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The comedian, writer, actress and Broadway dancer brings her act to Sarasota. PAGE 6

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PERFECT HARMONY No two violins are the same. In a special loan, Sarasota Orchestra Concertmaster Daniel Jordan found his musical match in a love story more than 300 years in the making.

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The Academy Awards ceremony airs Sunday.

We offer up our picks.

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‘The Italian Girl in Algiers’ Sarasota Opera delivers hilarity. PAGE 12

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

Love at first sight. Soul mates — call it what you will. But when you find The One, you just know.

For some, it takes a lifetime. For Daniel Jordan, it took less than 15 seconds. From the moment the Sarasota Orchestra concertmaster first dragged his bow across the strings of the ex Humphreys Guarneri of Mantua, he knew he had found the violin of his dreams.

The introduction took place in fall 2015 — 320 years after famed Italian violinmaker Pietro Guarneri first built the instrument.

With the rare benefit of being highly skilled as both a builder and a professional musician, Guarneri distinguished himself from his father and brother, both noted violinmakers, by building his instruments with a higher body arch, creating a distinct sound he hoped would emulate the human voice.

More than three centuries and countless players later, the rare violin — one of only about 60 the master built — was in Jordan’s hands onstage at Holley Hall.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Love at first sound FROM PAGE 1

Courtesy photo

were more valuable instruments in the selection. But Jordan knew he had found his match.

And he wasn’t alone.

“After Dan had played all the instruments, I knew there was a magic to this one,” says Ric Heinl, president of Geo. Heinl & Co., who was sitting in the balcony during the test. “They all had

their merits. Some kicked right to the back of the hall like a laser beam, but I told Dan that this one was different. It sounded like it was playing — almost speaking — directly to me, and me alone. Mrs. Steinwachs leaned over and said, ‘I thought it was playing just to me!’ That was the aha moment.”

Above: Dan Jordan with the 1695 ex Humphreys Guarneri, named after Sydney Humphreys, the violinist who last played the rare instrument. The two never met, but Jordan says he feels connected to him.

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He, along with Longboat Key philanthropists Paul and Sharon Steinwachs, master luthier Ric Heinl, renowned violinist James Ehnes and other orchestra staff, was at the concert hall for a private blind test, in which he sampled six rare antique violins. It was part of a unique philanthropic investment by the Steinwachs Family Foundation to donate a rare violin to the Sarasota Orchestra.

Unlike most antiques, a violin requires regular playing to maintain its condition. Daniel Jordan would be that player.

But as musicians, collectors and experts will tell you, no two violins sound quite the same. And the Steinwachs wanted Jordan to find the perfect fit.

So Jordan took the stage, and one by one, he sampled the six violins — some of the finest in the world, valued at millions of dollars. But the test was blind, and the instruments were only referenced by number.

“It’s kind of like meeting a spouse,” Jordan says. “You can have all the boxes checked on paper, but if you don’t have that immediate connection, it’s just not the right fit.”

Although he says the Guarneri wasn’t the easiest violin to play, Jordan connected with its sound right away.

The violin, by his own admission, had its faults. It needed extensive restorations. There

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STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

Nick Friedman

The violin has its own humidity-monitored, hard-shell case, designed to withstand the weight of a truck. As one of only about 60 violins created by Italian violinmaker and musician Pietro Guarneri, it’s especially rare.

AN INVESTMENT WITH IMPACT

Antique instruments can be good investments. In the 1980s, an antique Stradivarius could fetch somewhere around $300,000. In 2011, one sold for $15.6 million.

Jordan’s violin is insured for more than $1 million, a fact that “is not lost on me,” he says.

Unlike a typical investment, however, one can’t simply purchase a hundreds-of-years-old violin, place it in a vault and wait for it to appreciate.

A violin, in fittingly poetic fashion, must be played to be preserved. The vibrations created by dragging the bow across the strings keeps the wood healthy — without a player, the instrument will eventually deteriorate.

Paul and Sharon Steinwachs have been purchasing rare antique violins for more than 20 years, often anonymously loaning them to orchestras around the country.

In fall 2015, through the Steinwachs Family Foundation, they wanted to do the same for the Sarasota Orchestra. For them, it was more than an investment.

It was an opportunity to have a career-changing impact on a musician and benefit the orchestra and Sarasota’s arts community as a whole.

Once they chose the violin, they also purchased two bows: a rare Dominique Peccate from the 1840s, which is reserved for special performances, and another, which serves as Jordan’s workhorse. Unlike the instruments themselves, bows eventually deteriorate with use.

“We’ve come to enjoy this so much that we don’t look at it as an investment anymore,” says Paul Steinwachs. “It’s a way to help out the arts. These artists are so talented. Having the opportunity to play on an instrument like this

can change their whole career.

When Dan told me how the violin has allowed him to create sounds and express himself like he never thought possible — it sent chills up my spine.”

In an initial agreement with the foundation, Jordan gets to play the violin for three years, with the flexibility to renew.

For Jordan, the whole thing feels like a love story — he jokes it’s like something out of a farfetched romantic comedy.

“It’s like a relationship,” he says. “The more I discover, the more I connect. It’s rejuvenated me, inspired me as a musician and totally changed the sound of our string section. I’m able to express a whole range of color and interpretation I never knew was possible. The team of me, this bow and this violin are able to play more than just the notes — the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

How exactly does a violin come to last hundreds of years? Unlike most antiques, violins actually benefit from use. Playing the instrument creates vibrations crucial to what experts call “memory.”

