ON THE FLIP SIDE: BLACK
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BOLLYWOOD BALL: Asolo Rep throws cinematic showcase. ART BATTLE: 3 local champions in state finals. 6>
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
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A messy film with an important message and a comforting cooking series are this week’s picks. YOUROBSERVER.COM
HEAR THIS
‘La Wally’
Sarasota Opera in top form in its production of Catalani’s rarely seen opera set in the Alps. PAGE 10
SEE THIS
Jewels on the Bay presents 25th home-design showcase. PAGE 2 Klint Lowry
The nearly finished living room shows some motifs and colors the 11 design teams used throughout separate sections of the house.
‘The Feast’
Something scary’s going on at Urbanite Theatre. The question is what that something is. PAGE 8
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Photos by Klint Lowry
Above: Caroline von Weyher’s dining room is one of the first spaces in the house to be nearly show ready. Left: Brittany Cocozza of Trinity Designs puts the final touches on the linens in her room.
KLINT LOWRY
IF YOU GO
A+E EDITOR
JEWELS ON THE BAY DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE When: March 15 to April 12 Where: 1657 Alta Vista Drive Price: $25 Info: Visit DesignerShow HouseSarasota.com.
T
he mark of a brilliant design is when it exceeds the sum of its parts, when it works better than it was originally conceived. Back in 1996, when HGTV was just a fledgling cable channel years away from having millions tune in to watch Chip and Joanna Gaines or The Property Brothers give people’s homes the Cinder-
ella treatment, a group of designers here in town understood the fascination so many people have with home interior design, and they came up with an idea for a fundraiser that would tap into that fascination. They would take a house, a good-sized house, divvy it up among as many designers as the floor plan would allow, and let each designer do a room or some section. It would be an interior design exhibition, where the pub-
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lic could come in and see the work of more than a dozen local interior designers. They would charge admission, and the proceeds would then go to a good cause or causes around town. It sounded like a plan, but would it work? “This is our 25th year,” says Joyce Hart, who along with husband Jeff Hart are co-chairs of this year’s Jewels on the Bay. The annual showcase has become a fixture of the season calendar. The monthlong event has drawn up to 5,000 visitors each year. HOUSE HICCUP
In the first few years, the money went to a handful of organizations, Hart says, but for about the past 15 years, all the proceeds after expenses go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
By every measure, Jewels by the Bay has been a brilliant success. But this year, the silver anniversary of the event no less, it almost didn’t happen, Hart says as she stands in the empty living room of this year’s jewel, still in the rough. With two weeks before the event’s opening, little has been done except for a fresh coat of blue and white paint in the living room, dining room and a small area near the front door that Hart says was will be turned into a stylish entryway for the exhibition. Even in this state, the two-story house is a beauty. Built in 1916, it was one of the first houses in the neighborhood, Hart says. “The original owners were a couple by the name of Hatch.” The Hatches owned the house until the stock market crash of 1929, Hart says. After that, it went
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Far left: For a while, it looked like Jewels on the Bay would have a to wait to mark its 25th year, until Larry and Kathi Hurvitz’s 1916 house in Bungalow Hill was made available. Left: Working on a showcase home allows designers to express their unfiltered creativity, such as Brittany Cocozza’s “3D wallpaper” accent wall.
A small bathroom window is given an ocean view.
through a series of owners. The current owners, Larry and Kathi Hurvitz, have had it since 2001. The house has been impeccably maintained. It’s been updated for the 21st century, but neither the Hurvitzes nor any of the previous owners ever tried to modernize the house. All the original period features are intact — the moldings, the room partitions. Hart shows how hurricane-proof windows were added without
disturbing the original panes. Surrounded by intricate and ornate landscaping, it’s a museum-quality vintage house. A real beauty, truly a Jewel on the Bay. And it was a real stroke of luck. “This house was not the original choice,” Hart says. Another house in the same neighborhood had been designated as the 2020 show house back in September, Hart says. But then the owner couldn’t get the needed permits. The Jewels on the Bay committee even pushed the event back two months to give him extra time. Still, no dice. It looked like the 25th edition of Jewels on the Bay would be postponed a year. But then, while Jeff Hart was helping the Hurvitzes move into a condo downtown, he mentioned what was going on with the project. A day later, they called. They were trying to sell the house. It’s sitting empty; why not use theirs? There’s an established process for putting together the designer house, Hart says. But the process
was going to have to streamlined. “Typically, we have what’s called a designer walkthrough,” she says. The designers bid on the rooms they want to do. For them, the showcase is a form of marketing. “You can throw this into your advertising budget,” Hart says. But this year, they’d already had their designer walkthrough at the other house. “We tried to stay with the same group of designers because we were just trying to move them over,” Hart says. “We lost a couple, but we gained a couple. But most of them stayed.” Brittany Cocozza of Trinity Designs was one of the designers who came in after the new house was attained. Trinity Designs specializes in residential design, and she was showing her creative flair in one of the bedrooms upstairs. “I decided to do it because I thought it would be something different, and we would be able to showcase some of our work,” Cocozza says.
