Arts + Entertainment 10.17.24

BLACK

TIE INSIDE:

< HARVEST DINNER: All Faiths Food Bank hosts Autumn Harvest Dinner. 6 LECOM AUCTION: LECOM celebrates students with annual scholarship auction. 7 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 17, 2024

YOUROBSERVER.COM

BEING

MARY BENSEL Image courtesy of Rick Benitez

Mary Bensel has been executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for nearly 17 years.

Shown is Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s rendering of the “cultural promenade,” a shaded walkway along Tamiami Trail at night.

File image

The executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall knows how to go with the flow.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

W

hen Mary Bensel was growing up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, she got to experience firsthand the excitement sparked by bright lights. Her father, a commercial glass blower, created the famous “Trenton Makes/ The World Takes” sign on a bridge spanning the Delaware River, and one for the Broadway musical “Hair.”

Throughout her career, Bensel has been surrounded by glowing theater marquees, first as a box office manager in Pittsburgh, then as a theater manager in Philadelphia, a facilities manager in Fort Myers and as executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for nearly 17 years.

While bright lights advertise her work to the public, much of Bensel’s job could be called “paperwork,” even if it is in digital form. Along with selecting which touring Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and other live arts will grace the Van Wezel stage, she negotiates financial details with producers.

Of course, everyone is ruled by the calendar, but the scheduling decisions made by Bensel affect not only herself, but the arts patrons who fill the Van Wezel’s 1,741 seats.

Courtesy image

“I’m heartbroken to see the damage sustained to our beautiful Van Wezel.

We are already working to remove the water and repair the building. We will come back stronger, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to the hall.”

— Mary Bensel

In addition to 100 traveling shows, the Van Wezel hosts 50 performances by local arts groups such as the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Town Hall Lecture series.

But there’s something even more powerful than Bensel’s calendar: the weather. On Friday, Oct. 11, Bensel and other city employees decided to cancel all Van Wezel performances through the end of the year because of damage from Hurricane Milton.

A DOMINO EFFECT ON OTHER ARTS GROUPS

Canceled are shows such as “Dear Evan Hansen” (Nov. 1-2), “Wheel of Fortune Live!” (Nov. 12), “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” (Dec. 13-15) and “Clue” (Dec. 30-31), as well as numerous holiday-themed celebrations like the Vienna New Year’s concert slated for Dec. 29.

Because other arts groups use the Van Wezel, damage to the perform-

ing arts hall has a domino effect. The Sarasota Orchestra is scrambling because Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero was scheduled to direct the Sarasota Orchestra in Masterworks 1 on Nov. 9-10.

Similarly, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe planned to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a concert Nov. 14 at the Van Wezel.

“I’m heartbroken to see the damage sustained to our beautiful Van Wezel,” Bensel said in a statement.

“We are already working to remove the water and repair the building. We will come back stronger, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to the hall.”

Anyone who has met Bensel knows the word “heartbroken” isn’t hyperbole. This gal’s gotta lot of heart, and yes, she wears it on her sleeve.

When Bensel takes the stage at the Van Wezel to announce an upcoming season, she commands the audience.

SEE VAN WEZEL PAGE 2

2

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

VAN WEZEL FROM PAGE 1

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be Barbra Streisand, but the job was taken,” Bensel says. If you look close enough, you’ll see a little Ethel Merman in Bensel’s charming yet forceful personality.

Like her heroine Streisand, Bensel comes from a working-class background and doesn’t speak with the Mid-Atlantic accent favored by many in the theater world. Unlike Streisand, who went straight from high school to the stage, Bensel was the first person in her family to attend college.

TO BE YOUNG AND FEARLESS

Friday, November 8, 2024 11 AM - 1 PM Michael’s on East

Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we celebrate scholarship recipients and honor the generosity of our supporters.

Buy Your Tickets Today!

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

433760-1

Title Sponsor

Bensel majored in acting at Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania.

She went on to earn her master’s degree in acting and directing at the University of Pittsburgh.

