As summer nears its end and Sarasota area arts venues prepare the start of their new seasons, we have shows both concluding and opening this week, including a few appropriate for the upcoming Halloween season.
The comedy horror "Bat Boy: The Musical," based on the Weekly World News tabloid story of the same name, runs through Sept. 6 at The Sarasota Players while the dark comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace," about a drama critic who discovers his sweet aunts may not be so sweet after all, debuts at Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Also nearing their ends are Selby Gardens' summer art exhibition — showcasing photographer Lynn Goldsmith and Selby's inaugural artist-in-residence Patti Smith — and a show in Florida Studio Theatre's Summer Cabaret Series,
with another one lasting about a month longer. Here are this week's highlights. Event details are subject to change.
1. '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
2. 'Bat Boy: The Musical' at The Sarasota 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. Through Sept. 6; The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $35, $15 students; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
3. 'Arsenic and Old Lace' at Manatee Performing Arts Center
After kicking off its main stage musical season with "Fame" earlier this month, Manatee Performing Arts Center will debut "Arsenic and Old Lace" in its black-box Bradenton Kiwanis Theater. The dark comedy that opened on Broadway in 1941, and was made into a 1944 film starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra, follows a drama critic who discovers that his sweet aunts may be serial killers. Sept. 3-20; Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $32.50; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
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 features 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: 5 Sarasota-area arts events to catch before they disappear
