Asolo Repertory Theatre Sarasota: World-Class Performances on the Cultural Coast
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Asolo Repertory Theatre Sarasota delivers Broadway-caliber productions in a historic setting that makes every performance unforgettable. I remember the first time I experienced the Asolo Repertory Theatre. It was the late 1980s, and I had taken a group of high school kids to a matinee performance. Like many of them, I was seeing it for the first time. The ornate theatre—with its dramatic stage and upper level seating—looked grand, and as the lights dimmed, the audience seemed to become one with the actors. At the Asolo, the shows came alive.
Through the years, I’ve experienced many productions at Asolo Rep, and every one of them has been outstanding. One Christmas, my family and I absolutely loved A Christmas Carol. We had seats right at stage level, and I’ll never forget the way the actors drew us into Dickens’s timeless tale. The Asolo has that special ability: to make you feel like you’re part of the story.
A Theatre with a National Reputation
The Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s largest professional theatre and one of the most respected in the country. With roots dating back to the 1960s, it has become known for Broadway-caliber productions, new works, and bold interpretations of classics. Each season offers a rotating repertory, so you can often see multiple shows during the same trip.
The Setting at The Ringling
Asolo Rep is located at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts on the grounds of The Ringling. Its main stage, the Mertz Theatre, was originally the Dunfermline Opera House in Scotland before being reconstructed in Sarasota. Today, the historic interior and intimate seating create the perfect backdrop for powerful performances.
What’s On Stage At The Asolo Repertory Theatre Sarasota
Every season brings a diverse lineup—comedies, dramas, and musicals that rival anything you’d find in bigger cities. Holiday favorites like A Christmas Carol have become local traditions, and this December (2025) the company will present All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, a moving musical about peace during wartime.
Why Asolo Rep Belongs on Your List
Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime local (especially in the winter when the Asolo runs its shows), Asolo Rep offers something special: a theatre experience that’s both world-class and uniquely Sarasota. Pair a performance with a visit to its neighbor The Ringling (across the street) and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day of arts & entertainment in Sarasota, Florida.
📌 Don’t Miss
📅 Check Sarasota Lifestyle’s Events Calendar for upcoming shows.
🎟️ Visit Asolo Rep’s official site for tickets and season info.
🌟 Explore Things to Do in Sarasota to round out your evening.
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Hi, I’m Mike – real estate agent, photographer, and blogger. Come along as I dive into all things Sarasota, Florida, share insider tips and exciting stories that make this place special. For 20+ years, I’ve helped countless people buy and sell property. Before I transitioned to full-time real estate, I taught high school English & coached basketball.”
