Arts + Entertainment 2.2.23

A+E INSIDE:

<GREAT EXPECTATIONS: FST’s ‘Babel’ digs into what happens when humans are, well, human. 6

BLACK TIE INSIDE:

BIG TOP: Circus Arts Conservatory celebrates 25th anniversary with show-stopping gala. 8 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

LEGACY CONTINUES

Sarasota’s Joseph Bauer Jr. has always admired ringmasters.

It was their ability to capture the audience’s attention with just their voices.

He wondered if he fit the bill.

In 1991 in Saskatchewan, Canada, he got a chance to find out when the ringmaster wasn’t going to arrive on time for the tour in which his family was performing.

Bauer Jr. had always announced the ringmaster, so Bauer Jr.’s father, Joseph Bauer Sr., asked him to step in.

“I said, ‘Dad, there’s no way. I don’t know all these people’s announcements and introductions,’” Bauer Jr. says. “He said, ‘Hey, are you going to let the circus down?’”

Bauer Jr. went around to the different acts to get information about them to prepare his introductions.

Then he went out there and did his best.

“I still don’t know how I pulled that off,” he says. “I just thought, ‘Do it.’ And I did, and I loved it ever since. As soon as I got on the mic the first time, I knew it was something I was going to keep doing.”

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Two circus acts will return to their hometown to perform in Circus Sarasota.

Horses performance

Sarasota’s Joseph Bauer is a part of a family with 15 generations of circus arts experience. He is thrilled to continue his family’s legacy on the Wheel of Death and as a ringmaster.

Now, 32 years later, Bauer Jr. will take center ring once again under the Big Top as ringmaster for Circus Sarasota.

For Sarasota natives Bauer and Sylvia Zerbini, returning to the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park means having another opportunity to perform in their hometown.

“It’s a blessing,” Bauer says. “It’s something special that not many people can do, and believe me, it has its challenges. I feel gifted and thankful that I can still be in this industry and be here in Sarasota. What history is in this town. This is Circus City USA.”

Zerbini says performing in her hometown is a great pleasure.

“Every time you go back, you just feel the warmth of the audience,” she says. “Sarasota is a great city that appreciates the circus arts. It’s an honor to be a part of a production that does so much with the Sailor Circus Academy teaching newer generations the understanding of the discipline.”

Bauer says being under the Big Top in front of a sold out crowd during Circus Sarasota is electric.

“The opening night is just always wow,” he says. “It gets you no matter how many times you step foot in the ring. That night in that tent when it’s jam packed and they’re waiting to see what they brought us this year, it’s great.”

FAMILY AFFAIR

The circus arts are a family legacy for Bauer and Zerbini.

Bauer’s family has been in the circus arts for more than 250 years, spanning 15 generations. His par-

IF YOU GO CIRCUS SARASOTA

When: Feb. 10 through March 5

Where: The Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

Tickets: $15-$75

Info: Visit CircusArts.org.

ents, Elizabeth Bauer and Joseph Bauer Sr., each came from circus families in Switzerland.

Zerbini’s family has been performing for nine generations.

Bauer learned everything he knows about aerial stunts from his father and grandfather.

“They taught me the basics I needed to get up in the air, and once I was up there, then the sky was the limit for me,” Bauer says.

Performing at Madison Square Garden as a family, Bauer remembers Lonnie Shrine, a reporter from the New York Times, interviewing the family of four daredevils. He says Shrine was in awe of seeing his family flying around and risking their lives.

“He said, ‘I guess you guys stay together, and the family that sways together stays together,’” Bauer says. “That made the headlines of the greatest show on earth, and that was the truth. We all weren’t scared. We all learned from them. We carried on, and we were swaying and staying together as long as we could.”

Zerbini grew up watching her father, Tarzan Zerbini, work with wild animals like elephants, lions and tigers, while her mother, Jackie Zerbini, was a trapeze artist.  Their backyard was literally a circus, but to Zerbini, that was normal. She would wake up every morning to do chores and care for the animals before going to school. She traveled eight to nine months out of the year, and the rest of the year she was back at school in Sarasota.

