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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

Three Sarasota arts organizations celebrate milestone anniversaries by looking backward and forward.

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The Historic Asolo Theater is the original home of Sarasota Opera and Asolo Repertory Theatre.

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t has been said time and time again, but it’s true — Sarasota is an arts town. In a single day you

could experience everything from a touring Broadway production to the 88-year-old art collection of a circus tycoon; a famous ballet that hasn’t been performed in nearly 50 years to rare Paul Gauguin prints displayed amidst a botanical garden … you get the point.

This once-sleepy beach town

Young composers proved their promise at this Sarasota Orchestra concert. PAGE 12

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has become a cultural hub along an ever-growing Gulf Coast, and this year marks significant anniversaries for three of its most influential arts organizations: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Opera. Learn how these groups helped grow the arts scene — and how they plan to continue those legacies.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

The world is a stage Asolo Repertory Theatre has grown by bringing new works to Sarasota.

NOW

THEN

Photos courtesy Cliff Roles (top ) and Asolo Repertory Theatre (bottom)

Top: Asolo Repertory Theatre produced the musical “Evita,” starring Puerto Rican superstar Ana Isabelle, in fall 2017. Above: In 1960, the Asolo Theater was still on the grounds of The Ringling, but had its own building (whereas now it’s inside the Visitor’s Pavilion building and has an entrance to the right of the ticket counter).

The story of Sarasota’s rich performing arts history begins with the story of a jewel box theater. A theater disassembled in Asolo, Italy, before traveling more than 5,000 miles to Sarasota. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s first director, A. Everett ‘Chick’ Austin Jr., oversaw the purchase of all the decorative elements of said Italian theater — first located in the castle of Queen Caterina Cornaro — in 1950. A separate building for the theater was completed in 1957, becoming the cultural epicenter of Sarasota. It mainly hosted films and lectures, however, until a couple new groups formed. One of those groups (which now performs in the FSU Center for Performing Arts) is Asolo Repertory Theatre, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary season. Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards (whose contract was renewed in April 2018) is now on his 13th season with Asolo Rep, and he’s seen big changes with the company. The first development he mentioned was the budget, which has grown to almost three times what it was when he started. He largely credits an incredibly active group of theatergoers for the support, and says the extra funds have allowed the company to develop artistically — particularly by

expanding its repertoire. “Sarasota is probably one of the smallest cities in America with this scale of theater — this really belongs in Miami or Tampa, but we’re here because we have the support of the community here and the passion for what we do is here,” Edwards says. By collaborating with larger theaters outside Sarasota for coproductions, Edwards says many of the American musicals that have become part of Asolo Rep’s brand have helped link the company to the national theater scene. One example is its 2008 updated production of “Working,” made possible through a partnership with original playwright Stephen Schwartz, featuring new songs by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. That same year, Asolo Rep coproduced “Barnum” with Maltz Jupiter Theatre, which won multiple Carbonell Awards (an award for theater and arts excellence in South Florida). But it’s not just the musicals that have garnered attention well outside Sarasota. In 2009, the company furthered its national reach when the play “The Life of Galileo” received a raving review by the Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout — the first of several the critic would give Asolo Rep. Edwards says the company is also committed to producing new works, one of which being the upcoming world premiere of “Knoxville” in spring 2020. The coming-of-age story will feature lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by

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Stephen Flaherty and direction by Frank Galati, thus reuniting the Tony Award-winning trio behind Broadway’s “Ragtime.” The institution’s physical infrastructure is another big development since Edwards began with Asolo Rep. In October 2017, the company announced a five-year strategic plan, Stages of the Future, which includes construction of the Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center Campus. This project requires the acquisition of new properties next to its existing production center at 1009 Tallevast Road that will be used for additional rehearsal rooms, sound production, physical therapy and more. All of these expanded facilities are going to enable Asolo Rep to work at the highest possible level, Edwards says. He says the future of Asolo Rep is tied to the future of Sarasota, and all signs point to growth. “There are a lot of people moving here and they’ve moved for the arts — we’re part of that magnetic attraction,” he says. “It’s part of what makes people excited about living here, what ... makes them feel young and alive.” He says the company will continue to push audiences out of their comfort zones while also offering traditional classics. “We want to do cutting-edge work that is connected to the most urgent issues ... but at the same time great classic work that reminds you why our art form is worth fighting for,” he says. “There’s nothing else quite like being in a room with 500 people watching a story where you’re asked to put yourself in the shoes of someone you would never meet.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

NOW

THEN

Growth of the scene

Above: The original A.B. Edwards Theater facade Right: The 2016 production of “Aida”

Sarasota Opera changed the local musical and physical landscape.

that time, he recalls there was no balcony, the lobby was not fully opened and the courtyard was not yet finished. The neighbors were also quite different. “There was a tire store where the library is now and a small strip mall … it’s dramatically changed.” The Sarasota Opera season was only a month long at the time, though the company still did four operas. The accompaniment was the Tampa-based Florida Orchestra, but by the next season there were too many scheduling conflicts, so the opera brought in its own orchestra (aka what was once the Florida West Coast Symphony and is now the Sarasota Orchestra). As the community continued to grow, so did the opera. Russell says the balcony opened the next

