
5 minute read
THIS WEEK
‘A PLACE IN THE SUN: A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER’
6 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Did you know that Stevie Wonder is the most awarded solo artist of all time? Well, it’s true. And in case you need proof, this performance pays tribute to Wonder and his six decades of musical genius. Runs through April 2.
‘IT’S ALIVE! A MONSTROUS CIRCUS ON FRANKENSTEIN’
New Music New College
8 p.m. at Koski Plaza, 5800 Bay Shore Road $15 Visit NewMusicNewCollege.org.
Twenty-seven performers (and one disembodied voice) bring you this unforgettable evening inspired by Mary Shelley’s historic work. This blend of storytelling, theater and music transforms the text of “Frankenstein” into a living, breathing piece of art — that includes audience members.
FST IMPROV PRESENTS
‘LIFE’S A BEACH’
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $15 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
THURSDAY OPENING RECEPTION
6-8 p.m. at SPAACES, 2087 Princeton St. Free Visit Spaaces.art.
The opening reception for “Metaphors: Finding the Poetic in the Mundane” invites attendees to see how three artists take daily phenomena and translate them from the commonplace to the sublime. Music by Los Rumberos will complement the experience.
‘COMPANY’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$30-$38
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.
When Robert’s 35th birthday arrives, it brings with it questions from his friends about when he’ll get married. Follow along in this timeless Sondheim musical as Robert navigates the topics of love and adulthood and whether marriage is worth pursuing at all. Runs through March 12.
KEN LUDWIG’S ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’
8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail From $33 Visit AsoloRep.org.
Adventure. Bravery. Sword fights. And, above all, loyalty. Yep, that’s what you can expect with this adaptation of the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. Explore all the laughs that come with enduring friendship and remember: “All for one, and one for all!” Runs through March 26.
Twelve,” is a comedy about times of utter embarrassment Timney has experienced.
POPS: GERSHWIN, BERLIN & FRIENDS
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $40-$90
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
The Sarasota Orchestra puts on a program of finger-snapping hits from the great composers of the early 20th century, including George Gershwin, Irving Berling and Isham Jones. Runs through Saturday, March 4.
‘REEL MUSIC’
9 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
“Reel Music” celebrates songs from movies that have transported us over the years. From “Singing to the Rain” to “My Heart Will Go On,” this music revue is a tour of the most iconic songs from the silver screen through the years. Runs through June 25.
Saturday
Florida Studio Theatre’s skilled improv troupe uses sketches, musical numbers and classic improv games to bring to life themes all Sarasotans can relate to: traffic, unending construction on roundabouts, snowbirds, spring breakers and more.
SUNDAY
SPRING CONCERT
2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12075 S.R. 64, Bradenton
$10 Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.
Enjoy an afternoon of classics during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s annual spring performance.
MONDAY
‘YOU LOOK LIKE A FUN GUY’
11 a.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free Visit Ringling.org.
Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones will perform at the Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival this weekend.
OUR PICK
DOWNTOWN SARASOTA BLUES FESTIVAL
Sit back and enjoy a lineup of nearly a dozen local and regional bands during this weekend of fun. In addition to music ranging from blues to funk and gospel, take in food and drink galore by local restaurants and vendors.
IF YOU GO
When: 4-10 p.m. March 3. Runs through Sunday, March 5.
Where: J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive
Cost: Free Info: Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
FRIDAY
ANN MORRISON AND BLAKE WALTON: SARASOLO
7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
$20
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.
Sarasolo founders Ann Morrison and Blake Walton come to this In-Studio performance at Sarasota Contemporary Dance to feature the work of Claire Timney, a Booker High School VPA student for musical theater. Her work, “What I Wish I Knew When I Was
‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets start at $23 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
One of Puccini’s most beloved and most-performed works, “Madama Butterfly” tells the story of a young geisha swept off her feet by an American Naval Officer. But, as is the case in tragedies, her heart ends up broken by his broken promises. Runs through March 24.
This outdoor dance and theater presentation is a work that you are invited to come see in progress. Performed by Dance Heginbotham, this new work is inspired by mushrooms (Fun-guy ... get it?) and their astonishing powers to facilitate transformation.

TUESDAY
PILOBOLUS: BIG FIVE-OH!
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $22-$82
Visit VanWezel.org.
This touring troupe will make you pause at times to remind yourself: Are these humans? With their unique pairing of music and movement, their performances surprise, delight and leave audiences in wonder of the feats of the human body.
DON’T MISS
THE TEXAS TENORS
Considered the most successful touring group in the history of “America’s Got Talent,” The Texas Tenors treat audiences to a unique blend of country, classical, Broadway and pop music with their talented vocals, comedy and distinct cowboy charm.

IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 4
Where: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice Tickets: $36-$100
Info: Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Wednesday
GREAT ESCAPES: ‘AMERICAN VIBES’
5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$45-$108 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
MARCH 19 – 26, 2023
2023 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL CHAIR

MARSHA EISENBERG
EVENT CHAIRS
OPENING EVENT
EDIE CHAIFETZ
FRAN COHEN
CLOSING EVENT
MICHELLE CANN, PIANO
7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$30-$50
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents pianist Michelle Cann, who made her debut at 14 and has since performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

In this program featuring AllAmerican composers, traverse hits from Broadway, Disney and the Great American Songbook. Then dive into some heavier fair with a movement from Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony and Copland’s “Simple Gifts.” Runs through March 12.

SUSAN & MICHAEL ALBERT
CLOSING EVENT FILM PARIS BOUTIQUE
Special Guests
OPENING NIGHT FILM KARAOKE WITH DIRECTOR MOSHE ROSENTHAL
YOU WILL NOT PLAY WAGNER FILM WITH ACTOR
ANNETTE MILLER n karaoke n more than you deserve n my neighbor adolph n one more story n paris boutique n reckonings n rose n the conference (FEATURE + DOCUMENTARY) n the levys of monticello n the man in the basement n you will not play wagner
ISRAEL @75 PRESENTING SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
Marsha Eisenberg
Bunny Skirboll
SILVER SPONSORS
Karen & Arthur Adler
Edie & David Chaifetz
Leon R. & Margaret M. Ellin


Debbie & Larry Haspel
Rosenthal Roots
Family Foundation
Sharon Sexter & Howard Berman
Cheryl & Steve Shapiro
Hadassah Strobel
Lois Stulberg
MEDIA SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Dr. Louis & Mrs. Milly Chaykin
Debby & Gerry Hamburg
Lori & David Liner
Marge & Irv Weiser
TO PURCHASE TICKETS, FILM DESCRIPTIONS AND SCREENING TIMES, VISIT


JFEDSRQ.org/jff
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary Season of this leading national arts incubator, Hermitage Artistic Director Andy Sandberg returns to his roots as a performer to sing a benefit concert at the iconic Van Wezel to raise funds for the Hermitage Artist Retreat following the impact of Hurricane Ian. Sandberg – a director, writer, performer, and Tony Award-winning producer – will perform an evening of songs alongside celebrated Broadway stars with music direction by 2023 Grammy nominee and Hermitage Fellow Rona Siddiqui
BROADWAY STARS COME TOGETHER IN SARASOTA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!



