50+ arts events opening in April in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
April is a period for winding down in the Sarasota area arts scene, but it is happening slowly with dozens more new events opening, along with a few holdover shows that you still have time to catch.
Hina Khuong-Huu recital
Violinist Hina Khuong-Huu, who was named a rising star by the Violin Channel and the first prize winner of the 2023 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, performs a recital with pianist Rohan De Silva for Artist Series Concerts. They will play works by Camille Saint-Saëns, César Franck, Richard Wagner and Maurice Ravel. 4 p.m. April 1, Fischer/Weisenborne home, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota. $60. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘Romeo & Juliet’
William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy about two young people from rival families falling in love is performed by the second-year students in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. After years of presenting Shakespeare outdoors, the company moves indoors, performing on a set designed to look like the traditional Globe Theatre. Faculty member and veteran Shakespearean actor Jonathan Epstein directs. April 2-28. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $22.50-$35. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
Tony DeSare
Jazz artist Tony DeSare, who has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas and been named Rising Star Male Vocalist by Downbeat magazine, brings his music to Sarasota with a performance at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center. He has released numerous albums and composed theme songs for movies, commercials and television programs. 7:30 p.m. April 3, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. $22.50-$27.50. 941-552-5325; gpactix.com
'My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy’
Brad Zimmerman didn’t make it as an actor the way he hoped when he was younger, so after years working as a waiter in casual restaurants and taking comedy classes, he turned his story into a comical play and created a major career shift. He relates his lack of motivation as a kid and how much he needed to change the direction of his life and career by sharing his story. April 3-7. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $51.50-$71.50. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘The Secret Garden’
Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman’s Broadway musical version of the timeless story by Frances Hodgson Burnett comes to the Sarasota Players. It’s the story of the orphaned Mary Lennox, who comes to live with her uncle and helps heal her sickly cousin when she brings his late mother’s hidden garden back to life. April 3-21. 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1130. $30, $13 students age 24 and under. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘Troubadour’
The Florida premiere of a musical set in 1951 Nashville and featuring music by Kristian Bush of Sugarland. It’s about a retiring country music legend who hopes his son will carry on his musical legacy. But the son pairs up with a new songwriter and a rodeo tailor and winds up changing country music. April 3-May 19. Florida Studio Theatre Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39-$59. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Boyd Meets Girl
The husband-and-wife of Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf perform a varied program of classical and popular music in this Artist Series Concerts luncheon program. There will be selections by Schubert, Florence Price, Caroline Shaw, Bach, and Lennon and McCartney. 11 a.m. April 4, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $68. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘American Dream’
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee presents the Ariel Quartet. The ensemble, which marked its 25th anniversary in 2023, met as teenagers at the Jerusalem Academy Middle School of Music and Dance in Israel. They are now faculty-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. The program will be drawn from a list of international composers who realized their American dream. 7 p.m. April 4, The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. $40. pmpsuncoast.org
‘Ballad of Old Manatee’
The Hat Theater Collective returns for its second season at the Manatee Village Historical Park with the tale of the Lonesome Grave. It’s a love story between James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee, and the conflict between James and Sarah’s father, the prominent minister, the Rev. Edmund Lee. This year’s production, staged by company founder Danae DeShazer, features a mix of new and returning cast members, an expanded ensemble and the addition of the Balladiers folk band featuring Preston Boyd, Dan Cole and Lew Whitener. Patrons wander around the historic buildings at the park while the actors tell the story. April 4-20. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. $27. atthehat.org/tickets
‘Stage, Page and Useful Rage’
Hermitage Artist Retreat fellows Julia Jordan and Xochitl Gonzalez discuss their careers as creators and advocates for charge in the arts. Jordan co-founded The Lilly’s, which is dedicated to gender and racial parity in the theater. She’s also the creator of “Murder Ballad.” Gonzalez is a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of the novel “Olga Dies Dreaming.” 6:30 p.m. April 5. Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Portraits of Expression’
