Arts + Entertainment 3.17.22

A+E INSIDE: < The Plié’s the Thing: The Sarasota Ballet takes on Shakespeare without words. 6

BLACK

TIE INSIDE:

Banyan Ball: The Out-Of-Door Academy brings glitz and glamour to the Ritz. 7>

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT MARCH 17, 2022

YOUROBSERVER.COM

SUPER

CONDUCTOR He’s conducted all over the world and earned some of the highest distinctions in his field. Now, Bramwell Tovey is looking forward to his next conducting adventure in Sarasota.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

T

hey’re past the betrothal but not quite in the honeymoon stage.

Bramwell Tovey’s year as the

Sarasota Orchestra’s music director designate will reach an important milestone in two weeks, when he leads a Masterworks performance for the first time.

There’s a push and pull about putting your fingerprints on an organization in this day and age, Tovey says.

He doesn’t want to do too much too soon; he wants to respect the foundation that has been laid here while also crafting plans for the future.

SEE TOVEY, PAGE 2

Courtesy photo

Bramwell Tovey hopes the Sarasota Orchestra will provide an appropriate reflection of his talent and tutelage.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Tovey

IF YOU GO

FROM PAGE 1

“You want to put your stamp on right away. And I do want to do that,” he says. “But these are unique circumstances. The end of the pandemic means people are still a little bit nervous about coming back. They want to get used to the orchestra again.”

Tovey’s reputation precedes him; he has led orchestras in many of the world’s most famous institutions and been rewarded for his work with a Grammy and a Juno Award.

Tovey directed the Vancouver Symphony for 18 years prior to accepting the Sarasota job, and it gave him a world of perspective.

Interestingly, when Tovey thinks of his future home, he sees a worldclass destination. He knows Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri of the Sarasota Ballet from decades ago; in fact, he even conducted a performance of “Swan Lake” with Barbieri starring as the White Swan.

The master conductor says he had a great conversation with Victor DeRenzi of the Sarasota Opera last year and looks forward to the synergy among the local arts organizations once he arrives.

“The ballet, the opera, the symphony and theater life in Sarasota, considering the size of the city, it’s enormous. It’s much more impressive than the city of Vancouver, which I think is 10 times bigger,” he says of the contrast between his former home and future one.

“People like to go to the ballet.

They like to go to the opera. Maybe they have their favorites. But it’s not like we’re all making toothpaste, and you have to choose what kind of toothpaste you want. We’re manufacturing different art forms, and I think there’s a great respect between the organizations.”

TAKING THE BATON

Tovey is no stranger to the body he’s leading from afar.

He conducted the Sarasota Orchestra in a performance last October, providing a brief taste of his style. He’s also been in constant contact with Kerry Smith, the orchestra’s director of artistic planning.

MASTERWORKS 7: BREAKING BOUNDARIES When: 8 p.m. April 1-2; 2:30 p.m. April 3 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $35-$98 Info: SarasotaOrchestra.org

The Sarasota Orchestra has been without a full-time music director since Anu Tali departed in 2019, and Tovey will have as many as 15 musician seats to fill through auditions.

What’s it like for him to guide the orchestra’s hand while living in Barrington, Rhode Island?

“I don’t know anything about journalism at all,” he says. “But I would guess that in the role of an editor, sometimes you’re on the premises dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. And at other times, you’re a remote presence while other people do the job. You make executive decisions that effect the well-being of the organization. In a sense, it’s a little bit like that.”

Tovey hopes he’ll find a place to live in Sarasota by the fall, and his first performance as full-time music director will probably take place in October or November. That’s still far away, but the musicians he’ll lead are quietly stewing in their excitement.

Daniel Jordan, the orchestra’s concertmaster, was involved in the search process for the new music director and said Tovey’s personality helped make him a perfect fit.

“Yes, there’s incredible music making. He’s got this world-class reputation,” says Jordan. “But when you strip all that away, he’s just a wonderful human being. He’s funny.

He’s engaging. He’s personable. And he says it like it is.

“It’s so refreshing to work with a musician like that. It’s the same way with his music making. It’s about trying to find the heart of the music, trying to make something we can all feel proud of. That just comes through with him so quickly.”

Cheeko Matsuzaka, the orchestra’s cellist, says she quickly warmed to the idea of working with Tovey just from seeing his music selections. Matsuzaka, who has been part

Courtesy photo

Bramwell Tovey’s reputation precedes him as he prepares for his move to Sarasota.

of Sarasota Orchestra since 2002, says that Tovey made a strong first impression last fall.

“The first time he was here, he programmed a piece of music that I thought I would never get to play in this country,” she says. “That was the ‘Walton Symphony.’ I had heard an old recording, and I fell in love with this piece and thought, ‘God I want to play it.’ Sure enough, it shows up on the program, and I said, ‘Who programmed this?!’ I was so excited to play that piece.”

