Diversions 12.18.14

Diversions YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

A&E

H&G

Students fly high at Sailor Circus PAGE 2

BLACK TIE

’Tis the season for holiday decor PAGE 6

‘Serengeti Nights’ PAGE 11

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FOOD& COOKING NAUGHTY AND NICE

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by Randi Donahue Contributing Writer

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EDIBLE

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Christmas is quickly approaching, but there is still time to shoot straight to the top of your friends’ and family’s nice list.

Inside are Diversions’ picks for local edible gifts that can be as pleasing to the taste buds as the spirit.

FOOD&COOKING COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SERIOUSLY CIRCUS

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

BIG TIME

V

ibrant characters of various shapes and sizes fly through a metallic dome while moving with physical prowess and balletic grace. This isn’t a sequence from a fantastical daydream or some silverscreen illusion; it’s Sailor Circus Academy students maneuvering through the arena on the corner of Bahia Vista Street and South Tamiami Trail.

The circus is one of the oldest family-oriented entertainments in the country. But as the traveling circus business model waned in popularity, the resident circus school has grown. According to Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory, when he emigrated from South Africa to the United States in 1984, there were approximately four schools in the United States dedicated to the circus arts. Today there are more than 100 schools and institutions that teach circus performance.

“In the past, there were families that passed down their craft and skills within their family from generation to generation,” says Reis. “Now the general student body of any given town with a circus academy can learn them.”

The Circus Arts Conservatory and its Sailor Circus Academy annually recruit and train dozens of kids between fourth and 12th grade to produce quality circus spectaculars. This is big time under the big top.

“Sailor Circus Academy is over 60 years old, and we don’t evaluate students based on their age

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

For me, circus is family.

— Alli Pierce

Photos by Nick Reichert

Sarasota students Emma Clarke and Alli Pierce have found a home and passion at the Sailor Circus Academy.

Pierce. “They aren’t aware of any of the other acts or major things that are a part of the circus.”

For the younger students, such as fourth-grader Emma Clarke, who is in her first year at the academy, it’s about learning and having as much fun as possible.

“I was involved in acrobatics, but the circus academy looked really fun,” Emma says. “At first it felt weird having people watch me perform, but it felt really good to do it and hear their applause.”

The Sailor Circus’s large productions reflect the program’s fusion of education and entertainment. “The Enchanted Wand” was conceived from a brainstorming session with Reis

and the rest of the artistic and directing staff who aim to deliver a show that is always an original concept with an equally positive message. Running from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30, the basic story is of three dysfunctional children who received a magic wand from the Fairy Queen. The only way the powerful wand can function is when the three children settle their differences and work together.

Teamwork, entertainment and a dash of wonder are at the heart of every Sailor Circus performance.

“I want the audience for my first show to feel happy and just laugh,” Emma says. “I just want to make someone’s day.”

IF YOU GO ‘The Enchanted Wand’ When: Dec. 27 through Dec. 30 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Tickets: $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 years old and under Info: Call 355-9335 or visit circusarts.org.

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“For me, circus is family,” says Alli Pierce, an 11th-grade aerialist student of the Sailor Circus. “I spend more time here than my actual home.”

This familiarity and closeness is evident during an early run-through of Sailor Circus’s winter show, “The Enchanted Wand.” Pierce and the menagerie of circus students run into the center of the arena’s stage with complete comfort, hitting their marks and climbing, contorting and launching themselves into poses and routines that would make an origami artist envious.

“Whenever I tell someone I know that I perform in the circus, they always ask if I’m a clown and can I juggle,” says

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but on their ability,” says Reis.

“Our degree of difficulty and our standards are pretty high and as close to professional as you can get.”

No matter what age students begin their studies at the academy, everyone starts with the basics of the academy’s exoticsounding disciplines such as silks, the Spanish web, side-byside, the flying trapeze, unicycle and the storied Nik Wallenda high wire.

As students progress they are cast in various roles, based on their respective strengths, in the Sailor Circus’s winter holiday and spring shows. And for those who fully embrace the training, the circus becomes much more.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: IMPROVISATIONAL EDUCATION

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

All that JAZZ

Vintage black-and-white photos of jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker look out upon the tight and cozy office space. Opposite the legendary trumpeters in their framed jazz club confines are colorful art deco posters advertising past jazz festivals.

Filling out the office are other Dave Walrath assorted relics from America’s original art form: trade magazines, current touring artists’ photos and contact information for different venues and artists in the Sarasota area.

