Arts and Entertainment 081017

‘DOUBLEWIDE:’ A blue-collar family shares its struggles at FST. 8> < GONE FISHING: Seafood dinner angles for sustainability. 7

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT SEE THIS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

YOUROBSERVER.COM

FST Improv

Looking for laughs? You’ve come to the right place.

PAGE 4

DRINK THIS

Salida del Sol

The dog days of summer are here. Chase away the heat with this refreshing cocktail recipe.

PAGE 6

BRIDGING THE

GAP

The Ringling’s collaborative exhibit, “Skyway,” connects contemporary artists from four counties in three major art institutions. SEE PAGE 2

SEE THIS

‘PH_ashion 121’

Photography meets fashion in Ringling College’s latest exhibit.

YOUROBSERVER.COM

Nick Friedman

“Vanitas,” by Matthew Wicks is part of a series of works bringing an elevated sense of beauty to otherwise mundane household objects.

2

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

Nick Friedman

Far Left: Gary Schmitt’s vinyl decals are placed throughout The Ringling, bringing contrast to the museum’s Renaissance and Baroque works.

Left: Robert Aiosa’s “City, Beautiful,” evokes Florida landscaping and construction imagery.

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

Heading north from Sarasota, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge emerges over the horizon to greet drivers.

Standing 430 feet above Tampa Bay, it looms as an imposing structure — a feat of engineering that connects Sarasotans to St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Its grand scale makes it a fitting icon to lend its name to “Skyway,” a collaborative contemporary art exhibit, which runs through Oct.

15, at The Ringling, The Museum of Fine Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art, simultaneously.

The bridge is a symbolic reminder of the physical distance separating the three areas — and as a result, their respective arts communities.

But “Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration” questions just how far the distance really is. A first-of-its-kind collaboration between the three institutions, the exhibition was conceived to create a more cohesive sense of

artistic community between the three cities — bridging the gap between them.

“When the conversations about this exhibit started, we wanted to highlight the art being created in our area,” says Christopher Jones, curator of photography and new media at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “These arts communities feel so far apart, but in reality, they’re only 45 minutes up the interstate. It was surprising how many of these artists were unfamiliar with one another.

IF YOU GO SKYWAY: A CONTEMPORARY COLLABORATION When: Runs through Oct. 15 Where: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $25 museum admission Info: Call 359-5700.

artists and visitors alike to a broad cross section of work.

In Sarasota, The Ringling features work by 11 artists. Perhaps most immediately striking is “City, Beautiful,” a sculpture by Robert Aiosa.

248835

Cohesive Connection

There’s a hotbed of incredible art being made in the Tampa Bay area, and we wanted to collaborate to help connect it.”

“Skyway” began coming together last fall. Following a call for artists, Jones, as well as fellow curators Seth Pevnick and Joanna Robotham, of the Tampa Museum of Art; Katherine Pill and Robin O’Dell, of the Museum of Fine Art; and guest juror Diana Nawi of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, narrowed down more than 300 applicants to the 57 participating artists from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, spanning the full range of mediums, ages and experience levels.

Each museum features works by artists from all counties, exposing

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

Built with raw construction materials, the large sculpture greets guests immediately upon entering the gallery. With its unpolished features and wooden support beams, it evokes imagery of palm trees and other Floridian landscaping.

“Robert comes from Pennsylvania,” says Jones. “It’s interesting to see his rugged work contrasted with the rest of the museum and its grounds, and to see him playing with landscaping motifs unique to this area. It certainly expresses current social themes, with the rapid expansion and development in Florida.”

Opposite the sculpture, Jason Lazarus, a photo professor at USF, offers a more subtle, yet equally striking photo installation. Spanning the majority of the gallery’s eastern wall, the installation includes a series of photos collected from thrift stores. They’re installed face down, however, only displaying the handwritten notes on their backs, intriguing the viewer about the contents on the reverse side.

One in particular, dated May 21, 1846, bears an especially teasing script: “Sarasota races ‘Isabel.’”

“This installation explores the idea of photos as bearers of information,” says Jones. “You can’t help but wonder what’s on the other side.”

The exhibition offers local artists — many of whom have yet to have to establish a regional reputation — an opportunity to display their work in a renowned, prestigious institution.