“Growing up on a flying trapeze and having animals around was normal — we didn’t know anything different,” Zerbini says. “It was quite an amazing way to grow up, learning how each animal had their own language and learning how to respect different animals. It was nothing out of the ordinary for us.”

At 5 years old, Zerbini quickly took an interest in horses and also loved aerial work.

“Horses are super sensitive,” Zerbini says. “You can look at a horse and he can literally tell you what he wants. It’s the emotion and a connection that a horse has with a human being that’s like no other. There were all these subtle cues that, as a child, I picked up on, and I use a lot of that body language and energy connection with the horses.”

It wasn’t until Zerbini was performing with Ringling Bros. in 1998 that Kennedy Feld proposed she combine her trapeze act with her horse act. She went on to descend from the air to meet her Liberty horses on the ground.

Bauer remembers his first time performing on stage.

He was in Osaka, Japan at Toshimaya Park where his parents and sister were performing. At only 7 years old, Bauer was used to watching from the sidelines in awe of what his family could do.

The director of the park questioned why Bauer Jr. wasn’t performing. Bauer Sr. said he was too young, but the park director insisted Bauer Jr. be in the show.

When it came to the end of the Fearless Bauer’s performance, Bauer Sr. called his son onto the stage. Bauer Jr. ended up doing a handstand on his father’s forearm.

“I was a little nervous, but seeing my mom and dad and my sister on the stage, I felt kind of protected,” Bauer says. “It was a very quick thing, and then I took my little bow on one knee.”

Bauer Jr. went on to have a small part in the show, whether it was doing handstands or juggling. It wasn’t until he was 15 that he followed in his parents’ footsteps and started practicing to perform on the sway poles that were more than 100 feet in the air.

Bauer continues to perform on the Wheel of Death, most recently in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Shrine Circus. At 57 years old, Bauer says he has to remind himself of the dangers of performing on the big wheel because it’s become second nature to him.

“You need to still respect it,” he says. “My biggest concern is always things around me while I’m on that wheel because it is 50 feet to the top. My job is to thrill audiences as much as I can on it and be careful at the same time. It’s good to be that comfortable, but it can also be a little risky because you take it for granted that it’ll be fine. That’s usually when you get hurt.”

As much as he loves performing on the big wheel, Bauer is contemplating retiring his daredevil act, possibly at Circus Sarasota in 2024.

“If that could happen, I think it

would be a very, very special and rewarding place to end,” Bauer says.

Zerbini doesn’t travel to perform anymore because there aren’t many circuses that allow horses. When she’s not performing, she’s doing independent work at different facilities, such as the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

She can’t wait to show people the beauty of her 11 Liberty horses in an “equine ballet.”

“It’s great to have an audience sit back, relax and disappear into your world,” Zerbini says. “I have amazing music, and I choreographed a routine the horses dance to. There’s a ring full of horses, so there is no room for mistakes. If you’re sitting in the ringside seats, you will feel the wind and smell the horses just blowing by your face.”

Evan Stevens and Erin O’Connor

Courtesy photo Sarasota’s Joseph Bauer Jr. takes center stage under the Big Top during Circus Sarasota.

The best spots around Sarasota to celebrate Galentine’s Day

henna tattoos and Champagne sampling from 6-9 p.m.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Valentine’s Day is a heinous holiday (this coming from a woman living in newlywed bliss).

You and your significant other are conditioned to separately embark on the Hallmark haul of musthave items: cards, chocolates and tchotchkes.

But there are other ways to celebrate love in February then succumbing to Cupid’s cult.

I’m talking about Galentine’s Day.

Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler’s character on “Parks and Recreation” says: “What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year.”

On Feb. 13, grab your gal pals, graze grub, gather your glasses high (high enough to break the glass ceiling) and cheers to girl power.

Besties before testes, uteruses before duderuses, ovaries before brovaries, chicks before — well, you get it. Here are some perfect places to go to for Galentine’s Day.

