Diversions 1.2.14

Diversions YourObserver.com

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Spotlight: Chroma Quartet PAGE 4

A&E

BLACK TIE

Dance review: ‘John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker’ PAGE 5

LOOKING AHEAD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

Holiday Luncheon: A Celebration for Sara. PAGE 11

by Observer Staff

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE

TOP PICKS ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 BLACK TIE COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: LOOKING AHEAD

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

SEASON IN PICKS A&E Editor Mallory Gnaegy discusses the events you shouldn’t miss in 2014.

OPERATIC PICK: Sarasota Opera’s “Barber of Seville” When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Cost: Tickets $19 to $120 Info: Call 328-1300 or visit sarasotaopera.org I can probably go without mentioning that you should see any Giuseppe Verdi production at Sarasota Opera, considering our fantastic company is in the final years of playing every one of his published notes — this season it’s “Jerusalem” and “Il Trovatore.” But, my favorite pick this season is “Barber of Seville.” You know at least a

CONTEMPORARY PICK: R. Luke Dubois “Now” When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Jan. 31 through May 4 Where: The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road Cost: Admission is $25 Info: Call 359-5700 or visit ringling.org Curator Matthew McLendon told me about R. Luke DuBois in June — he was excited then, and that was before it turned into the most ambitious undertaking The Ringling will have achieved in contemporary art in the museum’s history. Plus, it will be the first exhibition ever devoted to an overview of the New Yorkbased, genre-bending artist’s work.

He composes music, produces video, makes large-scale installations, creates prints, showcases alternative forms of portraiture and hosts a variety of other works in all forms and disciplines. Plus, he has a heavy focus on collaborative performance — it’ll be something we’ve never seen. To coincide with the exhibit, there will also be a variety of performances by artists with whom he likes to work.

MASTERFUL PICK: Sarasota Orchestra’s Masterworks: Homage When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20; 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $30 to $84 Info: Call 953-3434 or visit sarasotaorchestra.org It’s pretty rare you’ll see a female music director at a bigleague orchestra or, really, any classical-music group any-

little of it. Gioachino Rossini wrote one of the most familiar operatic tunes in the world that would be reproduced in popular culture from everything from the Looney Tunes to “Mrs. Doubtfire.” You’ve heard “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro” and “la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la”— but that isn’t the only thing going for this opera.

It’s only two acts, it’s a comedy and it’s of the most beloved operas in the world. So much so, that Figaro stars in two other operas. He’s a barber who goes way beyond a shave and a haircut to help two people fall in love — of course, there’s a lot more drama involved.

“The Barber of Seville” is great for both opera beginners and veterans. If you’re still unsure, just trust me — I love it, and I’m in my 20s!

where in the world. But, it’s not only Anu Tali’s crash through the glass ceiling that makes her special. She’s extremely talented, which is apparent in how she leads the orchestra to play music you don’t just listen to but also feel like you’re a part of. It’s the kind of depth and excitement you have to experience for yourself. And, for the upcoming program, the soloist in this program’s Mozart concerto, violinist Ray Chen, is supposed to be just as electric.

If you haven’t jumped on the Tali bandwagon yet, this would be a great performance to attend.

THE GREATEST LITTLE PICK: Sailor Circus 65th anniversary Show When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Runs through April 6 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Cost: Tickets are $12, children; $16, adults Info: Call 355-9335 Its members might look young, but Sailor Circus is turning 65 this spring! To commemorate, the talented children will perform their circus acts in tribute to veterans and their families in a 65th anniversary production.

They’ll juggle, balance, walk the tight rope, fly the trapeze and flip and twirl in partnership with the Legacy of Valor project. Sailor Circus always charms in an inspiring way that makes you want to be a kid again.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT CONNING PICK: The Players’ “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 and runs through March 30 Where: The Players, 838 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $25 Info: Call 365-2494 or visit ThePlayers.org Who wouldn’t love a plot centered on two competitive con men who make their living off scheming rich la-

GENIUS PICK: DRAMATIC PICK: “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh When: Opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 and runs through April 27 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $28 to $29 Info: Call 351-8000 or visit asolorep.org Even though it’s comedy at which this particular class of second-year students seems to excel, this is the last performance to see all 10 FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training students in one place. And, even if it’s a tragedy that examines the price of human happiness and looks at the risks involved when taking a stand against “the man” — it’ll push these students to showcase the full extent of their abilities. They’ve impressed audiences all season, and it’ll be nice to see them do the same with the retelling of a classic Greek tragedy.

