@jayhandelman.bsky.social
I guess it's official. Today is my last day at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and here's my farewell column. I'll have a few more stories in the next few weeks in the Herald-Tribune. New things are coming this fall. www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Theater critic says farewell to the Herald-Tribune after 40 years on the aisle
Jay Handelman joined the Sarasota Herald-Tribune as a news editor in 1984. He leaves after 40 years as Arts Editor and theater critic.
www.heraldtribune.com
September 5, 2025 at 12:48 PM
I guess it's official. Today is my last day at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and here's my farewell column. I'll have a few more stories in the next few weeks in the Herald-Tribune. New things are coming this fall. www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
There's a tender and moving play on stage at Florida Studio Theatre called "Dorothy's Dictionary" by E.M. Lewis that runs just about an hour but has a strong impact with two involving performances. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Two strong actors inspire a love of words and books in FST’s ‘Dorothy’s Dictionary’
‘Dorothy’s Dictionary’ marks the return of a favorite actress and a local debut in a story about a librarian and a troubled teen.
www.heraldtribune.com
July 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM
There's a tender and moving play on stage at Florida Studio Theatre called "Dorothy's Dictionary" by E.M. Lewis that runs just about an hour but has a strong impact with two involving performances. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep is delaying the fall production of a revised version of the Billy Joel-Twyla Tharp musical "Movin' Out" for a year. The Tony-winning "Come From Away" will now open the new season in November.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
‘Come From Away’ to replace delayed Billy Joel-Twyla Tharp musical at Asolo Rep
A new version of the Tony Award-winning ‘Movin’ Out’ needs more time for development and will be replaced at Asolo Rep this fall by ‘Come From Away’
www.heraldtribune.com
July 16, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Asolo Rep is delaying the fall production of a revised version of the Billy Joel-Twyla Tharp musical "Movin' Out" for a year. The Tony-winning "Come From Away" will now open the new season in November.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Sarasota panel recommends flood-proofing the @vanwezelpah.bsky.social before a new venue opens www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l... via @heraldtribune
Sarasota panel recommends flood-proofing Van Wezel Hall before new venue opens
Sarasota's Purple Ribbon Committee was appointed in 2023 to study future alternative uses for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
www.heraldtribune.com
July 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Sarasota panel recommends flood-proofing the @vanwezelpah.bsky.social before a new venue opens www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l... via @heraldtribune
New grants, gifts bring Venice Theatre closer to its fundraising goal to restore its hurricane-damaged building www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
New grants, gifts bring Venice Theatre closer to restoring building
The Pinkerton family challenges community to match $250,000 gift for restoration of Venice Theatre's Jervey Theatre, damaged in Hurricane Ian
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July 10, 2025 at 1:21 PM
New grants, gifts bring Venice Theatre closer to its fundraising goal to restore its hurricane-damaged building www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
We're going to have to wait another week to see the final version of the Purple Ribbon Committee's recommendations to the Sarasota City Commission about potential alternate uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l...
Van Wezel panel reworking recommendations about venue’s future use
The Purple Ribbon Committee was asked to find alternate uses for the Van Wezel once a new performing arts hall is built.
www.heraldtribune.com
July 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We're going to have to wait another week to see the final version of the Purple Ribbon Committee's recommendations to the Sarasota City Commission about potential alternate uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/l...
Deborah F. Rutter, who was ousted as president of the John F. Kennedy Center, urges Sarasota artists, patrons and arts leaders to weather the storms causing challenging times. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Ousted Kennedy Center president encourages arts groups to expand their reach
Three months after Deborah F. Rutter was ousted as president of the Kennedy Center, she spoke in Sarasota about the need for resilience in the arts.
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May 23, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Deborah F. Rutter, who was ousted as president of the John F. Kennedy Center, urges Sarasota artists, patrons and arts leaders to weather the storms causing challenging times. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
A thrilling production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ closes
Asolo Rep's season in rousing style. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep's season in rousing style. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ closes Asolo Rep season in rousing style
The hit Andrew Lloyd-Webber-Tim Rice musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was extended two weeks at Asolo Rep even before opening night.
