INSIDE: BLACK
TIE
JUNIOR LEAGUE: Prospective members mingle. 9 > < THEATER: In this play, confusion creates hilarity. 12
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT WATCH THIS
THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017
YOUROBSERVER.COM
April Macie
Known for her appearances on “Last Comic Standing” and “The Howard Stern Show,” Macie performs in Sarasota. PAGE 5
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Photos by Nick Friedman
Vincent Ellis, Larry DeRosa and Judy Brombolich are among the Van Wezel’s 500 volunteer ushers. With a combined 45 years of service between them, the ushers say they enjoy being a part of the arts organization and interacting with patrons.
Circus Arts Conservatory
The organization reflects on its performance in Washington, D.C. PAGE 8
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SUPPORTING CAST Three volunteer ushers at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall reveal what it takes to keep things running smoothly at the iconic bayfront venue. NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR
Blue Eyed Bettys The Americana folk band returns to Sarasota, where it all began. PAGE 6
Judy Brombolich works the concession stand July 21 at Friday Fest.
Anyone who’s been to a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has seen them. They’re nearly as iconic as the purple bayfront hall itself. Dressed in their signature black suits and vests, perhaps they’ve shown you to your seat — or more importantly, the restroom. None of the onstage action — be it ballet, orchestra, rock ’n’ roll or comedy — would be possible without the more than 500 ushers who volunteer their time to ensure each night runs smoothly.
The job comes with perks, to be sure. But for the 53 who volunteer each night, it’s not all watching performances. From helping people who’ve shown up on the wrong evening — or at the wrong venue — to emergency evacuations and rowdy guests, these ushers are the face of the organization for 24 shows per season. And they have to be prepared for anything. We sat down with three longtime volunteer ushers to talk uniforms, what’s kept them volunteering and just how many times they’ve seen Tony Bennett. SEE PAGE 2