Arts + Entertainment 12.4.25 by The Observer Group Inc.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

“Life is on the wire. The rest is just waiting.”

Nik Wallenda brings his family and friends back to the UTC Mall for ‘Wonderland: Believe’ in a new tent.

Wallenda-ful It’s a

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

This is the third year superstar aerialist Nik Wallenda has brought his Wonderland circus to University Town Center, but it’s the first time that it’s been truly his own.

Wallenda’s got a brand new tent with plush, roomy seating and a Jumbotron inside. He’s got a new sponsor — LECOM — and without the nonprofit Circus Arts Conservatory as a partner, he’s free to make Wonderland a Wallenda-centric extravaganza. And that he has. Sharing the high wire with Wallenda is his wife, Erendira, and his sister, Lijana, who was badly injured in 2017 while the troupe was rehearsing at the same site in UTC, where Wonderland runs until Jan. 4.

While Wonderland has plenty of feel-good moments with the help of master of ceremonies Ty McFarlan,

who plays a jovial Santa Claus, and punk-style clown Johnny Rockett, Lijana steals the show.

This holiday season marks the first time Lijana has performed in Sarasota since she fell and broke nearly every bone in her face. On Nov. 8, she and her brother broke a world record for the highest and longest criss-cross walk at UTC.

To many, the obvious question is: Why would anybody do this? Nik Wallenda always answers this question by quoting his great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda: “Life is on the wire. The rest is just waiting.”

The leader of the Flying Wallendas circus troupe that came to Sarasota in the 1920s to star in John Ringling’s circus, Karl Wallenda died in an high-wire accident in 1978 in Puerto Rico.

When you look at all the death-

defying stunts Nik has performed during his career, crossing Times Square, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and even an active volcano in Nicaragua, you start to understand the meaning of the old theater expression “The show must go on.” The show continues at UTC in a blue-and-white stripe tent with a black interior that features circus stars from all over the world. Wallenda says he and Erendira ordered the tent from Cannobio Textile and Architecture of Italy about 20 months ago. “It’s like the Ferrari of tents,” he says. With its video screen surrounded by a proscenium, the Wonderland tent evokes a theater, which is by design. Wallenda says his new tent

“Wonderland” returns for the holiday season through Jan. 4, 2026, at the UTC Mall.

Daredevil clown Johnny Rockett wows the crowd.

Daredevil clown Johnny Rockett, the Grinch and superstar aerialist Nik Wallenda pose in front of Wonderland’s new tent near UTC.

Master of ceremonies Ty McFarlan shows off his moves.

Images courtesy of Tom Bender

— Karl Wallenda

been of different proportions. Olesia Kucherenko, an 8-year-old Ukraini an, plays a music-box ballet dancer who seemingly comes to life. She demonstrates a mind-boggling degree of flexibility.

Throughout it all, Johnny and Ty provide the glue that holds Wonderland together — the clown with his childish lies and pranks, gently chided by a wise adult in the guise of an off-duty Santa.

Animals have been a sensitive issue in the history of the circus, with public taste turning against their exploitation and the circus as a whole, as well as incidents of lion tamers being mauled by their big cats. The performing pooches in Wonderland presented by Hans Klose and Colleen Pages prove dogs are willing to do nearly anything for a treat.

Lest Wonderland be accused of not having animals’ best interests at heart, there is a booth in the lobby for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center, one of the Wallendas’ favorite charities.

municate during a feat similar to one that ended in disaster.

is about the same size as the one he borrowed from the Circus Arts Conservatory to stage Wonderland during its first two years.

But rather than seating more than 1,600 patrons, the capacity of the CAC tent (also relatively new), Wallenda’s pavilion has just 1,300 seats.

“We wanted our guests to have more room. We’ve added six inches in front of every seat so you can walk past someone without hitting the knees,” he says.

Always speaking of himself and Erendira as a team, Nik continues,

“My wife and I feel it’s all about the guest experience. Even though it hits our bottom line because we can’t seat as many people in here, it’s well worth it. We know if people have an incredible time, they’ll come back year after year with their families.”

LEARNING FROM NETWORK TV

From his years working with networks on live TV specials, Wallenda understands the importance of video images and good production value, showbiz lingo for “quality.”