This concentration of all things jazz is the administrative home of the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Located on the sleepy side of South Pineapple Avenue, the Jazz Club of Sarasota is one of the largest and most active jazz organizations in the U.S. Hal Davis, jazz expert and publicist to swing bandleader Benny Goodman, founded the organization in 1980. The approximately 650 members support local talent, attend concerts and keep the rich American tradition of jazz alive in Sarasota through various concerts and events large and small. Each year culminates with the club’s annual jazz festival, now entering its 35th year.

Outside of the jazz club’s ef-

The Jazz Club of Sarasota serves and protects the city’s jazz community.

Photos by Nick Reichert

Jazz Club of Sarasota performers Johnny Moore, Dominic Mancini, Tommy Goodman, Greg Nielsen and Bob DeAngelis have more than a century of jazz experience combined. forts, the region’s population of jazz artists would have hardly any opportunities to perform and play, says Dave Walrath, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

The club is constantly seeking to cultivate new converts.

“If there was no club, there’s no jazz in Sarasota,” says Walrath.

“I’m afraid to say that our main goal is to keep jazz alive; we’ve

learned through the years that the music refuses to die.”

Walrath, who is a percussionist himself, spearheads the club’s performance and education initiatives along with a zealous board of directors. Larger Sarasota arts organizations have departments and staff members dedicated to public relations, fundraising and education.

GELLNER TRUNK SHOW

Though the Jazz Club of Sarasota doesn’t have comparable size or resources as its organizational peers, its members and board have just as much drive to deliver quality performances.

Regional jazz veterans and amateur journeymen looking for a stage to express their improvisational chops have the weekly “Jazz at Two” concert series held

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota almost every Friday afternoon between October and April; various larger concerts throughout the year; Sunday “Jazz Jams” at Libby’s Café + Bar where local jazz artists can sit in with the Jazz Club’s house rhythm section; and the ultimate event of the club’s season: the Sarasota Jazz Festival.

By holding various concerts throughout the year, the Jazz Club hopes to attract a younger fanbase. One of the club’s main goals is to provide education of the improvisational music form.

“We’re striving to bring younger people into jazz and let them know that loving jazz and other musical genres isn’t a mutually exclusive idea,” says Walrath.

Given its modest size and resources, the Jazz Club prides itself on being able to award scholarships to high school students who plan to study music in college. The club also lobbies to put more music and jazz education back into school curriculum to balance STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) lesson plans.

“We don’t just want to see students exposed to jazz; (we want to) have their education balanced with the arts,” says Walrath. “If we can inspire one student to attend a show who wouldn’t be there otherwise, we will try our hardest to get them there.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: FILM PICKS

5

by Pam Nadon | Film Critic

HOLIDAY FILM PREVIEW ing all. Directed by Rupert Wyatt and also Take the hectic out of holiday burnout by catching a great movie. It’s all about substance and style as award hopefuls are abundant in theaters this starring Jessica Lange, John Goodman and Brie Larson. Dec. 19 time of year. The following look as if they’re capable of raising eyebrows as well as spirits this holiday season. Cheers!

‘TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT’ That’s how long Marion Cotillard’s character has to persuade fellow workers to reject a bonus for her to keep her job.

Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne direct and script this social commentary on the fragility of job security among members of the lower class. The film has to be described as a “work of desperate optimism.” Dec. 24

‘MR. TURNER’ Director extraordinaire Mike Leigh assembles a superb cast of actors (buddies from previous films) in this biographical drama about the prolific painter J.M.W. Turner. Timothy Spall portrays the 19th century British artist who helped lay the foundations for impressionism. His performance won the award for best actor at Cannes this year. Dec. 19

Chock-full of Oscar winners (Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and Benicio Del Toro), this film looks deliciously deranged. Phoenix plays a stoner private-eye investigating the disappearance of his exgirlfriend’s boyfriend in 1970s L.A. Directed and written by the always cutting-edge Paul Thomas Anderson. Now showing.

‘EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS’ Director Ridley Scott goes for the spectacular in this epic story of Moses’ (Christian Bale) escape from Egypt with 400,000 slaves. Joel Edgerton plays boyhood friend and eventual archenemy, Ramses. The visuals look so breathtaking it seems to demand an audience on that count alone. Now showing.

