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ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E COMING SOON: New museum’s director reflects on ‘art of our time.’ ON THE RADIO: WUSF hosts Robert Siegel in first fundraiser. 4

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

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Beth Jacobson, President-elect Christina Unkel and Priya Acharya

Photos by Harry Sayer

Trailblazer honorees Jen Welter, Mackenzie Soldan and Renee Powell

WSM LAUNCH PARTY Saturday, Nov. 16 at Sarasota Yacht Club | Benefiting Women’s Sports Museum HARRY SAYER | BLACK TIE REPORTER

pirits were high during the Women’s Sports Museum Launch Party held Nov. 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The launch party marked the end

of the project’s first phase, which focused

Above: Greg Cornell and Heather Doyle Above Left: Audrey Robbins, Board President Beth Green and Betty Rosenthal

on spreading awareness, and the start of the second phase: the opening of the museum’s preview center at The Mall at University Town Center in 2020. The organization seeks to raise $2 million for the museum’s construction as well. Guests mingled and perused silent auction items before sitting down for dinner and hearing words from Board President Beth Green and President-

Angel Williams and Janelle Wells

elect Christina Unkel. The night also honored 2019 Trailblazers Jen Welter, Renee Powell and Mackenzie Soldan for their achievements in sports. Cortney Wall paints live during the event.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

BLACK TIE & TALES

HARRY SAYER

Brotherly love Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 20th Anniversary “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” event Nov. 18 was a wild affair, full of energy and dancing that raised about $150,000 for the theater. It was a particularly good night for Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, whose birthday is at the end of the month. He was presented with a birthday cake by the theater’s fellow founding members. If you think you might have seen him multiple times throughout the night in different clothes, there’s a familial reason for that: Seven of Jacob’s nine brothers were there to celebrate the night with him.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Eva Slane and Founder Nate Jacobs

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Sugar rush The Aviva Foundation kept its signature sugary touch with the “Keep The Dream Alive” fundraiser Nov. 18. The event, which raises money for the benevolent care fund to help pay for residents living at the center, had a robust buffet section with eight desserts, four sugar-free options and a variety-heavy doughnut station. The night’s decor had more than 225 cookie flower arrangements at the various tables, put together by Aviva center residents.

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More than 400 people headed to Michael’s On East for the State College of Florida Foundation’s annual Scholarship Luncheon on Nov. 20. This year’s event, led by Chair and SCF Foundation Director Barbara Najmy, had a spotlight on providing higher education opportunities for first responders in Sarasota and Manatee counties. More than 90 student scholarship recipients received special pins acknowledging their academic achievements at the luncheon.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Join us for an Evening of Beauty! Where: When: Time:

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

“SWEET”

-Sarasota Magazine

MUSIC, BOOK, & STORY BY

STEVE MARTIN EDIE BRICKELL

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By Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins Arrangements by Jim Prosser Featuring such songs as “I Walk the Line,” “Desperado,” and "Hey, Good Lookin'."

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Meredith Jones and Blake Price. Photo by John Jones.

Cat Patterson and Joe Casey. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Meredith Jones and Blake Price. Photo by John Jones.

Wendy Cox, Chairwoman Kim Macaulay and Executive Director Svetlana Kaminsky

Helping Our Kids Soar Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Children’s Guardian Fund

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

There is EPOCH.

then there is everything else. An intimate community nestled in a preeminent Palm Avenue neighborhood, with endless views of Sarasota Bay. Here, just 23 astute owners who applaud bespoke design, personalized service, resort-style amenities and a rare level of quality will savor an unparalleled ownership experience. EPOCH â€” the perfect backdrop for your exhilarating downtown life. E P O C Hs a ra s ot a . com N OW U N D E R CO N ST R U CT I O N

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Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer. For correct representations make reference to documents required by Florida Statutes Section 718.503.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Wine, Women & Shoes Vintner Reception Thursday, Nov. 14, at Michael’s Wine Cellar | Benefiting Forty Carrots Family Center

Photos by Harry Sayer

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Above: Elena WIlliams Left: David Koffman and Forty Carrots Family Center CEO Michelle Kapreilian

Co-Chair Andrea Paul, Melissa Perrin and Co-Chair Melissa Tomasso

Thank you for helping us prevent the cycle of child abuse. Marking 40 years of services provided by the Child Protection Center, Chairwoman Alisa Pettingell created the 40th Anniversary Captains Initiative. Serving as ambassadors of CPC within the community, captains are charged with the goal of raising $10,000 each. The funds will go directly toward furthering CPC’s mission of prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse. Thank you to each and every one of our captains!

