Arts + Entertainment 3.28.24

EATING WITH EMMA: The best pasta places in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

<FASHION FORWARD: SPARCC’s

ARTS

Who was George Balanchine?

The New York choreographer known as “Mr. B” would try to impress women by telling them he was a “cloud in trousers.”

Most of his love interests probably didn’t realize he was quoting Vladimir Mayakovsky, a radical poet from his homeland of Russia.

But

More

Ballet

to prepare for two Balanchine ballets in its sixth program of the season, “Portraits of Expression,” which will be held April 5-6 at the Sarasota Opera House. The two Balanchine ballets on the bill — “Who Cares?” and “Emeralds” — represent different sides of his work.

Based on the music of George Gershwin, “Who Cares?” is jazzy, upbeat and reflects Balanchine’s love of America, where he moved after a successful career with the Ballet Russe in Paris in the 1920s.

“Emeralds” is one of three acts in Balanchine’s “Jewels,” a plotless, three-act ballet based on the music of three composers. Fauré’s music is used for “Emeralds,” Stravinsky’s for “Rubies” and Tchaikovsky’s for “Diamonds.”

It may be apocryphal that Balanchine was inspired by the windows of Van Cleef and Arpels to create “Jewels,” but the jeweler’s website traces the ballet’s inception to a 1961 meeting between Balanchine and Claude Arpels that led to the realization of the first version in 1967.

To help stage “Who Cares?” and “Emeralds,” Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb hired Sandra Jennings, who works with the Balanchine Trust. After winning a scholarship to the American School of Ballet, Jennings was asked to join the New York City Ballet in 1973 by Balanchine and worked with him for nine years.

The official term for someone like Jennings, who prepares dancers to perform a particular work so that it remains true to its original choreography, is a “répétiteur.”

During a recent interview at Sarasota Ballet’s offices in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, Webb said that hiring Jennings was worth the cost because the authenticity of Balanchine’s work is preserved.

Based in San Francisco, Jennings came to Sarasota about two months ago and staged the two Balanchine ballets over a two-week period. She returns to Sarasota this week and will stay through the first night of the performance.

The dancers appreciate what

Jennings brings to the table. “It’s a really special thing. She’s bringing information that is basically direct from the horse’s mouth because she worked with Balanchine,” said Sarasota Ballet first soloist Daniel Pratt in an interview. “She knows the ballet inside out and backwards.”

“The part in ‘Emeralds’ that I dance was originally danced by Violette Verdy,” explained principal dancer Jennifer Hackbarth. “Sandy is able to say, ‘This is what Violette said she was thinking during this port de bras, this moment.’ She’s bringing us as close as possible to what Mr. B would have wanted.”

Back in 2016, when the Sarasota Ballet last performed “Emeralds,” Webb says the company hired Verdy herself as a répétiteur, but she was forced to cancel because of illness and ultimately died that year.

Does performing the works of such an iconic choreographer as Balanchine put pressure on a dancer?

“I wouldn’t call it pressure,” said Hackbarth. “I would say it’s more like responsibility to uphold the tradition of Balanchine. He was such an amazing choreographer, and I want to uphold what he wanted.”

But a Balanchine ballet can’t “just be a museum piece. It has to be relevant today,” added Pratt. “You have to be creative and really use your imagination. You can’t just do the steps.”

Balanchine has been good for the Sarasota Ballet, Webb noted. After former New York City Ballet dancer and Balanchine muse Suzanne Farrell asked the Sarasota Ballet to partner with her eponymous company on “Diamonds,” the collaboration led to a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in 2011. “That put us on the map,” Webb recalled.

While members of the Sarasota Ballet rehearse for “Program Six,” visions of London are dancing in their heads. At the invitation of

Kevin O’Hare, director of the Royal Ballet, a contingent from the Sarasota Ballet will travel to London in June for a one-week residency in the Linbury Theatre in The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

Webb waxes nostalgic when speaking of Covent Garden. “There’s no place like it in the world,” he said.

