All seats, any price: Asolo Rep opens its doors to the full Sarasota community with a benefit performance supporting the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.
SARASOTA, FL — Asolo Repertory Theatre announces a special Pay What You Will performance of Marie and Rosetta on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 1:30p.m. in the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. For this performance, patrons may choose their own ticket price, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC). The initiative reflects Asolo Rep’s ongoing commitment to making world-class theatre accessible to all members of the Sarasota community. Marie and Rosetta, which celebrates the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and her protégée Marie Knight, opens May 8 and runs through May 31.
“Theatre should be for everyone, and this performance is our way of putting that belief into action. Marie and Rosetta tells the story of two extraordinary African American women whose music forever changed American popular song. We are proud to partner with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, whose work celebrates the artistic contributions of African Americans in our region.”
Said Peter Rothstein, Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Performance Dates
Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 1:30pm
Tickets
Tickets for the May 24 Pay What You Will performance are available by phone or in person at the Asolo Rep Box Office. Online reservations are not available for this event. Box Office: (941) 351-8000.
About Asolo Rep
Since 1958, Asolo Repertory Theatre has been recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. Asolo Rep presents up to eight productions each season, including classics, contemporary drama, musicals, and world premieres. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with leading theatre-makers, and cultivating the next generation of artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein and Managing Director Ross Egan, Asolo Rep’s ambitious theatrical offerings, commitment to new work, and groundbreaking education and engagement programs ensure the company’s lasting legacy for future generations. Learn more at AsoloRep.org.
About the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition’s mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. Founded by President and CEO Vickie Oldham, SAACC is working to transform the Historic Leonard Reid House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into a new arts, culture, and history center that will host exhibits about Black life and history, provide performance space for Black artists, and offer public programs and classes.