Most examples of her work that she uses to show include a lot of client input. With a showcase like this, she gets to show a true example of her style. COHESIVE SPACE
With more than a dozen separate creative visions at work, Hart says the thing they want to avoid is ending up with a house that’s like a theme park, where it looks like every room belongs in a different house. This is especially true on the ground floor, where the dining room, living room and the space near the front entrance are barely delineated. The designers aren’t simply let loose, Hart says. They submit floor plans and color schemes. Prominent, contiguous spaces like these go to designers who have done a few Jewels before and have worked together and can coordinate their visions. The designers communicate and coordinate to a degree that is a demonstration of their
professionalism. The final result is a house that you wouldn’t guess was thrown together by 16 designers in about 10 days. Much like on those HGTV shows, the furnishings won’t stay after the show is over. With the short time frame, sponsor International Designer Source provided much of the trappings. Those who come see the house should note most of what they see is for sale, including the house itself. When it’s all added up, it’s easy to understand why Jewels on the Bay is marking its 25th year. The designers get a showcase that will be seen by a large audience. The homeowners get essentially a monthlong open house for the home they are trying to sell (not to mention a fresh coat of paint in some rooms), interior design enthusiasts have an annual treat to look forward to, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota get a healthy donation each year. You couldn’t design an event any better.
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Hoboken — or what’s left of them — need to come up with some quick cash, so they decide to put on a show. The sisters might lack showbiz polish, but they have plenty of spirit to make up for it.
THIS
WEEK ‘SPIRITRIALS’ 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $25-$35 Call 359-3180.
OUR PICK ‘RABBIT HOLE’ 8 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail $22 Call 365-2494. In this drama, a couple was living the good life until a single tragic accident changed everything. As a mother has trouble coping with the loss of a child, her grieving process alienates the people around her. The couple has to find a way to bring a sense of normalcy back to their life. Runs through March 22.
FRIDAY THURSDAY ‘REALITY OF ABSTRACTION’ 11 a.m. at Dabbert Gallery, 46 S. Palm Ave. Free Call 955-1315. Abstract art is just that, but the response it elicits can be as deep and powerful as any real image. This exhibition features work by six artists — Kasia Bruniany, Candace Knapp, Barbara Krupp, Gustavo Paris, Brian David Smith and Beau Wild — and draws the viewer in and invites a response. Runs through March 29.
THE PACIFICA QUARTET AND ORION WEISS 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $30-$65 Call 225-6500.
ST. PADDY’S FESTIVAL 4 p.m. at JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive Free Call 487-8061.
Sarasota Concert Association’s Great Performers series continues with the Pacifica Quartet, which for 25 years has built a reputation as one of world’s best chamber ensembles. The quartet will be joined onstage by pianist Orion Weiss for works by Beethoven, Liegti and Dvorák.
Faith and begorrah, if it isn’t time for the wearing of the green. And with the real St. Patrick’s Day inconveniently placed in the middle of the week, you’ll surely need a venue for some proper weekend celebrating. This event is making its debut, featuring food and drink, much of it of the Irish variety, along with a steady lineup of musical acts. Runs 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
‘COOL VIBES’ Whatever you do, don’t call them xylophones. Erroll Rackipov is among the world’s best at playing the vibraphone and the marimba. And he has a style you’re not likely to hear too often, which fuses his formal jazz training with elements of the traditional Bulgarian folk music he grew up with. IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Sunday Where: Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court Tickets: $18; members $15 Info: Call 894-6469. ‘NUNSENSE’ 7 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road $15 Call 349-5616. In one of the all-time off-Broadway hits, The Little Sisters of
This latest entry in The Ringing’s Art of Performance series is a one-man show by Dahlak Brathwaite. It blends dramatic theatrical monologues and hip-hop, with sudden splashes of humor in an artistic interpretation of a courtordered drug rehab experience. Brathwaite’s rapid-fire delivery includes commentary about race, religion and the legal system. ‘THE FEAST’ 8 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $5-$32 Call 321-1397. A young couple’s relationship seems to be headed in the right direction. But then their happy life is interrupted — by voices coming up through the sewer pipes. The situation goes from humorously mysterious to macabre as it walks along the sometimes frighteningly fine line of psychological balance. Runs through April 19. BEETHOVEN AND BARTÓK 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail From $35 Call 953-3434. Keith Lockhart will be guest conductor for this Sarasota Orchestra program that puts the work of Béla Bartók alongside two of his greatest influences. The program begins with “Dances of Galánta” by Bartók’s longtime friend Zoltán Kodály, followed by Piano Concerto No. 4 by Beethoven. The evening concludes with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.
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SATURDAY
SUNDAY
SPRING ART SHOW & SALE 9 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Free Call 907-8244.
SPRING CONCERT, LAKEWOOD RANCH WIND ENSEMBLE 2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch $10 Call 518-376-7973.
The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch presents its annual spring sale featuring art by local artists in all media: paints, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, woodturning and more. You want the piece you buy to be unique? This is the art show to go to. ‘LA BOHÈME’ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $19 Call 328-1300. It’s a story of starving artist types getting by mostly on dreams, passion and convictions. In a setting like that, romance blooms, burns brightly then succumbs to reality. It’s a familiar, popular story — and with good reason. And Puccini’s operatic telling of that tale is practically required listening. Runs through March 21. ‘THE LANDSCAPE OF GUITAR’ 8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way $17-$22.50 Call 552-5325. Terra Guitarra — duo guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter Julie Patchouli — return with this multimedia concert that combines what has been described as “nuevo-flamenco” music with vibrantly colored backdrop of guitar-themed images for an immersive experience.