The music selections, of course, are one of the most obvious ways a conductor can impact an orchestra.

Which pieces and which composers do they value? In which direction do they want to take the orchestra and the audience for any given presentation or season?

Tovey says that one of the first things he’s done is get a printout of the orchestra’s repertoire and make mental notes on what has and hasn’t been played recently.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

But he doesn’t want to break the mold just yet; he wants his orchestra to be on comfortably sound footing.

“What does the orchestra do week to week?” he asks. “They perform two to two and a half hours of repertoire. Sometimes, they do five hours per week. They’ve got to do individual preparation time. They’ve got to do individual practice. They do individual teaching, and they do collective rehearsing. And then they collectively perform. All of that requires tremendous virtuosity and dedication and preparation. For them to be overloaded with the obtuse selections of a new music director, that wouldn’t be very friendly.”

PICKING HIS OWN PLAYERS

The more subtle way Tovey can impact the orchestra is by choosing its next generation of musicians. A normal year might see three or four vacancies, says Tovey, but the Sarasota Orchestra has 15 because it was not able to conduct auditions during

the pandemic.

There could be as many as 70 to 90 candidates for a clarinet or trumpet audition, says Tovey, and the threeround selection process is grueling.

All auditions are blind; the musicians play from behind a screen, and there’s a carpet to disguise the sound of their footsteps.

Tovey hopes to split the auditions into two seasons.

He says it’s just too difficult and too time consuming to conduct open auditions for a sizable portion of the orchestra in a given year.

“They are mostly great. But people have peccadillos,” he says of the candidates. “Some players haven’t dealt with vibrato issues or maybe they have tuning issues. Maybe their shifts aren’t so great. There’s very few people with the whole package.

“Then you’re looking for that indefinable, poetic, artistic quality. Does this person speak to me through their music making? Would I buy a ticket to that person? It often comes down

Designer Estate Flash Sale!

3 DAYS ONLY

The Circus Arts Conservatory & Key Chorale present

Thursday, March 17 - Saturday, March19

Roberto Coin, Yurman, Seidengang, Hardy, Charriol ...just to name a few!

THE NE X T

DECADE OF

Appointments are strongly encouraged.

You won’t be dissapointed!

Cirque des Voix ®

CIRCUS OF THE VOICES

THREE SHOWS ONLY!

PRESEASON EVENT BUY ANY FULL PRICED ALOR JEWELRY AND GET YOUR SECOND PIECE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE

A Unique & Exhilarating Performance Featuring Circus Artists, the 100+ Voices of Key Chorale and the Cirque Orchestra

50% OFF!

FRI MAR 18 – SUN MAR 20

Under the Big Top on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park

941.355.9805 | CircusArts.org

103 S. LEMON AVE • 941.955.4400 • OPTIONALART2.COM IMPORTANT PARKING INFO: Parking is a breeze and FREE for 2 hours! Enter the State Street Parking Garage, take the elevator down, then turn left–we’re right around the corner on South Lemon Ave.

378115-1

Offer valid on full price ALOR jewelry only. Offer valid 10/15/21-10/25/21. Discounted item will be item of equal or lesser value. Not valid with any other promotions or discounts. If item of greater value is returned, the refund shall be less the discount of the lesser valued item. Advertising copyright © 2021 ALOR International LTD. All designs copyright © ALOR International LTD.

374442-1

2

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

3

BEAT THE GLOBAL PRICE INCREASE copenhagen imports

“I feel very confident about the people they are, the service they give and the quality of musical life that is available here in Sarasota.”

— Bramwell Tovey

Photo courtesy of David Cooper

ence bursting into laughter, so the plan is to make that high part of the introductory card.”

So, there’s laughter in the Masterworks and seduction, too.

If that’s not what you expected when you head to a night with the orchestra, that’s precisely the point.

“The first piece speaks so much to what I see his character being,” says Matsuzaka of Tovey and ‘Till Eulenspiegel.’ “He’s someone who looks like he’s staid, but he’s going to push the boundaries, and I like that very much about him. He can do it in a comfortable way. He can put his hand on your shoulder and say, ‘Let me take you over here.’”

Tovey, still months from touching down in Sarasota permanently, is looking forward to the adventure.

He said he’s been so impressed with the infrastructure of the orchestra, from the top executives all the way down to the educational work they do in the community. Over time, he says, there’s no telling what they’ll be able to do together.

“As a group, I think they’re incredibly impressive. Individually, I think they’re outstanding,” he says. “It’s a wonderful group to work with. At the end of the day, as a conductor, I spend most of my time in a windowless studio working with musicians. I feel very confident about the people they are, the service they give and the quality of musical life that is available here in Sarasota. I’m just thrilled and honored to have been invited to lead the team.”

