Arts + Entertainment 12.16.21

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 16, 2021

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HERALDING THE

JOY After a tough year of rebooting and recovering, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has reasons to celebrate. PAGE 2

Photo courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘Joyful! Joyful!’ cast member Marta McKinnon performs in the holiday-themed show.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Triumphant ‘Joyful! Joyful!’ celebrates the holiday season Nate Jacobs created a love letter to life and the holiday season as his theater troupe emerges from the pandemic.

SPENCER FORDIN ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

N

ate Jacobs didn’t just want “Joyful! Joyful!” to be a rollicking good time at the theater.

He wanted it to proclaim his joy and love for being alive.

For Jacobs, the founder and artistic director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the past year had been a trying time full of artistic frustrations and health scares. His troupe had just moved into a newly renovated theater custom built for his productions when COVID-19 put all performances on hold, and Jacobs tested positive right when his passion project was interrupted.

Now fully recovered and one week into the run of his new holiday special, Jacobs took some time to reflect.

“That changed me,” Jacobs says of the journey to overcome COVID-19 and return to putting on productions.

“I felt like I needed to express my joy and appreciation for the gift of life in a different way. I thought about it and went into my little zone, and what came out was ‘Joyful! Joyful!’ It’s a celebration of life.

I’m happy to be here and fortunate enough to breathe the air and live my life to the fullness without being sick or handicapped from what I want to do in any way.”

“Joyful! Joyful!” begins with a serene narration reminding people of all they have endured over the past year, but it quickly sets out to quicken the pulse. The set, designed

by Donna and Mark Buckalter, and the costuming, done by Adrienne Pitts, are vibrant and bright, and the 14-member cast rotates in and out of songs from disparate genres and eras.

“I wanted to have an Afrocentric feel but very festive,” Jacobs says. “I wanted people just to feel happy and

joyful from the time they walk into the theater and the show kicks up to the time they file out the door. The designers did a phenomenal job dialing up our stage and working with Adrienne on my ideas about how I wanted the actors to be costumed.

Everything worked like a symphony.”

The production stars a number of WBTT regulars including Michael Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II, Leon S. Pitts II and Derric Gobourne, and Stage of Discovery student Sammy Waite also plays a notable role.

Donald Frison, the choreographer and co-creator of the show, says there are many different styles in the show, from jazz and hip-hop to numbers that evoke the sound and movement of a gospel choir. The cast had four weeks to learn the songs and choreography, and Frison says the challenge was to make all memberof the cast appear as if they are experienced dancers.

“We take simple movement and make it look as though they’re technical movements,” Frison says. “We have big ensemble numbers, but at some point we highlight everybody.

Everybody in the cast has a highlight, whether it’s a solo or a duet or a trio.”

The show’s music director is Matthew McKinnon, who also plays bass. The rest of the band is composed of pianist Courtland Green, Amber Robinson on auxiliary keys, guitarist Brad Foutch and drummer Michael Andrews.

Only a few cast members are experienced dancers, Frison says, but everyone worked hard to perfect their roles.

Jacobs says that when he was creating “Joyful! Joyful!” he was inspired by singers including Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder as well as bands Earth, Wind & Fire, the Staples Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock. He wanted to bring unique arrangements to holiday classics that people had seldom heard, and he wanted to make sure that the selection of numbers seemed timeless.

The show closes with a rendition of “Joyful! Joyful!” the closing tune from musical movie “Sister Act 2,” and there’s a gospel rendition of

Photos courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

George Frideric Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” earlier in the show. That’s all part of the plan to take the familiar and mix in some surprises.

“We do an ‘African Drummer Boy’ with these African drums and these phenomenal harmonies from the singers,” Jacobs says. “We do a number that almost sounds like a folk or country number. We do gospel. We do R&B. It’s exciting to see how the old traditional music still affects us in this world. It brings that warmth and comfort and festive spirit that holiday music brings to us.”