Vijay Iyer presents his Greenfield Prize Commission When: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Cost: Tickets $40 Call: Call 366-8450 or visit lamusicafestival.org Vijay Iyer is a genius. So says the MacArthur Fellows Program of 2013 that awarded the composer-pianist one of its 24 genius grants. He was previously awarded the Greenfield Prize at the Hermitage Artist Retreat, which is a $30,000 prize in the form of a commission for a piece he had two years to write.

He wrote it specifically for wind quintet Imani Winds and pianist Cory Smythe. It’s a piece called “Turbulence” that pays tribute to the Gulf Coast. The performance will be in collaboration with La Musica Chamber Music Festival, which means you’ll also be able to sit in on a rehearsal or attend a “Meet the Composer” lecture, too. He’s stirred up quite the publicity this year, and if you’re a chamber-music fan — this is a do-not miss.

THE OBVIOUS PICK: Sarasota Ballet’s Sir Frederick Ashton Festival When: Noon Wednesday, April 30. Runs through Saturday, May 3 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Cost: Performance subscription costs $80 to $324 Info: Call 359-0099, Ext. 101, or visit sarasotaballet.org Sarasota Ballet is the word — so says The New York Times and The Washington Post in acclaimed critiques. And I agree! Sarasota Ballet’s loyalty to Ashton and the repertoire it has brought to our company is turning heads our way. A fourday festival with more than 11 works will pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the choreographer’s death. It’ll include “Les Patineurs,” the piece critics triumphed in June at The Kennedy Center’s “Ballet Across America III” performance, and other favorites, such as park-based “Les Rendezvous” and the playful and comedic “Façade.”

HISTORICAL PICK: Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “Grapes of Wrath” When: Opens 8 p.m. Friday, March 14 and runs through April 19 Where: Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $21 to $73 Info: Call 361-8388 or visit asolorep.org The local director and adapter

dies? Add some show tunes and it’s sure to be an entertaining evening.

Michael Newton-Brown, the man responsible for last season’s successful “Sunset Boulevard,” directs.

That means it’ll be imaginative, have beautiful sets and a whole lotta heart.

Frank Galati won two Tony Awards in 1990 for his adaptation and direction of “The Grapes of Wrath,” which was a book that won a Pulitzer Prize in its time. You can’t go wrong with two Tony’s and a Pulitzer, right?

Asolo’s producing artistic director, Michael Donald Edwards, will direct the production. It’s about social justice and passion following the Joad family as they lose their farm and head west for better opportunity, yet find the Great Depression instead.

COLLABORATIVE PICK: Voices of the Holocaust When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $25 to $70 Info: Call 953-3368 or visit vanwezel.org Well, I might be a little biased with this pick considering I sing in Gloria Musicae. But, even if I didn’t, this pick would be on my list. First of all, it’s at Van Wezel, which means I’m not the only one who thinks it will be something special — there’s going to be a big crowd. But, more importantly, you’ll see Sarasota Jewish Chorale,

Sarasota Young Voices, Booker High music and dance programs, Sarasota-Manatee Dance Alliance and The Chroma Quartet all in one spot. Now, The Chroma Quartet alone is a group to keep your eye on in 2014 — these guys (and gal) have something special. This multimediadance-voice-and-string collaboration is sure to be moving because it’s about facing adversity.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

The Chroma Quartet strings together an instrumental ensemble They said it was supposed to be a one-time performance, the four members of The Chroma Quartet explain as they sit in their rehearsal space in the family room of Christopher and Jennifer Takeda’s new home. The violin-playing couple makes up half of the group; the other half consists of cellist Abraham Feder and violist Michael McClelland. The musicians reminisce about the fridgid day (at least for Sarasota) that propelled the quartet into existence.

