ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E ROSEMARY MURALS: Images celebrate cultural spirit. PALM BALL: Foundation holds green and blue bash. 6
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Photos by Harry Sayer
Teresa Powell uses the Roman Rings.
Cassie Roulette, Karen Bell, Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell and Rylee Roulette
2020
CIRCUS
ARTS GALA Friday, Jan. 31, at the Ulla Searing Big Top | Benefiting The Circus Arts Conservatory HARRY SAYER | BLACK TIE REPORTER
T
he Circus Arts Conservatory showcased feats of strength and works of wonder at its 2020 Circus Arts Gala on Jan. 31. The annual bash, held as usual at the Ulla Searing Big Top, had Sarasota’s philanthropists trying on their most performative, vibrant and showmanlike outfits for a night of compassion and razzle-dazzle. Following last year’s revised schedule, the evening started with cocktails outside of the Big Top before guests filed into the circus arena for the show. Founder and CEO Pedro Reis and Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs welcomed guests and introduced the night’s entertainment, which
Susan Jasin and Davis Tillman
Above: Co-chairwomen Jaclyn Brunckhorst, Donna Koffman and Tammy Karp Top: B.B. Widdop
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
FROM PAGE 1
Above: Joseph Bauer kept the crowd entertained as the show’s ringmaster. Left: Iouri and Gabor took hand-balancing to a whole new level.
Photos by Harry Sayer
Richard Ware, Katherine Harris and Zoltan Karpathy
included jugglers and silk performers from Sailor Circus Academy and trapeze and hand-balancing acts from Circus Sarasota. It wouldn’t be a proper show without a surprise, of course. The midpoint featured a trio of magic tricks from co-chairwomen Donna Koffman, Jaclyn Brunckhorst and Tammy Karp. Koffman was sawed in half and fitted into a box, Brunckhorst lost her head, and Karp had her limbs rearranged — all in a whimsical and cheer-inducing manner. The night continued with dinner and a paddle raise benefiting the Circus Arts Conservatory’s programs that highlight science, art, math, engineering and more. Guests finished off the evening with an after-party in the ring.
The evening had an aerial lyra performance.
Charles Riott, Chris Manning, Board Member Barb Tye, Frank Belson and Julia Preitt
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
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BLACK TIE & TALES
Bollywood preview
HARRY SAYER
I don’t know about you, but sometimes with all of the events, functions and fundraisers that keep coming, I can lose track of what’s happening in a couple days, let alone a couple months. So it’s good to take a minute and see what’s coming up. The Asolo Repertory Theatre had a gala preparty for exactly that kind of thing Jan. 27. The event, held at Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine, had 50 of the Asolo’s closest supporters enjoying authentic Indian food while hear-
Winemaker dinner The Sarasota Manatee Guild of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation raised close to $14,000 at its second Wine Maker’s Dinner on Jan. 31. This year’s sold-out event was held at a private home in Harbor Acres and had Jane Thompson, Nikki Taylor and Catherine Vernon as the night’s co-chairwomen. It proved to be an illustrious affair, with vintner Giuseppe Sala flying in from Tuscany, Italy, for the event to provide wines for more than 50 guests and local chef Rebekah Peranio providing food for the night. The night’s program featured Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein and Dr. Val Valle and benefited JHACH’s mental health programs.
ing about the Asolo’s upcoming “A Bollywood Ball” gala March 7. Event co-chairwomen Donna Koffman, Tammy Karp, Elisabeth Waters and Mary Braxton-Joseph were there to speak to their excitement for the coming show. Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine co-owners Sheena Maini and her mother, Poonam Maini, are sponsors for the event. By night’s end, the company raised more than $1,300 in raffle ticket sales. The sale continues online and at the gala March 7.
Magic tricks
Tidbits Photos by Harry Sayer
You can’t really go wrong with partying on Super Bowl Sunday, but some get-togethers can be more special than others. Take Katy McBrayer-Lynch and Jim Lynch’s celebration, which mixed things up by inviting McBrayer-Lynch’s friends for a Super Bowl baby shower. The new addition to the family is expected to arrive in late April.
Bunny Skirboll and Anne Virag
Great minds It’s fun to arrive at an event with a unique look, but sometimes it’s just as fun to have some solidarity — even if you weren’t planning it. Such was the case with Bunny Skirboll and Anne Virag, who both arrived at the Blooming Friendships luncheon Jan. 28 wearing similar pink and black outfits. Although they picked out the individual articles of clothing from different locations, the resemblance was uncanny. Great minds think alike, right?
Jaclyn Brunckhorst mixed it up with a machine.
You didn’t really think Jan. 31’s Circus Arts Gala was going to be without a few tricks, did you? Co-chairwomen Donna Koffman, Jaclyn Brunckhorst and Tammy Karp turned a mid-show intermission into a bona-fide magic show, with each woman becoming part of a mystifying trick. Donna Koffman got squished into a box where she was sawed in half, Jaclyn Brunckhorst fused with a machine and lost her head, and Tammy Karp finished the presentation by entering a container that stretched her limbs to surreal proportions. And look, I don’t understand how any of it worked — which is the point, of course — but it was really something to see.
Of all the exotic places you’ve dreamt of visiting, an out-of-town cancer center probably isn’t one of them. A diagnosis of cancer is bad enough. Spending hours on a plane to get care makes it worse. No one should have to leave home for cancer treatment— and soon you won’t have to. Comprehensive cancer care is coming to Sarasota. So you can stop fighting your way through strange airports, and start fighting your cancer here at home. Please support our Leading with Care campaign. Through your generosity, we can help Sarasota Memorial transform cancer care in our community.
Hope comes home. Give today. 941.917.1286 | smhf.org A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.freshfromflorida.com/divisions-offices /consumer-services. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (REGISTRATION #CH103) THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION WILL USE THE FUNDS FOR THE STATED PURPOSE BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THE GIFT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSE IF THE STATED PURPOSE IS IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL TO ACHIEVE.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Sarasota Opera Gala 2020 Saturday, Feb. 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting Sarasota Opera
Photos by Brynn Mechem
Gala committee Bonny Heet, Barb Archbold, Lynn Blackledge, Carla Koeffler, Katherine Benoit, Annette Lloyd and Susan Straus
Fatima Moon and Maria Sarver
Above: LeAnn and Scott Yow Left: Executive Director Richard Russell and Cynthia Russell
Melba Jiménez and Alan Kesten
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Palm Ball 2020 Saturday, Feb. 1, at Bay Preserve at Osprey Benefiting the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast
Photos by Harry Sayer
Lee Amos, Rhonda Deems and Jon Thaxton
Amanda Kison and Kelly Dowd
The night had a “Forever Green. Forever Blue” theme.
Bob and Suzanne Gregory
Co-Chairwomen Mickey Davis and Rosemary Eure, Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson, and co-chairwomen Kathy Coffey and Wendy Carlton
President Christine Johnson
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
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Photos by Harry Sayer
Board members Emma Kate Silvestri, Liza Kubik, Mike Harb and D’Arcy Arpke with Vice President Nikki Logan Curran, Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger and Event and Community Outreach Director Veronica Clinton
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Make every shot one worth taking.
Thursday, Jan. 23, at Suncoast Porsche Benefiting SarasotaManatee Originals Amy and Matthew Greubel
It’s not just the clubs you carry or the hours of practice at the range that makes a perfect game. It is also where you choose to play. With only 275 golf memberships and no required tee times —come take your best shot at The Founders Golf Club.