FOR INFO CALL 941-365-1277 OR VISIT CPCSARASOTA.ORG

DONATE TODAY!

Alina Cemitier Brian Mariash Brian Wides Brian & Diana Roberts Clara Reynardus de Villanueva & Freya Robbins Dan Starostecki David Ford-Coates David & Toni Zarghami Diana & Matt Buchanan Donna Koffman & Tammy Karp Ellen O’Day & Jan Loomis Ellen Steinwachs & Jamie Becker Emily Walsh Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy Ian & Melissa Howard Jennifer Rust & Jennifer Steube

Jen and Larry Fox Jenny Townsend Jerry & Fay Bainbridge Jill & Scott Levine Karen & Mike Valentino Dr. Karen Varone Kelly Baldwin Kevin Henault Pam & Evan Duke Roger & Alisa Pettingell Sheila Miller & Doug Staley Susan Brennan Tina Granthon & Juli Lindell Tom McLaughlin Tom & Linda Doan Tony Dempsey

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Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is a non-profit organization under Federal Tax Code 501(C)(3). Contributions made in support of CPC are tax deductible less goods and services received. The Federal Tax ID number is 59-2113850. CPC is registered with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (registration number CH159) and receives 100 percent of all contributions. CPC does not contract with professional solicitors. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free (800) 435-7352 within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.

ON THE FLIP SIDE: BLACK

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< TRAILBLAZERS: Museum to honor women in sport. CLASSIC: ‘Sound of Music’ packs powerful message. 6>

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

YOUROBSERVER.COM

SEE THIS

‘Winter Dreams’

Key Chorale and Sarasota Ballet Studio Company collaborate to create a winter wonderfland. PAGE 4

HEAR THIS

Sarasota Art Museum Executive Director Anne-Marie Russell loves objects — and everything they can teach us. PAGE 2

‘That’s Amoré’

FST’s Dean Martin revue brings the singer — and his hits — back to life. PAGE 8

WATCH THIS

Courtesy photo

DIORAMA DIRECTOR OF A

‘Watchmen’

Damon Lindelof has once again created the most perplexing and rewarding show on television. YOUROBSERVER.COM

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Contemporary art sits center stage NIKI KOTTMANN CONTRIBUTOR

Courtesy photos by Ryan Gamma

An installation by Sheila Hicks awaits wide-eye viewers in the Tom and Sherri Koski Gallery of the soon-to-open Sarasota Art Museum.

nne-Marie Russell is the kind of person who carefully curates the environment in which she lives and breathes. Sitting in her home — a striking example of Sarasota Modern architecture that she loves because it’s “ugly from the front with a beautiful interior” — it makes sense why she studied both art history and anthropology. The space is a museum of fascinating objects. From her long, angled wooden coffee table to the ’70s hard-edge abstraction painting she once picked out of a dumpster in New York (and has sitting on her mantle, so she can “contemplate it”), Russell is clearly fascinated by tangible things, particularly of the handmade variety. “Painting is about space: ‘How do you handle and shape space?’ And clearly, [here], you feel like you’re in a room looking out,” she says of the painting. “Or it’s just this flat thing that has geometric shapes. So it’s this dumb little painting I pulled out of the garbage, but it’s actually teaching me a lot.” This fascination with the educational potential of art helps her every day in her role as the executive director of the soon-to-open Sarasota Art Museum, which is under Ringling College of Art and

IF YOU GO SARASOTA ART MUSEUM GRAND OPENING GALA When: 7 p.m. Dec. 7 Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Price: $500 for dinner, $200 for after-party and $650 for both Info: Call 309-0108.

Design. Before moving to Sarasota for the job in 2015, she had been the executive director and chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson, Ariz., since 2003. There, she successfully led the adaptive reuse construction project of the MOCA, housed in a repurposed firehouse in downtown Tucson — so she’s no stranger to the task of refiguring a space for art consumption. Sarasota Art Museum will open to the public Dec. 14 in the original Sarasota High School building at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail. The institution will serve as Sarasota’s first museum dedicated solely to contemporary art, which Russell finds more accessible than work created several centuries ago. “If you’re dealing with Renaissance art, you need to understand the political, social and technological history of 15th century Florence,” she said. “That’s a lot

to ask of the general public. With contemporary art, you just have to be living in the world today, and you have everything you need to understand and engage with contemporary art.” Russell says she finds “art of our time” beautiful and more welcoming because it’s not as far removed from today’s human experience. And she looks forward to creating a museum where Sarasotans of all backgrounds can learn from art of their time. “Museums are scholarly institutions that are meant to create original scholarship around original works of art and then interpret that scholarship for the widest possible audience,” Russell says.