The Sarasota company will per-

form seven times from June 4-9, presenting two programs and a gala performance honoring the works of choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton.

The invitation to visit London is the result of the international relationships that Webb, and his wife, Sarasota Ballet Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, have with dance companies around the world.

The pair danced for many years with the Royal Ballet, where the works of Ashton made a lasting impression on them and informed their tenure at the Sarasota Ballet. Webb and Barbieri, who oversees the Sarasota Ballet Dance Conservatory, took over the company in 2007.

But before Sarasota Ballet dancers are off to London, there’s still Program Six and the last program of the

2023-24 season, “Inspirations” on April 26-27. It will feature Christopher Wheeldon’s “The American,” Ashton’s “Sinfonietta” as well as “Lyric Pieces,” a company premiere with choreography by Jessica Lang.

Now that Ricardo Graziano is stepping aside from his role as the Sarasota Ballet’s chief choreographer, Lang will be creating more ballets for the company. Lang, who has choreographed more than 100 pieces for American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance, was appointed Artist in Residence last year by Sarasota Ballet.

While the contacts of Webb and Barbieri have boosted the Sarasota Ballet’s international profile, their 2020-21 digital season helped the company gain followers out -

side Sarasota, said Webb, who was seconded by Hackbarth during an interview.

COVID’s silver lining may have been the addition of new far-flung fans, but it prevented the company from returning to the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, where it was scheduled to appear in August 2020.

The company made its Jacob’s Pillow debut to great acclaim in August 2015 with a program featuring the world premiere of Graziano’s “In a State of Weightlessness.” Webb and others were looking forward to returning to the festival in the Massachusetts Berkshires.

Regarding Jacob’s Pillow, Webb said impishly, “Could you print in boldface type that we’d really like to go back?”

The Ringling Circus Museum premieres our newest exhibition space, The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery, on the second floor of the Tibbals Learning Center.

Sarasota Ballet principal dancer Jennifer Hackbarth and Ricardo Rhodes pose in a publicity still for George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” Image courtesy of Frank Atura

The Pasta-Bilities are Endless for National Noodle Month

I couldn’t let the month pass by without giving you a penne for my thoughts.

EMMA BURKE JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Did you know that March is National Noodle Month? The one thing that will always, without fail, pick me up when I’m feeling down is noods.

I love lasagna, I’m fond of farfalle, I have a passion for penne, I cherish cavatappi, I’m mesmerized by macaroni, I fancy fusilli, I respect rotini and I think orzo is o-mazing!

Pasta is perfect in every shape and size. The pasta-bilities are endless when it comes to plating this meal preference.

In a place with a plethora of pasta-serving places, it’s im-pasta-ble to narrow down the list of restaurants who dish it out better than the rest. I’m going to do my best, but don’t get upsetti if I leave off the place with your favorite spaghetti. (I have a word limit here, peeps.)

Let’s pasta la vista, baby.

NAPULÉ

7129 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-556-9639; NapuleSarasota. com and new location to come in St. Armands Circle

Let’s Get Saucy: I believe the sauce in this first dish, and if you are a fan of pistachio and speck (cured, lightly smoked ham), very well may be the tastiest treat your tastebuds, tongue and tummy have ever tried. You will be forever pleased ordering the pappardelle con crema di pistacchio e speck ($25.95) made with homemade wide, wonderful and wow-factor fettuccine with crisp speck. This cream sauce will rock your world and make you wonder how you ever lived without this pairing of pasta and pistachio.

Endless Pasta-bilities: Regardless if you take my advice on the previous dish, you’ll leave a happy patron. Everything I have ever bitten into at Napulé has made me fall in love with food all over again. However, might I suggest the Mezze maniche allo scoglio ($25.95)? My dad would have never let me write again if I didn’t put this spectacular seafood serving in here. Rigatoni pasta with calamari, mussels, clams, scallops and shrimp in a light tomato sauce make for a divine dish from the sea.

