Sounds of the season: Where to find ‘The Nutcracker’ and holiday favorites on stage
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The holiday season is a time for traditions, new and old, and as long as audiences keep flocking to performances of the ballet “The Nutcracker,” Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and concerts filled with holiday favorites, area arts organizations will keep offering them. Here is your guide to many of the holiday-related music, dance and theater programs happening in the Sarasota-Manatee area as the end of the year approaches.
‘A Brave New Wonderland’
High-wire artist and daredevil Nik Wallenda produces and stars in this new holiday-season production presented with the Circus Arts Conservatory under the big top in the East District of University Town Center. Wallenda shares the spotlight with friends and family for a high-wire act, along with The Bone Breakers, acrobatic contortionists; Lianna Ashton on hula hoops; character actor Daniel C. Minor; comedian Johnny Rockett; jugglers Gena Cristiani and Josuber “Junior” Neves; aerial pole artist Emma Clark; Ermiyas Muluken on freestanding ladder; and the dog act of Tatiana and Veranica Tchalabaeva. 257 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota. Through Dec. 31. $30-$75. circusarts.org
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Best known for its holiday music, including numerous multi-platinum Christmas albums, Mannheim Steamroller will bring this show featuring Christmas classics combined with multimedia effects. 7 p.m. Nov. 19; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $70-$95; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘A Tuna Christmas’
A holiday-themed sequel to the enduring hit “Greater Tuna,” in which three actors play all the characters and share stories about life in the third-smallest town in Texas. In this version, a local production of “A Christmas Carol” is threatened by unpaid electric bills, and people in the community do what they can to see that traditions continue. Nov. 20-Dec. 17. The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota. $28-$30, $13 for students. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘She Loves Me’
This 1960s musical is all about romance and missed connections. It’s about two co-workers in a perfumerie who think they can’t stand one another, but are actually in love, based on the secret correspondence they carry on in their off hours. Part of the story is set around frenzy of Christmas shopping. It features a score by “Fiddler on the Roof” creators Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joe Masteroff, who also wrote “Cabaret.” Nov. 20-Dec. 17, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave., West, Bradenton. $38. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘Deck the Halls’
Florida Studio Theatre presents the 2023 edition of its Children’s Theatre series’ annual celebration of the holiday season, with sketches, new songs and stories about what makes Christmas, Hanukkah and more special in the Sarasota area. Saturdays and select Sundays Nov. 25-Dec. 24. Florida Studio Theatre Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘The Christmas Express’
Life seems to get better around the Holly Railway station after Leo Tannenbaum shows up out of nowhere just before Christmas Eve. Suddenly, the station manager, Hilda, no longer feels like it’s the most hopeless place in the world. An old radio comes back to life, carolers sound better than ever and the small town captures the Christmas Spirit. Is that all because of Leo? That’s one of the questions in this holiday-themed play by Pat Cook and directed by Carol Warren at the Lemon Bay Playhouse. Nov. 29-Dec. 17, Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, $25, $20 students, 941-474-9610; lemonbayplayhouse.com
‘Joyful! Joyful!’