WBTT had one previous show this season, “Eubie,” and is gearing up for a full season in 2022 that will include “Ruby,” an original production about a real life story from Live Oak, Florida, set in the 1950s. Jacobs is also running educational camps for kids and programs that work in concert with the local school system, and he’s hoping to expand those offerings over time.

“We waited many, many years before we had a home,” he says.

“We did this wonderful renovation thanks to the city and people who understand supporting the arts in this area. We had our brand-new theater, and we had to go dark. It was quite a journey.”

The troupe has always referred to their holiday specials as their Christmas cards, and now they have a third

Above: Samuel Waite, Michael Mejia-Mendez, Derric Gobourne Jr., Charlie ‘CJ’ Melton, Donovan Whitney, Raleigh Mosely II and Leon S. Pitts II Left: ‘Joyful! Joyful!’ cast member Katherine Taylor

offering to work into the mix. Frison says “Joyful! Joyful!” was fun to work on not only because it was music that they hadn’t staged before but also because of the context. It’s the first work that he and Jacobs have collaborated on in the home theater, and he hopes to work on several more.

“This is an amazing show,” Frison says. “We’re happy and joyful to be back in the theater and back on the stage. Everything was closed down.

Theatergoers were hurting. But now theaters are opening back up, and Broadway is opening back up.

“It feels like we have life again.

We’re very excited about it.”

IF YOU GO

‘JOYFUL! JOYFUL!’ When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 30 Where: 1012 N. Orange Ave. Tickets: $50; students $20 Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre. org.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

D I L A O Y H

SIP & SHOP

The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Book and lyrics by

Music by

GEROME RAGNI & JAMES RADO

GALT MACDERMOT

Directed and Choreographed by

JOSH RHODES

colorful and evocative

Merchants will be staying open late to welcome you with wine and hors d’oeuvres and

LIVE MUSIC!

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vivid direction and choreography

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Scrooge speaks

of youth and all that. I got to see my old employer, Fezziwig, and my fellow apprentices. The spirit also showed me Belle, my old love. It was nice to see her again.

I was deeply touched — and that never, ever happens to me! Some sort of fluid actually began leaking from my eyes. I’m not the sentimental type, sir. But that cheeky spirit apparently wanted to turn me into one.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

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he Players Centre for Performing Arts will be staging Greg Bodine’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 22 and 23.

It’s a benefit performance and a one-person show. Jim Floyd will star as Ebenezer Scrooge — and 19 other characters.

That’s plenty of roles for one actor to play — and only a fraction of the author’s creations. More impressively, his people don’t feel like fiction. They feel real.

Ebenezer Scrooge, especially.

Which got us to thinking…

Imagine you could go back in time and talk to Scrooge. We did. Floyd did too — and stayed in character.

The following improvised dialogue is the result. (We spoke between ghosts to avoid confusion.)

Some of our chat is humbug; the rest is enlightening.

We’ll leave it to you to decide which is which.

1843. Scrooge residence, London.

Jacob Marley visitation. Post-ghost interview.

Ebenezer Scrooge, I presume?

Yes. Who the devil are you? Another ghost?

I’m a writer. From the future.

A ghostwriter?

Let’s stick with that.

How do you know my name?

Long story short, a writer named Charles Dickens wrote this book called “A Christmas Carol.” He …

It sounds like a song.

Well, it’s a book. It’s your story, OK? The story of what will happen to you tonight. That’s how I know.

Dickens — right! That nosy scribbler at the pub with the notebook — blast! He wrote everything down.

Marty Fugate

Jim Floyd plays Scrooge and 19 other characters is The Players’ rendition of “A Christmas Carol.”

Well, not everything. He was kind of vague about certain details. That’s why I’m here.

Oh, no. Ecch! You’ve got a notebook, too.

Yep. So, uh … how would you describe your day?

