PLATO Moves To Manatee, Stays In Sarasota

Manatee County is gaining its first professional theater troupe, but the Professional Learning and Theatrical Organization can still call Sarasota home.

After finding itself out of a home when Golden Apple Dinner Theatre closed, PLATO sought out a new venue, and it looks like the Ramada Waterfront Hotel's Harborside Ballroom is the perfect fit.

The organization announced the move Tuesday night for the 150-seat venue. 

Kyle Ennis Turoff of PLATO told The Bradenton Herald he looks forward to meeting Bradenton fans "halfway" and loves the talent found in Manatee County:

"Manatee County has a lot of talent, as seen on the Manatee Players stage," Kyle Ennis Turoff said. "And we look forward to having them on our stage."

PLATO also announced that it would produce a Florida West Coast premiere of the original musical Waist Watchers: The Musical by Alan Jacobson. The satirical play features four women and their journey through diets and relationships. Turoff will direct the local production.

The play will be staged from Nov. 15 to Jan. 16 and tickets are $35.

The organization's troupe Magic Box Theatre will present children's plays including Rumplestiltskin by Beth Duda and Adam Ratner and directed by Jared Walker. The play will be staged from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8 and features a joke contest for kids at each performance. Tickets for that show is $10. 

PLATO’S ByKids4Kids and the PLATO Platinum Players have holiday shows planned as well.

ByKids4Kids will perform The 12 Days of Christmas featuring Santa Claus where the characters text Santa, carol along the way and go for a sleigh ride. It's also directed by Walker and Eric Berkel. The four performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 and 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets are $8 for kids and $10 for adults.

The Platinum Players, a troupe of talented seniors, will produce an original Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 16. The revue includes dancing girls, surprises and celebrity guests, starring Lois Lane, Platinum Players and the Powder Puffs. Directed and choreographed by Jared Walker, Eric Berkel and Helen Holliday. Tickets are $15.

Both holiday shows are available for performances at other venues as well, PLATO announced.

For more information on the shows, call 941-363-1727, email platoarts@gmail.com or visit www.platoarts.org.