Chicago Symphony
Music director Riccardo Muti is in his final season leading one of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, and he leads a farewell performance for the Sarasota Concert Association. The program features works by Beethoven (including Symphony No. 8), Liadov and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures from an Exhibition.” 7:30 p.m. March 1, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $65-$155. 941-966-6161; Scasarasota.org
Sarasota Orchestra Gala
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins the Sarasota Orchestra and guest conductor Peter Oundjian for this special sold-out gala concert. 7 p.m. March 2, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Arts Newsletter:Sign up to receive the latest news on the Sarasota area arts scene every Monday
Festivals, concerts, arts and more:100-plus fun things to do in March in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
Restaging a modern classic:‘Dreamgirls’ inspires a new generation in Westcoast Black Theatre production
‘Metaphors: Finding the Poetic in the Mundane’
The SPAACES Gallery (Sarasota Project Aligning Artists Communities Exhibits Studios) presents work by three artists who look at familiar concepts and objects and reveal something new and deeper. The work is by Anja Berg Palombo, Jeffery Cornwell and Meg Maher Pierce. March 3-25, SPAACES, 2087 Princeton St., Sarasota. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. March 2. 941-374-3492; spaaces.art
‘Tell and Show: Art and Performance Expressing Identity’
Hermitage Artist Retreat presents stage and screen performer Tamara Anderson and composer Lesley Mok in a program that explores how their lives and experiences influence the work they create. 5:30 p.m. March 2, Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Pippin’
Rise Above Performing Arts, a program for young performers, presents the hit musical about the son of King Charlemagne looking for meaning and purpose in his life and his “Corner of the Sky.” March 2-5. 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1105. $17-$32. 941-702-4747; riseabovearts.com
‘Company’
The Manatee Performing Arts Center explores the nature of relationships and a group of couples encouraging their 35-year-old bachelor friend Bobby (played by Cory Woomert) to make a connection and fall in love in this Stephen Sondheim-George Furth Tony-winning musical. Producing Artistic Director Rick Kerby stages the show. March 2-12, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave., West, Bradenton. $33. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘Gershwin, Berlin & Friends’
Jazz trumpeter and conductor Byron Stripling leads this Sarasota Orchestra Pops concert, featuring singer Sydney McSweeney, in a program of works by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and selections from the Great American Songbook. 7:30 p.m. March 3, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 4. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40-$90. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Working up a sweat:Tennis stars battle pressures and each other in FST’s ‘The Last Match’
Playing Don Juan:Sarasota Opera singer gets to the wicked heart of Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’
Continuing a local legacy:Circus Sarasota acts create new thrills in 25th anniversary big top show
‘It’s Alive! A Monstrous Circus on Frankenstein’
New College students, faculty and staff, joined by members of the community, perform on the balconies of the school’s ACE Academic Building and in the Koski Plaza for a mash-up of John Cage and Mary Shelley, featuring Cage’s “Circus On” instructions on how to turn Shelley’s "Frankenstein" into Cagean poems called “mesostics.” 8 p.m. March 4; New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $15 admission, free area college and Booker High School students; newmusicnewcollege.org
Showtime Benefit
Performers from the Players Centre and Venice Theatre, along with the Showtime Dancers and Silver Foxes Dancers join talents for a benefit to raise money to rebuild the Venice Theatre, which was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ian. 2 p.m. March 5, Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice. $30. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Daniel Solowey and Milana Strezeva
Clarinetist Daniel Solowey, the son of two Sarasota Orchestra musicians, and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, is joined by pianist Milana Strezeva for an Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota recital. 4 p.m. March 5, 7:30 p.m. March 6; Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota; $55; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
27th Annual Choir Festival
A musical tradition, led by Jane Hunder, Artistic Director of the Palmer Ranch Singers and assistant conductor of Musica Sacra Sarasota, and Rick Holdsworth, director of Music at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church and the founding director of Ring Sarasota. 4 p.m. March 5, Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave., Sarasota. Free admission. Pineshorespres.org
‘The Children’s March’
Choral Artists of Sarasota presents the Florida premiere of an oratorio by Philadelphia composer Andrew Bleckner that tells the story of the 1963 Children’s Crusade in Birmingham, Alabama, when a group of children marching met a violent response. Award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault narrates the program, led by artistic director Joseph Holt. 7 p.m. March 5, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota. $35, $5 for students. 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org
‘You Look Like a Fun Guy’
Dance Heginbotham presents an outdoor work-in-progress being created during a residency at The Ringling. It is inspired by mushrooms, their ability to facilitate transformation, their taste and their relationship to composer John Cage. 11 a.m. March 6, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Admission is free. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘113 Years of Broadway’
Neil Berg offers a new edition of his annual survey of the great music of Broadway, featuring an assortment of Broadway performers to help him explore classics and new melodies. 7:30 p.m. March 6, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $44-$75. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
John Sims reception
Sarasota High School art students and their teacher Anita Wexler honor the legacy of artist John Sims, who died suddenly in December, with a reception at 5-8 p.m. March 7, coinciding with the opening of an art show, reflective of Sims’ interest in math and art. Sarasota High School Art Gallery, Building 5, 2155 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota.
