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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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‘Straight Outta Tattooine’ “Star Wars,” as envisioned by local and national tattoo artists. PAGE 6

The Pops Orchestra combines music and theater for the first time.

DO THIS

Nick Reichert

Composed of more than 40 members, including professional and amatuer musicans, The Pops Orchestra is innovating its concert format with “A Christmas Carol: The Concert.”

NICK REICHERT A+E EDITOR

I

t was Dec. 14, 2014 and Robyn Bell’s mind was buzzing with the sounds of Broadway. The conductor for The Pops Orchestra was sitting at home flipping through TV channels and unwinding for the night. She had been mentally preparing herself for the following night’s concert, “The Holiday Spirit of Broadway.” It was the orchestra’s first performance in a season entirely focused on the Great White Way’s best composers and lyricists.

Bell and the community orchestra had been rehearsing for weeks on holiday standards, such as “Have

Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas.”

Suddenly, something on the screen caught her attention: a full orchestra playing behind a singing Ebenezer Scrooge. Charles Dickens’ iconic Christmastime characters were unmistakable. But instead of the traditional film or stage adaptation, every character on stage was singing to all new orchestrations and songs. “A Christmas Carol: The Concert” was a brand new take on the classic story. And even though she had a Christmas concert the next night, Bell was already planning for next year.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

COMMUNITY CAROL: Pops takes on Dickens’ classic FROM PAGE 1

“What I heard and saw on that PBS concert stopped me in my tracks,” says Bell, who is entering her fifth season as the Pops Orchestra conductor. “I saw those iconic characters singing onstage with a whole choir and a full orchestra.”

Not only was it a new orchestral take on a holiday favorite, but it was also something that she felt would be a perfect collaboration for The Pops and the choral and music departments at State College of Florida. Bell got in contact with the show’s composer, Bob Christianson, and one year before they would start rehearsals, the Pops Orchestra had secured a musical Scrooge and company for the opening of its 40th anniversary season.

“A Christmas Carol: The Concert” isn’t your grandparents’ Carol. All the ingredients are there. Scrooge, Marley, Cratchit, three ghosts and Tiny Tim are all present and accounted for. Even a narrator character is added in for good measure. However, the Pops Orchestra’s production of this familiar holiday hallmark takes an entirely different approach. For the first time, it combines original

orchestrations with live acting. It converts Dickens’ dialogue into lyrics and presents the beloved story as a dramatic concert.

Joining The Pops Orchestra onstage will be an entire cast of State College of Florida’s vocal studies and theater program students, as well as professional actors Randolph Locke and Catherine Randazzo as Scrooge and The Narrator, respectively, in costume. Armed with a binder filled with all the music, the cast looks fittingly similar to a traditional caroling group. This innovative concert staging might scare away other community orchestras used to performing only instrumental songs, but everyone in the Pops Orchestra, from conductor Bell and stage director Melodie Dickerson to the 94-year-old trombonist and 14-year-old percussionist, was up to the challenge.

“This is the first time we’ve mixed theatricality and music together,” says Melodie Dickerson, stage director and director of choral and vocal studies at the State College of Florida. “The singing will inspire the orchestra, and the orchestra will inspire the singers. Professionals, students, and semi-professionals are working together to make this musical

Robyn Bell, conductor of The Pops Orchestra, wanted a piece to challenge the musicians.

EVERYBODY LOVES A SCROOGE Since its first publication in 1843, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has fascinated readers, listeners and audiences for centuries. The Victorian Yuletide tale of redemption has been adapted to nearly every medium from film, television, stage, radio, opera and even graphic novels. Here are just some of the Scrooges who have delighted audiences over the years.

1938: “A Christmas Carol” Reginald Owen stars as Scrooge in the first American feature film adaptation.

1901: “Scrooge,” or, “Marley’s Ghost” is the first known film adaptation of the story.

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IF YOU GO

Nick Reichert

1951: “Scrooge” Alastair Sim plays the famous pennypincher in the first British feature film adaptation.

fusion a special event.”

Nearly a year after Bell first stumbled upon the show, the orchestra and cast of singers watched the televised production together. At first, there was some apprehension.

“Some of my players were like, ‘I don’t know if we can do this,’” says Bell. “But once I gave them the music and we started practicing and saw how all the different parts fit together, that initial intimidation melted away and turned into excitement.”

Professional violinist and Pops concertmaster Felicia Brunelle was excited to present this new “Carol” to local audiences. “I have not heard of this going on before in this town, and I’ve been here for 25 years,” says Brunelle.

“It’s something new. It’s not just a church performance. It’s not the basic holiday pops. It’s different.”

