Diversions 12.5.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

Must-attend events for the holidays.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

GARDEN An artful landscape in the city.

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BLACK TIE

‘The Art of Caring’ PAGE 13

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT | PAINT THE TOWN by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

“New Pass Fisherman” by William Hartman depicts Byrd’s bait shop, a great spot to grab a burger in the 1950s and the New Pass Grill’s predecessor.

Courtesy

INHERITED IDENTITY Florida life impacted the work of Sarasota painters William Hartman, Larry Stults and Wilfrid Berg. The influence lives on in their descendants, who decided to feature their elders’ work in an exhibit.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: PAINT THE TOWN

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

INHERITED IDENTITY

Florida life impacted the work of Sarasota painters William Hartman, Larry Stults and Wilfrid Berg.

The influence lives on in their descendants, who decided to feature their elders’ work in an exhibit.

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Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

Bill Hartman holds the work of his father, William Hartman, and Larry Stults holds the work of his grandfather, Larry Stults. The piece by William Hartman is of a 1940s dredge, one of the live-in dredges that shaped Sarasota’s shoreline as we know it today. The piece by Larry Stults is a gill net fisherman bringing in his catch.

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cool-colored watercolor features a bait, tackle and sandwich shop tucked behind a row of palm trees lining the side of a bridge overpass. A man with a fishing pole walks by, about to be passed by an older model car. The scene looks vaguely familiar, but hints of a different era. The portrayed spot is actually what we now know as the burger staple New Pass Grill and Bait Shop at Ken Thompson Parkway.

Back in the 1950s, the small buildings in the painting were located on the southeast wall of the New Pass Bridge, up the hill from where the New Pass Grill now sits. Back then, Sarasotans knew it as “Dan Byrd’s Fish Camp,” or more simply, “Byrd’s,” and some called it “Daisy’s Place” because it was famous for Daisy’s hamburgers.

William Hartman knows all about it because he grew up here. And his father, also named William Hartman, is the late artist who painted the snapshot of old-time Sarasota.

It’s just one story depicted in the 24 paintings in the upcoming “Gulf Coast

Heritage” exhibit opening Dec. 5 at the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

Larry Stults, president of the board of Sarasota Bay Watch (a supporter of The Conservation Foundation) got the idea for the exhibit after attending other exhibits hosted by the Conservation Foundation. His late grandfather, who coincidentally is also named Larry Stults, was an artist and family friend of the senior William Hartman. In fact, the two used to paint together.

So, Stults approached the younger Hartman about putting together an exhibit that displayed both of their heritages.

Fifty-five-year-old Larry Stults is a retired biotechnology patent attorney who grew up in Sarasota.

After working in mid-Atlantic states for 25 years, he moved back to the area in 2006.

William Hartman is an art collector/framer and owner of William Hartman Gallery. The 66-year-old grew up in Sarasota, and he’s an active collector of photography and artwork

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT featuring earlier Florida. He also has a collection of work by Wilfrid Berg, his father’s childhood friend and painting contemporary, which will also be in the exhibit.

IF YOU GO Gulf Coast Heritage When: Opening reception 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, runs through Feb. 28. Viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Deep Roots

Where: The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey Cost: Free Info: Call 918-2100 or visit Conservationfoundation.com Wilfrid Berg (left) with William and Martha Hartman in the ‘40s.

“During the slow months, when raccoons, mosquitoes and the Stultses were the only inhabitants (of Cabbage Key), my family would go down and spend several days,” says Hartman.

“The adults would paint, and I would fish off the dock.”

Stults fondly remembers his grandfather letting him drive the same pre-World War II boat called “Sandspur” that was used to pick up the Hartmans from the mainland. A lot of his memories relate to that boat.

“My grandmother would have these big meals…. A big roast or turkey, and all the fixings she’d set on the engine box and then we’d anchor by the bird rookery,” Stults says.

It was this life on the island that inspired him to serve with the Sarasota Bay Watch, the copresenter of the exhibit, today.

“It was really rustic, untouched, beautiful and rugged,” Stults says of his childhood influence. “That shaped me a lot.”

Finding Sarasota

A portrait of Larry Stults in the 1960s that was taken by the artist William Hartman.

That same Gulf Coast childhood led Hartman to develop a natural interest in Old Florida.

He collects art and photography of the post-World War II good old days, and his affinity for art reflects on his family’s involvement in the community.

His parents operated The William and Martha Hartman Gallery art school and exhibition space. It was located below the world-renowned Sarasota artist Syd Solomon’s art school at 1216 First St., the previous home of the Ceviche restaurant downtown.

Hartman’s father ended up in Sarasota after the war. Upon his return home to Muskegon, Mich., following his service, he and his hometown buddy, Berg, decided they wanted to attend an art school. They had heard of a little art school in Sarasota. So, they hooked up the elder Hartman’s travel trailer, headed to Sarasota, and immediately parked the trailer on the Whittaker Bayou and

signed up for classes at Ringling College.

Growing as painters together, they often painted the same subjects, used similar styles and even became interested in watercolors together. They were “co-conspirators” in art, as Hartman says.

The duo painted together up until the end of their days.

