Diversions 11.6.14

Diversions YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT ARTISTIC HOMECOMING

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

After two decades of performing operas all over the world, Michael Robert Hendrick always looks forward to coming home to the place where it all began.

OPERATIC

RETURN Courtesy photo

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: ARTISTIC HOMECOMING

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

operatic RETURN After two decades of performing operas all over the world, Michael Robert Hendrick always looks forward to coming home to the place where it all began.

I

Nick Reichert

Michael Robert Hendrick, opera tenor, is getting makeup and wig applied

by Kathleen Keller backstage at the Sarasota Opera.

n cultural history there exists a healthy supply of sad clowns. From the comedies of Molière to the modern song sensibilities of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” and Smokey Robinson’s “The Tracks of My Tears,” the tearyeyed clown has become the recognized symbol of the alienated artist.

Perhaps one of the strongest and most violent entries of the sad clown mythos is that of Canio, the cuckolded head of an acting troupe in Ruggero Leoncavallo’s opera “Pagliacci.” The quick-tempered actor has to stomach his romantic anguish, put on his happy face and makeup and follow the actor’s timeless credo: The show must go on.

Michael Robert Hendrick, opera tenor returning for his eighth season at the Sarasota Opera and currently playing the role of the embittered clown, is no stranger to struggling for one’s art. After spending his high school years as a prominent trum-

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Courtesy photos

Hendrick with Dara Hobbs in the Sarasota Opera’s production of “The Flying Dutchman” and with Sean Anderson in “Of Mice and Men.” between apprentice and principal. Hendrick was baptized by operatic fire by having to learn four roles in four productions: a member of the chorus in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco,” a secondary role in Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fidelio” and an understudy for the principal roles in Jacques Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann” and Carl Nielsen’s “Maskarade.” Not to mention, all four productions required Hendrick to master four languages: Italian, German, French and Dutch, respectively.

The honorary opera native keeps coming back to Sarasota Opera for the consistency in professionalism and music quality.

“It’s a very rare thing today in opera to find someone who runs the opera house the way Maestro Victor DeRenzi does,” says Hendrick about DeRenzi, the opera’s artistic director and principal conductor.

According to Hendrick, the

musical standards of DeRenzi and his staff are the highest he’s ever experienced in his 20-year career. That’s high praise coming from someone whose career includes stints at world-renowned companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, L’Opéra de Montréal and Seattle Opera.

However, contrary to an outsider’s perspective, returning to a smaller market such as the Sarasota Opera is a creative homecoming. Hendrick’s musical journey has offered him the perspective of a mature and consummate artist who strives to obtain artistic satisfaction and not just large marquees.

“This is how I make a living and how I feed my family, but my focus when you’re in the production isn’t about money at all,” says Hendrick. “It’s about getting the best thing you can put on stage. As myself, as a singer, as an

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actor, what can I do to make this better as we’re going through the rehearsal and production process.”

When Sarasota Opera contacted him in 2012 about returning to perform, Hendrick felt like he was coming home.

“I was over the moon,” says Hendrick, “because in terms of the quality of a production there is nothing better than Sarasota.”

IF YOU GO ‘Pagliacci’ by Ruggero Leoncavallo When: Runs through Nov. 15 Where: Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Cost: Tickets are $19 to $125; student rush is $10 Info: Call 366-8450 or visit sarasotaopera.org.

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eventually attending the University of Cincinnati — CollegeConservatory of Music where he earned two graduate degrees in four years (a master’s in music and vocal performance and an artist diploma in opera performance), all the while experimenting with eclectic and rarely performed material.

“The conservatory had me pushed on a shopping cart dressed as a Greek god strumming a harp, singing this baroque music, straight tone in Claudio Monteverdi’s ‘Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda,’” says Hendrick.

With each new performance opportunity, the conservatory helped expand Hendrick’s performance capabilities.

A few years after he completed his graduate study, Hendrick earned his opera chops in 1995 at Sarasota Opera. The first year he was a studio artist, the medium rank of opera performers

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pet player in his hometown of LaGrange, Ga., Hendrick faced a tumultuous fork in his creative road.

“I’ve always loved music, even as a kid, but trumpet just wasn’t quite enough for me,” says Hendrick.

After reflecting on his artistic goals, Hendrick made the decision to drop the trumpet and his scholarship after one term. A few months later, after receiving offers from agriculture, sociology and math professors to select their respective fields for study, a friend mentioned to Hendrick that Berry College was acquiring a new voice professor. So Hendrick took his love of music and switched his instrument from the trumpet to his voice.

Without any prior formal voice training, he took to it immediately. After completing his undergraduate degree in music education, Hendrick auditioned for several graduate schools,

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: WHIMSY WORLD

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

manifest WHIMSY After a summer of construction and renovation, the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy is prepared to expand.

Giant pink lawn flamingos. The very thought turns one’s mind to elderly ladies’ front lawns saturated with the pink plastic birds accompanied by the occasional clan of gnomes, Coca-Cola memorabilia and Christmas lights never taken down from the past year. However, there can be, when curated correctly, a sublime method to the kitsch madness that conquers America’s material culture. The eye of this tacky hurricane of style is located right in Sarasota: the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy.