Less than a year ago, Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble was created to provide wind and percussion musicians to play and for local audiences to hear music written for wind ensemble. After a successful debut concert in November, the spring concert will include 16 selections.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
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nova — and the tango, rumba and salsa — as you fall in love sight unseen with “The Girl from Ipanema” and are swept away by Latin rhythms under the direction of Conductor Jacomo Bairos. Runs through March 21.
like that, only instead of paint, it’s a floral arranging workshop with local experts. And the wine isn’t BYO; it’s the good stuff, from the wine cellar of Michael’s On East. Enjoy the fine bouquet as you make another.
LATIN BEATS 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709. N. Tamiami Trail From $42 Call 953-3434.
WINE & DESIGN: A SURREAL FANTASY 6 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 90 S. Palm Ave. $75; members $65 Call 366-5731.
‘PARALYZED’ 7 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1241 Palm Ave. $25-$39 Call 366-9000.
The Sarasota Orchestra closes out its Great Escapes series en fuego. Blame it on the bossa
You know those places where you and your friends can go to drink wine and paint pictures? This is
Want to hear some opera but don’t want to pay white-glove prices? This free installment of the Sarasota Concert Association’s Music Matinee will showcase singers from the Sarasota Opera’s Studio Artists program. Seating is first come, first served.
TUESDAY JIM BREUER 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $35 Call 925-3869. Back by popular demand — from the night before. Monday night’s show sold out so far in advance that McCurdy’s added this one. Jim Breuer has been trying to convince people for 20 years, including during his stint on “Saturday Night Live,” that, honestly, he isn’t stoned; that’s just his face. But with his off-kilter humor, if people want to think so, it kind of helps.
WEDNESDAY SARASOTA OPERA STUDIO ARTISTS Noon at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center’s David Cohen Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail Free Call 225-6500.
Florida Studio Theatre’s Stage III series concludes with the world premiere of Etan Frankel’s play that delves into the power of guilt and forgiveness. Two people, Lee and Leigh, have nothing in common but similar names, but both of their lives are sent off on unexpected tangents with the discovery of a suicide note in a hotel bathroom. Runs through April 10. ‘THE GREAT LEAP’ 7:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $32-$36 Call 351-8000.
DON’T MISS ‘THE CHOIR OF MAN’ Imagine you go to the theater, and a pop-up St. Patrick’s Day party breaks out. This is the theatrical version of a pub crawl — only it’s the pub that does the crawling — and it recently made its way to the U.S. There’s no plot per se; it’s just nine friendly blokes in an
The Circus Arts Conservatory & Key Chorale present
Symbolism abounds in this drama by Lauren Yee. In 1989, a young Chinese American man manages to get on an American college basketball team just as it’s heading to China for a “friendship” game. There, he comes face to face with China’s postindustrial revolution, and he’s in for a different cultural experience than he expected. Runs through April 11.
Irish pub (a working bar — go up on stage, and get a beer) performing everything from Broadway favorites to recent hits to classic pub tunes. IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $37-$57 Info: Call 953-3434.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Courtesy photo
Joan Schnuerch
Victoria Mayol
DIFFERENT STROKES KLINT LOWRY A+ E EDITOR
T
he Selby Library rotunda will become a painterly thunderdome of music and spectators Saturday, March 14, when it hosts the Art Battle Florida State Championship. The speed-painting competition, which holds about 250 tournaments a year around the
world, challenges contestants to turn blank canvases into finished paintings in 20 minutes, which the audience votes on. The Florida champion will compete in the Art Battle National Finals on April 18 in Wichita Falls, Texas, for a shot at a berth in the World Finals in Tokyo in October. Saturday’s contestants all earned their places on the drop cloth of honor as champions in regional battles throughout the
state. For Art Battle fans who plan to witness the spectacle, there are three hometown contestants to root for, each of whom comes into the competition with a different psychological edge.
SMOOTH OPERATOR JOAN SCHNUERCH Winner, Art Battle Venice, 2020 Schnuerch expects she’ll be the oldest competitor at the state final. “I feel pretty good about that, too.” She knows now there are those who treat Art Battle like a sport. When she saw a flyer a few months ago, it was the first she had ever heard of Art Battle. It sounded like fun, something different, so she applied. “So I sat down and said, ‘OK, what to I have to do?’” she recalls. “I never painted a painting
Judy Robertson
in 20 minutes. “I found out right away I would need a different brush for every color because you don’t have time to wash them.” She also quickly figured out that you have to have the image planned out. It needs to be something that doesn’t require layering or a lot of detail to look complete. And for her, the trick is to have a starting point from which to establish her perspective,“otherwise everything is out of focus,” she says. Focus — that’s the key word. “When I paint, I’m very focused. I don’t hear what’s going on around me.” That can come in handy when there’s music playing and 150 people circling around, eating, drinking, commenting. “I can shut it off,” Schnuerch says. At least until the 20 minutes are up. Then she can join the
party. After all, she got into Art Battle to have fun. So even if she doesn’t win, she can’t lose.
A NEED FOR SPEED VICTORIA MAYOL Winner, Art Battle Sarasota 2020 When Mayol was a spectator at the 2019 Sarasota Art Battle, “I said, ‘This is totally for me.’” When she attended art fairs back in Argentina, she says, she used to paint in her booth.“I love painting with people,” she says. The energy transfers to the canvas. She says fairgoers would buy the paintings she was working on before she even finished. That’s just one aspect of Art Battle that would put off many painters that appeals to Mayol — including the 20-minute window. “I love the starting of a painting,” she says. “I love the moment
Sir Frederick Ashton’s
27 – 28 MARCH 2020 VA N W E Z E L
Kate Honea & Luke Schaufuss | Photography Frank Atura
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ART BATTLE FLORIDA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Tickets: $30 Info: Visit ArtBattle.com/events/ ab2061-florida-state-championship.