CHICKS CRAVING COCKTAILS: THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE 5312 Holmes Blvd. Suite 8, Holmes Beach; 941-213-9926; DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

Gal-Pal Plan: Prepare to be buzzed. Heat things up with the Eleanora cocktail ($22) for a memorable, magical mezcal moment, or be the badass babes you are and order the beloved Bees Knees gin cocktail ($16) with a lovely lavender honey hint. This will surely get your ladies night started!

Girls Just Want to Have: The Manchego pimento cheese ($11), maple leaf duckling tacos ($19) and Lobstercargots ($28) — luscious

lobster chunks baked in crock with garlic butter. The menu features a sampling of evolving and revolving specials, which includes even more lobster, lamb, oysters and more. This One’s For the Girls: Since this Doctors Office visit certainly won’t be your last, next time reserve a table in the outdoor gorgeous garden space, with limited seating under the twinkle lights, Thursday through Saturday.

LADIES WHO LUNCH: BABY BRIE’S CAFÉ & COFFEE HOUSE 1938 Adams Lane, Suite 105, Sarasota; 941-362-0933; Facebook. com/BabyBriesCafe

Gal-Pal Plan: Mingle over mimosas or have a caffeinated catch-up while biting into brunch (with gluten-free options too!). Have your girl gang gather on the Key West-inspired wraparound porch, and you’ll forget that you’re in Towles Court.

Girls Just Want to Have: The hash brown casserole side transports you back to any holiday meal — especially when paired with the roast

turkey melt ($13). Don’t leave the hidden gem without one of the homemade goodies, like the white chocolate raspberry scone I recently scarfed down. This One’s for the Girls: Owner Sarah’s daughter Brie can sometimes be seen in the kitchen making her famous chicken salad (sandwich with side, $12). If this womanowned business doesn’t define the importance of Galentine’s Day for generations to come, what does?

WINE NOT TREAT YOURSELF:

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT 3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota; 941-263-8100; CHWinery.com

Gal-Pal Plan: Instead of paying airfare to Wine Country, hop in a Lyft to thoroughly enjoy a winedriven dining experience in your own community. Be sure to make a reservation but wander to the wine tasting wonderland while you wait for your table.

Girls Just Want to Have: Crispy Brussels sprouts ($16.99) or the

crab, shrimp and lobster bisque (cup $8.99, bowl $11.99) are starters you will fantasize about forever. Treat yourself to an entrée that comes with Mary’s potatoes, but save room for dessert because the salted caramel crème brûlée ($10.99) is un-brûlée-vable. This One’s for the Girls: Discover a new wine with your favorite women by joining the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club. The best part? You can enjoy the rewards at home in your sweatpants or get dressed up for a vivacious vino-filled evening.

BEERS FOR THE BABES: 99 BOTTLES 1445 Second St., Sarasota; 941-4877874; 99Bottles.net

Gal-Pal Plan: Warning! Your partner will beg to tag along to this dreamy drinking destination, but a limited ticket event is ONLY for the ladies on Galentine’s Day. For $75 each, you and your babes can sip on bottomless select wines and bubbles, snack on cheese, charcuterie and accoutrements plus treat yourself to permanent jewelry,

Girls Just Want to Have: A return visit for New York bagel boozy brunch every Friday through Sunday. As a Northeastern girl, finding a real bagel and schmear in Sarasota is harder than watching visitors maneuver a round-a-bout, but these shipped-in-that-morning New York bagels are the real deal. This One’s for the Girls: While you’re sipping on drinks from all over the country, Tralia Italia Restaurant Pop-Up posts up on Monday’s at 99 Bottles from 5-9 p.m. to help soak up some of that sweet alcoholic nectar. PSA: The MVP Detroit-style slice will alter your perspective on pizza forever.

LIBATIONS FOR THE LADIES:

LIBBY’S NEIGHBORHOOD BRASSERIE

1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-487-7300; 8445 Lorraine Road, Bradenton; 941-357-1570; LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com

Gal-Pal Plan: Calories don’t count on Galentine’s Day. Craving another chardonnay ($11-$25 per glass)? Order it. Feeling like fried macaroni and cheese balls ($12.50)? Get it. Not to say the kale Caesar salad ($13) isn’t delicious, but nothing hits like a carb overload.