Bramwell Tovey is excited to take the Sarasota Orchestra in a new direction.

Enhance your Wellness and Health with Stressless® Seating

Now thru April 7

Save Hundreds!

All in stock for immediate delivery!

Also save on Factory Specials and select Floor Samples!

Stressless® is the most comfortable seating in the world.

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

377345-1

to subjective judgments.”

Jordan has been part of the Sarasota Orchestra since 1998, and Tovey will be the third musical director he’s worked for over that span.

He’s been so proud to work with all of his colleagues, says Jordan, and now it feels like they’re in a new stage of evolution.

“It feels like we wouldn’t have been ready for somebody like Bramwell Tovey 20 years ago. But we are now,” says Jordan.

“That’s a really special moment.

It’s like a marriage. We’re all taking this leap of faith together. We’re diving off the high dive together.”

So what will they be playing in their first Masterworks concert together?

Tovey chose a program with a rich and varied background: There’s a Strauss composition, ‘Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks,’ to open the evening, and Ravel’s ‘Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2’ to end it.

In between, the orchestra will play Mendelssohn and Coleridge-Taylor.

True to his irreverent nature, Tovey describes Daphnis and Chloe as “a bit like ‘50 Shades of Gray’ for an orchestra,” and he says that the program’s opener is noted for its sense of humor. “‘Till Eulenspiegel’ is one of the funniest pieces of classical music.

It’s hilarious,” he says. “But most orchestra audiences sit and listen to it in silence. It’s full of gags, and it takes five minutes to explain these gags to the audience. I always do that before we start. You hear the audi-

|

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

Soar During Spring Break!

941.359.0099 SarasotaBallet.org

sIR dAVID bINTLEY’S

25 - 26 mARCH | VAN WEZEL

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON

941-219-4457

www.TreeUmph.com SPRING BREAK SPECIAL!

10% OFF

*

364531-1

*Cannot be combined with any other offer.

371529-1

When you climb from February 18 - April 22.

Use promo code: Spring22

A WORLD PREMIERE OF COMEDY & CONFUSION

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

CIRQUE DES VOIX: THE NEXT DECADE OF WONDER One of Sarasota’s signature events is back on the calendar.

Cirque des Voix has been canceled for two straight years, but now the Circus Arts Conservatory is teaming up again with Key Chorale to revive the performance.

You’ll see incredible entertainers testing the boundaries of gravity and balance, and you’ll hear the 100-plus voices of Key Chorale backed by the consummate skill of the Cirque Orchestra.

Aerialists, jugglers and a fire twirler will compete for your attention under Circus Sarasota’s European-style big top.

Come down and get your Florida on with the SCF Guitar Ensemble.

These students will lay down their best licks on original music commissioned for this ensemble, and it’s a Florida-themed vibe they’ll be strumming.

AN EVENING WITH CHRIS BOTTI 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $47-$82 Visit VanWezel.org.

A PLACE IN THE SUN 6-8 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtSarasota.org.

It’s the changing of the art at Art Center Sarasota. Three exhibits — “The Sea is Alive in Me” by Osa Atoe, “Signs & Wonders” by Philomena Marano and “A Place in the Sun” by Susan Sidebottom — will have their opening on Thursday. The gallery will also be showing the Annual Members Juried Show. These exhibits will be on display through April 30 GODFATHER EXPRESSIONS 5-8 p.m. at Ligon Fine Arts Gallery, 1570 Boulevard of the Arts Free Visit LigonFineArt.com The Ligon Fine Arts Gallery is making you an offer you can’t refuse. It’s a “Godfather”-themed art opening at Ligon, an event that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Francis Ford Coppola classic. Peruse the art, and come dressed as your favorite character; the best costume will win an original drawing inspired by the “Godfather.” The exhibit will run through April 10.

UPSETTING THE CLASSICAL TRADITION: BEETHOVEN AND THE NEXT 100 YEARS 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, 2050 Oak St. Free Visit SarasotaMusicClub.org The jocular and affable pianist Alan Wasserman is upsetting the classical tradition. Wasserman will talk about Beethoven and how his compositional style changed the orchestral world, and he’ll also play and discuss Chopin, Joplin and others.

SHELLY BERG AND TIERNEY SUTTON Jazz Club of Sarasota 6:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle $45-$120 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

All that jazz. The Sarasota Jazz Festival continues with this pairing of voice and piano. Pianist Shelly Berg and vocalist Tierney Sutton will headline the outdoor event, and they’ll be preceded by Russell Malone and Friends.

www.manasotaonline.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

The Venice Symphony will play the familiar strains of the score to “Ben Hur” at this show, and they’ll also work their way through intermezzos

by Puccini and Mascagni. There will be an encore performance on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Steve Solomon isn’t afraid to air his dirty laundry. Solomon’s exterior monologue was a long-running tour de force on Broadway, and he’ll bring his family peccadillos and signature punchlines to Van Wezel for your amusement.