As contemporaries, there are many similarities in the three artists’ paintings. They each explore life on the water, working on the water, landscapes surrounding their lives and how much his life revolved around the environment. They depict a time that’s hard to imagine for many young Floridians, and even Florida transplants today. Hartman and Stults say the exhibit aims to teach viewers about what it was like, and to explore a shared heritage with the artists.

“The more we know about where we came from, the greater desire to preserve it,” says Hartman.

Top: Wilfrid Berg’s vision of the old town gas station. Bottom: William Hartman’s vision of the old town gas station. Berg and Hartman used to set their easels next to each other to paint the same landscape.

This is the gas station in Overtown, Sarasota’s early black community.

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Despite the fact that the senior Hartman and Stults were good friends and painting comrades, the younger generations didn’t know each other as children.

In fact, in 1970 when Hartman opened his framing business, one of the first pieces he framed was a piece of Stults’ grandfather’s work. Stults’ grandfather gave it to him as a high school graduation present. Stults remembers taking it to the gallery to have it framed, one of the first times he and Hartman met.

And even though the two men never met as children (they’re 10 years apart), they both grew up exploring the same cottage and waters on Cabbage Key, a remote island located north of Captiva Island, off the coast of Cape Coral. Stults’ grandfather kept an inn there after retiring from a commercial art career, during which he illustrated ads for Coca-Cola and magazine covers for publications such as The Saturday Evening Post.

On a whim, he bought a place on Cabbage Key that he operated as an inn and studio from 1944 to 1969. In those times, the only visitors were seasonal ones, and the children had to take a boat to a one-room schoolhouse.

Back then, Stults and Hartman explain, most artists on the Gulf Coast knew of each other because they’d take art classes together or paint together — it was a tight-knit artist community.

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BACKSTAGE PASS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Tim Minar does what The Players need Tim Minar doesn’t have a formal title at The Players Theatre of Sarasota.

“What badge do I have on today?” he asks, pulling the silver nametag from his vest to look at it.

He relays a story from The Players gala a month ago, during which he was honored for his service to the theater. In Artistic Director Jeffrey Kin’s speech, Kin said the title on Minar’s nametag should say, “What do you need done now?” Minar says it’s because he’s the do-anything-thatneeds-to-be-done-and-thensome man.

For the Dec. 5 production of “White Christmas,” he’s more formally known as the assistant stage manager to his wife, Stage Manager Cinda Goeken. He says she’s the do-anything-thatneeds-to-be-done-and-thensome woman, but with one difference: “She points and I go,” he says with a laugh.

He says that one of his favorite lines in “White Christmas” is when one of the male leads asks: “What can you tell me about women?” The other answers: “They have longer hair and they’re smarter than us.” Minar undoubtedly agrees.

He has learned a lot of the lines through his backstage role; he deals mostly with props. In addition to helping with “White Christmas,” he also coaches the Sarasota Silver Stars, the 50-plus performance troupe at The Players, twice a week. And when the group doesn’t have any men available to perform, Minar will

IF YOU GO ‘White Christmas’ When: Opens at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 5 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 22 Where: The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $25 to $30 Info: Call 365-2494 or visit ThePlayers.org

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

“I love theater, No. 1,” Tim Minar says. “And by and large, I love the people who are involved in theater — it’s a community.” occasionally join in on stage.

“They are about as much fun as you’ll ever get to have with a bunch of people,” he says of his Silver Stars, his favorite activity at the theater.

Minar also helps with auditions, such as with last season’s “Annie.” He had the taxing job of keeping 150 girls and their parents quiet backstage. He also

does play readings when they need him. Sometimes he’s a volunteer; sometimes he’s a paid stage manager.

“It’s whatever they need,” he says.

This particular Tuesday, he is at the theater from noon until 10 p.m., bouncing from a Silver Stars practice, to a production meeting and then rehearsal, with

a couple of hours for a break, or to eat — or, of course, to do whatever they need him to do.

Minar knows something about service. He moved in the late ’70s to Sarasota following 20 years working as a Navy SEAL, including during Vietnam. A year after his service, he ended up in Sarasota where he met his real-life leading lady, Goeken, at church.

She had been volunteering at The Players for a decade. The new couple realized they had a lot in common.

Minar had been performing since he was a 9-year-old living in Central New Jersey. He did theater throughout his schooling, and he continued to perform throughout his time as a Navy SEAL at various venues around the nation. His most memorable performance was in the prestigious Shakespeare in the Park in New York City — twice.

Nearly 30 years later, he’s happy in a backstage role. Of the three productions he typically stage manages per year — he says he’s lucky to do the Christmas production. He likes all the Irving Berlin songs. And, just like one of Santa’s elves would do come Christmas Eve, when the curtain closes just before the holiday, it’s time for a rest.

“By that time, the two of us want to fall in a heap and hide,” he says with a laugh.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

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by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Bill Schustik is Sarasota’s wayfaring stranger IF YOU GO Munchtime Musicales: Bill Schustik ‘A Troubadour’s Christmas’ When: Noon Wednesday, Dec. 11 Where: David Cohen Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Free Call: Call 351-7467 or visit scasarasota.org The free series continues at the same time and place on the following dates: Jan. 15 — Jerry Eckert Jazz Trio Feb. 19 — Lee Dougherty Ross and Joseph Holt March 19 — Studio Artists from the Sarasota Opera April 16 — Gloria Musicae singers

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

“It’s the only thing I’ve ever known how to do (for a living),” says Bill Schustick. “I’m not a musician, I’m a troubadour.” ing topics from Abraham Lincoln to Jesse James.