Powel Crosley Estate Open House
The Powel Crosley Estate Foundation and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau open the doors for free tours of the historic 1929 home built for the American innovator who helped bring radio to the masses. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 7 and 8, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-722-3244; bradentongulfislands.com/crosley-estate/
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Pilobolus
The original and unique dance troupe marks its 50th anniversary with a “Big Five-Oh!” tour, featuring reprises of favorite pieces performed over the last five decades. 7 p.m. March 7, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$82. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Michelle Cann
Pianist Michelle Cann, who made her orchestral debut at age 14 and has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, appears in a program for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. 7:30 p.m. March 7, Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $30-$50. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘American Vibes’
Guest conductor John Gennaro Devlin leads this Sarasota Orchestra Great Escapes concert featuring music from Broadway, Disney movies and the Great American Songbook, as well as familiar pieces by Dvorak and Copland. March 8-12. The March 9 and 11 concerts are full length, and the others are shorter with no intermission. Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $45-$108. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Godspell’
A few months ago, Casey Kelley played a nerdy plant clerk in “Little Shop of Horrors” at The Players Centre. Now he is playing Jesus in Scott Keys’ latest production of “Godspell,” a musical that shares parables based on the Gospel of Matthew. March 9-19, The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Studio 1130. $28-$30 and $13 for students. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘The 39 Steps’
Alfred Hitchco*ck’s classic film gets a major comedic and action twist in this stage version featuring four actors playing dozens of characters in a race across England and Scotland to stop a gang of spies. The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island. March 9-26. $25-$27. 941-778-5755; theislandplayers.org
‘The Mikado’
The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players return with the duo’s most popular operetta, set in Japan but mocking British politics and institutions with bouncy melodies and clever lyrics. 7:30 p.m. March 9, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $37-$77. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Comedy and Community’
Madeleine George, winner of the Hermitage Major Theater Award and a writer on the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building,” shares some of her past work and talks about the piece she will create for her new commission. 5:30 p.m. March 10, Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. $5 registration fee required. Hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Cirque des Voix’
This annual collaboration between the 100-plus voices of Key Chorale, artists from the Circus Arts Conservatory and a live orchestra will be presented in a new venue this year. Circus acts will perform with the singers and orchestra at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. March 10-12. $35-$75. 941-355-9805; circusarts.org
Talking architecture
Toshiko Mori, the winner of Architecture Sarasota’s 2023 Philip Hanson Hiss Award, talks with president Morris (Marty) Hylton III about her work and the award in advance of the organization’s gala. 10 a.m. March 11, Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $20-$30. architecturesarasota.org
Antonio Rey Flamenco Troupe
Spanish Flamenco guitarist and composer Antonio Rey Navas, known for his speed, soulful compositions and dexterity, performs in a concert for Guitar Sarasota. 7:30 p.m. March 11, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. $45-$55. Guitarsarasota.org
Art in the Park
The 23rd annual fine art exhibit and sale features more than 150 works, ranging from large and small-scale paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture and more, most for sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 11-12; University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd., University Park; free admission/parking; artintheparkupcc.com
‘Ernani’
Sarasota Opera last produced this Verdi opera as part of its 28-year Verdi Cycle. Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi leads the Sarasota Opera Orchestra and Martha Collins is the stage director for this production about a bandit (sung by Rafael Davila) and his efforts to win the woman he loves, Elvira (sung by Aviva Fortunata). March 11-26. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $23-$150. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Poetry Life 2023
Bookstore1Sarasota presents the annual poetry festival featuring workshops, conversations, readings and more March 11-13. Events include an afternoon chat and coffee with Martin Espada and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley at 3 p.m. March 13 in Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, and an evening reading with Espada, Wesley and Hayley Peace, Sarasota’s First Youth Poet Laureate at 7 pm. March 13 in FST’s Keating Theatre. 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-365-7900 or 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org/poetrylife-2023-celebrating-heritage