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

‘OCEAN BODY’ WITH HELGA DAVIS 6 p.m. at Hermitage Palm House Studio, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $25; virtual $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

PROUD TINA: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail $27-$72 Visit VanWezel.org.

The Sarasota Jazz Festival will keep on swinging with Cuban-American jazz trumpet master Arturo Sandoval and company. Sandoval, a winner of two Grammy Awards, has performed in the White House and at the Super Bowl during his distinguished career.

SUNDAY SPRING IS HERE 3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St. $5 Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.

ORNY ADAMS 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $31 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Put me in, coach. Orny Adams, who played Coach Bobby Finstock in the TV adaptation of “Teen Wolf,” will bring his unique sensibility to McCurdy’s for a pair of shows on Friday and Saturday night.

FST IMPROV PRESENTS: TOURNAMENT OF FOOLS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

It’s a comedy competition at FST. The members of FST’s Improv troupe will appeal directly to the audience in crowning a “Champion of the Fools,” and they’ll match up head to head in a series of improvisational scenes, songs and games.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

‘MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH, AND I’M IN THERAPY’ 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail $17-$52 Visit VanWezel.org.

ARTURO SANDOVAL AT THE SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL 6:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park $45 -$120 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. March 18; 2 p.m.

March 19; 1 p.m. March 20 Where: Circus Sarasota, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle Tickets: $30-$60 Info: CircusArts.org.

FRIDAY

GAME OF ROMES 7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice $31-$56 Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. org.

Here’s your chance to see this art before the rest of the world.

Helga Davis, winner of the 2019 Hermitage Greenfield Prize, will premiere her new commissioned work “Ocean Body,” a multiscreen film and music installation.

DON’T MISS

SWAMP FEVER 7:30 p.m. at SCF Recital Hall, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton $15 Visit SCFMusic.info/Events.

He’s one of the world’s most-prominent artists on the trumpet, and he’s in Sarasota for one night. Chris Botti, winner of a Grammy award, has held the No. 1 place on the Billboard jazz album chart multiple times. Botti has played around the world and with a litany of prominent artists, including Sting, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra and Yo-Yo Ma.

Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner takes place at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 15.

Make way for the Suncoast Concert Band heralding the vernal equinox.

The calendar will officially move into spring just before noon on Sunday, and the concert band will warm your soul with sounds of renewal and rebirth.

THE ANTHEMS: THE MUSIC OF WHITNEY HOUSTON 7:30 p.m. at Jervey Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice $40 Visit VeniceTheatre.org

Big wheel keep on turning; Proud Mary keep on burning. It’s the Sarasota debut of a tribute to the hardest-working lady in show business. Tina Turner, dubbed by many “The Queen of Rock and Roll,” will get a run for her money from tribute artist Caroline Borole, and the event will be punctuated by an appearance by special guest Belinda Davids.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN ORGAN RECITAL WITH ANN STEPHENSON-MOE Church of the Redeemer 12:15 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. Free Visit RedeemerSarasota.org.

Don’t give up good music.

Sarasota stalwart Ann StephensonMoe will play a Lenten Organ Recital at Church of the Redeemer. Stephenson-Moe will play for approximately a half-hour.

BOYGIRLBOYGIRL 6 p.m. at Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice $58 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

It’s a good meal and a good time.

BoyGirlBoyGirl, a Milwaukee-based jazz quartet, will sing famous jazz standards and old radio classics, and Joseph Holt will provide piano accompaniment. Pasta and chicken breast are on the menu for this sinner series show.

Didn’t we almost have it all? This tribute act consisting of velvet voices Jade and Samuel E. will run through the expressive pop canon of superstar Whitney Houston. There will be two additional shows on Monday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY SCOTTY WRIGHT 7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $35-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

The Monday Night Jazz Cabaret will feature the Scotty Wright Quintet, who play original music and also take on the work of artists as varied as Gershwin and Porter. The band will also play jazz standards by Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

371296-1

4

YourObserver.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

5

MARCH/APRIL SHOWS

‘ANASTASIA’ It’s a Broadway touring company featuring a familiar face.

Sarasota native Lauren Teyke, a graduate of Pine View School and an alumna of the Ovation School of Musical Theatre run by her mom, Michelle McCord, will be back in the same building that hosted her high school graduation when she performs in “Anastasia.”

“Anastasia,” based on the 1997 Disney film of the same name, was nominated for two Tony Awards during its Broadway run.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. March 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 19, 6:30 p.m. March 20 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $42-$97 Info: VanWezel.org.

THE NEUTRAL GROUND 7 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court Free Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville.

BEETHOVEN: KINGMA RETURNS 7:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5616 Midnight Pass Road $30 Visit ChamberOrchestraSarasota. org.