Schustik’s voice sounds like Johnny Cash’s with less twang.

The tenor excels with his vocals and says he can play enough of his accompanying instruments to get by. He plays the guitar, banjo, concertina, dulcimer, mouth harp, harmonica, badhrán and the bones.

More than 50 years ago, when this interest in combining history and performance began, he was strictly a singer. When he was 15 years old, his then-girlfriend

stole a Burl Ives folk-singing record and songbook from her older brother to give Schustik as a present. He still has it.

“That’s when my life started to go in a divergent path than most of my contemporaries,” he says.

While skirts and rock ‘n’ roll interested his peers, the lived-in songs of his American predecessors captivated him.

He has performed for three presidents: Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.

And he performed the national anthem at game seven of the

YOUROBSERVER.COM // See a video of Bill Schustik performing a few songs from his songbag.

1979 World Series when the Baltimore Orioles played the Pittsburgh Pirates. The governor of Maryland at that time had seen him perform his historic version of the song and was so moved by it, he personally invited Schustik to perform.

Nowadays, Schustik has less of a set performance schedule. True to his troubadour self, there’s no website or email blast to keep track of him. He says you can see him weekly at Pastry Art bakery café.

“But tell them to call first in case I’m not there that week,” he says. He typically plays there from 7 to 9 p.m. every Saturday.

He’s working on another regular gig with the Historical Society of Sarasota County to initiate monthly performances at Crocker Memorial Church. He performed a pirate-themed concert there in November.

Schustik hopes to enchant his audience with the stories of history in a way that goes beyond reading them in a book — with his stories, there’s a particular emotion.

“Troubadours connect people with the past,” he says. “When I sing, I spark memories.”

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Bill Schustik came to Sarasota from New York in 1989 because of the sand. He says he was having a tough time in life and wanted to just escape and play in the sand for as long as he needed to heal.

But, instead of just constructing run-of-the-mill sand castles, Schustik built castles using the Romanesque and gothic styles, the way the buttresses were really built. He made keystones from sand; they were large enough to walk through. He built every day for three or four months, and at one point, he decided he should move here. He’s been living and performing here ever since.

Schustik’s passion for history is no surprise considering his occupation as a troubadour, one who sings historical songs and tells the stories that belong to them. He will perform a free Christmas-themed concert Dec. 11 as part of the Sarasota Concert Association’s Munchtime Musicales series. His performance will include a popular Christmas carol that has nothing to do with Christmas; a song about the Christmas truce of 1914; and he will reveal the darker side of one Christmas carol about a mother who murdered her son.

The songs’ stories can be love songs, or they can be songs someone sang before he was hanged — there’s a whole range of emotion and topics involved.

Schustik is particularly fond of Civil War music and pirate songs, but he’s also great at songs rang-

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Conservatory students make it to the nice list in Holiday Variations ‘Twas three weeks before Christmas, and all through the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 1 many dancers were stirring — and twirling and leaping.

Nikki Jennings performs lilac fairy variation from “The Sleeping Beauty.”

The talented students of the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory of Dance could put any Scrooge in the holiday spirit. They gave The Observer a backstage pass to their dress rehearsal.

The faculty gave last -inute blocking and made sure the lights were perfect as the dancers prepared to

shine. Off stage, they tightened up corsets, applied their blush and practiced big smiles.

And, as the curtain went up, they performed like dancers double their age (and height in some instances). They performed variations such as “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Don Quixote,” “La Bayadere,” “The Talisman” and “The Nutcracker.”

For more photos, visit YourObserver.com.

Olivia Ratner and Eddie Duffy perform “Satanella” Pas de Deux

Isabel Dubrocq adjusts her students

Tarpon Shores D E N TA L

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Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

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Caitlin Gish and Yamil Maldonado

Toni Renee Taylor and Oliva Vessillo perform the Princess Florine variation from “The Sleeping Beauty.”

Ashlynn Rutherford and Rachel Silverman have fun on the wings awaiting their turns to perform.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: CALENDAR

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, here’s a list of holiday-themed arts events that will help you count down the days until Christmas.

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

‘Music in the Village’ The First Brass 6:15 p.m. at the Chapel at Sunnyside Village Ticket donation $20. Call 371-2750.

‘White Christmas’ 7:30 p.m. at The Players Theatre Runs through Dec. 22.

Tickets $25 to $30. Call 365-2494.

The Sarasota Craft Show 10 a.m. at Robarts Arena Tickets $5 to $9. Call 845-355-2400.

‘Santa’s Yard Sale’ Diversity: Voices of Sarasota 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House Tickets $26 to $51. Call 888-5506279.

35th annual Holiday Night of Lights 6 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park Free. Visit starmandscircleassoc.com.

‘Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge’ SCF Theatre

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

The Sarasota Craft Show 10 a.m. at Robarts Arena Tickets $5 to $9. Call 845-355-2400.