Photos by Klint Lowry
when you have a white canvas, and you start putting everything there.” Once that initial rush ebbs, “Yes, the painting gets more realistic as you go, but not necessarily better.” Some people don’t like to feel rushed, Mayol says, but she thrives when the crunch is on. As for the competitive aspect of Art Battle, the only competition she feels is with herself. “I’ve always been a perfectionist,” Mayol says. But although she’s practicing her technique, she doesn’t want to practice her paintings too many times. “If I don’t feel very excited about the subject I’m going to paint, if I’m already bored about it, then the soul is not there.”
IN IT TO WIN IT JUDY ROBERTSON Winner, Art Battle Sarasota 2019
Because of the timing of the inaugural Art Battle Sarasota, Robertson has had to wait a year to advance to the next level, but she has used the time to practice, strategize and scout. “It’s a competition,” she says. “I’ve looked at all the other artists I’m competing against. I also do live voting because I’m a past winner, so I can go online and vote for different [tournaments] around the world. I’m seeing what other people are doing and what resonates with audiences.” The key, she believes, is to remember it’s a competition. “You’re not creating something that’s going to hang in a gallery,” she says. Part of this competition is playing to the audience. “It’s a performance,” Robertson says. “I’m a bit of a ham. I’ve done a little bit of stand-up comedy, so to be in front of a crowd, it kind of energizes me.” So does competition. “You have to have a little bit of cockiness, I think, a good attitude, to get in there and just start painting,” she says. “It’s a long shot, but I’m checking it out, you know?” Robertson says. “Being competitive, it excites me. It pushes me to be better.”
Courtesy photo
Art Center Sarasota holding fundraiser ‘of note’
‘Outlaws and Angels’ extended to 22nd week
Here’s a way to collect art without filling your walls or emptying your wallet. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, is hosting “Off the Wall,” an exhibition and fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 13. More than 100 original works of art created on 5-by-7-inch postcards will be on display, unnamed. The cards will be for sale for $50 each. Guests will receive two raffle tickets with their $25 admission. Raffle winners will get first crack at buying any of the postcards at 6:30 p.m., with the cards available to all guests at 7 p.m. There will be adult beverages and things to nibble on. For tickets or more information, call 365-2032, or visit ArtSarasota. org/OTW.
Florida Studio Theatre announced March 5 that it is once again extending the run of the country music revue “Outlaws and Angels.” This extension, to April 19, will take the run to 22 weeks. “‘Outlaws and Angels’ is special because of the way it frames country music,” Director Catherine Randazzo says. With this extension, “Outlaws and Angels” will have the second longest initial run ever for an FST cabaret show — 190 performances, three short of the run “Blue Suede Shoes” had in 2018. Another revue now playing at FST, “Unchained Melodies,” is in its second year as a revival after initial run of 180 performances in 2017. For tickets, call 366-9000, or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
25th ANNUAL
Gardens
For some unique artworks that won’t break the bank, check out “Off the Wall,” an exhibit and fundraiser of more than 100 works of art created on postcards.
AP EN RI DS L 12 !
aradise
7th Annual Sarasota Garden Club
Premier Garden Tour of Private Gardens Saturday, March 14, 2020 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Rain or Shine
Advanced Reservations: $35/person Day of Tour: $40/person Group rates available upon request
Lunch at SGC Gardens: 11:30am to 1:30pm $15/person 1657 ALTA VISTA, WEST OF THE TRAIL, SARASOTA
Designer Showhouse
For More Information & Reservations: SarasotaGardenClub.org (941) 955-0875 GIP2020@SarasotaGardenClub.org
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
COMING TO THE VAN WEZEL! SARASOTA PREMIERE!
FEATURING THE MUSIC OF
PAUL SIMON, ADELE, QUEEN, SIA… AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
TUES, MAR 17 • 8PM SARASOTA PREMIERE!
John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell A Tribute to Nat King Cole and the Ladies of Song
Courtesy photo by Jack Cooper
Gregory Boover and Clio Contogenis play a couple in the throes of domestic bliss, until he starts getting strange invitations to join in “The Feast.” “Horse With No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross the River,” “Tin Man” & “Lonely People”
What’s down there?
THUR, MAR 19 • 8PM
SPONSORS: Herald-Tribune Media Group Cultural Series, Sarasota Magazine, Wilde Lexus Sarasota and The Gettel Automotive Group
Box Office: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Open Later on Show Days Prices, dates and times subject to change without notice.
IF YOU GO ‘THE FEAST’ When: Through April 19 Where: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $31 Info: Call 321-1397, or visit Urbanite Theatre.com.
MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR
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‘The Feast’ at The Urbanite Theatre plumbs the depths of the human psyche.