Since beginning rehearsals on Nov. 9, the Pops have been preparing for this new production in a whole new way. Both the orchestra and the cast have been practicing in separate parts of the Neel Performing Arts Center. The orchestra prepared on the auditorium stage, and the cast memorized their blocking

A Christmas Carol: The Concert

The Pops Orchestra Where: The Neel Performing Arts Center When: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12; 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 Tickets: $15 to $30 Info: Call 926-7677

inside a nearby rehearsal room.

For almost the next month, each section of the production worked alone, honing its role to bring it all together for the last two Monday rehearsals before opening night.

“I can’t wait to hear us sing with The Pops,” says Randolph Locke, retired opera singer and vocal instructor at SCF. “I have never learned a piece quite like this, and the fun of this job was that it was going to be challenging.”

When Bell picked this new work, its musical challenges were as big of a draw as its potential entertainment value.

“We’ve performed standards and songs from musicals before, so I knew that the music was in our skill set,” says Bell. “When I select the season, I’m always aware, as a conductor, to pick

music that challenges our musicians but is attainable enough for our audience to enjoy.”

Although its members might not be the classically trained stock of professional orchestras, the Pops Orchestra has been a staple in Sarasota and Bradenton’s music community. It represents the diverse musical talent that exists outside of professional concert halls. Full-time musicians play alongside players who, though they haven’t made a career out of their talents, have kept on playing their whole lives.

They put the community in community orchestra.

“We all speak the same lan-

“The singing will inspire the orchestra and the orchestra will inspire the singers. It’s a unique collaboration that I think will inspire our entire community.”

– Melodie Dickerson, stage director and director of choral and vocal studies at the State College of Florida

1988: Bill Murray stars as Francis Cross, a modern day Scrooge, in Richard Donner’s New York City film adaptation.

1984: Academy Award-winning actor George C. Scott stars in a popular television adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.”

1970: The musical adaptation titled “Scrooge” stars Albert Finney as Ebenezer and Alec Guinness as Marley’s Ghost.

guage,” says Brunelle. “It’s all about the notes on the page.

Whether you’re a casual player or a professional, we lose all of our differences when we’re playing the same music.”

Bell hopes that this unorthodox program will elevate her band of community musicians to a new level of performance.

“The orchestra was, at first, intimidated at the thought of this concert,” says Bell. “But it’s been my job to make them sound as good as possible. I don’t want the audience to just say, ‘ Hey, it’s our dentist up there onstage,’ but, rather, ‘Wow, my dentist sounds great up there onstage.’”

1992: Jim Henson meets Charles Dickens as Michael Caine and The Muppets star in this fun adaptation.

1999: Patrick Stewart, who has performed in one-man shows of “A Christmas Carol” on Broadway four different times, plays Scrooge on camera for the first time.

2009: Director Robert Zemeckis creates a motion-captured animated feature film of the classic tale with Jim Carrey playing the roles of Scrooge and the three ghosts.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

STUDIO SPACE: Hugh Davies A professional artist in his native England, Davies celebrates 10 years of creating in Sarasota.

NICK REICHERT A+E EDITOR

H

ugh Davies’ journey into life as an artist didn’t begin in a typical fashion.

He wasn’t transfixed by a masterpiece hung in a museum.

He didn’t have an influential art teacher. No, for Davies it all started with a piece of day-old bread.

Davies, 68, grew up just outside of London, where, as a 7-yearold, he would accompany his grandfather on walks around the countryside. Armed with a stool, an easel and a watercolor set, his grandfather would paint the English fields and villages. Admittedly, the artist and Ringling College fine art professor recalls that his grandfather wasn’t the best painter.

But during one painting session, he pulled something unexpected out of his leather art supply satchel: a piece of bread. He slapped his watery blue sky with the bread, and an unremarkable field of blue was transformed into a textured skyline.

“I thought it was genius,” says Davies. “That was the earliest time I could remember someone painting something, and it seemed so miraculous.”

Inspired by that moment, he went on to study art and become a professional painter and teacher,

and he taught in schools throughout his native England. Eventually, he moved to Sarasota to continue his teaching at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Starting Thursday and running through Jan. 16, Davies will have a solo show, “Decade: Selected Paintings by Hugh Davies,” at Art Center Sarasota, in which he’ll display paintings from his first 10 years living and working in Sarasota.

His recent work reflects that moment with his grandpa, nearly 60 years ago. Unlike his grandfather’s amateur watercolors, Davies’ expressive abstract works are like something out of a neon, candy-coated dream. He credits his inspiration for his colorful creations to the naturally occurring bright landscapes of his new Florida home — a refreshing contrast to his native England where he moved away from in 2004 to escape from his country’s drab weather and totake a job at Ringling College of Art and Design.

In his converted garage studio, Davies uses multiple tools, scrapers and paint thickeners to add texture, layers and gravity to his labyrinth of paints. Surrounded by nearly completed paintings and years’ worth of paint splatter, he says he’s found a sense of stability in both his work and his teaching.