59th annual G.F. Handel’s Messiah Sarasota Choral Society 1 and 4 p.m. at Church of the Palms Tickets $10 to $20. Call 924-1323.

Venice Boat Parade 6 p.m. at Intercoastal Waterway, Venice. Free. Visit venicechristmasboatparade.com ‘Colored Lights’ Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Tickets $25 to $45. Call 360-7399.

Holiday Harmonies — Barbershop 3 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center Tickets $15. Call 552-5325.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

‘Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge’ SCF Theatre 8 p.m. at Howard Studio Theatre Tickets $12. Call 752-5252.

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

The Sarasota Craft Show 10 a.m. at Robarts Arena Tickets $5 to $9. Call 845-3552400.

MONDAY, DEC. 9

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

Holidays Around the Ranch 6 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street Free. Call 757-1530.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

‘Colored Lights’ Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Tickets $25 to $45. Call 360-7399.

New York Tenors Christmas 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tickets $40 to $55. Call 953-3368.

PLATO by request — Holiday Edition 6 p.m. at Jager’s Tavern and Grill, 1100 N. Tuttle Ave. Free with donation. Call 363-1727.

Michael McDonald: ‘This Christmas — An Evening of Holiday & Hits’ 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Call 953-3368.

Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ Siesta Key Chapel Adult Choir 10 a.m. at Siesta Key Chapel Free. Call 349-1166.

Great Escapes Series: ‘Let it Snow’ Sarasota Orchestra 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall Tickets $29 to $49. Call 953-3434.

Munchtime Musicales: Bill Schustik Sarasota Concert Association Noon at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center Free. Call 955-0040.

Great Escapes Series: ‘Let it Snow’ Sarasota Orchestra 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall Tickets $29 to $49. Call 953-3434.

Cirque des Voix — Noel Key Chorale, Circus Sarasota, Sarasota Young Voices and Cirque Orchestra 7:30 p.m. at The Big Top Call 921-4845.

Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday 8 p.m. at The Glenridge Performing

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FRIDAY, DEC. 6

8 p.m. at Howard Studio Theatre Tickets $12. Call 752-5252.

Great Escapes Series: ‘Let it Snow’ Sarasota Orchestra 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall Tickets $29 to $49. Call 953-3434.

Musica Sacra Cantorum 4 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church Tickets $20. Call 405-7322.

Diversity: Voices of Sarasota performs “Santa’s Yard Sale,” Dec. 6.

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‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center Runs through Dec. 22.

Tickets $26 to $36. Call 748-5875.

The 12 Days of Christmas 3 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center Tickets $20 to $25. Call 926-7677.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will perform “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 21.

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6:30 p.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art courtyard Tickets $15; $10 members/students. Call 360-7399.

‘A Christmas Carol’ 7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Call 953-3368.

Escapes Series: perform its Great ll wi tra es ch Or . ta Saraso 11 through Dec. 14 “Let it Snow,” Dec.

Arts Center Tickets $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Call 552-5325.

The Sounds of Christmas 2013 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $25. Call 488-1115.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Noon at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Tickets $12. Visit atomicholidaybazaar.com.

Cirque des Voix — Noel Key Chorale, Circus Sarasota, Sarasota Young Voices and Cirque Orchestra. 2 p.m. at Under the Big Top. Call 921-4845.

The Sounds of Christmas 2013 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $25. Call 488-1115.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Noon at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Tickets $12.

Visit atomicholidaybazaar.com.

‘Christmas is Coming’ Suncoast Concert Band 3 p.m. at Northminister Presbyterian Church Tickets $5. Call 907-4123.

Cirque des Voix — Noel Key Chorale, Circus Sarasota, Sarasota Young Voices and Cirque Orchestra. 5 p.m. Under the Big Top. Call 921-4845.

Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 6 p.m. at Sarasota Bay from Centennial Park to Bayfront Park Free. Visit sarasotachristmasboatparade.com.

A Celtic Christmas City of Sarasota Pipe Band 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets $10 to $30. Call 366-8450.

Great Escapes Series: ‘Let it Snow’ Sarasota Orchestra 8 p.m. at Holley Hall Tickets $29 to $49. Call 953-3434.

‘Sing Noel!’

7 p.m. First United Methodist Church Freewill Offering. Call 955-0935.

‘The Nutcracker’ Sarasota Cuban Ballet School 7 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center Tickets $15, students; $25, adults.

Visit srqnutcracker. brownpapertickets.com.

‘Messiah Sing-Along’ 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer Tickets $10. Call 955-4263.

MONDAY, DEC. 16

6 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Runs through Dec. 30.

Tickets $19. Call 366-5731.

Black Diamond Burlesque presents ‘A Holiday Burlesque-a-pade’ 7:30 p.m. at Louies Modern Tickets $28. Call 228-5107.

‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with Andrea McArdle Artist Series Concerts 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Tickets $25 to $45. Call 360-7399.

Holiday Revue 7 p.m. at The Players Theatre Tickets $8. Call 365-2494.

‘A Christmas Carol 2013’ 7 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $17. Call 488-1115.

Danú Christmas in Ireland: an Nollaig in éirinn 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $15 to $45. Call 953-3368.

