The holiday season can’t come soon enough for some people, especially this year after damaging storms disrupted lives. We are all looking for a return to normalcy, and Sarasota area arts organizations are delivering once again. Some are sticking with traditional styles, while others offer holiday favorites with a twist.
The temporary closing of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall means we’re missing out on some touring shows, like the annual visit of David Koz and Friends, the Salute to Vienna and a Derek Hough holiday show.
But local organizations have dozens of possibilities, with more than 20 productions planned before we ring in the new year, including at least four different versions of “The Nutcracker.” Here’s a look at some of the events happening in our region this season.
Wonderland Presents: Illuminate!
Sarasota-born celebrity high-wire daredevil Nik Wallenda once again presents a holiday-themed circus show in partnership with Circus Arts Conservatory, promising “thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling.” This year’s show features Royal Kenyan Acrobats from Nairobi, a trio performing on an Indian Pole, the Mendez Aerial Rola Bola Act, and Sailor Circus graduate Emma Clarke returning in a new aerial act. Through Jan. 5. University Town Center, 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $35-$100, $10 parking; 941-355-9805; wonderlandcircus.com
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‘Nutcracker & the Mischievous Elves’
The Rosemary Youth Ballet by Onyx Studio 2 presents a modern twist on the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” with current and past students performing alongside guest former professional dancers. It is all set to the familiar music by Tchaikovsky. Guest artists include Marcus Miranda, Abbey Gonzalez Kay and Edward Gonzalez. 6 p.m. Nov. 24, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$75. onyxstudio2.com or sarasotaopera.org
‘A Motown Christmas’
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates the holiday season with the return of this musical celebration featuring a collection of holiday songs as performed by the greats of Motown. Created by founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs in 2015, this revue is back for its fourth seasonal run. It features such hits as “Deck the Halls,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night,” performed in a lively style with choruses and dancing. the large cast includes Syreeta S. Banks, Ilexis Holmes, Delores McKenzie, Michael Mejia-Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II and more, with Matthew McKinnon as music director. Nov. 27-Jan. 5. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $47-$57, $22 students age 25 and younger and active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
‘Dynasty Stars’
The dance troupe for people with special needs, which offers classes, workshops and performances, will present a holiday showcase as part of a Black Friday event at the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. The troupe will perform and offer a free dance lesson for those interested after the show. 6 p.m. Nov. 29. 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota. 941-445-1938; bazaaronapricotandlime.com
‘Recipe for the Holiday’
Tree Fort Productions Projects presents an original musical revue created by Artistic Director Katherine Michelle Tanner. It is about a psychiatrist who hosts a radio show and pairs her advice with the perfect recipe. The cast features Aden Russell, Charlie Agaracia, Debbie Davidson, Valeri DiLorenzo and Dennis Parker. Tanner directs the production. Nov. 29-Dec. 15, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 136, Sarasota. $40. treefortproductions.com
‘Deck the Halls’
Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre celebrates the holiday season with a uniquely Florida perspective in a new edition of this annual collection of songs and sketches that explore holiday traditions in Sarasota. Nov. 30-Dec. 24. Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $12. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘No Sex Please: It’s Christmas’
In Michael Parker’s comedy, a builder invites prospective homebuyers Fred and Gladys to spend the holidays in what he calls “the house of the future,” hoping that the spirit of the season will help close the deal. But various Christmas Eve shenanigans threaten the builder’s plans. Nov. 21-Dec. 15. Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $29, $14 for students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
Winter’s Glow
Since 2018, Key Chorale has collaborated with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company for an annual program featuring new and classic works for choir, orchestra and ballet. This year’s program is inspired by the colors of the aurora borealis and features Ola Gjeilo’s “Dreamweaver,” a story of a holiday transformation and featuring Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite. Maria Konrad choreographs John Rutter’s “When Icicles Hang.” 4 p.m. Dec. 1, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $20-$55. 941-552-8768; keychorale.org
Chanticleer Holiday Concert
Sarasota Concert Association brings back the Grammy Award-winning male vocal ensemble Chanticleer for a new holiday program of Renaissance, classical and popular seasonal music. The group has been called “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$85. 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org
‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’
On Christmas Day in 1914, a German soldier put down his rifle and stepped into No Man’s Land and started singing. Suddenly, there was a moment of peace on the Western Front during World War I. That moment provides the inspiration for a musical telling of the story by Peter Rothstein, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s producing artistic director. He directs the production in a collaboration with The Ringling in the museum’s Historic Asolo Theater. Dec. 4-22, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. $39-$67. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
‘Sleeping Indoors’
In Jim Holt’s comedy, a literary critic and his wife invite a homeless man into their home for Christmas dinner. They are surprised to discover that he’s a charming man with a great writing style. They hope he will change the way he lives to rejoin society. Is he willing to forgo his anonymity for creature comforts? Dec. 4-22, Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $27, $20 for students. 941-474-9610; lemonbayplayhouse.com
Holiday Cheer Concert