The Sarasota Ballet presents a triple bill of three past favorites, including two pieces by George Balanchine. “Emeralds,” a segment of Balanchine’s three-part “Jewels,” is set to music by Gabriel Fauré, and “Who Cares?” is a jazzy piece with music by George Gershwin. They are joined by Kenneth MacMillan’s “Las Hermanas,” based on Federico García Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba.” 7:30 p.m. April 5, 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 6. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$125. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org
‘The Enchanted Bookshop’
In Todd Wallinger’s play for family audiences, famous characters from classic works of literature come to life to help rescue a bookstore owner from a pair of bungling smugglers. It features a diverse assortment of characters from Robin Hood and Pollyanna to Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, Frankenstein and Tom Sawyer. Kellyn Duyn directs a large cast in the production. April 5-21, Venice Theatre Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $19, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Un Poyo Rojo’
Two Argentinian men distort expectations of manhood as they play with movement, analogue radio and tiny shorts in a program in which they move from wrestling to dance, acrobatics and physical comedy. 7:30 p.m. April 6, 5 p.m. April 7, 11 a.m. masterclass April. 8. Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. $30-$40. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘Fierce and Fabulous’
Elisabeth Trostli has her work displayed in the April Arts Advocates member artists exhibit. She uses a digital painting process to incorporate detailed visual references in her work. This show highlights pieces inspired by her travels, scientific engravings, steampunk, Celtic, Asian and African mythology. 2-4 p.m. Saturdays April 6-27. Arts Advocates Gallery, Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free. She will talk about her work at 4 p.m. April 9. $5, free for Arts Advocates members. artsadvocates.org
‘On the Road’
An exhibition of work by photographers Jill Freedman and Randal Levenson captures images of traveling entertainers. Freedman followed performers with the Beatty-Cole Circus capturing a sense of “backstage everyday life of this ancient, closed society and the people who live in it.” Levenson documented traveling carnivals and side show performers beginning in 1971. April 6-Aug. 25. The Ringling Searing Galleries, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
‘The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery’
The Ringling Circus Museum opens its newest exhibition space on the second floor of the Tibbals Learning Center. It celebrates the modern circus era that began when Irvin Feld purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1967, and touches on how it launched indoor arena tours and became one of the world’s most recognized brands. Opens April 6. The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Poetry Open Mic
Bookstore1Sarasota marks National Poetry Month by inviting attendees to share original works or recite their favorite poem in this Poetry Open Mic event. 2-3 p.m. April 7 (sign-in begins at 1:30 p.m.). Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
‘Light & Gold’
Key Chorale performs works by Eric Whitacre and Morten Lauridsen, who are considered two of the most performed choral composers of our time. The Key Chorale Chamber Singers joins with Modern Marimba for the concert that includes Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and several pieces by Whitacre. 5 p.m. April 7, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. $35-$45, $10 college students, free students under age 18. 941-552-8768; keychorale.org
‘Mendelssohn, Brahms & Haydn’
Eight musicians are featured in the opening concert of the traditional La Musica International Chamber Music Festival series. The program includes Haydn’s Piano Trio in A major, Mendelssohn’s Piano Quartet in C minor, op. 1 and Brahms’ String Sextet no. 2 in G major, op. 36. 7:30 p.m. April 10, with a 6:45 p.m. pre-concert talk. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $60. 941-347-9656; lamusicafestival.org/tickets
Yang Plays Mozart
Pianist Joyce Yang is the guest soloist for this Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. Guest conductor Katharina Wincor leads the program that also includes Roger Zare’s “NEOWISE” (named by the Sarasota native for a comet that passed across the sky in 2020) and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. 7:30 p.m. April 12-13, 2:30 p.m. April 14, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $39-$105. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Mozart, Kodaly and Arensky
La Musica International Chamber Music Festival presents Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 12 in A major, Zoltán Kodály’s Serenade for Two Violins and Viola, op. 12 and two pieces by Anton Arensky. 5 p.m. April 13 with a 4:15 p.m. pre-concert talk. Sarasota Opera House. 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $60. 941-347-9656; lamusicafestival.org/tickets
‘Treasure Island’
The Gothic Library returns with a live radio theater version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure tale “Treasure Island.” The story is adapted and directed by Ren Pearson. 8 p.m. April 13, 5 p.m. April 14. Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $25. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