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“We don’t just curate exhibitions. We have to take that knowledge and translate it for everyone from a second grader in Newtown to a veteran with PTSD.” Scholar is just one of several hats she wears as an executive director of an art museum, but Russell says most of her duties fall into the categories of curator and director — the latter of which refers to her leadership over all the other components of a cultural institution: food service, retail, governance, nonprofit executive leadership, donors, etc. Beyond planning exhibits — which she does at least three years out, so she knows what will be at the museum through 2022 — a

typical day for Russell includes everything from deciding what mission-focused items should be in the gift shop to collaborating with the marketing and communications team to decide the best way to get the word out about the opening exhibits. The fact that Sarasota Art Museum is being constructed within a preexisting historic building adds a whole new set of responsibilities into the mix. Russell has to oversee the design and construction of a project that’s constantly in flux because of surprises lurking behind every weathered wall or floorboard. “They didn’t archive changes in the field 100 years ago the same

way they do now, so sometimes you open a wall and say, ‘Oh, there was supposed to be a beam there, and there’s not,’ so you have to rebuild the structure,” she says. “If that doesn’t get done well, then the other stuff can’t happen. … We can’t do programs if we don’t design the building properly.” Russell says she’s equally excited about the artistic aspects of this project as the financial ones, so this process of opening a new museum has been enjoyable from start to finish. As a self-described “catholic with a little c” (aka the adjective for having broad interests), her diverse educational background has driven her passion throughout. “I joke that cooking school taught me how to make movies, and making movies taught me how to build museums — it’s all about a production schedule, research and design,” Russell says. “I’m interested in art, but I’m also interested in what art can tell me about my fellow human beings. What it can tell us about the past, what it implies about the future and how it helps us navigate the present.” Curiosity is a way of life for Russell. It has fueled several careers across several fields, and it’s her overarching interest in what humans are able to create that keeps her going. Looking at a painting of an electrical outlet on her bookshelf, the executive director reiterates her point. “It’s the idea that it’s not about the object itself; it’s about using it to learn something about ourselves,” she says. “That’s just paint and canvas, but cognitively, it’s a total trip. The mystery keeps me coming back for more.”

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Above: The Sarasota Art Museum was designed to be a showplace for what Anne-Marie Russell calls “art of our time.” Above Left: The museum’s renovated Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby immediately immerses museumgoers in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and creativity.

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J AN UA RY 2020

GIVE THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT!

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert ................................ January 2 The Book of Mormon ....................................................... January 9 & 12 We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered ..... January 14 The Naked Magicians ........................................................... January 16 The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston starring Belinda Davids .............. January 21 The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters ............................................... January 22 Waitress ......................................................... January 25 (matinee) & 26 Louie Anderson and Rita Rudner ..................................... January 28 Kristin Chenoweth in Concert “For the Girls” ............... January 30

F E B R UA RY 2020

Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy (Updated and Funnier Than Ever) ............................... February 3 Mandy Patinkin: Diaries with Adam Ben-David on Piano ........................................... February 16 “Who Can Ask For Anything More” An Evening with Michael Feinstein Singing Gershwin ............................................................ February 20 Les Misérables ..................................................... February 26 (evening), February 27 (matinee/evening), 28 (evening)

MA R CH 2020

Russian National Ballet: Cinderella .................................... March 3 Celtic Woman Celebration: The 15th Anniversary Tour ........... March 4 Georgia On My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles .............................. March 8 John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell: A Tribute to Nat King Cole and the Ladies of Song .... March 18

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Up, Up and Away Starring Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. ...................................... March 24 An Evening with Bruce Hornsby ........................................... March 29

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The Pointer Sisters ........................................................................ April 2 Jackie Evancho: The Debut ........................................................ April 3 Reza: Edge of Illusion ................................................................ April 11 Brian Culbertson ......................................................................... April 23

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WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

The year is 1428. Ninety years into the Hundred Years’ War, France’s economy and landscape have been devastated. The arrival of 16-year-old Joan of Arc sparks a resurrection of French spirit. Celebrate “The Maid of Orléans” with shows, food, drinks and artisans galore. This year’s fair introduces themed weekends in addition to the overarching theme of Joan of Arc: This weekend is Papa Noel Celebration. Festival runs rain or shine. RENESITO AVICH 8 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $25; members $20 Call 894-6469.