“It’s art that has a very different dimension,” says Marietta Lee, founder of the museum. “It’s more about something that’s fun or playful.

It’s hard to describe.”

The official definition of such a nebulous concept includes buzzwords such as playful, quaint, fanciful and humorous. Another definition that should be added to the museum’s personal brand of whimsy is therapeutic.

Opened by Lee in 2010, the museum started as a release for those haggard from the various dramas large or small that can so easily overwhelm one’s life. And in four years, the stillyoung gallery of whimsical art has grown exponentially in its art inven-

Jack Dowd’s “Earth Angel” tory o f paintings, statues and other assorted pieces as well as community interest growing from a collection of just two volunteers to 24 volunteers and three full-time staff.

And with that growth comes a natural expansion: a “manifest whimsy.”

Construction took place over the summer in anticipation of the museum’s Oct. 25 preview party and ensuing 2014 season to improve the interior and exterior grounds, which include a vast statue garden. Also, ground is being broken to build a future gift shop to sell local artists’ whimsical wares as well as house a café for refreshments.

This relatively rapid growth is no surprise considering the mark the building leaves on its neighborhood and its weekly first-time visitors. With a striking pink façade and the giant

Michael Gard’s “Flying Dancers”

Photos by Nick Reichert

Marietta Lee celebrates the recent expansion of her Museum of Art & Whimsy. aforementioned pink flamingos winking from the street corner, the museum structurally shines compared with the other standard-colored buildings lining North Tamiami Trail. The interior’s effect is simultaneously a cool wave of serenity and a blaze of festive stimuli. Walls are painted with colorful hues and adorned with an assortment of art ranging from city coast landscapes to eclectic portraitures of desserts and cats. All of it amounts to a restorative arts elixir.

“I told everyone from the beginning

that this is for overstressed adults,” says Lee. “People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, people who need just a moment respite from the day as a short mental getaway.”

With free admission and regular hours from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, visitors and residents alike can embrace the whimsy way. Whether standing in the shadow of a realistic, life-sized fake security guard or gazing up at an iconic urinal statue, the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy is drunk with laughter, smiles and feel-good vibes.

“Whether you’re in Sarasota, the U.S., or anywhere on the globe, we’re pretty consistent in developing a space where people feel good,” says Lee. “We’re seriously silly.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SUBMERGED ART

5

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

Ringling Underground shines light on local artists Natalya Swanson and Alyssa Esteban combine local, independent artwork with the Ringling’s old classics.

Nick Reichert

Alyssa Esteban and Natalya Swanson scout and champion local artists at the Ringling Underground each month in the Ringling Museum courtyard. to the environment around them, whether it’s nature as a whole or just the confines of their studio and everyday life. Five local and regional contemporary artists (Liz Gibson, Craig Hanson, Jacqueline Flavio, Samantha Robinson and Shawn Pettersen) will be featured at the event and present art ranging from statues, paintings and collages covering the challenges of living with physical handicaps, to the sinister nature of consumerism and civilization’s relationship with nature.

Giving local, contemporary artists a plat-

form to show their work in sharp contrast to the traditional art that comprises the majority of the Ringling is Swanson and Esteban’s prime directive. The art, both new and old, offers a balanced palette to both the art amateur and the experienced museumgoer.

“There’s a really interesting relationship that’s created between the work already in the garden and the new work that we show,” says Swanson.

Swanson and Esteban vary in background (art history and event production),

but each is passionate in her varied but essential field. Like the artwork at any given Ringling Underground, the two form an efficient, fluid and functioning dichotomy.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing when people come and just open their eyes and appreciate everything that the Ringling and Sarasota have,” says Esteban.

Swanson and Esteban cultivate, present and help foster the new. They do this not only by highlighting new artists and their work, but also by establishing a new experience of what it means to visit an art museum.

“I think each Ringling Underground is new every time,” says Esteban. “We have new art, music and try to open a new gallery within the museum each time.”

With each event providing artwork from new artists, the collective impact of each artist’s work is more potent.

“I’m interested in showing art that not only is innovative but also has underlying political, social and environmental statements,” says Swanson. “It is such an important aspect of contemporary art, to create that public conversation and to get people to talk about these social and environmental issues.”

IF YOU GO Ringling Underground When: 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 Where: The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Cost: $10; free for college students with valid college ID Info: Call 359-5700 or email underground@ringling.org.

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The nighttime is a series of bewitching hours awash with wonder and suspense in equal measure. Ordinary things and buildings during the day receive a layer of mystique in the dark. On the first Thursday of each month from 8 to 11 p.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the evening welcomes a cavalcade of local contemporary artwork, music and food within the courtyard of shadows of traditional statues and works by dead masters.

This mash-up of the new and old and modern salon is fittingly titled the Ringling Underground.

