After sold-out shows and glowing reviews across the country, Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue heads to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Catch one of two shows at 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. local time at goldengirlstour.com. A special VIP package gets you the best seats in the house and a photo op with the cast on the iconic Golden Girls set.

This isn’t just your classic trip down memory lane, it’s a wild ride. Sophia’s just made bail, busted by the DEA for running a “retiree-only” drug ring. Blanche and Rose are busy with CreakN, their hot senior dating app. Dorothy’s barely holding things together, juggling the chaos with the help of a much younger, very amorous new beau. The show brings all four best friends back to life, letting fans soak in their one-of-a-kind, heartfelt comedy all over again.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue features Chris Davis as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Tommy Favorite as Stan. Murray & Peter Present and Outback Presents bring the production to life.

Tickets are also available at VanWezel.org, by phone at 941-263-6799, or in person at the Veteran Air Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more can call 941-263-6726 for group rates. For pre-show eats, Mattison’s offers grab-and-go inside the theater, with dinner service at select performances. Book through VanWezel.org or at the box office. For full tour info and more details, visit goldengirlstour.com.

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Venetian Harmony Chorus brings together women who love singing a cappella, specializing in the Barbershop style. They perform all over Englewood, Venice, and the nearby communities, sharing their music at local events and celebrations.

Their set featured beloved tunes: “Loch Lomond,” “Almost Like Being In Love” (which included a lively Scottish dance by Jean Bednar), and “The Skye Boat Song,” famous from the TV show Outlander. All three songs captured the crowd and brought a bit of Scotland to Orlando.

Venetian Harmony Chorus is a non-profit affiliate of Sweet Adelines International, and more than anything, they love singing for the community and having fun together. When they rehearse, it feels less like practice and more like a gathering of friends. Music provides connection, laughter and support for one another.

If you enjoy singing, or if you just want to see what they’re all about, they invite you to join them for a rehearsal. On Mondays at 6:30 p.m., you’ll find them in the Community Hall behind Christ Lutheran Church at 701 N. Indiana Ave, Englewood. Visitors are always welcome. Come by, listen in, and sing along. Whether you’re curious about joining or want to book Venetian Harmony Chorus for your next event, stop in and say hello. They’d love to meet you.

Click here to check out their website.

Call 612-272-5436 for more information.

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Michelle and Rick Barger, the owners of Artisanal Cravings, are originally from Staten Island, spent a stretch in Venice, Florida, and landed in Englewood because, as Michelle says, “We wanted a garden and a pool.” On August 1, it will be two years for Michelle and Rick; the garden’s going strong, 15 banana plants out back, and life in Englewood agrees with them.

But retirement surprised Michelle in an unexpected way. “To be perfectly honest, I got a little fluffy,” she admits, laughing. “I was eating out five days a week, and I thought, I’m living in South Florida, I can’t keep this up.” So she went back to something she’s always loved: baking. Though she’s humble about it, Michelle’s not just your run-of-the-mill, average baker. She crafts organic treats using ingredients she grows herself, straight from her garden.

“We’re all scratch here,” Michelle says. “We follow cottage food laws. I’m working toward more farm-to-table, more organic products. The veggies and spices in my focaccia, tomatoes, peppers, it’s all fresh from my garden.”

Clean, wholesome ingredients are non-negotiable. “All those additives are scary,” Michelle admits. “They lead to bloating and all sorts of other issues, especially for women. I just want to keep it as fresh as possible.” Not every dish is perfect, though. “Frosting isn’t the healthiest thing,” she grins. “But it’s delicious.”

Once she started Artisanal Cravings, things snowballed. “It got pretty popular. I have a nice following and I’m so happy with it.” You’ll find her bakery cart on Spinnaker Boulevard every Saturday and Sunday. She also sets up her cart on Sundays at the farmers’ market in South Gulf Cove. That, plus private orders, keeps her plenty busy. She used to run markets four or five days a week but realized baking high-quality goods takes time. So she scaled back and stuck with the bakery cart, built, of course, by Rick.

So, what do people love the most? “Oh my gosh, cinnamon rolls,” Michelle says instantly. “It changes, but right now those are the hit. I do a classic and switch things up every week, adding a new flavor; this week it’s chocolate. Let’s just say my test batch didn’t last long.”