CASSARIANO ITALIAN EATERY

8209 Nature’s Way, Lakewood Ranch; 941-355-8615 or 313 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-7861000; Cassariano.com

Let’s Get Saucy: Did someone say roasted creamy garlic sauce? Tagliatelle alla Rustica ($25) made with — you guessed it — tagliatelle— is truly terrific. It’s homemade pasta plated with

chicken, broccoli and a garlic cream sauce I could easily sip up with a straw. Cassariano is an expression of passion and culinary art in the form of, as its Facebook page says, “contemporary Italian cuisine.” I will never hesitate in ordering this out-of-this-world saucy dish. The portions are plentiful and the sauce is scrumptious. Pair it with an appealing adult beverage to ensure a full foodie moment of magic.

Endless Pasta-bilities: By now you all gnocchi how much I love a good food pun. But after you read this, I hope you will know the best eatery in town for gnocchi is Cassariano’s. The gnocchi Sorrento ($25) sends you to southern Italy the second you smell the vibrant aromas as the waiter carries your plate to the table. Uncomplicated, effortless and straightforward ingredients of gnocchi, tomatoes, incredible fresh mozzarella and bits of basil come together and remind me of why I love writing about food. The moment you taste the flavors

Mediterraneo makes a mean spaghetti alla carbonara ($16.95).

and look around the table at who you are enjoying this meal with, memories are made. They should never be taken for granted.

MEDITERRANEO

1970 Main St., Sarasota; 941-3654122; MediterraneoreSt.com

Let’s Get Saucy: Set your sights on the spaghetti alla carbonara ($16.95) stacked with phenomenally delicious pancetta, egg yolk, packedwith-flavor percorino cheese and topped with just the right amount of black pepper. I’ve never been to Italy, but I feel like I flew first-class to a part of Northern Italy that I won’t even try to spell or describe. The team at this marvelous Main Street cucina has continued to portray perfection since 1996. I will chase its carbonara until the end of time. In fact, a dear family friend frequents Mediterraneo each Wednesday due to its reliabil-

ity, genuine Italian hospitality and really great food.

Endless Pasta-bilities: I hate adding something to my must-try list that isn’t a major feature on the menu in the restaurant or online. I never want to let you foodies down. However, in this case, I have to recommend that you GET. THE.

SPECIAL. RAVIOLI. IF. THERE.

IS. ONE. I don’t know how much louder I could write and scream this recommendation. The ravioli that I have digested here have forever changed my pasta perspective. One time at my uncle’s birthday 70th party, I scarfed down a butternut squash and sage butter rendition that really rocked my socks. Another time, I picked the pecorino cheese and sausage ravioli. I still dream about these thin and tasty pillows of deliciousness.

Courtesy images

Napulé restaurant’s crema di pistacchio e speck ($25.95)

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

‘THE FLIP SIDE’

7 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.

$37-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. With songs like “The Ballad of Sigmund Freud” and “Killed by a Coconut,” the latest cabaret creation of the prodigious team of Richard and Rebecca Hopkins tips its musical hat to comic songwriters. The show features arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through June 16.

‘HAMILTON’

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$59-$209

Visit VanWezel.org.

The sensation that is “Hamilton” continues as the Tony Award-winning musical comes to Sarasota for a three-week run at the Van Wezel.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop masterpiece is a bodice-ripper about the romantic and politial adventures of the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. As the score says, you’ll “wanna be in the room where it happens.” Runs through April 7.

DON’T MISS ‘DIAL M FOR MURDER’

A stylish update of the Hitchcock thriller, “Dial M for Murder” follows a man plotting to kill his wealthy wife. The plot’s twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat in this play set in 1950s England, with all the fashionable trappings of the time. You’ll think twice about where you hide your key after watching Céline Rosenthal’s masterful production.

IF YOU GO

When: Runs through April 25

Where: at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: $43-$95

Info: Visit AsoloRep.org

‘THE WHITE CHIP’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.