She earned her box-office stripes through a job as assistant business manager of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, where she got national exposure on “The Today Show.”

“When you’re young, you’re fearless. ‘The Today Show’ was coming to Pittsburgh and we happened to be doing a show called ‘Steel City’ about the history of steel,” Bensel recalls. “So I just called up ‘The Today Show,’ which was doing shows in each state, and got us on as the opening and closing acts when they came to Pittsburgh.”

Still, there’s a bit of “always a bridesmaid” thread in Bensel’s memories. “At one point, I was the No. 7 soprano in the state of Pennsylvania, but my best friend was No. 2,” Bensel recalls. “So she’d get to be Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’ and I was the mother abbess. When we did ‘South Pacific,’ she was Nellie Forbush and I got to be Bloody Mary.”

But life has a way of working out. After leaving Pittsburgh for a 15-year stint in Philadelphia, first at Walnut Street Theatre and then at the Schubert-owned theater now known as the Merriam, Bensel was in the running for a job at Disney’s live theater arm.

When Disney wavered in its hiring decision, Bensel opted for a position running Barbara Mann Hall in Fort Myers for Professional Facilities Management (PFM).

A CAREER COMES FULL CIRCLE

The skills and contacts she made during her 10 years in Fort Myers would serve her well when she joined the Van Wezel in December 2007.

“Things have kind of come full circle. As we started planning for this new building, I felt we needed an owner’s rep for the city. I called my old boss, Lynn (James L.) Singleton, who owns a house on Manasota Key, and introduced him to Marlon Brown, the city manager. PFM is now representing us as owner’s rep on this project.”

Much of the push to replace the Van Wezel, from Bensel and others, has focused on the need for more seats (the proposed new facility will have 2,200 seats in its main theater) and cutting-edge technology to accommodate ever-more elaborate special effects.

Milton’s damage underscores the need to “climate-proof” Sarasota’s arts venues, many of which are close to the water. As a member of various committees, Bensel is involved in the labyrinthine process of creating the successor to the city-owned Van Wezel on Sarasota’s bayfront.

Nicknamed the “Purple Palace,” the Van Wezel was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1970.

When the city first approved a Bayfront master plan with a new performing arts hall in 2018, Bensel assumed that she’d be the one programming events at the Van Wezel’s successor. As the process has taken longer than expected, it’s become apparent that she will retire before the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is up and running.

Bensel says she hope to have an emeritus role.

A LIFELONG LOVE OF TRAVEL

Helping to choose an architect for the SPAC allowed Bensel to indulge her other great love besides theater — travel.

Before Renzo Piano Building Workshop was selected in June as the architect for the new performing arts center, Bensel and others traveled to see examples of the firm’s work in places such as New York, where Piano designed The New York Times Building in Times Square, and Athens. That’s the home of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Cen-

Give

Th

nks

As our neighbors recover from hurricane damage — and living costs continue to increase, even more help is needed.

11:00 AM 6:00 PMWEDNESDAY SATURDAY OCTOBER 30, 2024 NOVEMBER 2, 2024 SHARKY’S ON THE PIER sharky’s on the pier TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: CHILDRENFIRST.NET/SPONSORSHIPS FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (941) 953-3877, ext. 1126

You can turn empty plates into ThankFULL tummies.

Give today at allfaithsfoodbank.org 941.379.6333

417711-1

428458-1

PRESENTING SPONSOR

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

LONG RUNS SHUT OUT THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

In addition to filling the Van Wezel without the benefit of Broadway touring productions that need a bigger house, Bensel has had to adjust to changing audience tastes.

“In the beginning, we had a much bigger orchestra interest,” she says.

“I did a major orchestra series with the New York Philharmonic, the Royal Phil, all the big symphonies.

As time passed, interest eroded. Of course, we have an excellent orchestra in the Sarasota Orchestra.”

When the Van Wezel is closed, as it is now, or has a long-running show like “The Lion King” or “Hamilton,” it prevents the Sarasota Orchestra from booking the hall. That’s one reason the orchestra is building a new music center on Fruitville Road.