“This is definitely the biggest opportunity I’ve had thus far in my career,” says Cassia Kite, a Sarasota artist whose soundstitching work — a multimedia

|

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

THE ARTISTS THE RINGLING Robert Aiosa, Amra Caus, Ben Galaday, Jason Lazarus, Jennifer Miller, Desiree Moore, Selina Roman, Edgar Sanchez-Cumbas, Gary Schmitt, Kirk Wang, Matthew Wicks TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART Nathan Beard, John Byrd, Elisabeth Condon, Keith Crowley, Kate Cummins, William Douglas III, Becky Flanders, MK Foltz, Corey George, Jason Hackenwerth, Sue Havens, Ezra Johnson, Kate Kinder, Dominique Labauvie, Ya Levy-La’ford, Bruce Marsh, Cynthia Mason, Chris Otten, Rebecca Sexton Larson, Nathan Skiles, Denis Versweyveld, Michael Wyshock

Courtesy photos

Above: Cassia Kite’s soundstitching transforms hand-stitched colors into a musical composition performed by a live musician.

project that transforms colors from a hand-stitched image into a musical composition — is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts. “It’s humbling. The idea of bridging these communities was intriguing to me. I used to live in St. Pete, and I hardly ever came to Sarasota. The distance seems so much farther than it really is. So this concept is wonderful; there’s so much incredible work being made in the area that needs to be seen.”

More than exposure, Sarasota artist Nathan Skiles says the exhibition also helps cement local contemporary artists’ place in cultural and artistic history.

“For an artist, the museum system is one of ultimate venues to show your work,” he says.

“It’s also a connection to a more expansive history. This places us within the continuum of art history. It’s not just an opportunity to

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Caitlin Albritton, Wendy Babcox, Neil Bender, Pat Blocher, Santiago Echeverry, Taylor Finke, Gregory Green, April Hartley, Bryce Hudson, Bahareh Khoshooee, Cassia Kite, Akiko Kotani, Noelle Mason, Walter Matthews, Christopher Minot, Charles Parkhill, Anthony Record, Babs Reingold, Claudia Ryan, Rob Tarbell, Peg Trezevant, Chasity Williams, Joo Yeon Woo, Marie Yoho Dorsey

Nathan Skiles, a Sarasota-based artist, says “Skyway” places local contemporary artists in context in the timeline of art history.

show work. It’s bigger than that.

This concept of mixing is what’s going to introduce people to new artists and forge new connections and bigger networks.”

For Jones, the chance to highlight contemporary work and collaborate with area institutions was refreshing.

“It’s exciting for me to meet the artists in our area, and see what’s going on in these communities,” he says. “It reinvigorates my own work. I would encourage people to visit all three museums. I think they’ll be impressed with the quality of work these artists are creating.”

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

941-360-BTOX (2869) 6118 S. Tamiami Trail | Sarasota bowtoxboutiquemedspa.com

399 3 AREAS

$ 248833

OF TOX ($599 VALUE)

Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Restrictions may apply.

Expires 9/9/17.

399 FILLER ONLY

$

PER SYRINGE (WHEN YOU BUY TWO)

Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Restrictions may apply.

Expires 9/9/17.

Join us for our Ladies and Gents Night, Wednesday, August 16th 5:00-7:00pm RSVP REQUIRED | Enjoy Raffles, Door Prizes, Champagne and Appetizers

3

4

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

The Ringling photography collection includes portraits by artists including Cindy Sherman and Richard Avedon. Join museum staff to learn more about these artists and their subjects.

Original photography showcasing scenes of Selby Gardens are on display through Sept. 8 in the historic Payne Mansion during this 37th annual juried photo exhibition.

‘THE PRODUCERS’ 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $27 to $37 Call 748-5875.

FST IMPROV 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $15 Call 366-9000.

GALLERY WALK AND TALK: ‘PORTRAITS’ 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $25 admission; ticket required Call 358-3180.

JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. $20 admission; $10 for children; free for members Call 366-5731.

At FST Improv, audiences help create the show on the spot in a series of sketches, songs and other improv routines.

Manatee Players presents Mel Brooks’ story of a scheming producer and his accountant, who aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway. Runs through Aug. 27.

SUNDAY HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS ‘SWAN LAKE’ 1:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20 Call 328-1300.

