Cultural Activities

Performances for the 2011 season include Shirley MacLaine, Tovah Fledshuh, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, Regis & Joy Philbin, Diana Krall, Clay Aiken, Amy Grant & Vince Gill, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chris Botti, Patti LaBelle, Ron White and Michael Bolton.

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 2010-2011 Season include Anne Frank & Firebird, Modern Greats, The Nutcracker, A Right Royal Affair, Out of Denmark, Mr. B! and Spring Surprise. The Season runs through May 1, 2011.

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 Boheme/Puccini, Don Giovanni/Mozart, Lombardi/Verdi, The Cruable/Ward. The winter season begins February 5, 2011 and runs through March 20, 2011. 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 The Dream of America, Masterworks: Russia, Great Escapes: Salute to the Kings, Chamber: Happy Birthday Ludwig - “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.

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 30 - April 9. 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 2011 season “Under the Big Top." Performances begin Thursday, Feb. 3 and run through Monday Feb. 21st. Tickets are on sale now at www.circussarasota.org. Circus Sarasota is located at the corner of 12th street and Tuttle Ave in Sarasota.