Kay Kipling is executive editor of Sarasota Magazine, where she has worked in one capacity or another for more than 30 years. (Yes, she’s seen a lot of changes.) She also acts as arts editor for the magazine, frequently interviewing local and national arts personalities as well as writing features on the performing and visual arts scene and online reviews of theater productions. A longtime member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the magazine’s theater critic, she spends untold nights in Sarasota’s many theaters every year and has served on numerous arts grant panels at both the state and local level. In her off time she enjoys reading, movies, nature walks and, all too seldom, the beach.

Theater for Everyone

Sarasota Jewish Theatre Continues to Grow Its Audience and Its Programming

The company enjoyed a sold-out season last year and continues to expand under artistic director Carole Kleinberg.

09/08/2025 By Kay Kipling

Preview

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces More Shows for the Season

A lineup of musicians, comedians and even game shows adds to the already announced Broadway show list.

08/25/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Goes for Farcical Fun with 'Don't Dress for Dinner'

The action is fast and the lies are even faster in this piece by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon.

08/11/2025 By Kay Kipling

On View

Ringling Museum's 'Currents of Resistance' Tackles Our State's History, Ecology and More

Hermitage Greenfield Prize-winning artist Sandy Rodriguez fills the Monda Gallery with images depicting Florida's complicated past—and present.

07/30/2025 By Kay Kipling

On Stage

Review: FST's "Dorothy's Dictionary" Spells It All Out for Us

The intimate two-character play reminds that human relationships--and books--matter.

07/14/2025 By Kay Kipling

Still a Thrill

Art Deco Style Remains Forever Cool, as an Upcoming Exhibit at Sarasota Art Museum Shows

The show will display more than 100 Art Deco posters dating from the 1920s and ’30s, from the collection of part-time Sarasotans Bill and Elaine Crouse

07/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Tap into Nostalgia with FST's Dance Musical Comedy "Dames at Sea"

It's a summertime escape that may leave you humming.

06/16/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Urbanite Theatre's 'From 145th to 98th Street' Measures the Cost of a Family's Journey

A world premiere, Nia Akilah Robinson's play centers on parents and kids at odds.

06/10/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Closes Season in Often Stunning Fashion

The now classic rock opera makes its bow on the Asolo stage with a lot of drive.

06/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

Happy Father's Day

This Year’s Sarasota Music Festival Delivers a Special Onstage Father-Son Collaboration

Sarasota Music Festival music director Jeffrey Kahane will play a piece written for him by his son, Gabriel.

06/06/2025 By Kay Kipling

Family Affair

A World Premiere Play Takes a Look at a Black Family Facing Change, Both Within and Without

“It’s about parents trying to reckon with their kids having grown into the people they are and having to really get to know each other,” says playwright Nia Akilah Robinson.

05/12/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

WBTT Taps Its Way Into the World Premiere Musical 'Syncopated Avenue'

The new show pays tribute to the sometimes forgotten art of tap dancing.

04/23/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

'Beetlejuice' Blasts Into the Van Wezel With Demonic Energy

The Broadway musical version of the well-known movie delivers chills, thrills and laughs.

04/23/2025 By Kay Kipling

Harlem Nights

The Sarasota Film Festival Honors the Creator and Star of 'Godfather of Harlem'

Show runner Chris Brancato and new cast member Rome Flynn are coming to town; we talked with them about the MGM+ show.

04/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Good Night, Oscar' Introduces the Talented, Troubled Oscar Levant

Doug Wright's play presents a critical moment in the life of the musician, raconteur and pianist.

04/07/2025 By Kay Kipling

Broadway, Here We Come

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces Its 2025-26 Broadway Season

Included are several Sarasota premieres, along with returning hits.

04/06/2025 By Kay Kipling

Tap Tap

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Pays Tribute to Tap with a Brand New Musical

The show is the brainchild of the troupe’s artistic director Nate Jacobs.

04/03/2025 By Kay Kipling

A Community in Concert

Gulf Coast Community Choir Marks 25 Years with a Fundraising Concert

The event on April 27 will benefit area nonprofits, as the choir always does.

04/01/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Aims for the Big Time with 'Jersey Boys'

The demanding, tune-filled show traces the journey of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to music stardom.

03/31/2025 By Kay Kipling