Luckily, the two organizations have a good working relationship.

“My first friend here in Sarasota was Joe McKenna, who is the president of

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

3

N I K W A L L E N D A & T H E C I R C U S A R T S C O N S E R VAT O R Y

ALL NEW SHOW! NI K WAL LE ND A

Image courtesy of Matthew Murphy

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” makes its Sarasota premiere March 18-23 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

AND JOHNNY ROCKETT

the orchestra,” Bensel says. “We’ve maintained a great friendship and we’ve always supported each other.”

PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Despite the storm-related cancellations, there’s still much to look forward to in 2025 at the Van Wezel. High on that list is “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which runs from March 18-23. Based on the Baz Luhrmann film, “Moulin Rouge!” is set in the titular Paris nightclub.

Also in the Van Wezel’s 2025 Broadway lineup are the family oriented frightfest “The Addams Family” (Jan. 28-29), “Come From Away” (Feb. 18-24), which tells the story of Canadian hospitality to stranded travelers following 9/11, and “Beetlejuice” (April 22-27), the new musical based on Tim Burton’s classic film.

Dance and music performances coming to the Van Wezel in 2025 include “Forever Tango” (Feb. 6), Twyla Tharp Dance: Diamond Jubilee (March 4) and the Branford Marsalis Quartet (April 2).

But for Streisand fans like Bensel, one show that stands above the rest.

It’s the revival of“Funny Girl,” the musical that made Streisand a star (Jan. 14-19).

As Fanny Brice sings in the show, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

And don’t wash away the Van Wezel!

presents

FRI NOV 22 - SUN JAN 5

WONDERLANDCIRCUS.COM 941.355.9805 UNDER THE CLIMATE CONTROLLED BIG TOP AT UTC 195 UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER DRIVE, SARASOTA

432432-1

ter, which includes a park, library and theater complex.

Popping up to New York is something that Bensel does the way Sarasota folks go up to Tampa. As a member of the League of American Theatres and Producers, Bensel votes on the Tony Awards; she’s also constantly scouting for productions to bring to the Van Wezel.

During a recent visit, a giant notepad stood on an easel in Bensel’s homey office in the Van Wezel.

“Pretend you didn’t see that,” Bensel says, pointing to the list of proposed shows for the 2025-26 season.

We promised, but we can’t resist going public with just one possibility: “Oh, Mary!” Cole Esola’s dark comedy about Abraham Lincoln’s wife, is a Broadway sensation.

“Who do they think they are?” one New York friend exclaimed about the show. “I haven’t seen ticket prices like this since ‘Hamilton!’”

Did somebody say “Hamilton”?

Even though the touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s racy hiphop musical had already played in Tampa twice, it was still a sellout for the Van Wezel.

During its March 25-April 7 run, “Hamilton” exceeded the 99.61% seating capacity for “The Lion King,” which played for three weeks at the Van Wezel during 2019.

|

Consider Yourself our Primary Patient.

Get the Full Attention You Deserve with Concierge Care.

Your wellness should never wait. As a patient with LernerCohen Concierge Healthcare, you have the full attention of your private, board-certified doctor who knows you personally, can see you at any time and is committed to delivering the level of care you deserve.

Schedule a meet and greet to see if concierge care is right for you.

The Doctor Is In. Always.™

1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 • Sarasota, FL 34239 • 941.953.9080 • LernerCohen.com

416880-1

Don’t just think of us as your Primary Doctor. Consider yourself our Primary Patient.

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

THIS WEEK Editor’s note: This is the most upto-date calendar as of press time.

In light of hurricane damage, it is advisable to confirm that events are happening.

THURSDAY ‘OFF THE CHARTS’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

The creative team behind Florida Studio Theatre’s popular cabaret series is at again with “Off the Charts.” Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Sarah Durham take the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Take a stroll (or a hum) down Memory Lane with hits that ruled the Billboard Top 100 ranking, which debuted in 1958. Runs through Feb. 9.

