The Naked Magicians

Jan. 16 

No tricks up their sleeves—in fact, no sleeves at all, when these two Australian magicians bring their R-rated magic show to the Van Wezel straight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 18 and up only.

Asolo Rep presents The Lifespan of a Fact

Opening Jan. 22

Media and politics collide in this timely play about a magazine fact-checker, a demanding editor and a famous author. The New York Times made its 2018 Broadway run an Editor’s Pick for its “terrifically engaging” subject matter. In rotating rep through March 19.

Sarasota Orchestra: Mozart and Mahler

Jan. 17-19

Two soaring works, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (The Titan), are on the program when guest conductor Steven Sloane,  and guest piano soloist Shai Wosner perform three concerts with the Sarasota Orchestra at the Van Wezel.

American Son

Opening Jan. 22

What happens when a well-educated black woman searching for her missing teenage son confronts both the cops and her estranged, white FBI agent husband late one night at a Florida police station? That’s the subject of the provocative Broadway play coming to Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre. We got a chance to talk with playwright Christopher Demos-Brown here.

The Nether

Jan. 15

FST’s 2020 Stage III Season opens with this dark futuristic theatrical work—nominated for a 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play—that explores the moral and legal implications of virtual reality. In Florida Studio Theatre’s intimate Bowne’s Lab Theatre.

Celebrating Sondheim

Jan. 18  

Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim turns 90, and Choral Artists of Sarasota send him a tuneful salute with a concert of songs from Company, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and more. Sarasota’s Ann Morrison, who appeared in the original Broadway production of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, and four other soloists join the 40-member choral ensemble. At the Riverview Performing Arts Center.

Sarasota Opera Open House

Jan. 22

The Sarasota Opera House opens its doors for a free evening of entertainment, including mini-performances, backstage tours, wig and makeup demos and lots, lots more.

Sailor Circus Academy and Windjammers International Band

Jan. 19

The Windjammers Unlimited, that merry bunch of circus-loving musicians from across America who are convening in Sarasota for their annual convention team up with young performers from the Sailor Circus Academy for this free show in the Sailor Circus Arena. Donations happily accepted.