This week's Sarasota area arts events take inspiration from literary sources ranging from the famed author Robert Louis Stevenson to infamous tabloid figure Bat Boy.
"Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child's Garden of Verses," which opened at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point Campus in November, will come to a close while "Bat Boy: The Musical," based on an item in the Weekly World News tabloid, will open at The Sarasota Players.
You also only have a few weeks left to see the summer exhibition at Selby Gardens' downtown Sarasota campus — which, like "A Child's Garden of Verses," incorporates Selby Gardens' inaugural artist-in-residence, Patti Smith. And Florida Studio Theatre, one of our picks for top Sarasota spots to visit when it's too hot or rainy
out, still has two musical cabarets running. Here are this week's highlights. Event details are subject to change.
1. 'Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses' at Historic Spanish Point
The exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, based on the book of poetry for children by Robert Louis Stevenson, comes to a close. "A Child's Garden of Verses" features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by Alexander Dobkin, interactives that draw inspiration from Stevenson’s poems, and audio recordings of the poems read by Patti Smith. Through Aug. 30; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey; $20, $12 ages 5-17/member guests, free ages 4 and under/members; 941-366-5731; selby.org
2. 'Bat Boy: The Musical' at The Players
The Sarasota Players will host a production of the comedy horror show based on the famous tabloid item about a half-bat, half-boy creature found in a cave. In the show, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of town veterinarian Dr. Parker, his wife Meredith and teenage daughter Shelley, but the boy's attempts to fit into the town don't come so easy. Due to adult subject material, the show may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Aug. 26-Sept. 6; The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $35, $15 students; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
3. 'Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith' at Selby Gardens
For its summer exhibition, Selby Gardens' downtown Sarasota campus showcases the work of photographer Lynn Goldsmith, known for her celebrity portraits and fine art images, with this exhibition combining images of flowers with portraits of Patti Smith. Goldsmith's books include "Patti Smith: Before Easter After," as well as work centered on fellow rock stars Bruce Springsteen and The Police, and "Flower" about flowers. Through Sept. 13; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; included in admission ($28, $12 ages 5-17/member guests, free ages 4 and under/members); 941-366-5731; selby.org
4. 'Legacy: Motown & More!' at Florida Studio Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre's Summer Cabaret Series, which has featured music-themed productions such as "Leaving on a Jet Plane," continues with "Legacy: Motown & More!" The show will feature Motown and other R&B and pop hits from artists including The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations. Through Oct. 11; Goldstein Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $37 and up single tickets, $59 and up series subscriptions; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
5. 'Songbirds of the Seventies' at Florida Studio Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre's Summer Cabaret Series also includes this still-ongoing show, which was recently extended for an additional week. "Songbirds of the Seventies: From Woodstock to Soft Rock" showcases music by some of the most enduring women singer-songwriters of the '70s and '60s such as Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Carly Simon, Helen Reddy, Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt. Through Sept. 20; John C. Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $37 and up single tickets, $59 and up series subscriptions; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top Sarasota area arts events include Robert Louis Stevenson, Bat Boy