Quoted to be, “the least boring 196-minute movie ever made,” this award-winning Turkish film charts the course of a failing marriage. It also examines the “cynicism of the rich toward the poor.” Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan shoots on location in the steppes of Cappadocia, one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. It’s also home to wild horses. Tough on the heart but easy on the eyes. Dec. 19

‘THE GAMBLER’ A remake of the original film based on Dostoevsky’s novella: This time around it stars Mark Wahlberg as a college literature professor/high stakes gambler. Teach gets in so deep he offers his own life as collateral. If his performance is anywhere near as riveting as James Caan’s (in 1974), Wahlberg could be the winner tak-

Love

If You Like Staying Here

You’ll

The shot of a child in the crosshairs of an American soldier’s rifle lends insight into how gripping this film might be. Clint Eastwood directs, and Bradley Cooper portrays Chris Kyle, who was credited for 160 kills (the most in U.S. history). Once again Eastwood explores chaos within a civilized society. Thankfully, this guy doesn’t stop making important films. Dec. 25

‘SELMA’

‘WINTER SLEEP’

‘INHERENT VICE’

‘AMERICAN SNIPER’

The trailer for this film is so powerful that I was brought to tears. David Oyelowo portrays Martin Luther King in this searing expose about black people struggling to secure voters’ rights. The casting looks spot-on with Tim Roth as George Wallace, Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon Johnson and Dylan Baker as J. Edgar Hoover. Ava DuVernay directs while Oprah Winfrey produces and stars as well. Dec. 25

‘BIG EYES’

‘UNBROKEN’

‘A MOST VIOLENT YEAR’

Angelina Jolie gets up close and personal behind the camera to direct this true World War II epic. American soldier Louie Zampernini (Jack O’Donnell) survives 47 days at sea after his plane crashes, only to be rescued by the Japanese and imprisoned for two years. Tagline: “If I can take it, I can make it.” The trailer looks painful and powerful. Dec. 25

A film about “money, control and fate,” set in 1981 New York City, Oscar Isaac plays a desperate immigrant chasing the American Dream. Jessica Chastain portrays his ferocious wife who supports his ruthless behavior, having come from a family involved in organized crime. J.C. Chandor directs and writes what could possibly be one fantastic modern crime thriller. Dec. 31

Remember the doe-eyed paintings of dour children back in the 1960s by Margaret Keane? Well, it seems hubby was taking credit. Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz play the troubled couple in an era when women were often submissive. In a surprise move, the wonderful Tim Burton directs.

Just imagine Waltz charmingly chirping, “People don’t buy lady art.” Dec. 25

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN: DECK THE HALLS

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

home for the HOLIDAYS The holiday season is a special time for families, and for some, the Christmas holiday is the most important of all — the trimmings, the tree, the holiday cheer — and it deserves more than just the four weeks following Thanksgiving to be celebrated. We took a tour of two local Sarasota families’ homes to admire the décor, hear about their family traditions and find out why Christmas starts early in their homes.

THE MEI FAMILY

A total of nine trees are placed throughout the home during the holidays, including trees in each bedroom, 3-footers in the window bays and Mei’s Madame Alexander tree in the formal living area.

“Our daughter likes Christmas to start the day after Halloween,” says Denise Mei. Once Halloween has passed, the Meis bring out their holiday boxes to begin decorating for the family’s favorite holiday. Red bows, garland, poinsettias, lights and a plethora of trees adorn the interior and exterior of the home.

This is the first year the Meis have used an artificial tree. Every year the family has had a real tree, but Denise Mei’s favorite ornaments are large Christmas balls, and the real trees can’t hold the weight, so this year, she opted for an artificial tree and is loving it.

Mei has been collecting Madame Alexander dolls for years.

She had so many of the holiday dolls that she wasn’t sure what to do with them and thought, “Why don’t I make a tree?” she says.

The Madame Alexander tree is adorned with her collection of holiday dolls, which began in the early nineties.

Mei has added Christmastree-scented candles to the coffee table décor to bring in the smell of a real Christmas tree, because they have opted for an artificial tree this year.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

7

// HOME&GARDEN THE LAHNERS FAMILY

In previous years, another tree stood against a wall in the family room, but after rearranging some furniture one no longer fits the space. Still needing something for that wall, Lahners found this winter stag to fill the space.

“Christmas is my husband’s favorite holiday,” says Crystal Lahners, “He wants it to feel like Christmas for as long as possible.”