Open Studios
More than 30 artists affiliated with the Sarasota Studio Artists Association open their studios to visitors 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 11, showcasing a range of genres, mediums and styles. These open studios happen on the second Saturday of every months. An interactive map of studio locations is available at srqartists.com
Sarah Chang
Violinist Sarah Chang joins pianist Julio Elizalde in a concert for the Sarasota Concert Association Great Performers Series, replacing the originally scheduled English Chamber Orchestra, which has postponed a U.S. tour due to visa issues. Chang has performed with major orchestras around the world, including Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra, and was a soloist for the Sarasota Orchestra in 2020. 7:30 p.m. March 12; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail; $30-$95; 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘And the Hits Keep Coming’
ensembleNEWSRQ returns in a program that celebrates the versatility of the percussionist. The concert features the world premieres of newly commissioned works for percussion ensembles by British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage (“New England Etudes”) and American Shaun Tilburg (“Kagome Kagome”). The program aso includes Krists Auznieks “Prelude and Ether” for two marimbas, two vibraphones and piano. 7:30 p.m. March 13. First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. $25, $10 for streaming option. ensrq.org
‘Voices of the Americas’
The La Musica International Chamber Music Festival puts a focus on music from North and South America with works by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Chavez and more in a concert featuring pianists Michael Stephen Brown and Gilles Vonsattel, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, percussionist Ian David Rosenbaum and soprano Jessica Rivera. 7:30 p.m. March 13, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. $60. 941-328-1300; lamusicafestival.org
‘On Your Feet’
It’s time to “Get on Your Feet” with this musical based on the lives and musical careers of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, creators of the Miami Sound Machine, which scored many top hits. 7:30 p.m. March 14-15. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $82-$112. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’
Asolo Repertory Theatre adds another play to its rotating rep schedule with the area premiere of Katie Forgette’s memory play about a young woman recalling an unforgettable week involving long-held secrets that lead a group of women to take action to protect their family. Staged by Associate Artistic Director Celine Rosenthal. March 15-April 22, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $29-$95. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘Murder on the Orient Express’
Playwright Ken Ludwig puts a comedic spin on this Agatha Christie classic about famed detective Hercule Poirot trying to solve the murder of an American businessman while they’re riding on a luxurious train. March 16-April 2. Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $13-$25. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
‘Making Musical Waves’
Sofia Rocha, winner of the 2022 Hermitage Prize in Composition (presented with the Aspen Music Festival and School), who grew up in Naples, talks about her composing career and works that will be performed by musicians from the Pops Orchestra and The Venice Symphony. 6:30 p.m. March 16, Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. $5 registration fee required. Hermitageartistretreat.org
Sarasota Orchestra ‘Emperor’
Guest conductor Sascha Goetzel is joined by pianist Behzod Abduraimov for a Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks concert featuring Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor,” and Prokofiev’s Suite from “Romeo and Juliet.” 7:30 p.m. March 16, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St., West, Bradenton, and March 17-19, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $37-$99. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Thérèse’
Sarasota Opera presents its first production of this Jules Massenet work set during the French Revolution and involving a woman who is torn between her former lover and her affection for her husband. Lisa Chavez returns in the title role opposite Andrew Surrena and Sean Anderson. Louis Lohraseb conducts and Katherine M. Carter is the stage director. March 17-25. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $23-$150. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘A Celtic Celebration’
The Venice Symphony, led by Troy Quinn, is joined by vocalist and harpist Orla Fallon, one of the original members of Celtic Woman, for a special sold-out concert timed to St. Patrick’s Day. March 17-18. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. 941-207-8822 for a wait list. thevenicesymphony.org
‘Balance/Imbalance and Judo’
Seoul-based Baereish*t dance company brings two distinctive works to The Ringling’s Art of Performance series by South Korean choreographer Soon-ho Park, whose work blends dance, martial arts and traditional and contemporary movement. 7:30 p.m. March 18, 5 p.m. March 19. Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. $10-$35. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art’