Screen this documentary centered on the push to remove monuments to fallen Confederates in New Orleans, and stick around for a discussion with producer Darcy McKinnon to hear more about it.

The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota is playing its first show at St. Boniface, and pianist Joseph Kingma is returning to Sarasota to play Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

It’s the third and final concert of the season for the Chamber Orchestra.

Locally sponsored by Herald Tribune Media Group

OUR HOST: “Antiques Roadshow” Host Mark Wallberg

TUE, MAR 29 • 8PM US & Canada legal residents (excl. PR, & Quebec), 18+. Full rules, incl alt entry method, call/visit the box office. Sponsored by Good Games Live, Inc.

A marketplace for eclectic creations and more.

TUE, APR 5 • 8PM

Sat, March 19 • 10 am -5 pm

Sponsored by Encompass Health

Photo: Art Streiber

OUR PICK

Five Points Park, Downtown Sarasota

DOWNTOWN

SARASOTA PREMIERE!

visitdowntownsarasota.com facebook.com/LeMarcheBohemien

WED-THUR • APR 6-7 • 7:30PM Sponsored by Wilde Lexus Sarasota and ABC7

SUN, APR 10 • 7PM Sponsored by Ameniti Bay Sarasota Hotel & Suites and Herald-Tribune Media Group SARASOTA PREMIERE! WINNER OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

WHO’S THE DUMMY NOW? 377762-1

378110-1

ASSOCIATION

Michelet is an International Romantic singer. He sings in French, English, Spanish and Italian in concerts globally.

His sound is a blend of Charles Aznavour, Nat King Cole, & Johnny Mathis.

Box Office: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Open Later on Show Days Prices, dates and times subject to change without notice.

TICKETS & PRESHOW DINING

941.263.6799 vanwezel.org

View the Latest Safety Protocols on Our Website

377858-1

S A R A S O TA

Photos by: Matthew Murphy/Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade, Denise Truscello

Enjoy refreshments, original & vintage creations and beautiful music. Admission is Free.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

The Bard meets ballet

IF YOU GO

‘A COMEDY OF ERRORS’ When: 7:30 p.m. March 25; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 26 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $35-$115 Info: SarasotaBallet.org

How do you perform Shakespeare without words? You need proper costuming, music and tongue planted in cheek.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

T

he choreography is down.

The score and costumes are impeccable.

The only mystery left for Sarasota Ballet members is whether the audience will laugh along with them at “A Comedy of Errors.”

David Bintley’s full-length ballet adaptation of the Shakespeare classic is gearing up for its world premiere in Sarasota, and the dancers are priming for their final rehearsals.

Bintley, waiting to see his creation brought to life, isn’t worried about bringing Shakespeare to the stage without words, but he is curious to see how the crowd will warm to it.

“This is a strange piece because it will feed off audience reaction. We get three shots the first time around,” he says. “We won’t be able to develop things and say, ‘They laughed at this bit but not that bit.’ That comes with many performances. We just have to trust and believe that what we’re doing will be fun. But for me sitting out there, I will be listening to every single person around me trying to work out whether it’s working and whether they’re laughing.”

For Bintley, the former artistic director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, this is nothing new.

He choreographed 10 full-length ballets during his time with the Birmingham company and even brought Shakespeare to the stage somewhat recently with a ballet production of “The Tempest” in 2016.

But with “A Comedy of Errors,” he wanted to go in a different direction.

His newest Shakespeare adaptation is set in modern times and in Ibiza, and the cast is dressed in contemporary clothing instead of traditional ballet costumes.

The whole production, says Bintley, revolves around an original score developed by composer Matthew Hindson. Bintley and Hindson have worked together before on a pair of short ballet programs, and the choreographer said the composer’s musical sensibilities provided a strong foundation.

“He said he wanted to something big; he was really keen to do a long piece. So we thought about ideas, and some were right, but nothing really gelled,” says Bintley. “And then ‘Comedy of Errors’ just came into my head, and I thought, ‘I want this to be

Courtesy photo

Danielle Brown, center, stars with Ricardo Graziano — both left and right — in “A Comedy of Errors.”

set in Ibiza. I want a rave in it. I want salsa. I want modern pop music to surround the whole piece.’

“The last six months that I’ve had the music, all I’ve been thinking is, ‘I hope I can do this score justice.’”

Now, it’s almost out of Bintley’s hands. He still has time to go over the material with the performers in rehearsals, but when showtime arrives, he’ll be tapping his toes in nervous anticipation.

The cast, which has worked on the performance intermittently since the beginning of the season, is excited to see how everything will work.

Danielle Brown, who plays Adriana, says she loves full-length performances because she gets to stay in character from beginning to end.