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La bohème Love Is Fragile
Opera by Giacomo Puccini
February 8, 11, 13, 16, 19, 25, 29, March 3, 6, 11, 14, 19. 21 Almost two centuries ago in Paris’ Latin Quarter, a love affair flourishes, withers and dies in Puccini’s romantic portrayal of bohemian life.
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Go online to see the entire 2020 Winter Opera Festival schedule! Opera tickets start at just $19
(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG Subscribe to see all operas for the best price!
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
New Year Networking Social Thursday, Jan. 23, at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens Benefiting Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
BUYSSENS
EXHIBITIONS ON VIEW:
Photos by Hayer Sayer
JANUARY 30 - MARCH 4, 2020
Above: Barbara Langdon and Marty Black Left: North Port Mayor Chris Hanks, Melissa Hanks and John LaCivita
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Dee Bennett, former state Sen. Mike Bennett and Executive Director Mary Dougherty
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Seafood & Sail Boats Sunday, Jan. 26, at Historic Spanish Point | Benefiting Historic Spanish Point
Photos by Harry Sayer
David Marrison, Allen Steiger, Jace Maxwell, Wayne Hoitt, Executive Director John McCarthy, Louis Gross and Stephen Zimmerman
Peg and Wendell Kapustiak
Above: Crystal and Donnie Maxwell Right: Sarah Pflug served as a mermaid to provide photo opportunities for guests. Ryan and Meredith Zimmerman with Lisa Marcotte
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Celebrating our 23nd Year Serving Longboat & Sarasota! Thank You!
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Embracing Our Differences Luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Embracing Our Differences
Photos by Harry Sayer
Susan Gorin and Barbara Brizdle
Susan Mallitz, Mark Pritchett and Julie Harris
Dennis Rees and Keith Monda
Jarred Wilson, Clare Arguedas and Mark Steinwachs
Chairwomen Linda Poteat-Brown and Graci McGillicuddy
Pavitra Ciavardone and Montana Taplinger
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Photos by Harry Sayer
Matt and Barbara McAleer with Janet and Andy Hartman
Chairman’s Circle Dinner Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens | Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Above: Benjamin Luczak and Margaret Wise Left: Hank Hine, Pauline Wamsler and David Sales
LEAP DAY Saturday, February 29, 2020 | 6p - 10p Billy and Nora Johnson with Kelvin and Margie Cooper
Hyatt Regency Sarasota Tickets
$250
RSVP February 19, 2020 GS-HumanServices.org/event/BELIEVE Event info: sglendening@gs-humanservices.org or (941) 365-4545 x102
Supporting our vision to sustain a healthy, connected community.
February 15 & 16, 4pm • First United Methodist Church
PRESENTED BY
Haydn’s The Creation is a masterpiece of biblical proportions setting the six most famous days in all of history to music though cinematic imagery, soaring choruses and history-making orchestral writing. Free “Behind the Music” lecture with Joseph Caulkins
1 hour prior to concert Tickets at
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KeyChorale.org • 941.921.4845
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Party Under the Stars Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota | Benefiting Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
Brenda McGowan, Keith Pandeloglou, Tracy Gorman, Kathleen Scotti, Chairwoman Sandra Shahinian, Kate O’Driscoll and Caitlyn Coyle
LeeAnn Anderson and Cindy Osmond
Photos by Photos by Harry Sayer
Above: Bobbi Norris Right: Dr. Miguel Pelayo, Dr. Judy Wang and Dr. Fadi Kayali
OWN A PRIVATE ISLAND RETREAT.
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(941) 229-1691 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 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 2020. 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. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2020. CGC 1519880.
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Dogs making a difference! I E N D LY R I E N D LY R F Y L I M FA D O G- F F E S T I VA L ring your family, bring your friends, bring your dogs, and bring your friends’ dogs to our 2020 Walkathon. This free, family-friendly event includes a 3K walk and a Waggin’ Tails Festival with live music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendor fair, and an exciting raffle drawing. And of course, lots of dogs! While we walk together we’ll make a big impact for people with vision loss and veterans with disabilities. Whether you raise funds for our mission or simply bring your dog to the Waggin’ Tails Festival, we’ll see you at Walkathon!
Exciting Raffle Prizes! GR AND PRIZE $10,000 Cash Drawing May 11, 2020
E VENT PRIZE $1,000 Cash at each event Winner will be drawn at noon
$5 per raffle ticket or 5 for $20 Visit GuideDogsWalkathon.org/raffle for official rules and regulations.
Selling Raffle Tickets is a great way to fundraise and reach new incentive levels!
Suncoast March 7 Nathan Benderson Park
Put the “ ” in Fundraising Create your own convenient fundraising page. Fundraising incentives include:
$Any Walkathon Dog Bandana
Walkathon Schedule
$100 Walkathon T-Shirt
Registration Opens
$250 Walkathon Tervis® Tumbler
Let’s Walk! Raffle Drawing
9 am 10 am Noon
Schedule subject to change. Visit GuideDogsWalkathon.org prior to event for current schedule.
$1,000 Top Dog T-Shirt $2,500 Leader of the Pack Polo Shirt $5,000 Name a Southeastern Guide Dogs Puppy OR Fund a Student Scholarship
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Sign up online at GuideDogsWalkathon.org All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free 1.800.435.7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration number CH0475.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Moffitt Cancer Center Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 30, at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens Benefiting Moffitt Cancer Center
Photos by Harry Sayer
Linda Adams, Peter McAllister and Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation President Maria Muller
Veronica Brady and Matt Kahn
Keynote speaker Dr. Fred Locke and Mandy Donohue
Committee members Allison Scanlan, Eileen Curd and Patricia Estes Gayle Daniels, Katie Moulton and Charlene Wolff
Roger and Alisa Pettingell
Usually fatal, Hannah survived hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) thanks to the gift of almost 300 units of platelets at age five. Now 17 and a student at Booker High School, Hannah is healthy and paying it forward by becoming a blood donor herself!
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Laurel Oak Country Club The
Secret to Life is you’re in the
making sure
RIGHT PLACE at the right time
as often as possible
The “Right Place” is Laurel Oak Country Club, and if you have never paid them a visit, now is definitely the time to do so. Fresh off of a year of renovations, and being voted Best Private Club in 2019, Laurel Oak has just been voted Best Private Club in 2020, along with Best Tennis Facility in Sarasota. Recognizing the need for a strategic plan and strategic growth, Laurel Oak continues to focus forward on the needs of their current members and prospective members. Renovations initiated in 2018, were done so with this key concept in mind. The Interior Ladies Lounge renovations are now complete and 6 New Pickle Ball courts have been installed. Focus has now been directed to dining expansions in the Members’ Grille Lounge, construction of a new Outdoor Dining area, a complete overhaul of the Mens Locker Room, and the next round of bunker renovations are set for this summer. It goes without saying that Laurel Oak has rung in the 2020 New Year in a very big way.
Membership continues to be on the rise. In part, due to all the improvements to the facilities and services offered by the club, but even more so, due to the unique culture of the club. This is a Private Country Club, but the reaction that designation typically invokes is far from reality at Laurel Oak. This place is comfortable, and alive, with members and staff that are friendly and inviting. To throw the cliché out there, it feels like family. This is what sets Laurel Oak apart from other Country Clubs in the area. The team continues to develop new, family-friendly events with the intent of attracting all members - no matter the age! Sure, they host dinner 4-5 nights a week, themed events, live entertainment every Friday night and bistro dining on Saturdays. What’s
different about Laurel Oak is the commitment to the experience...they go all out to guarantee you leave the Club and think “Wow!”.
a Celine Dion concert private suite. Laurel Oak goes above and beyond to ensure their members are always on a new adventure!