$25-$46

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Follow a theater manager whose life threatens to spin out of control as he closes in on his dream job. He takes an unusual journey to sobriety in Seth Daniels’ “The White Chip,” part of Florida State Theatre’s edgier Stage III fare. Runs through April 12.

‘THE SPITFIRE GRILL’

7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

$15-$37

Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

Based on the film by David Lee Zlotoff, “The Spitfire Grill” is described as a folk musical in the tradition of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Brad Wages is director and Michelle Kasanofsky is music director. Runs through April 21.

‘WESTMINSTER’

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $5-$31

Visit UrbaniteTheatre.org.

Directed by Urbanite Artistic Director Summer Wallace, “Westminster” tells the story of a woman who receives a rescue dog as a surprise present from an old friend. Written by Brenda Withers, the play is part morality tale and part screwball comedy. Runs through April 28.

‘RUBY’

7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $20-$50

Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

WBTT’s homegrown musical “Ruby” tells what happened when the Blackowned Pittsburgh Courier sent Nora Zeale Hurston to Live Oak, Florida, to report on a prosperous Black woman accused of murder in the 1950s. “Ruby” is directed by WBTT founder Nate Jacobs, who wrote the book with his brother, Michael Jacobs, who wrote lyrics. Through April 7.

‘BORN WITH TEETH’

8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $29-$75 Visit AsoloRep.org.

A tale of rival playwrights Shakespeare and Marlowe, “Born with Teeth” offers an alternative to the conventional wisdom with plenty of court intrigue thrown in for good measure. Runs through March 29.

CONRAD TAO: ‘PIANO CLASSICS REMADE’

7 p.m. at Marie Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $5 with registration

Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Known for his energetic style, Hermitage Fellow Conrad Tao plays everything from Gershwin and Rachmoninoff to his own contemporary compositions. He has appeared at concert halls around the world, from the New York Philharmonic to Germany Klavierfestival.

‘ANYTHING GOES’

7:30 p.m. at SCF Recital Hall, 5840 26th St. W., Building 11A, Bradenton $15 Visit SCF.edu/Neel.

The SCF Guitar Ensemble takes the stage with alumni and guitarists from local schools to create an unforgettable guitar performance.

‘FINDING NEMO KIDS’

7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W.,

‘UP ON THE ROOF’

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $37-$44 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org.

The rapturous ode to the songs created in and around New York City’s legendary Brill Building has had its run extended once again, but time is running out to see “Up on the Roof.” Created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, “Up on the Roof” pays tribute to songwriting duos such as Carole King and Gerry Goffin; Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and others. Runs through April 7.

Bradenton $20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

This new stage musical is a 30-minute adaptation of the beloved 2003 film, “Finding Nemo,” with new music. The show is presented by The Penguin Players, whose members include adults 23 and older with disabilities in all roles. The artists receive help from on-stage mentors.

‘INTIMATE APPAREL’

8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $29-$75 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Written by Hermitage Fellow and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, “Intimate Apparel” tells the story of Black seamstress in the early 20th century. Her correspondence leads to a marriage proposal from a foreign stranger while she pines for a Jewish shop owner who’s bound to another. Runs through April 18.

FRIDAY

PIANIST BRUCE LIU

7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way $30-$85 Visit SCASarasota.org.

Sarasota Concert Association presents Bruce Liu, the winner of the 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition, performing the music of Rameau, Ravel, Chopin and Liszt.

Courtesy image

Image courtesy of Kayla Emy

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

OUR PICK ‘TROUBADOUR’

Featuring music by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, “Troubadour’ tells the story of a country music legend’s son in the 1950s who is trying to carry on his father’s legacy. When he joins forces with unlikely allies, the world of country music is changed forever.

IF YOU GO

When: April 3 through May 19

Where; at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.

Tickets; $39-$56

Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

SATURDAY

THE GOLDTONES

2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $30-$38 Call 941-748-5875.

Join Florida’s favorite doo-wop group as they perform your favorite songs from the 1950s and the 1960s. Maybe you’ll find out the answer to the eternal question: Who put the bomp in the bomp bah bomp bah bomp?