And not all violins are cut from the same musical cloth — some, depending on their origins, inherently stand a better chance of lasting for centuries.

Master luthier Ric Heinl, president of Canadian violin experts and antiquarians Geo. Heinl & Co., explains.

“When you play a violin, it vibrates, flexes and moves in an optimal fashion. It’s made of wood, which has memory. So the more you exercise it, stretch it and flex it, the better it gets.

But if the vibrations aren’t there, it goes to sleep and loses that memory. If you put a bow on the strings, you can wake it up. But just like you, if you lay in bed for a year, then jump up to run a marathon, it’s not going to happen.

“They actually continue to get better. Wood is a natural product, so unless it’s abused or altered, it’s not going to deteriorate.

If it’s properly maintained and exercised, it will get better and better with age.

“When you think of great violinmakers, these weren’t just makers selling wares. They enjoyed the eye of the court — dukes and kings. These instruments were commissioned and slated to go to first-rate players, then passed down from one great player to another.

So with lesser makers, the chances are smaller that a fine artist will play it, maintain it and protect it.

“Why is the paper trail not better on this violin? The answer is world conflict.

Throughout history, with wars taking place and boundaries moving, people are fleeing with their family jewels. The physical history gets lost, and in many cases, intentionally destroyed. People would take the labels out, so they wouldn’t be discovered and confiscated.

It’s important for us to do research and make sure an instrument is not connected to atrocities. But it’s just like the art world; people are still finding paintings misattributed to one master. The element of mystery is always there.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

IN STEP

American Ballet Theatre Principal Marcelo Gomes has performed all over the world. Now he’s immersing himself in the Sarasota ballet as a guest performer.

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

Marcelo Gomes was first introduced to the Sarasota Ballet in January. The principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, performed with ABT in “A Celebration of Two Worlds.”

But he says the company’s reputation preceded it.

“There is definitely a buzz about the Sarasota Ballet,” says Gomes. “They’re already getting so much recognition. Their performance at the Joyce [Theater] in New York was really successful, and that’s not easy to do with the volume of companies that come through.”

Now, he says he’s confirming that reputation firsthand. After the performance in January, Sarasota Ballet Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri and Director Iain Webb were so impressed they invited him to return March 10 and 11 — this time as a guest artist in “The Two Pigeons” in the company’s tribute to Sir Freder-

ick Ashton.

For the past two weeks, Gomes has immersed himself in the world of the Sarasota Ballet — meeting the dancers, forging relationships and learning a new ballet.

“As dancers, we have a critical eye,” he says. “My colleagues had seen them in New York, and they told me how well they danced.

Being here, I see how right they were — I see all the work they put in and the passion they have.”

We spoke with Gomes about learning a new ballet, immersing himself in the Sarasota Ballet and his love for Ashton’s work.

“MAGGIE HAD a vision of me dancing the part of the young artist. I watched the ballet, and I thought it was so great, and her instincts were completely right.

In a lot of Ashton ballets, there’s pretty mature acting. They seem like simple stories — two birds that reunite as lovers — but there’s so much more to it. I found the role had many different layers and textures, and that really appealed to me.

Photos by Frank Atura

Marcelo Gomes and Kate Honea rehearse Sir Frederick Ashton’s “The Two Pigeons.”

“ANY TIME a dancer has the opportunity to dance an Ashton ballet, I would say do it. It enriches not only you, but also the whole group. Ashton’s ballets are a team effort; it’s really about the big picture.

“THIS IS a love-triangle story.

My character wants to experience something else in his life

that he doesn’t have, and he leaves his girlfriend to be with a gypsy woman. Eventually, he comes back, with the pigeons, realizing he’s made a mistake and asks for forgiveness.

“WHEN YOU’RE young there is a period when you ask yourself if the grass is greener. I like playing characters that, throughout the

course of an evening, go on that journey and learn some kind of lesson.

“I’M NOT the type of dancer who comes in and wants to just do things my way. I want to know exactly what the energy of the company is and exactly how they work. They’re such hard workers and amazing dancers.

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“IAIN AND Maggie know this ballet forward and backward, but they were so open to communication. If there was a different emotion, or I want to touch the dancer this way, or turn her head a little bit more toward me, they were so open, as long as it had the same feeling as it did before.

“AS AN Ashton fan, it’s great.

You wonder what they would’ve thought of your performance. So you think about them and their legacy, as well as those who have worked with them, and you try to honor that and still interpret it and make it your own.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

THURSDAY ‘THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS’ 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $19 to $125 Call 328-1300.

The Sarasota Opera presents this opera in two acts by Gioacchino Rossini.

MASTERWORKS: ESTONIAN VOICES 8 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 840 26th St. W., Bradenton $33 Call 953-3434.

DONT MISS

The Sarasota Orchestra’s Masterworks series features the world renowned, Grammy Awardwinning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY The Sarasota Ballet presents one of America’s most influential modern dance companies, Paul Taylor Dance Company. Runs through Sunday.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Friday Where: FSU Center For Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $35 to $110 Info: Call 359-0099.

FRIDAY CREATESRQ 6 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. $250 Call 366-5731.

Formerly An Evening of Excellence, the culmination of this student arts competition celebrates young local talent and support for educational initiatives with a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, a live auction and mobile bidding.

RITA RUDNER 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $40 Call 925-3869.

Comedian, playwright, Broadway dancer and actress Rita Rudner performs in Sarasota through Saturday.

VON STRANTZ WITH KRISTOPHER JAMES 7 p.m. at Liby’s L-Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave. Free Call 487-7300.