‘Considering Matthew Shepard’
Choral Artists performs Craig Hella Johnson’s musical journey through the life of Matthew Shephard, the University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured and left to die while tied to a fence in 1998. Johnson’s score touches on everything from gospel to chant, oratorio and country. 7 p.m. April 14. Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. $40, $5 students. 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org
Hermitage Greenfield Prize Weekend
A weekend celebrating creativity and the Hermitage Greenfield Prize opens with a conversation with 2024 winner, playwright Deepa Purohit. 3 p.m. April 13. Hermitage Great Lawn, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Purohit will join musician Kavita Shah and playwright Nandita Shenoy for the discussion “Hermitage Artists & Thinkers: South Asian Artists in America” at 6:30 p.m. April 13. Hermitage Beach. Both programs: $5 registration. The annual dinner, this year honoring Purohit, is at 6 p.m. April 14 at Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota. $625. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Behind the Curtain’
Arts Advocates, which owns the artwork displayed on the walls of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, presents a docent-led tour of work by such Florida artists as Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, William Hartman and more. 1:30-3 p.m. April 15. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $15. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Azul Naranja Salado’
The world premiere of a piece by 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner, composer Angélica Negrón, which was created to be performed outdoors specifically on the beach and grounds of the Hermitage Artist Retreat. It will be performed by members of ensembleNEWSRQ, including cellist Natalie Helm, violinists Samantha Bennett and Jennifer Best Takeda, and percussionist George Nickson. 7 p.m. April 15. Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. $25. hermitageartistretreat.org
Schumann, Smetana and More
The 2024 La Musica International Chamber Music Festival comes to a close with a program that includes pieces by Anton Dvorak, Lukas Foss, Don Ellis, Bedrich Smetana and William Schumann. 7:30 p.m. April 16 with a 6:45 p.m. pre-concert talk. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $60. 941-347-9656; lamusicafestival.org/tickets
Duo Beaux Arts
Husband and wife pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin have performed around the world in concert halls and major festivals since coming together in 2008 and now appear in an Artist Series Concerts program. 7:30 p.m. April 16, Studio for the Performing Arts, State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. $40. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
'Shrek The Musical' postponed
The hit musical based on the animated films returns was scheduled to return to Sarasota April 16-17, but the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall reports that the national tour encountered scheduling and routing logistics issues. The show has been rebooked for Sarasota Sept. 24-25. Ticketholders have been notified about how to reschedule their seats or request refunds. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $65-$105. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Sarasota Piano Trio
The trio featuring pianist Jesse Martins (music director of the Sarasota Youth Opera), violinist Milene Moreira and cellist Nadine Trudel performs for a Sarasota Concert Association Music Matinee. The three Sarasota Opera colleagues play some lesser-known pieces they believe have been overlooked. 2 p.m. April 17, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. Free, but registration is required. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van’
This comedy by Mary Lynn Dobson provides an unusual backstage look at what it takes to get the show on stage. Actually, the action takes place in an old van in the parking lot where the crew at the Summerfun Repertory Theatre must deal with everything from an overstressed director to a man who wants a kick-in in “The Glass Menagerie.” April 17-28. Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $27, $14 students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
‘Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul’
Sheldon Rhoden returns as soul singer Marvin Gaye in the fourth staging of Nate Jacobs’ biographical revue at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Rhoden first played the singer and Motown legend in a slightly different show in 2011. It traces his rise in music from the 1950s to his untimely death in the 1980s. April 17-May 26. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $50, $20 students age 25 and younger/active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Derek Hough Symphony of Dance
Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer Derek Hough, best known from his years as a performer and judge on “Dancing With the Stars,” returns to Van Wezel in a show that was postponed from December because of his wife’s illness. It features ballroom, tap, salsa and hip-hop music and choreography by Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, better known as NappyTabs. 8 p.m. April 18, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $80-$110. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘La Famille Golden Crust’
