Sarasota Theater Reviews

Review: THE LEHMAN TRILOGY at Florida Studio Theater
by Shanti Kennedy - February 05, 2024

The Lehman Trilogy is a three-act play written by Italian playwright Stephano Massini. The story follows the lives of the Lehman immigrant brothers, from their arrival in America to the famous collapse of their company in 2008, after being in business for 158 years. At the time, this was the largest...

Review: HADESTOWN at Van Wezel, A Mesmerizing Journey through Myth and Music
by Jacob Ruscoe - January 31, 2024

I have seen over 90 shows either on Broadway or as part of a Broadway Tour. I have a database where I have ranked them in order that I like the show. Obviously with 90 shows to get in the top ten is quite a feat. I would see a show in my top 10 ANY time I could. Now to make it in the top 5, well tha...

Review: A SOLDIER'S PLAY at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
by Shanti Kennedy - January 26, 2024

A Soldier’s Play was originally performed off Broadway, opening in November 1981 through January 1983 after 468 performances. The original cast included Adolph Caeser, Denzel Washington, Larry Riley, and Samuel L. Jackson. ...

Review: UGLY LIES THE BONE at Florida Studio Theater
by Shanti Kennedy - January 22, 2024

What did our critic think of UGLY LIES THE BONE at Florida Studio Theater?...

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Asolo Reperatory Theater
by Shanti Kennedy - January 20, 2024

What did our critic think of INHERIT THE WIND at Asolo Reperatory Theater?...

Review: THE CHER SHOW at Van Wezel
by Shanti Kennedy - January 11, 2024

Cher, the pop-icon, diva, actress, fashion icon, winner of over 300+ awards, including an Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar, is now a Broadway Musical! “The Cher Show” tells the story of Cher’s 60-year boundary breaking career. Cher has lived such a full life (and still rocking) that it takes 3 women to play ...

Review: SALUTE TO VIENNA at Van Wezel
by Shanti Kennedy - January 02, 2024

What did our critic think of SALUTE TO VIENNA at Van Wezel? A cherished tradition, The Vienna New Year's Concert (Neujahrskonzert der Wiener Philharmoniker) is an annual concert of classical music performed by the Vienna Philharmonic on the morning of New Year's Day in Vienna, Austria....

Review: JOYFUL!JOYFUL! at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
by Shanti Kennedy - December 13, 2023

What did our critic think of JOYFUL!JOYFUL! at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe? With their Christmas Card to the Sarasota Community, the West Coast Black Theater Troupe encapsulates traditional and contemporary treasures of holiday music. This show is part Spiritual, part R&B show and part Rock Conce...

Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Florida Studio Theatre
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 04, 2023

Stars are awesome and they are stars for a reason, but this show was a reminder that theatrical experiences are ones that immerse you in a story and take your mind from the cares of the world if only for a moment. That experience is exactly what you will get if you go see FST’s rendition of this cla...

Review: PRETTY WOMAN at VAN WEZEL
by Jacob Ruscoe - November 28, 2023

While it might not be on the top of your must-see list, if this cast comes to your town, it is a musical you will be glad you saw!...

Review: CRAZY FOR YOU at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti Kennedy - November 23, 2023

What did our critic think of CRAZY FOR YOU at Asolo Reperatory Theater?...

Review: BEYOND THE VEIL at First Congregational Church
by Shanti Kennedy - October 31, 2023

What did our critic think of BEYOND THE VEIL at First Congregational Church?...

Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
by Shanti Kennedy - October 30, 2023

This multi-award winning musical started running in the 1990’s off-Broadway and has been revived multiple times. Once on This Island was nominated for 9 Tony Awards, winning in the category of Best Revival of a musical in 2018. Take note, as this musical is currently in development by Disney as a fi...

Review: NEWSIES at Rise Above
by Shanti Kennedy - October 24, 2023

What did our critic think of NEWSIES at Rise Above? Rise Above Theater takes this show on in stride. There were many production choices that made this not just a night at the theater, but an experience! From being greeted at the door and ushered to our seats by the costumed cast, to the entire theat...

Review: CHICAGO at Loveland's Center Performing Arts Theatre
by Carolan Trbovich - July 28, 2023

What did our critic think of CHICAGO at Loveland's Center Performing Arts Theatre?...

Review: MAN OF LA MANCHA at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Carolan Trbovich - May 22, 2023

What did our critic think of MAN OF LA MANCHA at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Review: BIG SEXY: THE FATS WALLER REVUE At Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Carolan Trbovich - May 03, 2023

What did our critic think of BIG SEXY: THE FATS WALLER REVUE at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...

Review: WE ALL FALL DOWN at The Players Centre
by Carolan Trbovich - April 20, 2023

What did our critic think of WE ALL FALL DOWN at The Players Centre? Who doesn't like a good Seder? The lovely gathering. The kosher wine. The heartfelt tradition. The kosher wine. The four questions. The kosher wine. The Culture Clash. The identity clash. The guilt. More wine, please....

Review: COME ON, GET HAPPY! at Riveview Performing Arts Center
by Carolan Trbovich - March 28, 2023

What did our critic think of COME ON, GET HAPPY! at Riveview Performing Arts Center?...

Review: WICKED at Straz Center
by Carolan Trbovich - March 12, 2023

What did our critic think of WICKED at Straz Center?...

Review: DREAMGIRLS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Carolan Trbovich - March 04, 2023

What did our critic think of DREAMGIRLS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...

Review: HEDY! THE LIFE & INVENTIONS OF HEDY LAMARR at Sarasota Jewish Theatre
by Carolan Trbovich - February 24, 2023

What did our critic think of HEDY! THE LIFE & INVENTIONS OF HEDY LAMARR at Sarasota Jewish Theatre?...

Review: CHICKEN & BISCUITS at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Carolan Trbovich - February 19, 2023

What did our critic think of CHICKEN & BISCUITS at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...

Review: TOOTSIE THE COMEDY MUSICAL at Van Wezel
by Carolan Trbovich - February 14, 2023

What did our critic think of TOOTSIE THE COMEDY MUSICAL at Van Wezel?...

Review: MOMIX - ALICE at Van Wezel
by Carolan Trbovich - February 12, 2023

What did our critic think of MOMIX - ALICE at Van Wezel?...