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the return of Nate Jacobs’ 2021 original revue that mixes traditional holiday tunes, gospel-flavored classics and dancings that represent different cultural traditions. It provides a showcase for students from the company’s Stage of Discovery program. Nov. 29-Dec. 30, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $20-$48. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
The Grammy-nominated saxophonist, who has released multiple Christmas albums, will perform with guitarist Jonathan Butler, singer Rebecca Jade, fellow saxophonist Marcus Anderson and multi-instrumentalist Justin-Lee Schultz. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $70-$85; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘A Christmas Carol’
Venice Theatre is back for the 22nd rendition of its original musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic, with Murray Chase returning to direct one of his favorite shows each season. Brad Wages, who once again plays Ebenezer Scrooge, is part of a cast of veterans, including Doug Landin as Bob Cratchit and Neil Kasanofsky as Fezziwig and Christmas Present. Dec. 1-20, Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $26, $22 for college students, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Canadian Brass Holiday Concert
The group that may be the world’s most famous brass quintet offers a prelude to the Sarasota Concert Association’s winter Great Performers Series with a holiday-themed concert. The ensemble is known for its clever arrangements and a bit of choreography in its performances. The concert also marks the group’s 25th anniversary. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$85. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
Sweet Caroline Tour
Neil Diamond tribute performer Jay White will return to Van Wezel on this tour, with this show billed as "A Neil Diamond Christmas." 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$67; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
A Seraphic Fire Christmas
Vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire, which earned a Best Small Ensemble Grammy nomination for its album "A Seraphic Fire Christmas," will perform a concert of the same name with a candle-lit setting and songs such as "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and "Silent Night." 7 p.m. Dec. 5; St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; $62; seraphicfire.org/tickets
Great Escapes Holiday Party
The Sarasota Orchestra dives into holiday favorites in this Great Escapes concert, featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker," “White Christmas,” “Greensleeves,” Hanukkah melodies and more. Conductor Kelly Corcoran makes her Sarasota debut with the program. Dec. 6-10. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $47-$63. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
A Celtic Christmas with Music Sacra
Two local choirs join with the folk band The Lubben Brothers for the traditional holiday program “A Celtic Christmas.” It features the First Presbyterian Choir and Music Sacra Sarasota, along with award-winning bagpiper Kevin Weigand and the Riverview High School Kiltie Band Highland Dancers. The West Palm Beach-based Lubben Brothers are triplets who were raised in Iowa farm country before they attended a music conservatory and returned to their folk music roots. 7 p.m. Dec. 8, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $15 minimum donation. musicsacrasarasota.org
‘The Nutcracker’
The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company joins with students from the Sarasota Ballet School, the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and other local dancers for performances of the timeless story of Clara and The Nutcracker, set to the classic music of Tchaikovsky. 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice; veniceperformingartscenter.com. Also, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$75. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org
‘A Holiday Circus Spectacular’
The Showfolks of Sarasota marks the season with its annual "Holiday Circus Spectacular." 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $9.99 presale special, $20 adults (with one free child's ticket with each presale or adult ticket purchased), $12 ages 3-12, free ages 2 and under, $34.99 family five-pack, $35-$45 VIP; 800-756-8048; showfolks.com
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
The Sarasota Choral Society returns for its 77th performance of the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” It features soprano Hein Jung, contralto Krista Laskowski, tenor John Kaneklides and bass Christopher Holloway as soloists, along with the full chorus. They are joined by Jonathan Spivey on the organ and orchestra members. Artistic Director Genevieve Beauchamp. 4 p.m. Dec. 9, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota. $25. 941-504-3818; sarasotachoralsociety.org
‘The Nutcracker’
The Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet marks the 20th anniversary of its traditional staging of the classic ballet performed by dancers from its school. It also features international ballet star Sebastian Vinet. 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $30-$60. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘The Nutcracker’
The four-year-old Star Dance Academy, a Palmetto-based school that offers training for children from age 18 months to adults presents its version of the holiday favorite ballet. The performance is intended for audiences of all ages. 4 p.m. Dec. 10, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $20-$55. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Christmas Celebration
For the first time in years, Choral Artists of Sarasota presents a concert focused solely on a wide range of Christmas music, from African-American spirituals, to more traditional holiday music. It includes “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Great Joy A-Comin’” and “Seven Joys of Christmas." 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $40, $5 for students. 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org
A Bublé Holiday
The Pops Orchestra gets into the spirit of the season with guest singer Chris Burke helping the ensemble perform the music of popular Canadian singer Michael Bublé. Burke is a Nashville-based singer who will be performing such hits as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas” in the style of Bublé. 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Neel Performing Arts Center, SCF, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. $30-$60. 941-926-7677; thepopsorchestra.org