Because the Lahners have their tree up well before the Thanksgiving holiday, their tree is artificial, but to add some real pine in the home, fresh greens are used in the garland on the fireplace mantel. The fresh garland brings that Christmas aroma, which lasts as long as they enjoy their décor being up. The decorating begins in early November each year and Crystal Lahners’s interior designer, Alejandra Brady, helps her with the bulk of it.

Lahners uses a mix of blues (her favorite color) and golds in her Christmas décor.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Lahners puts the Christmas cards they receive each year on a ring to be displayed on the coffee table in the living room. “It’s a nice way to keep the photos together and to display them during the holidays,” says Lahners.

The children have their own trees, decorated to their own interests in their bedrooms. William’s tree is adorned with technologythemed ornaments such as Xbox controllers and cell phones and Ella’s is a white frosted tree with cupcakes and other dainty ornaments.

In addition to the living room tree, is another full-size tree in the front room of the house.

This tree is decorated with all of the ornaments the children have made over the years as well as decorative picks and sticks from Lux-Art Silks. The kids help decorate this tree every year. “I have all the ornaments out and ready to decorate when they come home from school,” says Lahners.

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This holiday season, make charitable giving personal, meaningful and fun!

Celebrate in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Entertainment will include fire dancers and a DJ. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets on sale now!

Purchase a Giving Spirit Card and share the joy of giving.

Select a Giving Spirit Card from a number of holiday designs and load it with a value of $25, $50, $100 or more. Cards can be conveniently redeemed online to benefit any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States. You receive a charitable tax deduction at the time of purchase, and the receiver experiences a gift that pays it forward. For more than 35 years, we have been the Giving Spirit and Heart of Sarasota County.

And we’re proud to share this avenue for charitable giving.

Purchase and redeem Giving Spirit Cards from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County online at CFSarasota.org or by calling 941.955.3000.

aRT afTER 5 DEC 18, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, $10 / Free for Members Enjoy discounted admission to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and select events including:

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GaLLERy waLk & TaLk: Story of the Nativity Using paintings from the museum’s collection, this talk will illustrate the narrative of the birth of Christ.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// FOOD&COOKING: NAUGHTY AND NICE

by Randi Donahue | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

edible ELATION With less than a week left till Christmas, it doesn’t matter if you are purchasing gifts for the naughty or the nice, your boss or your best friend, your next-door neighbor or your long-distance relative, it’s impossible to go wrong with an edible delight. There is no need to travel to the North Pole for these tasty treasures because even though most can be shipped, they are all also available right here in Sarasota.

ONLINE // See more gift recommendations at YourObserver.com

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

PIES TAKE THE CAKE

GRILL GURU

CRAB GRAB

Vom Fass, 365-2137 sarasota.vomfassusa.com Liven up the hostess gift with a basket full of unique oils and vinegars ranging from tangerine extra virgin olive oil to grape with ginger and lemon balsamic vinegar. Main Street Vom Fass storeowners Robert and Debbie Kay are there to help with the selection of a pre-made basket, such as the Savor the Flavor basket. Think cranberry and apple vinegars, and orange, plum and pumpkin seed oils. Vom Fass also encourages customers to taste before they buy, and the store is happy to build you a custom gift basket. While there, be sure to check out the unique variety of wines and spirits, from a 41-year-old Armagnac (French brandy) to authentic absinthe.

Gift basket prices range from $35 to $120 and up.

Der Dutchman, 955-8007 derdutchman.com Although any of Der Dutchman’s fresh-made pies are worthy of a bow, this time of year the restaurant offers a seasonal strawberry pie sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Or go with the restaurant’s signature custard pie, which uses a recipe by Nettie Chupp, a Der Dutchman baker of more than 20 years (she still makes the pie a few days a week). Pies are not the only tasty treat you’ll find at the Amish restaurant and bakery.

During the holiday season, there’s a cookie platter filled with festive cookies, as well as fudge and candy, all made fresh. Cookie platters are available in four sizes, 1 to 5 pounds, and the prices range from $14.99 to $43.99.

Cookies and pies are available daily and you can call and order ahead.

Morton’s Gourmet Market 955-9856, mortonsmarket.com For the grill master, our pick is a basket filled with everything a meat-lover needs to enjoy a gourmet steak dinner at home.

The Beef Eater basket includes top-choice steaks, wine, Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes and the ingredients to make a Caesar salad. If you like the idea of this basket but aren't buying it for a red meat-eater, substitute the steak for fresh salmon or tuna.