Fostering and cultivating the local population of artists and musicians is at the heart of the Ringling Underground’s mission. Walking into the central courtyard on any given Underground Thursday night, the attendee will venture through the threshold into the expansive garden courtyard at the heart of the museum and collide with various work from exhibiting artists selected for that month. Each successive piece is curated and positioned in the courtyard to act as a conduit for audiences to make their way down to the fulcrum of the space (Michelangelo’s “David”), where the bands perform. It is a river of surprises and aesthetic adventure at the heart of Sarasota’s traditional art reservoir.

“We’re trying to show the community that local artists have something to offer and also give artists starting out a venue to display their work,” says Natalya Swanson, art liaison for the Ringling. Swanson and Alyssa Esteban, public functions coordinator, arrange and organize the artistic and technical logistics of Ringling Underground. “I think the event is a beautiful thing for people to just open their eyes and let into their lives,” Swanson adds.

November’s artists have a commonality in that they are expressing their response

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

THE ART OF THE VIOLIN OPENING RECEPTION Benefiting Perlman Music Program/ Suncoast Thursday, Oct. 30, at a private home Photos by Nick Reichert

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

OPERA // ‘Pagliacci’ It was Halloween. The wind was howling, and strange creatures were prowling Sarasota’s downtown streets. But inside the Sarasota Opera House, a triumphant cast of singers and instrumentalists were re-creating Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s 122-year-old classic, “Pagliacci.” No matter what kind of costumes the Halloween revelers chose to wear, none was as frightening or realistic as the tragic Commedia dell’arte scenario being re-enacted on the stage of the Sarasota Opera House, because Leoncavallo knew how to turn theatrical mayhem into verismo intensity, bridging the gap between staged drama and real-life tragedy.

This “Pagliacci” is a revival of an earlier Sarasota Opera production. We’d seen it before, but this was revitalized. In fact, it was one of the best productions of this classic we’ve seen because all the important facets came together: excellent singing, believable acting, staging that drew us into the action, lighting (Ken Yunker), costumes (Howard Tsvi Kaplan) and scenery (David Gordon) that looked fresh and complemented each other and an orchestra that supported the singers and made this an opera that coalesced into what opera should be.

It was the Sarasota Orchestra, moonlighting with the opera, that lent its super sound to what was happening on stage.

And it was Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi who held it all together, keeping the proper balance between principals and chorus on stage and players in the pit, like a well-oiled machine.

Stage Director Stephanie Sundine managed, through little details that made all the difference, to turn a hard-to-believe

Rod Millington

Marco Nistico as Tonio, Veronica Mitina as Nedda and Michael Robert Hendrick as Canio in Sarasota Opera's “Pagliacci.”

19th century verismo Italian opera into a piece of drama that could easily happen today. Jealousies, misrepresentations, deceptions and deceits are timeless, and when they’re set to passionate music they became alive in Sundine’s able and imaginative operatic concept.

The music, itself, is timeless and wellknown. There are few people who haven’t heard Pagliaccio’s famous aria, “Vesti la giubba,” as the actor, in clown’s white face sings about the horror of trying to make people laugh while he’s crying inside.

Michael Robert Hendrick took on the tragic role of Canio, the head of the traveling company of actors whose real-life sufferings are mirrored by Pagliaccio, the cuckolded character he plays on stage.

You’ll remember him as the brilliant acting-

singer whose portrayal of Lennie in the operatic setting of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” at Sarasota Opera a few years ago brought us all to tears. This time, he brought a depth of character seldom seen in this role. Rather than riding on the gleaming quality of his voice, as most tenors do in “Pagliacci,” Hendrick added his profound ability to embody a role, making his Canio more than just a striking voice. Yes, he was often a little too on top of the pitch, but we assume his sharp intonation was due to opening night excitement. These ears will take sharp over flat anytime.

Veronica Mitina’s Nedda, Canio’s wife who cheats on him on stage and off, was beautifully rendered, not only in her big aria, “Qual fiamma,” but especially in

her onstage musical and dramatic relationships with her onstage and offstage lovers. Hers is a big, sometimes metallic voice, and there were times we wanted more float and nuance in her singing, but the fact that she, like Hendrick, embodied her role made her persona colorful enough that we figured the nuances would come with future performances.

We’ve never heard Marco Nistico, the evening’s Tonio, sound better. His opening prologue was resounding. And later, as he became the hunchback, Taddeo, in the play-within-the-play, his evil image matched his resilient, resonant voice.

Nathan Munson, the studio artist who took on the roles of the actor Peppe (aka Beppe in other productions but then, what’s in a name … ) and Arlecchino in the play, made my ears stand up with his first line. He may be a studio artist this year, but he’s a tenor to listen for in the future.

That is a voice to reckon with.

And Brian James Myer, a young baritone from Las Vegas also making his Sarasota Opera debut, handled his part as Silvio, Nedda’s real-life lover, with both voice and character to make him stand out in the crowd.

The chorus was trained and blended to perfection by Roger Bingaman, with just enough stage business to make us believe they were villagers anticipating a fun day at the theater that was turned, inexplicably, into mayhem and murder.