CALEB CLAUDLE

8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $22 WSLR.org.

Caleb Caudle and his band will perform music from his latest album, “Forsythia,” which was recorded at the legendary Cash Cabin in Tennessee. “Forsythia” is influenced by country musicians whose presence can be felt in the cabin and Caudle’s knowledge of traditional Appalachian folk music.

SARASOLO PRESENTS JACKSON

CARNEY

3 and 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $20

Call 941-260-8485

The performance, “Encyclopedia,” explores the human experience through the lens of three animals depicted in a childhood animal encyclopedia.

MONDAY

TREORCHY MALE CHOIR OF

WALES

7 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road Free will offering Visit BonifaceChurch.org.

From humble beginnings in a hometown pub back in 1883, the Treorchy Male Choir has evolved into one of the great choral ensembles of all time. The group brings a taste of

the rich cultural heritage of Wales as it extends the hand of friendship across the ocean.

WEDNESDAY

JOSH SNEED

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

One of the most played comedians on Sirius/XM Radio, Josh Sneed has performed at the prestigious “Just For Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal and the Aspen Comedy Festival. He was chosen by Comedy Central to perform in its inaugural South Beach Comedy Festival. Runs through April 6.

‘MY SON THE WAITER-A JEWISH

TRAGEDY’

7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $51.50-$71.50

Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Brad Zimmerman moved to New York to chase his dream and decided to wait tables while pursuing a career as an actor. He never dreamed his restaurant run would last 29 years. He eventually landed a role on “The Sopranos” and worked as an opener for Joan Rivers. He’s turned his life story into a hilarious show. Runs through April 7.

‘THE SECRET GARDEN’

7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30

Visit ThePlayers.org.

The Sarasota Players presents a musical adaptation of the children’s classic about an orphaned girl who goes to live in Yorkshire, England, on her uncle’s estate and finds solace in a magic garden. Runs through April 21.

Image courtesy of John Jones

Sarasota Film Festival opens April 5 with ‘Bull Street’

Steve Buscemi’s film ‘The Listener’ will close the festival, which Buscemi will attend.

Indie film fans rejoice: Steve Buscemi is coming to town.

Buscemi’s film, “The Listener,” will close the 26th annual Sarasota Film Festival, which runs from April 5-14 at the Regal Hollywood on Main Street. He also will participate in a Q&A session following the film’s April 13 screening.

Buscemi has had an illustrious career as a character actor and is instantly recognizable to fans of Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 cult classic, “The Big Lebowski,” in which he played Donny.

The Florida premiere of “The Listener,” about a crisis hotline worker (Tessa Thompson) is one of many highlights of the SFF, which opens April 5 with the East Coast premiere of Lynn Dow’s “Bull Street.”

“Bull Street” follows a South Carolina lawyer facing eviction with her grandmother from the family home. It stars Loretta Devine and Amy Madigan. Dow, Madigan and other cast members will take part in a post-screening talkback with the audience.

All told, the SFF will screen 64 fea-

tures and 81 short films. Tickets and passes go on sale Friday, March 22, online at SarasotaFilmFestival.com and at the box office of the Regal Hollywood on Main Street from noon to 6 p.m. daily until the festival begins.

Those interested in volunteering for the festival should also visit the SFF website.

“I could not be more thrilled with the depth and quality of the films that make up the lineup for our 26th annual edition,” said SFF Chairman and President Mark Famiglio in a statement. “We are proud to continue supporting film education, and to help spur creative output and tourism in the greater Sarasota area through the festival’s partnerships this year with Ringling College of Art and Design, Art Advocates, and many more local institutions.”

In addition to films, this year’s SFF features an opening night party at the Sarasota Modern hotel, a closing night reception at Sage restaurant, filmmaker receptions at Art Avenue Gallery and a Fantastical Friday Night Street Party on April 12 in the Rosemary District.