Former Cirque du Soleil performers created a show that exemplifies the Canadian snowbird whose big dream is to travel to Florida. The couple, known as the Golden Crusts, work out of a special RV and imagine themselves as exotic performers in a show that includes juggling, gaffes and physical comedy. 6:30 p.m. April 18 and 20, 5 p.m. April 21-22. The Ringling, Historic Asolo Theater (outdoors), 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. $30-$40. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘She’s Got Soul’
Actress and singer Capathia Jenkins, who has performed with symphonies and on Broadway in such shows as “Newsies,” “Godspell” and Martin Short’s “Fame Becomes Me,” joins the Sarasota Orchestra for this pops concert. Guest conductor Lucas Waldin will lead a program of hits by Toni Braxton, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Adele and more. 7:30 p.m. April 19, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 20. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $41-$95. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Mean Girls’
Ovation Theatre presents “Mean Girls, High School Version,” Tina Fey’s musical adaptation of her hit film (recently made into a movie musical), with music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. It’s about a new student at a high school who quickly learns about the social order and tries to upend it. April 19-28. Ovation Theatre, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. $20. ovationfla.com
‘How to Draw a Triangle’
Florida Studio Theatre launches its 40th Richard and Betty Burdick New Play Festival with a staged reading of Jake Brasch’s play. It is about a musical-theater obsessed fifth grader who is sent to work witha depressed occupational therapist, with whom he forms an unlikely bond. Brasch is a writer, actor, composer and professional clown. 3 p.m. April 19, FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10 ($15-$25 for subscriptions to the three-show series). 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘The Truth of the Night Sky’
Multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer and sound artist Patrick Harlin take visitors on a journey through space and time in their collaboration. They met a decade ago during residencies at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. The piece was commissioned by the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College to create an immersive experience. April 21-Sept. 29. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘Writing for the Stage’
Obie Award-winning playwright Sarah Gancher, who wrote the recent off-Broadway play “Russian Troll Farm,” discusses how she approaches different pieces and what she is working on in a Hermitage Artist Retreat workshop in partnership with the Annette Dignam State College of Florida Residency in Literature at the Hermitage. 3:30 p.m. April 24. SCF Venice Campus, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘The Rocket Man Show’
Rus Anderson, who was Elton John’s official 1970s body double featured in the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour, leads an evening of the singer-songwriter’s great hits, performed in some of the outrageous costumes John is known for. 7:30 p.m. April 24, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$55. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Sicilians in the Basement’
Joe Simonelli’s romantic comedy is about a couple who open a restaurant in Brooklyn. Patrons in the heavily ethnic neighborhood don’t appreciate the Swiss cuisine, until two Sicilian immigrants shake up the menu with surprising results. April 24-May 12. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $25, $20 students. 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com
Fantastic Voyage
The Sarasota Orchestra’s Great Escapes series takes audiences on a trip across continents in this concert led by guest conductor Christopher Confessore in works by Strauss, Puccini, Elgar and more. Concertmaster Daniel Jordan marks 25 years with the Orchestra performing Johan Svendsen’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra. 5:30 p.m. April 24 and 26 (a one-hour program). 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 27 (full concert with intermission). Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $47-$63. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Molly Hatch: Amalgam’
Ceramic artist and designer Molly Hatch is best known for her large-scale wall installations of hand-painted ceramic plates. She’s creating a new work that will span two floors of the Sarasota Art Museum (which commissioned the work). “Amalgam” is made up of more than 450 plates that have been hand-painted in white, blue and gold. April 25-April 26, 2026. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘Kiss Me Kate’
Cole Porter’s musical version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” returns to the Manatee Players, with such standards as “Too Darn Hot,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “So in Love” and “Wunderbar.” April 25-May 12. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $38. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘Daring Dames of the Silver Screen’
