One of the busiest local performing arts venues even during the offseason in August, Florida Studio Theatre will conclude its current summer mainstage production, while several of its musical cabaret shows continue.
Also concluding will be Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of a musical based on a 1980 Oscar-winning film, while the nearby Herrig Center for the Arts (formerly known as ArtCenter Manatee) will hold a Big Art Blowout with no art on sale over $100.
We round out this week’s lineup with another musical cabaret, this one at Sarasota Contemporary Dance and celebrating Barbra Streisand. Here are this week’s highlights. Event details are subject to change.
Those reading this online two days early: You also have your last chances to see Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater and “Head Over Heels” at Venice Theatre, which both run through Aug. 8, and Art Ovation Hotel’s artist-in-residence exhibit, Robyn Holl’s “Sunlit Rejuvenation,” running through Aug. 9.
1. ‘The Last Romance’ at Florida Studio Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre will conclude its run of this play by Joe DiPietro (a two-time Tony winner for “Memphis”) following widower Ralph (John Guerrasio), who takes a different path on his daily walk and meets Carol (Laura Gardner), with a simple conversation turning into an unexpected journey of second chances. “The Last Romance” is part of FST’s Summer Mainstage Series that also includes the recently concluded “Dog Mom.” Through Aug. 16; Gompertz Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; ticket prices vary; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
2. Big Art Blowout at Herrig Center for the Arts
Herrig Center for the Arts in Bradenton, previously known as ArtCenter Manatee, will host the 10th annual Big Art Blowout in their newly reimagined space featuring nine classrooms, three gallery spaces and expanded programming. Big Art Blowout, which will take place in the indoor, air-conditioned gallery space, will feature work created by more than 30 different local and regional artists, with nothing for sale over $100. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 15; Herrig Center for the Arts, 888 Third Ave W., Bradenton; 941-746-2862; www.herrigcenter.org
3. ‘Fame’ at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Also concluding is Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of the musical about students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts, based on the 1980 film “Fame” (whose Oscar-winning title track is reprised in the musical) that was also adapted into a TV series. Fun fact: The first production of the “Fame” musical was held in Florida at Miami’s Coconut Grove Playhouse before being produced worldwide, including returning to New York for an off-Broadway run in the 2000s under the title “Fame on 42nd Street.” Through Aug. 16; Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; ticket prices vary; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
4. ‘Legacy: Motown & More!’ at Florida Studio Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Cabaret Series, which has featured other music-themed productions such as “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and the still-ongoing “Songbirds of the Seventies,” continues with “Legacy: Motown & More!” The show will feature Motown and other R&B and pop hits from artists including The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations. Through Oct. 11; Goldstein Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; ticket prices vary, cabaret subscriptions also available; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
5. ‘A Barbra Streisand Tribute’ at Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Sarasota Contemporary Dance will host Delores McKenzie performing this cabaret celebrating Barbra Streisand through song, including beloved classics from Streisand’s career, storytelling and more. A Sarasota native, McKenzie is an actress and singer who has performed in productions by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, The Sarasota Players and more. 3 and 7 p.m. Aug. 15; Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300; $15-$25 including fees; 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top Sarasota area arts events this week include closing, ongoing shows
Reporting by Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