A high point of the festival will be the presentation of SFF’s Rising Star Award to Sarasota native Austin

IF YOU GO

26th Sarasota Film Festival

When: April 5-14

Where: Regal Hollywood, 1993

Main St. and other venues

Tickets: $18 and up Info: SarasotaFilmFestival.com

Abrams, who stars in Ethan Berger’s fraternity thriller “The Line” along with Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey and Angus Cloud. “The Line” will make its Florida premiere April 13 at the festival.

“It is incredibly special that we have the opportunity to honor a young talent in Austin Abrams, whose work has spanned prestige television to independent film, and to welcome him back to the community that helped launch his passion for the arts,” Famiglio said.

Abrams has won recognition for his regular role as Ethan in HBO’s “Euphoria,” and can be seen online in the Netflix feature, “Do Revenge.”

Later this year, Abrams will appear in his biggest role yet opposite George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the film, “Wolfs,” directed by Jon Watts.

As in previous years, SFF will have an assortment of documentaries and music-themed films. Jeff Dupre’s “This is a Film About the Black Keys” follows the story of the

Season 28 | Stars Ascending ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 941-306-1202

Boyd Meets Girl

Classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and cellist Laura Metcalf

April 4, 11:00 am performance followed by lunch

Sarasota Yacht Club

Husband/wife duo Boyd and Metcalf tour the world as Boyd Meets Girl, sharing their eclectic mix of music. The duo arranges much of their repertoire themselves. This concert features their own arrangements of works by Lennon/McCartney, Debussy, Bach, Shaw, and Price, along with compositions by Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Doza, Budos, Zenamon, and Gnattali.

Duo Beaux Arts

Pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin

April 16, 7:30 pm

Studio for Performing Arts Recital Hall at State College of Florida

This husband-and-wife team of internationally renowned pianists will perform a recital of works for piano “four hands” and two pianos, including Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K448; Schubert’s Fantasie in f minor for piano four hands, Op 940; and pieces by Vivaldi, Debussy, and Strauss.

band’s rise from a basement garage band in Akron, Ohio, to rock ’n’ roll fame and fortune. It screens as the festival’s Documentary Centerpiece film on Friday, April 12.

Other documentaries are Jeff Zimbalist’s “How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer,” which explores the macho author’s career and turbulent personal life, Dheeraj Akolkar’s “Liv Ullman: The Road Less Traveled,” which profiles the legendary Swedish actress, and “Luther: Never Too Much,” which memorializes the soul singer who died too soon.

Film buffs won’t want to miss Stephen Soucy’s “Merchant Ivory,” about the long personal and professional partnership of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory. The duo produced such lush period pieces as “Howard’s End,” “A Room with a View” and “The Remains of the Day.”

On April 6, SFF will host a showcase of the five nominees for live action short films at this year’s Academy Awards that includes the winner, Wes Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.”

“The Last Repair Shop,” winner of the this year’s Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, will unspool at the festival on April 12. Editor Nick Garnham Wright will participate in a post-screening Q&A.  Short films, which are no more than 40 minutes, are not easy to find on a big screen unless they are part of a festival or packaged for a tour of commercial theaters.

Most of this year’s screenings take place at the Regal Hollywood, where the SFF returns for the first time since 2019.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Courtesy image Sarasota native Austin Abrams stars in Ethan Berger’s “The Line,” which will screen at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Courtesy image

“Bull Street” is the opening film of the 26th annual Sarasota Film Festival, which runs from April 5-14.

Image courtesy of Tiffany Roohani

Steve Buscemi’s “The Listener,” starring Tessa Thompson, will make its Florida debut April 13 at the 26th annual Sarasota Film Festival.

Asolo Rep’s ‘Intimate Apparel’ reveals naked truth about its characters

Director Austene Van keeps it simple and sincere, with no flashy, stagey gimmicks.

mainly a character study, Nottage also aims her magnifying glass at American society. It’s 1905, the

Clothes make the man, but they also make the woman. Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” is about a woman who makes the clothes. She’s one of many threads in this ambitious Asolo Repertory Theatre production. That woman’s name is Esther (Aneisa J. Hicks). And she’s an African American woman. That’s hard enough in 2024. In 1905, it was harder, but Esther keeps on keeping on. She makes a living as a freelance tailor. She’s damn good at it. You name it, Esther can sew it. (Naughty negligees are her specialty.)