MOVIE NIGHT 8:30 p.m. at JDub’s Brewing Co., JDub’s Brewing Co., 1215 Mango Ave. Free Call 955-2739.

This monthly movie night features an outdoor 12-foot movie screen. Grab a beer, relax in the beer garden and watch a screening of “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.” Fillaburger and Dashing Dingo Pizza Co. will be on-site selling food and refreshments.

Sarasota Opera presents the latest in its HD series: Rudolf Nureyev’s “Freudian” version of “Swan Lake,” conceived for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1984.

DRAG QUEEN BINGO BONANZA 8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $20 Call 925-3869.

NICK’S PICK MONDAY NIGHT SOUL Brighten up your Monday night with the soothing soul sounds of the Hydramatic.

Monthly Events: Pig Roast AUCE Fish Fry AUCE Snow Crab Lobster Boil

* *Restrictions apply.

.

See server for full details

Live Music 9x A Week Open Daily 11:00 EXPIRES 7/2/17 AM - 10:00 PM swordfishgrill.com Greg.....................................................

4628 119th StGinny...................................................

W Cortez FL Marker 49

By Boat Philip....................................................

(941)798-2035 XNLV13269

— NICK FRIEDMAN

XNLV14459 247923

IF YOU GO When: 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Gator Club, 1490 Main St. Tickets: Free Info: Call 366-5969.

Sheila...................................................

"Riveting, seamy and

eye-popping."

— The Seattle Times

NOW — AUGUST 27

243449

Adapted for the stage

by DAVID PICHETTE and R. HAMILTON WRIGHT From JAMES M.CAIN Directed by GREG LEAMING and JESSE JOU

941-351-8000 | asolorep.org 243344

Erik Meixelsperger and Katie Cunningham.

Photo by John Revisky.

DOG DAYS THEATRE 2017 MADE POSSIBLE BY:

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

|

5

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

Beneva Fruitville, the selfdescribed “Hostess with the Mostest,” presents an evening of gender-bending hilarity. This popular Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza features special guests, live performances, prizes, surprises and, of course, Bingo.

TUESDAY Conversation: ‘Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration’ 10:30 a.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $5; free for members Call 358-3180.

DISCOVER

Artists and curators from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties discuss this collaborative contemporary exhibit designed to bridge the gap between these arts communities.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS ETERNAL OFFERINGS:

Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art

WEDNESDAY

“Doublewide” is a heartfelt comedy about a blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them.

Runs through Aug. 20.

ONLINE Find more information on these

DON’T MISS: ‘DOUBLE INDEMNITY’ The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training goes noir in this steamy tale of love and murder. Runs through Aug. 27.

This exhibition features original posters spanning the history of this singular brand, giving us another opportunity to marvel at a few of the amazing talents that have performed for the Greatest Show on Earth.

Organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

POSED: Portrait Photography from the Permanent Collection

Generous support for the exhibition and related catalogue provided by the Blakemore Foundation, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor, the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and Christie’s.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday Where: The Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $28; $14 for students Info: Call 351-9010.

Gui food vessel, China, middle Western Zhou dynasty, 10th century BCE. Bronze. Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury, 50.46.119. Photo: Minneapolis Institute of Art.

DISCOVER MORE

ringling.org

events and more at

Showcasing all styles of dance, from ballroom to contemporary, Broadway to hip-hop.

From our permanent collection, this exhibition features works by many preeminent 20th century artists such as Richard Avedon, Cindy Sherman, Diane Arbus, and Andy Warhol.

OPEN DAILY at 10 AM

362 DAYS A YEAR!

7pm | Oct 8th 2017 | Van Wezel

THROUGH OCT 29

941.358.3180

YourObserver.com.

Big Stage Ballroom

THROUGH SEP 11

THROUGH SEP 10 Eternal Offerings showcases nearly 100 magnificent Chinese bronze objects that span millennia, revealing the evolution of the use of bronzes in Chinese society.

S TAT E A R T M U S E U M O F F L O R I D A

| F L O R I D A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

YO

UR BUY TO TIC DA KE Y! TS

Experience You Can Trust for

Fred Astaire

Sarasota Owners, Tim Pennenga & Tiana Ramirez

Performances by:

Results!