On another note: Instead of pairing “Pagliacci” with “Cavalleria Rusticana,” as most companies do, Sarasota Opera decided to offer only the Leoncavallo. To round out the abbreviated evening and give a nod to Mascagni, the orchestra and deRenzi had some stunning moments of their own in the spotlight with the intermezzos from the composer’s “L’amico Fritz” and “Cavalleria rusticana.” A nice touch and a great way to highlight the instrumentalists.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

BOOKS // ‘The Paying Guests’ by Sarah Waters

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Sarah Waters’ newest novel, “The Paying Guests,” is set in early 1920s London, a place and time of great change, in which class boundaries and long-held sensibilities are shaken and compromised.

Frances Wray and her mother are women of society and, since Mr. Wray’s death, considerably diminished means.

This change in condition is reflected by their family home, which has fallen into disrepair as a result of their financial decline and the dismissal of their household servants. Frances has assumed the former servants’ duties, and to supplement their income, the Wrays take on tenants, Leonard and Lilian Barber — to whom the neighbors politely refer as “paying guests.”

The Wrays first welcome the Barbers into their home with resignation, curiosity and a degree of suspicion. Frances, a spinster, is naturally curious of her new tenants, and close quarters permit and even necessitate some measure of intimacy. Consequently, while their initial interactions are quite awkward, Frances Wray and Lilian Barber quickly form an unlikely friendship.

Their friendship is strengthened by growing turmoil between Leonard and Lilian, and, in turn, their bond begins to exacerbate, even fuel, that turmoil. Meanwhile, Frances and the Barbers all begin to act with increasing recklessness and deception, culminating in a violent act that morphs an unorthodox love story into a crime drama.

The romance driving the narrative is unlikely (perhaps intentionally so) because of the personalities and circumstances of the two women, which serves to cast doubt

on the characters’ motives and aims. That doubt lends intrigue to the plot, as not only the reader but also the supporting characters harbor varying degrees of uncertainty disbelief and suspicion about the relationships they encounter.

Waters’ novel isn’t simply a love story.

And it isn’t simply a glimpse into the criminal justice system of early 1920s London — although her depiction of that system is both illuminating and fascinating. “The Paying Guests” is both of these things, but it is also a portrayal of the monumental political and social evolution that occurred in English society in the years following World War I. Ultimately, despite their numerous flaws and suspect actions, Waters’ characters are imbued with a great sense of possibility and optimism for the future.

— Alexis Orgera “The Paying Guests” is available at Bookstore1Sarasota, 1359 Main St., Sarasota. Call 365-7900 for more information.

Top 10 fiction titles at Bookstore1 this month: 1. ”Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline 2. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr 3. “The Mathematician’s Shiva” by Stuart Rojstaczer 4. “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante 5. “Midnight in Europe” by Alan Furst 6. “Personal” by Lee Child 7. “Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann 8. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes 9. “The Dinner” by Herman Koch 10. “A Star for Mrs. Blake” by April Smith

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

9

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER // ‘Dancin’ in the Street’ The greatest 1960s girl group that never was is hitting the stage again at Florida Studio Theatre. Yes, the Prima Donnettes are back. The girls are setting the musical wayback machine to the middle of the last century one more time. “Dancin’ in the Street” is their latest revue. Dancing. Dig it.

In this brave new world of Ebola and ISIS, it’s nice to recall a time when dancing was seen as a revolutionary act. And, speaking of revolutions …

Last year’s performance had a feminist subtext. This year’s focus is more personal, less political. Good pop tunes, naturally.

But let’s be clear. Music snobs may sneer at hit pop songs. Try writing one.

The best pop songs are mini-ballads.

Vivid characterizations. Little stories, with beginnings, middles and ends. Distillations of self, soul and longing that fit the Procrustean Top 40 format.

The permutations of the soul aren’t that complicated. There’s the sweet, I’mso-happy-falling-in-love song, the you’redumping-me-my-heart-is-broken song, the I’m-dumping-you-get-lost song, the I’mgoing-to-pay-you-back song, the I’ll-pickmyself-up-and-start-over song. This revue delivers these changes filtered through implied characters.

Two actor/singers return from last year: Jannie Jones and Liz Power. Their characters return as well.

Jones’ persona is young and gifted in the spirit of Aretha Franklin. (A 16-show FST veteran, she has the talent and charisma to pull it off.) She casually blows the audience away with numbers such as “Fever,” “He’s So Fine,” (proving conclusively to my ears that George Harrison did rip off The Chiffons) and “Respect.”

Original takes, always. And what a voice.

The Motown mojo flows through Jones’

Maria Lyle

Courtney Stokes, Melissa Robinette, Jannie Jones and Liz Power perform in FST's “Dancin’ In the Street.” veins.

Power’s character didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. She’s no naïf, this kid. Her songs deal with such worldly wise issues as physical violence as a corrective to character assassination (“My Boyfriend’s Back”), the lousy snap judgments of human hormones (“It’s So Easy to Fall in Love”) and the temporality of eternal vows (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”).

Courtney Stokes and Melissa Robinette are the two newcomers. Stokes is a wide-eyed innocent — a hope fiend, to

Kitchen

In The

of Euphemia Haye

quote a certain pied piper of the 1960s.