Here are a few more reasons why it’s different at Laurel Oak - Vegas Nights, Bourbon & Smoke Cookout, 50’s Sock Hop Throwback, Oyster Roasts, Wine Fest, just to name a few. Recent studies have revealed that lifestyle programming is now the most important factor in joining a private club. Laurel Oak has you covered there, and they continue to outshine and out perform expectations. Every other week there’s something new. Members enjoy themed trolley tours around Sarasota, Peace River Air Boating adventures, Le Barge private sunset cruises, kayaking through the mangroves, Theatre Shows at Van Wezel, Asolo and The Players and even
Well, if that’s not enough to peak your interest, here’s a little more. Laurel Oak is the site of the only U.S. Kids Golf Academy in Florida and one of only 4 sites in the country. Director of Instruction & Academy Director, Jon Bullas, was recently recognized as a top 50 instructor in the U.S. With 36-holes of beautiful championship golf, 12 of the best Har-tru tennis courts in Sarasota, award winning Tennis and Golf Professionals like Jon Bullas and Director of Tennis, Ty Braswell, being recognized as a USPTA District Pro of the Year, and a social calendar that never ends, Laurel Oak Country Club is the place where you belong!
TO FIND OUT MORE
For a Limited Time
SPECIAL OFFER
& experience the Laurel Oak way of life, contact Michelle Brault
on Initiation fee with
20 % OFF dues for the first year
mbrault@laureloak.com
941.378.3608 l laureloak.com l 2700 Gary Player Dr. l Sarasota, FL 34240 328293-1
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Adorn her ... Jewelry for the Hopeless Romantic
Photos by Harry Sayer
Gary Heard, Lisa Wicks and Scott Binkley
Masterworks 4 Dinner
103 SOUTH LEMON AVE | SARASOTA | 941.955.4400
326403-1
Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Field Club | Benefiting Sarasota Orchestra
ENROLL TODAY FOR WINTER CLASSES Kim Wheeler and conductor Ludovic Morlot Top: Norma and Al Cohen Above: Anne and Robert Essner
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941.225.6520 | SarasotaBallet.org
It’s Greek Time! 36th Annual “Glendi”
FEBRUARY 6-9
Authentic Greek food & wines, live music & dancing, marketplace, kid’s adventure zone, crafts, church tours & more! Thursday 4 PM–9 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM–9 PM Sunday Noon–6 PM
FREE Admission Thursday Free will donation to benefit Night of the Stars $4.00 entitles to admission as many times as you like
Kids under 12 FREE
WIN A CAR OR $30,000 CASH! $100 Donation. Only 1500 Raffle Tickets! Tickets: Online: www.StBarbaraFestival.org Email: StBarbara34243@gmail.com Call: (941) 355-2616
GRAND PRIZE
2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300 or C300W 2nd prize:
$5,000 Trip to Greece
Voucher or Cash 3rd prize: $4,000 Cash 4th prize: $3,000 Cash 5th prize: $2,000 Cash 6th prize: $1,000 Cash
MSRP $46,640
MSRP $46,205
DRAWING SUNDAY. FEB.9, 2020. 5:30 PM
Rosemary Studios - 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Downtown Sarasota
ST. BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 . 941-355-2616 www.StBarbaraFestival.org
327403-1
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Raffle is open to citizens or permanent residents of the USA who are 18 years of age or older. Car winner is responsible for payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, title and license fees. Each winner will be issued a 1099 IRS form stating the prize value. Winners need not be present to win. Additional rules available at the church office.
ON THE FLIP SIDE: BLACK
TIE
< CIRCUS GALA: CAC wows crowds at Big Top. TABLES FOR 2: Places to dine with your valentine. 6>
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
YOUROBSERVER.COM
SEE THIS
Binge Blog
A rollicking backwoods crime drama and an underrated Felicity Jones performance are this week’s picks. YOUROBSERVER.COM
HEAR THIS
‘British Nights’ Courtesy photo by Andrea Hildebrand
Thaleia G. Dasberg almost blends into Thomas Adams’ ballet mural at Rosemary Square.
WORTH
5,000 WORDS
Rosemary Square murals illustrate, exemplify district’s artistic character.
Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, Urbanite Theatre tag-team Shakespeare. PAGE 10
SEE THIS
KLINT LOWRY | A+E EDITOR
I
f an artistic image can make a statement, what do you call it when you have five independent images side by side, existing
together as a single display — a chorus? A series of five murals, painted over five months, was completed just in time for the new year. It doesn’t need a name; it defines its own identity as the Rosemary District’s newest landmark. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
‘Lifespan of a Fact’ Asolo production questions how much details matter when it comes to the truth. PAGE 12
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Photos by Klint Lowry
Above: The row of five murals representing five disciplines line up along the southern-facing wall at Rosemary Square.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
FROM PAGE 1
The murals, each depicting a different discipline — contemporary dance, ballet, opera, theater, and architecture and design — now look out over a parking lot in the heart of the Rosemary District. “My mantra for this entire project has been a simple equation: ‘Walls plus artists equals amazing,’” says Allison Ficken, who heads the Art Impact Initiative, which teamed up with the Rosemary Square ownership group to create the mural set that graces the southern wall of the Rosemary Square’s largest building. Ficken stands at one end of the murals, along with Kathryn Parks of the Rosemary Square group, and as the two are preparing to
explain the motivations behind the murals, a young woman rushes in front of one of the murals and poses. The man she’s with obliges and snaps her picture, and they continue on their way. It’s the perfect lead-in. That’s exactly how they want people to react when they first see the murals, Ficken and Parks say, with an Instagram moment, and that’s the image of the Rosemary District they want people to take with them. They explain further that the murals are part of a much larger effort to preserve and accentuate the district’s identity. Ever since 2014, when the city approved regulations that allowed for higher residential density for the district, just on the
northern edge of downtown Sarasota, Rosemary has seen a development boom, with something in the neighborhood of 1,500 residential units going up. It’s been exciting, Ficken and Parks say, but it’s come with concern that the district retain its identity as a creative culture corridor, with its numerous architectural, design and artists studios. Using art seemed a natural way for the district to retain its distinct identity, and the district already had a history of wall murals. Ficken, as a member of The Rosemary District Association, created an initiative called Art Up to serve as a platform in creating community art projects, murals among them. Ficken says she was thrilled when Parks contacted her about
organizing a large-scale mural for Rosemary Square. Completed about two years ago, Rosemary Square could be seen as part of the recent building boom, but Parks explains it was always intended to fit in with the spirit of the Rosemary District. “One of our goals was to bring arts to the Boulevard of the Arts,” Parks says. Rosemary Square includes temporary housing for the Sarasota Opera as well as studios for Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Sarasota Ballet’s school, the Arnold Simonsen Players Studio, and Solstice Planning and Architecture. The murals represent the five disciplines that reside in the complex. Ficken says the southern wall of the housing building
LEE AND BOB PETERSON FOUNDATION’S SUNSHINE FROM DARKNESS PRESENTS
INSPIRING HOPE DINNER
Ron Suskind
Steve Ford
Kathy Cronkite
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 • 6:30 – 10:30 p . m . • RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA
This inspirational evening features three celebrity speakers who will be recognized for their mental health advocacy and achievements: n Ron Suskind: The Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist, filmmaker and “Life Animated” author will share his family’s 20-year journey raising and connecting to their autistic son, and their fight to find the help and resources he needed. n Steve Ford: The actor and son of former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford will discuss his struggles with addiction and depression.
n Kathy Cronkite: The author and daughter of broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite will share personal stories of her battle with depression. The Legacy Award will be presented to the Seidensticker family in honor of their late father, Steve. Entertainment: Tarra Conner jones, a frequent performer with Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, is renowned for her powerhouse voice and captivating presence.