Von Strantz, a musical duo combining violin, cello, keyboards and guitar, joins local singer/songwriter Kristopher James.

‘IT’S SO CLASSIC’ 8 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 840 26th St. W., Bradenton $15; $5 for students Call 752-5252.

SATURDAY LE MARCHE BOHEMIEN 10 a.m. at Five Points Park, downtown Sarasota Free This Parisian-inspired outdoor marketplace features an eclectic selection of art, vintage finds and other collectibles.

SIESTA KEY CRAFT FESTIVAL 10 a.m. in the Siesta Key Village, 5124 Ocean Blvd.

Free This 23rd annual craft festival features creations from more than 100 crafters,including photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more. Runs through Sunday.

BEERTOPIA 6 p.m. at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court $50 Call 355-7685.

The ninth annual Beertopia features beer, wine and local cuisine, as well as live music and a silent auction.

Bradenton Symphony Orchestra presents the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

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COOLIN’ UNDER THE BIG TOP 7 p.m. at Big Top Brewing Co., 6111 B Porter Way Free Call 371-2939.

Art, Rhymes & Beer unveils its new event series, featuring monthly mini shows between its three larger annual shows. This month’s lineup includes the Jewel Tones, live artists Rae Grand and Careth Arnold and Solid Slab BBQ. Event will benefit National Alliance to End Homelessness.

NICK’S PICK BRENDAN AND THE STRANGEST WAYS, D.B. ROUSE, THE BIG LONESOME AND LESA SILVERMORE American folk rockers Brendan and the Strangest Ways, from Buffalo, N.Y., folk artist D.B. Rouse, from Milwaukee and The Big Lonesome, an indie-rock / alt country band from Boston, join local indie

‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’ 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.worry, Don’t $19 to I T$125 ’ S S M A R T S T R A N D. Call 328-1300.

SUNDAY LES PAUL AND MARY FORD TRIBUTE CONCERT 7 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $10 Call 894-6469.

Featuring songs including “I Really Don’t Want to Know,” “There’s No Place Like Home,” “How High the Moon,” and “Vaya con Dios,” the Les Paul and Mary Ford Tribute Show will transport listeners back in time.

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MARCO SARTOR, vibes flowing through the rest of Where: Growler’s Pub, CLASSICAL GUITARIST your work week.

2831 N. Tamiami Trail 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Tickets: Free Universalist Church of Sarasota, Info: Call 487-7373.

3975 Fruitville Road MONDAY $30 to $35 Call 371-4974.

MUSIC MONDAYS: NEW YORK Uruguay-born classical guitarPHILHARMONIC ORGANIST ist Marco Sartor performs as a KENT TRITTLE part of GuitarSarasota’s 10:30 a.m. at Church of the concert series.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

’50S SHINDIG 5:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $250 Call 366-9017, Ext. 316.

FST rolls back the clock to celebrate its supporters with this ’50s-themed fundraising event.

TUESDAY ‘SWAN LAKE’ 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail $36 to $46 Call 953-3368.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre returns to the Van Wezel with the iconic “Swan Lake.”

WEDNESDAY BARRY WORDSWORTH 6 p.m. at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35 Call 359-0099.

The Sarasota Ballet’s Inside The Studio series continues with Barry Wordsworth, music director laureate with The Royal Ballet.

Kent Trittle, of the New York Philharmonic, joins Sarasota Institute for Lifetime Learning’s regular Music Mondays series.

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the

T wo P igeons Performed as a part of A Tribute to Ashton

A Tribute to Ashton 10 - 11 March 2017

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sir Frederick Ashton’s SCÈNES DE BALLET THE TWO PIGEONS

Featuring Guest Principal Marcelo Gomes

The Sarasota Ballet Box Office 941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

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Star of American Ballet Theatre

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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Stupidity and democracy don’t mix in ‘Born Yesterday.’

Joanna Parisi as Cio-Cio San, Madama Butterfly Photo by: Rod Millington

NOW PLAYING – MARCH 25 ADDED PERFORMANCE: SUNDAY, MAR 12, 7:30 PM

Photos by Cliff Roles

Garson Kanin’s “Born Yesterday” tells the story of Billie Dawn coming into her own.

“A scenically and vocally beautiful production of Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly.’”

—June LeBell, The Observer

MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC

Asolo Rep concludes its “Washington trilogy” of political plays with Garson Kanin’s “Born Yesterday.” Superficially, it’s an Americanized update of “My Fair Lady.” In this case, a cultured writer teaches lessons of art, culture and language to a former showgirl; he sets her mind free and falls in love with the results.

But there’s more to it.

Kanin’s play unfolds in America’s post-WWII boom years.

Thuggish Harry Brock is a junkyard king who got rich off wartime scrap-metal drives. Melting down the rusting war machines scattered across Europe is his new peacetime business model.

But it’ll take an act of Congress to get the law out of his way. So, Harry installs his entourage in a

NOW PLAYING – MARCH 25

NEXT PERFORMANCE: TONIGHT, THU, FEB 23, 7:30 PM

“Every voice on stage in this wonderful new production ... is a fine one.”

—June LeBell, The Observer All operas sung in the original language with real-time English translations above the stage.

WINTER FESTIVAL

OPERAS OPENING SOON

5 Gray Bkg.:Layout 1 11/9/15 8:18 PM Page 1

Poulenc’s historic drama: Dialogues of the Carmelites MARCH 4–24

Montemezzi’s thriller: The Love of JANUARY 14—APRIL 10, 2017 Three Kings MARCH 11–26 JANUARY 14—APRIL 10, 2017

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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four-star Washington hotel and goes shopping for senators. His underlings include Ed Devery (Eric Hissom), a shady, alcoholic lawyer; Eddie Brock (Jacob Sherburne), Harry’s brother, enforcer and errand boy; and Billie Dawn (Christina DeCicco), a bubbly, ex-chorus girl — more than girlfriend, less than wife.

