’s most “under the radar” instruments step into the spotlight for a program titled Basso Vox that includes music by Roussell, Hailstork, Bach, Mozart, and more. Eleni Katz, winner of the 2022 Concert Artist Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, has established herself as a prominent soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Nina Bernat is a recipient of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and recently made her concerto debut with the Minnesota Orchestra and Osmo Vänskä to great acclaim. Tickets are $75 (includes lunch); reserve your seats by November 6.
The Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC) welcomes the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players for an exuberant evening of wit, melody, and timeless comic opera. The performance opens with a one-act version of “The Pirates of Penzance”—featuring all the famous songs and beloved characters dressed in full piratical and Victorian splendor—and concludes with an audience-selected medley of favorites from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire. The performance is Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m., at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. Tickets and more information are available at www.gpactix.com or by calling 941-552-5325.
On Wednesday, the Grinch visited Dogs Inc to find the next pup to play his canine co-star, Max, when he visits the Van Wezel the weekend of November 14-16. During today’s auditions, The Grinch met four of our cutest puppies, seeing who had the spunk and confidence to play Max and discovering which pup loves that he’s “as cuddly as a cactus.” Each puppy showed off their personality and proved they’re not afraid of a green creature with a heart two sizes too small. The Grinch ended up choosing an 8-week-old, black male puppy to be his next canine companion!
Pictured: The Grinch and his 8-week-old, black male puppy companion. Provided photo.
Don’t miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into “Spooky Point” where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and bootanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts creepy, campy, and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Historic Spanish Point, 401 North Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229
After the family-friendly Fright Night on St. Armands Circle wraps up, the lights go low and the cameras flash for Hollywood After Dark, the ultimate Halloween after party in the Wet Bar at Café on St. Armands. Guests will step into a world where red carpet glamour meets graveyard intrigue, with live entertainment, haunting cocktails, and a costume contest worthy of the silver screen.
Wet Bar at Cafe on St. Armands, 431 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236
Journey to Transylvania and experience the legend of Dracula and all who share his world.
Sarasota Cuban Ballet Auditorium, 4740 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota FL 34233
Remy Washington, a Black man and widower, has inherited both a drive-in movie theater and the responsibility of raising Pup, his late husband’s straight, white teenage son. The two forge a strong bond around a shared love of classic American monster movies, but when Remy discovers that Pup has been tormenting a gay classmate, their relationship begins to fracture, and the real horrors surface.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us as we champion conservation of our blue planet and the ocean that sustains us all as Key Chorale bestows its 2025 Perfect Pitch Award to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s visionary President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby. Enjoy performances by Key Chorale’s Chamber Singers and Student Scholars, and learn more about our award-winning, impactful, community and educational outreach programs.
The Ora Ballroom, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Adapted from Lewis Caroll by Asolo Rep’s Cat Brindisi and David Darrow. This adaptation brings the beloved story to life in a fast-paced play, inviting students and families to embark on a brave adventure of imagination.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton FL 34205
A comedic murder mystery, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds, and a corpse in a wheelchair. An unassuming English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing his uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit six million dollars. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances was the master’s final orchestral composition. A virtuoso showpiece for the orchestra, it bursts with the fierce energy and Romantic melodies that are Rachmaninoff’s trademarks. Alessio Bax, “among the most remarkable young pianists now before the public” (Gramophone), performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious Piano Concerto No. 1, perhaps the most beloved piano concerto of all time. Jennifer Higdon’s ethereal blue cathedral opens this vibrant program.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its exploration of diverse artistic voices with “Silent Witnesses: Silent Observers in a Changing World, Untouched Yet Not Unaffected,” an exhibition of charcoal drawings by Wonda J. Granville. A reception with the artist takes place Tuesday, November 18, 5:30–7 p.m., coinciding with the theater’s production of the play, “The Amish Project,” inspired by the 2006 Nickel Mines schoolhouse tragedy—an event that profoundly echoes the quiet resilience and forgiveness depicted in Granville’s art.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
Award-winning authors G.L. Pedersen and J.M. Naughton write about real women often overlooked by history. Together they created the Historic Moonlight Cemetery Tours of Woodlawn Cemetery and Weekend History Stroll series to places of historic interest across Palm Beach County.
Osprey Library, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Celebrate Florida’s ranching legacy with Isaac Eger's vibrant storytelling and photography in "The Great Florida Cattle Drive."
Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, FL 34236
World Premiere: Choreography by Ashley Page, Music to be Announced. Illuminations, Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, Music by Benjamin Britten, Designs by Cecil Beaton. The Letter V, Choreography by Mark Morris, Music by Joseph Hayd, Designs by Maile Okamura.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
Treat yourself to a peaceful mind and body yoga experience at the beautiful Selby Garden Downtown Sarasota campus. This class will focus on alignment, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Open to all skill levels. Must be age 18 or older. Hosted Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
This promises to be a memorable evening of music that speaks to the heart, the mind and maybe even your feet! Doors open 6:30 pm for dinner and beverage service.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street at Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota
A bi-monthly open jam session for professional and non-professional musicians in the Geldbart Auditorium at the downtown Selby Library. The jam begins at 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Event is free and open to all. A viewing audience is welcome and encouraged. Piano, bass and drum are on site. A fun, social and entertaining event. Come, sign up to play or sing, or just come out to watch and enjoy.
Selby Library, 1331 1st St, Sarasota
Swing into an evening of style, swagger, and timeless charm with Feeling Good, a high-energy celebration of modern crooners. From the timeless elegance of Sinatra and the smooth sophistication of Michael Bublé to the sparkle of Bette Midler and Lady Gaga, this show delivers silky vocals, irresistible rhythms, and captivating personality. Savor swingin’ favorites like “Come Fly With Me” and “It Had to Be You,” fresh hits like “Home” and “Moondance,” and delightfully cheeky numbers such as “Stuff Like That There” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Equal parts class and sass, Feeling Good will leave you – well – feeling good.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Stelliferous is your monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
Art brings people together—and at Family Art Day, Creative Liberties’ free program every fourth Saturday, it brings families together to make art side by side. The event features a local teaching artist leading projects designed for all ages and skill levels, with supplies provided. The September event is led by CeeCee Robinson.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities. Explored in a variety of media, including basket weaving, beadwork, collage, clay, textiles, photography, metalwork, and printmaking rooted in ancestral technologies, their work shares similar stylistic and social concerns, such as vibrant color, hard-edged geometries, curvilinear patterns, and bold mark-making, all infused with personal stories and those of their kin.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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