According to one theory, terror is a rational fear, but horror defies analysis. Terror threatens with guillotines and explosive vests. This fear is a known quantity, an evil calculus within the bounds of reason and negotiation. But horror is an unknown quantity, irrational and nonnegotiable. That’s far more fearful. The greatest horrors of all dwell in the terra incognita of the human mind. The no man’s land marked, “Here Be Monsters.” Rod Serling had a name for this territory: “The Twilight Zone.” Jordan Peele continues to explore that zone in film and television. Recent theatrical excursions include Tracy Letts’ “Bug” and Cory Finley’s “The Feast,” now playing at Urbanite. Finley’s horror show starts off in a happy domestic scene. Meet Matt (Gregory Boover) and Anna (Clio Contogenis), a young couple living together. What could go wrong? In a horrific twist, malign creatures start calling out to Matt from the toilet. They invite him to come down and join them in the sewers. For a feast. We spoke to Director Brendan Ragan and the cast members about what’s really going down. Casey Murphy fills in for all the other characters (horrific or not) besides Anna and Matt. “I don’t see the play as a puzzle to be solved,” he says. “It’s a glimpse
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into Matt’s psyche, and I take that as-is. I also love how sparse the script is. It tells the story in the most streamlined way possible. And, as weird and creepy as it is, it’s also very, very funny.” In Contogenis’ view, the play’s magical-realist elements flow seamlessly with its granular portrait of real life. “You think we’re a happy couple at first,” she says. “Then you start to see there’s a lot brewing beneath the surface — no pun intended.” As Ragan sees it, the play’s horror might be real or hallucinatory, but it’s certainly horror. “If the voices are in Matt’s mind, he’s losing his mind,” he says. “If the voices are real, demonic beings are trying to possess him. Matt’s in for the fight of his life either way.” But there’s also an apparent upside. Boover notes that, “My character is a visual artist. Matt’s going through hell, but he creates some of the best work of his life, although it’s very disturbing.” Matt’s artistic leap is a devil’s bargain. According to Ragan, that’s the play’s key point. “The voices are luring Matt to an act of self-destruction,” he says. “Matt can’t explain them or understand them. But whatever they are, he has to resist them if he wants to go on living.”
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he final entry in the 2020 Winter Festival season of the Sarasota Opera is a vocally resplendent production of Alfredo Catalani’s “La Wally,” which opened March 7. Sarasota Opera has a history of acquainting its audience with little-known or seldom-performed works, such as “Halka” in 2007, “Tiefland” in 2018 and last season’s “Rita.” “La Wally” has had only two productions in this country in more than 100 years — both by the Sarasota Opera — in 1989, with Stephanie Sundine singing the title role, and the current offering. Based on a novel of the Tirol by Wilhelmine von Hillern, “La Wally” combines the sure-fire dramatic elements of arranged marriage, refusal, inherited wealth, a spurned suitor, true love, rejection, attempted murder, accidental death and sacrifice, with a kaleidoscope of musical color and melody that deserves to be heard more often. Catalani was born in Lucca in 1854 but spent a great deal of his time in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of Massenet, Wagner and perhaps Richard Strauss, as well as Verdi and other Italian composers. Massenet’s “Manon” must have made a strong impression on Catalani because “La Wally” is much more lyrical than its verismo plot would indicate. All the drama is encased in melodic lines that could only be Italian,
James LaRosa, Nick Anastasia, Nathaniel P. Claridad, David Marmanillo . Photo by Matthew Holler.
Romeo & La bohème Juliet Love Is Fragile Opera by Giacomo Puccini
February 8–March 21
The Elixir of Love Love Is Intoxicating
Love Is Forever
Opera by Charles Gounod
February 15–March 20
La Wally Love Hurts
Opera by Alfredo Catalani
March 7–22
Opera by Gaetano Donizetti
February 22–March 21
All operas sung in the original language with English translations displayed above the stage.
Opera tickets start at just $19
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IF YOU GO ‘LA WALLY’ When: Through March 22 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 Pineapple Ave. Tickets: From $19 Info: Call 328-1300.
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The only U.S. opera house to stage Catalani’s alpine tragedy in a century does so brilliantly. EDWARD ALLEY
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which probably served as inspiration for Puccini, Mascagni, Leoncavallo and others. “La Wally” is very much a singer’s opera, and those assembled for this production are about the best one could find on any stage. The role of Wally was to have been sung by Teresa Romano, who withdrew from the production due to illness. Her replacement was studio artist Caitlin Crabill, who had covered and performed the role of Turandot last season. Covering a role in the standard repertoire is one thing, but to be a last-minute replacement for one that is seldom, if ever, done requires a great deal more. Crabill was more than up to the task and gave an exquisite performance. She has a big, bright soprano voice that soars easily over the orchestra. She sang Wally’s aria, “Ebben! ne andro lontana”(“Well then, I will leave”) with great feeling, and she really grew into the role as the evening progressed. Since his last appearance here in 2015, tenor Rafael Davila has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera and San Francisco Opera. He brought all of this experience to bear in his outstanding performance as Giuseppe Hagenbach, who is ultimately reunited with Wally. Davila’s voice has grown but has lost none of its honeyed timbre,
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conducted with more than his usual great attention to detail and nuance, somehow making sure we received every melody and emotion Catalani’s score had to offer. The orchestra was with him all the way. Stephanie Sundine must have surely experienced some personal nostalgia because her direction evidenced great care and concern for every facet of this excellent production. The scenic designer was Steven C. Kemp, with Ken Yunker’s most effective lighting. Costumes were designed by Howard Tsvi Kaplan. Catalani’s “La Wally” might not fall into the operatic category of a neglected masterpiece, but it certainly deserves to be seen more often. With this outstanding cast, it’s an evening of gorgeous singing, lovely melody and great drama, even including a blizzard and an avalanche.
Rafael Davila and Caitlin Crabill are on top of the world, or at least the Alps, in Sarasota Opera’s “La Wally,” But, this being opera, it’s a given things will go downhill soon.