There’s no hint of disillusionment in her early songs. From “Then He Kissed Me” to “Chapel of Love” to “I Hear a Symphony,” it’s love’s illusions, every time. But there’s a subtle shift, from the anthemic “I am Woman” to the mournful ballad of “Delta Dawn” — a study of a woman who never woke from her illusions.

Robinette is the wildcard. She sings her share of “hope fiend” songs, including the high-octane romanticism of “Please Mr. Postman” and “To Know Him is to Love

Him.” She also belts out an anthem of her own — “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.”

She also sings the titular “Dancin’ in the Street,” which isn’t so much an anthem as an infectiously joyful celebration of life.

Quentin Tarantino and/or Nancy Sinatra fans will appreciate Robinette’s shattering rendition of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” But you can’t keep a good woman down, as her crowd-pleasing take on “I Will Survive” proves.

Director and choreographer Dennis Courtney keeps a snappy pace, a seamless transition song to song and a ’60s groove to the accompanying dances. Jim Prosser burns up the piano — it’s all the audience can do not to start dancing in the street for real.

Richard Hopkins and Prosser developed this high-energy, feel-good revue, with additional songs from Rebecca Hopkins. They stopped short of creating a jukebox musical but get pretty darn close.

Their tunes don’t quite add up to one big story, but they do tell the tales of the four implied characters — in a haunting double exposure with the tales of the characters in the original songs.

This year, the Prima Donnettes bring their personas to life. They come off as three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood women.

You hear them roar. (And that’s the most liberating anthem of all.)

They will make you feel like dancing.

— Marty Fugate

IF YOU GO ‘Dancin’ in the Street with the Prima Donnettes’ When: runs through Feb. 5 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1247 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN: BEDROOM BASICS

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

NEED

what all bedrooms EURO SHAMS

T

he bedroom: the most important room in the house. Besides the kitchen, where you fuel your body with food, this room is crucial for the well being of you.

It’s where you unwind for the night, catch your zzz’s and recharge for the next day. However, this life-giving space is often neglected

STANDARD PILLOW BOUDOIR PILLOW LUMBAR PILLOW THROW

There are no set rules on how to decorate a bedroom.

Each person has her own style, habits and routines that dictate how she would use space in the home, but these tips and starting points will lead you in the right direction ...

START WITH THE BED.

Illust ratio n by Ke

ffie L

It can be assumed the one item that most people would agree necessary in a bedroom would be a bed. What is also crucial for design appeal, as well as comfort, is a generous amount of pillows. Don’t skimp on pillows, but don’t just throw them on there, either. At left, interior designer Keffie Lancaster breaks down the anatomy of pillow-scaping your bed.

anca ster

when it comes to design and décor, be it that the time, money and energy went into the parts of the house seen more often by guests. We stopped in some our favorite local showrooms and spoke with a few local designers to get the scoop on what bedrooms need to be both stylish and functional.

A basic list of bedroom essentials: • Theme • Bed • Pillows and throws • Seating • Lamps • Rugs • Art • Scents • Functional decorative furniture and accessories

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

11

// HOME&GARDEN

Animal print textiles, found at Sarasota Home Collection

THEME

ART

A bedroom needs a theme. Whether it’s dark and cozy, minimal or chic and glamorous, a theme sets the stage for what the room needs and the direction to go with design elements.

When choosing what to place on your bedroom walls, go for art, not photographs, and keep it simple.

Steer away from busyness.

FUNCTIONAL DECORATIVE FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES Kendall chest (available in many colors) with large brass floral pulls, found at Current. When choosing accessories, buy what you like, but don’t buy everything. The energy in the bedroom should be calming, so less is always more.

LAMPS

SCENTS

These lamps, found at BlackBird, are great for nightstands and dressers, when you’re looking for more dim lighting or trying to read before going to bed.

SEATING This perching chair, found at Sarasota Home Collection, has a low back and is wide and comfortable, offering a place to sit other than the bed.

Keeping the bedroom smelling fresh is a must. Choose scents according to your own sensory preferences and opt for aesthetically pleasing packaging, such as these Aquiesse diffusers, found at Sarasota Home Collection. Essentials like these should blend in, not stand out.

So what do some of our local designers say is their bedroom must-have?

Photos by Heather Merriman

“Good sheets.” – Marcus Anast, Sara-

sota Home Collection. His favorite: Legna, Italian sheets made from Italian beach trees.

“A water decanter. You always need water next to your bed.”

– Sally Trout, Current. Another one of Trout’s must-haves for the bedroom are decorative boxes, used to hide vitamins, remotes and other things you need in your room, but aren’t things you want decorating your nightstands and dressers.

Shagreen stringray hide boxes, found at Current

Water decanter and tray, found at Current

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// FOOD&COOKING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

by Mary Ellen Mancini | Contributing Writer

BEST OF:

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FRENCH FRIES Salted, seasoned, topped or dressed, there’s just something downright appetizing and irresistible about French fries.

Served as a standalone food item or as a welcome addition to just about any meal, there is no denying these golden strips of deepfried deliciousness are loved all around the world. In fact, the average American eats almost 30 pounds each year.