Order online or call to schedule a local delivery. Baskets can also be picked up in the store. Twenty-fourhour notice is required. Pricing ranges from $95 to $210. And if gifting something to the grazer, the hors d’oeuvres basket offers wine, pâté, cheese, crackers, olives and other gourmet goodies, and makes a great hostess gift. Morton’s also offers custom baskets.

Walt’s Fish Market and Restaurant, 921-4605 waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com Stone crab season is short, lasting only from October to May, and so far this season has been especially plentiful. If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends and family in the much colder northern latitudes, ship them a box of fresh, locally caught stone crab claws. Walt’s Fish Market ships the claws in an insulated cooler overnight anywhere in the U.S., with accompanying mustard sauce. Available in medium, large, jumbo or colossal size, Walt’s charges market value, which fluctuates within a range of $19 to $45 per pound, plus shipping charges. And if you’d rather gift them locally, swing by the market and Walt’s will put them on ice for you. To ship the claws, call the market 24 hours in advance.

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

9

// FOOD&COOKING HOMEMADE TREATS

GLUTEN-FREE GIFTS

STEEPED IN LOVE

RAW EXCITEMENT

Gabriella Chocolates & Confections, 227-2253 gabriellachocolates.com Impress a friend with a gluten sensitivity by giving the gift of a gluten-free chocolate mint truffle cookie from Gabriella Chocolates & Confections. Chicago-born, classically trained pastry chef Nancy Byrne and her husband, Mike, own the business, where delights are made fresh daily.

During the holidays, they also offer chocolate peppermint toffee, as well as their collection of liquor-based “spirited” truffles, which make the perfect ending to a holiday meal when paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of Champagne. Shop online or stop by and sample the sweet goodies.

Local Coffee + Tea, 726-1660 localcoffeetea.com Let comforting flavors reminiscent of some of Sarasota’s favorite locations fill the tea cups of loved ones with the Celebrating Sarasota Collection of Teas from Local Coffee + Tea. Owner Michael Duranko created the variety of loose tea blends to represent each local treasure, such as the Selby Select Rooibos, which includes vanilla — the only orchid that produces edible fruit. Buy each tea in the collection separately or receive a $6 discount when you purchase the collection gift, which includes four bags in the collection and a box of 100 tea sacks. The cost is $36. Order your teas online or pick them up at the Sarasota Farmers Market.

Sarasota Central Farmers Market aloeorg.com Make your honey gift purchase go to a good cause: Aloe Organics recently started selling three varieties of local, raw honey at the Central Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays. The bees are kept alongside the organic produce at Aloe Organics, which was created as a legacy of Allison Hall Nelson, who died from breast cancer at the age of 31. Through the Center for Building Hope, Aloe donates a portion of its seasonal, organic produce to families with children with cancer. Varieties of honey include saw palmetto, orange blossom and wildflower.

Each 12-ounce jar sells for $10 and comes labeled with a handstamped tag.

CHOW-DER DOWN

popularity, the owners made the chowder available to everyone, year-round. It’s available in canned kits that can be picked up at the gift shop on Siesta, or take advantage of the free shipping when you go online to order 1- and 5-gallon kits ($47.96 to $95.92) during the holiday season.

Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar 349-3885 captaincurts.com In 2007, Captain Curt’s won the Great Chowder Cook-Off in Rhode Island with its 20-year-old chowder recipe. As a result of the victory and in response to its local

Phoebe’s Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti adapted from Ellie Krieger’s recipe featured in Fine Cooking INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • 1 ¼ cups whole-wheat pastry flour • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ cup sugar • 2 large eggs • ¼ olive oil • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ cup dried tart cherries, finely chopped • ½ cup raw almonds, finely chopped • 2 ounces of 60% to 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a medium bowl, whisk flours, baking powder and salt.

• In a separate large bowl, beat

sugar, eggs, oil, zest, and vanilla until well combined.

• Add flour mixture to large bowl a little bit at a time, forming a dough.

• Fold in cherries, almonds and chocolate.

• Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead.

• Shape into a log about 10 inches long, 3 inches wide.

• Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 15 minutes.

• With a serrated knife, cut the log across a diagonal into ½ inch-thick slices.

• Arrange cut cookies on baking sheet, cut side down, and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.

• Transfer to wire rack to cool.