The kid’s no dope; she always beats the junk king at cards.

But she sounds like Betty Boop, which gets on the nerves of the Beltway insiders whom Harry’s wooing. Having never seen a hard-boiled detective movie, Harry hires a handsome young reporter to tutor her — Paul Verrall (Christopher Kelly). He wises Billie up to double negatives, the United States Constitution, and her own complicity. She’s always blindly signing Harry’s legal papers. Turns out, she’s the real owner of most of the junkman’s

P U B L I C

A F F A I R S

C O M M I T T E E

An Evening JANUARY 14—APRIL 10, 2017

with

Bret Stephens

Foreign Affairs Columnist and Editorial Board Member, The Wall Street Journal

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Bubbly with Bret: Private Meet & Greet* p.m. • Private Pre-Reception and Meet & Greet Choose5:00-6:15 The Home of Hannah & Norman Weinberg Address provided upon RSVP. No charges to attend this pre-reception.

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For more information contact Nina Uribe at 954.382.6110 or nuribe@aipac.org

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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AFTER

Photos by Cliff Roles

2161 Siesta Drive, Sarasota | ritamedicalelite.com

“Born Yesterday” takes a strong stance on intellect, encouraging wising up.

IF YOU GO ‘BORN YESTERDAY’ When: Runs through April 15 Where: at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Tickets: $27 to $80 Info:Call 351-8000 or visit asolorep. org for more information.

�orida studio theatre

Lies

R! E V O ELD

H

"humor and heart" - sarasota herald-tribune

Clever

Little

by Joe DiPietro

A COMEDY OF SEX, LOVE, AND SECRETS

“heartbreaking, truthful” -sarasota magazine

“KNOCK OUT” -The Observer

“POWERFUL”

-Sarasota herald-tribune

by Kimber Lee

941-366-9000 Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

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ing, expecting the next punch.

As Senator Hedges, Don Walker shows the charisma that got his character elected. But he’s a folksy fraud. He’s a sell-out and he knows it, and his face occasionally shows it. Hissom is mordantly funny as Harry’s lawyer. He’s perpetually stewed on alcohol and self-hatred, mumbling wisecracks that stop short of open rebellion.

Kanin’s laugh-a-minute civics lesson unfolds in an overstuffed luxury hotel room from the late 1940s and the period costumes you’d expect to see at that time.

Not surprisingly, these evocative visual elements have a consistent look. Robert Perdizola designed both set and costumes.

It adds up to a lot of fun. But those lessons are never far away.

There’s one big lesson: Babies are mindless and cute. Mindless adults aren’t so cute. “Born Yesterday” takes a strong, anti-stupidity position. It’s a play about wising up. As Paul educates Billie, so Garson Kanin educates the audience. The second big lesson: Once you know, you’re responsible to act.

The Harry Brock of this play gets away with his tactics because nobody stands up to him. His real-world counterparts won’t give up without a fight. But giving them what they want is a very stupid idea.

Deysha Nelson and Wesley T. Jones. Photo by Matthew Holler.

assets — a convenient liability cushion. Harry’s dummy assets are safe, so long as Billie remains a dummy. Thanks to Paul, Billie gets wise and stands up to Harry.

Stripped of jokes, the play’s civics lessons have all the subtlety of a thumb in your eye.

But Kanin stuffed his play with comedy, softening the serious points. This mix of laugh and lesson creates a high level of difficulty for directors.

Play this material too broad, and it’s cartoony. Play it too heavy, and it’s preachy. Director Peter Amster simply plays it realistically. His finesse gets past stereotypes and makes you believe in individual characters.

DeCicco is outstanding as the loud, silly, funny, good-hearted, but not-so-dumb Billie. “Dumb blonde” isn’t who she is; it’s a role she’s trapped in. Watching her character escape it is pure joy. Christopher Kelly is understated as Paul Verrall: Billie’s new love, a man of the mind and stand-in for the playwright.

Norm Boucher’s Harry moves like an ex-prizefighter. Boucher brings a convincing physical intimidation to the role. Harry thinks he’s a good guy, but he’s a bad guy. He’s a rude, crude, bellowing bully who makes all the other characters live in fear. His brother (Sherburne) is a single raw nerve — constantly flinch-

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BEFORE

�oridastudiotheatre.org

Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

Plan to attend our

1241 N. Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota

SWIMWEAR, RESORTWEAR & ACCESSORIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Spring Travel Show

Our fit specialist will find you the perfect suit for your body

Now is the time to plan your next vacation.

Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies who will be available to answer all of your questions. Learn all about exciting offers and what’s new for 2017 and beyond.

Norwegian Cruise Line - NCL Oceania Cruises Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Seabourn Cruises Tauck Tours Viking River & Ocean Cruises

DATE: Thursday, March 9 TIME: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: VIP World Travel office 4971 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235 • (941) 377-0017

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Special show offers & booking incentives for all that attend

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Critic’s Picks The 89th Academy Awards airs this weekend.

We offer our picks in the major categories.

PAM NADON FILM CRITIC

E

xpect fireworks at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony — and not the type that light up the sky. This year’s nominees all meet the caliber of what constitutes great filmmaking.