While some prefer regular or sweet, thick or thin, no matter how you slice it, when it comes to popular food, French fries are king.

Here are some local places known for fabulous fries.

Chili Cheese Fries Tony’s Chicago Beef 6569 Superior Ave., Sarasota 922-7979

Known for amazing Chicago-style hot dogs and brats, Tony’s hits a home run with its chili cheese fries, too.

Each day the restaurant hand-slices fresh russets, soaks them overnight and then blanches them in specially seasoned water. After that, the potatoes are cooled and fried to order. Getting them topped with cheese and some of Tony’s homemade tequila chili takes them to a whole new level of gooey fried bliss.

Duck-Fat Fries

Sweet Potato Fries Blue Rooster | 1525 Fourth St., Sarasota | 388-7539

Roast Restaurant and Bar 1296 First St., Sarasota 953-1971

Photos by Heather Merriman

Roast’s duck-fat fries recipe comes from the family memories of chef/co-owner Andy Thompson. After being fried to order, they are sprinkled with the finest English Maldon sea salt and are served piping hot.

“I grew up eating these fries in Europe, and I think their rich, savory flavor is simply the best,” he says. “Frying hand-cut potatoes in duck fat gives an extra crispy outside and infuses a hint of added flavor.”

Parmesan Truffle Fries

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Selva Grill | 1345 Main St., Sarasota 362-4427

Staying true to Southern-style comfort food, the Blue Rooster and its new chef, Robert Goggin, bring Sarasota a scrumptious version of French-fried sweet potato pie. These brightly hued potatoes are hand-cut, blanched in peanut oil, cooled and fried to order. Hot out of the fryer, they are seasoned with the perfect mixture of salt, sugar and cinnamon and then served with a side of cane syrup whipped cream.

“This kind of French fry is often served shoestring style,” says Selva Grill’s Jeremy Osment.

“We keep ours original with a large hand-cut version.”

The fries are stacked on a plate decorated with lime and sweet chili, aged balsamic, passion fruit sauce and chive oil, and then dressed with truffle oil, chives, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and served with a port wine demi-glaze.

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INSIDE: Oceanic Evening PAGE 15

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Rob Brown, Jackie Rolfes and Mike Pachota

Kevin and Mary Pat Radford

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Bob and Pam Plank with Tim and Beth Self

Benefiting: Children First • Saturday, Nov. 1, at Sharky’s on the Pier

Co-Chairs Max and Stephanie Hannum, Jim and Debbie LaPinska, Paula Murray, Renee Phinney and Kristy and Tom Cail

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor Cool weather, lobster dinner, bonfire gatherings, s’mores, fireworks and beachside sky lanterns — an ideal way to spend the first Saturday in November, which is exactly what more than 250 guests did the evening of Saturday, Nov. 1, at Sharky’s on the Pier for Children First’s 2nd annual Rockin’ Lobster.

Aaren Dejonge, Amber Clements and Allison Schibelli Guests released sky lanterns over the Gulf.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Susan and Mark Doane with Anne Davy and Melissa deLisser

BY THE NUMBERS 250 guests MORE THAN 225 lobsters

30 sky lanterns re-

leased over the Gulf

To have so many people come together to support our children and our mission is truly inspiring. We are so fortunate, in serving our community’s most vulnerable children, to be able to provide the highest quality services because of our donors’ generosity.

– Philip Tavill, President & CEO

Jill Jaiswal, Kay Mathers and Patti Eisemann

Elizabeth Smith and Wayne Zapatha

THE S’M

ORES BAR – featuring vanilla, peppermint, coconut an d caramel swirl marsh mallows

Jenn Stutler roasts

marshmallows for s’m

ores.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

Asolo Rep board President Mary Lou Winnick and Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

S

ome 200 members of the Asolo Rep “family” gathered for the theater’s Welcome Back Party Oct. 30.

Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards got everyone excited about “South Pacific,” which goes into previews Nov. 11 with a special Veterans Day celebration. Cast members Kelly Felthous, Maggie Cansler, Laura Gepford, Willow Schneider and Tony Festa performed, then joined the guests to sing “Happy Birthday” to Asolo Crystal Society member Lee Peterson. Edwards introduced incoming Asolo board President Mary Lou Winnick, who got off the auto train from Connecticut

Photos by Cliff Roles

just in time for the evening event. She had great news to share about the success of the Asolo endowment drive, which is a special passion for her and husband, Ed. The charmer of the evening was a beautiful young lady, who turned out to be Roselynn, the exquisite 7-year-old daughter of Retta Wagner. Guests departed with a swag bag from the Asolo and an information packet for the 2015 Modern Pentathlon First World Cup, the latter courtesy of Katherine Harris, Sarasota Bradenton Pentathlon executive chair of the competition, which is set for February.

