Urbanite to Return in 2021

After being dark for more than nine months during the COVID-19 crisis, Urbanite Theatre in downtown Sarasota will return with several offerings in 2021, including an outdoor reading series and the 2021 Modern Works Festival.

"While we all await a return to traditional programming, this unique set of challenges has forced us to consider unique solutions," said Urbanite in a recent press release. "We're proud to present our seventh season of plays, our most innovative collection of works to date. With an eye on health and innovation, we've prepared a trio of experiences that can be enjoyed safely. From outdoor readings with distanced seating, to an immersive drama with micro audiences, to a virtual spin on our annual Modern Works Festival, this season will have plenty of surprises."

Seating will be socially distanced and masks will be required for all audience members.

by Ron‡n Noone

Directed by Brendan Ragan

January 14, 15 & 16 at 6pm: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Campus

Set in the Tyrone family kitchen during Eugene O’Neill’s classic play Long Day’s Journey into Night, Ron‡n Noone’s Thirst explores the comedy, tragedy and triumph of two Irish immigrant servant girls’ search for love, success, and a sense of belonging in their new world. Tickets >>

by Emily Kaczmerak

Directed by Summer Dawn Wallace

February 13 at 5 pm and 7:30 pm: Hermitage Artist Retreat

February 14 at 6 pm: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Campus

Classmates Sam and Lizzie have their first playdate on 9/11, co-creating an imaginary, fanciful queendom in order to make sense of the day. Over the next twenty years, the game recurs at startling intervals as the two women navigate their fierce, fraught, electric friendship. In collaboration with the Hermitage Artist Retreat.

by Christian St. Croix

Directed by Harry Bryce

March 18, 19 & 20 at 6 pm: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Spanish Point Campus

When his husband dies, Remy Washington finds himself both the owner of a drive-in movie theater and a caregiver to his late husband’s teenaged son, Pup. In a humorous and haunting tale about fatherhood, masculinity, and grief, the duo battles the ghosts from the past in order to connect in the present. Tickets >>

An unconventional theatregoing experience

written and directed by Brendan Ragan

February 26 - April 4, 2021

After leaving his cybersecurity job at a powerful corporation, Fletcher and his wife Ava have gone into hiding, along with their damning company secrets. When Ava mysteriously disappears, Fletcher turns to a stranger to help find her: you. In this fully immersive and interactive experience, step inside Fletcher’s secretive safehouse and navigate his cryptic digital clues to uncover the truth.

Please note: Safe House is an interactive, walk-through experience. This production does not feature traditional theater seating and there are no live performers. Audiences will be limited to four patrons per viewing. Run-time is roughly 30 minutes but will vary with each group’s experience. Masks and temperature checks are required for all patrons.