It was November 2008, and they played on the concrete slab that would eventually become Manatee Performing Arts Center.

The performance, appropriately named “Unfinished Spaces,” was a fundraiser for the building before it had heat, a stage, lighting, or even walls. Because of that day, the group started getting calls for other performances, but its members already realized they had something special. The group gelled and discovered they sounded pretty good. There wasn’t a lot of stopping to work out musical details; the discussion was minimal and not too much work.

“There’s lots of things you don’t have to talk about, and you just understand what the other person is trying to do or say,” explains Feder about the group dynamic.

“It felt really good,” says Christopher Takeda.

“Organic is a good word,” Jennifer Takeda says.

They finish each other’s sen-

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Jennifer and Christopher Takeda, Abraham Feder and Michael McClelland. “When we play a concert, we want the audience to feel compelled to stand up and scream. It’s that level of energy we put into it,” explains McClelland. tences, cracking jokes and playfully picking on each other. They started as friends, and the experience has brought them even closer — they get together for dinners and spend time socially.

The group picked up speed last season — it played four concerts, including a three-concert series at First Church. This season, it’ll double that. The publicity has been word of mouth — the quar-

tet members didn’t expect anyone to show up to their April 2 concert (the last in the 2012 series), and 170 came. For four musicians well known in the orchestral community, it’s no wonder the fan base is growing so rapidly. But, the intent is for the music to sell itself.

“We formed this group because it’s musically gratifying,” Jennifer Takeda says. “We enjoy making music together and putting out a

product we’re proud of.”

That pride is audible in the music. You can hear the camaraderie in the give-and-take between the musicians’ highlighted segments of music. They give nods to each other’s talents and visions, and because of this, they offer something fresh and energetic: They aren’t a stuffy chamber quartet.

It makes sense that they don’t want to play weddings or free-

lance gigs. They don’t want to play the luncheons that accompany the big series in town; they want to play as a highlighted group on the big series. They’re just as good as some of the international quartets that come to play in the area.

But, the most humble part about them is their desire to champion Sarasota. They don’t want to play elsewhere. They value the audience, and its support.

“The Sarasota audience is welleducated and savvy about arts and culture, and…” Michael McClelland says as Jennifer Takeda chimes in.

“And, we’re giving them what we think they deserve,” she says.

All four members nod in agreement.

“Everyone,” Michael McClelland says, rattling off a list of area groups such as Gloria Musicae and Key Chorale, “has their own musical identity and I think we’re looking to take a place at that table.”

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Wactch The Chroma Quartet preview a piece they will play in their upcoming “From Russia with Love” concert.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

DANCE // ‘John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker — The World’s Greatest Ballet’

“John’s Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker — The World’s Greatest Ballet” the audience.

Hart’s battle scene is absolutely clever. With larger-than-life, wind-up robotic mice, gangster mice and clowns (instead of soldiers), the battle scene takes on a whole new meaning.

The gangster mice, led by Learned as the Mouse King, perform a version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance before taking on the clowns, led by The Nutcracker, danced by Harrison. Learned and Harrison performed perfect grand tour jetés manages, while the battle ensued in the middle of the stage.

A nice touch was the Mouse King’s Mole

Courtesy photo

danced by Nicole Padilla, who cut a sultrysiren figure.

Once Clara defeats the Mouse King with a whack on the head by a shoe, she is transported by John Ringling via hotel luggage-cart train to the land of snow, where her parents, the Stahlbaums, danced by Ricardo Rhodes and Danielle Brown, are transformed into the Snow King and Queen. The snowflakes danced a Rockette-style show with a kick-line that pinwheeled around the stage. Although, a few times, the snowflakes seemed to a have a few moments of messy lines — it didn’t matter,

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It’s hard to compete with George Balanchine’s version of “The Nutcracker,” but Matthew Hart certainly compares with his absolutely clever rendition of the holiday classic, which centers on the circus history established by Sarasota’s John Ringling.

