September is usually a time for fresh starts, with back to school and other seasonal changes. The Sarasota area arts scene is no different, as many arts organizations are kicking off new seasons and staying busy before the burst of activity we can expect in the months ahead. Here is a look at what is happening in the region in September.
Fifth Modern Works Festival
Urbanite Theatre opens its 11th season with this annual festival featuring three new plays by female writers presented in staged readings, along with talks and panels about the theater. Audiences have several chances to see each new reading, and can vote for their favorites. The winning playwright receives a $3,200 prize. The three plays are “A Nice Motherly Person” by Lia Romeo, “In the Mouth of the Beast” by Baylee Shlichtman and “I’m Saving You a Seat” by Sarah Elizabeth Grace. Sept. 4-8. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. Individual tickets are $5-$21. Passes are $45-$57. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
‘Spreading it Around’
Lemon Bay Playhouse opens its 37th season with Londos J. Arrigo’s family comedy about a widow who gets tired of handing out money to her ungrateful children. In rebellion, Angela Drayton, who is living in an upscale retirement community, starts the SIN Foundation, or Spending it Now, to give to those truly in need. Her son, however, has other plans. Sept. 4-22. 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $27, $20 students. 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com
Expressions Exhibition
ALSO Youth presents a one-night exhibition featuring creative work by LGBTQ+ youth from ages 10 to 24 in Sarasota and Manatee counties, along with an auction of work by nearly a dozen professional artists to support the organization’s programs. 5-7 p.m. Sept. 5. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. alsoyouth.org/expressions-exhibition.
‘Original Sin’
Alan Kitty has had a lifelong fascination with Mark Twain, and he has created several solo shows in which he plays the author sharing some of his favorite stories. Kitty’s latest is “Original Sin,” adapted from Twain’s “The Diaries of Adam & Eve.” He describes it as a satirical retelling of the Old Testament story about the first couple, which he hopes will appeal to people no matter their faith or religious beliefs. He stars with Jill Schroeder in this piece produced by the Mark Twain Society and directed by Alan Brasington. Sept. 6-15 at Tree Fort Productions Projects, Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40. 813-543-6613; marktwaineducation.org
‘Wondrous World: Illuminating Sacred Spaces of Memory with Art & Words in Dialogue’
An exhibition of work by JC Wayne, a sustainable existential artist and wisdom word-worker, who weaves together eco-responsible visual art with her original poetry to create what she calls a “cartography of the unseen.” 2-4 p.m. Saturdays Sept. 7-28, Arts Advocates, Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. artsadvocates.org
‘Floating in Florida’ book signing
Bookstore1Sarasota hosts a conversation and book signing with Lucy Tobias for her book “Floating in Florida.” Tobias, an award-winning blogger, author, journalist and photographer, takes readers on a Florida boat tour in the book, showcasing ecology and wildlife. 5 p.m. Sept. 9, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Free, or $20 with a copy of the book. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
Ringling College faculty shows
Two exhibits highlight work by faculty members at Ringling College of Art and Design. One is the annual Faculty Exhibition, showcasing faculty members as artists in a variety of mediums and styles. Sept. 9-20, Lois and David Stulberg Gallery. The other is “2024 Artificial Visions: Faculty Explorations in AI Artistry,” a new showcase in which artists utilize artificial intelligence and technology. Sept. 9-Oct. 11. Basch Gallery. Ringling College, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Gallery reception and walk 5-8 p.m. Oct. 19. Free. 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
‘Seussical, the Musical’
The Sarasota Players presents this colorful musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, inspired by the stories of Dr. Seuss. It brings together the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, the Whos, the Jungle of Nool and more in a playful mashup of adventures. David Stein plays the Cat in the Hat under the direction of Thayer Greenberg, the theater’s director of education. Sept. 11 (preview)-22. Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota. $30, $28 preview, $13 for students age 24 and younger. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘Always a Bridesmaid’
In this comedy by the prolific Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, four friends promise each other at their senior prom that they will be bridesmaids in their future weddings, no matter what happens. And they are determined to keep those vows over 30 years of “the long walk.” The play opens a new season for the Charlotte Players. Sept. 12-22, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $27, $14 students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
An Artistic Life
Actress, writer, singer and director Katherine Michelle Tanner, the owner and artistic director of Tree Fort Productions Projects, presents a talk about the many facets of her life, including her training at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. 4-6 p.m. Sept. 17. Arts Advocates, Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free for members, $5 for non-members. artsadvocates.org
‘Tertulia Latina: An Evening of Spanish Literature and Music’
A social gathering collaboration between Bookstore1Sarasota and CreArte Latino Cultural Center features local Latin American authors, who will read from their work while being accompanied by live music. Snacks and beverages will be available. 6 p.m. Sept. 18. 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $5. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
‘Crimes of the Heart’
Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedic drama “Crimes of the Heart” opens the 76th season for the Island Players on Anna Maria. It’s the story of the offbeat lives of sisters Meg, Babe and Lenny Magrath, who are reunited at their grandfather’s Mississippi home after Babe shoots her abusive husband. Mike Lusk directs. Sept. 19-29. Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. $25. 941-778-5755; theislandplayers.org
‘The Fantasticks’
The world’s longest-running musical returns to the Manatee Players. Told with theatrical creativity, the Tom Jones-Harvey Schmidt musical tells the story of a boy and girl who live next door to one another and fall in love, despite the efforts of their fathers to keep them apart. Together they learn about the nature of true love. Sept. 19-Oct. 6. Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $29. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘Ground Control’ book signing
Savannah Mandel, one of the few space anthropologists in the world, reads from and talks about her book “Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration.” She questions whether it is worth sending humans into space and what cultural outcomes might result from further exploration and colonization of other worlds. 6 p.m. Sept. 20, Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Free, or $29 with book. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
‘The Untethered Voice’
Hermitage Artist Retreat alumna and John Ringling Towers Award recipient Stephanie Heideman explores what happens when professional dancers perform authentic voice work with a professional singer. The program, hosted by Sarasota Contemporary Dance as part of its In-Studio Series, looks at how voice and movement are extensions of the body. 7 p.m. Sept. 20. Sarasota Contemporary Dance Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Suite 30. $10-$25. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘The Torch Bearers’
George Kelly’s 1922 comedy of manners was the first play ever produced by the Venice Theatre in 1950 and it is being brought back to help mark the community theater’s 75th anniversary season. Kelly Wynn Woodland directs the play about a housewife who gets involved with a theater production while her husband is away on business. Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush calls it the theater’s “origin story.” Sept. 20-Oct. 13. Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $35, $22 for college students and educators; $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Candlelight Concerts: Tribute to Adele
The crossover classical-pop series features a string quartet playing classical-sounding arrangements of pop favorites, in a setting of glowing candles. This new concert features a “Tribute to Adele,” which such hits as “Hello,” “Make You Feel My Love,” “Skyfall” and “Rolling in the Deep.” 8 p.m. Sept. 20. St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota. $44-$71. candlelightexperience.com.
‘Enduring Light’
An exhibition of photographs by Roy DeCarava and Danny Lyon, considered two of America’s most consequential photographers. DeCarava’s “Twelve Photogravures” and Lyon’s “Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement” offers distinct yet complementary expressions of Black life and the struggle for civil rights. Opens Sept. 21. The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
September Serenade
A new season begins for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota with three artists performing works by Mozart, Bruch, Robert Schumann and a version of Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” arranged for viola and piano. It features Bharat Chandra, principal clarinet for Sarasota Orchestra; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola, who has received two Grammy nominations; and Natalie Nedvetsky, a laureate of several international piano competitions. 4 p.m. Sept. 22, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $43, $63 for VIP seating. Reception follows. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
IIIest of Illustration: Farmer’s Market
This annual exhibition highlights work from Ringling College’s Illest of Illustration club and features work from the school’s illustration program. It is intended to showcase the wide variety of illustration styles and purposes. Sept. 23-Oct. 25. Willis Smith Gallery, Ringling College, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Gallery reception and walk 5-8 p.m. Oct. 19. Free. 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
‘Night, Reflected’
ensembleNEWSRQ, the contemporary classical group, opens its ninth season with a program of mostly 21st century works meant to reflect on the mystery and wonder of the cosmos. It includes Kevin Day’s “Glasshouse” from 2023, Arlene Sierra’s “Avian Mirrors” (2013), Chris Stark’s “Stars in Dead Reflection” (2010), and Shawn Allison’s “Night Rituals” (2012). Sofia Gubaidulina’s 1987 String Quartet No. 2 is the oldest work in the concert. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23. First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. $30, $10 for livestream. ensrq.org
‘Shrek the Musical’
A new version of the Broadway hit musical, based on the popular animated film, comes to Sarasota for the first time. Composer Jeanine Tesori and writer David Lindsay-Abaire created what they call a leaner and more focused version of the story about the efforts of the ogre Shrek and Donkey to save their swamp and rescue Princess Fiona. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-25, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $45-$95. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Struttin’ with the Stiletto Brass
The Pops Orchestra gets a jump on its 49th season by presenting this group of five female brass players in a recital-style program. They will be performing classics like “Struttin’ with Some BBQ” and an arrangement of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” the group first performed with Doc Severinsen. There also are original compositions for brass quintet, including Jens Lindemann’s “When a Body Meets a Body.” The group will be joined by Vincent DiMartino, a retired University of Kentucky trumpet teacher and a recent Sarasota transplant. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$45. thepopsorchestra.org
‘Agnes of God’