If you want to take a step further, dip one side of biscotti in milk, dark or white chocolate.

masterworks c o n c e r t: “ i n l o v e ” Make Date Night Musical This program features three of music’s most celebrated love stories. Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration narrates the final hours of a man as he reminisces about his memories, ideals, and loves. Tchaikovsky’s arresting Romeo and Juliet Overture needs no introduction. Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé shimmers with delicate sensuality. You’ll have the rare treat of hearing the flugelhorn performed by a soloist renowned around the world for his mastery.

January 9 - Neel January 10 & 11 - Van Wezel Anu Tali, Music Director | Sergei Nakariakov, flugelhorn

Tickets from $30 941-953-3434 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 157622

TM

All year leading up to Christmas, Sarasota resident Phoebe Bishop collects recipes for her homemade gift of packages of cookies and candy. Bishop calls her gfts an “economic and heartfelt ” way of gift giving.

For five years, Bishop and her husband, Steve, have logged hours preparing the cookies and candy to send to friends and relatives all over the world.

10

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER

Celebrate Your Holiday Season DaRuMa Style!

158647

// ‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’

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Deck the halls with cat fights, kegnog and badly wired Christmas displays. “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” is rolling into Venice Theatre this month. The folks from Armadillo Acres mobile home park are back in a plot that’s two parts Charles Dickens, one part Jerry Springer.

Somewhere in lovely Starke, Armadillo Acres glistens with tacky Christmas decorations and a gnarly tree topped with a mud-flap angel on a star. Christmas is 12 days away, and Lin (Laura Priscilla Hoffman), Pickles (Liz Pascoe) and Betty (Cara Herman) are hoping that Mobile Homes and Gardens will make the season merrier with a hefty cash prize for their holiday bling. Darlene (Kaitlyn Terpstra, as the designated Scrooge) hopes the baubles wind up in the Dumpster. They’re all hoping the Armadillo Acres “Christmas curse” doesn’t kick in. Then Darlene catches her good-hearted redneck neighbor Rufus (James Bock) stealing her cable, and she gets shocked into amnesia and a giddy Christmas spirit when she tries to pull the badly spliced plug. Chaos, a love story, a visit from assorted Christmas spirits (and one angry Native American tree spirit) ensue.

It’s easily the most original musical I’ve seen in an age — and the funniest.

Nothing feels recycled; Betsy Kelso’s R-rated dialogue is side-splitting; David Nehls’ catchy songs are a laugh-out-loud hit list (and not overworked, like so many musical numbers). Brevity is the soul of wit, as the Bard himself observed. Kelso and Nehls get it. They make their point, make you laugh, then move on.

Director Kelly Wynn Woodland gets it, too. She’s starting with great material, to be sure. She keeps it moving at a snappy pace but slows down for the occasional “What the hell was that?” take. She has a fine comic instinct, and has the audience howling at her introduction of the play alone.

The actors (mostly veterans of Venice Theatre’s original “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”) know what they’re doing, too. Hoffman’s Lin (bedecked in an amulet containing the electrocuted ashes of her late husband Earl) is saucy and sassy; Pascoe’s Pickles is not the brightest bulb on the tree — only proving that stupidity is comedy (attributable to “Beavis and Butt-head” creator Mike Judge, not the

Bard). Her wide-eyed reactions telegraph her every hilarious thought. Cara’s bad Betty slays the audience repeatedly with her machine gun fire one-liners. Three great performers — they click as a great comic trio.

Depending on the application of voltage, Terpstra’s sexy Darlene goes from naughty to nice at the drop of the hat. Bock’s Jeter is also no Rhodes scholar, but he’s a decent guy and suitable romantic magnet for the bipolar Darlene. Travis Rogers Jackson “Jackie” Bourdreaux is no Mr. Nice Guy, but he’s extremely funny as an Elvis wannabe running a Hooters-style pancake joint named (what else?) Stax.

All that and wicked funny music direction by Peter Madpack and choreography

by Laura Priscilla Hoffman. They made all that comedy move, groove and sing.

On top of that, you get a hilariously tacky trailer park by John Michael Andzulis (including a crèche populated by “Star Wars” action figures) and mega-gaudy Christmas costumes by Stephanie Gift.

They brilliantly create the funny world where this fractured fairy tale unfolds.

It’s an unbelievably funny night of theater. Why? Hard to say, folks. Comedy’s a slippery thing. I could explain until I’m blue in the face — but that’d just be boring — and still fall short. You can’t boil comedy down to a formula. If you could, a robot could make you laugh. Maybe I missed it in the last MIT Technology Review, but, as far as I know, the robots are still bombing on the stand-up circuit.