The storyline that weaves John and Mable Ringling’s love story, the circus and Mable’s rose garden is brilliant. The sets and costumes designs by Peter Docherty are magnificent and sparkle with creativity.

Hart’s choreography is simple by design but has an oh-so-ever-reaching effect. The dancing is yet again perfectly performed by the Sarasota Ballet dancers. And, nothing will give you goose bumps more than Tchaikovsky’s music as the Christmas tree grows before the battle scene, especially when the music is performed live by the Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Andrew Lane.

This truly is a Sarasota holiday classic.

One wondered how this year’s Clara would compare to recently retired Sara Sardelli’s excellent portrayal, but Jessica Cohen stood up to the challenge and was a wonderful Clara with excellent expressions, stage presence and beautifully danced technique. Her counterpart, Logan Learned, played the part of the petulant child, Fritz, wreaking havoc through the party scene with his band of boys from the Sarasota Ballet School.

David Tlaiye, as John Ringling, and Alex Harrison, as John Ringling North, displayed the perfect amount of debonair grace, commanding the stage as they created excitement and magic for the party children. Jamie Carter, as the hotel manager, however, stole the show in the Party Scene. His comedic acting skills drew big laughs and giggles from

because, after all, every snowflake is different.

They sparkled and shone, nonetheless.

Every scene and dance in Act 2 was truly splendid. Hart turned the Land of the Sweets into a circus spectacular and, in every essence, it really was that — spectacular.

Samantha Benoit, as the Equestrienne, was hoisted in air by three Zebras, first lifting her in a shoulder sit then flipping her around multiple times into an arabesque mid-air. A magnificent elephant appeared with Anais Blake riding atop as the Arabian. But, most fun were the writhing wild cats, danced by Amy Wood, Emily Dixon, Kristianne Kleine, Kelly Yankle, Ellen Overstreet and Kristen Conrad, who hissed and clawed at the Arabian man, Daniel Rodriguez, as he tried to tame them.

The Tightrope girls tiptoed en pointe with parasols with standout twirlers Elizabeth Sykes, Ryoko Sadoshima and Nicole Padilla. Sara Scherer and Ricki Bertoni led the circus clowns with hilarity, especially when Bertoni arrived in a tiny, electric clown car that contained eight clown dancers from the Sarasota Ballet School. And the waltz of the roses was absolutely beautiful, as Mable Ringling, danced by Victoria Hulland, wove in and out of the dancing garden with John Ringling (Tlaiye).

Finally, Sugar, an aerialist, danced by Kate Honea, and her prince, Ricardo Graziano, commanded the stage in the grand pas de deux. The pair danced with effortless grace and performed each of their solos with precision. They wowed in the coda, with Graziano pulling off perfect tricks of multiple tours en l’air, entrechat six and grand assemblés that seemed to travel halfway across stage. Honea danced perfect piqué turn manèges that included grand tour jetés en attitude devant interspersed, as well as multiple fouetté en tournants in a corner sequence.

The magnificent production dramatically ended with John and Mable Ringling rising above the circus on a giant crescent moon with the entire cast waving from below. Bravo!

— Anna Dearing

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Because arts organizations around the world usually plan their seasons spanning the fall and spring, a new year means part two of the 2013-2014 arts season in Sarasota. If anyone asks why you’ve chosen to live here, just show them this article. If they love the arts and music, they’ll get it.

The Sarasota Orchestra, which officially signed Anu Tali as the new music director Aug. 1, has a lot to look forward to in the next several months. First of all, the orchestra is celebrating its 65th season and, along with a smashing series of Great Escapes and Pops concerts, the Masterworks series continues with some spectacular music performed by several masterful soloists, special guest conductors and, of course, Tali. For example, in just a few days, Carl St. Clair — a conductor who’s been on the Sarasota Orchestra’s podium before to great acclaim — is offering a program that includes Saint-Saëns’ rollicking Piano Concerto No. 2, played by the world-renowned pianist Jon Nakamatsu, followed by the heroic Richard Strauss work, “Ein Heldenleben.”