‘AGNES OF GOD’ 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $15-$35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

When a dead baby is found in the room of a young nun at a convent, all hell breaks loose. One of Venice Theatre’s revivals for its 75th season, “Agnes of God” features riveting performances by Shannon Maloney as the novice Agnes, Vera Samuels as a court-appointed psychiatrist and Lynne Doyle as the mother superior. Runs through Oct. 20.

‘SOUL CROONERS: SOLID GOLD EDITION’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $22-$52 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Created and directed by Nate Jacobs, the opening show of WBTT’s 25th anniversary season celebrates the soul music of the 1970s. Runs through Nov. 17.

DON’T MISS

ZENIBA NOW: ‘THE HEARTSONG AND OTHER EXPERIMENTS’ Hermitage Artist Retreat presents Zeniba Now, the inaugural recipient of the McNally Residency at the Hermitage. Originally scheduled for Manasota Key, this event has been moved to downtown Sarasota because of hurricane damage. A 2024 “Woman to Watch” on Broadway, Now is an award-winning writer, musical storyteller, performer and vocalist from Los Angeles. Her program will feature remarks by Broadway and West End producer Tom Kirdahy (“Hades”), McNally’s widower and part-time Longboat Key resident.

IF YOU GO When: 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Tickets: Free with $5 registration fee Info: Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

www.manasotaonline.com

GREAT ESCAPES 1 — REEL INTRIGUE 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $46-$63 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

It’s the time to revel in the spooky season. Matthew Troy conducts the Sarasota Orchestra in a program of music from movies such as “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Vertigo” and more. Runs through Oct. 19.

HERMITAGE SUNSETS @ SELBY GARDENS: ‘LET THE MUSIC SET YOU FREE’ 5:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Free plus $5 registration fee Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Hermitage Artist Retreat launches the fifth season of Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens with a program featuring Hermitage Fellow and Greenfield Prize finalist Britton Smith. An artist, activist and cofounder and president of Broadway Advocacy Coalition, Smith is also the leader of the alternative soul band Britton and the Sting.

FRIDAY JAZZ @ 2 WITH KEVIN CELEBI 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road $15-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Kevin Celebi and his Harmonic Sanity sextet return to Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Friday Jazz @ 2 series with an all new program.

‘NINETEEN’ 7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $40 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.

With her musical “Nineteen,” the multitalented Katherine Michelle Tanner celebrates the sacrifices and victories of suffragists on their long road to the 19th amendment. Runs through Oct. 27.

NOCHEUNIDOS @ THE RINGLING 7:30 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $10 students; $45 general admission; $150 VIP Visit Ringling.org.

Courtesy photos

Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens kicks off its fifth season on Thursday, Oct. 17, with “Let the Music Set You Free,” featuring Hermitage Fellow Britton Smith.

Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Directed by Asolo Repertory Theatre Associate Artistic Director Celine Rosenthal, “Jennifer, Who is Leaving” is a comedy set in a Massachusetts donut shop about three overworked women. Runs through Dec. 1.

‘THE LIGHTNING THIEF’ 7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1105 $25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

Rise Above Performing Arts presents the tale of a half-blood son of a Greek god accused of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. Adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, “The Lightning Thief” stars local students and features a pulsating rock score. Runs through Oct. 27.

SATURDAY

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

ART CENTER SARASOTA RECEPTION Raise a toast to the four new shows opening at Art Center Sarasota. They include Gabriel Ramos: “Echoes of Belonging,” Amy Sanders’ “Pouring, storing and ore-ing,” David Fithian’s “Faces & Places” and the juried show, “Euphoria!” This cycle of exhibitions is on display through Nov. 16.

Sarasota Music Conservatory hosts a six-hour musical, a fundraising event that is open to the public free of charge. Featuring performances by conservatory students, faculty and friends, the Piano Marathon will showcase the new Kawai grand piano.