Irritating, to say the least. It’s Christmas Eve, gahh. People kept bothering me, inviting me to dinners and parties. Or constantly begging for money. “Merry Christmas this”; “Help the poor that.” Humbug! And did I mention the songs?

Not yet.

“Fa-la-la!” Eggh. Incessant carols, all day long. It got on my nerves. At the end of the day, I came back home and shut the door. Thought I’d have a little peace and quiet. But no.

According to Dickens, Jacob Marley appeared.

Yes, so he did. And I wish you’d disappear.

How did you feel when your former business partner showed up in your house rattling chains and all that?

Considering that the man’s been dead for seven years, yes. It was quite unnerving.

What did Marley say?

Mmm, mostly complaints, initially.

“I am doomed to wander! Woe

THANK YOU FOR SUPPOR TING

is me!” That sort of thing. Then, eventually, he warned me: “Three spirits will visit you this evening.”

For what reason? Ah. In order to guide me, teach me and help me change my ways. I have no idea why I should, but that’s what he said.

Are you worried?

No. The prospect doesn’t worry me at all. I initially thought Marley’s specter to be a figment of the mind induced by a stomach disorder.

I now return to that hypothesis.

Marley’s visit? Humbug! A bad dream, sir. Just like you.

You say so. I’ll touch base after your next ghostly visit.

No, you won’t. Good evening, sir.

And good riddance!

Spirit of Christmas Past. Post-ghost interview.

I’m back! And if my timing is accurate, you’ve just had a visit from the Spirit of Christmas Past. What was that like?

Unsettling, to say the least.

Why? This chap, or lady, I’m not really sure. But they took me back to my past, as his or her name implies.

The spirit showed me …

What exactly?

Well, my younger self. Ruddy cheeks, broad shoulders, strength

Ah. In our time, we call that “getting in touch with your feelings.”

Why on Earth would I want to do that? In my time, I call that impertinence, sir! At the moment, I “feel” like being alone. Get in touch with that.

Spirit of Christmas Present. Postghost interview.

Howdy.

You again? Ugh. Me again. Let’s talk about the Spirit of Christmas Present.

What was he like?

Resembled Father Christmas a bit.

A very large gentleman. He brought a great deal of food. Pies, turkeys, puddings, cakes. … Over the years, I’ve successfully avoided scores of dinners and parties. It’s as this phantom brought all the food I’d avoided in one sickening clump.

You skipped the party. So the party came to you.

I didn’t touch a bite. What I did was go flying around London and spying on people. I witnessed my clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his family. I also visited my idiot nephew, Fred, and his bit of fluff.

They were all quite mad about the Christmas season. I do not share their enthusiasm, sir. But in spite of my self, … I felt left out, alone and miserable. I “got in touch” with that feeling, and I didn’t like it at all. I’ve resisted this “Merry Christmas” folly for years. Tonight, I felt its pull. It seemed that with one act of will I could join into the folly. Like jumping into a pool.

The spirits are going to a lot of trouble to change your mind about Christmas.

Yes. And that’s what worries me.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

IF YOU GO

Where: Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Tickets: $36.50 Info: Call 365-2494, or visit ThePlayers.org.

Are you looking forward to the next spectral visit?

No, sir. I’d look forward to counting my compound interest and falling into a dreamless sleep. I seriously doubt that’s going to happen.

You don’t blame the visitations on an undigested potato?

Not any more. I know that, one day, I shall die. I also know that the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come will visit me tonight. My knowledge is certain in both cases. And in either case, the knowledge fills me with dread.

Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come.

Post-ghost interview.

I’m back.

Oh, you again! Hello! Merry Christmas, sir!

Wow, you’re actually in a good mood.

Why not, sir? It’s Christmas Day! I’m awake and alive and excited to start a fresh new life.

I get it. The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come has come and gone?

Yes and no. The Spirit of Christmas now lives in my heart, sir. (Leaning out window) Come back in less than five minutes, and I’ll give you half a crown!