Lacey Schwimmer • Dancing with the Stars Seasons 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 • So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 • Top 4 Finalist

Join ususforfor Join Seminar a FREE Free Seminar

by Dr. P. Hillstrom by Dr.Robert Robert P. Hillstrom

Fabian Sanchez

231986

• Dancing with the Stars Season 6 • Mambo Champion 2006

Contact Fred Astaire Sarasota 941-921-6651 or the Van Wezel 941-953-3368 for more information DaRuMa-DaRuMaDollarsAd 5x4.pdf 1 7/14/17 11:11 AM 941-921-6651 | 2738 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 | fredastaire.com/sarasota

When:

th rd Wednesday Wednesday ~- August April 2023 5:30pm 5:30pm

Where:

5911 N. honore Honore Ave. Ave. 5911 n.

5911 Suite 120 Suite 120 Sarasota, FL 34243 34243 Sarasota, FL Light Light refreshments refreshments will will be be served. served. receive a complimentary consultation and the chance to win a free Botox®, Skin Care or Filler treatment.

Call today toDay 247484

247526

to reserve your seat, as space is limited.

941.355.3223

TopiCS inCLude:

• Botox® • Cosmetic Facial Surgery • Injectable Fillers • Latisse® • Medical Grade Skin Care

Harry Wright , MD HarryV.V.P. robert Wright Hillstrom , MD, Md, faCS ••Diplomate, American Board Diplomate, Board Certified, American American Board of Facial Plastic & of Board Facial ofPlastic Facial & Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Reconstructive & Reconstructive Surgery Surgery

••Board BoardCertified, Certified,American American Board ofOtolaryngology Otolaryngology– – Boardof Head Head&&Neck NeckSurgery Surgery

5911 N. Honore Ave., Suite 120 • Sarasota, FL 34243

www.HillstromPlasticSurgery.com

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for free, discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.

243445

‘DOUBLEWIDE’ 8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $39 Call 366-9000.

AMAZING ACTS OF THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

6

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

LADIES NIGHT Join us on The Circle Thursday, Aug. 17 from 5 - 9 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening with friends celebrating a 15% off discount, raffle prizes and refreshments at participating stores and restaurants!

LADIES NIGHT PARTICIPANTS Alicia's Dream

Foxy Lady West

Altiora Plastic Surgery & Med Spa

Fresh Produce

Apricot Lane Boutique

Just/Because

Café L’Europe

Key Culinary Tours

Casa Smeralda Fashion + Art

Les Ciseaux Hair Salon & Day Spa

Charleston Shoe Company

Le Colonne Restaurant

DanaTyler Inspired Travel Jewelry

Mangrove Realty Associates Inc. Michael J Renick & Co.

Destination Florida Dream Weaver/Planet Era Flip Flop Shops

FOOD + DRINK

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE PRESENTS

Drink This:

Salida del Sol T

he dog days of summer are here. Chase away the heat with a refreshing cocktail reminiscent of a chilled watermelon salad.

Matthew Serrano, bar chef at The Table Creekside, shows you how to make your own version of the Salida del Sol.

OTTO'S Jewelry & Services Soma

Island Pursuit

Soap Story St Armand's Optical Boutique

INGREDIENTS

Sunglass Express Optical

n 2 oz. house-infused

ginger rum n 2 oz. fresh watermelon purée n 4 lime wedges n 12 organic mint leaves n ¼ oz. simple syrup

Surf Shack Coastal Kitchen

Lynches Pub & Grub

Tervis Store The Ancient Olive Gourmet

Michael’s on the Boulevard

INSTRUCTIONS n Muddle lime wedges, mint leaves and simple syrup. n Add ginger rum and watermelon purée and shake in cocktail shaker filled with ice. n Strain into chilled martini glass and enjoy.

The Spice & Tea Exchange

Mercantile Home & Apparel

243455

Nick Friedman

LOOK FOR THE BALLOON AT PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES. FOLLOW US: FACEBOOK.COM/STARMANDSCIRCLELADIESNIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY VARY FROM STORE TO STORE.

2017 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES PROUDLY SPONSORED BY WILLIAMS PARKER

ALT

EZ VACATIONS EZ VACATIONS T L A

WHERE WILL YOU

TAKE US

THIS YEAR?