“You get to be this one person and live their life from start to finish,” she says. “In a triple bill, you’re three different people, and you have to switch costumes and tone and style in like 15 minutes. It just feels different when you can ride the wave of one person, one story, one character for one eve-

ning. You really get lost in the story and who you’re playing.”

For Arcadian Broad, who plays Del, “A Comedy of Errors” is a project he’s been looking forward to for months.

Much like Brown, he says that full-length ballets are his favorite because he loves to tell stories, and he relishes the challenge of trying to channel Shakespeare’s famous dialogue through dance.

“It’s definitely very characterdriven,” he says of the production.

“The thing with ballet is you’re telling these stories through the vehicle of body language and movement.

There’s a lot of complexity with these characters, and there’s a lot of running around and getting from person to person in terms of plot line.

The acting and our body language, I think, is probably more important for this show than the actual dance steps. I almost see the dancing as the little sprinkle on top.”

The dancing, like the music, will cut across genres and is designed to make the audience feel like it might

be out on the town with the characters. Bintley said he liked the idea of taking dancers the audience is familiar with and dressing them in casual clothing that evokes a night at the club with their friends as opposed to the traditional ballet garb.

“Luckily, it’s a contemporary piece,” he says. “So if we suddenly find we’re a costume short, we can just pop around Macy’s and buy something. It’s not like it’s a Renaissance piece.”

And the costuming also has another function. Brown says that the clothing and the island setting of Ibiza should remind the audience of Sarasota: It’s a warm climate, and a couple scenes will be based around a beach and pool.

Does she have any favorite scenes?

Brown says she loves the pas de deux she will perform with Ricardo Graziano, but many of her favorite scenes are ones she doesn’t dance in.

“There’s a flamenco scene I just think is amazing,” she says. “There’s a workout scene. There’s just so

MICHAEL BERGER GALLERY

SARASOTA CONCERT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

Warsaw Philharmonic with pianist Bruce Liu

See Hung Liu: Portraits of Promised Lands at the National Portrait Gallery

Monday, April 4 | 7:30 pm Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The first large scale retrospective of a Chinese-American Artist.

Andrey Boreyko leads the Orchestra in Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Bruce Liu, winner of the International Chopin Piano Competition.

Through May 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors, I’m writing to introduce you to my Art Gallery.

Born in Pittsburgh, I spent my Harvard undergraduate years studying Art History at the Fogg Museum in Cambridge. By 1965 I had opened Michael Berger Gallery of Contemporary Art in Pittsburgh. In 1999 I changed MBG to a 501c3 not-for-profit enterprise.

Beginning as a college senior without much money and continuing to this day I buy signed, limited edition prints (and unique drawings and paintings).

To me a great artist is recognized by having the God-given talent to be able to produce with his hand what his eye and brain sees. That talent is especially evident in printmaking.

SCAsarasota.org | 941-966-6161 CONCERT

SSOCI TION

I recently donated a large painting and print by artist, Hung Liu to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota as well 377860-1

S R SOT

many scenes that are so funny and clever in the way he built them.

“I think (the audience) is going to laugh really hard because I’m laughing off to the side.”

And what if they don’t? Will the performers be able to feel it?

Broad says that he loves comedic ballet, but the truth is you won’t really know what’s funny until you’re on stage performing.

“Every crowd is different, and you totally feed off who’s sitting in front of you,” he says. “You can rehearse the thing over and over and expect a laugh out of a certain part. Then all of a sudden it’s silent, and you’re sitting there like, ‘Ta-da! Laugh with me. Laugh at me.’

“It’s going to be really cool to see what people react to and ride that wave of energy with them.”

Bintley says he is not sure where “A Comedy of Errors” will go from here.

He originally thought he might stage the production in Australia, but then he saw a performance in Sarasota a couple years ago and was struck by how the performers might be perfect for his material.

He’s still driving the hard work of priming the dancers for their performance and knows there will be a lot of things to iron out in the last three days of rehearsal.

“It’s such a long time since I’ve had to dance in a premiere. I’ve forgotten how,” he says.

“My legs are usually jelly, and I don’t know how dancers get up there and do it on opening night.”

From Brown and Broad’s perspective, a little bit of nerves are a good thing. Broad says he uses his excitement to fuel his performance, and Brown says she’s been a little nervous probably every time she’s taken the stage as a professional.

“I actually like it when the audience responds to what you’re doing,” she says. “Sometimes you can feel, ‘Oh gosh, their energy is low.’ They’re not here with you, and you can feel like, ‘Gosh, what am I missing?’ But when you get that good reaction — when they laugh or they get involved audibly — it’s amazing, and it makes you feel like we’re onto something here.”

“I’m super pumped,” adds Broad.

“You’ve put in all this work and all this energy and creativity into a short weekend. So you’ve got to make the best of it and hope that in the future you can do it more. Because it deserves it. Not just for the performers but for the creatives and the whole team. For the audience. We’re just going to have a great time.”

as 30 works to the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. When it opens, I will have donated 18 works to the Sarasota African American Cultural Museum.