So, forget the Turing test. A sense of humor is the most human trait, and knowing how to make other people laugh is the rarest of traits. Whatever that deeply human magic is, Woodland and friends have it.

If the robots ever put on a play this funny, they’re welcome to the planet.

— Marty Fugate

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” runs through Dec. 21, at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave. Call 488-1115 or visit venicestage.com for more information.

& Roberto Are pleased to invite you to join us for

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Black Tie

INSIDE: Christmas in Candyland PAGE 16

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Honorary Co-Chair Mary Ann Robinson and Chairwoman Ida Zito

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jonathan Prato and Kellye Christensen with Geoff and Poppy Spencer

Uta Christ-Janer and Jennifer Gemmeke

SERENGETI NIGHTS Passport to Elegance Gala Dinner and Style Show Benefiting Designing Women Boutique | Sunday, Dec. 7, at Michael’s On East Honorary Chairs: Mary Ann Robinson and Betty Schoenbaum | Event Chair: Ida Zito Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor Every year, Designing Women Boutique hosts its Gala Dinner and Style Show, and every year the event exceeds expectations both in charitable funds raised and the night itself. This year’s theme, “Serengeti Nights,” was one for the books. Imagine Safari-inspired décor — animal prints, African art, African-drums and tribal music — African inspired auction items (including a trip for two to Africa), performances by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and to top off the evening, the Serengeti Nights-themed style show designed

by Jean Weidner Goldstein.

Tyler and Elizabeth Stephens

Style show models Heather Clark and Margie Lee

Jean Weidner Goldstein and Lauren Walsh

Annika Sandstrom, Diane Roskamp and Wanda Libby

Mary Ann Smith, Susan Brennan and Diane Huntley

Ashley Pawelczyn appli es tribal-i makeup to model Niki Ba nspired ldun

12

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

MAGICAL MUSICALE

Ronald Taub and his daughter Marcia Jean Taub

I

A VOTRE SANTÉ Photo by Cliff Roles

The Sarasota Opera’s Co-Producers Dinner took place on the set of this upcoming season’s production of “The Golden Cockerel.”

SINGING FOR THEIR SUPPER

G

ood food and great music were on the menu for the Sarasota Opera’s Dec. 9 CoProducers Dinner. The opera goes all out for this event, the only event it hosts on the stage, this year using the set of “The Golden Cockerel.” The dashing duo of Victor DeRenzi, artistic director, and Richard Russell, executive director, welcomed a full stage of 140 guests. The performance by baritone Sean

S TIDBIT

Once more with feeling … The good news is that USF’s Dennis Stover and Andrea Stevens are back on their feet. They suffered minor injuries in a bizarre accident; incredibly, someone rear-ended their vehicle three times … With a song in their

Anderson ranged from murderous rage (“Un Amico de la Patria” from Andrea Chenier) to romantic love (Sigmund Romberg’s “One Alone.”) Guests enjoyed appetizers and dinner

by Phil Mancini at beautifully set tables with floral design

by Elegant Designs Floral Art Studio. Teri Hansen, Veronica Brady and Scott Anderson represented dinner sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

hearts … The Dec. 9 date of the Opera Co-Producers Dinner marked six years to the day since June LeBell and Edward Alley had their first date. They wed in New York City a mere six months later … L’amour, l’amour … Acknowledging that it might embarrass her, Richard Russell announced to

Peter Acker

t’s a rare event in which the content, the cause and the crowd are in perfect harmony, but it happens regularly with La Musica’s Sonata a Due. This year’s party took place Dec. 8 at the Charles Ringling mansion at New College. There was lots of news for board President Frederick Derr to share, beginning with Simply Sonatas, a new addition to the April concert. He also introduced new board member Jerry Bilik, a composer and former professor of music at the University of Michigan, whose credits include scoring big-name TV shows like “Charlie’s Angels.”

Federico Agostini and Derek Han performed Mozart, Brahms and Saint-Saëns at Sonata a Due, which was a sellout for the first time in its 25-year history, attracting more than 200 guests including Teri and Dan Callender, Kathleen Gurney and Mel Syrbnik, Kameron and Bart Hodgens, Hillary Steele, Terry and Robyn Sullivan, Stephen and Linda Rei, Brigitte Von Kessel and Judy Zuckerberg with her son Michael Zuckerberg.