Videos featuring animated images of Johnny and Ty serve as clever introductions to their onstage segments and underscore the overriding theme of Wonderland: What is broken can be repaired, or in the case of human beings, healed.

As the first act in Wonderland, Chinese juggler Kai Cao gets the ball rolling, so to speak, with his juggling virtuosity. By keeping a prodigious number of balls in the air (Was it really eight?), Cao sets the bar high for the rest of the show.

Roller skates play a pivotal role in Wonderland, as Ty presents Johnny with a pair for Christmas that had been thrown away but are now good as new. Later, skaters Roger Segura-Calderon and Emilie Sandberg demonstrate feats of derring-do on wheels.

The Hula Hoops of boomer childhoods are put on dazzling display by Australia’s Lianna Ashton Hay, while Sebastian Videla charms the audience with tricks on unicycles of all sizes.

Alan Silva, a “little person,” performs on the silks with such passionate artistry that one imagines him as a ballet dancer if his body had

If Hollywood was asking for an “elevator pitch” on this Wallenda circus, we’d say: It’s Ringling Bros. meets Tony Robbins meets tent revival. But unlike self-help guru Robbins, Nik Wallenda doesn’t encourage you to try his stunts at home.

But his new circus does encourage the audience to participate by taking videos and sending them out on social media with the hashtag #wonderland. The exception is when the family performs a dangerous stunt at the end of the show.

Joining the Wallendas in their high-wire act is Sarasota’s own Anna Buchmeier, a senior at Sarasota High School making her second appearance at Wonderland. Buchmeier has been training at the Sailor Circus Academy run by the Circus Arts Conservatory since she was 10. She has developed her acrobatic skills under the tutelage of her coaches Dolly Jacobs and Olga Coronas.

Before Lijana Wallenda mounts a chair astride a shoulder bar carried by her brother and troupe member Paul Matthew Lopez, Nik asks the audience to turn off their devices and to keep quiet. He explains that he and his family members need to be able to hear each other while they com-

Nik introduces the act by showing a black-and-white video of the human pyramid’s collapse in 2017 and playing audio of the 911 calls. The audience is warned in advance that the material may be upsetting to some, but the video is grainy so the imagery isn’t graphic.

As family patriarch, Nik recounts his battle to overcome fear and guilt in the wake of the 2017 accident.

Lijana tells her own story, explaining that it is only through God’s grace — and the efforts of many medical professionals — that she has been able to return to her chosen profession.

Like the aerialist that he is, Wallenda walks a fine line between sensational showman and motivational coach as he uses his family’s 350year legacy to inspire others to overcome their obstacles.

The message? Just as anyone can fall, anyone can get back up on the metaphorical wire.

Indeed, before leaving the Wonderland tent, the audience is asked to take a pledge with Nik: “I am not broken — I am rebuilt. I am not forgotten — I am loved. I am strong. I have purpose. My story isn’t over.”

Long live the Wallendas!

Images courtesy of Tom Bender

Lijana Wallenda perches on a chair balanced on a shoulder bar carried by her brother, Nik Wallenda, and Paul Matthew Lopez in“Wonderland: Believe,” which runs through Jan. 4.

WALLENDA FROM PAGE 1

It’s wheels up for roller skaters Royer SeguraCalderon and Emelie Sandberg of Sweden.

Where to celebrate

National Biscuits and Gravy Day

You don’t have to wait until Dec. 14 to jump onboard the gravy train and tuck into the best biscuits in town.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Igrew up in Fairfield County, Connecticut, land of commuting Wall Streeters, prep school attendees and breakfast orders that rarely ventured beyond a bagel and an iced — never hot — coffee, even in the middle of winter.

For the first two decades of my life, biscuits and gravy might as well have been the title of a country song, not an actual breakfast food. It wasn’t until I was attending college in Athens, Ohio, that I first heard someone order the dish.

Now? After a night with one too many martinis or on a morning when I need a break from my usual bagel routine, I order biscuits and gravy. Somewhere between Connecticut and Florida, I developed a full-on hankering — a phrase I never thought I’d say — for the most comforting Southern staple of them all. When National Biscuits and Gravy Day rolls around on Dec. 14, you’ll find me at one or more of the following places.

THE TOASTED YOLK

3750 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941444-0049; 6562 University Parkway, Suite 150, Sarasota; 941-210-4105; 5502 Cortez Road W., Bradenton; 941242-1590; TheToastedYolk.com.