THIS WEEK Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Joe Bruno for the next installment of its weekly afternoon concert series. Guests will be treated to New Orleans-style jazz in some toe-tapping tunes. Bruno will be accompanied by Joe Sr., trumpet; Joe Jr., bass; and Nick Bruno, drums.

DON’T MISS ‘THAT’S AMORE’ Dean Martin was the name to know in the 1960s. He acted, sang and made audiencs laugh. His effortless charisma rightfully earned him the title of “King of the Cool.” FST brings the man who captured

THURSDAY COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING Noon at Crowley Museum & Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road Free Call 322-1000. Whether you’re alone for the holiday or just want a free meal surrounded by smiling faces, Crowley is the place to be. You

hearts back to life in its latest revue. Runs through Feb. 2. IF YOU GO When: 6 p.m. Friday Where: John C. Court Cabaret, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $34-$39 Info: Call 366-9000.

are welcome to bring a dish if you can. Food, music and games are all free to enjoy.

FRIDAY JAZZ AT TWO: JOE BRUNO’S DIXIELAND 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road $10-$20 Call 366-1552.

‘ASSISTED LIVING THE MUSICAL: THE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ 7:30 p.m. at Pinkerton Stage, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $15-$34 Call 488-1115.

Saxophonist Dave Koz has been at it for more than 30 years, and nine Grammy nominations later, he’s headlining his 22nd annual Christmas Tour. Koz will be joined by Jonathan Butler, Melissa Manchester, Michael Lington and special guest Chris Walker.

SATURDAY SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR 9:45 a.m. at Ringling Woods at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. $18.95 adult single day; $9.95 children Visit SarasotaMedivalFair.com.

At a retirement community, anything can happen — and the Pelican Roost Assisted Living Home is no exception. This vaudeville-esque production is a bit off its rockers, but it will definitely have you laughing. Runs through Dec. 22.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA HOLIDAY PARADE!

Saturday, December 7 | 7pm

A Downtown Holiday Tradition Since 1974 HOLIDAYS BY THE SEA! Lighted floats, carolers and dancers, local high school marching bands, area churches and nonprofits, local businesses, and last, but certainly not least, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

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Bring the whole family to this treasured community tradition. Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a festive evening. 317130-1

Key Chorale is back with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees for a nod to the holiday season. This wintry dream world will feature Karl Jenkins’ “Stella Natalis (Star of Origin),” which has themes of compassion and peace. Also included are “Winter” from Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” Jenkins’ “In Dulci Jubilo” and Kim Andre Arnesen’s “Et Misericordia.”

DON’T MISS THE 24th ANNUAL

Come Start Your Holiday Season With Us!

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‘WINTER DREAMS’ 4 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20-$75 Call 921-4845.

Slainte! An Irish Christmas comes to Van Wezel for an evening of song and dance, featuring a vocal quintet hailing from Ireland. The show encompasses instrumental and vocal seasonal and Irish favorites — with worldclass Irish dancing on the side.

If he’s got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you know the show’s going to be good.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

See server for full details.

SUNDAY

‘CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS’ 7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $22-$67 Call 953-3368.

‘DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2019’ 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $31-$181 Call 953-3368.

REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL

*Restrictions apply.

Santiago, Cuba, native Renesito Avich is a guitarist who was touring all across Europe by the time he was 15. In 2014, he moved to Sarasota to continue his musical career. Enjoy this evening of songs by Avich on guitar/tres guitar/vocals, Mauricio Rodriguez on bass, Yassel Pupo on piano, Andy Fornet on percussion and Otto D. Ferreiro on vocals — all to fill the night with the magic of a Cuban dance hall. Doors open at 7 p.m.; music begins at 8 p.m.

Parade starts at Main Street and Washington Boulevard and goes to Gulfstream Avenue.

S A R A S O TA

DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

‘THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE KING’ STARRING DWIGHT ICENHOWER 8 p.m. at MainStage, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave., W., Venice $42 Call 488-1115. Elvis has not left the building yet. One of the country’s best Elvis Presley impersonators, Dwight Icenhower will tackle the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s career spanning the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. A second performance will be Monday. Thank you, thank you very much.