I CURRENTLY HAVE 500 WORKS IN MY COLLECTION AVAILABLE TO SELL AT MICHAELBERGERGALLERY.COM My Real Estate CFO, Mrs. Janice Moore, handles art shipments and billing for MBG. Once you have selected a work to own, she will email you an invoice and advise shipping cost. Once your payment clears, we will make shipment.

AS A NEIGHBORLY GESTURE should you select a work for your home in the Sarasota area MBG WILL PAY THE FREIGHT DOWN FROM PITTSBURGH. VIEW AND PURCHASE FROM OUR WEBSITE: MICHAELBERGERGALLERY.COM

378062-1

6

YOUROBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

BANYAN BALL Friday, March 11, at Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting The Out-Of-Door Academy

T

Photos by Harry Sayer

Co-chairs Gilly Birnie, Jordan Letschert and Kara Magnes

he Out-Of-Door Academy brought some glitz and glamour to the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota during its 2022 Banyan Ball on March 11.

The annual event started with a VIP reception that had dozens of supporters mingling and listening to music from the school’s advanced string ensemble outside the ballroom area.

Doors opened and hundreds of guests filled the ballroom for the program, which featured words from interim head of school James Connor and a live auction led by Bill Menish.

The night concluded with dancing and live music from the No Filter band.

—HARRY SAYER

Above: Olga Carrion, Laura Murphy and Kim Metrokotsas Left: Heather Riley, Ali Murphy and Caroline Jones

Above: Interim head of school Jim Connor, upcoming head of school Deb Otey and board chair Tom Murphy Right: Nicole Fromer, Lauren Athas, Karen Van Lindonk and Meghan Leiter

The event was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The

Choice

March 16-

27, 2022

is Yours

The songs of

Our season finale is really your choice. You, the audience, become the concert producer. Use your cellphone to choose the music we perform by majority vote. Everyone gets in the act during a concert that promises to be fun for all.

Sunday, March 27, 2022 Monday, March 28, 2022

Rodgers & Hammerstein

Concept by Jeffrey B. Moss

3:00 pm – Riverview Performing Arts Center 7:30 pm – SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Get your tickets today! thepopsorchestra.org 941-926-POPS (7677)

373026-1

368441-1

Park & Enter by Connors Steak & Seafood

BLACK TIE

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

5th Annual

Spring Art Show & Sale

Photos by Harry Sayer

Collaboration Celebration SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2022 9 AM - 4 PM Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Masks must be worn inside Town Hall 375549-1

Monday, March 7, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center

Sarah Glendening and chairwoman Gail Welch

T

he Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center honored three of its partner agencies during its 2022 Collaboration Celebration on March 7.

Hundreds of supporters met at Michael’s On East for the spring luncheon for a day recognizing collaboration and growth in the community.

The organization, which connects various nonprofits and provides them space to work on its Campus of Caring, honored UnidosNow, Literacy Council of Sarasota and Parenting Matters for their work. Glasser/Schoenbaum community liaison Christina Russi was honored as well.

—HARRY SAYER

377694-1

Above: Jim Flora, Svetlana Ivashchenko and Kristin Poolman Left: Tish Murphy, Diana Correa and April Ranceful

2022 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL

by Giacomo Puccini Now - March 19, 2022

The Daughter of the Regiment

The Pearl Fishers

Attila

by Georges Bizet Now - March 19, 2022

by Gaetano Donizetti Now - March 18, 2022

by Giuseppe Verdi Now - March 22, 2022

Production Photo by Red Millington.

Tosca

Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture custom built by Amish woodworkers

Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture built by Amish woodworkers custom custombuilt builtbybyAmish woodworkers woodworkers custom built

by Amish Amish woodworkers custom

Save 10% Store Wide during our Spring Sale

March Store 18-22 Wide Save 10%

OPERA LOVERS WEEK

Save 10% Wide Save 10% Store during ourStore SpringWide Sale

The ultimate opera immersion experience—see all four Sarasota Opera winter productions in as few as 4 days. Available March 16–20, 2022.

Tickets | (941) 328-1300 | SarasotaOpera.org

3709 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL

during SpringSale Sale during our our Spring March 18-22 March March18-22 18-22

Save 10% Store W

Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

(941) 894-6747

dutchcrafters.com

during our Spring Sa

3709 NRd, Lockwood Rd, Sarasota, dutchcrafters.com 3709 N Lockwood Ridge Sarasota, FL Ridge Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM -FL 6:00| PM (941) 894-6747 dutchcrafters.com

March 18-22

Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | (941) 894-6747

3709 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL

Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

(941) 894-6747

377695-1

Observer advertising made possible through the generous support of the AUDREY ROBBINS / HARRY LEOPOLD Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

374899-1

8

dutchcrafters.com

YourObserver.com

BLACK TIE

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

9

Eight Over 80 Sunday, March 13, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Aviva Senior Living

E

Photos by Harry Sayer

ight individuals were honored at the Aviva Senior Living retirement community’s annual Eight Over 80 event on March 13.