Girls Just Want to Have: Avocado egg rolls ($13.50) or the burrata caprese panzanella salad ($14). From the Impossible vegan double mac burger ($16.50) to the newly added seafood a la vodka ($25), this menu comes in clutch for your celebratory chica party.

This One’s for the Girls: Libby’s is offering their Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu from Feb. 9-14. Bring your best gal pal to a dinner for two, and choose one appetizer, two entrees, one dessert and a bottle of brut for $130. Ladies with libations is the perfect pairing for this female empowerment holiday.

On Feb. 13, grab your gal pals, gather your glasses and cheers to girl power.

Courtesy photo

For ladies only, $75 each, enjoy bottomless select wines and bubbles at 99 Bottles on Galentine’s Day.

Photo by Kevin Calixte

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

‘VISIONS IN BLACK’

5:30 p.m. at Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit SuncoastBlackArtsCollaborative.org.

Come celebrate work from artists of color in the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s cross-town exhibition that will feature work in three locations. This is the first gallery opening of the three. The exhibit runs through Feb. 25.

‘ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE’

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

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

$30

Visit ThePlayers.org.

Enjoy a memorable tribute to the legendary singer told through the eyes of her biggest fan. Weaving together Patsy Cline’s stories with her legendary tunes, this performance is a perennial favorite of audiences. Runs through Feb. 12.

FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAY ‘SIP & SHOP’

5-8 p.m. in downtown Sarasota, 1440 Main St. Free Visit DestinationDowntownSarasota. com.

Come downtown to stroll through the shops’ twinkling lights and

Valentine decor at the Sarasota Downtown Merchants’ monthly event.

MUSIC ON MAIN

6-9 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Main St. Free Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Enjoy food and drink vendors and live music during this celebration on the first Friday of the month. Band

Ten-76 will entertain the crowd with classic and modern rock music.

The event benefits Easterseals Happiness House.

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE

FEATURING DEANNA WRIGHT & IMANI WILLIAMS

7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $10-$20

Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Actor DeAnna Wright graces the Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s home studio with a performance that explores the authentic self through spoken word, rhythmic movement and song. Runs through Feb. 4.

CINEMATIC ROMANCE

FEATURING VIOLINIST SANDY

CAMERON

7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $33-$61

Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.

This is a night made for sweethearts as Troy Quinn and the Venice

Symphony perform music from the greatest love stories of our time, including “Casablanca,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Gone with the Wind.” Runs through Saturday, Feb. 4.

‘NETWORK’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave $39

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Anchorman Howard Beale’s ratings are dropping, and he faces his last broadcast after being let go. But rather than go quietly, he loses it on air, causing his popularity to soar. This regional premiere dives into what happens when we get caught up in the illusion of TV … as well as what’s the real truth behind it. Runs through March 19.

‘BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA’

8 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $25-$39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

This play by Anna Ouyang Moench might start as a father-daughter duo of birders exploring the wild world around them to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But just as the seasons, climate and global politics change, so too have the relationships in this family portrait. Runs through Feb. 19.

SATURDAY

PIANO CONCERT & ARTIST TALK: ELEMENTS OF MUSIC AND ART

4 p.m. at Midge Johnson Fine Art, 3983 Destination Drive, Suite 104, Osprey

$25 Visit MidgeJohnsonFineArt.com.

Pianist Alan Wasserman and artist Midge Johnson compare commonalities between art and music in this piano concert and artist talk.

ZORAN DUKIC, CLASSICAL GUITARIST

7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way

$37-$41

Visit GuitarSarasota.org.

Guitar Sarasota welcomes Zoran

Dukic, a Croatian guitarist who is one of the great classical virtuosos of our time. Whether as part of an orchestra or as a soloist, Dukic has been wowing audiences for years.

TEN-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL

7:30 p.m. at FSU/Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $29 Visit TheatreOdyssey.org.