Smothered and Covered: I can’t wait for my mom and our family dog, Zoey, to come down in the new

year so we can continue making so many morning memories here. No only is their menu stacked, but they have a dog menu, too. I won’t share the biscuit and gravy ($10.29 and up) with my pup, but she can stare at the two buttermilk biscuits smothered in that gorgeous country sausage gravy all she wants. Let’s Get This Gravy: Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to order the Southern fried Arnold ($16.89), but when my husband ordered it, I needed a taste. Two biscuits topped with two hand-battered chicken tenders, two poached eggs and covered in one-of-a-kind gravy.

FOOD + BEER 4804 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941751-2675; 5446 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-444-7823; 6529 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941952-3361; 1525 Fourth St., Unit B, Sarasota, 941-444-1101; and 301 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, 941-8673780; EatFoodDrink-

Smothered and Covered: Craving an out-of-this-world brunch?

I found it with a slew of sausage gravy options. The original biscuit and gravy dish ($8) is served with two Southern-style biscuits with homemade sausage gravy. Get crazy and add pepper jelly for $1 or dine on the dish “Drop It Like It’s Hot Benny” ($14), with Nashville hot chicken, pickles, sausage gravy, sunny-side-up eggs and biscuit. Let’s Get This Gravy: Don’t hop off the gravy train yet, foodies. The epic brunch burger ($11) calls for stretchy pants and an appetite. Made with ground beef and topped with American cheese, bacon, a fried egg, sausage gravy, sriracha syrup and sandwiched within a biscuit, this entrée is a whole lot of flavor — especially with the side of Cajun potatoes.

THE BREAKFAST HOUSE 1817 Fruitville Road, Sarasota; 941-366-6860; SarasotaBreakfastHouse.com.

Smothered and Covered: Owner Wendy Lee opened up this breakfast spot in a colorful cottage in December 2009. Nearly 16 years later, the number of patrons has tripled, but the sensational flavors of the restaurant’s plates remains. Their take on biscuits and gravy ($9.99) comes with grilled biscuits topped with sausage gravy. Might I say *chef’s kiss!*

Let’s Get This Gravy: I’d be remiss not to mention that there are at least eight varieties of pancakes to choose from in this pancake parlor. From lemon lavender ($15.49) to candied bacon-pecan ($13.99), your sweet tooth will thank you later.

SAGE BISCUIT CAFE

6656 Cortez Road W., Bradenton; 941-405-4744;SagebBiscuitBradenton.com.

Smothered and Covered: This eatery’s house specialties include smoked salmon ($13.99), which my sister and our late dad would order in a heartbeat. But today, we’re here for the gravy, baby. Sage biscuits and gravy ($10.99) are smothered in Chef Joe’s awesome sausage gravy

and served with potatoes, grits (yes, please) or fruit.

Let’s Get This Gravy: Becca’s chicken biscuit ($12.99) takes the biscuit game to the next level. Hand-breaded chicken topped with pickles, American cheese and served on Sage’s own bun-sized biscuit with “helleer sauce” (spicy bourbon) or honey mustard. Add bacon or jalapeño bacon for $2.

BUTTERMILK HANDCRAFTED FOOD 5520 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota; 941487-8949; Instagram.com/ButtermilkHandcraftedFood.

Smothered and Covered: This hot spot was one of the first hits on my mission to find a biscuit unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Nearly a decade ago, I found this biscuit oasis when I moved to Sarasota for what I thought was going to be a short stint. Surprise! I’m still here, making memories and finding new foodie favorites. Order a buttermilk biscuit with bacon, sausage gravy and baked egg ($9.15) and thank me later.

Let’s Get This Gravy: At Buttermilk, there is something for everyone. Keep it simple with biscuits and Florida honey sandwiches ($5) or stay healthy with yogurt, fresh fruit and granola ($6) and add chia if you’d like for $1.

Southern fried Arnold from The Toasted Yolk: biscuit with handbreaded chicken tenders, poached eggs and country sausage gravy.

THIS WEEK

The Broadway touring show of “The Book of Mormon” comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Dec. 9-14.

collaborating with Yaya Diamond and the Dream Chasers for a funk-infused show that’s sure to get your feet tapping. Runs through Dec. 7.