“I want to introduce my students and future artists not only why they want to paint but also the technical means to achieve their visions,” says Davies. “What do you want to paint, and how are you going to do it?”

IF YOU GO Hugh Davies

Where: Art Center Sarasota When: Dec. 10 through Jan. 16 Tickets: Free Info: Call 365-2032

Hugh Davies experiments with the power and texture of color and space in his garage art studio.

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“I find the painting by making the painting. I don’t have it absolutely clear in my head. I used to occasionally change the shape of the painting, make it vertical rather than horizontal. I have a broad sense of what I want. I like to improvise.”

“I use oil paint because it has a greater range of variety and texture.

I can use it thinly or thickly, and it has a wide array of colors.

There are probably three or four layers of paint in any of my paintings.”

“My work changed quite a lot when I came to Sarasota.

The color is different. The temperature is different.

And now I use my brushes to mix and match different colors by just pouring the paint right onto my glass work table, and I use that as my palette.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

‘Straight Outta Tattooine’

Saturday, December 12 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 13 2:00 p.m.

Oddity Tattoo Studio and Gallery celebrates new ‘Star Wars’ movie with a 50-artist group exhibition.

Neel Performing Arts Center Bradenton

Tickets: $30/$15 students (subject to availability)

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NICK FRIEDMAN

Featuring Randolph Locke and Catherine Randazzo

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Your Community's Orchestra for Bradenton and Sarasota

If ever there were a universally loved movie franchise, “Star Wars” would certainly be in the running.

Ever since its theatrical debut in 1977, the movies have become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring generations of viewers with their extraterrestrial tales of heroism and good versus evil. And with the announcement of J.J. Abrams’ new installation being released later this month, fans are excited, to say the least.

This Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., Oddity Tattoo Studio and Gallery will join in the excitement and get its geek on with a “Star Wars”-inspired group art show, called “Straight Outta Tattooine.”

At one of the studio’s regular drawing nights, several of the artists suggested they create some “Star Wars” art for an exhibition.

Owner Travis Franklin, 41, says he was on board immediately — the films were a big part of his childhood.

“I was interested right off the bat,” he says. “My favorite toys as a child were a Millennium Falcon and a Darth Vader figurine that were hand-me-downs from my three older brothers. It was a family thing; we all loved it. I think it’s so popular because people want to dream outside of their world, sometimes.”

Franklin and his wife, Melanie, the shop’s gallery coordinator, recruited 50 artists, including Oddity employees and other local artists, as well as artists from around the country to participate in the family-friendly show.

Oddity artist Will Ralston says he was excited for the chance to

Courtesy

One of three pieces Travis Franklin created for the exhibition, which runs through Jan. 31.

create work to commemorate a film that’s had such a big impact on his life.

“As an artist, it’s hard not to be influenced by it,” he says. “It’s like the Flintstones Vitamins of movies. It’s got elements of fantasy, science fiction, action and romance — what else could you ask for?”

According to Franklin, exhibitions like this also afford tattoo artists the opportunity to work in other mediums and explore their creativity.

“I think an artist’s understanding of beauty must be practiced,” he says. “Creating art away from the skin can only make you better.

The works inspire us all.”

As artists continue to mail in their completed works, Ralston says the excitement in the shop continues to build.

“It’s like getting an open assignment,” says Ralston. “In school, those were the worst.

But with this, it’s really freeing.

It’s awesome to see how everyone interprets this same subject so differently, and in their own styles. You get to see some really top-notch artists creating work they love. And who doesn’t love ‘Star Wars?’”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

THIS WEEK

SATURDAY Atomic Holiday Bazaar Noon at the Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail $5 Call 954-4165 ‘Lungs’ 2 p.m. on Dec. 12 and runs through Jan. 3 at Urbanite Theatre 1487 Second St. $5 to $24 Call 321-1397

THURSDAY

Men, Whiskey and Watches 4 p.m. at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail $150 Call 316-1309 Featuring whiskey-tastings, an assortment of luxury watches, cigars, auctions and casino-style games, this third-annual fundraiser benefits Child Protection Center.

Holiday Nights at Cà d’Zan 5 to 8 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $10 Call 359-5700 The Cà d’Zan, the former home of circus mogul John Ringling, has been decked out in holiday fare, tree and all, and is open after hours for those in search of Christmas festivities.

‘If These Spasms Could Speak’ 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $30 Call 366-9000 Scottish actor Robert Softley Gale explores what it means to live with a disability in his candid one-man play, written about his own experiences as well as those of people he’s interviewed. Runs through Dec. 11.