‘John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker’ Sarasota Ballet 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tickets $35. Call 359-0099, Ext. 101.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with Andrea McArdle Artist Series Concerts 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Tickets $25 to $45. Call 360-7399.

‘A Ditchfield Family Christmas’ 2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Tickets $26 to $36. Call 748-5875.

Star of Bethlehem Planetarium Star Talk 5:30 p.m. at South Florida Museum Tickets $3 members; $5 nonmembers with RSVP. Call 746-4131.

‘A Christmas Carol 2013’ 7 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $17. Call 488-1115.

‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ Artist Series Concert 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Tickets $15 to $30. Call 923-0754.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

‘John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker’ Sarasota Ballet 2 and 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tickets $35. Call 359-0099, Ext. 101.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Greet the Light / A Celebration of the Winter Solstice The Ringling

‘A Christmas Carol 2013’ 7 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $17. Call 488-1115.

Lights in Bloom

‘A Christmas Carol 2013’ 2 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $17. Call 488-1115.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN: LIVELY LANDSCAPE

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

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“It’s unusual to have this much space downtown,” says Dart about the property, which provides not only plentiful space for entertaining, but also has a patio, swimming pool and a guesthouse.

Dart utilizes the incredible space her backyard offers well.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

11

I wouldn’t the lands say I have a garde cape in it s entirety n – I would say is my ‘ga rden.’

— home o wner, Deb orah Dart

// HOME&GARDEN

Australian tree ferns mask the home’s original entrance.

Nora Grant ixora, top, and a Meyer lemon tree

she says. the yard, Dart pays particular atThe whitewash wood table in tention to color and shape. the back left corner of the yard “Varying the shades of greens, sits under a wrought-iron candle leaf sizes and shapes make a garchandelier. The chandelier hangs den far more visually appealing,” from a rope tied to the laurel and she says. live oak trees that encompass the Although Dart doesn’t have a table. To further enhance the out- particular method for choosing door dining area, outdoor string and planting plants in the lights hang between the trees, yard, the three Austraalong with staghorn ferns — lian tree ferns in the one of which they have front yard are stratehad since living on Sigically placed — they esta Key five houses hide the home’s origiago. nal front door. Because This home, an Old the home is historically Florida-style lime designated, they had to green structure, has maintain the original ena well-defined tropical trance of the home. theme, and the plants and “We added a few more of Succulent trees in the crushed-shell potted plant the trees as a way to mask yard complement it well. it,” says Dart, because the “We are definitely challenged original entrance is not the enin creating the tropical look we trance they use. like with cold-hardy plants,” Dart Along with the native plants and says. “Sarasota’s climate is not as colorful flowers that thrive in Dart’s mild year-round as many of the yard, she also favors edible plants. tropical varieties need.”

Scattered mainly in the front and While adhering to their tropical side yard are four types of citrus design when choosing plants for — Meyer lemon, Key lime, Dancy

tangerine and navel orange. The Meyer lemon tree located near the front door of the home is currently in full bloom — the other fruits have not turned yet this season.

Dart also has an avocado plant, a banana tree and rosemary, and she’s integrated decorative ginger plants in the mix.

In addition to Dart’s landscape being an art in itself, the sculptor also uses her yard as an outside gallery to exhibit her sculptures.

“I’ll place some of my work in the yard for a period of time to add an artistic element,” she says.

“Walter — Going Down,” the orange powder-coated aluminum rabbit sculpture, resides near the pool. Walter was previously displayed on the trunk of a tree in the front yard; the tree has since fallen and the trunk has decayed, so Walter’s homebase is now by the pool.

The piece is part of a two-part sculpture from Dart’s “Rabbit Series” — the second orange rabbit, “Walter — Coming Up,” is located in the back of the yard, hopping out of a Sarasota city manhole.

Photos by Heather Merriman

View of the patio area from the guest house

Roses, left, and string lights add a whimsical touch to the outdoor dining area

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER // ‘Hairspray’

1962 Baltimore) with a suitably aw-shucks lack of guile. David P. Brown does a nice turn as Corny Collins, the dance show program’s host.

(Turns out, Corny’s not a slick-talking head after all. A heroic DJ — this may be a first!)

Nancy Denton and Antoinette Gagliano portray the enemies of the love-one-anotherright-now future; Denton is the Cruella de Vil mom who produces “The Corny Collins Show;” Gagliano is the stuck-up daughter hogging camera time. Fine performances, all.

The supporting characters (Syreeta Banks as Motormouth Maybelle and Allison Pickens as Penny, to name a few) are equally fine.

These characters come to life against goofy, stylized sets by Christopher A.D. Parrish while dressed in over-the-top costumes by Stephanie Gift. Yes, there really was a time when the beehive was a hairdo. You can see it live, on the Venice Theatre stage! The musical laughs at the past — and laughs with it. It lets you in on the joke. It gives you nostalgia, too.

But it always gets back to people.

Flash and fluff aside, the musical is about individuals. They’re stylized to be sure — but you feel the reality beneath the evanescent characterizations. Young, talented black people pushing back against limits. Smiling TV hosts who don’t want to play the stooge. Young women with stage presence who just happen to be a little overweight.

“Hairspray” is a feel-good story that happens to be honest.

And far too much fun.