At the 11th annual 10-minute play festival, high school students from around the region will stage their plays. From 40 entries submitted by area students, eight scripts have been chosen for full production. Runs through Sunday, Feb. 5.

‘FLYIN’ WEST’

7:30 p.m. at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $20-$48 Visit WestCoastBlackTheatre.org.

DON’T MISS MASTERWORKS: A ROMANTIC AFFAIR

The soaring melodies of Brahms and Rachmaninoff — what could be more romantic than that? Conductor Peter Oundjian leads the Sarasota Orchestra in performing Rachmaninoff’s “Second Piano Concerto,” one of the composer’s most beloved works. Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, blind since birth, will perform this wellknown masterpiece. Continues at the Van Wezel Feb. 3-5.

IF YOU GO Sarasota Orchestra

7:30 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton $37-$99

Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Don’t miss Momix — Alice at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

OUR PICK

VESPERS FOR A NEW DARK AGE

Explore new music in this collaboration between ensembleNEWSRQ and Verdigris Ensemble, a contemporary chamber choir visiting from Dallas.

IF YOU GO

7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave.

$25 Visit EnSRQ.org.

TUESDAY

GET HAPPY: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

CELEBRATES THE JUDY GARLAND

CENTENNIAL

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

$37-$77

Visit VanWezel.org.

To celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, singer Michael Feinstein leads audiences through a touching musical journey of Garland’s career.

WEDNESDAY

GREAT ESCAPES: DATE NIGHT 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

musicians, presents its

MONDAY

MUSIC MONDAYS: LEYMIS BOLAÑOS WILMOTT

10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road

$10

Visit SillSarasota.org.

As part of its Music Mondays series, the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning welcomes Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, choreographer and artistic director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, to discuss her organization and craft.

$45-$108 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

What better prelude to Valentine’s Day than enjoying an evening of romantic music? As part of its Great Escapes series, the Sarasota Orchestra will invite audiences on a journey through heartfelt stories paired with music that will make you swoon.

MOMIX — ALICE

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

$27-$77 Visit VanWezel.org.

In a one-of-a-kind brand of dance illusions, Momix will conjure the magical world of the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts in this breathtaking reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s novel.

Ever Onward Season 27

HANZHI WANG, accordion

February 9 11:00 am performance followed by lunch

Sarasota Yacht Club

Praised for her captivating stage presence, this groundbreaking young musician is the only accordionist to win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 61-year history. In the five years since, she has debuted at both Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

Building a better baby

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

Bad news first: Climate change, war and famine have led to ecological disaster on a global scale. Millions of acres of land are either flooded or barren. Hundreds of millions of people died. Hundreds of millions of survivors were forced to migrate.

To ensure humanity’s continued survival, a global government has launched a program of genetic engineering. For a child to be legal, each fetus’ DNA must be “precertified” in the mother’s womb. Abortion culls most failing fetuses. As a result, the genes for autism and predispositions for various diseases have been largely weeded out — along with the genes with a risk for violence and anti-social behavior. To enforce this edict, illegal offspring are all exiled. The good news? It hasn’t happened yet. It’s the premise of Jacqueline Goldfinger’s funny, terrifying, gutsy “Babel.” Her dark future is the latest FST Stage III production.

The playwright doesn’t off load this disturbing scenario in one big exposition dump. It stays in the

background and emerges in the references and expressions of casual speech. The action revolves around a same-sex couple: Renee (Anique Clements) and Ann (Lucy Lavely). They’re friends with another couple — Dani (Rachel Moulton) and Jamie (Tom Patterson). At first, they just hang out and talk. Everyone’s happy because Renee’s expecting. Details about Renee’s upcoming “blessed event” is shared as it always has been.

Ah, but something’s a wee bit off. What should be a normal chat becomes a walk through a verbal minefield. The wrong word or question — then it suddenly gets tense. Why? You find out the couple’s new baby wasn’t “precertified.” Then you find out that’s a big deal. And then you find out why.

