A family struggles to say good-bye in Island Players' 'Dearly Departed' by Jay Handelman

A dysfunctional family generates laughs trying to bury their patriarch... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 9:49am on January 22, 2015☆⚑

American Stage continues August Wilson cycle with 'Radio Golf' by Jay Handelman

Wilson's last play deals with redevelopment in Pittsburgh in 1997.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 9:45am on January 22, 2015☆⚑

Behind the Scenes: Actor shakes off a 'Hairspray' mishap by Jay Handelman

Dane Becker can only laugh now about a freak on-stage accident at Florida Studio Theatre... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 6:00am on January 18, 2015☆⚑

Theater Review: Strong performances bring real life to 'Good People' at Asolo Rep by Jay Handelman

David Lindsay-Abaire's comic and moving look at a woman's desperate efforts to stay afloat in difficult times.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 1:05pm on January 17, 2015☆⚑

Idealism meets political reality in Asolo Rep's 'Both Your Houses' by Jay Handelman

Director Frank Galati says Maxwell Anderson's 1933 play still has potent relevancy... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 2:39pm on January 16, 2015☆⚑

freeFall stages world premiere of comical 'Buffalo Kings' by Jay Handelman

Playwright Natalie Symons takes a comedic look at a dysfunctional family facing some obstacles... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 5:18pm on January 15, 2015☆⚑

'Book of Mormon' says 'Hello' again to Straz Center by Jay Handelman

Tony-winning musical from the creators of 'South Park' takes gentle pokes at religion... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 5:10pm on January 15, 2015☆⚑

'Foursome' hits the links at Manatee Players by Jay Handelman

Four college buddies are reunited in Norm Foster's comedy.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 4:56pm on January 15, 2015☆⚑

Theatre Review: Potent 'Vera Stark' loses its focus at Venice Theatre by Jay Handelman

Area premiere of Lynn Nottage's dark comedy makes a point but gets heavy handed... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 3:19pm on January 14, 2015☆⚑

'Little Mermaid' leads a family friendly new season for Manatee Players by Jay Handelman

"The diary of Anne Frank," "The Miracle Worker," "Cats," "Chess" and "Spelling Bee" fill up the new season.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 3:55pm on January 12, 2015☆⚑

FST adds another spritz of 'Hairspray' by Jay Handelman

Theater also extends run of cabaret hit 'Dancing in the Street'... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 9:45am on January 12, 2015☆⚑

Theater Review: Westcoast Troupe sends a 'Kiss' with a provocative love story by Jay Handelman

Charles Smith's play is based on major events during the Harlem Renaissance.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 1:11pm on January 11, 2015☆⚑

Behind the Scenes: Take a journey 'Into the Woods' on screen by Jay Handelman

Rob Marshall has directed a fine movie version of the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine musical... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 6:00am on January 11, 2015☆⚑

Theatre Review: A cozy 'Matchmaker' opens Asolo's winter rep season by Jay Handelman

You might miss the "Hello, Dolly!" songs, but Asolo Rep's cast doesn't need music to charm... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 10:55am on January 10, 2015☆⚑

Asolo Rep explores 'Good People' desperate to survive by Jay Handelman

Theatre presents area premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire's Tony-nominated play... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 6:39am on January 10, 2015☆⚑

Players Theatre plans a season of classics and new shows by Jay Handelman

For its 86th season, the Players Theatre is celebrating what makes it unique in the community with a lineup of classic and new musicals and... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 6:34am on January 10, 2015☆⚑

Theater Review: 'Cabaret' mixes fun with smarts at Players Theatre by Jay Handelman

Honest performances and compassion add feeling and spirit to Kander and Ebb musical... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 2:22pm on January 9, 2015☆⚑

THEATER REVIEW: Manatee Players finds a little magic in 'Brigadoon' by Jay Handelman

Supporting players give a lift to Lerner and Loewe classic... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 1:32am on January 9, 2015☆⚑

THEATER REVIEW: 'Buddy Holly' rocks when musical is singing at Venice Theatre by Jay Handelman

Musical celebrates the music and short life of the early rock pioneer... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 9:28am on January 8, 2015☆⚑

'Cabaret' opens its doors once again at Players Theatre by Jay Handelman

Kander and Ebb's musical looks at the fading decadence of Berlin as Nazi's rise to power... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 2:19pm on January 7, 2015☆⚑

'Brigadoon' comes back to life at Manatee Players by Jay Handelman

Love blossoms in a Scottish town that comes to life for one day every 100 years.... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 1:57pm on January 7, 2015☆⚑

Before 'Dolly' by Jay Handelman

Rarely-seen 'Matchmaker' was the precursor to the huge musical hit. ... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 12:38pm on January 2, 2015☆⚑

Conservatory students take a swing through 'As You Like It' by Jay Handelman

Student actors climb circus silks as if they're forest trees ... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 6:00am on December 27, 2014☆⚑

Musicals serve a slice of American pop music history by Jay Handelman

'American Pie' and 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' put focus on pop music hits and stars... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 11:46am on December 26, 2014☆⚑

Asolo students learn how to fight by Jay Handelman

Stage combat classes teach them grim-visaged war, safely. ... Read more »

SOURCE: Arts Sarasota at 2:50pm on December 22, 2014☆⚑