— Marty Fugate

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The official kickoff performance to the 2013-2014 season featured two of George Balanchine’s most famous works — “Serenade” and “Who Cares?” — and the first ballet that Sir Frederick Ashton choreographed for the New York City Ballet (Balanchine’s company) in 1950, “Illuminations.” But Webb’s attention to detail doesn’t stop there … It also happened to be the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten, who composed the music for “Illuminations.”

But maybe even more important is the fact that the dancers of the Sarasota Ballet, each and every single one of them, continue to really wow. If there ever were a perfect performance, this one would be it. It’s no surprise that the Sarasota Ballet is now attracting audience members like Merrill Ashley, one of the most famous Balanchine ballerinas.

This performance began with Balanchine’s “Serenade,” which he choreographed for the students of the School of American Ballet (where Ashley trained and eventually taught after retirement). The second the curtain raises on this ballet the audience always erupts into oohs and aahs at the sight of the 17 women in floor-length, light-blue gowns posed with arms raised high. The girls eventually point their flexed hands and drape their arms over their foreheads as if in despair. Then they lower their arms down to lower first and flick their feet into first position. It’s amazing how powerful such a simple movement can be.

Kate Honea danced her heart out as the

Courtesy photos

“Hairspray” runs through Dec. 8, at Venice Theatre. Call 488-1115 for more information.

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Russian Girl, one of the more technically challenging roles that includes multiple pirouettes, leaps, chaînés turns and allegro sequences.

Amy Wood and Jamie Carter were stunning as the Dark Angels. And a surge of emotion was felt at the end of the ballet when the Waltz Girl, danced by Danielle Brown, falls to ground only to be lifted up by four men and carried off stage while she arched backwards.

“Illuminations” was quite the departure for Ashton. The Ashton style of dancing was all there, but the piece was quite psychedelic and probably scandalous at its premiere in 1950.

This Ashton piece isn’t my favorite, but the dancing was dynamite, nonetheless.

Ricardo Graziano was excellent as the tormented “Poet” who grappled between Sacred Love, danced by Amy Wood, and Profane Love, danced by Ellen Overstreet, who was subsequently promoted to soloist at the end of the performance. Wood continues to display a more developed and refined technique with each role she takes. Overstreet amazingly danced her role with one pointe shoe and one bare foot. With an amazing facility, Overstreet has incredible extensions and lines. However, her youth was hard to disguise in the more mature character role.

Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” is another audience favorite and a perfect way to close the show. The jazzy number set to musical favorites of George Gershwin is danced in front of a New York City skyline. The entire cast was spot on and bravo to all for their group dances, pas de deux and solos.

Making the evening even more special was the live music expertly played by the Sarasota Orchestra and conducted by Ormsby Wilkins, the music director for American Ballet Theatre.

Another thrill was Tenor Matt Morgan’s beautiful singing in “Illuminations.”

— Anna Dearing

128171

DANCE

At Venice Theatre, the year is 1962, the soundtrack is rock ’n’ roll, the city is Baltimore, and the main stage musical is “Hairspray.”

“Hairspray” (in case you missed the 1988 John Waters movie) tells the tale of Tracy Turnblad (Alyssa Goudy). She’s a plus-sized high school girl who dreams of getting a shot on “The Corny Collins Show” — a local knockoff of “American Bandstand” — where teens dance to the latest Top 40 hits on camera.

Tracy not only gets on the show, she finds true love, launches her career, gets a college scholarship and strikes a blow for integration.

Along the way, the musical makes a message. People of different colors or dress sizes shouldn’t be second-class citizens. Heavy truth, delivered in a lighter-than-air tone — as light as, well, hairspray. (What’s in those aerosol cans the cast was constantly spraying, anyway?) But the after-school-special point never gets in the way of the fun. And what’s more fun than a movie?

The musical has movie DNA, after all.

Director/choreographer Brad Wages makes you feel like you’re watching a movie that just happens to be on stage. (As it’s been said, a good movie moves.) The pace never drags in his production. It’s snappy, with excellent comic timing. Under Wages’ direction, the cast fires off the comic patter and dances up a storm — but the individuals never get lost in that storm.

It really is all about character. The source material shares DNA with “American Graffiti” — well-drawn characters — with bold outlines — set against a troubled time that still pushes our nostalgia buttons.

Goudy is excellent as Tracy — the hefty girl who could. She truly sells her bubbly, highenergy character: Goudy’s performance never feels like a put-on. Tracy’s parents (Joseph Giglia as the gag shop proprietor dad and Timothy J. Fitzgerald in the obligatory drag performance as mom) are endearing in a surrealistic, sitcom way. Dick Baker plays Tracy’s love interest (Link Larkin, the Baby Elvis of

Black Tie

INSIDE: SMA Military Ball PAGE 16

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Photos by Heather Merriman

Honorary Co-Chair Betty Schoenbaum and Phil King

Yolando Melgarejo with Manuel, Miquel, Max and Melody Ramos and Chuck Sidlow

by Heather Merriman Black Tie Assistant Editor

Salena Wilhoit and Michele Brault

More than 400 guests attended Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center’s “The Art of Caring for Children” event Sunday, Nov. 17, at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota. The event was a spectacular of Sarasota’s finest, featuring performances from Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Players Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Sarasota and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

Shirley Silverman, Ina Schnell and Tana Sandefur

Gail and Skip Sack

Before being seated for the three-course dinner, accompanied by the encore of performances, guests enjoyed a red-carpet reception during the cocktail hour. Executive Director Phil King greeted guests as they arrived, and Co-Chairs Alex Miller and Ronald Giarrusso made the rounds, mingling with their guests. Among those in attendance were honorary Co-Chairs Betty Schoenbaum and Sam and Sally Shapiro. The event benefited the construction of the Sam and Sally Shapiro

Dr. Larry and Pat Thompson

Lauren Hayes, Anne Swain and Katie Hayes

Honorary Co-Chairs Sam and Sally Shapiro

Babies and Children’s Medical Center at Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center.