At the end of January, conductor Tito Muñoz will delve into some extraordinarily romantic music by Rachmaninov (the gorgeous Symphony No. 2), Barber’s witty and fun overture to “The School for Scandal” and a tango-like look at “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by the Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, in an arrangement by the Russian composer, Leonid Desyatnikov, with the award-winning American-Israeli violinist, Giora Schmidt.

On Feb. 20, Tali returns with a classically classic concert of exciting works

by Prokofiev (his famous “Classical Symphony”), Mozart and Sibelius. If you haven’t seen Tali yet, this will be a great introduction to the skyrocketing conductor who’s quickly becoming a household name around the world. You’ll see why we feel we’re lucky to have her here.

March brings the return of the esteemed conductor Mei-Ann Chen with the celebrated pianist Jean-Philippe Collard in Ravel’s G major piano concerto and RimskyKorsakov’s legendary “Scheherazade” with the orchestra’s concertmaster, Daniel Jordan. And April will bring the young and distinguished conductor Philip Mann in a basically Beethoven concert, which includes the Fifth Symphony and Sarasota Orchestra’s

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Of course, the orchestra has many chamber ensembles that are performing this season. And, while the orchestra is celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Sarasota Music Festival, one of the nation’s best-regarded teaching and performing festivals, is commemorating its 50th birthday with a bountiful season of chamber works this June.

But Sarasota doesn’t quit with just one internationally renowned chamber festival. We have several in residence that draw great performers from around the globe, including La Musica International Chamber Music Festival, which will be playing five concerts this April and opening its rehearsals to subscribers, faculty and students. Some of the works scheduled for this year include the venerated “Trout Quintet,” by Schubert; the Mozart A Major Clarinet Quintet (aka the “M*A*S*H quintet because it became associated with the final episode of that television series); and a Greenfield Prize Commission by jazzclassical composer Vijay Iyer played by the young African-American Imani Winds Quintet with improvisatory pianist Corey Smythe.

Sarasota Opera is in the homestretch of Artistic Director Victor deRenzi’s great adventure of bringing us every note that Giuseppe Verdi ever wrote, and, for the 2014 season, the company will present Verdi’s beloved opera, “Il Trovatore” and his less well-known work, “Jerusalem,” along with Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” and Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman.” These are all block-

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Dance Alliance and the Chroma Quartet in “Voices of the Holocaust” April 28, at the Van Wezel.

One other important notice: Bharat Chandra, principal clarinetist with the Sarasota Orchestra, has received a Grammy nomination with soprano Arianna Zukerman, the Westminster Williamson Voices and the Lincoln Trio, under the direction of James Jordan, for their Naxos recording of James Whitborne’s “Annelies.”

That’s just scratching the surface.

Sarasota’s music scene is no jive operation.

Most of us moved here for the arts this town provides. It’s like no other. And, then, there’s also the country’s No. 1 beach. But that’s another story.

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YOUROBSERVER.COM // Read 127107

theater critic Marty Fugate’s theater picks for 2014.

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buster, brilliant works and, when you attend a Sarasota Opera performance, you know you’re seeing and hearing a production that’s as close to what the composer intended as possible, without Verdi, Rossini and Wagner actually showing up to do the work themselves. Remember, Sarasota Opera is one of only a handful of companies in this country that owns its own opera house. It also presents these operas in repertory, so you have a chance to attend all the productions over the course of, say, a weekend. Not many cities can claim this from a company that’s admired and respected as one of the greats in the world.