Purchase tickets today at SunshineFromDarkness.org Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call 941-927-8900, ext. 1113 or email mhauck@coastalbh.org
Proceeds to benefit mental health services of Coastal Behavioral Healthcare and First Step of Sarasota, and cutting-edge brain research
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Courtesy photo by Andrea Hildebrand
provided a perfect canvas for a mural series. She and Parks seem to relive the excitement when they describe how all the pieces came together as they planned the project. They quickly settled on the subjects. The only style requirement, Ficken says, “was just for the exhibit to be happy and benefiting to the setting and to the community.” The first artist they contacted was muralist Truman Adams, whom Ficken had met at the Sarasota Chalk Festival. He was so excited that he wanted to do all five murals, Ficken says, but they had decided from the beginning it would be more interesting to have multiple artists involved. It was a smart decision because
the five murals are as disparate as can be, which adds to their visual impact as a group. That is not by chance. Each artist submitted a concept rendering of what he or she envisioned, and a great deal of thought went into how to place the murals in relation to one another. Adams did get two of the murals, and they’re as different as any two in the group. For ballet, Parks says he told her the boldly colorful composition of swirling dancers he created is based on pietersite stone. By contrast, his contemporary dance mural is exceedingly spare, but it’s a remarkable example of Adams’ skill at creating a largescale, 3D illusion. Moving down the line, Bianca
Burrows does a playful homage to opera, with open arms, opera glasses and a passing nod to the “flower duet” from “Lakmé.” Although all the murals are designed to invite photo opportunities, this one invites the visitor to stand in the spotlight. Careth Christine also invites passersby with the theater mural, but it’s into a fantasy that suggests the magic of the stage. Finally, Pamela Olin had an extra challenge, Ficken points out. Someone had to incorporate an air-conditioning unit into his or her mural, and they decided Olin had the best chance with her mural saluting architecture and design. And so she does with her playful, Mondrian-inspired abstract
COMING TO THE VAN WEZEL! THIS SATURDAY!
NEXT WEEK!
that not only is a nod to those disciplines but to Florida as well. There are now 15 murals scattered throughout the Rosemary District. With these being in the position to be the first thing people see, plus the fact they were designed to invite photos, the hope is that visitors will be more attuned to spot the other murals while they roam the district. Because the murals were completed one at a time, there have been no unveilings or dedications so far. Parks and Ficken say they are working on having some sort of ceremony early in the year. To keep up with when that might be or to learn more about the murals, visit RosemarySquare. com/murals.
THE ART OF
PERFORMANCE
Above: Kathryn Parks poses in front of Thomas Adams’ mural representing modern dance, one of a series of five murals recently completed at Rosemary Square. Above Left: Careth Christine’s mural invites viewers to immerse themselves in theatrical fantasy.
AT THE RINGLING
Spotlight Florida!
INEZ BARLATIER Moun-Moon FEB 21 & 22 7:30 PM
SAT, FEB 8 • 8PM
MON, FEB 10 • 8PM
TA SO RE! A R IE SAREM P
“FORTUNATE SON” “CENTERFIELD”
FRI, FEB 21 • 8:30PM
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Box Office: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Open Later on Show Days Prices, dates and times subject to change without notice.
INFORMATION + TICKETS
ringling.org
The Art of Performance is supported in part by the Shank Family Curator of Performance Endowment, and Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.
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“PROUD MARY” “BAD MOON RISING”
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
DON’T MISS CIRCUS SARASOTA 2020 The circus is in town and right at home. Circus Sarasota continues the circus tradition with its winter professional show. An international cast will perform acts requiring absolute precision, almost superhuman athleticism and a few laughs, all with all the trappings of circus showmanship people have come to expect for generations. Runs through March 1. IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Ulla Searing Big Top, 140 University Town Center Drive Tickets: $15-$55 Info: Call 355-9805.
puppeteer Aline Kuppenheim and playwright Guillermo Calderon in their interpretation of “Noche de los Feos,” or “Night of the Uglies,” an intimate story about loneliness and personal courage as seen through two people with physical deformities as they face their desire for love.
THURSDAY
MUSIC ON MAIN 6 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street Free Call 907-9243.
DAVID JACOBS-STRAIN AND BOB BEACH 7 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $18; members $15 Call 1-800-838-3006.
Can you get too much of a good thing? Not this good thing. The first Friday of every month, Lakewood Ranch throws a block party with food vendors, beer trucks, kids activities and music. This month, it’s swing time with Gloria West & The Gents, whose music is old school jazz with a dash of sultry. Proceeds will benefit Care2Tri, which helps athletes who are differently abled compete.
You couldn’t get much more of a blues experience on one stage. Slide guitarist David Jacobs Strain began playing street corners in his native Oregon and worked his way up, performing from here to Australia. Singer Bob Beach, who also plays a mean harmonica and flute, has been around himself — 40 years to be exact — and they both have a variety of sounds in their repertoires. BEETHOVEN’S ‘EROICA’ 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail From $25 Call 953-3434. A couple centuries ago, Beethoven’s innovative Symphony No. 3 pushed the boundaries of classical music. Join the Sarasota Orchestra and Artistic Advisor Jeffrey Kahane in this program that details why this is considered one of the most important compositions ever written, then listen to the entire symphony in this celebration of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.
RINGLING UNDERGROUND 8 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15; college students and members free Call 358-3180. It’s that time of the month for The Ringling’s hippest event, which yet again combines various creative mediums for one dynamic artistic experience. Enjoy live music by Palomino Blond, Glaze and the Equines. The event will also include a cash bar and light bites.
FRIDAY BARBARA KRUPP OPENING RECEPTION 6 p.m. at Dabbert Gallery, 46 S. Palm Ave. Free Call 955-1315. Always wanted to be multilingual but could never find the time? View Barbara Krupp’s “The Language of Color” exhibit, and see if you can’t instinctively pick up on what the abstract painter is saying, at least in a visceral response to her colorful images. Exhibit runs through Feb. 29. Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
60S 70S & 80
S
server for full *Restrictions apply. See
details.
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EXPIRES 1/26/20
*
JEFF DYE 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $24 Call 925-3869.
106.9 FM SARASOTA/BRADENTON • 95.9 FM VENICE 1220 AM ON THE FLORIDA SUNCOAST
SATURDAY 32ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 10 a.m. on Downtown Sarasota Main Street Free Call 746-6615. Consistently rated one of the nation’s top 100 art shows, this juried outdoor festival features 250 artists representing a full spectrum of media selected by an independent panel. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Sarasota Alliance. Runs through Sunday. LIDO BEACH WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. at Lido Beach, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive Free Call 487-8061.
Dye began as an MTV host before finishing as a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” He starred on “Better Late Than Never” and now focuses on spreading love and positivity through his stand-up. Runs through Sunday. ‘TEATRO Y SU DOBLE: FEOS’ 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $25-$35 Call 358-3180. The Ringling’s The Art of Performance series presents this Spanish (with English subtitles) collaboration between Chilean
Presented by Manatee Patchworkers www.manateepatchworkers.org
Friday, February 14, 2020 | 9:00-5:00 Saturday, February 15, 2020 | 9:00-4:00 Lots of beautiful quilts, vendors, silent auction, basket raffle, appraiser, quilts for sale and more, including our opportunity quilt drawing! Free parking. $7 at the door.
Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Boulevard, Palmetto, FL 34221
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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
THIS WEEK
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What’s this? Another art festival the same weekend? Why not? Stroll along one our finest area beaches while gazing at hundreds of works of art. The fourth annual edition of this art festival on the beach, presented by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association, features artists specializing in just about any media you can imagine. Runs through Sunday. ‘LA BOHÈME’ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $19 Call 328-1300. It’s a story almost as old as youth itself, a story of starvingartist types getting by mostly on dreams, passion and convictions. In a setting like that, romance blooms, burns brightly, then succumbs to reality. It’s been a popular story for generations. And Puccini’s operatic telling of that tale is practically required listening. Runs through March 21. SERGIO AND ODAIR ASSAD GUITAR DUO 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way $45-$49 Call 260-3306.
SUNDAY DRAG QUEEN BINGO BRUNCH 11 a.m. at Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch $48 Call 893-4321. Get your Sunday fun day started with a bang. When Beneva Fruitville puts together brunch and bingo, it’s quite an eye-opener. The package includes brunch, a cocktail, three games of bingo and more bawdy entertainment than you thought could fit in a Sunday morning. POETRYMIC 2 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 S. Palm Ave. Free Call 365-7900. Hear wordsmiths at their most artistic at this monthly event. The lineup includes professor and author Philip Terman, awardwinning poet and essayist Linda Albert, high school student Lily Karins, and writer and writing coach Linda Goodman Robiner.
RUNA 7 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $20; members $15 Call 1-800-838-3006. There’s a lot of common ground between traditional Scottish and Irish folk music and American jazz and bluegrass. For 10 years, CelticAmerican group Runa has combined the sounds of those cultures from both sides of the Atlantic until they touch, which creates a sound that’s traditional but all their own. SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL OSCAR PARTY 7 p.m. at SFF Cinematheque, 500 Tallevast Road, #105 $35; members $25 Call 364-9514. It’s such an obvious and terrific concept: Get movie fans together in a movie theater to watch the Academy Awards on the big screen. Make it like a red carpet event, with food
GuitarSarasota welcomes these Brazilian brothers who are masters of Latin and classical guitar. Their album with Yo Yo Ma won a Grammy for Best Classical Crossover. For this show, they will perform works by Bach, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Domenico Scarletti, George Gershwin, Claude Debussy, Astor Piazzolla and Antônio Carlos Jobim.
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and drinks with nominee-themed names, and TV-watching becomes an event. Food from Primo Ristorante is included with the ticket; drinks for purchase.
TUESDAY THE BLUE HERON SEXTET Noon at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail Free Call 225-6500. The Sarasota Concert Association’s free matinee concert series continues with The Blue Heron sextet. The group is led by saxophonist Harry Miedema, with trombonists David DeWit and Donald Parker, keyboardist Keith Carman, bassist Todd Jefferis and drummer Greg Caputo.
WEDNESDAY ‘INTO THE BREECHES!’ 1:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail From $33 Call 351-8000. The show must go on, World War II or no World War II. With a sudden lack of available men, it’s up to the women to keep the local theater going, even though the season calls for productions of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” and “Henry V.” With little experience but plenty of “We can do it” spirit, the women take on the men’s roles, on stage and off, and learn something about themselves. Runs through March 21.
OUR PICK LEWIS BLACK He rants and raves. He complains and criticizes in an endless torrent of consternation with a world that is driving him crazy. Is it any wonder Lewis Black is so popular with today’s audiences? Despite the impression that his head might explode at any moment, his humor makes insightful commentary about things most of us have only sworn uncontrollably about. IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets: $52-$97 Info: Call 953-3368.
ONLINE Find information on these events and more at YourObserver.com.
Sarasota Concert Association celebrates
The of
Passion Prokofiev a Great Performers Series concert
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti, conductor Feb 12 | Van Wezel
Maestro Riccardo Muti directs the CSO in this once-in-a-lifetime concert of Prokofiev’s Suite SARASOTA from Romeo and Juliet CONCERT ASSOCIATION and Symphony No. 3, Op. 44 (The Fiery Angel).
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The Knights
Gil Shaham, violin Feb 25 | Riverview PAC Represented by Opus 3 Artists
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941.225.6500 www.scasarasota.org
Riccardo Muti CSO Zell Music Director
4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Tickets still available!
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
COURSES OF TRUE LOVE N LOVE AMERICAN-STYLE
SU BYRON | CONTRIBUTOR
ot all date nights are created equal.
LUCKY PELICAN BISTRO Where: 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch Phone: 907-0589 Info: LuckyPelicanBistro.com
On Valentine’s Day, staying home and
watching Netflix is not the only way to go.
What follows is a Cupid’s quiver of hot spots. No cheap dates, but they’re all unforgettable.
FRENCH KISS PARIS BISTROT Where: 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch Phone: 388-0564 Info: ParisBistrotLWRr.com Ah, to be sitting with your sweetheart at a sidewalk cafe in Paris watching the world go by. If time or money makes that impossible, a ticket to Lakewood Ranch might be the next best thing. Owner Jean Christopher ran five bistros in France, so you’re in good hands. His authentic Gallic delights include French onion soup, moules à la Provençale (mussels with fresh tomato sauce), escargot, beef bourguignon, canard a l’orange and St. Jacques Beurre-Blanc (seared scallops in butter). Salut!
Photos by Klint Lowry
You know what the say oysters are good for — appetizers, particularly the roasted oysters.
Not in the mood for pricey and pretentious? Looking for an open, welcoming, egalitarian love feast? A place where everybody knows your name, and nobody puts on airs? Lucky Pelican Bistro is just what you’re looking for. This relaxed, family-friendly, all-American alternative offers the usual fresh-caught seafood suspects (and some landlubber fare as well). No Valentine’s Day specials, per se. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own VD menu. Start with a bottle of bubbles (the crisp Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut is an outstanding way to start a seafood feast) with some roasted oysters on the half shell. Where to go from there? We suggest the sake-glazed sea bass, but take your time — like love, a great meal can’t be hurried.
SOUNDS OF LOVE CAFÉ IN THE PARK Where: 2010 Adams Lane Phone: 361-3032 Info: CafeInThePark.org
Duck in a green pepper sauce will be on the Valentine’s Day menu.
Café in the Park is literally in a park — the idyllic Payne Park in downtown Sarasota. Chef/Owner Simone Steiff’s menu is a smorgasbord of reimagined comfort food. (At press time, she was still cooking up her Valentine’s Day menu. Rumor has
it, pink champagne will flow.) Along with the edible artistry, you can feast your ears on live music. The Valentine’s Day concert, starting at 7:30 p.m., features the smoking hot band Hymn for Her, with the husband-and-wife duo of Lucy Tight and Wayne Waxing. Their one-of-a-kind fusion of roots rock, bluegrass, alternative and folk will put smiles on your sweetheart’s face. We guarantee they’ll be playing your song.
& TM
Present the 2 ND ANNUAL
MARCH 6, 2020
Celebrity Emcee Meredith Michaels Jones & Company Co-Host, WSRZ 107.9
Many Thanks To Our Sponsors
Enjoy champagne, seated luncheon and cash bar. Featuring runway show, jewelry and other fashion trends from the casual to classic. Silent Auction.