Singer Carole J. Bufford returns to Florida Studio Theatre to help develop her newest cabaret as part of the Richard and Betty Burdick New Play Festival. This new show is focused on forgotten female voices from film history. Bufford has previously performed her shows “ROAR: The Music of the 1920s” and “Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s.” 3 p.m. April 26 FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘The Crown Jewel Finale’
Music Director Troy Quinn leads The Venice Symphony to close the 50th anniversary season in what is described as the biggest concert in its history. The orchestra is joined by Key Chorale and vocalists Deanna Breiwick and Dashon Burton in a program featuring Hans Zimmer’s theme to “The Crown,” William Walton’s “Crown Imperial” and Ralph Vaughan Williams' “Dona nobis pacem.” 7:30 p.m. April 26, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 27. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. $39-$66. 941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org
‘The Price is Right Live’
The classic TV game show has been on the air for decades and this live version has been touring theaters around the country for about 20 years. Audience members have a chance to win cash and prizes by playing pricing games on stage. 8 p.m. April 26. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $47-$67. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Inspirations’
The Sarasota Ballet closes its season with a triple bill. It features Christopher Wheeldon’s “The American,” set to music by Antonín Dvořák and Frederick Ashton’s “Sinfonietta,” set to music by Malcolm Williamson. It also will include the Florida premiere of Jessica Lang’s “Lyric Pieces,” which had its premiere in 2012 with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. It is set to music by Edvard Grieg. 7:30 p.m. April 26, 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 27. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$125. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org
Local Author Book Fair
Bookstore1Sarasota hosts more than a dozen local authors, who will be available to talk about their writing and sign copies of their books. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 941-365-7900; sarasotabooks.com
Johnny Mathis
One of the most popular singers of the 20th century returns to Sarasota to perform some of his romantic favorites. Johnny Mathis has had 50 hits on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, received five Grammy Award nominations and had three songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 8 p.m. April 27. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $90-$120. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Shannon Lee and Ying Li
Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota presents two first place winners of its international competitions for a varied program featuring violinist Shannon Lee and pianist Ying Li. 4 p.m. April 28 and 29, Fischer/Weisenborne residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota. $60. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
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Continuing
Asolo Repertory Theatre
"Intimate Apparel," Lynn Nottage’s tender story about a Black seamstress in 1905 New York seeking love, continues through April 18. A modern twist on the classic thriller “Dial M For Murder,” updated by Jeffrey Hatcher, continues in repertory through April 25. FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $33-$95. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
Embracing Our Differences
The annual exhibition of 50 billboard-sized works of art accompanied by inspirational quotes from students and adults from around the world returns for its 21st season to Sarasota's Bayfront Park. Through April 14, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. embracingourdifferences.org
Florida Studio Theatre
Several productions that opened earlier in the season continue into April or beyond. “The White Chip,” the comedic and poignant personal story of a director’s efforts to come back from alcoholism, which almost killed him, continues through April 12 in the Stage III series in Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$46. The cabaret show “Take it to the Limit” saluting rock ‘n’ roll rebels of the 1970s, continues in the Goldstein Cabaret through April 28. $37-$42. “The Flip Side,” a revue of songs that take a humorous look at life, runs through June 16 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $37-$46. The FST Improv show “Comedy Roulette” returns April 6-May 25 at 8:30 p.m. Saturdays in Bowne’s Lab. $15-$18. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Hamilton’
The national tour of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s hip-hop musical about the life and loves of founding father Alexander Hamilton continues through April 7. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $69-$289. A lottery for 40 $10 seats will be held daily for all performances through the Hamilton phone app. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
The Ringling
There are multiple shows on display at the museum complex. “The True Story of Eve” features work by author and multimedia artist Michele Oka Doner. Through June 2, Monda Gallery. “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” continues through June 23 in the Chao Center for Asian Art. “Embodied,” which highlights 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, 2025; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 50+ arts events in April in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte counties