There are several groups getting together for collaborative concerts this season, including Belle Canto, Gloria Musicae, Sarasota Young Voices, Key Chorale and several other respected ensembles. Belle Canto, for example, will be celebrating women composers in March, while Gloria Musicae collaborates with the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, Sarasota Young Voices, Booker High, the Sarasota-Manatee

Courtesy photos

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Jazz-classical composer Vijay Iyer

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

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UnDeR The BIG TOp Tuttle Ave. & 12th St. CIRCUSARTS.ORG 941.355.9805

“The Night Guest” opens with the lines, “Ruth woke at four in the morning and her blurry brain said ‘Tiger’. That was natural; she was dreaming.” This sets up from the book’s inception an ambiguity about Ruth’s story that propels the mystery and pathos of Fiona McFarlane’s first novel. Ruth is a widow, who spends most of her time alone in a beach house up the coast from Sydney, where she and her husband, Harry, retired just before Harry died of a heart attack. Her sons, who live in New Zealand and Hong Kong, are vaguely worried by Ruth’s small lapses in judgment, so when a nurse shows up at Ruth’s doorstep one day “looking as if she had been blown in by the sea,” claiming to be a government carer, everyone — including Ruth — feels just a bit safer.

Coinciding with Frida’s windswept arrival is Ruth’s escalating confusion. Despite Ruth’s increasing dependence on her new carer, the reader is never certain whether Ruth is experiencing dementia or whether Frida is up to something much more ominous. McFarlane delicately and deftly intertwines these two characters’ lives with brilliant detail. Frida ends up living in the house without Ruth’s permission, and Ruth begins to feel as though she can’t live by herself without Frida’s obsessively mopped floors, pill dispensing and rules. As the novel progresses, Frida plays into Ruth’s tiger fantasies as well (though you’re not certain whether her game is to indulge her ward or confuse her) eventually convincing Ruth that she has stalked and killed the fearsome tiger.

Let me just get this out of the way: “The Night Guest” is not a happy book. It’s a devastating story about the fragility of aging, the

ravages of loneliness and the terror of memory loss. It’s also superbly written. In McFarlane’s care, the ocean becomes its own character, its salty potential permeating the book’s pages.

Swimming around inside Ruth’s head are delicately drawn flights of memory about a childhood in Fiji, a life in Sydney with her husband and sons and Ruth’s unrequited first love — a doctor named Richard with whom she reunites briefly during the course of the novel.

Treading water, like a tiger waiting to pounce, is Ruth’s increasingly fragmented perspective.

Although “The Night Guest” is in third person, McFarlane drops her reader inside Ruth’s head and lets him or her float there. It’s disconcerting, this framework, obscuring something more sinister just beneath it, like the threat of drowning when you’ve swum out too far, and you’re not convinced you can make it back to shore.

— Alexis Orgera “The Night Guest” is available at Bookstore1, 1359 Main St., Sarasota. Call 365-7900.

Top 10 fiction titles at Bookstore1 in December: 1. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt 2. “Tatiana: an Arkady Renko Novel” by Martin Cruz Smith 3. “Sycamore Row” by John Grisham 4. “A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith 5. “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh 6. “City of Thieves” by David Benioff 7. “The Tiger’s Wife” by Téa Obreht 8. “A Hologram for the King” by Dave Eggers 9. “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter 10. “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman

In The

of Euphemia Haye

™

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Owner and Chef Joseph Casadio

WHEN: 8 p.m. through Jan. 11

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals

WHERE: Florida Studio Theatre

Visit YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen For The Recipe And Video

COST: $19 to $42 This performance of the Monty Python classic will be sure to keep audiences laughing.

15 SOUTH ristorante en

oteca

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

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INSIDE: Signature Chefs Auction ‘A Recipe for Healthy Babies’ PAGE 11

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EVENTS TO ATTEND IN

2014

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Mark your calendars, because 2014 is jam-packed with events you absolutely must attend! From fashion shows to famous comedians, masquerade balls and nights in the Rainbow Room, there’s a good cause to be celebrated all season long.

Buy your tickets and tables, plan your outfits and get ready to have a blast while supporting local charities.

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Amazing live auction items (a trip to D.C. with Congressman Vern Buchanan and a Sonoma Valley winemaker tour, to name a few), comedian Jay Leno, a chance to win a 2014 Lexus IS250 F Sport — what more reason do you need to attend the 13th annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala?