Guests met at Michael’s On East to mingle and pick up breakfast during the morning event. Eight Over 80 recognizes people who have brought positive change to the community through community outreach, philanthropic spirit and other charitable endeavors. This year’s recipients were Warren Coville, Stan Rutstein, Nancy Roucher, Isabel Norton, Carol Camiener, Marvin Albert, Esther Rose and Margot Coville.

Guests eventually sat for the breakfast event during which the honorees received awards.

Honorees Warren Coville, Stan Rutstein, Nancy Roucher, Isabel Norton, Carol Camiener, Marvin Albert, Esther Rose and Margot Coville

—HARRY SAYER

David Chaifetz, Bette Zaret and Edie Chaifetz

Above: Guests sample the buffet.

Right: Norman Cohen, Jean Kramer and Gordon Metsky

Sam Samelson and Marion Levine

Co-chairwomen Sheila Birnbaum and Lori Solomon with President and CEO Jay Solomon

S AV E T H E D A T E !

CHILDREN FIRST’S

6:00 pm, SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022 michael’s on east For sponsorships and more information, please call 941-953-3877, ext. 1124 or email events@childrenfirst.net

376703-1

co-chairs: Dr. Jacque & Lacy Ray | Linda Monda & John Mabardi | Kathy & Tom Cook

BLACK TIE

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. FANTASTIC PRIZES. ADOPTABLE CATS & DOGS. AND MORE!

paws is back and better than ever!

Bob and Lynn Hoff with President and CEO Tom Waters and Janet Rice

Black Tie & Blue Jeans Saturday, March 12, at InStride Therapy Ranch | Benefiting InStride Therapy and Easterseals Happiness House

I

nStride Therapy and Easterseals Happiness House mixed black tie attire with bluejeans during their annual fundraiser on March 12.

Hundreds of guests wore creative country attire for the 2022 equestrian gala, which benefited the ranch’s various therapies and health programs for children and adults. Staff took attendees on tours of the ranch’s barn, where they took photos with horses and learned more about the many therapy services offered.

Easterseals President and CEO Tom Waters welcomed the audience before dinner was served and the live auction started in earnest.

PAWS ON THE

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: John and Kathryn Hart Below: Julianna and Keith Curcio

—HARRY SAYER

A Meal Makes a Difference.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022 10:30am–2pm ART OVATION HOTEL TICKETS $200 EACH HTTP://paws2022.givesmart.com PRESENTED BY

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT

Special thanks to these fabulous sponsors

GIVE TODAY Siesta Key

March For Meals

Book Club

For 51 years it’s been our joy at Meals On Wheels of Sarasota to serve this community by delivering daily nutritious meals to our homebound neighbors unable to provide meals for themselves. Join the Meals On Wheels’ Annual March For Meals drive to raise $200K to feed those in need.

CARYN & IAN WILBRAHAM

HOW TO DONATE Mail a check to MEALS ON WHEELS 421 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 Online MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org Scan QR code to donate.

WANt to see your logo here? Sponsorships available starting at just $750!

Contact autumn steiner for details: asteiner@hssc.org or 941.955.4131 x121

Phone 941.366.6693

SERVING MEALS. SAVING LIVES. DELIVERING HOPE.

374803-1

Sarasota

378114-1

10

YourObserver.com

BLACK TIE

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

11

Ashley, Chloe and Eric Wise

Saturday, March 26, 2022 In-Person & Virtual Attendance Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221

9 AM – 3 PM (ET)

Doors open at 8 am • Program starts at 9 am

FREE EVENT

Registration Required at ParkinsonsExpo.org Online registration is strongly encouraged.

Visit ParkinsonsExpo.org or call 941-926-6413 ext.105 for more information.

The Parkinson’s Expo will feature presentations from medical experts on treatment options, the latest in research, managing the non-motor aspects of the disease, and more.

This event is presented to the community at no charge thanks to the following partners:

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

Above: Angela Massaro Fain and Brenda Kleibert Right: Don Patterson, Jennifer Groff and Carly Evans

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, Sunovion Silver Sponsors

Medtronic, Parkinson’s Foundation

THE PARKINSON’S EXPO 2022 PRESENTER

Gene Therapy Technology and Approaches in Parkinson’s disease Amber Van Laar, MD

A complete listing of speakers and topics is available at ParkinsonsExpo.org

377564-1

The InStride Therapy Ranch was the setting for the annual fundraiser.

377061-1

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc.

BLACK TIE

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

YourObserver.com

370938-1

12