August 16 | September 6 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $28 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

Seffi Kogen WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 AJC’s Assistant Director of Campus Affairs

The view from the Campus Have our student bodies become overrun with anti-Semitism? Trends, issues, and surprisingly promising signs from our colleges and universities.

your next trip and enter for your chance

A 1 WEEK STAY

at a beautiful Altez Vacations home plus a $1,000 travel voucher.

YourObserver.com/ItsReadEverywhere

VACATION RENTAL SPECIALISTS

Need a Vacation Rental Expert?

233123

We’ve Got You Covered.

FIND OUT MORE TODAY! ALTEZVACATIONS.COM

Dina Siegel Vann WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 AJC’s Director, Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs

At a Crossroads: Latin America and the Trump Administration The Impact of Trump’s victory for Latin America. Explore the issues, challenges and opportunities.

Reservations Required.

R.S.V.P. to 941.365.4955 or email: sarasota@ajc.org 247963

PACK A COPY

of your favorite Observer paper on

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

|

7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

The Beauty of Light, Transformed

Thank you Sarasota for 23 Consecutive wins!

Introducing: Designer Banded Shades

Janet & Curt Mattson, Owners

Niki Kottmann

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from the Landings

Organizers Tracy Freeman, Steve Phelps and Nikki Logan-Curran

941-925-7800

www.mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

ne man’s trash is another man’s treasure, they say — especially when it pertains to seafood.

Aug. 6 marked the fourth annual Sustainable Seafood Dinner, formerly called Trash Fish Dinner.

The name change is something creator Steve Phelps has been pushing for years. At the event, he told the full dining room at Louies Modern that he has worked hard to rebrand the event and start getting seafood fans to think twice before discarding “trash fish,” or the invasive and underutilized seafood species served at the dinner.

The purpose of the event is just that — to educate the public about sustainable seafood and the future of the marine food industry.

Festivities began in The Francis ballroom with a cocktail hour featuring four chef stations and drinks, including wine and local craft brews. Guests also got the chance to taste locally farmed sea vegetables at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park table.

Guests then made their way to the Louies Modern dining room for the six-course meal.

Dishes included sunburst trout, clams and lionfish, golden tilefish, barramundi, millet and squid-ink chocolate cake to top it all off.

MATTSON & MATTSON

In Lakewood Ranch Call 941-925-9802

Blinds · Shutters · Draperies · Wallcoverings

248874

Visit our beautiful showroom or call for an Wallcoverings Blinds, Inc.... since 1989 Wallcoverings && Blinds, Inc....Since 1989 in-home appointment. 24 years in a row SF-1749668

Sarasota foodies reel in sustainable seafood O

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Across from The Landings Sarasota County 925-7800 Manatee County 925-9802 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________

O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

SF-1749668 (100%) ADVERTISER: M&M WALLCOVERINGS & BLIN

PROOF CREATED AT: 10/19/2016 11:15:58 AM

SALES PERSON: SFSR01

NEXT RUN DATE: 10/20/16

SIZE: 3X5.25

PROOF DUE: 10/19/16 09:59:55

PUBLICATION: SF-HERALD TRIBUNE

Nicole and Brendan Coudal

Charting A New Course Before beginning any new adventure, it’s important to have a plan. Icard Merrill can help guide you through the complexities of today’s world. From business matters to civil The first course was sunburst trout over wood-fired mushrooms, summer pea purée, Darwin Brewing citrus beer blanc and sunchoke salad.

disputes to family concerns, our lawyers have the specific skills and experience to advise you in a wide range of legal fields. We offer a comprehensive approach to the practice of law, with the well-being of our clients always a top concern. No matter the obstacles of your particular journey, we will do our best to ensure smooth navigation along the way.

941.308.7175 • icardmerrill.com Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte & Lee Counties

— NIKI KOTTMANN

242829

Gary Kirschner and Rita Thibault

So Many

Possibilities 4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/manasotafloor

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/manasotafloors

manasotaonline.com

245582

Worth Exploring

8

REVIEWS

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017

‘Doublewide’ brings home blue-collar struggles MARTY FUGATE

IF YOU GO

THEATER CRITIC

Stephen Spotswood’s “Doublewide” tells the story of an American dream deferred at Florida Studio Theatre. It’s premiering simultaneously at FST and other theaters in a “rolling premiere.”