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25th Anniversary Catholic Charities Ball

Benefiting: Catholic Charities When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: Maria DeSanto, Bridgett Spiess, Mary Keanely-Barbetta and Julie Delaney Tickets: $250 Call: 355-4680, Ext. 311

At the beginning of the 2014 event season is the 25th anniversary Catholic Charities Ball.

This party has 24 years of experience, so you better believe it’s going to be an evening to remember as it turns 25.

Prepare to enjoy music by the Bob Gaffney Orchestra, and if you’re the highest bidder for one of the many great live auction items, you might get to drive around in a Rolls Royce Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Julie Delaney for an evening, take a wild trip to Las Vegas or enjoy a week stay at Villa Ercolano in Umbria, Italy. and Bridget Spiess

File photos

Erin Murphy, Bill Smith and Lexi Allen Expect a night of entertainment and exquisite food while supporting the foundation’s mission to “inspire a child, enrich a life and support arts education” and the fun won’t stop there — your ticket to the gala will get you into the exclusive after-party in the grand foyer following the show.

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Benefiting: Suncoast Communities Blood Bank When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 Where: Michael’s On East Chairs: Kelly Marsh and Heather Zangara Tickets: $150. Call: 954-1600, Ext. 132

Above: Robert Kohnen and Dr. Sheri Weinstein. Left: Yvonne Harper.

Van Wezel Foundation Gala featuring Jay Leno

Benefiting: Van Wezel Foundation When: 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Chairs: Kathy Martella, Lucille Smith and Brenda Maraman Tickets: $350. Call: 366-5578, Ext. 2395

3rd annual Red Hot! Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Suncoast Communities Blood Bank

Put on your best poker face and enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing and gaming at the casino-themed Red Hot! event celebrating the 65th anniversary of Suncoast Communities Blood Bank.

Ever dreamed of being the face on the side of a blood mobile? Well that dream could come true if you’re the highest bidder on the one-of-akind auction item. Suggested attire: “Sarasota chic with a hint of red.”

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

15th annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon ‘Cure on the Runway’

Benefiting: Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 Where: Rectrix Aerodrome Center Chairs: Christine Sandrib and Honorary chairwoman Eileen Curd Tickets: $150 Call: 813-745-1353 Eileen Curd and Christine Sandrib It’s always a great time when Saks Fifth Avenue teams up with an event for a cure, so grab your girlfriends and head to the Rectrix Aerodrome Center to enjoy a luxurious fashion show and luncheon in the hangar for the Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

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Have a fabulous time while learning about the work Moffitt is doing with women’s cancer research and awareness. Executive Vice President and Center Director Dr. Thomas Sellers will speak at the event, and all proceeds benefit women’s cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center.

Asolo Rep’s Annual Gala ‘A Night at the Rainbow Room’

Benefiting: Asolo Repertory Theatre When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 1 Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: Chris Cogan, Carol Phillips, Nikki Sedecca and Nikki Taylor Tickets: $300. Call: 351-9010, Ext. 4702

Imagine New York City, 1940: big bands, a revolving dance floor, fine dining and elite company. That’s what you should expect for Asolo Rep’s annual gala, themed “A Night at the Rainbow Room.” The ballroom will be transformed in such a way, you will think you’re on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center!

Channel the fashion of your inner 1940s self and dance the night away to the sounds of Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band (former headliner at the real Rainbow Room).

BLACK TIE COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Décor at Asolo Rep’s 2013 gala, themed “American Big Band.”

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

// BLACKTIE: EVENTS TO ATTEND IN 2014

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‘Out to Lunch’ with Col. Mark Tillman

Benefiting: Designing Women Boutique When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4 Where: Michael’s On East Chairs: Bert Minot, Ann Sundeen and Chris Sancin Tickets: $95. Call: 366-5293

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Building on the success of last year’s luncheon with secret service agent Clint Hill, the women of Designing Women Boutique have brought in yet another enthralling figure in American history — Col. Mark Tillman. Remember that day in September when President George W. Bush was in Sarasota reading to students at Booker Elementary? Tillman was the commander who had to rush him back to Washington, D.C., that day. Expect good food, lunch and enthralling intel about transporting the president on 9/11.