The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota gets into the seasonal spirit with a holiday concert featuring soprano Hanna Brammer, who has performed in many productions with the Sarasota orchestra. The program features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Puccini’s “Chrysanthemum,” Zamir Bavel’s “Hanukkah Light,” Bill Holocomb’s “Christmas Wishes” and other holiday pieces. Music director Robert Vodnoy leads the orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $42, $5 for students. 219-928-8665; chamberorchestrasarasota.org
Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular
The 50th annual event will feature “Les Misérables” Broadway actor J. Mark McVey, the First Sarasota Choir and Orchestra, and a nativity scene with live animals including camels. 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 3 p.m. Dec. 7-8, and 6 p.m. Dec. 8, First Sarasota, 1661 Main St., Sarasota. $20 adults, $15 children. 941-365-2846; firstsarasota.churchcenter.com
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‘The Nutcracker’
A special Christmas Eve comes to life in Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in a production featuring traditional choreography performed by the Gulfcoast Studio Company with the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $30-$50. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
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’A Christmas Carol’
Venice Theatre’s original musical version of “A Christmas Carol” returns for its 24th season, along with Brad Wages as Ebenezer Scrooge. It features a mix of veteran performers, like Doug Landin as Bob Cratchit and Neil Kasanofsky as Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present, along with newcomers. Joy Broome and Autumn Broome alternate as Tiny Tim. Dec. 6-22, Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. $26 adults, $22 for college students and educators, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘The Nutcracker’
For more than 20 years, the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet has staged this holiday favorite performed by dancers from its school. It tells the story of Clara exploring a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets with dancing snowflakes, mice and the Nutcracker coming to life. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $30-$60. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘Happy Christmukkah’
Choral Artists of Sarasota, led by Joseph Holt, puts its own spin on the holiday season with this concert that combines music traditional to Christmas and Hannukkah celebrations. It is inspired by the idea that lighting candles is part of the ritual for both holidays. 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $40, $5 students, or $50 for adults for the concert and a Meet the Music program at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-387-6046; choralartistssarasota.org
‘Merry and Bright’
Guest conductor Stuart Chafetz leads this Sarasota Orchestra Great Escapes concert filled with festive holiday music, including “A Klezmer Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Skater’s Waltz” and “Joy to the World.” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 13, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 14 and 4 p.m. Dec. 15. All performances are one hour with no intermission, except the extended program on Dec. 14. Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $47-$69. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘The Nutcracker’
The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and more than 100 students from The Sarasota Ballet’s education programs present their version of the seasonal favorite. 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. $40-$85. veniceperformingartscenter.com. Also 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35-$80. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘The Nutcracker’
The Star Academy of Dance presents its version of the Tchaikovsky classic ballet featuring students from its training program. 5 p.m. Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Dec. 15, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, $15-$55. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
‘A Wicked Fun Holiday’
The Pops Orchestra, led by Robyn Bell, is joined by singer and actress Tiffany Haas, for a program that mixes seasonal favorites and Broadway hits. Haas, who competed in the Miss America Pageant as Miss Ohio, also has played Glinda in “Wicked” on Broadway and a national tour. 3 p.m. Dec. 15, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota; 7:30 pm. Dec. 16, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, $35-$65. 941-926-7677; thepopsorchestra.org
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‘Short and Suite’
Azara Ballet brings back an audience favorite program from its debut season. It’s an hour-long blend of classical and contemporary ballet, featuring excerpts from “The Nutcracker” along with new pieces set to contemporary holiday music. The program is choreographed by co-founder Martin Roosaare. 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 2 p.m. Dec. 22. Ovation Black Box Theatre, 4602 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton. $28-$30. azaraballet.org
‘Home for the Holidays’
Tony and Grammy nominee Liz Callaway, who starred in “Baby,” “Cats” and “Miss Saigon,” and provided the voice for the title character in the animated “Anastasia,” joins The Venice Symphony for its annual holiday program. It also features concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck playing the electric violin in “Miraculum.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. $39-$66. 941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org
Sailor Circus
The nation’s longest-running youth circus returns with its annual holiday show, this year celebrating its 75th anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee. The production mixes new twists on traditional circus, including aerial acts and performers on the high wire, with touches of seasonal celebrations. Dec. 26-29; Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; $20-$40; 941-355-9805; circusarts.org
‘Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert”
Conductor Gregory Vajda leads the Strauss Symphony of America in this annual holiday treat inspired by the traditional Neujahrskonzert (or New Year’s concert) that grew from the golden age of Viennese music. Along with favorites like the Blue Danube Waltz, the program features soprano Sera Gösch and tenor Brian Cheney, along with international champion ballroom dancers. . 7 p.m. Dec. 30, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $58-$101. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
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