There’s another group that shared the Historic Asolo Theater stage in its early days. Sarasota Opera, also celebrating its 60th anniversary season this year, grew out of the Turnau Opera. Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell says the Woodstock, N.Y.-based company was somewhat of an outgrowth of the opera workshop at The Juilliard School, and in 1960 it made the Historic Asolo Theater its winter home. The touring group staged chamber-sized works in the 320-seat theater for more than

a decade, and all the rehearsals were done in New York leading up to the winter residency. Several Sarasota residents performed in the chorus and in small roles. The opera became a pillar of the cultural community, so when Turnau folded in 1974, the natural progression was for the next iteration of the group to remain in Sarasota. Thus the Asolo Opera Company began and performed in the same space until 1983. In 1984, the company moved to the former A.B. Edwards Theater, a converted movie house, in downtown Sarasota, changing the name to the Sarasota Opera House and changing the company name to Sarasota Opera. Russell, who’s been with the opera for 30 years, started as an apprentice artist in 1989. At

season and the four operas were stretched out, thus expanding the season in terms of length and number of people reached. More people were reached after a New York Times critic reviewed its production of “La Wally,” a work few people were familiar with because it hadn’t been performed in the U.S. since 1909. “I would be lying if I said our product now is the same as it was in ’89,” he says. “ … but as our experience grew, we were able to have stronger shows, and what we do now is world-class quality.” Now, he says, Sarasota Opera can compete with any American opera company — including The Metropolitan Opera. Another change is the opera’s audience. Russell says when he was a vocalist, those who attended

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were supportive art fans exploring opera. They weren’t nearly as knowledgeable as today’s crowd. One of the biggest turning points he remembers was in 1990 during Verdi’s “Aroldo.” The audience, who was typically quite restrained, erupted into applause at the end of the second act, helping encourage the company, he believes, to go ahead with the Verdi cycle. That took the next 28 seasons to complete. Although much has changed in the past 60 seasons, one aspect of the company has remained unwavering: its mission. “It’s Victor’s (Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi’s) vision: doing opera as the composers intended,” Russell says.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

NOW

The entire Sarasota Orchestra poses for a photo in 2017 with Estonian conductor Anu Tali, who’s been music director of the group since Aug. 1, 2013. Tali was the fifth music director in the 70-year history of the orchestra.

THEN

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Children practice during a 1978 Youth Orchestra rehearsal.

Sound of Progress Sarasota Orchestra continues to educate while providing an escape from the chaos of the world.

Opera companies can’t survive without live orchestral accompaniment. Enter the Sarasota Orchestra, currently celebrating its 70th anniversary season. The organization also provides live music regularly to The Sarasota Ballet and occasionally other local arts groups such as Key Chorale, Sarasota Contemporary Dance and Choral Artists of Sarasota. But the orchestra wasn’t always so well-integrated into the local musical ecosystem. It all started as the dream of local piano teacher Ruth Cotton Butler, who worked with local musicians in 1948 to organize a Sarasota-Manatee community orchestra. In 1949, what was then dubbed the Florida West Coast Symphony performed its first public performance. A year later, the group was conducted by inaugural Music Director Dr. Lyman Wiltse in its first orchestral concert. Today, the orchestra performs more than 125 classical, pops, chamber, education and community engagement concerts

every season, and it’s the longest continuous performing orchestra in the state of Florida. Current President and CEO Joe McKenna has been with the group since 2001, when it was still under its former name. He was first attracted to the orchestra’s strong educational history, which reaches as far back as 1957, when Lota Mundy founded the Symphony Women’s Association, to “foster, promote and increase the musical knowledge, education and artistic appreciation of the community.” Throughout his 18 years with the orchestra, McKenna has seen several changes, but most strikingly he notes the difference between pre-9/11 and post-9/11 Sarasota and the U.S. in general. “The one constant thing here has been change, some of it induced by our own growth, some by the 9/11 event,” he says. “As society has become more robust and chaotic in some respects, the need for arts organizations and orchestras like us is greater than

it’s ever been. People (now) need a chance to slow down and reflect and listen to music.” But the biggest turning point was a complete rebranding of the orchestra that started in 2006 and ran for the next several years, he says. At the start of the 2008-2009 season the name was changed to Sarasota Orchestra and the group began taking a good look at who was attending its concerts. The realization after conducting several local focus groups was that a large section of the population didn’t know about the symphony. The Sarasota Orchestra was enjoying a dedicated local subscriber base, but wasn’t reaching the greater community, so it started several new programs to connect with the residents it wasn’t serving. The result was the Masterworks, Chamber and Pops series and a new outdoor community concert at Ed Smith Stadium. Shorter concerts quickly opened the world of classical music to more Sarasotans —