‘RENT’

Art Center Sarasota is marking its 100 birthday and the landscaping around its buildings in The Bay are finished. Indeed, there’s much to celebrate at this gallery and education center, where admission is free and artworks are for sale. The latest exhibition has four shows: Delsy Rubio, The Collective Lens, Russ Noto and the Juried Show: Paradise, adjudicated by Robyn Hall. Runs through Jan. 10.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

FAREWELL TOUR

7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $51 and up Visit VanWezel.org.

The Oak Ridge Boys trace their roots to a group that started performing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in the mid-20th century. The modern-day group has a history of more than 50 years and a slew of awards, including its 2015 induction in their Country Music Hall of Fame. The Boys are touring to support the wide release of their album, “It’s Only Natural.” Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban say it’s their farewell tour. We’ll see, but just in case ...

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY

DANCE WITH YAYA DIAMOND & THE DREAM CHASERS

7 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20-$50 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org. Sarasota Contemporary Dance is

7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $35 Visit ThePlayers.org.

Inspired by Puccini’s opera, “La boheme,” Jonathan Larson’s musical “Rent” follows a group of struggling artists trying to survive in New York’s East Village during the height of the AIDS epidemic. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical, but Larson didn’t live to see the show’s success. With its theater-in-the-round space, The Sarasota Players’ creative team is sure to make their “Rent” a show to remember. Runs through Dec. 14.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $18-$30 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

The Venice Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” celebrates its 25th anniversary as veteran Brad Wages returns as Ebeneezer Scrooge and newcomers take the stage for the first time. If you’re feeling as generous as Scrooge after his ghostly visits, consider a donation to the Venice Theatre, which is still rebuilding after the Jervey Theatre was damaged by Hurricane Ian. Runs through Dec. 21.

‘COME FROM AWAY’

7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35 and up Visit AsoloRep.org. When the U.S. shut down its

airspace after the 9/11 attacks, thousands of inbound travelers wound up stranded in the small town of Gander, Canada. Newfoundland locals dubbed the travelers “Come From Aways” — and welcomed them with open arms. With its driving Celtic-rock rhythms and heartwrenching humor, this ensemble production by Asolo Repertory Theatre reminds us how trying times can bring out the best in people. Runs through Dec. 28.

‘THREE PIANOS’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

FST’s winter cabaret show “Three Pianos” is an ode to superstars of the keyboard such as Ray Charles, Elton John and Alicia Keys. These mavericks didn’t tinkle the ivories; they tore up the rule book. Runs through April 5.

FRIDAY

JAZZ AT TWO WITH ISAAC MINGUS & FRIENDS

2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road

$15-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

After receiving acclaim for his performance last season at Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Jazz at Two, Isaac Mingus returns with a new set of friends. We don’t know what instruments Mingus will be playing during this gig, but he’s known for the cello, double bass and electric bass.

‘DINGBAT’S WINNIE THE POOH’

7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail

$5-$50 Visit DingbatTheatre.org.

Just in time for the holidays, Luke Manual and Company are taking the children’s classic by A.A. Milne and putting their own twist on it. Given Dingbat’s off-the-wall approach, this may not be a “Winnie the Pooh” for everybody. Runs through Dec. 19.

SATURDAY

‘DECK THE HALLS’

10 a.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$12 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Celebrate the holidays in Florida style with palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, sand snowmen and Santa on a surfboard. The family friendly show returns with new sketches and songs. Weekends through Dec. 24.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

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

$39-$109 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Sarasota Orchestra’s new maestro Giancarlo Guerrero takes the podium to conduct this wide-ranging program that features movie music from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and Disney’s original “Fantasia,” as well compositions that evoke foreign lands. Runs through Dec. 7.

SUNDAY

BRAHMS, SIBELIUS & PEARL

3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.

$5 Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.

Now in its 93rd season, the Suncoast Concert Band has evolved from a trailer park band to a concert hall ensemble. Led by Robert Stoll since 2005, the band attracts a faithful following so it’s advisable to reserve a ticket in advance.

‘SHARK LADY: THE MUSICAL’

6:30 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court

$25; $15 students Visit WSLR.org.

“The Shark Lady” is a musical based on the life of Sarasota resident Eugenie Clark, a female JapaneseAmerican scientist who overcame racism and sexism. This is the first public concert performance of the show.