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and his last-act duet with Crabill was beautifully sung. Sean Anderson, also returning after an absence of several seasons, was the rejected suitor, Vincenzo Gellner. His was a strong performance, vocally and dramatically. Jessica Sandridge, this season’s Musetta, sang the trouser role of Walter, Wally’s young companion. Her first act “Song of the Edelweiss” set a high vocal standard for the evening. Afra, the innkeeper and fiancee of Hagenbach, was ably sung and acted by Lisa Chavez, and Ricardo Lugo as the foot soldier contributed his hearty basso and acted with gusto. Young Bok Kim sang and performed with his usual skill as Wally’s father, Stromminger. These fine principal singers were supported by the excellent chorus of apprentice artists, meticulously prepared by Jesse Martins. Victor DeRenzi obviously has a special love for this opera; he
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Anique Clements silently projects what her character, Kerry, thinks of the animated point being made by William Kunstler (Sam Mossler).
‘Kunstler’ forcefully makes its case MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC
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illiam Kunstler was a lion of the law. He roars in Jeffrey Sweet’s “Kunstler.” It’s Florida Studio Theatre’s latest Stage III production. The play unfolds in 1995. Kunstler (Sam Mossler) is giving a lecture at Columbia University in New York City. Before he takes the stage, he has to walk through a cordon of unseen protestors shouting, “William Kunstler is a traitor!” Kerry (Anique Clements), the college representative, introduces him with a curt, “There are a handful of people about whom one can say they need no introduction, and tonight’s speaker is one of those.” Kerry’s body language tells you she’s not happy he’s here — and she just might agree with the protestors. Kunstler launches into a rundown of his greatest hits. He lays out his cases defending the Freedom Riders; Jerry Rubin, Abbie Hoffman and other members of the Chicago 7; and the American Indian Movement protestors who occupied Wounded Knee in 1973. During the Attica prison riot, Kunstler put his body on the line to stand up for the inmates who had taken hostages in a push for humane conditions. He tried to prevent a massacre — and failed. Sweet’s script hews close to Kunstler’s actual eloquent words as the flamboyant lawyer looks back in anger on his high-profile cases. The lawyer details a long list of legal murders, from Socrates to Jesus to the victims of the Holocaust. Conclusion? “I suspect that more good men have gone to their deaths through legal systems than through all the illegalities in the history of man.” Molotov cocktail rhetoric aside, the playwright has a clear grasp of Kunstler’s legal theory — and his strategy. You could teach an introductory law course from this play. Movement Law 101: The Theory and Practice of Social Change through Civil (and Uncivil) Disobedience. Kunstler’s key tactic was to put the system itself on trial. The government’s counter strategy was to define each case as narrowly as possible. This strategy often plays out as conspiracy. In the Wounded Knee trial, the fix was clearly in. Kunstler relates a farcical anecdote worthy of the Marx Brothers. He’d noticed
IF YOU GO ‘KUNSTLER’ When: Through March 13 Where: FST Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36-$39 Info: Call 366-9000, or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
a door ajar. When he stealthily opened it, two eavesdropping FBI agents toppled out. The judge was not amused. He had started out as Kunstler’s enemy — then threw the case out. Sweet’s biography could easily be a hagiography. The playwright prevents that by not making it a one-person play. Kerry functions as a foil. Kunstler knows she has a beef with him and tries to win her over. His cases become an apologia — a justification for his life. Mossler delivers a full-throttle performance as Kunstler. The resemblance is uncanny. Based on clips of Kunstler on PBS, the actor has the lawyer’s body language and vocal delivery down. Beyond that, he’s captured the way Kunstler’s mind moved. Clements’ Kerry has to hold her peace for most of the show. But she beautifully conveys a sense of the wheels in her mind turning. And a slow burn. Jason Cannon’s direction smartly captures the essence of a play that boils down to legal argument. It’s all about words — more importantly, the passion and logic behind those words. The words reveal the man. Cannon makes sure nothing gets in the way of that revelation. At the end of it all, Kerry states her objections to Kunstler. His advocacy for mobster John Gotti, subway shooter Colin Ferguson and Yusef Salaam (of the Central Park Five) top the list. Kunstler protests, “When I see the force of the government cloaking itself in the garb of legality and going after someone who is at a particular disadvantage, … it’s my impulse to try to level the playing field.” Noble sentiment. But does it apply to John Gotti? Perhaps he protests too much. On the other hand, Yusef Salaam was eventually proven innocent. Is Kunstler a sellout or a true believer? This razor-sharp play doesn’t render a decision. It gets the wheels of your mind turning, paints a compelling portrait and leaves the verdict up to you.
ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E JEWELS ON THE BAY: Designer showcase marks its 25th year. GARDEN TO PLATE: Selby Gardens hosts a dinner to behold. 8
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
ANNUAL GALA: A BOLLYWOOD BALL Saturday, March 7, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting Asolo Repertory Theatre
HARRY SAYER | BLACK TIE EDITOR Photos by Harry Sayer
Co-chairwomen Donna Koffman, Elisabeth Waters, Tammy Karp and Mary Braxton-Joseph
Ritu Anand, Ginny and Ravi Akhoury, and Harry Anand
T
he Asolo Repertory Theatre transformed The RitzCarlton, Sarasota into a vibrant Bollywood showcase during its annual gala March 7. This year’s “A Bollywood Ball” theme paid tribute to India’s colorful film industry, starting with the reception, which boasted three signature drinks, a henna-painting station and a snake charmer for guests to take photos with. Attendees then made their way to the ballroom — which had 10 different fabric colors that matched the flowers on each table — for dinner. Proceeds from the night benefit the company’s educational and community programs. The festivities concluded with performances from different groups including five-piece Indian band Jashn, Shivali Bhammer and Navin Kundra and Bollywood Touch. An after-party was held at Lemon Tree Kitchen.