S TIDBIT

Brevity is the soul phia this summer to deliver of friendship … How the commencement address many times have to graduate students and to you been promised receive an honorary Doctor of “brief comments” only Humanities in Health Sciences to have them go on and on? in recognition of her long and Friendship Centers’ leadership active support of the school’s actually delivered at a thank you programs. She celebrated her party for their donors, legacy “hooding” with an amazing smile society members and other and a talk that she described as supporters Oct. 30, at Hyatt “in the key of C,” sharing with the Regency Sarasota. President/ graduates her passions for colCEO Robert Carter, Senior laboration, cooperation, charity Vice President Erin McLeod and compassion. To which BT and board president Kathy adds, congratulations … A first Silverberg expressed their in Black Tie history … At the Oct. gratitude with terse eloquence 22 Wit and Wisdom sponsor so their 80-plus guests could kickoff party, the always elegant return to their food and drink.

Sue Jacobson and her mother, Seen at the Hyatt: Gloria Moss, Dorothy, approached BT editor Andi and Bob Munzer, Bob Heather Merriman with a reHarris and Paula Wasserman, quest. The duo was hoping MerDr. Gloria Schranz, Debbie riman would be in attendance so Frank, JoAnne Nevins, Sunny they could tap her for a picture O’Flynn and Mildred Field … for their holiday cards. Warning: Wearing white after labor day you may see this photo again … It’s just a suggestion next month … not a mandate for An Evening in White Gayla, Sue and Dorothy the wild-and-wacky drag Jacobson show benefiting Community AIDS Network’s emergency fund. The lovely, award-winning Amy DeMilo returns to emcee; new to the show is Versage from St. Petersburg, a Michael Jackson impersonator.

Tickets for the Nov. 10 party at Michael’s On East are $100 and can be purchased by calling 365-6922. … Hooded … Sarasota philanthropist Photo by Gerri Aaron made a Heather Merriman special visit to Arcadia University in Philadel-

BLACK TIE R AFFAI

A FASHIONABLE EVENING — A TRIBUTE TO PHIL KING Benefiting: GlasserSchoenbaum Human Services Center When: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 Where: Hyatt Regency Sarasota Tickets: $250 Contact: 365-4545 Co-chairs Marlene Hauck, Bunny Skirboll and Gail Welch have pulled out all the stops to honor the GlasserSchoenbaum’s recently retired Executive Director Phil King and introduce new leader Kameron Hodgens. Persistent spying on our part can only reveal that the event could be billed as a “feast of surprises.”

BALANCHINE TUCKETT BRUCE

Live Music provided by Key Chorale & The Sarasota Ballet Orchestra

“An absolutely breathtaking piece...”

(Lux Aeterna)

Anna Dearing, The Observer

21 - 22 NOVEMBER 2014 Sarasota Opera House

Box Office : (941) 359 - 0099 x 101 | www.SarasotaBallet.org 149720

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

153914

14

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

15

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

OCEANIC EVENING Benefiting Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Photo by Heather Merriman

Pete and Bonnie Platten with Julie and Phil Delaney Ryan and Lisa Kirby with Joe and Lorienne Nichelson

Teri Hansen and Veronica Brady Eugenie Clark with Michael and Sharon Crosby

Right: Donna Koffman and Sandy Albano

Heiner Goebbels’

Songs of Wars I Have Seen November 20 & 21, 7:00 pm Holley Hall “Songs of Wars I Have Seen” is a staged concert portraying domestic life during World War II. It combines text written by Gertrude Stein, with narration by members of the Orchestra. Immerse yourself in the lives of women on the home front in Europe through spoken word and music.

photo by Heiner Goebbels

Bundesarchiv, Bild 121-0472 / CC-BY-SA

Join us after the concert for a Q&A session about the program with Anu Tali.

Tickets $35 - $49 941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

20 14 _ 15 155125

TM

Tim Clarke with Chairwoman Susan Gilmore-Clarke

16

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

Live musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire!

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Benefiting The Players Friday, Oct. 24, at Fête Ballroom

Saturday – November 15 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday – November 16 – 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.

In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling Museum of Art

Singer/Actress K L E A B L A C K H U R S T

“Everything The Traffic Will Allow”

Honoree Linda Carson, Honoree Bob Nosal and Sandra Musicante

OF SARASOTA

A Tribute to the music of show business legend ETHEL MERMAN TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P – $25-$45

941-360-7399

Color gradient

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Tickets/details 24/7 at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

You’re Invited to a Special Night of Beauty

Thursday, November 13 • 5:30-7pm

Honoree Michael Newton-Brown and Ralph Nurmela

Join Dr. Holly Barbour and her cosmetically trained staff for an educational and fun evening.

Enjoy light bites and information on our newest fillers, skincare products and procedures.

RSVP 941.951.2220 Space is limited

Amazing giveaways and discounts for attendees! Bring a friend!

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jane Sirmons and Dawn Burns Honoree Sue Cole and Gayle Foster

HOLLY L. BARBOUR, M.D. Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Case Western Reserve University, MD and Residency in Ophthalmology

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL COCKTAIL NETWORKING RECEPTION ‘CHEERS TO YOU!’