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May 20, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A thrilling production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ closes
Asolo Rep's season in rousing style. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep's season in rousing style. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Venice Theatre artistic director Benny Sato Ambush, who came for one year but helped lead the company through four challenging seasons, is departing after four years. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Venice Theatre artistic director departing after four years
Benny Sato Ambush came to Venice Theatre for what he thought would be one year. He stayed for four and is leaving to return to the Northeast.
www.heraldtribune.com
May 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Venice Theatre artistic director Benny Sato Ambush, who came for one year but helped lead the company through four challenging seasons, is departing after four years. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Many people know Will Luera as a brilliant improv performer. He reveals a different side of himself and his life story in his new play "Entangled." @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Engaging ‘Entangled’ unravels a performer’s mental health challenges
In ‘Entangled,’ Will Luera, best known as an improv performer and teacher, unpacks the mental challenges for has faced in his life and career
www.heraldtribune.com
May 17, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Many people know Will Luera as a brilliant improv performer. He reveals a different side of himself and his life story in his new play "Entangled." @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
As the world gets to know a new Pope, @asolorep.bsky.social is stepping back into history with a new production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," as the cast looks to find the people behind the iconic figures. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Classic rock musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ closes Asolo Rep season
Josh Rhodes, who brought life to many classic musicals at Asolo Rep, brings a new take to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’
www.heraldtribune.com
May 9, 2025 at 12:49 PM
As the world gets to know a new Pope, @asolorep.bsky.social is stepping back into history with a new production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," as the cast looks to find the people behind the iconic figures. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Fans of tap dancing will find a lot of pleasure in the world premiere of "Syncopated Avenue" at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. I just wish it had a better book to tell the story. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Westcoast Troupe taps into a history of dance with premiere of ‘Syncopated Avenue’
WBTT founder Nate Jacobs creates a new musical that touches on the history of tap dancing and the importance of community.
www.heraldtribune.com
April 29, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Fans of tap dancing will find a lot of pleasure in the world premiere of "Syncopated Avenue" at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. I just wish it had a better book to tell the story. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Florida Studio Theatre takes on a lighter tone in the hottest months with six shows in its mainstage and cabaret series. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Florida Studio Theatre stays cool in summer with plays, musicals and cabaret shows
FST's summer season includes a classic musical spoof, tributes to Motown and folk legends, a touching drama and a popular farce.
www.heraldtribune.com
April 27, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Florida Studio Theatre takes on a lighter tone in the hottest months with six shows in its mainstage and cabaret series. @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
The drama behind Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is the heart of the Florida Studio Theatre production of "Jersey Boys," which features lots of hit songs that will have audiences humming along (and hopefully not sing out loud). @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Four Seasons backstory gives ‘Jersey Boys’ some punch at FST
A Broadway hit comes to Sarasota to chart the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from New Jersey Streets to Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame
www.heraldtribune.com
April 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The drama behind Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is the heart of the Florida Studio Theatre production of "Jersey Boys," which features lots of hit songs that will have audiences humming along (and hopefully not sing out loud). @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Actor Samaria Nixon-Fleming has a big job ahead, playing 21 characters in Amanda Wilkin's one-woman show "Shedding a Skin" for Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III series.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
One actress takes on 21 roles in regional premiere of ‘Shedding a Skin’ at FST
Samaria Nixon-Fleming plays around with accents and postures to create 21 distinct characters in Amanda Wilkin’s one-woman play ‘Shedding a Skin.’
www.heraldtribune.com
March 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Actor Samaria Nixon-Fleming has a big job ahead, playing 21 characters in Amanda Wilkin's one-woman show "Shedding a Skin" for Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III series.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Actor Max Roll was the understudy to Sean Hayes during the Broadway run of Doug Wright's "Good Night, Oscar." Now he gets the role of Oscar Levant to himself at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep’s ‘Good Night, Oscar’ combines celebrities and mental health
Doug Wright’s play ‘Good Night, Oscar’ is about musician Oscar Levant, his mental health troubles and a TV appearance with Jack Paar.
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March 28, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Actor Max Roll was the understudy to Sean Hayes during the Broadway run of Doug Wright's "Good Night, Oscar." Now he gets the role of Oscar Levant to himself at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
It is sometimes hard to watch, but Urbanite Theatre's "No One is Forgotten" by Winter Miller is a compelling drama about two women being held captive with two strong performances from Casey Wortmann and Dekyi Ronge.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Two actors excel in gripping Urbanite Theatre hostage drama
Winter Miller’s drama focuses on two women being held captive somewhere and for unknown reasons, and reveals what they do to stay sane and survive.
