This weekend, catch the final performances of Hadestown: Teen Edition at The Sarasota Players. The Tony-award winning musical by Anais Mitchell finishes its run at The Players on August 2.

“Hadestown is the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice that is combined with some mythology of Hades and Persephone,” says Amanda Heisey, marketing director at The Players. “The story is set in New Orleans, during the Great Depression, so the music is very much of that style. There is also a lot of contemporary folksy-rock, which is different from traditional musical theater music.”

In Hadestown, Hades’ dominion, or hell, is actually a factory dubbed Hadestown. Narrated by the Greek god Hermes, the story follows the poverty-stricken Orpheus and Eurydice. Desperate for food and money, Eurydice goes to work in Hadestown, only to discover that there is no escaping. Orpheus, who has fallen in love with Eurydice, tries in vain to rescue her. “Because of their love, Orpheus and Eurydice are offered the chance to escape Hadestown—Orpheus can lead her out of Hadestown, only if she follows behind him and he doesn’t look back at her,” says Heisey. “If he looks back, then she has to stay. He becomes so doubtful that she’s following him because he cannot see her, so right before he gets out, he turns and looks at her and she has to stay in Hadestown.”

For Heisey and the team at The Players, these summer shows are a way to inject new blood into their productions. Hadestown: Teen Edition features a slew of actors on high school and college summer break, paving the way for a well rounded, youthful production. “We’re very lucky that we get to have these kids in our productions one last time while they’re still in town,” says Heisey. “They are doing an incredible job. The set is beautiful, the costumes are great and the choreography is amazing.”

Hadestown: Teen Edition, July 23-August 2, The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota 

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Young performers may now register to audition to be a part of Sarasota Youth Opera’s fall production of Rachel J. Peter’s Rootabaga Country. This is a fully staged production with professional sets, costumes, and live orchestra, with the Youth Opera singing the lead roles and chorus.In addition to performing in Rootabaga Country, Youth Opera members will also have the opportunity to audition to be part of Sarasota Opera’s Fall Mainstage production as part of the Children’s Chorus in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel where they will perform on the Opera House stage with professional opera singers. Members can also audition to join the Children’s Chorus of Sarasota Orchestra’s Carmina Burana, being performed in the winter on the Van Wezel stage. 

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The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) announced todaythat Jonathan Coleman (Sarasota), Larry Haspel (Sarasota), Helen Morrison (Sarasota /Washington, DC), and Maria Wynne (Sarasota / Chicago) have been elected to the Hermitage Board of Trustees, commencing their terms on July 1, 2026. Longtime Hermitage supporters and Sarasota arts philanthropists Carol White Bold, Beverly Koski, Adeleine Morrison, and Pauline Wamsler have been elected as Honorary Trustees. In addition, longstanding Hermitage trustee Marletta Darnall has been recognized with the distinguished honor of Emeritus Trustee. Carole Crosby will continue as President, with Peter Offringa newly stepping into the role of Vice President alongside Stephanie Jones who continues in her role as Vice President. Steve Adler and Sondra Biller will continue as Hermitage Board Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. 

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Opening October 18, 2026, Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design will debut “Eszter Sziksz: Seeking, I Don’t Know What I’m Looking For (And I Hope I Never Find It).” Curated by Lacie Barbour, curator of modern and contemporary art at Sarasota Art Museum, this highly interactive solo exhibition invites visitors to navigate an ethereal environment built on philosophical inquiry, tactile exploration and the ever-present potential for abrupt change. “Seeking” marks Sziksz’s first solo museum exhibition and runs through April 4, 2027.An internationally exhibited artist and Ringling College of Art and Design faculty member, Sziksz will transform SAM’s second floor B. Claire Rusen Gallery with her meditative, cascading installation for six months.  

Eszter Sziksz (Hungarian, b. 1976). Seeking (detail), 2026. Debossed wax paper and magnifying glasses, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Allegra Bortoni.

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The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and Palma Sola Botanical Park are coming together to host Groovin’ in the Gardens,a new outdoor music event celebrating the missions of both non-profits through live performances, natural beauty, and opportunities to gather with friends. The first of its kind for The Pops Orchestra, the event will take place at the Botanical Park on Sunday, October 18th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Guests will enjoy the scenic grounds of the Park while listening to live jazz from The Pops Orchestra’s Jazz Combo, which is sponsored by the Manatee Community Foundation. “We are always looking for new ways to bring music into the community, and Palma Sola Botanical Park provides such a wonderful setting for this new series,” says Robyn Bell, The Pops’ Managing and Artistic Director.  

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SRQ MEDIA’s Love Local Arts Initiative celebrates the art and culture organizations in our region throughout the year by cultivating a connection between our readers and local arts organizations. New this year, SRQ Magazine will debut a biweekly online Love Local Arts e-newsletter to support the arts and culture season in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Join us by reserving a space today! 

Space Closing August 14, 2026

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