The Ringling opens an original group exhibition featuring the museum’s first presentation of contemporary art by Native American artists with ancestral, historic and current connections to Florida. It will feature the work of Seminole, Miccosukee and mixed-heritage artists. March 18-Sept. 4. Searing West Wing Galleries, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Free with museum admission. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
‘Hermitage Turns 20’
Hermitage Artist Retreat CEO and Artistic Director Andy Sandberg takes to the stage with some Broadway friends for this benefit show to raise funds to repair damage to the Manasota Key retreat caused by Hurricane Ian. Special guests include Laura Bell Bundy, Jeannette Bayardelle, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Ann Morrison and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer. 7:30 p.m. March 20, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $25-$75; $250 for VIP tickets that include a post-show reception. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Family Secrets’
Sarasota actress Carolyn Michel plays all five members of one offbeat family in this one-woman show by Sherry Glaser, directed by Michel’s husband, Howard Millman, the former producing artistic director of Asolo Rep. March 22-27. Sarasota Jewish Theatre at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1130. $28. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
Samantha Bennett
The musician who spent nearly six years as principal second violin for the Sarasota Orchestra and is a co-founder of ensembleNEWSRQ, performs a recital at a luncheon for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. 11 a.m. March 23, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $60. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
Three Solo Shows
Art Center Sarasota’s latest exhibitions includes solo shows of work by Jeanne Guertin-Potoff, Rebecca Zweibel and Karen Arango, along with a juried show of large-scale works, juried by Mary Davis Wallace, public art planner for the city of Sarasota. Exhibits are March 23-April 29, with an opening reception 6-8 p.m. March 23. 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
Chamber Orchestra marks Israel anniversary
The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, led by music director Robert Vodnoy, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel with a special concert of music by five Jewish composers at 7:30 p.m. March 23. The concert features works by Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin and Ernest Bloch, and the U.S. premiere of music of Israeli composers Boris Levenberg and Noubar Aslanyan. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $35. 219-928-8665; chamberorchestrasarasota.org
‘La Sylphide’
The Sarasota Ballet devotes an evening to Johan Kobborg’s production of August Bournonville’s “La Sylphide,” with music by Herman Severin Lovenskiold performed live by the Sarasota Orchestra, led by Ormsby Wilkins, music director of American Ballet Theatre. This famed Danish ballet tells the story of a Scottish man whose engagement to a local woman becomes complicated when he becomes entranced by a sylph. 7:30 p.m. March 24, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 25. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets start at $35. 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org
‘Backwards Forwards Back’
Just weeks after the world premiere of her play “Babel” at Florida Studio Theatre, Jacqueline Goldfinger is back in Sarasota for the world premiere of this play about a soldier returning from war and hoping that virtual reality therapy can help him deal with post traumatic stress disorder and keep his family together. March 24-April 23. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. $39, $25 for 40 and younger, $5 for students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
‘Xanadu’
Venice Theatre takes audiences back to the 1980s for this stage version of the Olivia Newton-John film about a Greek muse named Kira, who helps a young man find direction in his life. Caitlin Ellis and Joey Panek star. Vanessa Russo and Katrina Ploof co-direct and co-choreograph. March 24-April 16, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $31, $21 for college students and educators and $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘The Last Acorn and Other Winning Plays’
Winners of Florida Studio Theatre’s annual Write-a-Play program. Thousands of scripts are submitted and the winning entries are performed in this collection by professional actors for school groups and the public. Presented on select Saturdays and Sundays March 25-April 29, Keating theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Come on, Get Happy’
The Pops Orchestra. led by Robyn L. Bell. celebrates the career and voice of film legend Judy Garland with guest singer Joan Ellison, in a program that includes such hits as “The Trolley Song,” “Stormy Weather,” “Chicago” and “Over the Rainbow.” 3 p.m. March 26, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 7:30 p.m. March 27, SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St., West, Bradenton. $30-$50. thepopsorchestra.org
Sphinx Virtuosi: Songs for Our Times
The chamber ensemble Sphinx Virtuosi, a self-conducted group, is sponsored by the Sphinx Organization, a social justice non profit that works to transform lives through diversity in the arts. Sphinx Virtuosi was founded in 2004. The program presented by the Sarasota Orchestra features a range of contemporary and classic selections. 4 p.m. March 26, Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$45. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Buffalo Philharmonic