A doctor thinks the fetus’ DNA (taken from both Ann and Renee, then merged into a single fertilized egg) might be loaded dice. He didn’t sign off on their new arrival. Without his signature, Renee has two choices. Abort the fetus — or give birth to a child who’ll be whisked away for life as a secondclass citizen in “the Villages.” Ann brushes the dilemma aside. She thinks there’s a third choice: Make the doctor sign. Ann is a top-tier marketer. Persuasion is her job, and she’s good at it. Ann breaks through sales-resistance every day. Get the doc’s signature? No prob. It’s just another sale.

While “Babel” is sci fi, its conflict

Join

“Quartet for the End of Time”

featuring the Lincoln Trio with Bharat Chandra, clarinet

February 28, 7:30 pm

• Historic Asolo Theater

French composer Olivier Messiaen wrote “Quartet for the End of Time” while being held in Stalag VIII-A, a WWII German prisoner-of-war camp. A few of his fellow prisoners were professional musicians, and he wrote this deeply moving and unforgettable masterpiece for them to perform.

Courtesy photo

Florida Studio Theatre’s “Babel” explores a dystopian future.

is fairly straightforward — with one surreal exception. Renee is constantly visited by a foul-mouthed, anthropomorphic stork that tries to convince her to abort. This big, bad bird is a hallucination: Nobody else can see it. The stork is in Renee’s head for two possible reasons — both bad. Either she’s going nuts or somebody put it in there.

Goldfinger’s dialogue is excellent. People repeat themselves, interrupt each other and talk at the same time like characters in an Altman movie. When actors speak her lines, it sounds like speech, not a script. I love it.

Catherine Randazzo honors the playwright’s naturalistic randomness. Behind the talk, the underlying story is speculative fiction. But she directs it like any other relationship dilemma — not sci fi. Which is why it works.

Clements’ Renee is a multitude of contradictions. She wants to be a mother. She also knows she’s being used. Her partner’s filled with lovey-dovey talk — but it feels manipulative. Ann treats her like a baby-making machine, and Renee doesn’t like it. But she still wants a baby. Kudos to Clements for a nuanced characterization. But Lavely’s Ann has zero contradictions. She’s used to getting exactly what she wants. She’s driven, sharp and to the point. You figure she’ll never take “no” for an answer — even if it’s the only answer.

Patterson’s Jamie and Moulton’s Dani both seem relaxed and open. But it’s an act. Behind this front, their characters are having problems. Jamie and Dani also want a baby — but they’re hitting some undefined, dystopian wall. Their fake spontaneity keeps it hidden. Patterson and Moulton deftly convey two characters constantly wrestling with thoughts they can’t speak.

Bruce Price and Alex E. Price’s set evokes the clean, well-lit spaces of minimalist future. Black cubes, white walls. An Ikea vision of dystopia. On the other hand, Mari Taylor Floyd’s costumes don’t look futuristic. No unitards or wide shoulder pads. Fashion hasn’t changed much since in the past three decades. Evidently, it won’t change in the next three. All this comes to life

with Nadirah T. Harper’s lighting and Louis Vetter Torres sound design. No scary shocks to eyes and ears. It’s more like an angry iPhone chirping in the next room. Just a nagging subliminal creepiness that gets under your skin.

“Babel” isn’t a happy-happy romp. Like a good “Black Mirror” episode, it’s disturbingly unpredictable — and keeps you constantly off balance. Goldfinger’s play is also smart. “Babel” is pregnant with ideas. It’s not virgin territory, of course.

Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Andrew Niccol’s “GATTACA” explored similar themes. They’re just two examples from a very long list. OK, so Goldfinger didn’t get here first. But she blazes a fresh, new trail through this dark territory. And like all good sci fi, her futuristic tale is really about the present.

“Babel” shines a light on the harsh choices facing humanity if we continue to trash the planet. It simultaneously illuminates our schizoid attitudes on parenthood, pregnancy, childbirth and who gets to decide what. “Babel” also confronts the belief that science can make people better. (Goldfinger clearly doesn’t hold to that notion.)

