The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (2024)

Thursday, June 27

Summer Circus Spectacular
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
$20; $15 kids
Visit Ringling.org.

If you’ve never seen a performance in The Ringling’s jewelbox venue, the Historic Asolo Theater, here’s your chance. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.

Danny Bevins
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

The son of a religious woman and a Green Beret, Danny Bevins presents material that walks the tightrope between the sacred and the profane. He has been seen on Showtime’s “Live From Amsterdam,” “Road Dogs with Billy Gardell” and “Sullivan and Son” on TBS. Continues Sunday.

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (1)

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘Oak’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota
$7-$44
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Urbanite Theatre wraps its 10th anniversary season with the Southern Gothic horror-infused “Oak.” Written by Terry Guest and directed by Mikael Burke, “Oak” is a National New Play Network rolling premiere. Runs through Sunday.

‘Rhinestone Cowgirls’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute to some of the first ladies of country features such classics as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Runs through July 28.

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (2)

Image courtesy of John Jones

‘The Music of Laurel Canyon’
8 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood's Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Aug. 25.

‘The World Goes ‘Round’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its Summer Mainstage Series with “The World Goes ‘Round,” a musical revue celebrating the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show features memorable songs from hit Broadway shows such as “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and more. Runs through Sunday.

Friday, June 28

Keith Alberstadt
6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Nashville boy Keith Alberstadt brought his comedy routines to New York City, where he made a name for himself with performances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Seth Myers," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and more. Runs through Saturday.

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (3)

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘A Night to Remember’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota
$50-$100
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents “A Night to Remember” – three nights, actually. The benefit concert by the Soul Sensations and special friends runs through Sunday.

Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo Kids’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$20
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

What makes this musical adaptation of "Finding Nemo" a kids’ show besides its family-friendly material? Its length: just 30 minutes. Based on the popular 2003 Pixar movie, the musical follows Nemo, whose overprotective father, Marlin, conquers his fears when his son is kidnapped. With the help of the ever-optimistic Dory, the Tank Gang and others, Marlin and Nemo are reunited.

Classic Movies at the Opera House: ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$12
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Watch a classic movie in the beautiful, air-conditioned Sarasota Opera House as MGM’s “Meet Me in St. Louis” unspools. Starring Judy Garland, Tom Drake, Marjorie Main and others, the 1944 musical follows a year in the life of the Smith family of St. Louis beginning in summer 1903. The film's “Trolley Song” became a standard for Garland, who married the director, Vincente Minnelli. The two later became the parents of “Cabaret” star Liza Minnelli.

Saturday June 29

Cabaret on the Boulevard: Cirque
8 p.m. The Original Wolfie’s Rascal House, 1420 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
$50-$60
Visit CabaretOnTheBoulevard.com.

Grae Productions is teaming up with The Original Wolfie’s in the Rosemary District to launch a monthly cabaret series.The first event has a Cirque theme featuring an ensemble cast of vocal, burlesque, drag and circus artists, including Brian Craft, Ashley Figlow, Carmen Lai Garden, Mr. Gripp and Daly Santanta.

Monday, July 1

Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret
7:30 p.m. at FST's John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Season has ended but it's not over for Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret as the Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the Rod Alnord Quartet. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks.

Wednesday, July 3

Fireworks on the Lake
5-10 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Free
Visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.

Fireworks on the Lake returns to Nathan Benderson Park, highlighted by a concert featuring Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio. The event also includes a Kids Zone presented by Mote Marine, food trucks and other family friendly activities. The fireworks, which will last approximately 15 minutes, will begin shortly after 9 p.m. Parking on Regatta Island is $35 per vehicle. The South Lot parking will cost $25 for cars and $55 for recreational vehicles. A special event lot (next to Homewood Suites) will be available for $25. A VIP Viewing Experience will be available for $100 per person (including complimentary food and beverages, premium parking, and exclusive access to the air-conditioned finish tower).

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (4)

Image courtesy of John Jones

‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$29-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 27 to July 3 | Your Observer (2024)
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