October means more Sarasota area arts groups starting new seasons, and that trend certainly continues this week.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will kick off its main stage theater season with a production of the Tony-winning Duke Ellington musical revue "Sophisticated Ladies," with other season kickoff events at The Ringling, Selby Gardens in partnership with Hermitage Artist Retreat, and Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
October also means Halloween, and another local production of "Carrie: The Musical", based on horror author and Casey Key resident Stephen King's novel, will make its debut after Sarasota's Rise Above Performing Arts premiered their own production last week.
And although its name may more evoke Thanksgiving and the John Hughes
film set during that holiday, Sarasota Orchestra's "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles" concert will take place this week as well. Here are this week's highlights. Event details are subject to change.
1. 'Sophisticated Ladies' at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will open its “Rhapsodies of Rhythm” 2026-2027 main stage theater season with “Sophisticated Ladies,” a musical revue and celebration of jazz legend Duke Ellington. Featuring Ellington songs such as “Satin Doll,” “Mood Indigo” and the title tune “Sophisticated Lady," the musical premiered on Broadway in 1981 with a cast including Gregory Hines, Phyllis Hyman and Hinton Battle, the latter winning one of the show's two Tony Awards. Oct. 14-Nov. 22; The Donelly Theatre at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; $60, $25 students/active military with ID; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
2. Sarasota Orchestra 'Planes, Trains, & Automobiles' at Holley Hall
From the cinematic magic of John Williams’ scores to Heitor Villa-Lobos’ "The Little Train of the Caipira," this Sarasota Orchestra Great Escapes concert celebrates the thrill of being on the move. Guest conductor Evan Roider will lead the fast-paced hour of symphonic favorites, which will also include selections from Alan Silvestri's score to "Back to the Future" and Randy Newman's for "Cars." 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 16, and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 17; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $50 and up; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
3. Wonder Symposium at The Ringling
The Ringling will host this third annual symposium with an opening keynote address by author and museum educator Claire Bown in the Historic Asolo Theater at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15. It concludes with Night of Wonder at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 in The Ringling's courtyard, kicking off the museum's 2026-27 season and featuring Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, co-founder of the Best Tropical Latin Album Grammy-nominated Orquesta Akokán, performing with La Royal Orquesta. Oct. 15-16; The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $10 (keynote), $45, $40 members (Night of Wonder), $100, $90 members (full symposium); 941-359-5700; ringling.org
4. 'New Music Under the Old Oak' at Selby Gardens
Hermitage Artist Retreat and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens host the first program in the seventh season of “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens,” with this event held under a live oak tree. Hermitage Fellows Madeline Benson and Chris Peters, who first collaborated on the late Gavin Creel’s musical "Walk on Through," will be joined by Matīss Čudars, a Latvian composer, guitar player and winner of the Hermitage Prize in Composition at the Aspen Music Festival and School. 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $5 registration fee; 941-475-2098; hermitageartistretreat.org
5. 'Carrie: The Musical' at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Stephen King's debut 1974 novel about the titular tormented teen with telekinetic powers, later adapted into an Oscar-nominated 1976 film and a recent miniseries, was also made into an 1988 musical that will be put on by the Manatee Players. Though its original Broadway run was an infamous flop, "Carrie: The Musical" has gained a cult following in the ensuing years. Prom attire is encouraged, and the Halloween show will encourage costumes, give out trick-or-treat goodie bags, and have themed cocktails available. Oct. 15-Nov. 1; Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. Bradenton; $32.50, $50 Halloween show; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
6. Trio Sinfonia at Fischer/Weisenborne Residence
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will open its season with this Boston-based piano trio born out of the chamber music department at the New England Conservatory and grand prize winner of the Senior Division String & Piano category at this year's Coltman Chamber Music Competition. The program will be an "all Romantic" affair featuring Brahms' Trio in B Major and Mendelssohn's Trio in C Minor, with a post-concert reception with beverages included. 4 p.m. Oct. 11-12; Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota; $75; 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota area arts events include season premieres, more 'Carrie'
