Big Top Action

This year, Circus Sarasota goes out on “The Edge,” with ringmaster-daredevil Joseph Bauer Jr., a 15th-generation member of one of Switzerland’s oldest circus families, who leads the show and dares the terrifying Wheel of Death as well. Also on tap: clowns, a tightrope, hand balancers and more. Performances Feb. 3-21; call 355-9805 or go to circussarasota.org.

 

Puppet Porn?

Well, we wouldn’t go that far, but the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning Avenue Q is meant for mature audiences only, as it tells the tale of young New Yorkers struggling to find jobs and happiness with the aid of Sesame Street-like puppets, songs and a little bit of risqué material. Onstage Feb. 15 through April 10; call 366-5454 or visit thegoldenapple.com.

 

Don of the Dead

We can’t wait to see Sarasota Opera’s production of Mozart’s darkly comic Don Giovanni, as the famed seducer breaks hearts and meets his fiery fate. Anthony Barrese conducts, Peter Kozma directs, and Lee Poulis plays the Don, with Andrew Gangestad as Leporello. Opens Feb. 12; performances Feb. 15, 17, 20, 23 and 25 as well. 366-8450 ext. 1 or sarasotaopera.org.

Blair Time

You may need to know somebody who knows somebody to get a ticket for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s appearance Feb. 23 in the Ringling Town Hall Series, but it’s worth twisting a few arms to hear what he has to say about his career and his new memoir. BTW, wife Cherie speaks Feb. 22 at the Town Hall’s Platinum Dinner. Info: 925-1343