OUR PICK

MONDAY

‘DECK THE HALLS: A HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY’ “Deck the beach with boughs of palm leaves, fa la la la la la la la la” — that’s how it goes, right? Either way, grab your Hawaiian shirts because it’s time to celebrate the holidays Florida style. FST’s annual holiday tradition invites families to join the fun in this interactive production. Runs Saturdays and select Sundays through Dec. 28

JUILLIARD STRING QUARTET 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $15-$45 Call 955-4942. This classical music string quartet formed in 1946 at Juilliard School and has won five Grammy awards since. Current members are Areta Zhulla, violin; Ronald Copes, violin; Roger Tapping, viola; and Astrid Schween, cello. The quartet will perform Beethoven’s String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1 and String Quartet in Csharp Minor, Op. 131.

TONY BENNETT: THE ‘I LEFT MY HEART’ TOUR 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $58-$148 Call 953-3368. Tony Bennett, winner of 19 Grammys and two Emmys, returns to the Van Wezel to sing signature songs from the 1950s to today. His daughter Antonia Bennett will open the evening with jazz and pop standards.

WEDNESDAY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! The Ringling will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org

‘HELLO, DOLLY!’ 7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail $29; premium $34; students $14 Call 365-2494. Follow Dolly Levi in 1890s New York City as she tries to find love for “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder and young artist Ambrose while hiding her own burning romantic desires. Runs through Dec. 22.

FRIDAY

DECEMBER

7PM

‘A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $15-$75 Call 366-1505.

Created, adapted and directed by Nate Jacobs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s founder and artistic director, this holiday revue blends Christmas carols and soulful songs made famous by Motown icons, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. Runs through Friday and Dec. 18-20.

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TUESDAY

IF YOU GO When: 11 a.m. Saturday Where: Bowne’s Lab Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $10 Info: Call 366-9000.

DOWNTOWN BRADENTON CITY CENTRE GARAGE Rooftop

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Meredith Jones and Blake Price. Photo by John Jones.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Climb a new

Courtesy photo

Monday December 9, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m.

Directing the beloved ‘Sound of Music’ was a peak experience for Josh Rhodes.

St. Boniface Church 5615 Midnight Pass road, Siesta Key, FL

Get your tickets today at

www.bonifacechurch.org/music

MARTY FUGATE

Tickets $50 at door

CONTRIBUTOR

“T

Order online today and receive a 20% Discount Student Tickets $25* must present valid student ID at door

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he Sound of Music” had giant talent behind it. Boasting compositions by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book

by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the musical quickly found a giant audience. It became a Broadway blockbuster, a monster-hit movie and just plain big. It’s the Matterhorn of musical theater. It dominates the landscape. Almost everybody’s seen it. It’s hard not to. So how do you find a fresh take? Josh Rhodes was determined to try. He loved the musical as a kid. As an adult, he realized how much he’d missed. Rhodes made up his mind to find his own way up the mountain and to do his best not to fall off.

Tally Sessions, Cora Messer and Maddie Shea Baldwin portray Captain von Trapp, Gretl and Maria in Asolo Rep’s “The Sound of Music.”

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

4551 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

manasotaonline.com

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MORE PLAYFUL MOMENTS ARE MADE ON MOHAWK

SARASOTA POLO 2019-2020 SCHEDULE Looking for some weekend fun?

Join us at the beautiful Sarasota Polo Club!

Season Begins Sunday December 15, 2019 Matches through April 12, 2020

REMINDERS:

8201 Polo Club Lane | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941.907.0000 | SarasotaPolo.com

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Gates open at 10 am Match begins at 1 pm $15 admission, Kids 12 & under FREE Don’t forget your chairs!

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

mountain

Like what? I felt that the playwrights were warning us of the dangers of neutrality. The musical’s set in a time when Austria was on the precipice of a German takeover, either willingly or unwillingly. Many ordinary Austrians avoided taking sides — and lost that option, after the Anschluss. The musical’s adult characters are a microcosm of that. They’re hoping the threat will blow over and trying to stay neutral until it does. To the writers, that’s a false hope, and that really rings a bell for me. Yes, the songs are uplifting, but the story deals with serious issues. That surprised me. The writers put so much passion into this. The terrible war in Europe had been over for a decade, but they still had something to say about it. It’s all about the small human choices — which side you’re on and when you have to

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

presents

IF YOU GO ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ When: Through Dec. 28 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $28-$97 Info: Call 351-8000, or visit AsoloRep.org.