MONDAY

‘ANCIENT ART FROM CYPRUS AND THE MEDITERRANEAN’

10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road

OUR PICK

LAKEWOOD RANCH BLUES FESTIVAL

Why not have a blues, blues, blues Christmas in Lakewood Ranch? This is only the second year of the blues festival that traces its roots to a long-running event in Bradenton. That legacy and the relationships that the organizers of the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival have developed over the years have produced a stellar lineup that includes the Shaelyn Band, Johnny Rawls, Desoto Tiger, Eden Brent, Chambers Deslauriers, Albert Castiglia, Music Compound and Toronzo Cannon. With the backing of deep-pocketed sponsors such as Bank of America, the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival has all the makings of a firstrate, hassle-free event.

IF YOU GO

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 Where: Waterside Plaza, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch Tickets: $75; $150 reserved front-of-stage seating Info: Visit LakewoodRanchBluesFest.com.

Free with $30 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.

In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York, where the Metropolitan Museum was selling part of its ancient art collection. Ringling’s treasures now have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

Courtesy images

Jay Heater Blues artist Dylan Triplett gets up close and personal with the fans during the 2024 Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival.

Riley

and Daniel

Andrew

DON’T MISS

‘ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914’

Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre, based “All is Calm” on the true story of soldiers who put down their arms for one night to honor Christ’s birth. Their longing for peace shines through excerpts of letters and Christmas carols sung in English, French and German. This show is being staged in The Ringling’s Historic

SONGBIRD

7:30 p.m.

$30 Visit

Contemporary classical music ensembleNewSRQ is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In its program Songbird, enSRQ explores themes of peace, memory and nature.

TUESDAY

‘THE BOOK OF MORMON’

7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $85 and up Visit VanWezel.org.

This irreverent musical from the creators of “South Park” follows two earnest missionaries as they try to convert a village in Africa to the teachings of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a sensation, but not everyone will appreciate the comic sendup of Joseph Smith’s spiritual descendants. Runs through Dec. 14.

YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS

7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. $50; $10 students Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org. Artist Series Concerts continues to

Asolo

IF YOU GO

When: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6

Where: The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road.

Tickets: $45-$71

Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

demonstrate its commitment to the next generation of musicians and their fans with this concert, Young Concert Artists. The ensemble of emerging musicians and seasoned veterans will perform Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major for two cellos. Ticket purchase includes a meet-and-greet with the artists and light refreshments at a post-concert reception.

WEDNESDAY

OH, WHAT FUN!

5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $48 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Guest conductor Chelsea Gallo leads the Sarasota Orchestra in a holiday-themed concert in its Great Escapes series. Held in Holley Hall, these casual concerts don’t have an intermission except on Saturdays and are available, with start times of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays so you can eat after the show. Come for the hassle-free experience; stay for seasonal crowd pleasers such as “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with a local twist and movie music from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Polar Express.” Runs through Dec. 14.

Theater, a jewelbox venue whose interiors were rescued from a palace in Italy. Runs through Dec. 19.

Image courtesy of Kayla Emy

Ben Johnson,

McNutt,

Wilkowske

Greco perform in Asolo Rep’s “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” in 2024.

A Christmas pageant in living color

Langston Hughes’ “Black

cornerstone of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe for more than two decades. Nate Jacobs is the troupe’s founder and artistic director. Hughes’ Christmas story is near and dear to his heart. But as living theater — not a historic relic. In 2025, Jacobs reimagines this gospel classic with new music, fresh design and a renewed cultural urgency. The result is a fresh holiday celebration that’s rooted in joy, history and community. Jacobs shares why that matters more than ever.

When did you first direct “Black Nativity” ... ?

I’ve staged “Black Nativity” since 2003, shortly after WBTT began to grow. It quickly became an annual gateway for young performers (including my own daughter) to step into our artistic family. Parents got involved; kids became part of the community; and audiences embraced it. It remains one of our biggest draws for African American theatergoers. And it still moves me today.

What makes Langston Hughes’ original “Black Nativity” so meaningful to you?

“Black Nativity” is a classic of Black theater — our equivalent of “The Nutcracker” during the holidays. Langston Hughes shaped it during the Harlem Renaissance — a time when Hughes and artists like Zora Neale Hurston insisted that Blackness was beautiful, intelligent and worthy of celebration. His version looks at the nativity story with a Black cultural lens, and it’s powered by gospel music. Hughes’ original script included a handful of gospel standards that he personally selected.