Michelle and Rick enjoy the flexibility of their pop-up. “If I want a vacation, I take it. If I need time for myself, I step back a bit. Last August I had foot surgery and took a break for three or four weeks. Everyone understood and kept in touch.”

And prices stay fair. “This isn’t Manhattan or Miami Beach,” Michelle says. “People shouldn’t be paying seven bucks for a cinnamon roll. Making things from scratch and pulling ingredients from the backyard garden helps keep costs down.”

It all circles back to that backyard garden by the pool, the simple dream that brought Michelle and Rick to Englewood in the first place.

Artisanal Cravings is located at 6245 Spinnaker Blvd, Englewood, Florida. 

Hours Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  For information, call 718-704-8785 or check out their delish Facebook page Artisanal Cravings LLC for their latest creations.

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At aactWORLDFEST, top-tier theatre troupes from across the globe take the stage, many in their native languages. It doesn’t matter if you catch every word; once the curtain goes up, the power of live theatre does the rest. 

This festival isn’t just about sitting back and watching fabulous theater. It’s packed with after-show parties, creative workshops, and all kinds of moments where you’ll meet fellow theater lovers. Picture impromptu drum circles, lingering chats in the lobby, and dinners that stretch long into the night, friendships from these gatherings last well beyond the festival.

In terms of workshops, aactWORLDFEST keeps things fresh and expansive. Dive into improvisation and discover how imagination leads the way onstage, even when words run out. Or get savvy about theatre licensing, from tricky questions to prize-winning challenges. Explore theatre’s roots in ritual with movement-based workshops that focus on presence, relationships, and genuine connection among performers.

Performers and attendees come from a wide spectrum of countries and cultures. At the 2026 festival, you’ll see representation from the Indian Diaspora, Israel, Italy, Latin American cultures, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine/Russia, and the United Kingdom.

If you love theatre, or simply want a week full of energy, inspiration, and international friendship, mark your calendar. aactWORLDFEST is where the world’s stages meet, and everyone’s invited to join the celebration.

Venice Theatre, at 140 W Tampa Ave in Venice, FL, turns into a bustling hub, with three special passes available:

Star Package:

– Early check-in at a special desk

– Access to the Opening Ceremony

– Priority seating for every show in all venues

– Full entry to all workshops

– Invite to every Afterglow Party (students, bring ID)

– Admission to the exclusive Star Event (to be revealed in April 2026)

– Official festival swag bag

Supporting Player Package:

– Entry to the Opening Ceremony

– General admission to all shows (open seating)

– Access to two workshops of your choice

– Passes for every Afterglow Party (students, bring ID)

– Closing Celebration

– Festival swag bag

Ensemble Package:

– Opening Ceremony entry

– Main Theatre shows only

– Passes to all Afterglow Parties (students, bring ID)

– Closing Celebration

– Festival swag bag

Venice Theatre
140 W Tampa Ave, Venice, FL 941-488-1115
Check out aact.org for more on the American Association of Community Theatre and their mission. The festival runs June 15–20, 2026, and registration is $280 for the week. For more info and to register:
https://venicetheatre.org/international 

The post All the World’s a Stage: aactWORLDFEST Brings the Globe to Florida for a Week of Theatrical Magic appeared first on Englewood Review.

In 1992, Florida joined the Fringe movement. Everything started with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, which is both the oldest uncensored Fringe festival in the United States and still going strong. Orlando Fringe remains true to its roots: 100% of the ticket sales go back to the artists, and there’s no jury to gatekeep. The “anyone can play, anything goes” approach inspired communities throughout the state to create their own spaces for alternative theater.

Other Florida spots have joined in the Fringe fun. Key West’s Fringe Theater (launched in 2009) and Sarasota’s Florida Studio Theatre (which actually goes back to 1973, originally as a touring group) both shaped the state’s alternative theater culture. They focus on community, bring in audiences who often get ignored by mainstream venues, and prioritize risk.

Just over an hour’s drive to the south of Englewood, Fort Myers is celebrating The 4th Annual Fort Myers Fringe Festival on May 28-31. The schedule includes musical storytelling, international cabaret, original student work, and a gorilla in a rocking chair.