take a stand. That’s the heart of the show and what I wanted to open up for the audience. “The Sound of Music” has a light-hearted, sentimental reputation. You’re saying there’s also a dark side? Absolutely. At the top of the show, the von Trapps are a broken family. Captain von Trapp is a widower, and he’s shut down emotionally. Maria is lost. She’s an orphan, and she’s about to lose her home in the convent. Everybody has very high stakes in “The Sound of Music.” Everybody needs to be saved. That’s where the music comes in. What does that salvation mean? It means you can’t stay neutral in the face of true evil. There comes a time when you have to fight, when you have to stand up for yourself, when you have to climb a mountain. For Maria and the von Trapps, that meant the literal mountains of the Alps. But we all have mountains of our own.

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How did Michael Donald Edwards pitch this to you? He just asked me what I thought about “The Sound of Music.” I told him that it’s been a favorite of mine since childhood. Then I asked for the script, to refresh myself on the stage version. I’ve seen the movie many times, but I hadn’t read it or seen it staged since I was 15. Reading the script with an adult mind, I kept discovering new things. It’s filled with so many political ideas that were completely lost on me as a child.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, PLEASE CONTACT 941-926-6413 OR EMAIL MARYJO@NEUROCHALLENGE.ORG

EVENT PLANNING BY

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

Dean Martin revue a swingin’ time MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC

inosaurs once roamed the Earth. In the 1960s, Dean Martin roamed the Earth. To a kid growing up in the 1960s, he seemed like a living fossil. What was the big deal? “That’s Amoré!” answers the question in FST’s latest cabaret production. Richard and Rebecca Hopkins’ revue features a singing/ dancing quartet backed up by Andrew Deeb on drums and Jim Prosser on piano. The singer/ actors aren’t in character but tend to gravitate to certain roles. Roughly speaking, Mike Backes is the default Dean Martin; Nick Anastasia is Jerry Lewis; Nygel D. Robinson is a universal Mr. Cool; and Emily Dennis is Marilyn Monroe — or whatever powerful woman was drawn to the Rat Pack’s orbit. As always, the show is packed with fun facts. You learn that Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti) started out as a critically despised Bing Crosby imitator and found commercial and critical success after he found his own groove. He loved not wisely but too well. Martin had three wives and eight children. Martin also loved alcohol but played it up as part of his tipsy, playboy image. (Those martini glasses were often filled with apple juice.) Along with a great voice, Martin was blessed with a photogenic face. That face appeared in a string of hit movies. On TV, Martin partnered with Jerry Lewis in the “Martin and Lewis Show” in the 1950s. In Las Vegas, Martin famously teamed up with Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford and others. The press called them “The Rat Pack.” They called themselves “The Summit.” And did we mention Martin’s hits?

NOW PLAYING - DEC 28

“BREATHTAKING. The finest Sound of Music you will ever see”

IF YOU GO

— Peter Nason, BroadwayWorld Tampa

“Gutsy. Inventive.

‘THAT’S AMORE!’ When: Through Feb. 2 Where: FST Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $34-$39 Info: Call 366-9000.

ORIGINAL.” — Marty Fugate, The Observer

“A FRESH TAKE. Impressive and beautifully sung” — Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Music by RICHARD RODGERS Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Directed & choreographed by JOSH RHODES

The first act kicks off with “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” pitches “Pennies from Heaven” and nods to “The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane,” who presumably worked “That Old Black Magic.” Martin’s surrogates protest “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” The titular “That’s Amoré” affirms that Martin had plenty of love to share. Catherine Randazzo directs with the snappy pace and winking wit you might have seen on Martin’s variety show. The singing actors are winning in their loosely worn characters. The scenes where Martin and Lewis tangle are particularly funny. Anastasia’s Lewis comes off as a manic Chihuahua nipping at the bulldog heels of Backes’ Martin. Robinson is too cool for school and plays a mean cello. Dennis’ bombshell character fearlessly crashes the boy’s club. Susan Angermann’s costumes (tuxes for the guys and pouredinto evening gowns for Dennis) crisply capture the lush life of the era. Darren Server’s music direction and Prosser’s arrangements pick up the pace on the lounge lizard tunes. You’re in for an entertaining evening. This celebration of the Dean Martin songbook doesn’t take itself too seriously. But it proves a serious point: Martin was of his time. But his music is far from extinct, baby.

941.351.8000 asolorep.org