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Above: Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards Right: Event Planner Laura Stuart Wood
Kamila, the snake charmer
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
FROM PAGE 1
Above: The table centerpieces had an assortment of colorful roses. Left: Shamini and Sheena Maini
Photos by Harry Sayer
Rita Thibault, Gary Kirschner and Charlotte Stewart
Shivali Bhammer was among the performers who kept the crowd dancing. Harry Leopold and Audrey Robbins with James Jordan and John Kosa
Meet the Artist Marcel Roelofs Collection
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BLACK TIE & TALES
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The Michael’s On East catering team works hard and often. Some nights, though, are more intense than others. The Garden to Plate dinner March 6 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a big undertaking — 176 patrons are seated at one twisting, sprawling table for a four-course meal plus dessert in the gardens. Catering Captain Tracey McCammack estimates MOE has one waiter for every 25 patrons at a typical event, but this event had 35 waiters moving nonstop to
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refill wine, serve up new courses and keep the show running smoothly. “At a normal event, you might have a moment to stand still,” she says. “At this event, there’s no standing still because of that long table. You could never stop. You have to keep it rolling.” It’s one of the tougher nights for the team but one it pulled it off with aplomb. McCammack credits the servers for keeping up with special orders and the bartenders refilling drinks in particular. She celebrated with a glass of wine at the end of the night. Wouldn’t you?
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A sorry sari The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Annual Gala: A Bollywood Ball on March 7 paid homage to India’s colorful film history, and it makes sense that many attendees would wear traditional Indian attire for the occasion. Board Member Nancy Markle had on a seafoam green sari she purchased in Washington, D.C., 40 years ago. And not once before the gala had Markle ever worn it — she says she just always loved the material and kept it with her wherever she moved. She spent quite some time — an hour and 30 minutes — watching YouTube videos trying to get it on herself, to no avail. She says it was a sorry sari attempt. Markle eventually found a woman at the gala who helped her put it on right.
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CAN Community Health has a new 2019 fundraising champion. After unforeseen circumstances and careful consideration, CAN Community Health honored Elisabeth Waters as the official Fundraising Champion of the 20th Anniversary of CANDance: Dancing With Our Stars. CAN representatives and supporters helped Waters celebrate her big win. She was awarded a trophy, which she showed off for long as she could — it was a heavy prize.
Season Standout nominations
The Observer’s Black Tie Season Standouts magazine is nearly here, which means it’s time to make your nominations for Standout Man and Woman — people who represent the most involved and generous of the philanthropic scene. Nominate your choices on our Black Tie app, on our Black Tie Facebook page or at YourObserver.com/Season-Standout-Nomination through March 20. Voting for the top candidates begins March 23.
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15th Mardi Gras Gala Saturday, Feb. 29, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Goodwill Manasota
Amy and Zoltan Karpathy
Co-chairs Steve Altier and Angela Forson
Photos by Harry Sayer
Patra and Punch Rueangaram
Foundation Vice President Gray Videnka, Alex Hume, President and CEO at Goodwill Industries Manasota Bob Rosinsky and Pavitra Ciavardone
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Purim in Paradise Saturday, March 7, at Benderson Family Finish Tower | Benefiting Hershorin Schiff Community Day School
donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps
Photos by Bynn Mechem
Above: Head of School Dan Ceaser with Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Michael Shefrin Left: Bob and Alli Phinney
3 Stores n 1 Location Monday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota Have large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.
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TIM JAEGER
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bartlettjewelers.com
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(941) 444-5783
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Photos by Harry Sayer
Co-chairs Howard and Eileen Curd, Peter and Patricia Estes, Nora and Billy Johnson, and Jenny and Ken Pendery
Garden to Plate
4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
329033-1
Friday, March 6, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Save 15% On Your Spring Swing!
FRIDAY - ARPIL 3RD
Florida Winefest Logo.pdf
1
1/10/20
This year seated 176 patrons.
David Welle and Rosemary Reinhardt with Margie and Kelvin Cooper
FRIDAY - APRIL 3RD
3:28 PM
Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON
941-219-4457 TreeUmph.com
11:00 am -11:45am Wine, Bubbles & Signature Cocktail Reception
* 15% OFF Reservations to Climb
12:00 Noon – Seated Luncheon | Under Tent – Sarasota Bayfront South Lawn Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Wear Your Most Elegant &Fashionable Chapeau
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Info & Tickets: floridawinefest.org. | 941-952-1109 330162-1
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March 1 – April 30 USE CODE: SPRING15
*Valid through 4/30/20. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
NOW BOOKING NIGHT ADVENTURES! Contact us about our moonlight zipline events – 941.322.2130.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
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Co-Chairman Jason Hughes with Stacey and David Crawford
Photos by Harry Sayer
Co-chairwomen Sydney Gruters, Kathy Paulsen and Donna Koffman; CEO Tom Waters; Honoree Ginger Judge; and co-Chairwoman Trudy Moon
Angelica Hull and Melissa Walsh
Abilities Shining Luncheon Wednesday, March 4, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Easterseals Happiness House
Above: Patty Furlow works on her latest painting before the luncheon. Right: Kirstin Fulkerson and Veronica Thames
An Independent Book Publishing Company
1269 First Street, Suite 7, Sarasota, FL 34236
“Our goal at the Peppertree Press is to provide a way to get published easily, professionally and successfully.”