And honoring those who inspire us deserves applause. The 2017 Academy Awards ceremony airs at 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 26, on ABC. Redcarpet coverage kicks off at 7 p.m.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS n Viola Davis: “Fences” n Naomie Harris: “Moonlight” n Nicole Kidman: “Lion” n Octavia Spencer: “Hidden Figures” n Michelle Williams: “Manchester by the Sea” Our pick: Michelle Williams’ screen time amounts to cameo status, but it’s a performance so tragically powerful that it defines desperation as no other has.

Most likely: Viola Davis reprises her Tony Award-winning role on the big screen as a stand-byyour-man wife whose life suddenly falls apart at the seams. She once again plays in a supporting role, yet she steals every scene she inhabits.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR n Mahershala Ali: “Moonlight” n Jeff Bridges: “Hell or High Water” n Lucas Hedges: “Manchester by the Sea” n Dev Patel: “Lion” n Michael Shannon: “Nocturnal Animals”

BEST ACTRESS n Isabelle Huppert: “Elle” n Ruth Negga: “Loving” n Natalie Portman: “Jackie” n Emma Stone: “La La Land” n Meryl Streep: “Florence Foster Jenkins”

Our pick: Michael Shannon always delivers intensity. As a tough Texas cop, he reveals a heart of gold helping a deeply wounded man obtain justice. This guy deserves an award just based on his incredible gift for acting.

Most likely: Mahershala Ali manages to make a drug dealer come across as compassionate.

It’s a skillful balancing act to lend unexpected plausibility between good and evil. And he pulls it off brilliantly.

Our pick: Isabelle Huppert’s multilayered, multifaceted performance as a victim/avenger catches you off guard at every turn. She elevates dark comedy to a whole new level and finally deserves an Oscar, given all of the exquisite work she has created throughout her career.

Most likely: Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy immediately after the assassination of her beloved husband is quietly devastating. Her ability to channel the first lady’s internal grief is astounding, because it’s Portman’s own interpretation.

BEST ACTOR n Casey Affleck: “Manchester by the Sea” n Andrew Garfield: “Hacksaw Ridge” n Ryan Gosling: “La La Land” n Viggo Mortensen: “Captain Fantastic” n Denzel Washington: “Fences” Our pick: Casey Affleck’s portrayal of a man who harbors an unfathomable secret is riveting.

Buried for so long, it has eaten away at his soul to the point where he merely exists. It’s Affleck’s greatest performance and one of the best in filmmaking history.

Most likely: Denzel Washington also reprises his Tony Award-winning role, alongside Viola Davis, as the husband who selfishly destroys his marriage. Washington nails the agony and ecstasy of a troubled man who’s riddled with regret.

YOUR FIRST CL ASS TICKET

The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it.

– John 1:5

Co-chairs Beverly Bartner and Renée Hamad invite you to travel the world and experience the true meaning of friendship in many cultures.

14th Annual Luncheon & Silent Auction Thursday, March 9, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Michael’s On East

DEPARTURE DATE:

MARCH 12, 2017

DEPARTURE TIME:

5:30 PM

DEPARTURE GATE: Michael’s on the Bay

At Selby Gardens 900 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities Available

TICKETS:

$175

(Ads and sponsorships are available)

To book your seat, register online at friendshipcenters.org or call Cheryl Pilch at 941.556.3205.

Please visit our website for more information!

Benefiting:

ROME

MANY THANKS TO OUR TOP SPONSORS:

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230570

3224 Bee Ridge Road | Sarasota, FL 34239 Phone: 941.926.2959 | samaritangulfcoast.com

Gerri Aaron | Robert & Beverly Bartner Renée Hamad | Harold Ronson & Molly Schechter

KQ

Kelly quigley

SYDNEY

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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Our pick: Mel Gibson, known for his missteps but also for passionate filmmaking, makes a monumental comeback. Never has a film depicted the horrors of war with such alarm. The true story of Desmond Doss, who received the Medal of Honor without firing a shot, stands as a testament to the power of conviction in the darkest of hours. Take heed.

Most likely: Damien Chazelle takes audiences back to the studio era of making whimsical musicals — a seemingly lost genre.

It’s colorful, well choreographed and snappily scored. But it can’t hold a candle to those of yore.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

11

A Feast for the Senses

BEST PICTURE n “Arrival” n “Fences” n “Hacksaw Ridge” n “Hell or High Water” n “Hidden Figures” n “La La Land” n “Lion” n “Manchester by the Sea” n “Moonlight”

Art and Experience in Medieval Europe

ON VIEW THROUGH APR 30 This major exhibition will feature more than 80 spectacular medieval paintings, tapestries, metalworks, ivories, and manuscripts.

DISCOVER MORE

ringling.org |

Our pick: “Manchester by the Sea” is a film that will tug at your heart until it breaks. But it also has wicked sense of humor. It has a great deal to say about how people get on with their lives and the manner in which they cope when faced with unbearable tragedy. It also demonstrates that there is always hope if one is willing to seek out its hiding place.

941.359.5700

Organized by The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, in partnership with The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota.

This exhibition received generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the National Endowment for the Arts; and anonymous donors.

This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Local support for this exhibition is provided in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. Bank of America is a major sponsor for A Feast for the Senses: Art and Experience in Medieval Europe. Additional sponsor support provided by PNC Wealth Management.

Most likely: “La La Land” (aka Blah Blah Land) because for 128 minutes, it made us forget at a time when we needed to escape reality. But the hoopla surrounding the film got out of hand considering the mediocre singing, dancing and acting.

