SRQ DAILY Aug 7, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"People are seeking connection, love and appreciation."
Is it ever too late to find love? In the case of playwright Joe DiPietro, the answer is most likely never. That question is at the heart of DiPietro’s play, The Last Romance, currently in production at Florida Studio Theatre (FST). The Last Romance follows Ralph, an 80-year-old Italian-American widower living in Hoboken. Ralph lives with his sister Rose, whose husband left her some years ago. Although brimming with life, Ralph feels enclosed by his small-town community—that is until he meets the elegant Carol when taking a detour from his daily walk.
“We did The Last Romance 15 years ago and had a wonderful hit with it because it’s such a beautiful play,” says Richard Hopkins, executive producer of FST. “Joe DiPietro is one of our superb living playwrights. “The play is a touching comedy that follows Ralph and Carol as their relationship blooms—it’s complicated and augmented by flashbacks to Ralph’s earlier life and his relationship with his sister—it’s a wonderful story of contrast. Ralph was a railroad man all his life and Carol is from a more upper class background.”
The Last Romance, while contemporary, is not set in the present day. Instead, the play, which was published in 2008, takes place 20-30 years ago, in an age before cell phones. In a simpler time, the characters are reliant on chance meetings and “old-school” forms of communication to relay their feelings. “Like any play, you can look back at it and say, ‘the style has changed, the morality has changed,’ but human nature is basically the same as it always has been. People are seeking connection, love and appreciation,” says Hopkins.
Within the play, it’s critical for not just the lead actors—John Guerrasio as Ralph and Laura Gardner as Carol—but for the rest of the cast to exude a certain level of chemistry. According to Hopkins, DiPietro’s writing requires an ensemble nature from all of the actors within his various works. “The ensemble is core, and it requires excellent acting to portray the subtext of what’s going on, so that we can see how people behave socially, while understanding what they’re feeling underneath the conversation,” attests Hopkins.
The Last Romance, July 22-August 16, Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 
John Guerrasio and Laura Gardner in The Last Romance. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
For over 40 years, internationally acclaimed artists Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin have revolutionized the studio glass movement. Their work has been shown in hundreds of exhibitions worldwide, including a monumental installation in England’s Canterbury Cathedral (2018). Additionally, their glasswork is held in over 45 collections around the globe. Now, visitors will have the opportunity to experience brand new creations by the celebrated duo in “Precession Through Glass” on view at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design November 15, 2026–April 25, 2027. Moving far beyond traditional craft, “Precession Through Glass” uses the clarity and fragility of glass to tackle existential questions. Central to the artists’ practice is an interest in the theories and breakthroughs that continue to reshape our understanding of humanity's origins and civilization.
Philip Baldwin (American, b. 1947) and Monica Guggisberg (Swiss, b. 1955). “Peoples' Wall” (detail), 2018. Free-blown and cold-worked glass, and steel. Photo: Alex Ramsay.
Over two decades of Hermitage Fellows came together in Los Angeles on Monday, August 3 to celebrate the legacy of the Hermitage and connect with Hermitage Fellows across all artistic disciplines. Following the success of previous New York reunions, Hermitage alumni gathered in California to commemorate the impact of this leading national and international arts organization, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. “Yes, the Hermitage is a beautiful and inspiring place to create, but the more than 900+ extraordinary Hermitage Fellows are the true heart of the organization. These incredible artists and their experiences at the Hermitage are collectively changing the face of the artistic landscape,” said Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg.
2026 Hermitage Alumni Reunion, Los Angeles. Provided photo.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to announce its 2026-2027 season, which begins in October 2026 with “Kaddish for the Barrio,” a new play by local actor and playwright Gabriel Ortiz. Sing in the Season, a special event in January 2027, features Broadway star Lauren Molina bringing her extraordinary artistry to an unforgettable evening tracing the journey of Jewish musical theatre. The Howard J. Millman Performance Series – February through May 2027 – consists of three plays: “We Had A World” by Joshua Harmon, “Moonlight and Magnolias” by Ron Hutchison, and “Kindertransport” by Diane Samuels. For more information and to purchase Sing in the Season tickets, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. To purchase play tickets, visit ThePlayers.org/sarasota-jewish-theatre or call 941-365-2494.
"Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karksi" featuring Michael Raver, 2026. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
Sarasota Opera will honor longtime supporters David and Edith Chaifetz at The Sarasota Opera Gala: A Night of Camellias and Champagne, taking place Saturday, January 30, 2027, at 6 p.m. in The Ora Grand Ballroom, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The annual gala will celebrate Sarasota Opera’s artist training programs and recognize the Chaifetz’s two decades of leadership, philanthropy, and service to the company. David and Edith Chaifetz have been leadership supporters of Sarasota Opera productions and Youth Opera and Education programs for over 20 years. After spending several years as seasonal residents, they moved to Sarasota full time in 2016. Their deep relationship with the company has helped strengthen its artistic, educational, and community impact.
Reserve your space in the upcoming SRQ ARTS 2026 Guide to the Culture Coast publication celebrating local arts organizations, performances and events for the coming season! Produced in partnership with local arts nonprofit Sarasota Rising, the SRQ ARTS Guidebook serves as a resource for the Sarasota community to explore, discover and experience all the arts has to offer. Special opportunities are still available for organizations looking to connect with interested readers. Reserve your space now before closing!
Space Closing August 7, 2026
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Come one, come all to the circus this summer at The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota. Kids ages 6 to 15 are invited to learn circus skills and make new friends with attendees from all over the country. Try the trapeze, rolling globe, aerials, juggling and more. Each Friday, friends and families are invited to a costumed showcase performance where campers share the skills they developed throughout the week. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.
Virtual, Virtual
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, 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
When widower Ralph takes a different path on his daily walk, he meets Carol, an elegant woman who just might change his life. What begins as a simple conversation blossoms into an unexpected journey of second chances. Directed by Kate Alexander, this warm, witty comedy is about discovering how love can arrive when you least expect it–at any age.
Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Intensive B will focus on a variety of Jazz classes. Participants will experience influences from Fosse, Broadway, Afro-Fusion, to Commercial Jazz!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota
At the Court Cabaret, Nancy Allen presents a powerful tribute to era-defining artists in the 1970s, featuring hits from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt and more. A singer trio of Victoria Boland, Samantha Duval and Madalyn McHugh deliver powerhouse vocals that capture the soul and strength of the female artists who wrote their own rules. This show is part of a three-show Summer Cabaret subscription that also includes Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey and Legacy: Motown and More!
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
Start studying for Gecko's Grill and Pub's 24th Annual Summer Trivia Tournament. This six-week competition features weekly trivia nights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating Gecko's locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Teams can enjoy food and drink specials while competing for a share of $1,000 in Gecko's Bucks. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores are invited to the championship tournament, which is scheduled for Gecko's on Clark Road on August 17.
Gecko's Grill and Pub, All Gecko's Grill and Pub locations
Ever wonder what goes into creating a circus? The Ringling's Canvas City exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the spectacular entertainment venues come to life, from tentmakers and photographers to costume designers. See over 1,500 pieces, including circus costumes, leotards, band uniforms, animal blankets and more. Costumes on view will be rotated throughout the year as museum registrars review the collection and add notes and new photography to their records.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
This summer, Selby Gardens is excited to present an indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring the work of legendary American photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, who is renowned for both her celebrity portraits and fine art images. Goldsmith’s exhibition at the Downtown Sarasota campus will combine stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens’ artist in residence – Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
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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