Bad Santa Bar Crawl 6:30 p.m. at World Of Beer Main Street, 1888 Main St. $25 Call 343-2856

National Theatre Live: “Everyman”

FRIDAY National Theatre Live: ‘Everyman’ 1 and 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $20 Call 359-5700 London’s National Theatre presents its recent production of the 15thcentury drama, “Everyman.” Placed in a modern setting, the play follows an unnamed protagonist (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor from “12 Years a Slave”) as he tries to find friends to speak to the haunting figure of Death on his behalf.

Local Evolution Craft Market 5 p.m. at Darwin Brewing Co., 803 17th Ave. W., Bradenton Free Call 747-1970 Local beer and local crafts are the focus of this recurring collaboration between Geraldson Community Farm and Darwin Brewing Co. Meet your local farmers and artisans and enjoy freshly prepared food, local music and craft beer at the brewery. Dogs welcome.

Hail Dale, Physical Plant and Lesa Silvermore 9 p.m. at Growler’s Pub, 2831 N. Tamiami Trail Free.

Call 487-7373 Lesa Silvermore opens this show with her acoustic folk-pop act, and Physical Plant and Hail Dale follow with their unique brands of rock ‘n’ roll.

SKOB Ugly Sweater Party 8 p.m. at Siesta Key Oyster Bar, 5238 Ocean Blvd.

Free Call 346-5443 Bust out your ugliest holiday sweater and get in the holiday spirit at this party, featuring prizes for the ugliest sweater.

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Straight Outta Tattooine 7 p.m. at Oddity Tattoo Studio and Gallery, 1778 Main St. Free Call 955-6246

NICK’S PICK ‘LUNGS’ Urbanite Theatre’s second production of its second season, “Lungs,” is an intimate and engaging two-character play, set in the not-too-distant future, in which terrorism, global warming, environmental pollution and political unrest are the norm. In these seemingly end days, a young married couple must grapple with the ultimate question: Should they

bring a child into this self-destructive world?

The couple, portrayed by Sarasota favorites Katie Cunningham (last seen in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “Our Betters” and “Both Your Houses”) and Urbanite co-founder Brendan Ragan (last seen in the theater’s production of “Reborning” in June), will perform in the theater’s intimate setting amid striking set design.

– NICK REICHERT

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What better way to celebrate the release of the new “Star Wars” movie than with a 50-artist group exhibition at a tattoo studio? See a variety of work from local and national artists, all of whom were inspired by the classic franchise.

Runs through Jan. 31.

‘A Christmas Carol: The Concert’ 7:30 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th Street W., Bradenton $30 Call 926-7677 The Pops Orchestra presents a new concert musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ supernatural holiday tale of redemption. This will be the first time the Pops Orchestra has done any musical theater in a performance.

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NICK’S PICK ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a drag. Spice up your experience and support local artists at the annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

You never know what you’ll find, but you’re not likely to find it anywhere else. Entering its 10th year,

Atomic Holiday Bazaar is your one-stop shop for unique Christmas gifts. Browse one-of-a-kind crafts from dozens of vendors, as well as food and entertainment. The first 100 guests will receive a free custom-printed tote bag filled with swag. Runs through Sunday, Dec. 13.

– NICK FRIEDMAN

Black Diamond Burlesque Presents: ‘Holiday Risqué’ 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $35 Call 925-3869 Make your holiday season a bit naughtier with this evening of burlesque performances. The performers of Black Diamond Burlesque will take the stage alongside guest stars Ruby Telsa, Bettie Belladonna and musical guests, The Aland Duo.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

9

TUESDAY

SUNDAY “The Nutcracker” 4 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20 to $40 Call 962-6664

DON’T MISS

|

The School of Russian Ballet Sarasota/Bradenton is celebrating its 5th anniversary with an international production of Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s holiday dance staple. Student dancers will join the principal dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the National Ballet of the Ukraine.

MONDAY The Players Kids Holiday Revue 7 p.m. at The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail $12 Call 365-2494 The Players Theatre’s youth ensemble, “The Players Kids,” presents its endof-the-year annual holiday show.

Students ranging in ages from 7 to 17 will entertain audiences with original dance numbers, sketches and songs to get Sarasota in the Christmas spirit.

Embracing Our Differences Luncheon Noon at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave. $50 Call 404-5710 Celebrate a year of advocating for diversity, inclusion and art at Embracing Our Differences’ annual luncheon.

Meet area adult and student artists, whose work will be featured in the organization’s public art show this summer.

WEDNESDAY “Munchtime Musicales” Noon at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail Free Call 351-7467 The Tommy Goodman Jazz Trio stops by the Sarasota Orchestra to perform jazz standards and holiday favorites.

Features Tommy Goodman on piano, Dominic Mancini on bass and Johnny Moore on drums.