Among the featured shows: 

“Beers About Songs,” a comic musical about the ups and downs of love and loss, where singer-songwriter Ryan Adam Wells mixes true stories with original songs. 

There’s “Anatomica: A Comedy About Meat, Bones & The Skin You’re In,” which is a mix of clowning, stand-up, and a thorough exploration of what it means to have a body, all performed by the delightfully quirky Amica Hunter. 

Australian storyteller Jon Bennett brings “Fire in the Meth Lab,” a wild and honest account of his brother’s misadventures involving, yes, a meth lab explosion. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also the Fringe-cult classic, “A Young Man Dressed as a Gorilla Dressed as an Old Man Sits Rocking in a Rocking Chair for 56 Minutes and Then Leaves,” which is a cult hit from the original Edinburgh Festival that’s as much about watching the crowd as the gorilla in question.

Don’t skip the youth entries: Cypress Lake Center for the Arts students tackle “Why Won’t Zee Quack?” (about an autistic duck who saves his family) and “Elektra,” a modern retelling of the Greek myth. Carmen Crussard directs them both.

Everything kicks off Thursday, May 28, at Off Broadway Palm Theatre with a party and teaser session. Every act gets three minutes to convince you they’re worth your ticket. “Fire in the Meth Lab” opens the festival proper later that night. Over the weekend, you can catch multiple performances every day. 

By Sunday, May 31, “Josephine: A Burlesque Cabaret Dream” wraps it all up for one night only. Tymisha Harris tells Josephine Baker’s story with all the energy, heartbreak, and courage Baker herself brought to the stage (and the streets). Critics can’t get enough of this show, calling Harris “a tour de force” and the entire production “a triumphant homage.”

Fringe tickets are affordable, and you can easily catch a few shows in an afternoon.

You want fearless theater? This is where you find it. Whether you’re seeking a laugh, a gut punch, or just something you’ve never seen before, the Fort Myers Fringe Festival delivers. It’s culture without a filter, just like Fringe was meant to be.

Click here to go to their website for more information.

Dates: May 28 – 31, 2026
Location: Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
Tickets: Highly accessible, with standard show tickets priced at just $15 each with preview teaser at $5. 

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Food brings people together; that’s something Fork-n-Flair has always believed. Some of their recipes go back generations. Each dish they serve receives the same care and passion they use for their family at home.

Cooking means more to Alison than just a job. It’s how she shares the feeling of true family gatherings: lots of laughter, warmth, and good food. But Fork-n-Flair is about more than just food. Creating an authentic experience is what they’re all about. They love themes, whether it’s a backyard luau or an elegant Italian evening. They handle everything, right down to the details, so your event looks and feels just the way you want it.

No matter whether you’re planning a small dinner, a big party, or an event with a theme that’s totally off the wall, Fork-n-Flair wants to make sure it isn’t just delicious, it’s memorable. Their goal is to satisfy your palate and fill you with joy, turning your event into something unforgettable. Every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and the magic that happens around a full table.

Recently, the Englewood REVIEW sat down with Alison D’Elia, to learn more about what makes Fork-n-Flair so special.

“We cater pretty much anything,” Alison explains. “From birthdays, themed parties, you name it. What sets us apart is how we approach things. I don’t just throw out a price. I ask for your budget first, then build a menu that fits, instead of telling you what it costs and leaving it at that.”

And what if you have an unusual theme in mind for your event? Is that a problem? 

“We match your menu to your theme, too. If you want an Italian birthday, I’ll craft an Italian menu. Want Mediterranean, luau, Mexican? We’ve done them all. Even if your only theme is ‘favorite color is pink’—like yesterday—we ran with it. We offer three levels of service: simple drop-off, drop-off with setup, or full service. Yesterday we dropped off and set everything up with pink runners, pink floral antipasto cups, flowers—the works. We want to turn a party into a real event.”

When Alison and her husband moved to Florida in 2024, she never imagined she’d start a catering business. 