‘BEING SOMEBODY — GROWING UP BROOKLYN, A FATHER/ DAUGHTER TALE’ 7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30 Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and Unidos Now. Held in the Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard, the evening kicks off the evening with Bomba Yemayá’s Puerto Rican rhythms, while 79rs Gang brings the spirit of New Orleans Mardi Gras to Sarasota. Guests are asked to wear white.

‘JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $5-$33

OUR PICK

PIANO MARATHON 11 a.m. at Sarasota Music Conservatory, 323 Central Ave. Free Visit SarasotaMusicConservatory. org.

IF YOU GO When: 5-7 p.m.. on Thursday, Oct. 17 Where: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.

A musical memoir, “Being Somebody” stars Dr. Howard Mase, an 88-year-old psychologist, and his daughter, Marla, a gifted singer, playwright and actor. Runs through Oct. 20.

TUESDAY ARTS ADVOCATES TALK: TRUMAN ADAMS — MURALS AND MORE 4 p.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail Free to $5 Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

Kevin Celebi returns to Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Jazz @ 2 on Friday, Oct. 18, at Unitarian Universalists SRQ.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

You may have seen Truman Adams’ work around town. His mural featuring the goddess of the sea can be seen on Tamiami Trail, across from Sarasota’s iconic sailor statue.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

427697-1

4

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

5

ADVERTISEMENT

The campus of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art suffered little damage from Hurricane Milton, according to an Oct. 11 statement.

John Ringling’s historic mansion, the Ca’ d’Zan, which has been closed to the public Hurricane Helene, sustained very little damage from Milton, the statement said.

There was no damage to its glass facade facing Sarasota Bay. The Historic Circus Museum sustained roof damage and will be closed for about two weeks while repairs are underway.

The Museum of Art galleries and Tibbals Learning Center are functioning well and the collections are safe. The storm took the biggest toll on The Ringling’s grounds, where several trees were lost and significant damage was suffered by the banyans.

According to the statement, museum management hopes to partially reopen both the Tibbals Learning Center and the Museum of Art on Oct. 14, with admission free to the public through Oct. 15.

For more details, visit Ringling.org.

Selby Gardens to reopen in phases Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown and Selby’s Spanish Point campus in Osprey were closed by Hurricane Milton and are reopening in phases.

The annual Halloween-themed “Lights at Spooky Point” at Spanish Point, originally scheduled from Oct. 9-31, is canceled.

On Oct. 14, Selby President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki said in an email that the downtown campus will reopen in phases, with the Green Orchid restaurant reopening on Oct. 15.

During Hurricane Milton, 20% of Selby’s new solar panels came down and were damaged. They are part of a solar array that made the Green Orchid the first energy net-positive restaurant in the world when it went live in May. New buildings and historic structures at Selby’s downtown campus are in good condition, according to

an initial report by Romniecki.

In January, Selby opened phase one of its master plan expansion, adding 188,000 square feet of stateof-the-art facilities, a parking garage and a welcome center.

One of Selby’s oldest buildings is Selby House, the residence that benefactor Marie Selby and her husband built in the early 1920s. It wasn’t harmed.

There are numerous downed trees at Selby, but not its Bunya Bunya, banyans or Moreton Bay Fig. Glass was broken in Selby’s conservatory and greenhouses, but the structures are intact and the plant collections are unharmed.

Since its formation in 1973, Selby has housed the largest scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world.

On Oct. 5, Selby opened its doors to its annual orchid show, which is named “Purple!” this year, after cleaning up from Hurricane Helene.

It will reopen on Oct. 17.

In Osprey at Spanish Point’s 33acre campus, Cock’s Footbridge has suffered major damage, but nearly all historic structures are in good shape.

Nevertheless, the damage is severe enough to warrant the cancellation of “Lights at Spooky Point.”

For more information, visit Selby. org.

BRIEFS

Ringling Museum partially reopens

Find Some Peace in the Park Over the past week, the community has experienced the unimaginable.

Thoughts, care, and support are the priority. In time, recovery, rebuilding and resilience will prevail.