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor (continued from page 1)

8 9 Polo Under the Palms

honoring Robert and Esther Heller, Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy and David and Patti Wertheimer

Benefiting: The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8 Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: David and Edie Chaifetz, Dr. Joshua and Julie Green and Mort and Bunny Skirboll Tickets: $250 Call: 552-6308

There is no better way to celebrate local philanthropists than by throwing them a masquerade ball. Grab your masks and head to the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota as the Jewish Federation hosts the Purim Masquerade Ball to honor Robert and Esther Heller, Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy and David and Patti Wertheimer for their outstanding dedication to the community.

Not only is this a new event on the scene, it’s also featuring an after-party.

Want to join in on the celebration but prefer to start your evening a little later (or want the party to keep going?) … then buy tickets to the Purim after-party.

Keep those masks on, party people, and enjoy an open bar, desserts and a DJ until midnight.

In only its second year as an event, the Blue Ties & Butterflies is Child Protection Center’s signature event (the inaugural event raised more than $250,000 for CPC!) — and it should be a signature event on your list to attend this spring.

New this year will be the debut of a scaled-down version of the CPC’s Pillar of Hope, which continues to be a part of all CPC events, representing the Pillar of Hope Circle marble campaign.

Artwork by Sabine J. Wiedenhofer, “Pure Tenderness,” above, is one of the auction items we are most excited about — it’s such a gorgeous piece that the event will be decorated in blues and hues that emulate it.

Benefiting: Center for Building Hope and MD Anderson Cancer Center When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 Where: Sarasota Polo Club Chairs: Mary and Jamie Uihlein and Christie and James P. Uihlein

Purim Masquerade Ball

2nd annual Blue Ties & Butterflies

Tickets: $175 Call: 928-9296 Feeling fancy and want to see a polo match for a good cause? Head out to the polo grounds to watch the finals of the USPA sanctioned Polo Under the Palms 12-goal tournament. Continue the fun (or skip the sports and start with cocktail hour) under the white tent and spend the evening dining and dancing in support of the Center for Building Hope and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Need another reason to attend? It is the inaugural year for Little Owl Charities Inc. to host the event. The new nonprofit (which was created due to the success of the last three events) will raise money and boost awareness of organizations that pursue advances in cancer research.

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Benefiting: Child Protection Center When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 9 Where: Michael’s On East Chair: Alisa Pettingell Tickets: $175 Call: 365-1277, Ext. 103

Fairytale Ball

Expect Michael’s On East to be transformed into a whimsical fairytale land for the Children First gala, “Fairytale Ball.”

Indulge in the storybook theme — wear your tiaras, dress up your princes and head to the ball for a magical eveBenefiting: Children First ning supporting Children First.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Michael’s On East Chairs: Paul Brannan and Heidi Anderson, Larry and Nola Hietbrink, Stan and Jo Rutstein and Matt and Lisa Walsh Tickets: $200 Call: 953-3877, Ext. 124

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

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// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION ‘A RECIPE FOR HEALTHY BABIES’ Benefiting March of Dimes Monday, Dec. 16, at Polo Grill and Bar Debbie Harman, Megan Smith, Debby Boterf and Sheera Thomas Above: Sue Giroux, Marilyn Nordby, Vicki Eckl, Pocha Horton and Elske Vermaas. Right: Center Ring Cakes designed the cake for “A Celebration for Sara.”

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: A CELEBRATION FOR SARA Benefiting Friends of the Sarasota Ballet | Monday, Dec. 16, at Michael’s On East Photos by Heather Merriman

Jerry and Allison Ingram with their daughter Lucia

Karol and Jim Santarsiero

Left: Rhoda Beningson, Brenda Terris and Lynda Doery

Photos by Heather Merriman

CoChairs Tanya and Dr. Mark Ramos

Honoree Sara Sardelli and Olivia Ratner

Diane Milrod and Janet Tolbert

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