S

arasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation hosted its 20th annual Corinthian Society Celebration Dec. 11, at Bird Key Yacht Club. Phil Delaney, president of long-term event sponsor Northern Trust, cited the remarkable growth from the original 35 guests to 225 plus this year. Foundation President Alex Quarles reported a total of $60 million raised for the hospital. And hospital President and CEO David Verinder, making his first presentation in that role, reported that Sarasota Memorial has the lowest readmission rate in the country for hospitals with 500 or more beds.

The foundation welcomed new

members to the Corinthian and Legacy Societies, and honored new doctors and pillars of philanthropy. Its highest honor, the Ambassador of Philanthropy for vision and leadership went to the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation, represented by Gary Buckholz. Among the guests were Margaret Wise; Sharon Black Floyd and Bill Davidson; Charley Ann and Jim Syprett, vice chair of the foundation board; Flora Major; Flori Roberts; foundation board member Susan Brennan; and, happily, Marcia Jean Taub and her recently recovered father Ronald Taub, looking great.

Sarasota Opera Co-Producers Dinner guests that development assistant Claire Wallace and baritone Joseph Ryan, who met at the opera house, would marry Dec. 13 … Blessings for Betty ... Beloved nonagenarian Betty Schoenbaum, who is the oh-soaspirational role model for so many

Ray Watson, who says of us, was hospitalized that it’s going to take some briefly last week for retime, but Schoenbaum is spiratory problems. At doing more every day. press time, she was recovering at home with nursing care, her Betty Schoenbaum at daughters who are her 97th birthday dinner Molly Schechter rotating in from out of in September with her town and her wonderful assistant brother Marvin Frank, 92.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

13

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

19 - 20 December 2014

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

SONATA A DUE

Sir Frederick Ashton’s

Benefiting La Musica Monday, Dec. 8, at Charles Ringling Mansion

‘ La Fille mal Gardee The Wayward Daughter

Photos by Heather Merriman

Walter and Deborah Beacham with Kathleen Gurney and Dr. Mel Srybnik

Co-Chairs Janet Hunter and Sally Faron Featured musical guests Federico Agostini and Derek Han

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

Rebecca Taysi, Ron and Jeanne Oliver and Kutay Taysi

F E A T U R I N G

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eople of the Book, featuring guest speaker Jeffrey Tambor, will serve to recognize and thank donors to Federation’s Annual Campaign; those making a minimum gift of $36 individual/$72 family are invited to attend the event as guests of the Federation.

RSVP at jfedsrq.org/pob

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JOHN RUSSO, THE SINGING BARTENDER!

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As a man of many talents, Tambor is highly creative, using his overwhelming love for life and the lessons learned along the way as sparks of inspiration for his keynotes.

He speaks from the heart, sharing his personal truths as a way to inspire audiences young and old to embrace human connectivity.

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

30TH ANNUAL POINSETTIA AND PEARLS LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

“Quality & ExpEriEncE SErvEd with tEndErnESS & carE”

Benefiting Sarasota Opera Guild Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Michael’s On East

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Barbara O’Connor and Chairwoman Sherry Wheeler

Made in Israel

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jorgen and Gundrun Graugaard

Sheila Farrell, Linda Moretti, Antoinette Dowling and Mary Lou Loughlin

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm Happy Hour Specials on Food and Drinks!

Our New Dock is Finished!

A Complimentary Bottle of Wine!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

15 Sailor CirCuS

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

PreSentS

SARASOTA EXOTIC CAR FEST KICKOFF PARTY United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida Inc. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Lamborghini Sarasota

2Z1inG

Tammy Karp, Marilee Roberts and Roberta Tengerdy

aMa S! aCt

David Mercier and Stephanie Lyons

James Buchanan and Lea Mei

Photos by Heather Merriman

Nora and Andrew Guenther with Monica and Joe Argentine

America’s longest-running, most highly acclaimed youth circus brings you a

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Dec 27 thru

Tuesday Dec 30

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16

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND Benefiting Make-AWish Central and Northern Florida Saturday, Dec. 13, at Michael’s On East

Guests enjoyed cupcakes offered on a rotating candy cake.

Katherine Curtis

Audrey Hoffman, Santa Claus and Allie and Anna Kim

Emma and her mom, CoChair Shana Zamikoff

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Photos by Heather Merriman

Heather Myers, Ariyal Wagner, Jayne Myers and Jamie Myers

2095 Siesta Drive Sarasota, Fl siestainteriorsfl.com

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Co-Chair Bianca, Addison, Reese, Richard and Hadley Lawrence