Playing God is not humanity’s strong point. When some folks tried in the past, the results were invariably horrific. “Babel” paints a bleak picture of future eugenics horrors. On the bright side, “Renee” means “reborn.” The playwright still hints of hope.

Goldfinger does all that. And she does it well. That ain’t easy, folks.

Sci fi is a tough genre for storytellers. Making a speculative story work on stage is even tougher. Brava and bravo to Goldfinger and FST’s talents for making it happen. I hope to see more in the future.

BLACK TIE

GALA

Friday, Jan. 27, at Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park | Benefiting Circus Arts Conservatory

The Circus Arts Conservatory celebrated 25 years of dazzling feats and circus operations with a spirited fundraiser and show on Jan. 27.

The annual benefit marked the quarter-century anniversary, with more than 350 guests dressing up in their most colorful circus designs for an evening of performance and philanthropy at the circus Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park.

After an hour of mingling, guests filled the circus tent to enjoy a circus performance that featured acts from Circus Arts Conservatory students as well as veteran performers, the Alexis Brothers and Maryna Tkachenko and Anastasiia Kornieieva from Ukraine. The performance segment concluded with a sweeping outreach act from a variety of students.

There were more surprises in store. It was announced at the gala that the upcoming Wonder Ball event on May 12 would feature none other than DJ and music producer Steve Aoki as the main entertainment.

— HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Lila Watkins with Wendy and Jerry Feinstein

The program ended with an outreach performance.

Elijah Clemons, Kepler Henry and Camile Dahlborg

Booker Middle School students pose at the end of their act.

Colleen Buchmeir sings out to the crowd.

Emma Clarke ascends on the Cyr wheel.

Bernard Walsh, Giovanna Rezac, Co-Chairwoman Lauren Ann Walsh and Misha Rezac

Jenne Britell and Co-Chairwoman Julie Harris with stilt walkers Tasman Henry and Jocelyn Williams

Veronica Brady and Hermione Gilpin

Steven and Lisa High

BLACK TIE

S R SOT CONCERT SSOCI TION

Presenting world-renowned orchestras, chamber ensembles and acclaimed soloists

Pianist Awadagin Pratt

T

Supporters of the foundation dressed their best and met for an evening of philanthropy.

he Sarasota Police Foundation put on its annual Blue and White Gala at Michael’s On East on Jan. 28.Guests mingled before sitting down for the program where they heard from President Jeff Birnbach. Maverick Johnson later led the live auction.

— HARRY SAYER

Wednesday, Feb 15, 7:30 pm

Riverview Performing Arts Center

Acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involved performances, Awadagin Pratt performs a varied program of works from Philip Glass to Rachmaninoff and Liszt.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Wednesday, March 1, 7:30 pm

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

In his final season as Music Director, Riccardo Muti leads the internationally acclaimed Chicago Symphony in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition

SCAsarasota.org | 941-966-6161

Photos by Harry Sayer

Programs and artists subject to change.

388334-1

GS-HumanServices.org/event/Celebration2023

The 2023 Collaboration Celebration luncheon brings together nonprofits, businesses, and donors to celebrate the important work of collaboration on the Campus of Caring and beyond.

This event introduces the Emerging Leader Awards. Three individuals will be recognized in the categories of health, human services, and arts & culture, each winning a $1,000 grant to be used in their leadership journey.

Blue and White Gala

Committee members Andrea Capek, Areaka Jewell, Sean Murphy and Libby Soderberg

Brigit Leonard and Jeff Birnbach with Scott and Jennifer Mayforth

Hosted by:

2023 Path to Unity Luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 26, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Sarasota County Bar Association Council for Diversity and Inclusion and the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

The 2023 Path to Unity luncheon paid tribute to five trailblazing Florida law figures throughout history on Michael’s On East on Jan. 26.

The luncheon, put on by the Sarasota County Bar Association Council for Diversity and Inclusion and the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, brought hundreds of supporters to celebrate the lawyers who brought change to Florida.

That included James Weldon Johnson, the first African American lawyer admitted to the Florida Bar; Judge Mario Goderich, the first Hispanic judge to hold several judicial posts; James Kracht, a blind lawyer who con-

stantly challenged disability rules; first president of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Anna Brenner Meyers; and longtime LGBTQ advocate Larry Smith.