Why were you hollering at that kid in the street?

I wasn’t “hollering.” I was ordering a turkey from him.

For yourself?

No, sir. For the Cratchits! I’m a giver now. It’s going to be such a surprise.

Ha! Would you like a turkey?

No thanks. It’s back to the future for me.

Very well, good sir. Goodbye to you, then. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! And Happy Hanukkah as well!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

JANET WILLIAMS AKA THE TENNESSEE TRAMP 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Here comes the funny. Janet Williams has been touring for two decades, and her late-in-life turn as a stand-up comedian came after a divorce left her with lots of things to say. Williams, who previously worked as a professor, has played to national audiences as part of BET’s “ComicView,” and she’s a veteran of several USO tours to entertain the troops abroad. Runs through Saturday.

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

DON’T MISS

SARASOTA BALLET’S ‘GISELLE’ Celebrate two anniversaries with the Sarasota Ballet. The Sarasota Ballet will be performing “Giselle,” which was first produced 180 years ago, and celebrating the 95th birthday of Sir Peter Wright, who produced this version of the show.

“Giselle” is rooted in two classic tomes — Victor Hugo’s Fantômes and Heinrich Heine’s De l’Allemagne — and was adapted by Wright in 1965.

Margaret Barbieri, the assistant director of the Sarasota Ballet, performed in “Giselle” at the Royal Opera House in London, and now she’s helping keep the opera alive by coaching dancers of a new generation.

The performances will be accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra, which will be led by guest conductor Jared Oaks, the music director of Ballet West.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: From $30 Info: Visit SarasotaBallet.org.

WINTER SHOWCASE 7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts $20; virtual $10 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance will present works choreographed by associate directors Xiao-Xuan Dancigers and Melissa Rummel, and you can watch the dancers live in person or from the comfort of your couch.

There will also be two showings at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Sarasota String Quartet, consisting of violinists Daniel Jordan and Christopher Takeda, viola player Rachel Halvorson and cellist Natalie Helm, will take on a selection of works by Mozart, Franz Schubert and Caroline Shaw.

‘WHAT SWEETER MUSIC’ 5 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. $35 Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

Join featured artists mezzo-soprano Amy Jo Connours and organists Sam Nelson and Ann StephensonMoe for an evening of holiday classics by Choral Artists of Sarasota.

Many of the tunes were arranged by venerable Canadian Brass quintet, and lead trumpet will be played by founding member Ronald Romm.

The title of the show comes from the song “What Sweeter Music” by John Rutter.

BRADENTON RIVERWALK SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 4-10 p.m. at Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton Free Visit ParagonArtEvents.com.

There will be food, drinks and live music aplenty at the Bradenton Riverwalk Seafood and Music Festival, which begins Friday night and will continue at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The festival will also feature shopping for arts, crafts and fine products.

CHAMBER SOIRÉE 4 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $38-$48 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

MONDAY A MINGUS HOLIDAY WITH THE MICHAEL ROSS 5 8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $20; members $18 Visit WSLR.org./Fogartyville.

Bebop into the holiday season with bassist Michael Ross and Charles Mingus. Ross, a longtime member of Tampa Bay jazz stalwarts Liquid Bebop, will play Mingus favorites, signature tunes of his own and holiday classics. Ross will be accompanied by multi-instrumentalists Daniel Jordan and David Pate, pianist Anthony Aldissi, and drummer John Jenkins.

THE EDGE OF MUSIC WITH LUKE STEWART 5:30 p.m. at Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave. $5 for registration Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Jazz bassist and Hermitage Fellow Luke Stewart will share some of his work as well as play a jam session with local artists at Booker High School, and he’ll also chat with the audience about his roots and his path to success in the music industry.

ROBERT PHILLIPS 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista St. Free Visit GuitarSarasota.org.