You first staged this piece at WBTT in 2003. Has your understanding of Hughes’ gospel

IF YOU GO

LANGSTON HUGHES’ ‘BLACK

NATIVITY’

When: Through Dec. 21

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.

Tickets: $24-$59

Info: Visit WestCoastBlackTheatre.org.

vision changed since then? Not really — my appreciation has only deepened. Hughes understood that Black culture, particularly the Black church and its music, is foundational. Gospel music shaped everything: identity, artistry and community life for African Americans.

Hughes’ original 1961 production was a revolutionary fusion of poetry, gospel and ritual. Is “Black Nativity” still revolutionary in 2025?

Absolutely. Representation is still radical. From the Harlem Renaissance onward, Black artists have fought to affirm that we’re intelligent, beautiful, creative, important and here. That message is just as vital now. And gospel music never loses its power. You can crank up “Wasn’t That a Mighty Day” — a song from Hughes’ original production — and the whole room transforms. That’s why “Black Nativity” continues to be produced around the world. Its impact is timeless.

You describe this year’s version “reimagined.” What’s new? I wrote several new musical moments. The opening number, “The Greatest Story That’s Ever Been Told,” is mine. Mary and Joseph now share a duet, “Here I Am.” Herod and the high priest also get a new musical scene. We’ve added original choreography and brought in extraordinary new talent.

Eustace Williams, who plays Joseph, is making his WBTT debut and he’s phenomenal. Mary is played

Nate Jacobs talks about why Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s latest ‘Black Nativity’ matters more than ever.

by Maicy Powell — who came to us at age 14 through our education program, then studied at Howard and returned as a rising star. Her understudy, Amillia Lorraine, came through our Stage of Discovery and will perform several shows herself. The design team is new, as well. Set designer Shartoya Jn. Baptiste — an African American artist — created a stunningly elegant visual world. Our new costumer Christopher Vergara also brings vivid Afrocentric patterns and color. Every artistic choice is intentional: the look, the sound, the movement and the cultural grounding.

WBTT’s mission is rooted in African American experience. How does that shape this production?

Everything comes through an African American lens — musically, visually and spiritually. The score moves from traditional gospel

to contemporary gospel, from high-spirited praise to quiet, jazzy moments of reflection. We’ve kept two of Hughes’ original poems from the 1961 production. The dialogue and dialect reflect Black storytelling traditions. Our costumes use African textiles and patterns, and that reinforces the cultural identity of the piece.

Hughes conceived “Black Nativity” as a spiritual celebration. What spiritual journey will audiences take?

They’ll encounter the familiar Nativity story — Mary, Joseph, angels, the manger — but through a creative, deeply emotional interpretation. Mary is portrayed as the young girl that she was; Joseph is the man chosen to stand beside her; the angelic presence is a transformative force. The birth scene around the manger is one of the most beautiful moments in the

show. And, yes — joy is at the heart of this journey. Some numbers will absolutely bring the roof down.

What does “Black Nativity” mean to the Sarasota community in 2025?

At a time when Black history is being removed from classrooms and libraries, “Black Nativity” has become even more vital. If organizations like WBTT don’t celebrate and protect our culture, we contribute to its erasure. Our purpose in this community is to preserve and uplift a unique cultural heritage. In a moment when many voices are being silenced, we must raise ours louder.

Image courtesy of Evan Sigmund

Stephanie Zandra plays the Archangel who looks down over Joseph (Eustace Williams) and Mary (Maicy Powell) in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “Black Nativity,” which runs through Dec. 21.

Sarasota Concert Association names new board president

Berardesco succeeds Joy McIntyre, who remains on the board.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

“You should be writing about my husband,” says Charlie Berardesco to a reporter who wants to know more about the new board president of Sarasota Concert Association.

A retired energy industry corporate executive, Berardesco is passionate about the arts, something he shares with his husband, musician Jeffrey Thurston. They were recently honored by Chorus America with its 2025 Philanthropy Award.

Throughout his career as a corporate lawyer and CEO, Berardesco has also served on the boards of several nonprofit arts and advocacy groups, including Chorus America. That’s where he met Linda Moxley, who became Sarasota Concert Association’s first executive director in October 2020.