Those figures were memorialized with paintings that were present at the luncheon and will hang at the Florida Bar building in Tallahassee.

Judge Charles Williams led the luncheon before past Chair Charlie Ann Syprett delivered remarks and was presented with an award for her work. Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie later issued a proclamation. The luncheon carried on with a legal legend presentation, during which local figured told the stories of the honorees.

—HARRY SAYER

Hermitage Artists & Thinkers Series: “The Art of Producing”

Friday, February 3 @ 5pm • Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park Tony and Olivier Award-Winning Producer Tom Kirdahy in conversation with Hermitage Artistic Director and fellow Tony Award Winner Andy Sandberg Presented in partnership with the Town of Longboat Key and Asolo Repertory Theatre “Mastering the Monologue”

Friday, February 17 @ 5pm • New College of Florida (Sarasota)

Celebrated playwright

Friday,

Don

PRESENTED BY:

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

7:30 A.M. - 9:15 A.M.

HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA

Please join us over breakfast for networking and a keynote presentation aimed at two key components every entrepreneur should have: grit and commitment. This is a can’t miss event, offering a variety of sponsorship investments to stand out from the crowd. Purchase your tickets today!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Angie Bastian

Angie, Co-Founder of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, took a kernel of an idea and popped it into one of the fastest growing brands of natural popcorn. What began with one kettle in the Bastian’s garage has grown into a beloved, empowered and spirited brand sold internationally. The accomplishments of delivering extraordinary products and growth, respecting partnerships and celebrating consumers attracted private equity investments and the sale to Conagra Brands in 2017.

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATIONS

Chamber Members | $65

Non-Members | $85

TABLE SPONSORSHIPS

Silver Sponsor (Table of 5) | $700

Gold Sponsor (Table of 10) | $900

Scan the QR Code to register for the 2023 Annual Chamber Breakfast

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Charlie Ann Syprett, Judge Charles Williams, Judge Daniel Weiss and honoree Larry Smith

Photos by Harry Sayer Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman and event Chairwoman Jade Davis

Golden Age of Friendship Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 26 at The Westin Sarasota | Benefiting Senior Friendship Centers

The Senior Friendship Centers paid tribute to its past 50 years of operation while looking ahead to the years to come with its Golden Age of Friendship dinner on Jan. 26.

Hundreds filled the Westin Sarasota ballroom event, which benefits the organization’s many enrichment and connection services for older adults.

Guests heard thanks from President and CEO Erin McLeod, past Chair Patricia Courtois and Board Chair Michael Juceam before Kathy Silverberg led the invocation.

Former President and CEO Bob Carter joined McLeod in looking at Senior Friendship Centers’ past and future before honorary Chairs Bob and Patricia Gussin were recognized.

The night continued with an anniversary auction, a paddle raise and eventually music and dancing.

— HARRY SAYER

PEOPLE OF THEBOOK

2021-22 Author Lecture Series

October 12, 2021 – May 3, 2022

21 Authors • 20 Events

Wednesday, February 15 at 7pm at Temple Emanu-El

10 “in-person” events (also available on Zoom) and 10 Zoom-only events

Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman

The Thread Collectors

Shaunna J. Edwards has a bachelor’s in literature from Harvard College and a J.D. from NYU School of Law. A former corporate lawyer, she now works in diversity, equity and inclusion. Alyson Richman is a writer best known for The Lost Wife, a tale of a husband and wife who are separated in a concentration camp during World War II and reunited 60 years later at their grandchildren’s wedding. Her novels have received both national and international acclaim.

In 1863 New Orleans, a Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. The novel is loosely inspired by the authors’ family histories.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door

For

2022-23 Author Lecture Series

Temple Emanu-El is located at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

President and CEO Erin McLeod with Bob Carter

Chairwoman Christine Schlesinger with honorary Chairs Bob and Pat Gussin

Photos by Harry Sayer

Kameron Hodgens and Robyn Faucy