Classical guitarist Robert Phillips plays Sarasota as part of Guitar Sarasota’s “Emerging Artists” series, which brings local and regional musicians to play and participate in a Q&A. Phillips, a resident of central Florida, made his recital debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1987, and he’s been recording and performing steadily for decades.

RINGLING BY THE BAY 5:30 p.m. at Bolgier Campiello, 5401 Bayshore Road $20 Visit Ringling.org.

Seven-piece tropical dance band Big Night Out headlines the latest edition of the Ringling by the Bay festival, which brings food and drink and dancing to the bayfront 11 times from November through May. JOHN MCEUEN 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $37 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Don’t let the circle be broken. John McEuen, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will play as part of McCurdy’s Music Monday series and will share his memories of the landmark “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” platinum album. McEuen, a recent inductee to the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame, will be supported by guitarists John Cable and Bart Hanchey.

TUESDAY JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Jervey Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $28 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

Johnny Wild & The Delights, a retro band specializing in the sock hop hits of the 1950s and ’60s, will bring its “Christmas Spectacular” show to the Jervey Theatre for an evening of classic Christmas tunes and revelry.

Runs through Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $36.50 Visit ThePlayers.org.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Sit tight as Jim Floyd brings Ebenezer Scrooge — and several other characters — from Charles Dickens’ legendary “A Christmas Carol” to life. Floyd starts in the one-man show, which is an adaptation of the Dickens classic by Greg Bodine.

Runs through Thursday.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

& TM TM

PRESENT

WINTER DREAMS: DISCOVER MOZART 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $27-$65 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

OUR PICK

Fun Begins THE

‘LOVE AND BOSSA NOVA’ Daniela Soledade, a native of Rio de Janeiro, will headline the Monday Night Jazz Cabaret with Florida-based guitarist Nate Najar. Soledade released her debut album, “A Moment of You,” in 2019, and she is the granddaughter of early bossa nova composer Paulo Soledade. Najar, who hails from nearby St. Petersburg, is influenced by the styling of jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd.

THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE!

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $38; members $35 Info: JazzClubSarasota.org.

FRIDAY ~ FEBRUARY 11, 2022 The Meadows Golf & Country Club, Sarasota 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

THE 2022

Conductor Sameer Patel leads a program that begins with Debussy’s “Petite Suite” and concludes with Mozart’s Symphony No. 31. Violinist Geneva Lewis will be featured on pieces by Massenet and Vivaldi.

Enjoy the company of your friends at SFG’s Casino Night, featuring: heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, Gaming Tables & Slots!

Wine & Beer, a Cigar Table, and a Bourbon Bar.

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SISTERHOOD FOR GOOD, INC. IS AN ALL-VOLUNTEER REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION. 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 (or 1-800-352-9832 en Español) OR GOING ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF THE DONATION IS RECEIVED BY SISTERHOOD FOR GOOD. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH #57279 *100% of funds raised at this event will go towards SFG’s 2022 Annual Grants Program.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

presents

Photo courtesy of John Jones

Remember when rock was young?

The music lives in ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’ at Florida Studio Theatre.

MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC

A

Incredible youth circus artists perform thrilling feats in this family friendly show!

Sun • Dec 26 thru Thur • Dec 30, 2021 Sun 1 & 6pm Mon - Thur 2 & 7pm

See website for safety protocols.

TICKETS $20 - $35

Presenting Sponsors: Shari & Stephen Ashman Phyllis Siskel

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s Don McLean fans know, a plane crash silenced Buddy Holly on Feb. 3, 1959 — the “day the music died.” Along with the pilot, that crash also took the life of Ritchie Valens and Jiles Richardson Jr. (aka “The Big Bopper”).

What songs would these musicians have created if they’d taken the bus instead? We’ll never know. But Alan Janes’ “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” at Florida Studio Theatre fills the air with Holy’s hits — with a few

by Valens, Richardson and others.

Janes’ 1989 smash was one of the first jukebox musicals. There’s no jukebox here, but there are plenty of great musicians (who can also act).