ONLINE Find more information on these events and more at YourObserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

STAGEDOOR: Zach Shotwell Once a Florida Studio Theatre apprentice, Shotwell is back for a turn on the main stage.

NICK REICHERT A+E EDITOR

Zach Shotwell needed some air. It was his second day as an apprentice at Florida Studio Theatre, and he and his colleagues wasted no time getting to work. After touring the campus, they dove right into the busy audition schedule for the theater’s Write A Play program. Out on the back deck, Shotwell was able to pause and concentrate.

Over the next two years, this would become his sanctuary when he needed a break. From here, as an observer, the aspiring actor learned the behind-thescenes workings of the theater.

Now, after two stints as an acting apprentice at FST (first in 2013 and then again in spring 2014), he has returned to one of his favorite theaters — this time in a professional role. The 28-year-old actor is performing in FST’s main stage season opener, the physical period comedy “One Man, Two Guvnors,” running through Jan. 10 in the Gompertz Theatre.

Reflecting on his hectic time as an apprentice, Shotwell says he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“I was exhausted most of the time, but for me I found it motivating because everything I was asked to do had to do with theater.”

Playing the role of Gareth, the head waiter of a restaurant in the seaside town of Brighton in 1963 England, Shotwell says his past duties at FST were ample preparation.

“As an apprentice, we’d be doing pretty much everything,”

says Shotwell.

He and his apprentice cohort would work in every possible section of the theater, from behind the box office and the bar to helping build sets and making phone calls for the marketing department.

His largest role as an apprentice was as the Lion in FSTs’ children’s theater production “Androclese and the Lion.” Shotwell would perform sometimes three times a day to children from around the county who, for some, this would be their first time inside a theater.

“It was very fulfilling to perform for all these kids,” says Shotwell. “He’s a character that the kids were at first a little afraid of, but by the time the show was

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Even though his days aren’t as chaotic as they once were, he still finds time in between rehearsals to get back to his favorite spot on the deck and soak it all in.

He says he likes to think about the entire theatrical operation, from the theater’s colorful caretaker, Dr. Nik, to the staff, and this year’s class of apprentices and interns. Shotwell says he now has a better appreciation for what it means to be an actor.

“Now that I’m an actor in a main stage company, I think about what my bigger role is,” he says. “I’m not just entertaining an audience. I’m helping support a whole theater company and the apprentices and all the work that they have to do in order for the show I’m in to go on each night.”

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Nick Reichert

Zach Shotwell, once a Florida Studio Acting apprentice, returns in FST's season opener: “One Man, Two Guvnors.”

431 St. Armands Circle • Sarasota • FL 941.388.4415 • www.cafeleurope.net 188888

over and we were saying goodbye to the kids, each one would walk by and show me their best roar.”

Shotwell says his time running back and forth and performing different tasks as an apprentice prepared him for his current physically demanding job as a waiter in a show that is built on throwing people back and forth between two crime bosses.

During the rehearsal process before the show opened Nov. 18, Shotwell juggled multiple responsibilities, such as learning lines, blocking and the timing of his physical comedy.

“Just like when I was an apprentice, I’ve just got to focus on what’s important at the moment and worry about other things as they come,” says Shotwell.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

A world premiere at the Sarasota Orchestra JUNE LEBELL MUSICI CRITIC

If you’re a football fan and pay attention to half-time entertainment, you’ve probably heard music by Jerry Bilik. The American composer seems to have written more marches than Sousa and, in his spare time, he’s also composed much of the music for Disney on Ice. Bilik, who now lives in Sarasota, has turned his hand to the classical side of music writing and his “Symphony in M-L” had its premiere at the Van Wezel in the Sarasota Orchestra’s Masterworks II series, under the direction of guest conductor Perry So. The “M-L” in the symphony’s title stands for “Modus Lascivus,” a row of notes that follow one of the ancient modal scales (think white notes, only, on the piano) that was thought to be lascivious in the olden days. But there’s nothing lewd about this work. In fact, unless you know the basis for its construction (and even if you do), you won’t really hear the M-L scale. What does come across is a propulsive, percussive work in three movements that is bi-tonal, colorful and very reminiscent of music

by Bernstein, Copland, Gould and even Beethoven. Hey – if you’re going to pay homage to composers, you might as well

Leila Josefowicz

use the best.

The outer movements are extremely rhythmic with great blasts of brass, while the middle movement, marked Andante, is gentle, ethereal and has the mystic aura of an Avatar-type movie. The Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by So, seemed to nail the perpetual motion of much of the piece, giving us a rousing first hearing that was both accessible and striking.