Until Moxley arrived on the scene in the wake of COVID-19, SCA was managed entirely by volunteers. The 2025-26 season is the group’s 86th.

At SCA, Berardesco replaces Joy McIntyre, a retired opera singer and educator who has made service to Sarasota arts groups her third career.

McIntyre, who remains on the SCA board as immediate past president, was also previously president of SCA from 2013-21.

New additions to the SCA board include Karen Brown, Bruce Ensinger, Trevor Johnson and Monica Van Buskirk.

In an interview, Berardesco said Moxley invited him to get involved in SCA during at a lunch at the old Tommy Bahama on St. Armands sometime in 2022-23, after he and Thurston retired here. “The arts community is amazing here,” Berardesco said with enthusiasm.

“I’ve known Charlie for about 20 years,” Moxley says. “He was on the

board of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society when I was executive director. We both served on the board of Chorus America. He’s been on our board for about a year and a half now. We’re fortunate to have him now leading the board.”

Before retiring to Sarasota, Berardesco served as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of the North American Electric Reliability Corp., a not-for-profit whose mandate is to assure the reliability of the power system in North America.

Berardesco previously held senior leadership roles at Constellation Energy following nearly two decades in corporate law practice.

Long before Sarasota had an orchestra, opera or ballet, Sarasota Concert Association was established to bring world-class musical entertainment to a once-sleepy Gulf Coast town.

Over the years, as Sarasota’s homegrown arts groups have grown up, SCA has continued to flourish, consistently selling out concerts, including a Dec. 2 show by Canadian Brass at the Sarasota Opera House. SCA’s 2025-26 lineup includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Jan. 19), Philadelphia Orchestra (Feb. 16), Danish String Quartet (Feb. 24), pianist Alexander Malofeev (March 10) and violinist Joshua Bell and the Academy of St. Martin’s in the Fields (March 15).

Charlie

Charles Berardesco

Dive into Daily Crossword Fun!

Champions for Children

Saturday, Nov. 22, at The Ora | Benefiting Boys &

soprano Erin Wagner and tenor Daniel McGrew are joined by pianist Jesse Martins for a program of

favorites and music from opera and Broadway.

Mike Block Trio, January 6, 5:30 pm Appalachian folk music

Mike Doyle, President and CEO Bill Sadlo and Lee Wetherington support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Cheers to Yvette and Dan Clermont and Ryndie and George Brusco.

BCGC VP of Teen Initiatives Suriya Khong, Teen Program Director Liz Mena and club leader Jack L. Norman and Cassandra Shea have fun during cocktail hour.

Photos by Janet Combs

Jason and Mya Zoracki look forward to an evening of performances, honors, auctions and some dancing.

Flower Talk luncheon

Your Adventure in Lifelong Learning Begins with OLLI at Ringling College

We invite you to enjoy intellectual discussions, fun ways to keep your mind active, and the opportunity to meet new people.

Connect with us — for the joy of learning. More than 80 classes and programs for Winter 2026.

Join us for one of our compelling classes, lectures or programs.

• Ballet: Beyond the Curtain

• Elections Around the World

• On the Road to Health in 90 Days

• The Man Who Shot J.P. Morgan: A Life of Arsenic, Anarchy and Intrigue

• Fragrance Through the Decades

• What Everyone Needs to Know About Sleep

• The Great American Songbook

• The Roots of Black Music in America

• Pirates of the Florida Coast

• Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire (A Documentary Film)

• Dachau First, Dachau Last, Dachau Jamais Plus

• Shade in the Sunshine State: Reflections on Segregation in Florida

OLLI at Ringling College presents An Evening of Broadway Cabaret Featuring

Accompaniment by Michelle Kasanofsky

January 9, 2026 • 4-6 pm

Prepare for an evening of showstopping classics and soaring melodies!

Join Valerie diLorenzo as she whisks you away through tales of love, longing, and laughter while bringing to life some of our most beloved musical moments. Whether it's the razzle-dazzle of Chicago, the heartfelt memories of Les Misérables, or the captivating charm of Annie, this celebration of music promises to be an evening of joy!

Cash Bar • Light Refreshments • New Friends

To reserve your seat, call 941-309-5111.

$25