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COVID-19 once again upends Sarasota area arts schedules

The Herald-Tribune - 1/10/2022

Jan. 10—Just as we were hoping to move beyond the COVID-19 epidemic, new cases have been having a major impact on the Sarasota area arts community. A number of changes have been announced which are too sadly reminiscent of the start of the epidemic nearly two years ag

Over the weekend, the Sarasota Orchestra had to cancel its "Ohlsson Plays Rachmaninoff" concerts because of exposures among the musicians. That was after replacing the original conductor who faced his own exposure and couldn't travel to Sarasota.

Florida Studio Theatre canceled its recently announced Stage III series to avoid overwhelming its staff or coming up short with housing if company members test positive and have to isolate. In the same story, we reported that Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe put a two-week delay on its world premiere production of "Ruby" and canceled a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Venice Theatre canceled its own King tribute, postponed a concert featuring Broadway star Norm Lewis and is now requiring face masks for all patrons after months of recommending them.

The lack of a face mask requirement kept me from attending last week's opening of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory production of "Belleville." Because it is part of Florida State University and must follow state guidelines, the Conservatory (along with The Ringling and its Historic Asolo Theater) have not adopted the local #SafeArtsSarasota protocols that require masks, and either a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

At the same time, the Sarasota Concert Association will get off to a later-than-expected start after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra announced it was canceling its Florida tour. And Key Chorale is postponing its "Choral Splendor in 40 Parts" concert until May 6-7 because of concerns about guest artists traveling to Sarasota.

But we can hope that the worst is behind us. Asolo Repertory Theatre opens its winter season with a new production of "Our Town" and Urbanite Theatre is presenting the local premiere of a new play called "The Smuggler." Both open on Friday.

And in case you missed it, I took a look back at the impact Betty White had on all our lives before her passing at 99.

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Please don't hesitate to offer your feedback or ask questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jay Handelman

Arts Editor

Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com.

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