Although Esther’s skillful and strong, she’s not an island unto herself. She gets by with a little help from her New York City friends. These include Mr. Marks (Sasha Andreev), a Jewish merchant who sells Esther pretty fabrics and makes her heart flutter (her love is unrequited); Mrs. Van Buren (Adelin Phelps), an upperclass matron who’s superficially shunned by high society as a social climber; Mayme (Trezure B. Coles), a sex worker who loves her job; George (Curtis Bannister), a hardworking immigrant from Barbados with Horatio Alger ambitions (he’s Esther’s Mr. Wrong); and Mrs. Dickson (Regina Marie Williams), the boarding house landlady whose loyalty to her tenants isn’t just about the rent.

While “Intimate Apparel” is

era of Doctorow’s “Ragtime,” and the extreme closeup isn’t pretty. Our nation had a rigid social hierarchy back then. It pigeonholed each individual by race, income, religion, ethnic origin, status and gender.

The “right” people at the top knew their station in life; the lower orders also knew their place. In Nottage’s play, her characters’ authentic selves don’t really fit inside their tight, little boxes. But they try, and it hurts. (That’s the play’s subtext, not a blunt point.) Society’s just background. The people are the point.

Garments (both inner and outer) provide the high-powered lens of Nottage’s social criticism. What you wear says a lot about who you are — or try to be.

Nottage knows that clothes speak wordless volumes about their wearers and their world. It’s brilliant theatrical shorthand.

Director Austene Van keeps it simple and sincere, with no flashy, stagey gimmicks. “What you see is what you get” is her directorial style.

That’s in synch with Nottage’s focus. “Intimate Apparel” is about what’s under the skin, not surface appearances. Van stays faithful to that naked (or barely naked) truth.

Asolo Rep’s backstage talents give visible/audible form to this truth. Voice coach Patricia Delorey does outstanding work with

IF YOU GO

‘Intimate Apparel’

When: Through April 18

Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Tickets: $35-$95 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org

the music of Nottage’s dialogue and dialects.

Matthew J. LeFebvre’s costumes are a tour de force. Esther’s character is a ninja with a sewing needle. LeFebvre’s creations sell you on her genius — and that takes a spark of his own. Michael Hoover’s two-tier set works like a smart reversible jacket. Flip it one way, it’s a bedroom. Flip it the other way, it’s a shop. Nice. These talents all serve Nottage’s world-building, and that serves her story and characters. Her story has a well-woven plot — with a few loose threads, a hole or two and one predictable twist.

Esther’s money-in-the-

mattress is a locked-and-loaded Checkovian shotgun. Once you see it, you instantly see what’s coming. I figure the playwright knows that. It’s still frustrating that her smart characters don’t. A minor gripe.

Characterization is clearly this playwright’s strong point. Nottage’s people are sharply defined in her script. The Asolo Rep actors bring that clarity to the stage. Lesser talents might stumble into stereotype. They don’t.

Andreev’s Mr. Marks wears the mind-forged manacles of his repressive Orthodox belief system. He wears black; he keeps his distance. But Mr. Marks’ libido sneaks out when he isn’t paying attention. (When he and Esther caress those shiny, silky fabrics, it’s downright erotic.)

Coles’ Mayme has a heart, though it isn’t made of gold. Bannister’s George didn’t set out to be a bad man; he wanted to be a better man. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he’s a true believer in the American dream.  Williams’ level-headed Mrs.

Dickinson is the cool captain of her New York City boarding house: a Kathryn Janeway for the Gilded Age. Phelps’ Mrs. Van Buren is shunned by swells as a gold digger who slept her way to the top. The truth is, she’s holding on by her fingernails — and it’s a long way down. Phelps’ character is also more than she seems.