“We moved here in July of ‘24; almost two years now. Honestly, I never planned to cater down here. I got the keys to my place in Englewood in June, and we opened that September. We live in Wellen Park, and when we first moved in, we’d have neighbors over for food and get-togethers, and everyone kept telling me, ‘You should open a restaurant!’ I wasn’t into that because I’ve done it before, didn’t come here for that. I was working in HR.”

Believe it or not, the seeds for Alison’s new enterprise were planted at a farmer’s market.

Alison says, “Little by little, people at the farmer’s markets began asking me to make trays or bake items for their events. It sort of snowballed. My husband eventually said, ‘Could you get this out of the house?’ That’s when I started hunting for a commercial kitchen, jumped through all the legal hoops, and eventually opened in Englewood. Around that time I got laid off from HR, so I put my retirement savings into the catering business. Wild ride, but here we are.”

All’s well that ends well, as Alison has found her happy place in more ways than one.

“My happy place is the kitchen. Seriously, I could spend all day, music going, just cooking. I started doing nightly meals for people in the area, especially during peak season. It’s a home-cooked meal every night—$15 most days, $18 on Fridays when I do fish. On my website, you’ll see today’s menu: soup, salad, dessert, quiche, flatbread of the week, all that. Place your order by 1:00, then either pick up in Englewood or we’ll deliver.”

When asked about working with dietary restrictions, Alison replies, “Absolutely. Leave a note or call me. I cook everything with low salt because it’s easier to add than to take away. Gluten-free? If I can, I will. I’ve got a client who always wants a bowl meal every week, so I include one just for them. I have regulars, but it’s quieter since the busy season ended. We went from 10 to 12 meals each night to just two or three now.”

She adds, “I tell my neighbors: you can get a meal from me for $15. That’s a lot less than what you’ll spend at Applebee’s or Chili’s, and it’s home-cooked. No brainer.”

So, how did Alison and her family end up in Wellen Park and Englewood? “We just decided it was time. We’re both golf lovers, the beach, sunshine, and we’d had enough of the cold, the expense, so we looked around, checked out Fort Myers, Estero, and finally landed in Wellen Park. I fell in love right away. It’s worked out perfectly.”

Alison wants everyone to know about their catering for events, corporate lunches, even breakfasts. “I work with a couple of pharmaceutical reps, organize lunches and breakfasts for them. It’s homemade, not just picking up from Panera or Chick-fil-A. I send proper meals to doctors’ offices, and it means a lot. I’d love to work with more doctors, hospitals, and anyone who needs food for their teams.”

Are you salivating? Feeling hungry? Be sure to check out their website for their online menu. Alison recommends calling her and looking at the online information. “Or just tell me what you need. We deliver, so your staff gets lunch with no hassle. I just did breakfast and lunch for an architecture firm’s training at Port Charlotte prison, so we’re set up to handle those, too.”

That’s what Fork-n-Flair is all about: family, flavor, and making sure your event is something you’ll talk about for years.

Click here to visit their website.

FORK-N-FLAIR

1720 South McCall Road, Unit N, Englewood, FL, USA

(941) 445-3615

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Set in Dublin, “Chapatti” follows two animal lovers, both feeling the sting of loneliness, who stumble into an unlikely connection. This play doesn’t just toss in humor, warmth, dogs, and cats; it dives into second chances, showing that openness to love never really ages. Love and companionship show up when you least expect it, sometimes with a wagging tail or a meow.

O’Reilly’s script doesn’t shy away from life’s mix of romance and heartbreak, light and dark. Audience members walk away not just entertained but moved, with a sense that they’ve witnessed something striking and honest about life.

Onstage, Lynne Doyle plays Betty and Richard Lambert steps into the role of Dan. Ric Goodwin directs, and Jessie Reter-Choate keeps everything running smoothly as stage manager.

If you’re drawn to stories with real heart, memorable characters, and a gentle reminder that connection matters, no matter your age, grab your tickets to see “Chapatti.” 

For tickets, call 941-475-6756. Click here to go to their website for tickets and information.

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But Savor Sarasota is more than a week or two of good deals. It’s a real celebration of the local food scene; think everything from creative chefs downtown to waterfront spots on Longboat and Lido Key. Where else can you sample so much, from classic comfort food and international staples to inventive, chef-driven dishes? And at these prices, there’s no excuse not to branch out and try something new.