The Sibelius Violin Concerto is a sensual, hot-blooded, virtuosic work that leads both the soloist and the orchestra on a sonorous soundscape that’s

become a staple in the violin repertory. Leila Josefowicz was the soloist with the orchestra and, after a promising start in which she built a beautiful crescendo in her opening line, the violinist seemed to lose her sense of tone and pitch, leaving us with a feeling that she was working exceptionally hard and making very little of the piece.

Josefowicz seemed to press too hard on the strings and, the harder she dug in, the less tone she gave, as the pitch slipped and her runs became messy and inconsistent. Perhaps it was an off day. Or maybe she needed to rework the piece so it was more in her fingers. Whatever the reason, there was little the orchestra and So could do to clean up her problematic performance.

Fortunately, Beethoven’s “Eroica,” the massive and music-changing Symphony Number 3, saved the day, and the second half of the program was a breath of freshness and excellent playing. I prefer the opening movement to be a little less fast, but So had a good model in mind, working with slim vibratos from the strings and a classical sense of style that could have been attributed to late Mozart or even earlier Beethoven.

The Funeral March (second movement) was properly mournful and heartrending,

Courtesy photos

Guest conductor Perry So

while the final two movements had the tension and organlike tones that wrung richness from the orchestra, which was reseated for this symphony, with the strings split, downstage right and left, cellos in the middle and basses upstage right.

Perry So is a dynamic young conductor with much to offer an orchestra. His beat is clear, he doesn’t over-conduct, he’s

an excellent accompanist, he breathes with his phrases, and he’s able to bring the best out of his musicians. These traits were most evident in the Sibelius “Valse Triste,” which served as the concert’s encore.

Here we heard the versatility of this excellent ensemble, taking them from a whisper of a pianissimo to large, never forced and beautiful fortes. It will be interesting to follow his career.

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PAM NADON FILM CRITIC

T

ake the hectic out of the holidays by catching some great films. My wish list has been successfully fulfilled this season with an array of movies guaranteed to please. So whether you’re looking for something naughty or nice, the following should suffice.

‘MACBETH’

A more visceral retelling of the story of the man who would be king. Essentially, a good man, who’s nagged by his overbearing wife, becomes consumed by ambition and ends up on a killing spree. And it gets gory. Perhaps this version will draw in a younger crowd to sample a little Shakespeare. Marion Cotillard plays the missus, while the great Michael Fassbender is rumored to rock as Macbeth. Justin Kurzel directs.

Expect some Oscars. Dec. 4

‘YOUTH’

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel are on top of their games portraying two aging artists pondering the ends of their careers. The retired composer and fading film

director reminisce at a spa in the Swiss Alps.

“Icons playing icons,” according to Rachel Weisz, who also stars.

Directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

Dec. 4

‘IN THE HEART OF THE SEA’

Based on the story that inspired “Moby Dick,” the focus here is on how the crew attempted to survive after their ship was destroyed. The trailer looks harrowing. Ben Whishaw stars as Herman Melville, and Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and Brenden Gleesen round out an impressive cast. Directed by the illustrious Ron Howard. Dec. 18

‘STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS’

Let’s just quote The Donald: “HUGE.” It’s the seventh in the space saga, and few details are available in hopes of preserving the sense of wonder. Heroes, machines, monsters and familiar faces will fill the screen with magic. Look for Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, among some new pals and enemies. Directed by J.J. Abrams and scored by maestro extraordinaire John Williams. Dec. 18

‘45 YEARS’

The buzz: A simple film with an enormous impact. A couple is planning their 45th wedding anniversary when they receive some astonishing news. The past has come back to haunt them, and their relationship is forever

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altered. The film explores the concept of really knowing the person to whom one is closest.

The divine Charlotte Rampling and stately Tom Courtneay star, and Andrew Haigh directs.

Dec. 23

‘THE BIG SHORT’

Director Adam McKay examines the 2008 economic meltdown in this star-studded political drama. Hedge funding, subprime mortgaging and betting against the market are explained in layman terms so we can become hip to the jargon. Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Steve Carell share the credits in this energetic and absorbing piece of filmmaking. Dec. 23

‘JOY’

Courtesy photos

‘THE HATEFUL EIGHT’

Director David O. Russell’s third collaboration with Jennifer Lawrence puts her front and center.

The film charts the tumultuous journey of a woman who builds a family dynasty over the course of 30 years. The director describes it as “a meditation on what the word ‘joy’ means.” The film’s cast includes Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper and Edgar Ramirez, for starters. Dec. 25

Tagline: “The Wildest Western yet.” The era is “Django Unchained,” but the DNA is “Reservoir Dogs.” Eight shady characters become blizzard-bound in one room. Surviving the ordeal becomes a sketchy game of cat and mouse. The eight: Kurt Russsell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth and Demian Bichir. The one and only Quentin Tarantino directs. Who can resist? Dec. 25

‘CONCUSSION’

‘THE REVENANT’

The film is based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovered that repeated blows to the head results in degenerative brain disease. Naturally, the NFL is hell bent on discrediting him — after all, they own a day of the week. In the trailers, it looks as though Will Smith, who portrays the brave physician, has finally come back on track. Directed by Peter Landesman and also stars Alec Baldwin. Dec. 25

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass, who in the 1820s was attacked by a bear and left for dead by his so-called friends, one of whom is played by the great Tom Hardy. He vows to track them down and exact revenge for the death of his young son.

