Cultural Activities

The Van Wezel hosts a broad range of performances, from world-class symphonies, classical and modern dance companies, jazz artists, pop legends and the best Broadway has to offer.

The Van Wezel’s celebrates 40 years with performances by Tony Bennett, Jackie Mason, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Liza Minelli, just to name a few. Shows include Hairspray, Girls Night and the Aluminum Show. There are also performances by the Israel Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

For a complete list of entertainment, show times and ticket prices, please refer to the Van Wezel website at www.vanwezel.org.

The Van Wezel is located on Sarasota’s scenic bayfront. It seats 1,736 and is owned and operated by the City of Sarasota.

The Ballet boasts a repertoire that includes the great classics, works of internationally recognized contemporary choreographers, beloved classics, and original works that have received outstanding critical acclaim. Performances for the 2009-2010 Season include Giselle, The Nutcracker, Boutique, Vespri, Pineapple Poll, and Triple Bill. The Season runs through April 25, 2009.

To receive a subscription brochure, call the Sarasota Ballet at 941-359-0099.

The Sarasota Opera House is a restored 1926 theater in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Performances include La Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel and Giovanna d’Arco (Joan of Arc). The season begins October 30, 2009 and runs through March 21, 2010. Performances are in Italian with English projected titles. For more information or to order tickets please visit their website at www.sarasotaopera.org

See music in a new light as the Sarasota Orchestra performs with ever-greater passion and commitment. As quoted by Waldo Proffit, a Herald Tribune columnist “The Sarasota Orchestra is arguably the best in Florida and one of the best 20 or so in the country. It attracts guest performers of international renown.” Upcoming concerts include Chamber: in Monuments, Great Escapes: Musical Postcards, Masterworks: In Fantasy, Chamber: In Moonlight, and Family: Experimenting with Music. Sarasota Orchesta - “This is music for the ages. All ages. Come as you are. Leave different.” To request a brochure, or to purchase concert tickets, call (941) 953-4252 or go online to www.sarasotaorchestra.org

The Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s premier professional theatre and one of only four rotating repertory theatres in the country, performing up to four plays per weekend. With an accomplished resident company and guest artists from around the world, Asolo Rep has gained critical acclaim. Running from October to June, the Asolo Rep season provides a varied repertoire of classic and cutting-edge plays. This years productions include Life in the Middle, Contact, The Perfume Shop, Life of Galileo, Searching for Eden, The Last Five Years, Hearts, Managing Maxine and Backwards in High Heels. Additional information, including show dates and how to order tickets may be obtained at www.asolo.org.

The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, located in downtown Sarasota has been a cultural icon since 1971. Since we opened our doors, we have dazzled audiences with classics like Hello Dolly, A Chorus Line and The Sound of Music, along with more modern favorites like Chicago, Footloose and Urinetown. Embarking upon our 38th Season, we have earned the designation as the longest-running, continuously operating professional Equity Dinner Theatre in America!

“Another Op’nin’, Another Show. In Philly, Boston or Baltimo’. A chance for stage folks to say hello. Another Op’nin’ of another show.”. (from Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate”)

The Golden Apple Dinner Theeatre is a horseshoe-shaped theatre with a main floor and two additional tiers. Dinner is served buffet style on the main floor, and includes signature entrees of carved roast of beef and roast loin of pork. After dinner the buffet is cleared to make room for our 704 sq. ft. “Magic Carpet” stage.

Our 2009-2010 season runs from October 6, 2009 - May 30, 2010 and includes Caught in the Net, Sister’s Christmas Catechism, The Musical Magic of Haynes & Human, Liberace, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Lil Abner and The Andrews Brothers. Please visit our website for showtimes.

Sarasota’s roots in circus history began in 1927, when John Ringling relocated his winter circus here. The circus train continued to roll into town for the next 33 years. John Ringling even used his circus elephants to help build the first bridge from the mainland to St. Armands Key. Since then, Sarasota has become the “Circus Capital of the World”.

Sailor Circus

Billed as the Greatest “Little” Show on Earth, the PAL Sailor Circus features performances by amazing students, ranging in age from 8-18. More than 100 students participate in each of two annual sessions. Students are trained in various circus skills from clowning to tumbling, from high-wire to flying trapeze, from unicycle to juggling, and much more. Holiday Spectacular Shows run Dec. 27-Dec. 30; Spring Shows are March 24-April 3. To order tickets and check for show dates, please phone 941-361-6350, or refer to their website at www.sailorcircus.org.

Circus Sarasota

After receiving rave reviews for excellence in presenting the finest of the circus arts, Circus Sarasota announces its 2010 season “The Legend Lives On” featuring Nik Wallenda. Performances begin Friday, Feb. 12 and run through Sunday Feb. 28th. Tickets are on sale now at www.circussarasota.org. Circus Sarasota is located at the corner of 12th street and Tuttle Ave in Sarasota.