Each restaurant offers a two-course lunch ($25) and a three-course dinner ($45). Some places take things further with clever wine pairings, tasting flights, or special upgraded dishes. Savor Sarasota is a chance for local chefs to show off what they do best, and for restaurants to fill their tables and remind everyone why Sarasota is a true food destination.

Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County, sums it up: “I’ve watched Savor Sarasota grow from an idea into one of the best culinary events we have. Even after 21 years, the excitement hasn’t faded. Last year, we saw Savor Sarasota generate over a billion media impressions and more than $1.2 million for participating restaurants. Our chefs and teams put their hearts into this every year, and I can’t wait to see what they bring this June.”

Launched back in 2006, Savor Sarasota started as “Restaurant Week” to help local spots during the slow season. It quickly became its own tradition, and now people plan their summer dining around this savory event. 

Twenty-one years in, the event stretches across 14 days and 725 square miles, serves thousands of meals, and pours more than a million dollars back into local restaurants. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a highlight of Sarasota’s summer.

Click here to go to their website for more information.

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What makes SandBar Tiki & Grille stand out? They work hard to make sure you have a great time every time you visit. There’s their popular live music and a dance floor if you’re in the mood to move. There’s no need to dress up; just come as you are, bring your appetite, and plan on staying a while.

Their menu is all about big flavors and variety. They’re famous around here for their slow-smoked barbecue, ribs, brisket, and more, all smoked right on site. You’ll smell it as soon as you walk up, and that’s enough to reel people in off the sand. 

But it’s not just barbecue. You’ll find fresh seafood, signature burgers, fish tacos, even protein bowls. The brisket sloppy joe nachos? Those are a crowd favorite. No matter what you’re craving, odds are you’ll find it at SandBar Tiki & Grille.

They’re open every day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy Hour is a daily thing too, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the bar, with plenty of craft beers on draft.

The place can get packed; it’s loud, fun, and perfect for families, beachgoers, or anyone looking for live music and a good meal with friends. On top of that, they’re right on the water, so you can even pull up by boat and dock while you eat or catch a live show. 

They update their music lineup monthly, and there’s always something big coming up. Acts like Rob Benton, 22N, Gas House Gorillas, The Fulcos, and the Randy McNeeley Band keep the place rocking with their followings and energy. If you want the latest information, hours, menu, and band schedule, it’s all up to date on their website. And yes, you’ll find plenty of photos, menus and details there too.

Next time you’re in Englewood or just out near Manasota Key, make sure you drop by SandBar Tiki & Grille. Whether you show up for the barbecue, the live music, or the sunset on the dock, there’s always room for one more at the SandBar.

Click here to go to their website.

Open every day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

SandBar Tiki & Grille
1975 Beach Rd
Englewood, FL 34223Phone: 941.460.8280
Email: info@SandBarTikiGrille.com

The post Shore Thing: SandBar Tiki & Grille Hits All the Right Notes appeared first on Englewood Review.

Lemon Bay Playhouse is a beloved nonprofit theater that’s been bringing live performances to the Englewood community since 1987. The Playhouse puts on seven main-stage productions every season, mostly comedies, mysteries, and dramas, each powered by local talent in a friendly, intimate space.

From September through June, there’s always something happening on stage, from the big shows to special weekend performances. The creativity doesn’t stop during the summer, with incredible classes to develop your theatrical skills. 

Write for Your Life with Karen Kelly: Discover your voice and build a writing routine that actually fits your life.

Prepare to Act! with Linda Ramzell: Shake off your nerves with playful exercises that boost confidence and help you stay present on stage.

Scene Study & Monologues with Steve Black: Get hands-on with real scripts and sharpen your acting chops, whether you’re starting out or refining your craft.

Book That Gig! with Lee Gundersheimer: Master the art of auditioning and learn how to stand out for all the right reasons.

10 Keys for Creating a Play with Lee Gundersheimer: Shape your ideas into a script that grabs attention and feels alive.

You’ll find Lemon Bay Playhouse at 96 W Dearborn Street, Englewood, FL 34223. Click here for more information. Call 941-475-6756.

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