Providing an open and welcoming, free and accessible gathering place for the community to come together is as important as ever.

One Park for All. Thankfully (and, as intentionally designed for resiliency), the park suffered minor damages, like fallen trees and some debris. Despite the effects of Hurricane Milton, the park is back in action and ready for your next visit.

Courtesy image

Some boats were tossed by Hurricane Milton onto the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Here are just a few of the many FREE events and activities available at The Bay.

A Blue-and-Green Oasis Awaits If you, your family, a friend or neighbor need a break, The Bay is your blue-and-green oasis.

Enjoy an all-out evening of funk and soul as world-renowned AWB includes The Bay on their 2024 Farewell Tour. WBTT’s most popular and talented females will open performing soulful favorites.

• Headliner Concert: The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty Saturday, October 19 | 8:00-9:30pm Enjoy a night of nostalgia by singing along to your favorite Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers songs performed by the country’s revered premier tribute band.

• Boo! at The Bay Friday, October 25 | 6:00-9:30pm Join the fun of this Halloween Family-Favorite. A not-so-scary evening filled with trick-or-treating, free pumpkin pickings, a movie showing of Despicable Me 4, and more! Note: Sensory-Friendly Boo! 5:00-6:00pm for those who prefer a less stimulating environment.

Take a stroll along the winding walkways, kick a ball across the spacious lawns and enjoy a spectacular sunset overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Attend a Terrific FREE Event in the Park

• The Bay also offers everyday FREE events like weekly movies, Sunday concerts, yoga, fitness classes, dance and more.

Go to TwoTerrificYears.org to see the full schedule of events.

Friends Needed Now… More Than Ever

In times like these, a little help from friends makes a real difference.

Become a Friend of The Bay to help ensure this blue-and-green oasis continues to provide joy for so many. Every dollar of your gift before the end of this year will be • Headliner Concert: Average White matched by Gulf Coast Community Band, with opener Westcoast Black Foundation -- DOUBLING the Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name impact of your gift! of Soul” Friday, October 18 | 7:00Go to TheBaySarasota.org/Friends 9:30pm Gather up those who matter most and bring them to one of these Signature Events that are part of the “Two Terrific Years at The Bay” Second Anniversary Community Celebration.

1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

433871-1

434996-1

theplayers.org | 941.365.2494

TheBaySarasota.org 941.203.5316

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

433990-1

6

Laura Canevalle, President and CEO All Faiths Nelle S. Miller, Kelly and Rick Trautwein

Autumn Harvest Dinner Photos by Lori Sax

Saturday, Oct. 5, at All Faiths Food Bank Warehouse | Benefiting All Faiths Food Bank

Event hosts Tom and Pam Gurrentz

428628-1

PRESENTED BY

OCTOBER 5DECEMBER 1

SELBY.ORG

Peter Rothstein, Omar Guevara-Soto and Roberto Cordaro

Kathy and Travis Brown

p U n g i S

TO RECEIVE

MORE THAN A MEAL TM

Jessica Lang’s World Premiere Ricardo Graziano’s Amorosa Johan Kobborg’s Napoli Act III

PROGRAM ONE

Getting old is not for the weak. My meals are such a help to me. The drivers always leave me with a smile and a lift of my spirits!”

–Faye, age 83

Daily delivery • Fresh • Ready to enjoy

CALL TO SIGN UP FOR MEAL DELIVERY. (941) 366-6693 MEDIA SPONSOR

430647-1

Luke Schaufuss in Johan Kobborg’s Napoli Act III | Photo by Frank Atura

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

421 N Lime Ave • Sarasota FL 34237 MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org

SCAN TO DONATE

A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1971

421571-1

OCTOBER 25 – 27, 2024 | FSU CENTER

“

Thank you for helping me survive.