In Michael Perrie Jr.’s portrayal, Buddy Holly doesn’t have a mean bone in his body — though he does play a mean guitar. Drummer Seth Eliser, guitarist Armando Gutierrez and bassist (and music director) Spiff Wiegand all nicely embody Holly’s nascent band, The Crickets. They’re excellent at both characters and chords. When Ryan Halsaver isn’t portraying “Hipockets” (the Texas DJ who gave Holly his first radio airtime), he’s singing and wailing on sax. Danielle Erin Rhodes is inventive and sprightly as pianist Vi Petty.

Jimmy Lewis and Armando Gutierrez burn up the stage as The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. Jannie Jones and Troy Valjean Rucker are equally sizzling in a few R&B numbers. These talents all play various characters and all sing and play backup, as the musical requires — which is most of the time.

This show does have a story, but it’s lean and mean. That said, the musical’s stripped-down story is pretty interesting. Holly has a Mr. Nice Rocker reputation — a polite kid with thick black plastic glasses who could sing and play. This musical contextualizes Holly as a musical innovator who would smile his infectious, boyish grin and do things his own way. The first act shows the songs he created with The Crickets as works in progress.

Holly doesn’t have it down to a formula: He’s working out chords and changes as he goes along. You also discover that Holly stepped away from a future career as a country music superstar at a time when rock was risky — and considered “race

IF YOU GO

When: Through Jan. 2 Tickets: $29-$49 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000, or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

music” by mainstream white radio stations. The decisive Holly also doesn’t think twice about proposing to Maria Elena (Monica Rodrigues) — five hours after meeting her for the first time. She’s a Latina beauty.

Holly calls his mother back in Lubbock, Texas, to give her the good news. She objects for racist reasons.

Holly politely ends the call.

Interesting character insights abound in the story. But they’re essentially liner notes and not the main attraction. This show is all about the music.

The aforementioned musicians are excellent. The music is too. The show’s Euterpean talents groove nicely on the usual suspects. Fans of the 1950s would probably riot if FST deprived them of Holly’s hits. But “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day.” “Raining in My Heart” and the like are all duly represented. You’ll also hear The Big Bopper’s and Richie Valens’ chart-toppers (“Chantilly Lace” and “La Bamba,” respectively.)

On top of that, the “Showtime at The Apollo” segment delivers sizzling renditions of The Isley Brothers’s “Shout” and other R&B classics.

The show’s talented actor/musicians dial it up to 11 — and never dial it down. Props also to Susan Angermann’s costumes, Rodrigues’ choreography and Axis Studios’ set design. Their work captures the look and feel of the late 1950s. (Wiegand’s Cirque du Soleil-style gyrations on the upright bass detract from that.

His athletic moves are vastly entertaining — but not of the time.)

Director Jason Cannon and Music Director Wiegand take a music hall approach with the show’s material.

(Fair disclosure: Singalongs are not my cup of tea. I’d rather hear the pros, OK?) But that’s what the people want, and FST delivers.

On the night I saw this musical, I did a quick survey of the happy folks around me. I’d estimate the vast majority of the audience actually remembers when rock was young.

This show clearly brought back those memories. They were hopping and bopping along in their seats.

The Gompertz has no dance floor, but if it had, they would’ve filled it in an instant.

Michael Perrie Jr. as Buddy Holly and Armando Gutierrez as Ritchie Valens perform in “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” at Florida Studio Theatre.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

SOIREE GALA Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Sarasota Art Museum Benefiting Sarasota Art Museum

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The program was led by Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson, who thanked the many in attendance and expressed gratitude at the return to normalcy for the museum.

Guests then heard co-Chairwomen Elaine Crouse and Rosemary Oberndorf speak to the importance that art and museums have in both their lives and culture as a whole. Executive Director Virginia Shearer spoke after dinner was finished.