Music Director JoAnn Falletta, who has most recently been in town as a guest conductor with the Sarasota Orchestra, returns with her own orchestra and a program by Kodaly, Mendelssohn and Dvorak for the Sarasota Concert Association. 7:30 p.m. March 27. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$115. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘Bodacious Broadway’
The Silver Foxes, a troupe of mature and experienced performers, presents a full-scale production staged by director Brad Wages. March 28-April 2. Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave., Venice. $26, $21 for college students and educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Paralyzed’
After a two-year COVID delay Florida Studio Theatre presents the world premiere of Etan Frankel’s play about two strangers who have nothing in common but their name and a suicide note found in a hotel bathroom. March 29-April 21. Stage III series, Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Mr. B’s Homecoming Concert
Kenneth Bowermeister, a longtime music teacher at Pine View School, returns as artistic director of Strings Con Brio in a special homecoming concert, featuring Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Minor with Leo Chen, a Pine View fifth grade student, as soloist. 7 p.m. March 30. Kenneth Bowermeister Auditorium, Pine View School, 1 Python Path, Osprey. $15, $10 for alumni, $5 for students. 941-677-3291; stringsconbrio.org/tickets
‘A Hero’s Life’
The Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks series presents renowned violinist Gil Shaham performing Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto in a program led by guest conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and featuring Richard Strauss’s “Ein Heldenleben” and the world premiere of Sarah Gibson’s “to make this mountain taller.” March 31-April 2, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $37-$99. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Continuing
Ringling College galleries
Ringling College galleries have a variety of ongoing shows. “Ligature XIII,” a juried exhibit highlighting typography, continues through March 24 in the Stulberg Gallery. “Cuento Sobre el Aprendizaje: Stories About Learning” continues through March 24 in the Willis Smith Gallery, showcasing work by sculptor, glass artist and paint Therman Statom. The 14th annual exhibit of art glass from the collection of Richard and Barbara Basch continues through March 24 in the Basch Gallery. Ringling College, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
Asolo Repertory Theatre
The company known for its winter rotating repertory schedule has several productions on stage. Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers” continues through March 26. Lauren Gunderson’s moving “Silent Sky” runs through March 5, and Douglas Lyons’ comedy continues until April 13. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
Florida Studio Theatre
The downtown Sarasota theater offers continuing shows on all five stages. Lee Hall’s “Network” has been extended through March 26 in the Gompertz Theatre. Anna Ziegler’s “The Last Match” continues in Bowne’s Lab through March 17. The cabaret productions of “Reel Music” continues through June 25, while “A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder” keeps the music going through April 2. And the recently closed cabaret show “The 70s: More Than a Decade” returns for a special engagement in the Keating Theatre March 8-26. FST Improv’s “Life’s a Beach” continues Saturday nights through March 25 in Bowne’s Lab. 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Ringling Museum
Several exhibits are ongoing, including “The Marvelous Marbling of Matsui Kosei” through April 2 in The Chao Gallery; “Gods and Lovers: Paintings and Sculptures from India” in the Pavilion Gallery through May 28; the solo exhibition “June Clark: Harlem Quilt” through March 26 in the Monda Gallery. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Embracing Our Differences
The 20th annual exhibition of giant art work posters matched with inspirational sayings continues on the Sarasota Bayfront through March 12. Free admission. A presentation at State College of Florida was canceled. Exhibition will be displayed for the first time March 22-April 19 at Butler Park, 6205 W. Price Blvd., North Port.embracingourdifferences.org
Sarasota Art Museum
The exhibit “Richard Benson: The World is Smarter Than You Are” is a 50-year survey of the work of the photographer and printer. It continues through May 7, as does “Sara Berman’s Closet,” an installation that recreates Berman’s meticulous closet by her daughter and grandson, Maira Kalman and Alex Kalman. Through June 25 is “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard,” a travelling exhibit of pieces created from rope, yarn, clay and wire. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
‘Dreamgirls’
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the Tony-winning musical about a group of young female singers who make their way to superstardom in the 1960s and 1970s, loosely inspired by Diana Ross and the Supremes. Through April 9. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $50, $20 students/active military. 941-366-1505;westcoastblacktheatre.org
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