Julie Ann James
Publisher/Founder/Project Facilitator
Sarasota’s Leading Buyer & Seller of Fine Jewelry Thayer Jewelers is Sarasota’s best resource for purchasing or selling jewelry. When making a decision to buy or sell jewelry, diamonds, gold and watches, you need a trusted gemologist who understands grade and market values. With over 38 years experience in every sector of the jewelry industry and extensive studies at the Gemological Institute of America and the Asian Institute of Gemological Science, Jeremy Thayer has an unparalleled expertise in sourcing and evaluating fine jewelry, gemstones, diamonds and watches.
Teri Lynn Franco
www.peppertreepublishing.com 8 941.922.2662
133 Main St. Sarasota www.thayerjewelers.com (941) 955-8820
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330552-1
Editorial Director/Office Manager
SARASOTA POLO 2019-2020 SCHEDULE Looking for some weekend fun?
Join us at the beautiful Sarasota Polo Club!
MATCHES EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH APRIL 12, 2020
REMINDERS:
8201 Polo Club Lane | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941.907.0000 | SarasotaPolo.com
321712-1
Gates open at 10 am Match begins at 1 pm $15 admission, Kids 12 & under FREE Don’t forget your chairs!
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Planned Parenthood SarasotaManatee Dinner Thursday, March 5, at Circus Arts Conservatory | Benefiting Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
Co-chairwomen Alexis Rosenberg and Charlie Ann Syprett with guest speaker Rebecca Traister, co-chairwomen Penny Hill and Betsy Kane Hartnett and President and CEO Stephanie Fraim
Michael Farmer and Boyd Lindsley
Photos by Harry Sayer
Above: Steve Krumwiede and Lissa Murphy Right: Richard Boothby, Renee Hamad and Jon Yenari
we
because we
CARE
for you about
you.
We believe your doctor should get know you personally, have the flexibility to see you at any time, and commit to delivering benefit-oriented care and advice tailored to your unique needs. Discover how LernerCohen puts the CARE in Healthcare. Schedule a meet and greet to see if concierge care is right for you.
The Doctor Is In. Always.™
Dr. Brad S. Lerner | Dr. Louis M. Cohen | Dr. James R. Cocco | Dr. Amy M. Roth
326864-1
941.953.9080 • LernerCohen.com 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 • Sarasota, FL 34239
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Art in the Dark Saturday, March 7, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center
Photos by Harry Sayer
DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES
Above: Co-chairs Chelsea Spalding and Tyler Roberts Left: Auctioneer Steve Katz and Nicole Mobley
SONNETTE™ CELLULAR ROLLER SHADES
100
Rebates starting at
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$
lower your energy bills with insulating Hunter Douglas shades. Rebate savings available now.
*
on select styles January 11– April 6, 2020
Ask for details.
SMART SHADES BONUS! Get even more energy efficiency plus a BONUS REBATE when you add PowerView® Motorization.
Beginning To End Interiors & Blinds 4453 Ashton Rd Unit C Sarasota, FL
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~B
4453 am Ashton Road, Unit M-F: 9:00 - 5:00 pmC Sarasota, FL 34233 Sat: By Appointment Only Sun:941.924.4481 Closed
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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/11/20-4/6/20 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Bonus PowerView® rebate is only available when making a qualifying purchase. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2020 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 20Q1NPSOC3 ~B
~B
* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/11/20–4/6/20 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Bonus PowerView® rebate is only available when making a qualifying purchase. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2020 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 20Q1NPDUC3
Of all the exotic places you’ve dreamt of visiting, an out-of-town cancer center probably isn’t one of them.
A diagnosis of cancer is bad enough. Spending hours on a plane to get care makes it worse. No one should have to leave home for cancer treatment— and soon you won’t have to. Comprehensive cancer care is coming to Sarasota. So you can stop fighting your way through strange airports, and start fighting your cancer here at home. Please support our Leading with Care campaign. Through your generosity, we can help Sarasota Memorial transform cancer care in our community.
Hope comes home. Give today. 941.917.1286 | smhf.org A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.freshfromflorida.com/divisions-offices /consumer-services. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (REGISTRATION #CH103) THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION WILL USE THE FUNDS FOR THE STATED PURPOSE BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THE GIFT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSE IF THE STATED PURPOSE IS IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL TO ACHIEVE.
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Alan Gravley
941-924-4481 www.b2end.com ~B
Melissa Weis, Geri-Lyn Potts and Christy Smith
Stan Writesel
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Life Is Beautiful Dinner and Silent Auction Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center
Nicole Regan, Julie Ehlert and Maximus Glenn Above: CEO Jennifer Carey with co-Chairwomen Jennifer Sierra and Lesley Huntley Right: Cynthia Davis with Aribella, Anistasia and Nicole Vassell
Photos by Harry Sayer
Sally and Jim Owen
CONFIDENCE NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE.
YOUR FIRST WAX IS FREE* DON’T HESITATE. YOUR FIRST WAX IS ON US. SARASOTA | 941 564 0000 3800 S. Tamiami Trail
SARASOTA - UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER | 941 259 2020 190 N. Cattlemen Road
europeanwax
I WAXCENTER.COM
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*First-time guests only. Valid only for select services. Additional terms may apply. Participation may vary; please visit waxcenter.com for general terms and conditions. © 2020 EWC Franchise, LLC. All rights reserved. European Wax Center and the other identified marks are trademarks of EWC P&T, LLC.
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