The night ended with a paddle raise, which netted the museum more than $200,000.

he Sarasota Art Museum was awash in vibrant colors during its Soiree gala held Dec. 8.

At the gala — the first held by the museum since its opening in 2019 — hundreds of attendees in the museum’s Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza met for the social hour.

Guests picked up food and drinks, mingled, and posed for photos in front of the night’s colorful step and repeat.

Eventually, the crowd headed into the tent space that served as the night’s event hub, which had a selection of pinks, purples, teals and other shades to give the night a vivid feel.

—HARRY SAYER

Above: Linda Driggs and Heather Richau Below: Scott and Jill Ramsey

Top: Ringling College President Larry Thompson leads the event.

Above: Executive Director Virginia Shearer, Michele Silverman and Janis Swan

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Co-Chairwomen Rosemary Oberndorf and Elaine Crouse Left: George and Janet Miles

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

A Meal Makes A Difference.

Meals On Wheels of Sarasota Serves 250,000 meals annually

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Join our holiday drive to raise $100K to feed those in need.

General Director Richard Russell with Deborah Kalb and Richard Johnson

• Feed one person for a week: $36 • Feed one person for a month: $180 • Feed one person for a year: $2,050

Co-Producers Dinner Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Sarasota Opera House | Benefiting Sarasota Opera

GIVE TODAY

T Make It

he Sarasota Opera’s top donors and supporters were recognized for their support during the Co-Producers Dinner on Dec. 7 at the Sarasota Opera House.

The annual event, which recognizes the opera’s Co-Producer donor group that helps fund each season, had guests arriving and mingling in the opera house courtyard before heading indoors for dinner.

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HOW TO DONATE Mail a check to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota 421 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 Go Online MealsonWheelsofSarasota.org

By Phone 941.366.6693

—HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and Stephanie Sundine

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Speakers Blair Bloomston and Erin Watson

Wonder Women Collective Thursday, Dec. 2, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota | Benefiting Women’s Resource Center

Photos by Harry Sayer

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ike so many organizations, the Women’s Resource Center had to change its programming during the pandemic.

The nonprofit, which helps women succeed and enter the next chapter of their lives, released multiple Wonder Women Collective virtual panels and topic-driven sessions that promoted strong networks, understanding limitations and being in charge of your narrative.

It started with a kickoff event Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Supporters gathered for drinks and bites and to engage in a program with the Game On Nation firm to promote open doors of communication. The event was enough of a success that the group is planning a hybrid schedule of in-person and virtual events going forward.

Above: Lillian Elliott, Regina Morris, Becky Arpaia, President and CEO Ashley Brown, Lori Gentile and Anne Carter Right: Deborah Kostroun and Lana Bruce

Above: Susie Bowie, Jennifer Abbott and Peg Beck Right: Charlene Altenhain and Kameron Hodgens Left: Dawnyelle Singleton and Simone Peterson

—HARRY SAYER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Above: Kristen Theisen, Kimberly Treharne and CEO Kristie Skoglund Below: Aggie Hunt, Charmian Miller and Savannah Diaz Bottom: Abigail Richardson with Jessica and Larry Lawman Photos by Harry Sayer

Eddie Perez-Ruberte and board Chair Michele Miller

Above: Jody Creighton and Alisa Westberry Below: Jackson and Christa Sullivan

Winter Gala Friday, Dec. 3, at Michael’s On East Benefiting The Florida Center for Early Childhood

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he Florida Center for Early Childhood returned with a winter-themed gala Dec. 3 at Michael’s On East.

At the 34th annual fundraiser — which benefits the nonprofit’s work providing early treatment for children with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders — guests met early for hors d’oeuvres, drinks and bidding on gifts in the silent auction.

Guests heard from CEO Kristie Skogland and other Florida Center staff before the live auction started. Gifts available this year included a wall of wine, a celebration dinner at Michael’s On East and a vacation in Key West.

—HARRY SAYER

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