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

7

Dr. Thomas Yoon, dean of LECOM’s Dental School, with Dr. Mark McCaughey, Dr. Jose Roque and Dr. Nathan Estrin

LECOM Student Scholarship Auction Saturday, Oct. 5, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota | Benefiting Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Scholarships Photos by Janet Combs

Sarah Ferretti and Lorraine Wedzik

JESS T. DUGAN

I want you to know my story Dr. Vincent Fierro, LECOM founder Dr. Silvia Ferretti and Dr. Shailesh Rajguru

THROUGH FEB 23

ringling.org

This exhibition is part of the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Photography and Media Arts Program at The Ringling.

430368-1

Jess T. Dugan (American, born 1986), Self-portrait (blue room) (detail), 2021. Archival inkjet print.

Courtesy of the artist. © Jess T. Dugan

CHECK OUT OUR

NEWSAPPER GET THE NEWSPAPER LOOK YOU LOVE WITH ALL THE BENEFITS OF AN APP.

435012-1

FIRST 2 MONTHS

99

¢ LIMITED TIME

Get started today!! YourObserver.com/subscribe

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Winner of Over 450 Awards for design excellence including Best New Showroom in the USA! Premier luxury destination for residential, commercial and hospitality design services.

W H E N S C A L E M AT T E R S . . . I N S P I R AT I O N S TA R T S H E R E !

CO M M U N I T Y • AWA R E N E S S • R E L AT I O N S H I P S • E D U C AT I O N

O N E CO M M U N I T Y | O N C E AGA I N In the wake of a hurricane, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Clive Daniel Home, we understand the deep emotional and physical challenges that come with rebuilding. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to come together and lend a hand. While our stores remain open, our team is ready to assist with your needs.

Our focus is on supporting our community’s assistance.

We have partnered with the American Red Cross and our showrooms are now serving as donation drop-off points for essential supplies. We invite you to bring items from the donation list below or donate to redcross.org. All donations will be collected and distributed to help those affected by the storm.

If you have any hurricane-related requests, such as account reconciliation for insurance claims, please do not hesitate to contact us at care@clivedaniel.com.

We are here to assist you during this challenging time.

WHAT YOU CAN DONATE: ■

WATER

■

SUNSCREEN

■

SPORTS DRINKS

■

SANITIZER WIPES

■

NON-PERISHABLE FOODS

■

PLASTIC UTENSILS

■

CLEANING SUPPLIES

■

FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

■

PLASTIC SHEETING/TARPS

■

MANUAL CAN OPENERS

■

TOOTHBRUSHES/TOOTHPASTE

■

HEAVY DUTY WORK GLOVES

■

BABY ITEMS (WIPES, DIAPERS, FORMULA, FOOD)

■

TRASH BAGS: 13 GAL OR CONTRACTOR BAGS

■

PAPER PRODUCTS (TOILER PAPER, PAPER TOWELS)

■

SOCKS- ALL SIZES (UNOPENED)

■

PET FOOD (DOG & CAT)

■

TOILETRIES/SANITATION ITEMS

■

BUG SPRAY

■

EMPTY GAS CANS

■

HAND SANITIZER

■

BAR & 2-STROKE OIL FOR CHAINSAWS

ONE COMMUNITY | ONCE AGAIN

IN-STOCK FURNITURE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY You may not be ready for our services right now, but we will be ready for you whenever you are.

Together, we will RESPOND, RESTORE, REBUILD.

C O M M U N I T Y • AWA R E N E S S • R E L AT I O N S H I P S • E D U C AT I O N

AWA R D -W I N N I N G | I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | F I N E F U R N I S H I N GS ■ SARASOTA, FL SHOWROOM

Going east on Fruitville Rd. make a U-Turn at light (Lakewood Ranch Blvd.), then make a right on to Coburn Rd. Go around the circle to Fruitville Commons Blvd., pass Cooper ’s Hawk and you will see Clive Daniel Home on the right.

3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd.

941.900.HOME(4663)

Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm Financing is now available.

S A R A S O TA

CLIVEDANIEL .COM ■

F O R T

M Y E R S

■

N A P L E S

IB26001785

■

B O C A

R AT O N 431853-1

8