Friday, March 6, 2020 • 11: 00am to 2: 30pm Horizon Insurance
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www.horizonins.net
SISTERHOOD FOR GOOD, INC. IS AN ALL-VOLUNTEER REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 (or 1-800-352-9832 en Español) OR GOING ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF THE DONATION IS RECEIVED BY SISTERHOOD FOR GOOD, INC. REGISTRATION #CH57279
Hyatt Regency Sarasota • 1000 Boulevard of the Arts Co-Chairs: Peggy Kronus & Lori Ruth
$85.00 each when purchased before February 15, 2020 $100.00 each when purchased from February 16 - March 6, 2020 Purchase tickets online at SisterhoodForGood.org/register Sponsorship Opportunities, email info@SisterhoodForGood.org or call 941.730.7900
Dress to impress in your best black & white attire.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
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ROOFTOP ROMANCE SAGE Where: 1216 First St. Phone: 445-5660 Info: SageSRQ.com For a night to remember, here’s our sage advice: Tell Cupid to aim his arrow at Sage in the historic downtown Sarasota Times building. Chef Christopher Covelli is cooking up a wicked, four-course Valentine’s Day feast that begins with a bespoke liquid masterpiece conjured up by mixologist Connor Bert. His holiday special: the “Rose Gold” stars rose-infused Wheatley vodka and sparkling cava. The menu also includes that aphrodisiac of the sea — lobster — along with more tempting tastes ($110 per person). Take your date to the next level for a nightcap on the open-air rooftop lounge. Beneath the sparkling stars and twinkling cityscape lights, you can point out the constellations and heavenly bodies. Or say nothing and gaze into the stars of your sweetheart’s eyes.
BEACHSIDE BLISS BEACH BISTRO Where: 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Phone: 778-6444 Info: BeachBistro.com
Courtesy photos
With quietly elegant dining downstairs and hot jazz upstairs, a couple could make an entire romantic evening at Euphemia Haye. Well, maybe not the whole evening.
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS ROMANCE EUPHEMIA HAYE Where: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Phone: 383-3633 Info: EuphemiaHaye.com Want more than a one-note romantic evening? Euphemia Haye strikes all the right chords. Downstairs is a rustic and romantic hideaway replete with art, antiques and intimate, candlelit tables overlooking gardens. Ascend to the Haye Loft, and the joint is jumping with live jazz and a sophisticated urban bar vibe. Start upstairs with a
swanky libation (a Chambord Royale, with raspberry liqueur and champagne, is a sexy thing to sip) and the anthems of local jazz heroes. Then head downstairs for a long and leisurely meal. The Valentine’s Day special? Pre-paid $150 per person reservations. (Items beyond the prix-fixe menu go on your card.) For more sweet nothings, don’t forget the dazzling dessert bar. A few steps away, Durant Park’s rambling shell paths await for a postprandial lovers’ stroll (and an aprèsdinner smooch) beneath the stars.
For a romantic setting, it’s hard to beat the Gulf view and exquisite dining at Beach Bistro.
Looking for somewhere sublime to pop the big question … or a flirty small one? Beach Bistro is the swoon-inducing setting to do it. The inventive proprietors, Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins, are constantly experimenting with a bold cuisine and a creative wine and spirits selection. Start your love scene outside on the sand with aperitifs, and then head inside and prepare to be wowed. Signature dishes on its Zagat award-winning menu include the Hudson Valley foie gras and the blissfully bewitching bouillabaisse. Exquisite memories are also on the menu, so take your time.
O P E N I N G F R I D AY N I G H T !
2020
Fri Feb 7 –
Sun Mar 1, 2020 Tickets: $15 - $55 20% Off Opening Weekend Under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park behind the Mall at UTC. Now Air Conditioned!
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Ann Morrison loosely based the Linda Lovely character from the solo piece she will perform during Winterfest on a real acquaintance. With a new split season, each performer has more time in the spotlight. Courtesy photo
SaraSolo Winterfest multiplies power of one MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR
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ne actor, one show. There’s power in that. SaraSolo Productions plugs into that energy. But starting this year, it’s doing things differently. Instead of two big weekends, it’s breaking it down to smaller festivals throughout the year. The new model begins with the upcoming SaraSolo Winterfest, which starts
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020 MICHAEL’S ON EAST | 5:30 P.M. SARASOTA, FLORIDA | BLACK TIE ENCOURAGED
EVENT CHAIRS: Nola and Larry Hietbrink, Jo and Stan Rutstein
PRESENTING SPONSOR Honoring Dean P. Sutherland, M.D. and announcing the Doreen Sutherland Memorial Fund
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For more information please contact 941-926-6413 or email maryjo@neurochallenge.org
Monday and runs through Saturday, Feb. 15, at New College’s Black Box Theater. Why the change? According to Artistic Director Ann Morrison and Managing Director Blake Walton, it’s a case of less is more. “We’d been spreading ourselves thin in the old model,” Morrison says. “Instead of 16 actor/playwrights doing only one performance, we now have four artists doing repeat performances. That
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acting troupe for people with developmental disabilities. Linda is based on a person in the company. Directed by Blake Walton. THERESA PUSKAR’S ‘CAUSELESS JOY’ FEB. 10, 13 AND 15 According to the American advertising industry, joy is external, and it usually comes with a price tag. According to most wisdom teachers, joy is free, and you find it by looking within. Puskar does exactly that, though she has to travel from America to India to do it. In this magical realist fable, Puskar encounters four fairy tale princesses who ignite her “causeless joy” with their own true stories of self-discovery.
ANN MORRISON’S ‘LINDA LOVELY GOES TO BROADWAY’ FEB. 11, 12 AND 15 Morrison’s show revolves around her friend Linda, a highly imaginative actress and writer. She also happens to have Down syndrome but doesn’t let it stop her Broadway ambitions. Linda heads off to New York. But her true odyssey, Morrison says: “It’s not just a physical journey from point A to point B. Linda goes on a journey of the soul, and she takes you with her.” Morrison’s play grew out of her real-life work with the Asolo Rep’s “Kaleidoscope”
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Experience You Can Trust for
SARASOLO WINTERFEST When: Feb. 10-15 Where: New College Black Box Theater, 5845 General Dougher Place Tickets: $20 per show; veterans and students $10; children under 12 free Info: Call 356-5674, or visit SaraSolo.org.
JOHNATHAN GILLARD DALY’S ‘AN EVENING OF CARL SANDBURG’ FEB. 11, 13 AND 14 Carl Sandburg was a 20th century troubadour. To state the obvious, he had a way with words, and he mesmerized audiences across America with his poems, stories and songs. Daly steps into Sandburg’s footsteps with an imaginative re-creation of one of his legendary performances. The result is more than a nostalgic mix of Sandburg’s poems, essays, children’s stories and folk songs. Daly offers a glimpse of the man behind the words. Directed by Gale Childs Daly.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
WHEN: Thursday, February 20th 5:30pm
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5911 N. Honore Ave. Suite 120 Sarasota, FL 34243 Light refreshments will be served.
BRIDGET BEAN’S ‘MRS. BLISS’S TITANIC ADVENTURE’ FEB. 10, 12 AND 14 Bean portrays a struggling actor whose career is rapidly sinking. She makes ends meet by portraying “Mrs. Bliss,” a character in a Titanic exhibit. Thanks to a twist in the space-time continuum, she’s transported back to the actual RMS Titanic. Unless she finds her way back, her career might be sinking for real. Or can history be changed? Directed by James Rayfield.