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Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Michael’s Wine Cellar Photos by Heather Merriman

Jenna Phillips, Paulina Manning and Beth Woods

Betty Schoenbaum and Helen McBean

Chairwoman Meghan Serrano and Bill Sadlo

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Michael Doyle and Lee DeLieto

Alyssa Nohren and Renee Brady

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

CURTAIN RAISER Benefiting Sarasota Opera Sunday, Oct. 26, at Michael’s Wine Cellar

Photos by Heather Merriman

David Chaifetz, Bill Chapman, Steve Wilberding and Larry English

Jacqueline and David Morton

Joey Frye, Mary Mitchell and Richard Russell

Rick Kerby, Marsha Johnson and Jonathan Coleman

Elton and Gorde White with Nola and Joe Stephan

WE BELIEVE

there should be no barriers to education.

Rosemary Oberndorf’s father, an Italian immigrant, spent years putting himself through school at night. “It’s a real American story,” Rosemary says. Lou and Rosemary, both first-generation college graduates, share a passion for opening doors for others through initiatives like the Ringling Town Hall Scholars program. As Lou adds, “Supporting education forms the essence of who we are.”

Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf

Whether your passion is education, the arts or social causes, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is committed to helping donors maximize the benefits of giving – for themselves and their families, for the causes they love, forever.

To learn more, call 941.955.3000.

Let us show you how easy it is to give through a donor advised fund.

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18

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

FLIP FLOPS & FASHION

Benefiting Children First • Thursday, Oct. 30, at Sharky’s on the Pier • 300 guests

CO-CHAIRS ...

Susan Jones and Sally Schule

Terri Klauber and Debbie Dannheisser

Etta Reece, Nola Hietbrink and Tracy DeRamo Angie Stringer, Philip Tavill and Carol Butera

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jennifer Rust, Dr. Heidi Anderson, Daisy Saunders and Sally Altman

THE FASHION SHOW

Deb Kabinoff and Margaret Wise

Fashions provided by KapriCouture, L. Boutique and SunBug 20 models Emceed by Emily Walsh Four fashionable moms and their daughters opened the Flip Flops Fashion Show wearing “mommy and me” fashions by KapriCouture.

Montana Taplinger with her daughter, Annabelle

Pandora Cabrera with her daughter, Aspen Snyder

Ashley Gruters with her daughter, Piper

Erin Hart with her daughter, Caroline

Jan Sutter, Liz Ryan and Haven Beach

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

BACCHUS ON THE BEACH: BACCHANALIAN BEACH BALL Benefiting USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Hospitality Friday, Oct. 31, at The Resort at Longboat Key Club D’Arcy and Ray Arpke with Lynn Christensen

Photos by Heather Merriman

Hal Christensen and Danielle Bretschneider

Denise and Alan Hudson

Katherine Frame, Lori Kitzmiller and Barb Squeri

Beth and Jay Berke

Andrew Vac and Ramona Glanz with Garry and Stephanie McColloch

Scott Allen and Mimi Carlin

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: HOT FLASH

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

A noteworthy campaign Write-On Sarasota, a local stationary boutique, is celebrating 15 years in business this December. To celebrate the milestone, owner Eileen Wallace is launching the Grateful Campaign.

“During the recession, 51% of the stationary business in the United States went out of business,” says Wallace, “I will be in business 15 years — why am I still here? My customers.

And they need a thank you.”

Dedicating the entire month of November to the Grateful Campaign, each week will have a purpose and theme, revolving around the importance of stationary, and being thankful for those people in our lives.

“There is nothing like getting a note or a card in the mail,” says Wallace.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Week 2 (Nov. 10) – The store will offer special pricing on stationary items in the store

Week 3 (Nov. 17) – A competition for the best notes moms and grandmas have been given from their children and grandchildren, featuring categories such as most hilarious, sweetest and anything in between. Vendors are doing giveaways for the best notes entered.

Week 4 (Nov. 24) – In the Thanksgiving spirit of being thankful and grateful, this is the week to take the challenge of writing and sending a note if you haven’t already.

PRESENTS A Charity Event Produced by The Junior League of Sarasota

The Art of the Appetizer, of the Entree, of the Dessert, as created by Sarasota’s finest chefs and inspired by Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera and The Sarasota Ballet.

Join us ...

6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 8, 2014,on the rooftop of the Palm Avenue Parking Garage, Downtown Sarasota.

Tickets: $100 ea./$125 Patrons (champagne service) Reserve yours at www.jlsarasota.org

Featuring

Appetizers by Jack Dusty Libby's Startlite Room Crab & Fin Selva Grill Ent Entrees by Louies Modern MADE State Street Eating House Duval's Fresh.Local.Seafood Desserts by Clásico Social on First Cafe Americano Caragiulos Sweet Doctors

Sponsored by: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

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Write-On Sarasota 1423 First St. 953-2800

Week 1 (Nov.3) – Drop off any thank you card to the store and Wallace will stamp it and mail it anywhere in the United States — “Those notes you’ve been meaning to write but you haven’t, write them.”

• “Always date it, people save things,” says Wallace.

Date the card in the upper right corner or the old-fashioned way is the bottom left, either is acceptable.

• When addressing an envelope or a note, the husband’s first and last name should never be separated, for example, the envelope would read “Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham” and the note would begin “Victoria and David.”

“No matter what the rules are, it should be meaningful and from the heart,” says Wallace.

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