Marie Osmond: An Orchestral Christmas
The famed singer who grew up before the nation’s eyes as part of the Osmond family and frequent partner of her brother Donny comes to Sarasota for a holiday celebration that will weave in some of her hits. She is joined by her nephew David Osmond, lead singer of The Osmonds: The 2nd Generation. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $45-$105. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
The singer who gained fame as the original Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” returns for a second time with her holiday concert that was originally created for streaming during the pandemic. She turned it into a touring show and is joined in each city by local choirs and orchestras to perform new arrangements of traditional carols and other seasonal favorites. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $148-$188. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical’
Barbara Robinson’s 1971 novel, which has been turned into a film and a play, is also now a musical. It’s all about the Hersmans, the worst kids in the history of the world, who crash Sunday school and demand to be part of the Christmas pageant, creating panic throughout their small town. Dec. 14-17, Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. $27, $14 for students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
A Holiday Spectacular
The Venice Symphony, led by Troy Quinn, ushers in the holiday season with an instrumental concert of music of the holiday season. In addition to some expected favorites, this year’s program includes a newly arranged suite of music from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and music from “Home Alone” and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. All concerts sold out. 941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org
‘Magic of the Holidays’
The Illusionists bring a touch of the holiday season to their touring magic show, which features a rotating group of performers who amaze audiences with the tricks they achieve. The show got its start in Australia more than a decade ago and has grown to feature illusionists in acts around the world, including a run on Broadway. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $65-$95. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Ovation Holiday Revue
Ovation Theatre celebrates the holiday with its students performing songs and dances from their favorite holiday-themed shows. 6 p.m. Dec. 17. Ovation Theatre, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. $20. ovationfla.com/ovation-theatre
‘The Queen’s Six’
A holiday-themed concert by the vocal sextet that works and lives at Windsor Castle presented by Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. The group performs early chants, bawdy madrigals and folk songs. The singers will present some holiday favorites with upbeat jazz and pop arrangements. 2 p.m. Dec. 17, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $40. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
Short & Suite
The new Azara Ballet presents excerpts from “The Nutcracker” and a mix of contemporary holiday music and ballet choreography in a roughly hour-long program intended for family audiences. Dec. 20-23. Ovation School of Musical Theatre Black Box, 4602 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton. $20-$25. azaraballet.org/performances
Il Divo
After COVID-related delays and the death of Carlos Marin, one of the founding members of Il Divo, the vocal quartet returns to the Van Wezel with a special holiday-themed tour. They will be joined by guest singer, baritone Steven LaBrie and perform such favorites as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $73-$160. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Celtic Angels Christmas
Traditional and contemporary Irish and holiday songs combine in this touring production featuring singers Louise Barry, Chloe Haven, Olivia Bradley, Michaela Groth and Katie Sweeney. The program also includes the Celtic Knight Dancers. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $25-$70. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
An all-new holiday-themed production takes audiences to a magical land far away where acrobats, aerialists, clowns and more display their skills and athleticism. The routines are all set to seasonal favorites. 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40-$90. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
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Christmas Eve with Daniel Espinal
Sarasota High School graduate Daniel Espinal, who is now in his second year at the Yale Graduate School of Music, will perform at Christmas Eve services at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota. A teacher recognized his untrained tenor voice in high school and suggested he get a vocal coach. Espinal went on to graduate from the Manhattan School of Music with honors, and has signed a contract with the Lyric Opera in Chicago 2024-26. 5 and 8 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. firstsrq.com/events/music-fine-arts-events/
‘Candyland’
The Sarasota Sailor Circus, the nation's longest-running youth circus, returns with its annual holiday show, featuring young circus performers doing acrobatics, highwire, aerial and comedic acts for family audiences. Dec. 27-31, Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota. $20-$40. 941-355-9805; circusarts.org
‘The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet’
An international cast of dancers carries on a 30-year tradition with this annual production of the popular ballet. It features more than 40 dancers, 10-foot-tall puppets, hand-painted backdrops and hundreds of exquisite costumes. Each year, the company also invites local children to perform in the show. 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 28, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$198. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
Budapest conductor András Deák leads the Strauss Symphony of America in this annual program that creates the traditional Neujahrskonzert (or New Year’s concert) that grew from the golden age of Viennese music. It features performers from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, soprano Katarzyna Dondalska and tenor Franz Gürtelschmied. 7 p.m. Dec. 30, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $58-$101. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Where to find Nutcrackers and holiday sounds in Sarasota-Manatee area
