25+ arts events for July to see, hear and experience in the Sarasota-Manatee area
Family Art Making
The Ringling hosts a free program for the whole family. Everyone gets to take part in creative art projects inspired by something in the museum’s collections. Participation in the FAM provides admission to the museum and Circus Museum. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon July 1. 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Tickets are free but are required. ringling.org/events/family-art-making-fam-0
‘American Fanfare’
A Sarasota tradition continues, but for the last time, as Choral Artists of Sarasota presents its annual Independence Day concert “American Fanfare,” featuring the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. The program will include patriotic favorites, World War II era hits including “White Cliffs of Dover” and “I’ll be Seeing You,” Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” (with the audience providing the sounds of cannons), and excerpts from David Chase and Judith Clurman’s “Washington Women.” Next year, Choral Artists will switch to a Memorial Day program. 4:30 p.m. July 4. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $5-$50. 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org
Short Story Book Club
Bookstore1Sarasota’s Short Story Book Club, led by Bryn Durgin, discusses T.C. Boyle’s “I Walk Between the Raindrops,” a collection of short stories by the author of “Talk to Me” and “Outside Looking In.” 11 a.m. July 7, Bookstore1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $19, includes a copy of the book. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com/events
‘The Mantle’
Actor and writer Jalex Scott won the 2021 Players Centre New Play Festival with this play about a man named Benny who records a suicide note on the anniversary of the most traumatic event in his life. He sets it up to post on social media, but the audience is meant to ask if he really wants to carry out the plan or if he is looking for a reason not to. Amanda Schlachter directs this workshop production. July 7-9, The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota. $15 (plus $2 handling fee). 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
New Play Reading Series
The Players Centre introduces five new plays during its annual New Play Reading Series, which will be held in a new venue. Actors will have limited rehearsal time and will present the plays with scripts. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. This year’s entries are “Entangled” by George Steitz (July 10); “Happy Dale” by Don Landon (July 11), “Oh Brother!” by W.J. Post (July 12); “The Orbit” by Joseph Smith (July 13); and “The Robots of Walmart” by Jennifer Kokai (July 14). The winner will receive a workshop production next year. Readings will be in The Players Centre’s production shop, 2169 10th St., Sarasota. $10 for each reading. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘Divas Three’
The touring cabaret show “Divas Three” comes to Florida Studio Theatre to celebrate some of the most influential women over four decades of pop music history. The show features hits by Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Cher, Dolly Parton, Carole King and more. It features singers Samantha Duval, Charity Farrell and Crystal Alicia Garett. July 10-Sept. 10. Florida Studio Theatre Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $34-$39. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Hermitage STARs
Each summer, the Hermitage Artist Retreat provides time and space for five winners of the State Teachers Artist Residency Program (or STARs) to work on their own artistic endeavors. This year’s honorees will present a family-friendly showcase of what they are working on outdoors at the Hermitage campus on Manasota Key, in partnership with the Englewood YMCA. The teachers are Jeffrey Brown of Orange County, James Finch of Brevard County, Katherine Gebhart of Palm Beach County, Omar Otero of Seminole County and Rachael Pongetti of Escambia County. 1 p.m. July 14, Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘The Cemetery Club’
So many people wanted to see Ivan Menchell’s touching comedy “The Cemetery Club” last winter that Venice Theatre is bringing it back with the same cast for a summer run. It’s about three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before they head to the cemetery to visit their husbands’ graves. Brad Wages directs Jan Wallace, Gina Scarda, Loretta Zullo, Jim Parise and Sandi Wall. July 14-Aug. 13, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $35, $22 for college students and educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Surface Pressure’
Sarasota Art Museum highlights the work of multimedia artist Chakaia Booker, who is known for the way she manipulates unconventional materials into new compositions. The museum says her work “challenges viewers to consider the nature of their relationships with one another and the world at large.” The show’s title refers to her creative process and the force required to manipulate rubber, wood, steel and paper into new objects. July 16-Oct. 29. Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘Oklahoma!’
Because of limited availability of international opera and ballet productions, the Sarasota Opera did not schedule a full summer season of its HD at the Opera House series this year. But it is screening a 1998 staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ground-breaking “Oklahoma!” starring Hugh Jackman as Curly, filmed during its run at the National Theatre in London. It also stars Maureen Lipman, Josefina Gabrielle and Shuler Hensley. 1:30 p.m. July 16. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $22. 941-328-1320; sarasotaopera.org
Robert Plunket reading
Robert Plunket, the longtime Sarasota Magazine writer known for his “Mr. Chatterbox” column, will read from his 1983 comedic novel “My Search for Warren Harding.” The book, which had been out of print for years, was recently republished and is bringing Plunket international coverage. He told The New York Times that “I did think that eventually after I was dead it might be rediscovered, and then it happened before I was dead, which was a bit of a surprise.” 6:30 p.m. July 17, Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $19, includes a copy of the book. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
Banned Book Club
Bookstore1Sarasota’s Banned Book Club discusses Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey,” which was named the 11th most banned book at the start of the 2022-23 school year. It is a collection of poetry and prose about survival amid violence, abuse, love and loss. 11 a.m. July 18 Bookstore1 Banned Book Club, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $15, including a copy of the book. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com/events
‘Chicago’
The Dingbat Theatre, which has been staging a range of musicals in unexpected spaces, presents the John Kander-Fred Ebb musical “Chicago” about the corruption of the justice system in 1920s. It tells the story of two women who manage to turn their notoriety from murder cases into performing arts stardom. Co-founders Brian F. Finnerty and Luke Manual McFatrich direct, with Tahlia Chinault as Roxie Hart and Amanda Heisey as Velma Kelly. July 19-Aug. 5. Loveland Center, 157 Havana Rd., Venice. $25, $2.25 service fee. Dingbattheatre.org
Sarasota Improv Festival
Improv troupes and artists from around the world, including the rapping headliner M.C. Hammersmith, gather for the first Sarasota Improv Festival at Florida in four years. It's a weekend of comedy performances and workshops with multiple shows happening simultaneously in different theater spaces. It features new and returning acts, including FST Improv, Dad’s Garage, Available Cupholders, North Coast, Big Bang Improv and SAK Comedy Lab. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Weekend passes are $20-$79. Single tickets are $10, except $25 for M.C. Hammersmith. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Lateral Moves’
Playwright CeCe Dwyer won the 2022 Players Centre New Play Festival with her piece set on Martha’s Vineyard, where an engaged millennial couple is forced to deal with their unattached boomer-era parents who want to stay in control of things. It contains adult language and content and discussion of suicide. July 21-23, The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota. $15 (plus $2 handling fee). 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘Seussical KIDS’
Students in the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s summer camp present a special version of the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical inspired by the stories of Dr. Seuss, including Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat. A For Kids by Kids production. 7 p.m. July 21, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 503 Third Ave., West, Bradenton. $20 adults. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
In the Round
Sarasota Contemporary Dance uses the summer months to offer select choreographers from across the country a chance to create new work on dancers participating in the company’s Summer Intensive. Audience members may offer their reactions and feedback to help the artists during the performances. The July choreographer is Camryn Nease. 7 p.m. July 21 ($20), a virtual presentation at 7 p.m. July 24 ($10). 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300. 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org
‘Diving Into Nature’
Selby Botanical Gardens opens a summer showcase highlighting the career of Sarasota designer and illustrator John Pirman, whose work often captures images of people, life and iconic buildings from around the area. “John Pirman: Diving Into Nature” will be presented in Selby’s Museum of Botany and the Arts and outdoors around the gardens. July 22-Sept. 17. 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 941-366-5731; selby.org
‘Reassembling Spilt Light’