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lets the artists do more workshops and lectures.” Walton adds that the new model also empowers audiences. “Each solo performer offers a unique perspective on the human condition,” he says. “So we limited ourselves to four. That way, each creator gets the attention they deserve.” Here’s a glimpse at the upcoming one-person performances:
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The Lifespan of a Fact
Murder on the Orient Express
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
A MEAL THAT WILL MELT YOUR VALENTINE’S HEART
Giles Davies will take on the role of Antony from “Julius Caesar.”
Jim Sorensen will perform a monologue from “Henry V.”
Soliloquy and song from the ‘Sceptered Isle’ Chamber Orchestra, Urbanite Theatre doubleteam Shakespeare in ‘British Night.’
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and before you know it, you’re on the couch again binge-watching “The Crown.” That’s a real sticky wicket, but we won’t have a bit of it because the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota and Urbanite Theatre are combining their talents for a program to satisfy any appetite for Anglophilic entertainment. “British Night” will feature music by English composers from the Baroque to the present, with much of the program devoted to music inspired by the plays of William Shakespeare. “I have been fascinated by the
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M a rc h 1 1 – 2 2 , 2020 As we enter the festival’s second decade, we are especially proud to present a premiere line-up of 18 remarkable and diverse award-winning films. CO-CHAIRS CHERYL SHAPIRO AND BUNNY SKIRBOLL
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Our Opening Night Screening will feature Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles and a SPONSOR DINNER PARTY.
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Our Closing Event will feature the ONLY SCREENING of Never Again is Now. Special guests are Director Evelyn Markus and Rosa Zeegers, who both star in the film.
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CHRISTOPHER CONFESSORE guest conductor
relationship between music and Shakespeare for my entire professional career,” Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota Music Director Robert Vodnoy says. With America going through one of its periodic infatuations with all things British, “I thought this was a good time to explore the idea in a concert.” The Shakespeare/music relationship will come to life as actors from Urbanite Theatre perform Shakespearean monologues between the musical selections. Presenting Shakespeare’s words side-by-side with the music it inspired sounded good to Urbanite Theatre co-Artistic Director Brendan Ragan. “It’s certainly not a revolutionary idea to put spoken text with music,” Ragan says. “But to be presented in such a way where you can bounce back and forth between hearing classical text and hearing these classical arrangements is going to be a unique experience.” The program will include works by seven composers, six of whom — Henry Purcell, George Frideric Handel, Gustav Holst, Hubert Parry, Edward Elgar and William Walton — are among England’s greatest composers. The Shakespearean collaboration will make up the second half of “British Night.” The first half will be a more traditional chamber concert format, with songs chosen to create an atmosphere that’s “eminently British,” Vodnoy says. Excerpts from Parry’s “An English Suite” open the concert, followed by Holst’s “A Fugal Concerto” and closing with Elgar’s “Serenade for Strings.” For the second, Shakespearean half, Ragan and actors Katie Cross, Giles Davies, Enoch King and Jim Sorensen will deliver monologues from “Hamlet,” “Henry V,” “Julius Caesar,” and DaRuMa-ValentinesAd.pdf
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Enoch King will play Theseus from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
IF YOU GO ‘BRITISH NIGHT’ When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Church of the Redeemer, 222. S. Palm Ave. Tickets: $25; students $15 Info: Visit RedeemerSarasota.org/chamber-orchestraof-sarasota. GREAT ESCAPES 5
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” alternating with compositions inspired by the plays. “I chose the music first,” Vodnoy says. “I knew the pieces that I thought would make a nice program. And then because I knew the plays, I started thinking about what monologues would introduce the music and shed light on the music.” The one exception to that was wanting a monologue by Ophelia, from “Hamlet,” in which she mourns her father’s death. Vodnoy knew the perfect piece to go with it: “Elegy,” something Tchaikovsky wrote for a production of “Hamlet.” But what about the all-British theme? Well, Vodnoy says, Tchaikovsky was presented an honorary degree from Oxford, so that more or less makes him an honorary Englishman — close enough. As carefully as the program was planned, “We’re actually working independently,” Ragan says. “I’m directing these actors independently on their monologues. The orchestra has also been working on its own. We’re not going to put it all together until very near the performance, which is going to be sort of exciting.” “It’ll be a true mashup,” Ragan says. “We’ll trade it back and forth, which I think is fun.” 10:28 AM
Turn Up The
This Valentines Day Hibachi Style Or join us in our Sushi Lounge
heart and soul
Get ready to swoon and sway with your heart and soul at our coveted Valentine’s themed concert. From Gershwin’s Crazy for You to Williams’ Far and Away to the ever-popular music from Titanic, Carousel and Saturday Night Fever, each romantic melody will provide a special spark for a memorable week of love.
February 12-16
LOVE
Holley Hall
CHAMBER CONCERT:
TRIANGLE
February 9
4:00 pm | Holley Hall
The love triangle between Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms has fascinated historians for more than a century. Surviving letters reveal that Brahms fell deeply in love with Clara after Robert was institutionalized. Although historians disagree on whether Brahms and Clara ever acted on their feelings, we can hear the depth of emotion in their music. Explore love in Clara’s Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Robert’s Three Romances for Oboe and Piano, and Brahms’ Sextet, written in 1864 while visiting his beloved Clara. Tickets from $42 for Heart and Soul From $30 for Love Triangle
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Katie Cross will perform a monologue as Ophelia from “Hamlet.”
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‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ wages war of the words MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC
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f you get the facts wrong, can you still tell the truth? Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell’s “The Lifespan of a Fact” wrestles with that question in the latest Asolo Rep production. John D’Agata (Gene Weygandt) submits an essay to an unnamed glossy magazine based in New York City. (Think Harpers or The New Yorker.) His essay revolves around a young man’s suicidal leap from the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas. The story is heartbreaking; the prose is poetic and shattering. But it still needs to be fact-checked. D’Agata sent the copy Wednesday. The presses roll Monday, and it’s the lead story.
The hard-pressed editor Emily (Tracy Michelle Arnold) hands off the draft to Jim Fingal (Derek Speedy), a nerdy young intern. He starts pulling at the threads of different facts, and the essay unravels like an old sweater. Are the bricks below the tower brown or red? Did it take him nine seconds to fall? The obsessive intern compiles a 130-page spreadsheet of errors, guesses, misattributions, confabulations, fibs and fables. Jim bugs the writer on the phone — then shows up at his doorstep in Las Vegas. Emily shows up too and saves Jim from strangulation by the irate author. A Socratic dialogue ensues on the limits of poetic license. D’Agata thinks like a storyteller. He’s not a flat-out liar
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WE DONATE 25 CENTS PER POUND TO THE ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK
IF YOU GO ‘THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT’ When: Through March 19 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $28-$97 Info: Call 351-8000, or visit AsoloRep.org.