Above: Master of the Saint Lucy Legend (Netherlandish, active ca. 1480–ca. 1510), Mary, Queen of

Heaven (detail), ca. 1485–1500. Oil on panel, 201.5 × 163.8 cm. On loan from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Samuel H. Kress Collection.

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BEST DIRECTOR n Damien Chazelle: “La La Land” n Mel Gibson: “Hacksaw Ridge” n Barry Jenkins: “Moonlight” n Kenneth Lonergan: “Manchester By the Sea” n Denis Villeneuve: “Arrival”

|

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

The World At Your Doorstep

THROUGH JULY 2017 JEAN AND ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES PRESENTED BY

N I G H T S

Luxury PrOPErTIES | rESIdEnTIaL SaLES nEw COnSTruCTIOn

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The Sarasota Opera will entertain with a select performance at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.

SPONSORED BY

900 SOUTH PALM AVENUE • SARASOTA, FL 34236 SELBY.ORG

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CHAGALL

SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 9 • 6-9 PM

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Sarasota Opera delivers hilarity in true Rossini fashion JUNE LEBELL MUSIC CRITIC

Gioachino Rossini wrote his opera, “L’Italiana in Algeri,” when he was barely 22. “The Barber of Seville” would come along three years later — hardly a twinkle in its young father’s eye. But Rossini’s wit, wildness and most of all, Champagne bubbles, were in full bloom.

At the Sarasota Opera’s opening Saturday night, the famous overture gave us a hint of fun surprises ahead. The Sarasota Opera Orchestra, under the precise and ebullient leadership of Anthony Barrese, gave all the whomps and emphasis to this sparkling score needed to show us the ensemble, now a week into the season, was very much in tune.

Rossini may be playful and fun, but like Mozart, clarity and precision are hallmarks of his music, and the conductor must keep things bubbling along.

The action in this funny romp of an opera takes place in Algiers, in and around the palace of the Bey, a large, somewhat grandiose and pompous leader who’s grown bored with his current wife, Elvira, and wants to replace her with a tempestuous Italian girl.

He doesn’t know who she’ll be, but he has an image in his head of a fiery young thing he’ll be able to tame and mold into his image of what he really deserves as a wife.

In true Rossini fashion,

Photo by Rod MIllington

Tara Venditti as Isabella in “The Italian Girl in Algiers.”

Mustafa, the Bey of Algiers, gets just what he deserves.

It’s how he arrives there that takes us on a two-act, hilarious journey into his court. And, in the process, we’re treated to the shenanigans of his courtiers, a shipwreck that delivers a bevy of Italians he makes into his slaves and, of course, one startlingly gorgeous Italian lady named Isabella.

Isabella, who is on stage almost every moment from the time she arrives in Algiers, is

played with fire and conviction

by Tara Venditti, who turns her into the adult Despina from Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte.” She’s clever and conniving, able to twist all men around her finger, and she even sings that all men are made the same — they’re fools. As a replacement wifeto-be, she mows down every man who tries to seduce her, except the one she really loves, Lindoro, who happens to be in the court. Of course.

Every voice on stage in this

wonderful production by stage director Mark Freiman is a fine one. The first act was a bit too careful and studied and, on stage, missed the bubbles rising from the orchestra pit.

But in Act II, everyone started to relax and have fun, resulting in real Rossiniana and some hilarious bits of stage action.

At the finale of Act I, Freiman introduced some hilarious stage business that took the singers into a crazy sportslike wave, making the audience laugh so hard it almost overpowered the singers.

From there on, the schtick was carried out to a T, producing bust-a-gut laughter.

“L’Italiana” is an opera that needs great singers who can negotiate a huge range and fast embellishments, sing patter songs faster than Gilbert and Sullivan ever dreamed and portray characters whom audiences come to love. Isabella’s companion, Taddeo (Bruno Taddia), succeeded best at this.

He knew the style in his bones and inspired both the audience and his compatriots on stage with a wonderful zeal. Elvira (Jessica E. Jones) and her slave and friend, Zulma (Fleur Barron), both accomplished studio artists, were in fine voice and strong character.

Harold Wilson, as Mustafa, warmed to his role as the opera progressed, and he had less trouble with the musical fioratura and pitch than he had in the beginning. Hak Soo Kim,

the tenor in the shoes of Lindoro (Mustafa’s favorite slave, also madly in love with Isabella), has a fine, vibrant voice that also warmed as he came into character, and he seemed to have a ball. Haly, sung

by Studio Artist Alexander Charles Boyd, was just right as the conspiratorial captain of the Algerian corsairs.

Once we meet her, the world of this opera rests on the diminutive but mighty shoulders of Isabella, and Tara Venditti did her proper justice.

Her voice is smaller than we’re used to hearing in this role, but her smooth, more-than-twooctave range and great stage demeanor brought the power of this independent woman.

She twists not only her stage compatriots around her finger, but she also manages to win the hearts of the audience.

The clever sets by scenic designer Michael Schweikardt take us, in the blink of an eye, from rooms inside the palace to the seashore, and even a moving ship. They’re well lit

by Ken Yunker, and the costumes (sometimes hilarious in themselves), are well conceived

by Howard Tsvi Kaplan. Roger Bingaman’s small but impressive chorus is powerful and well acted by Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists.

For a respite from traffic and politics of the day, “L’Italiana” is the perfect prescription.