This new play revolves around the Starkeys, a family of working-class heroes, with heroic and mundane struggles.

“Big” Jim (Todd Licea) is a good-natured worker at a soda factory. The pay’s not bad — and it’s not that good. His wife, Sharon (Gisela Chipe), works at a Walmart. Years of slouching over a cash register have given her a bad back. They’re both stuck in their jobs. Their daughter, Lorelai (Alexa Fajardo Eldridge), has a year to go in high school. She’s a smart kid who dreams of being a music producer. But she’s working two jobs, and odds are she’ll drop out before that dream is in reach. Charlie (Nick Piacente), an earnest tutor from an upper class family, is trying to get her grades up — in a mix of altruistic and carnal motives. His partly good intentions aren’t good enough.

They’re good people who seem to be stuck in a bad situation. But they don’t want to stay that way.

The titular doublewide

‘DOUBLEWIDE’ When: Through Aug. 20 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36 Info: 366-9000.

embodies their frustrations.

The Starkeys live in a deteriorating, shabby doublewide prefab structure, built from substandard materials. It’s a house, but in no way a home.

The family shares a simple dream: replacing it with a real home that’s built to last. They own the land beneath it, after all. But a powerful, indifferent force holds them down: the exploitive casino up the road.

This unseen enemy turns their lives upside down.

Day after day, their grandmother, Coral (Kim Crow), gambles her meager pension away. Worse, the casino’s so popular, it’s congesting the highway in front of their property. With the collusion of county officials, the casino plans to widen that road, making the Starkeys’ dream impossible.

Jim fights back with a passionate letter to the local newspaper. Charlie and Lorelai

seem to be hitting it off. Sharon just might get a better job.

The play appears on its way to an unrealistic happy ending.

Either way, the playwright’s more interested in realistic character portraits of decent people playing a rigged game.

His play has a few predictable turns, but it frequently swerves from the ruts of expectations.

Jason Cannon’s direction makes the most of Spotswood’s unpredictable comedy without glossing over the play’s gritty truths.

Licea’s portrayal of “Big” Jim nicely captures a good-hearted, good old boy who doesn’t fit the PC mold. Chipe’s Sharon soldiers on and makes tough decisions. Eldridge makes for a great sullen teenager with depths beyond the generic caricature. Crow’s grandmother puts in a funny portrait of a character who’s basically an addict. Piacente’s Charlie is a real nice guy — up to a certain point.

Isabel and Moriah CurleyClay create the perfect setting of their struggles. A perfectly horrible entropy sink of presswood and Formica.

It all adds up to a moving story. For most upper-middleclass theatergoers, the story is second hand. That’s how it goes these days.

We live in a world where most of us live in separate

Photo by Matthew Holler

Todd Licea’s Jim is a good-hearted man who doesn’t fit the PC mold.

worlds: right, left, rich, poor, black, white ad infinitum. The struggles of working class heroes are remote to those outside their world. Spotswood’s play does what good theater should. He takes you to a dif-

ferent world. He puts you in the Starkeys’ shoes and makes you feel what they feel.

“Doublewide” literally brings their struggles home.

GRAND OPENING!

ONE PARTICULAR HARBOUR BY

LIVE THE MARGARITAVILLE WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE EVERY DAY! Move-in Ready Homes Available Now! One Particular Harbour marina and residences now available in the Tampa/Sarasota area of Florida. Overlooking beautiful Anna Maria Sound, this Margaritaville-inspired deepwater marina, currently under construction, will offer direct, no-bridge access to the Gulf of Mexico along with entertainment, dining and more!

Own a piece of paradise! New Marina Walk waterfront residences on One Particular Harbour feature Margaritavillestyled interiors and a private clubhouse pavilion with resort-style pool and outdoor kitchen. Owners also enjoy access to all the private club amenities of Harbour Isles’ award-winning waterfront lifestyle.

Marina Walk owners have the option to place your residence with a short-term rental agency, making it a vacation home that can work for you year-round!

Waterfront Residences from the High $400s Designer Models Open Daily | 888.358.8565 | OPHMintoUSA.com

247898

12300 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34209 This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required. The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans.

Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2017. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Minto, the Minto logo, One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 8/2017