Multimedia artist Carlos Bunga has developed a style known as “expanded painting,” which crosses the boundaries of painting, sculpture, architecture and performance. He uses everyday materials such as cardboard and masking tape for his new creations. Sarasota Art Museum highlights a new immersive installation, a temporary cardboard structure set up in the third floor Koski Gallery with its 30-foot high ceiling. Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. July 23-Oct. 29. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘Folktale and Movement’
Choreographer Christopher Williams, a finalist for the 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize in Dance and Choreography, presents a look at his latest work in “Folktale and Movement: The Ballet Russes Through a Modern Lens.” With his collaborator Caitlin Scranton, he holds an open rehearsal and conversation about his new interpretation of a classical folktale originally staged by the Ballet Russes. His work reimagines classic ballets through a contemporary queer lens. 6:30 p.m. July 28, Hermitage Artist Retreat Palm House Studio, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org
In Motion
Participants in the Sarasota Ballet’s Summer Intensive program showcase are featured in a weekend of performances highlighting dance artists of the future. The students, who come from dance schools across North America, have spent three to five weeks studying and rehearsing in a variety of styles with the faculty. 7:30 p.m. July 27, 2 and 7:30 p.m. July 28 and 2 p.m. July 29, Mertz Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $30-$40. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org/events/motion-2023
Continuing
ArtCenter Manatee
ArtCenter Manatee closes its 2022-23 exhibition season with an open, all-media, juried exhibit. Through Aug. 8. 209 9th St., West, Bradenton. 941-746-2862; artcentermanatee.org
Art Center Sarasota
The annual juried show with the theme “Identity: Exploring the Human Condition” continues through Aug. 5. Juror Christy Paris selected the winning entries. First place went to George Zebot of Venice for “Healing Democracy.” Second place went to Julie White for “Reflection” and Longboat Key artist Ravi Venkataraman took third place with “Breaking Free.” 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
Florida Studio Theatre
The hit comedy murder mystery “Shear Madness” has now been extended at least through July 9 in the Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota, $29-$49. “Black Pearl Sings” by Frank Higgins continues through July 30 in the Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., $25-$39. The cabaret show “The Surfer Boys,” celebrating the music of The Beach Boys continues through Aug. 13 in the Goldstein Cabaret. $18-$39. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Ringling Museum
“From the Chambers: Honoring John Sims,” focused on the life and work of the late Sarasota artist and activist, continues through Aug. 6 in the Searing East Wing. “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” featuring work built on the principles of appropriating, recycling and manipulating imagery, continues through Oct. 15 in the Monda Gallery. “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the museum’s first presentation of contemporary art by Native American artists with historic ties to Florida, continues through Sept. 4 in the Searing West Wing Galleries. “Art Deco Lacquer and Textiles from Japan” continues through Oct. 22 in the Chao Gallery; “As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art” continues through Jan. 7 in the Searing Wing. An exhibit of costumes and photographs from the Stonewall National Museum and Archives continues Aug. 8 in the Community Gallery. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota 941-359-5700; ringling.org.
‘Summer Circus Spectacular’
The annual summer circus collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling returns for another summer of family entertainment, featuring hand balancing, juggling, clowns, an aerial rope act and more. Through Aug. 12. Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $20, $13 for children 12 and younger. $50 for the opening night gala and performance. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College
Three exhibitions continue through Sept. 17: “The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion” features artists whose portraits and conceptual images bring together art and fashion photography in new ways. “Stephanie J. Woods: my papa used to play checkers” is a solo exhibit of work Woods created after an artist residency at Black Rock Senegal in Dakar in 2021. Sara Berman’s Closet looks at the impact of order and organization of one woman’s closet as recreated by her daughter and grandson. Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Urbanite Theatre
The world premiere of Franky D. Gonzalez’s “That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” continues through July 9. The play takes audiences into the boxing ring and inside the minds of four Latino boxers as they fight for their dreams. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. $39, $25 for 40 and younger, $5 students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.org
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Plays, musicals, concerts and exhibits opening in Sarasota-Manatee