The gala happened to be King’s last event as the center’s executive director — King is retiring, but “he’s not going far,” he says.

“Witnessing the collaboration between the arts communities and the human services communities in a combined effort to help the less fortunate members of our community is very meaningful to me,” he says about the event.

Co-Chairs Alex Miller and Ronald Giarrusso

Sally Yanowitz, Iain Webb, Margaret Barbieri and Lois Stulberg

Jane and Jack Kidd

BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Monee Arpin and Kay DeFrances

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

Katherine and Sarp Kaya with Veronica Miller

Matt and Jamie Shapiro

(continued from page 13)

Marlene Hauck and Joan Biller

Julia McClung, Jim Braun and Kathye Faries

Margaret Wise and B.J. Creighton

Rabbi Jonathan and Marty Katz

Photos by Heather Merriman

Harold Ronson and Molly Schechter

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

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// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY ‘KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE’ Benefiting Jewish Housing Council Foundation | Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Michael’s On East

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

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Music by...Irving Berlin | Rodgers & Hart | Stephen Sondheim | Cole Porter Betty Comden & Adolph Green and more...

Sat/Sun–December 21 & 22–7:30 p.m.

Broadway’s Original “ANNIE” Co-Chairs Cassie Vassallo and Jodi Gambardella

Jeff and Lisa Fiorini

THIS

W

EN EEK

D

ANDREA McARDLE With Steve Marzullo, piano

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

A feast of holiday music also featuring baritone Todd Donovan, singers Maria Wirries, and Deborah Berioli, pianist Alan Corey, dancers from the Carreno Dance Festival, Le Voci di Venizia Singers ( Sat ) and Gloria Musicae Singers ( Sun)

The Suncoast’s Premier Indoor Fine Art & Craft Show

Saturday–December 21–2:00 p.m. Only!

Gian Carlo Menotti’s Holiday a n dOpera the Favorite – One-act

AMAHL NIGHT VISITORS

Featuring Deborah Berioli, Todd Donovan, Christopher Culpepper, Joshua Mazur, Andrea Guiaita, Jose Guiaita, Michael Algeria, Mary Jeanne Moorman and Le Voci de Venezia

Willcox

December 6•7•8

Fri. 6, Sat. 7: 10am-6pm Sunday 8: 10am-4pm

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Reduced Price Tickets Online

With additional support from Iberia Bank, WUSF Public Media, The Observer Group, and Spotlight Graphics

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Adults: $9 • Seniors: $8 Students: $5 Weekend Pass: $12 Cash at the door only Children under 10 Free

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TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P

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110 Artists

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY ART & SOUL III: ‘HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS’ Benefiting YMCA Foundation’s Community Coalition for Children | Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Bird Key Yacht Club

Hosts Paul and Carina Bowman

Photos by Heather Merriman

Dory Poveda with Margarita and Antonio Carrillo

Featured artists Josefina Villagomez de Filotas, Janice Schmidt and Debbie Dannheisser

Heather and Josh Blank

Kitchen

Sally Weintraub and featured artist Betty Menell

Lee Anne Moody Hansard, Alyzza Flores and Jennifer Catena

In The

of Euphemia Haye

™

with Owner John Ganley

St. Armands 35th Annual “Holiday Night of Lights” WHEN : 6 p.m. Friday, December 6 WHERE: St. Armands Circle Park

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Visit YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen For The Recipe And Video

Kick-off the holiday season with the tree lighting ceremony, holiday parade, carols, pictures with Santa, a performance by the Cuban Ballet School and much more! Also take advantage of special store promotions and additional hospitality provided by the St. Armands merchants.

For a list of local ev ents, or to submit your own, visit ThisWeekI nS

5501 Palmer Cr ossing Circle Sarasota, FL 34 233 941-922-7999 www.cosimos .net

arasota.com/calen da

r

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FreshOriginals.com

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Scan Here To Watch The Video

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// BLACK TIE: JUST MARRIED

GROOM’S PARENTS:

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Drs. Thomas and Jacqueline Kelly

U.S. Rep. Vern and Sandy Buchanan

The wedding of Matt Buchanan and Diana Kelly was full of love, faith, family and many surprises.

The Oct. 25 ceremony at St. Martha Catholic Church included people important to the couple, including the Rev. Fausto Stampiglia and the Rev. William Hild, who both officiated the wedding ceremony, and the Rev. Jerome Carosella, who baptized the bride, as well as married her parents 28 years ago.