John Pielmeier’s acclaimed drama is about a young and innocent novice who is being treated by a court-appointed psychiatrist after she is accused of murdering her newborn baby. Shannon Maloney plays the novice, with Vera Samuels as the doctor and Lynne Doyle as the mother superior. Sept. 27-Oct. 20. Venice Theatre Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. $35, $22 for college students and educators; $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Women of Comedy IV
Three female comedians bring some laughs to the Lemon Bay Playhouse for one performance. It features Leslie Norris Townsend, who has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Michelle Krajecki, a graduate of The Second City who started stand-up as a second career and Kathy McSteen who returns for her ninth show at the theater. 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $27. 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com
‘Heroes and Hostages: A Journey of Courage and Sacrifice’
Sarasota Jewish Theatre joins with the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, The Sarasota Players and the Sarasota Jewish Chorale to mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel. It will feature Cantor Roselle Bain singing “Heroes” along with readings and videos. Speakers include Keren Shani-Lifrak, whose brother was killed in the Oct. 7 attack, and actress and director Carolyn Michel. 3 p.m. Sept. 29. Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota. $75. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
Baroque Banquet
The Sarasota Orchestra launches a new season of Chamber Soiree programs with this concert featuring Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite,” the percussive sound of François-André Danican Philidor’s March for Two Pairs of Timpani and William Byrd’s Earl of Oxford’s March. 4 p.m. Sept. 29, Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$52. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Continuing
Art Center Sarasota
Four shows run through Sept. 28, including 2023 New College graduate Precious Darling, who explores the complexity of femininities and their relation to objectification in photos and sculpture. Tanner Simon is featured in “Big Soup, Big Responsibility,” an installation of large-scale paintings that mix humor and seriousness; young artists involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County have their work showcased; and there’s a juried show “Flora & Fauna” with guest juror David Berry, vice president for visitor engagement and chief museum curator at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Through Sept. 28. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
Florida Studio Theatre
The Chicago-based singing group The Four C Notes celebrates the music and doo-wop sounds of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, performing such hits as “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Let’s Hang On” and more. Through Oct. 13, Florida Studio Theatre Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. The cabaret show “The Music of Laurel Canyon,” featuring hits by Joni Mitchell, The Eagles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, runs through Sept. 1 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $18-$42. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
The Ringling
The Ringling features more than a dozen artists from the Tampa Bay area in its portion of “Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration,” which is running at five different museums. Through Jan. 26. skywaytampabay.com. “Embodied,” highlighting the human figure with pieces from the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, continues through Sept. 21, 2025. “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5; “Radical Clay,” an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by contemporary women artists from Japan, continues through May 11; “I want you to know my story” is an exhibit by St. Louis-based artist Jess T. Dugan, who explores identity with photography, video and writing. Through Feb. 25 in the Monda Gallery. “Sumi-e Exhibition: East Asian Brush Painting,” presented by the Sumi-e Society of America Sarasota Chapter, is in the Community Gallery through Dec. 2. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Sarasota Art Museum
There are several shows ongoing at the former Sarasota High School building, including “Modern Masterpiece Uncovered: Galloway’s Furniture Showroom by Victor Lundy.” This showcase of a treasure of the Sarasota School of Architecture that was covered up by cement looks at its origins and the potential for restoring it to its original design. Through Oct. 27. “The Truth of the Night Sky,” a collaboration between multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer and sound artist Patrick Harlin that takes visitors into the stars, continues through Sept. 29. Molly Hatch’s “Amalgam,” a display of ceramics that covers walls on two floors, continues through April 26, 2026. The museum is also part of the regional Skyway 2024 exhibition for the first time, showcasing work by 15 artists from the Tampa Bay region. Through Oct. 27. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Selby Gardens
With the heat of summer, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens uses its indoor Museum of Botany and the Arts for the exhibit “The Florida Highwaymen: Interstate Connections.” The largely self-taught Highwaymen were Black artists who emerged in rural Florida in the 1950s and sold their artwork from their cars. Through Sept. 15. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 941-366-5731; selby.org
Venice Theatre
Two shows continue into September. “My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” features four singers singing some of the greatest hits ever sung or introduced by Ol’ Blue Eyes. It runs through Sept. 1 in the Raymond Center, $37, $22 for college students and educators and $15 for youth. And Agatha Christie’s mystery “The Mousetrap,” the world’s longest-running play, continues through Sept. 15 with audiences guessing whodunit among a house full of guests at Monkswell Manor. Pinkerton Theatre. $35, $22 for college students and educators; $15 youth. 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
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