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See the Alter Eagles on Monday, April 14, 7:30pm, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue, Venice. This tribute to The Eagles includes all their greatest songs, from their earliest classics like “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” and “One of These Nights” to huge hits like “Heartache Tonight” and “Hotel California.” Seating is general admission and tickets are $56 per person. To learn more or purchase tickets visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
Good Night, Oscar
“Good Night, Oscar” runs from now until Saturday, April 26, at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Directed by Peter Amster and written by Doug Wright, this regional premiere explores the life of Oscar Levant—pianist, film star, and infamous talk show guest whose genius teetered on the edge of madness. Set during his legendary 1958 appearance on “The Tonight Show,” this witty and poignant play offers a glimpse into the brilliance and turmoil of a complicated icon. Tickets start at $35. For showtimes and details, visit AsoloRep.org or call 941•351•8000.
Venice Theatre Presents Molière’s “The Learned Ladies” – A Witty Classical Comedy on Stage Through May 4
Venice Theatre invites audiences to enjoy an evening of sharp wit and theatrical delight with “The Learned Ladies”, running Friday, April 11 through Sunday, May 4 at Venice Theatre, located at 140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice.
Written by Molière, this satirical classical verse comedy playfully skewers the intellectual pretensions of a women’s self-styled literary salon. At the heart of the chaos lies a tangle of love triangles, societal scandal, and philosophical snobbery, all delivered with the clever bite and rhythm of Molière’s iconic prose.
Performances are held Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for youth, offering an affordable opportunity to enjoy this timeless comedic gem. For tickets and more information, visit VeniceTheatre.org.
During a recent rehearsal, members of the production team—including the stage manager, cast, choreographer, and director—gathered for a photo, capturing the collaborative spirit behind the scenes.
Standing (left to right): Mary Garcia Taylor, Seth A.L. Grayson, Zachary Tudor, Ken Basque, Cameron Darkes-Burkey, Kevin Fewell, Tanmart Selby, Charles Lindas, Eliza Ladd, Benny Sato Ambush
Seated (left to right): Peg Harvey, Aleah Colón-Alfonso, Nicol Moeller, Linda Ramzell, Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, Megan Hendrick
Revised Assumptions Exhibit
The Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall Suite 119, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, hosts monthly exhibits by member artists. Shows run from the first Saturday to the last Saturday of each month. Libby Hawk’s exhibit, “Revise Assumptions/Libby Hawk Paintings,” carries over from March and can be seen from April 5 to 26, Saturdays only from 2 to 4pm. Her exhibit challenges norms about two- and three-dimensional art. She creates provocative abstracts on paper and canvas, vibrating with color and texture. Admission is free; registration not required. For more information visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
Arts Advocates Lecture
Arts Advocates presents monthly luncheon programs at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, featuring engaging speakers discussing local arts-related topics. Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre, is the featured speaker on Thursday, April 17 from 11 am to 1pm. When Rothstein became producing artistic director at Asolo Rep in 2023, his vast experience gave him the background he needed to guide the largest Actors’ Equity theatre in the Southeastern United States. Now in his second season, Rothstein will share his vision for Asolo’s future. $45 for Arts Advocates members; $50 for non-members. Lunch is included. For more information and to register, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
Featured Artist at Sea Grape Gallery
From April 1 to April 30, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring artist, Nancy VanTassell, jewelry designer. Nancy has been creating art of some nature since childhood; in 2004 she became obsessed with jewelry designing. After moving to Florida from Poughkeepsie, New York, and eventually into retirement, Nancy decided to focus on her love for jewelry making and her obsession with wire weaving. Her pieces incorporate wire weaving in precious metals, and often incorporate faceted and semi-precious stones. Many of Nancy’s beautiful jewelry designs are prominently on display at the Sea Grape Gallery. More art can be viewed at SeaGrapeGallery.com.
Sea Grape Gallery Guest Artist
Sea Grape Gallery will be showcasing the artwork of guest artist Lana Cease, watercolorist, from April 1 to April 30. Lana focuses on realism to hyper-realistic subjects and has been featured in regional and international publications. Her work will be on display at Sea Grape Gallery and on SeaGrapeGallery.com. The gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Call 941•575•1718 to learn more.
Tradition and the Abstract
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative presents, “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm”, from now to Monday, April 28, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. The exhibit explores the intersection of tradition and abstraction, highlighting music and visual art by artists Shannon Elyse Curry and Jeannette Bradley. Visit SuncoastBlackArtCollaborative.org to learn more.
ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA is arriving at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30pm. This production has all the features a great ABBA show needs: lovely costumes, extremely talented musicians, and breathtaking singers. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org or by calling 941•263•6799.
The Aeolus Quartet
Perlman Music Program presents the Aeolus Quartet on Sunday, April 13, 4 to 5pm, at The Bay Park, Sarasota — a free outdoor concert. A second performance is Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30pm at The Venue at LEC-Harvest, featuring pianist Peter Dugan. Tickets $30; $15 for under 21. Details at PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org or 941•955•4942.