Alejandro G. Inarritu directs this epic adventure, inspired by a true story. The trailer looks brutal and brilliantly shot. Inarritu never disappoints. Dec. 25

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Holiday film picks

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JUST MARRIED

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

istance was no issue for Matthew Paul Walworth Purmort and Cathleen Christina Cason. The couple first met online in 2014, when Matt was living in Ohio and Cathleen was living in Sarasota. After a few months, the two arranged to meet in Kentucky, and their long-distance romance began.

During one of his visits to Florida, the couple spent a day at Sea World in September 2014. Later that night, Matt proposed to Cathleen at her apartment.

Matt, son of Wells and Marsha Purmort, and Cathleen, daughter of Byron and Linda Cason, were married March 14, at the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and held their reception at the Bird Key Yacht Club. The couple chose to host the wedding in Sarasota because Matt is from here.

Cathleen grew up in Pinellas County, and she knew her family would like to visit.

Family and friends traveled from all over the country for the ceremony. Afterward, a bagpiper and drummer played for guests as they exited the church. To send off the happy couple, guests ushered the two with sparklers to an awaiting boat at the Bird Key Yacht Club dock, which took them to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Boarding the boat, a friend surprised the couple by playing “Anchors Aweigh” on the trumpet, while another friend had set up fireworks.

Matt and Cathleen live in Okinawa, Japan, where Matt is a chaplain with the U.S. Navy.

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CATHLEEN AND MATT

THE DETAILS Honeymoon: Disney cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream.

First dance song: “At Last,” sung by Matt’s sister-in-law, professional singer Lyn Purmort.

Photography: Villetto Photography

Floral design: Soft-textured roses by Sarasota Florist. Ivory and blush were the colors. “We didn’t want anything to compete with the ambience of the church gardens and nautical décor of the reception, so we kept it soft and subtle,” Cathleen said.

– BLACK TIE STAFF

Cake: Ombre icing design with layers of white cake with strawberry filling and carrot cake with cream-cheese filling, made by Der Dutchman Dress: Maggie Sottero Favors: Sparklers, used for the send-off.

Something new, borrowed, blue: The dress was new, veil was old (made from Cathleen’s mother’s veil), borrowed and blue was a University of Florida garter that had also been worn by Cathleen’s mother at her wedding.

Marsha and Wells Purmort with the couple

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Hot Dogs Cool Cats Laugh Your Paws Off Gala Saturday, Dec. 5, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting Humane Society of Sarasota County

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Michael Lazaroff will be recognized for his very generous contributions to The Jazz Club by The Jazz Cruise.

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Choreography by Matthew Hart

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Designs by Peter Docherty

Dick and Marjorie Singer with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Associates President Carmen Baskind and President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki.

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Thursday, Dec. 3, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Photos by Amanda Morales

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Conductor Dinner Series Thursday, Dec. 3, at University Park Country Club Benefiting Sarasota Orchestra

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Herb Booth

The chairpersons of the JFCS Galas from 2006 to 2015: From left, front row: Lisa Seidensticker, Judy Cahn, Marie Monsky, Jill Levine, Molly Schechter, Sally Yanowitz. Back row: Steve Miles, Kathy Killion, Steve Seidensticker, Barbara Lupoff, Gerri Aaron, Scott Levine, Clare Segall, Margery Barancik, Susan Mallitz, Debbie Haspel, Ken Abt, Peggy Abt. Absent on class-photo day: Sue Jacobson and Nikki Nilon.

Supersizing the thank-you note How do you celebrate two anniversaries with one party, fundraise and make it an exceptionally rewarding and fun evening to say thank you to your supporters?

That’s the challenge for Debbie Haspel and Susan Mallitz, the chairwomen of this year’s Jewish Family and Children’s Service Gala coming up Dec. 13. It is the 30th anniversary for JFCS — 30 years of dedication to helping all people, guided by the Jewish tradition of “tikkun olam,” which

means, “heal the world.” And it is the 10th anniversary for the event itself, the brainchild of Marie Monsky, who chaired the first edition in 2006.

Haspel and Mallitz recruited a committee that includes all the past chairpersons of the event.