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ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E Vintage Violin: Sarasota is home to a centuries-old masterpiece. iconcept: Artists find fashion in unexpected places. 6

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Above: SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays, Auxiliary President Linda Bergen and Board Chair Susan Erhart Right: Models do one final strut down the runway during the fashion show Feb. 16 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

SPARCCle on the Runway

Event Co-Chair Luisa Goldman with Event Chair Dori Zingmond

Thursday, Feb. 16, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center NIKI KOTTMANN | BLACK TIE REPORTER

C

oco Chanel inspired the theme for this year’s SPARCCle on the Runway fashion show and luncheon. The annual fundraiser for Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center was dubbed “Fashion is Architecture” after the quote by the renowned fashion designer, and organizers kept with the theme by choosing to honor Guy Peterson, the award-winning architect who designed SPARCC’s Emergency Shelter.

The event began with two hours of boutique shopping outside the ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota before it was time to head inside for lunch. PAGE 2

Melissa Howard and Mimi Carlin Jane Krombeen strikes a pose during the fashion show.

SECONDHAND STYLE Susan Jasin was one of 15 models who volunteered to strut their stuff in vintage outfits from SPARCC’s Treasure Chest, the resale shop from which 100% of the profits benefit SPARCC services and programs.

Britt Riner and Lauren Wohlwend

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

FROM PAGE 1

After lunch, guests watched a video that gave a peek of the shelter before SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays and SPARCC founder Jean Gay presented Guy Peterson with an award for all his hard work.

Then it was time for the main event. Suzette Jones emceed the fashion show, which featured gems from SPARCC’s Treasure Chest that exemplified different eras of Sarasota’s architectural history.

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Event Co-Chair Carol Chiarella and Diane Muldoon

Robyn Collins shops before lunch.

Carolyn Ehrman, Kathleen Knapp, Carol Keller and Marcia Ward

SPECIAL SURPRISE Each table was adorned with blue hydrangeas that went home with one lucky guest at every table — whoever found a plastic bag under their plate.

Diane Muir hits the runway in a vintage Lilly Pulitzer dress during the fashion show.

Nati Shabbat and Roland Moser

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NIKI KOTTMANN Girls’ night out

Hats off to you … iconcept 2017 designer Andrea Silvergleit turned heads with more than just her juror’s-choice-winning “You Are What You Eat” ensemble on Feb. 19. The iconcept veteran always finds a clever way to celebrate her loved ones who come to support her every year. This time, she decided to leave them candy at their seats, along with a shiny metallic crown donning some of the same mirrored mosaic tiles

Kodak moment The king of the Sarasota social scene and everyone’s favorite cameraman Cliff Roles celebrated his 64th birthday on Feb. 17.

The social photographer had a relaxing day off work, complete with lunch at Bijou Cafe alongside pal Molly Schechter.

He enjoyed JP’s famous

Photo courtesy of Ashley Gruters

Hosts Diana Buchanan, Ashley Gruters and Montana Taplinger

seen in her outfit on the runway … Dressed to impress … A few ensembles stood out at the Animal Rescue Coalition’s Unconditional Love Gala Feb. 18. Bruce Lesser donned a splatter-painted John Daly Loudmouth suit and Susan Kretz dazzled in a vibrant homemade sari ... Home, sweet home ...

We’re happy to report that Betty Schoenbaum is now recuperating at home. No visitors or calls, please, but she thanks everyone for their cards and messages of love and support.

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Ashley Gruters, Montana Taplinger and Diana Buchanan hosted 20 of their closest female friends Feb. 13 for their third annual “Galentine’s” celebration. In the past, the gal pals gathered for a pre-Valentine’s Day lunch, but they decided to switch things up this year and opted for an evening celebration and workout at Yoga Shack. Their instructor for the evening was the owner of Yoga Shack, Courtenay Smith, who welcomed the women to her downtown establishment, which event organizers made more festive by including a pink dessert table. “It was the perfect evening under the stars — relaxing, stretching, catching up and enjoying sweet treats and bubbly,” says Ashley Gruters. “That is truly what friendship is all about!”

Tidbits

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Bruce and India Lesser

grilled cheese and mushroom sandwich with French fries and, for dessert, some delectable truffles (and Schechter notes the waiter gave them two each in honor of his special day). “It was an unusually private day for Cliff,” Schechter says. “He only knew about half of the people in the restaurant.”

Courtesy photo

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

NOW SHOWING!

Showcase Luncheon Monday, Feb. 13, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Sarasota Ballet

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Above: Nancy Lee and Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb Right: Ellen Overstreet, Sarasota Ballet principal dancer, Board Chairwoman Hillary Steele and principal dancer Danielle Brown

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

9th annual iconcept Sunday, Feb. 19, at Saks Fifth Avenue Benefiting Art Center Sarasota

Chairwoman Terri Najmolhoda with Art Center Sarasota Executive Director Lisa Berger

Above: Julia Kalinina and juror’s pick finalist Andrea Silvergleit Left: Heather Dunhill and Michael Scialdone

Eric Berkel models one of Ray Pepper’s three “Sleeveless in Beijing” pieces, made of plastic bags, parchment baking paper, sparkly holiday ribbon and M&M’s candies.

David and Barrie Heiligman with Kayla Branch and her father, Daniel Branch

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30TH ANNIVERSARY CULMINATES WITH A CELEBRATION OF ANDY WARHOL’S LIFE AND ART. While on assignment for Vanity Fair, internationally renowned photographer Christophe von Hohenberg experienced and captured the end of an era and the bittersweet send off of the 58-year-old Pop icon.

WARHOL 30

CHRISTOPHE VON HOHENBERG

“My photographs convey warmth and sadness, despite the high-glitz factor of that day,” says von Hohenberg.