www.heraldtribune.com
March 28, 2025 at 12:38 PM
It is sometimes hard to watch, but Urbanite Theatre's "No One is Forgotten" by Winter Miller is a compelling drama about two women being held captive with two strong performances from Casey Wortmann and Dekyi Ronge.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Some may find it a bit slow going, but Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "Dancing at Lughnasa" is lovely, lilting look at the lives of five sisters in a small town in Ireland in 1936 and how changes impact them. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep reveals touching memories in ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’
Noted director Joe Dowling stages Brian Friel’s 1990 memory play about an impactful summer in 1936 for five Irish sisters in a small village.
www.heraldtribune.com
March 27, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Some may find it a bit slow going, but Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "Dancing at Lughnasa" is lovely, lilting look at the lives of five sisters in a small town in Ireland in 1936 and how changes impact them. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
I had a chance to talk with director Joe Dowling, the longtime artistic director of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Abbey Theatre in Dublin about his production of Brian Friel's "Dancing at Lughnasa" at Asolo Rep @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Acclaimed Irish director stages ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ at Asolo Rep
Joe Dowling, longtime artistic director of the Guthrie Theatre and Ireland's Abbey Theatre, stages Brian Friel play at Asolo Rep in Sarasota.
www.heraldtribune.com
March 15, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I had a chance to talk with director Joe Dowling, the longtime artistic director of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Abbey Theatre in Dublin about his production of Brian Friel's "Dancing at Lughnasa" at Asolo Rep @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stages a lively, and fun revue "Five Guys Named Moe." @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
‘Five Guys’ gets audiences singing and dancing along at WBTT
Westcoast Black Theatre celebrates the music and spirit of composer, and bandleader Louis Jordan with a lively revue.
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March 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stages a lively, and fun revue "Five Guys Named Moe." @theatrecritics.bsky.social www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
The clash between a librarian and a worried mother who wants a book removed from the shelves takes some unexpected and surprisingly funny turns in the world premiere of Sharyn Rothstein's "Bad Books" at Florida Studio Theatre. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
‘Bad Books’ makes for good theater at Florida Studio Theatre
The new play by TV writer and playwright Sharyn Rothstein gets the first of several world premiere productions at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota
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March 11, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The clash between a librarian and a worried mother who wants a book removed from the shelves takes some unexpected and surprisingly funny turns in the world premiere of Sharyn Rothstein's "Bad Books" at Florida Studio Theatre. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Asolo Rep Theatre will kick off its new season with some star power as Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp reimagine their 2002 dance hit "Movin' Out."
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Billy Joel, Twyla Tharp to update dance show ‘Movin’ Out’ to launch new Asolo Rep season
Asolo Rep’s new season will have star power with Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp staging a new version of ‘Movin' Out,’ a twist on ‘Fiddler’ and premieres
www.heraldtribune.com
March 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Asolo Rep Theatre will kick off its new season with some star power as Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp reimagine their 2002 dance hit "Movin' Out."
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Florida Studio Theatre is nearing its goal on fundraising for its new arts plaza in downtown Sarasota, and thanks to a successful match challenge, it now has a new name.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
New FST housing, theater and parking venue nears fundraising goal
FST's plan to building an eight-story building with artist housing, parking and three new theater’s will honor Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy
www.heraldtribune.com
February 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Florida Studio Theatre is nearing its goal on fundraising for its new arts plaza in downtown Sarasota, and thanks to a successful match challenge, it now has a new name.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Lloyd Suh's "The Chinese Lady" is a fascinating play about the first Chinese woman to come to the U.S., and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory gives it a fine production in an appropriate setting – The Ringling's Historic Circus Museum. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
‘The Chinese Lady’ captures centuries of international relations in dramatic form
Lloyd Suh’s “The Chinese Lady” is a drama about the first Chinese woman to come to the U.S., and the international relations surprises she reveals
www.heraldtribune.com
February 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Lloyd Suh's "The Chinese Lady" is a fascinating play about the first Chinese woman to come to the U.S., and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory gives it a fine production in an appropriate setting – The Ringling's Historic Circus Museum. @theatrecritics.bsky.social
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Joining others in mourning the passing of longtime Asolo Rep artistic director Howard Millman. He was a major figure in both the Sarasota and national theater scene.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
Director Howard Millman who saved Asolo Rep from brink of closing, dies at 93
Howard Millman helped save Asolo Rep from closing when he returned in 1995 as producing artistic director after earlier serving as managing director
www.heraldtribune.com
February 18, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Joining others in mourning the passing of longtime Asolo Rep artistic director Howard Millman. He was a major figure in both the Sarasota and national theater scene.
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...
www.heraldtribune.com/story/entert...