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like Stephen Glass. The core story is true, but he tweaked a few details for tone and rhythm. What color were the bricks? Who cares? As D’Agata sees it, that’s irrelevant to the meat of the story. Jim thinks like a journalist: Facts are facts. Full stop. Their debate is far from academic. The presses are ready to roll, and Emily has a decision to make. She either spikes the story and substitutes fluff or runs it with a few begrudging corrections. Director Celine Rosenthal goes for the laughs. The bulk of the play comes off as a contemporary screwball comedy. Weygandt’s author is sitting pretty on a high horse. D’Agata knows he’s good and resents being questioned by some punk intern. Weygandt’s portrayal walks a fine line between gravitas and irritability. Speedy’s Jim claims to be a disinterested truth crusader — but he clearly wants
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to knock the big-name author off his saddle, a great comic performance that stops short of caricature. Arnold’s Emily shows grace under pressure. She’s staring a double-barreled deadline in the face. She tries to do the right thing, not the easy thing. Brian Prather’s set design shifts from the minimal magazine office to the author’s shabby ranch house. Projections create a sense of ephemeral communications bouncing around in cyberspace. Jen Caprio’s costumes hilariously capture the indifferent fashion sense of writers and editors. Words are all that count, so who needs a dress code? The play’s truth versus beauty debate is funny, fascinating and never dumbed down. The tone isn’t serious; the discussion is dead serious. Nothing less than the uneasy future of American publishing is at stake. Now, you’re probably wondering what the editor finally decides. Does she kill the essay or run it? The playwrights punt the question. The play shifts focus from granular fact-checking to the story itself. The actors speak snippets of the young man’s tragedy in D’Agata’s beautiful, moving words. Should those words be changed? You decide. The real-life war of the words was far more complicated. (You can read about it in D’Agata and Fingal’s book.) To fit the facts in an 80-minute, one-act play, the playwrights compressed events and invented the editor character. But give them a pass. It’s a fictionalized account, and the authors don’t pretend otherwise. To state an obvious fact … Real journalists don’t have that luxury.
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Cliff Role
Tracy Michelle Arnold (center) plays an editor caught in a battle of wills and journalistic standards between a meticulous factchecker (Derek Speedy) and a celebrated narrative journalist (Gene Weygandt).
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Courtesy photo by Frank Atura
Sarasota Ballet depicts a celebration of life in Italy in Dominic Walsh’s “I Napoletani.”
‘Redefined Steps’ points dancers in 3 directions SARA RACHON DANCE CRITIC
T
he Sarasota Ballet is about midway through the 20192020 season. The dancers have performed choreography by George Balanchine, Ricardo Graziano and Kenneth MacMillan with excellence. They have even transformed into clowns, trapeze artists and acrobats in Matthew Hart’s “John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker.” Program four brought three additional, and very different, choreographers to this season’s lineup. Seven shows of “Redefined Movement” were performed this past weekend at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Friday evening’s performance opened with Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Les Rendezvous,” a light charmer that embodies the sophistication of Ashton’s style. Set with blue skies and white park gates and to cheerful Daniel Auber music, the ballet creates an upbeat and refreshing mood. Kate Honea and Ricardo Rhodes were quite convincing as the lead couple. Honea was airy and graceful but still technically sound. She sailed through her steps, never forgetting the subtle gestures, pauses and other Ashton details. Rhodes’s giant split leaps and precise double tours made his performance memorable. Despite a few opening night jitters, the ensemble was impressive. Even the newest company members donned the
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Ashton upper body-bending and -sweeping movement throughout. Samantha Benoit was fun and flirty with her two partners in the marathon pas de trois. Next up was the highlight of the performance, and possibly that of the season thus far: the company premier of Paul Taylor’s “Brandenburgs,” set to Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3 and 6. The classically trained Sarasota Ballet dancers took to the Taylor style entirely. They performed every turn, leap and fall with organic ease. Danielle Brown and Ellen Overstreet danced with pure joy and a wonderful breadth of movement. Marcelo Gomes was spectacular both in his solo section and while partnering with the three ladies. He mastered the demands of the choreography while defining the space around him. The evening’s final piece was Dominic Walsh’s “I Napoletani.” Set to an assortment of music, including Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater,” the ballet highlights aspects of Italian culture. First performed by the company in 2008, it’s nice to see Walsh using a mixture of newcomers and previous cast members. Highlights included Brown in Gomes in the touching “‘O Surdato ’Nnammurato” pas de deux and Graziano in the final solo, “O Sole Mio.” The entire ensemble brought an infectious energy to the fast-paced “Pizza” section. “Redefined Movement” left us how every performance should — inspired, fulfilled and excited for the next.
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In with the new
Bayfront Sarasota The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Legendary service and amenities | TheResidencesSarasota.com From the $2,500,000s | 941.702.2300 | Preview Gallery 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Masterworks 4 reveals itself in a satisfying way EDWARD ALLEY MUSIC CRITIC
T
he fourth set of Masterworks concerts by the Sarasota Orchestra presented a guest conductor, an unusual program and a dazzling soloist — quite a combination. Guest conductor Ludovic Morlot, returning to the Sarasota Orchestra podium some 13 years after his first visit, offered a program of Leoš Janáček, Claude Debussy and Antonín Dvorák, with violin soloist Sarah Chang, which I heard Sunday afternoon. At first, I was rather puzzled with the selections because Janáček, Debussy and Dvorak seemed like an odd mix, but as the orchestra played these pieces, the reasoning behind the programming became clear. Janáček composed his opera “The Cunning Little Vixen” in 1926, and the two-movement suite extracted includes some of the preludes, themes and motives used throughout the opera. Obviously, Janáček was familiar with Debussy and his music; these two movements are virtually “Czech impressionism,” given their ambiguous chords, progressions and etherial quality. The atmospheric and wandering themes gave the wind soloists of the orchestra ample opportunity to shine forth at their best. Yes, it was new to orchestra and audience but a most inter-
Courtesy photo
Sarah Chang’s energetic stage presence and refined playing dazzled the audience.
Courtesy photo by Brandon Patoc
A former violinist, guest conductor Ludovic Morlot is adept at his handling of the string section.
esting and intriguing offering. It really made me want to see the opera and how all this music was eventually developed. Morlot is an interesting conductor. He recently left the Seattle Symphony after eight triumphant seasons and was named conductor emeritus upon his departure. His conducting is simple, straightforward and all about the music. He is a former violinist, and his care and molding of the sound of the strings of the orchestra bears this out. He shapes his phrases musically and is intent
on both orchestral color and balance —most important in this program. Morlot’s French heritage came to the fore in his interpretation of “Iberia,” from Debussy’s “Images for Orchestra.” Debussy’s Spain is a very French one yet different from that of Ravel and Chabrier, and certainly of Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakoff. Each of the three movements is a kaleidoscope of orchestral color, again with outstanding solos by Betsy Traba, flute; Bharat Chandra, clarinet; Nick Arbo-
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lino, English horn, together with concertmaster Daniel Jordan and principal violist Rachel Halvorson. Each of the three movements swept the audience into “streets and byways,” “fragrances of the night” and “morning of the festival day” with great splashes of orchestral color, themes and rhythm that define Debussy as the father and master of musical impressionism. Dvorák originally wrote his “Legends” as a series of 10 short pieces for piano duet but later orchestrated them at the request of his publisher. The three selections we heard were simple, songlike works, but they were well-rooted in the Czech folk tradition and also kept the pastoral feeling of the
Janáček piece very much alive. Everyone was well primed for Chang and her performance of the Dvorák Violin Concerto. Although it is not as popular as the concertos by Brahms, Tchaikovsky and others, it is a major concerto that deserves to be hear more often. Chang is indeed a prodigious player, with charm, elan and technique to burn. Hers is not a big, heroic sound but compact and concentrated. It seems that one of the “dead spots” on the Van Wezel stage happens to be where the soloists stand. Nevertheless, Chang’s artistry and passion was certainly in evidence. She does often end her phrases with gestures of grandeur, but her overall musicality and just sheer ability with the instrument put all of this in the background. Her playing of this concerto was superb, from the first movement through the most lyrical moments of the second, to the musically and technically challenging music of the final Furiant, which ended the piece in a burst of technical agility. This was indeed a virtuoso performance. So what seemed at first like a rather odd bit of programming turned out to be a special afternoon of music making and music understanding. And the Sarasota Orchestra performed with its usual skill, versatility and just good music making.
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