“Thirty years later, I still see the classic Raquel Welch defiantly standing in Top: Bianca Jagger, bottom left: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, bottom right: Raquel Welch

front of the Cathedral in a full length fur coat. I have framed in my mind a hurrying Robert Mapplethorpe, and Liza Minnelli on the arm of Halston.

My favorite though, is the outside shot of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, because the Hitchock-ish angle of the shot sums up that whole event for me.”

In addition to the iconic photographs, Alfstad & Contemporary will also showcase corresponding celebrity remembrances and antidotes that von Hohenberg collected by writing to a number of famous guests in attendance. Collectively the letters are a remarkable testament to a certain social and cultural world that seems to have vanished into the ether of history.

Exhibit Dates: March 4th- April 1 Tuesdays-Saturdays 11:00-5:00 PM Opening Night Reception: Friday, March 3, 5:30-8:00 PM Closing Night Celebration: Saturday, April 1, 5:30-8:00 PM

Alfstad& Contemporary 1419 5th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-6400 | alfstadand.com

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REMEMBERING

Von Hohenberg took more than 600 photos of what Grace Glueck of The New York Times called the “most droppable names” in the world of Hollywood, fashion, music, art and international society.

Fifty of these photo subjects, taken in and outside Warhol’s YEARS AGO star-studded memorial service at St. Patrick’s, will be unveiled on March 3rd at Alfstad & Contemporary in Sarasota, Florida. The exhibition titled Remembering Warhol: Thirty Years Ago, culminates on the 30th anniversary of the Memorial service with a Warhol Celebration. During the evening of April 1st, von Hohenberg will be signing copies of his book, The Day the Factory Died, which received the Photo District News Photo Book Award and the AIGA Book Award.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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Photos by Niki Kottmann

Marina Sommer models Barbara Gunter Anderson’s dress made from photo negatives fused in plastic.

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Juror’s pick finalists Elizabeth Goodwill and Barbara Gerdeman accompany Erin Schineller on the runway as she models “Between the Raindrops,” made of plastic rain ponchos, UV LED lights and aquarium tubing.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Unconditional Love Gala Saturday, Feb. 18, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Animal Rescue Coalition

Board Chairwoman Joanna Pace-Brackett with Phil and Unni Kaltenbacher Photos by Niki Kottmann

Above: Co-Chairwomen Shelley Sarbey, Tatyana Stewart, Dawn Epstein, Alexandra Jupin and Debbie Dannheisser

Mary Beth Bos with Andrew Dietterle and his wife, Animal Rescue Coalition Executive Director Mary Dietterle

Carla of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue gives the “puppy dog eyes” look.

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St. Jude Gala: Journey into the Future

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Jairo Hernandez performs with members of Tierra Nueva during the cocktail hour.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

‘Big Fish’ Opening Night VIP Reception Thursday, Feb. 16, at The Players Centre For Performing Arts

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Al Capter and Fred Murrell give out raffle tickets.

Lauren and Brian Volner with The Players Centre For Performing Arts Managing Director Michelle Pingel

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

JUST MARRIED

NIKI KOTTMANN BLACK TIE REPORTER

Big brothers are usually the ones vetting their sisters’ significant others, but in the Koepsel family, they’re the ones setting them up.

Kelly Koepsel originally met her husband, Matthew Milazzo, when they were students at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. She says they were friendly but, despite going to a small school, they didn’t have very many classes together and weren’t close.

However, her twin brothers Jamie and Brian were baseball buddies with Matthew, and that close friendship carried over when Matthew was finishing law school at University of Florida and Jamie was just beginning. During their semester of overlap they started working out together and it wasn’t long until Kelly came up.

It all began when Jamie told Matthew he should “probably take her out to dinner.”

Matthew decided to take the advice, despite the fact that Kelly was living in Phoenix. So when she was home for the holidays in December 2014, the two went to dinner at Chart House on Longboat Key. Kelly says they knew right away that they would get married.

The couple started dating long distance for the next eight months until Kelly’s job allowed her to move to Tampa in August 2014.

Photos by Jake and Katie Photography

KELLY AND MATTHEW

THE DETAILS Bride and Groom: Kelly Elizabeth Koepsel and Matthew John Milazzo Parents: Ron and Betsy Koepsel and John and Janet Milazzo Wedding ceremony: Cardinal Mooney High School Chapel Reception: Sarasota Yacht Club Honeymoon: Cruise to the western Caribbean Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations — all addressed in calligraphy by Kelly (instruction by Paper Seahorse in Tampa) Something Old: Matthew’s grandmother’s garter Something New: Her dress Something Borrowed: Her mom’s “Add a Pearl” necklace, her aunt’s pearl earrings and Matthew’s sister’s veil Something Blue: Her sorority pin, which was hidden under the belt of her dress, and her toss garter

THE PROPOSAL

On Jan. 14, 2016, Kelly could tell that something was off. The two got takeout and headed to Longboat Key for a beach picnic — one of their favorite things to do — but Matthew rushed through dinner and when they went on a walk, he kept pointing out dolphins that she couldn’t see.

Kelly, who was blaming it on her terrible eyesight, turned to Matthew for help when she found him down on one knee.

THE WEDDING

The big day was Dec. 17, 2016.

Because the wedding was so close to Christmas, they were surprised at the turnout of 150.

Matthew’s favorite moments were seeing Kelly in her dress for the first time and leaving the chapel as husband and wife.

Kelly loved seeing the reaction of their loved ones.

“It is the most amazing feeling to not only be married to your best friend, but also to have all of your family and friends right there cheering for you,” she says.

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