Following the ceremony, more than 350 guests arrived through the front gates of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art ready to celebrate. While sipping on “Mr.” (a gimlet) and “Mrs.” (Bellini) cocktails, guests were treated to a jet fly-by (a surprise from aviation enthusiast Matt), complete with “Top Gun” music playing in the background, which signaled the start of the reception.

The courtyard was draped in romance — chandeliers hung from the trees, votives twinkled

and the weather was absolute perfection. The surprises continued with Diana’s debut on stage, singing “I Can Only Imagine” to her groom, followed by a fireworks display (from Matt) and a taste of Sarasota featuring food

by Michael’s On East and a circus performance from The Circus Arts Conservatory (from the couple to their guests).

“The surprises were for each other and for our guests to feel really loved and know we were so excited they were there,” says Diana.

They didn’t stop at the reception, either. As the evening wrapped up, sounds of a helicopter swirled above the courtyard.

Diana soon realized Matt had arranged their departure. After the couple lifted off, they enjoyed a tour over the Ringling and Longboat Key. The couple will honeymoon in Bora Bora, Australia and New Zealand in the spring.

THE DETAILS Dress: Rivini Bride’s shoes: Custom by Diana E Kelly Hair and makeup: Saks Fifth Avenue, Eri Vincent and Fresh Salon and Spa Catering: Michael’s On East Cake: Pastries by Design Lighting: Affairs in the Air Floral design: Botanica Band: Clint Wiley’s None Other First dance: “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban Photographer: Ryan Joseph Photography Videographer: Voila Cinematography Paper goods: The Paper Tree Wedding planning: NK Productions Photos by Ryan Joseph Photography

Re-Imagine

Celebration

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CALENDAR

SOCIAL CALENDAR: DECEMBER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

Chairs: Katherine Harris, Lee Peterson and Margaret Wise Tickets $250. Call 351-9010, Ext. 4702.

Visiting Artists Dinner Series: David Greilsammer Benefiting: Sarasota Orchestra 6 p.m. at Darwin’s Tickets $150. Call 487-2737.

14th annual Signature Chefs Auction Benefiting March of Dimes 6:30 p.m. at Polo Grill Chairs: Dr. Mark and Tanya Ramos Tickets $75. Call 813-898-4957.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

26th annual Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts Benefiting: The Florida Center for Early Childhood 6:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East Chairs: Jessica Richardson and Mary Mapp Tickets $175. Call 371-8820, Ext. 1025.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

21st annual Hot Dogs & Cool Cats Gala Benefiting: Humane Society of Sarasota County 5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club Chairs: Chris Voelker and Molly Crawford Tickets $195. Call 955-4131, Ext. 121.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

 Scott and Michelle Bell with Molly Crawford at the Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Gala in 2012.

 Joan Morgan, Bob Petersen and Chari Isaacs at Sonata a Due in 2012.

6 p.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club Chairs: Lisa Walsh, Sandra Lindqvist, Carol Chiarella and Pat Good Tickets $250. Call 365-0208, Ext. 124.

Boutique 5 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre and Treviso Restaurant Tickets $250. Call 366-5293.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9

Sarasota Orchestra Association Holiday Luncheon ‘Holiday Prelude’ Benefiting: Sarasota Orchestra 11 a.m. at The Francis Tickets $55. Call 358-2002.

Women’s Day with Campbell Brown Benefiting: The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 11 a.m. at Michael’s On East Tickets $65. Call 343-2111.

Christmas in Candy Land Benefiting: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida Noon at Michael’s On East Tickets $35 for adults, $10 for kids.

Call 952-9474.

Sonata a Due Benefiting: La Musica 6 p.m. at Charles Ringling Mansion, New College of Florida Tickets $150. Call 371-6798.

SPARCCle for the Holidays Benefiting: Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center

Designing Women Boutique Annual Gala ‘Designed to Give’ Benefiting: Designing Women

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

Lemur Conservation Foundation Gala Benefiting: Lemur Conservation Foundation 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East Chair: Charlene Wolff Tickets $200. Call 371-6798.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

JFCS Gala ‘Celebrating the American Spirit’ Benefiting: Jewish Family & Children’s Services 5 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: Ken and Peggy Abt Tickets $500. Call 366-2224, Ext. 142.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

Starry Night Dinner 1, highlighting the production of ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come’ Benefiting: Asolo Repertory Theatre 6:30 p.m. at The Resort at Longboat Key Club

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Y Achievers’ Scholarship Partners Holiday Luncheon Benefiting: YMCA Foundation of Sarasota 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East

By Invitation Only. Call 9511336, Ext. 7.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Debutante Ball Benefiting: Sarasota Orchestra 6 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium Chairs: Bill and Debbie Partridge Tickets $225. Call 350-8579.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Soiree Benefiting: Powel Crosley Estate Foundation 8 p.m. at Powel Crosley Estate Chairs: Roberta Montelione and Kala Clark Tickets $75.

Call 312-0000.  Norma Cohen at the JFCS Gala in 2012.

Have your cake...

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...and eat it too.

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Men, Whiskey, & Watches Benefiting: Child Protection Center 2 to 6 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: Angela Nutter and Courtney Edbrooke Tickets $150. Call 365-1277, Ext. 103.