They came up with a program that includes not only a performance by the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Dirk Meyer, but also dancing to John Miller’s Jazz Ensemble. There is a new

video by Salt & Light Productions focusing on the agency’s youth programs and a printed program that recounts the histories of both the agency and, in pictures, the annual gala. They even got the past chairs into formal attire on a November afternoon for a commemorative photo to thank all the donors that have made the gala such as success. Because, as JFCS President and CEO Rose Chapman says, “We couldn’t do it without them.”

How to see a sold-out performance Opera star Renee Fleming will make her Sarasota debut with the Sarasota Orchestra and Music Director Anu Tali Jan. 27 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and — no surprise — the concert sold out in one day. The good news is that both the Orchestra and the Van Wezel Foundation have benefits that include premium seating. Both organizations say that limited reservations are still available, though probably not for long. The orchestra event is a gala dinner and concert for $500 per person; call 487-2737. The Van Wezel Foundation is hosting an after-party and meet-and-greet with Fleming. $250 per person; call 3665578. Call today.

No kidding!

File photo

Renee Fleming

YourObserver.com

Tidbits One good deed begets another … Carol Camiener bought a wine-and-cheese party donated

by J.P. Knaggs of the Bijou Café at an event for one of the many charities that she supports.

What did she do with it? Invited likeminded friends, along with a couple of development people to meet each other. Her list: Ann Albritton (Ringling College), Toby Etkin, Joyce Gidwitz, Barbara Jacob, Melvy Lewis, Flora Majors, Susan McLeod (Season of Sculpture), Tricia Mire (Asolo Rep), Vicki Randall (Ringling College), Jan Schmidt, Meryl Taback, Sally Yanowitz ... Head over heels … Overheard (OK, eavesdropped): One guest was admiring another’s stunning high heels and asked who the designer was, obviously expecting Louboutin or Jimmy Choo or one of that gang. The surprise reply: “You won’t believe it, but they came from H&M and cost me 50 bucks.” … Officer Krupke …

Referring to the crowd at a recent event featuring “West Side Story,” Eddie Minyard volunteered that he was the only one present who had actually carried a knife and a gun into a fight … back when he was an Army Ranger, that is …

The Verdis are coming, the Verdis are coming … The relatives of composer Giuseppe Verdi are, of course, coming for the Verdi Festival that the Sarasota Opera is putting on March 16-20. It celebrates the completion of the 28-year-long Verdi cycle, which will make our Sarasota Opera the only company in the world to have performed all of Verdi’s music. Info on the festival: sarasotaopera.org.

TM

Masterworks 3

WINTER DREAMS JAN 7 - NEEL PAC | JAN 8, 9 & 10 - VAN WEZEL Anu Tali, Music Director | Mihkel Poll, piano Tchaikovsky’s lush first symphony and the difficult-to-perform Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 are brought together by Estonian pianist Mihkel Poll under the baton of Anu Tali.

“ SUPERB.” “ EXPLOSION MIHKEL POLL IS

-Arvo Pärt

A THRILL RIDE RESULTING IN AN OF

AUDIENCE ENTHUSIASM.”

-Sarasota Herald-Tribune

SarasotaOrchestra.org | 941-953-3434

186557

ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E < A Community Carol. A first for The Pops Orchestra.

Just Married. Matthew Purmort and Cathleen Cason. 10

BLACK

YOUROBSERVER.COM

TIE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Emcee Carolyn Michel

AN EVENING AT THE

MOULIN

ROUGE Sunday, Dec. 6, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Designing Women Boutique

Photos by Cliff Roles

Sailor Circus performers

CoChairs Renee Hamad and Kathy Coffey

Roxie Jerde and Jean Weidner-Goldstein

T

o borrow a phrase from Harold Zidler, owner of The Moulin Rouge in the titular film, Designing Women Boutique’s annual style show and gala dinner was “Spectacular! Spectacular!” Guests were “dumb with wonderment” with one of the best fashion shows in the event’s 10-year history. Produced by Jean Weidner-Goldstein and Carolyn Michel, who also emceed, and styled by Lauren Walsh, Joan Campo-Liga and Vicki Hornberger, the fashion show had gobs of models, including Sandra Day (who’s strutted the runway every year), Beneva Fruitville and a performance by the Sailor Circus Academy.

The fashions were so fabulous that the “voice from above,” Brent Greeno, reminded people that they were all from Designing Women Boutique, which had just received a large donation of evening gowns and ballroom dancing costumes from Sarasota’s dancing queen, Beverly Marsh.

Co-Chairs Renee Hamad and Kathy Coffey also wore feathered and bejeweled costumes created

by Bill Fenner. Lastly, making it “so exciting and so delighting,” was the fact that all three founders — Diane Roskamp, Jean Weidner-Goldstein and Margaret Wise — were all in attendance.

Diane and Bob Roskamp

B.J. Creighton and DWB-President Ida Zito