Friday Night Concerts
Centennial Park in Venice hosts free concerts at the gazebo on the second and fourth Friday each month from 7 to 9pm. George Durham performs Friday, April 25 and Dwight Sullivan on May 9. Bring your own seating. Visit VisitVenicefl.org for full schedule.
Currents of Resistance
This visual art exhibit by 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Sandy Rodriguez runs April 5–August 10 at the Ringling’s Keith D. Monda Gallery, Sarasota. Rodriguez uses natural pigments to reflect on colonial histories and Indigenous knowledge. Adult tickets $30, youth $5. Visit Ringling.org.
High School Musical
Venice High School Theatre presents Disney’s “High School Musical” on April 11–13 at Venice Performing Arts Center. Showtimes: 7pm Friday/Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Tickets $17. Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com or call 941•218•3779.
French Connection
Artist Series Concerts presents French violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30pm, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota. Tickets $43/$63. Details at ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or 941•306•1202.
Artful Indulgence
Join “Artful Indulgence: A Taste of Art” on Wednesday, April 16, 6–8pm at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, Venice. Features gourmet stations, silent auction, and a take-home wine glass. Tickets $95 at Chaz51Steakhouse.com and CreativeLiberties.net.
Eirinn Abu and Miami Sound Machine
Saxophonist Eirinn Abu performs with Miami Sound Machine on Wednesday, April 16 at 7pm at Venice Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $29. Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com or call 941•218•3779.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, welcomes Motown legends, The Commodores, on Thursday, April 17, 8pm. The Commodores have influenced artists both young and old, and in all genres with their classic songs. In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskegee Institute. After being discovered by Berry Gordy, The Commodores went on to sell over 60 million records for Motown. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org or by calling the box office at 941•263•6799.
Composer Tony DeSare
Jazz vocalist Tony DeSare performs Friday, April 18 at 7:30pm at Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota. Tickets and info at GpacTix.com or call 941•552•5325.
Art Workshop & Lunch at The Open Studio
Join a hands-on art workshop on Saturday, April 19, 9:30am–1pm at The Open Studio, Englewood. Includes supplies and lunch. Tickets $55. Register at AcademyOfClassicalArts.com or call 941•413•0236.
Power Couple
Diana Cohen and Roman Rabinovich perform in Artist Series Soirée concerts April 20 and 21 at 4pm in Sarasota. Tickets $65. Info and tickets at ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or 941•306•1202.
Mike Imbasciani presents “Simply Clapton: A Tribute to Slowhand”, on Monday, April 21, 7:30pm, at the Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice. Mike Imbasciani and special guest Will Johns, nephew of Eric Clapton, take you on a journey through the incredible career of “Guitar God” Eric Clapton, from his early days with John Mayall’s The Blues Breakers, the groundbreaking music of Cream, through Derek & The Dominos and his solo years from 1973 to the present. Tickets are $61. For more information or to purchase tickets visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
Opera at the Bay
On Sunday, April 27 at noon, enjoy a free outdoor broadcast of Cavalleria rusticana at The Bay in Sarasota, with performances from the Sarasota Opera’s 2025 season. Visit SarasotaOpera.org or TheBaySarasota.org for more.
Ring Sarasota
Ring Sarasota performs “Celebrate! Join the Party!” on Sunday, April 27 at 5pm at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, Sarasota. Free event. For more, call 941•451•7601.
Beck Lane at Arcos Gallery
View multimedia works by Beck Lane all April at Creative Liberties at Arcos Apartments, Sarasota. Gallery open Mon–Sat. Visit CreativeLiberties.net or call 941•799•6634.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre Presents Dark Comedy “Bad Jews” – A Battle of Beliefs and Family Ties
From April 30 to May 11, Sarasota Jewish Theatre presents the critically acclaimed dark comedy “Bad Jews” by Joshua Harmon, staged at The Sarasota Players, located at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, this biting, thought-provoking play dives into intense questions of faith, family, and identity, as three adult cousins clash over a precious heirloom linked to their grandfather’s survival during the Holocaust. The sharp dialogue and emotional stakes make for a compelling exploration of generational trauma, tradition, and personal conviction—all wrapped in dark comedic brilliance.
Performance Schedule:
Preview Night: April 30 at 7:30 PM
Evening Performances: May 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 10 at 7:30 PM
Matinees: May 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11 at 1:30 PM
Tickets range from $30 to $42 and can be purchased online at ThePlayers.org or by calling 941•365•2494. For additional information about the production and the company, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
Make sure to stay for the “Be A Theatre Maven” talkback program following the May 2 matinee, where audience members can engage in an insightful discussion about the play’s themes and creative process.
Pictured: Josephine Phoenix as Daphna and Michael Raver as Liam.