Great performances all around.

But Hicks’ Esther hits it out of the park. Her character’s a good person, but no plaster saint. Hicks portrays her as a flesh-and-blood, 30-something woman with romantic passions and a desire for financial security.

But love and money aren’t her deepest heart’s desires. At the core of her being, Esther’s an artist. One who paints with needle and thread. Life puts her through the wringer. When Esther comes out the other side, she’s still standing. She’s lost a lot. But she doesn’t lose her artistic soul.

Hicks’ touching performance lets you know how that triumph feels.

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Aneisa J. Hicks plays Esther, a seamstress, and Sasha Andreev plays Mr. Marks, a shopkeeper, in Asolo Rep’s “Intimate Apparel.”

Transformation Gala

March 22 at the Van Wezel

Performing Arts Hall

Benefiting the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation

It was an evening of entertainment and celebration of the arts at the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s Transformation Gala on March 22.

In a tent set up on the Van Wezel lawn, 350 guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner and a special appearance by Tony award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth before she performed in the Van Wezel that evening.

During the event, chaired by Kathy Martella and Susan Travers, the organization honored three individuals with its Appleton Arts Integration Awards, which are given to individuals who best incorporate the arts in their work to better the community. The honorees were Freda Williams Kmak, Tim Ferguson and Jahkori Dopwell Hall.

Proceeds from the evening benefit arts education and community engagement.

— OBSERVER STAFF

Photos by Lori Sax

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, CEO of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, addresses guests.

Glen Rieth, Renee Phinney and Gigi and Wolf Rogers

Kathy Martella and Susan Travers

Emmy- and Tony award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth speaks to the crowd before preparing to perform.

Wayne Hawkins, Eliza Smith and Paul Seed

Women in Medicine

March 19 at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

The word “breathe” on the backdrop behind an allwomen panel made perfect sense given the topic of this year’s Women in Medicine luncheon: discussing the dangers and treatment of lung cancer.

The 11th annual luncheon seeks to educate women on topics related to their health.

Held on March 19 at Michael’s On East, about 450 guests listened to Dr. Amy Budke, Dr. M. Blair Sharshall and Amie J. Miller as they discussed various topics surrounding lung health and what to be aware of.

— OBSERVER STAFF

polo and live music against a backdrop of a breathtaking sunset.

Photos by Lori Sax Speakers M. Blair Marshall, Amy Budke and Amie J. Miller

Sandi Stuart and Gwen MacKenzie

Kathy Gilkey, Diana Napoliello, Gana Gilkey, Cindy Miller and Lori Thompson

Kim Parris, Angela Wood and Shirley Miller

Gloria Moss

Rakael Brown, Courtney Kirkland, Mary Roberts and Tara Heburn

March 23 at Michael’s On East Benefiting Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center

Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center held its seventh annual gala titled Art in the Dark on March 23. With 150 guests in attendance, the atrium of Michael’s On East was decorated with hanging lanterns in an array of colors. The original intent of the founders of Lighthouse in 1985 was to provide services to assist blind and visually impaired adults. Over the years, services have expanded to five counties: Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte and Highlands. Lighthouse programs and services have reached thousands of children, youth, adults and seniors, and it is the only nationally accredited, nonprofit organization providing rehabilitation training at no cost to blind and visually impaired individuals.

Dr. Alan Porter and his wife, Claudia Photos by Janet Combs

Jonathan Warren, Bill DeVane, Isha Nelson and Lighthouse CEO Alex Elman Foley, with her seeing eye dog, Izmir

Artist Gail Cristello, and her mom, artist Margaret Feingold, who was an art teacher at Wilkinson Elementary School for 27 years. Margaret’s artwork, “Early Sarasota,” was donated to the silent auction.

This “Easter basket” filled with goodies was donated by Jessica Lee, who is photographed with Carey Beychok.

COMBS

Art in the Dark co-chairs are Veronika and Dr. Philip Ames, with their daughters, Mila and Vivian