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especially those who don’t have the time to spend several hours at a concert. McKenna says the timing of this rebranding is important to note. “We changed the name at the beginning of the greatest recession we’ve seen in a generation,” McKenna says. “Classical music is an art form that has a long and storied history, so to have changed the name at the 60th anniversary ... is quite a journey.” Another large development, like it was for the opera and Asolo Rep, has been the orchestra’s budget. What was around a $4 million annual operating budget when he started has risen to $10 million. The mission, however, has remained mostly intact since McKenna got on board: to “engage, educate and enrich the Sarasota community through highquality, live musical experiences.” One key player he identified in furthering that mission has been Music Director Anu Tali, who will conduct her last concert with the orchestra April 7. “Anu has done a phenomenal job of developing the sound of the orchestra and elevating the level of performance,” he says. “She wanted to hand off a better orchestra than who she first started with, so the (director) search ahead will be successful in large part because of her work.” The other most critical action for the future of the orchestra is the search for a permanent music facility. On Feb. 26, the organization announced that, after an exhaustive search for a site to construct a new music hall, it’s chosen Payne Park. The proposal has been met with opposition, largely because it includes the relocation of the park’s tennis facility to the south of its current location. But McKenna said at a March 12 workshop at City Hall that the orchestra will use the input gathered to inform its decisions. “Sarasota Orchestra is here for the whole community,” he says. “While social media has made communication impersonal, the relationship between performers and audiences remains a highly personal thing.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

Lost and found I

t was hours of surprises for guests at The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota’s 50th Anniversary Party March 3 at Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The biggest surprise, however, was an announcement by President Vern Weitz about a painting that was stolen during a performance in late November 1991 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. It was originally acquired by the society for its collection in 1972 from Mrs. William Flook in honor of her husband. For $25, the stolen Jon Corbino painting, “Palette,” was recovered by art collector Eric Bowyer. Bowyer is an avid collector, known to browse estate and garage

sales to find art treasures. He immediately recognized the work of Corbino and purchased the painting from an estate sale in the Palm Aire subdivision. When he called Corbino’s daughter, Lee Corbino, to ask her about the painting, he made the surprising discovery that it was the piece that had gone missing in 1972. Bowyer then returned the 1960s circus-themed work to the society. It will return to its home in the Van Wezel. The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota started in 1969 with the mission to “support and stimulate the arts in Sarasota County.”

Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Above: President Vern Weitz Left: The party was hosted at Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

— KAYLEIGH OMANG

Eric Bowyer reveals the newly recovered painting.

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FRIDAY CONCERTS AT NOON: APPRENTICE ARTISTS Noon at Lee & Bob Peterson Great Room, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $5 Call 328-1300. Experience the future of operatic talent firsthand with this hourlong concert by Sarasota Opera’s Apprentice Artists. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. ‘PATINA’ EXHIBIT OPENING 6 p.m. at 530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Lane Free admission Call 951-0620.

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

GALLERY EXHIBIT ‘A DESIGNED LIFE: CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN TEXTILE’ Noon at Center for Architecture Sarasota, 265 S. Orange Ave. Free admission Call 350-5430. The definition of art is always up for debate, and to the team at Center for Architecture, it can even include everyday items like containers. “A Designed Life: Contemporary American Textiles, Contemporary Ameri-

AUTHOR SIGNING: MARK WESTON AND CAROL WESTON Most siblings can’t even share the remote, let alone the spotlight, but these two

can Wallpapers and Containers & Packaging” features artistic designs from 1951-1954, and it’s on display through April 30. This exhibit is curated by Margaret Re and organized by the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, University of Maryland Baltimore County.

We hope you’ve been savin’ your love for this celebration of the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance. Named for Fats Waller’s song of the same name, this tribute to the swing beat will transport audiences back to the 1930s with beloved songs such as “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “I’m Going To Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” and more. Runs through April 7.

IF YOU GO When: 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 S. Palm Ave. Tickets: Free Info: Call 365-7900.

‘SOUNDS OF THE STAGE’ 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail From $40 Call 953-3434.

‘CONNECTING THE DOTS. THIS WORLD IS ROUND’ 6:30 p.m. at Little House, address will be noted on your ticket From $37.50 Call 917-719-1271. Get the best of all worlds with this concert and art exhibit combo that originated on the West Coast. SuzeMuze Studio is a fiscally sponsored project aimed

FRIDAY

The Sarasota Orchestra is taking guests into the spotlight with this theatrical concert experience. Join conductor Andrew Lane on a journey through the music that’s set the stage and enhanced unforgettable theatrical moments. Toe-tap along to the sounds of some of history’s best shows, from “L’Arlésienne” to “The Bartered Bride.” Runs through Sunday.

D.L. HUGHLEY 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $42 Call 925-3869. From performing around the country with the Black and Brown Comedy Get Down tour to writing his own book, “I Want You to Shut the F*ck Up,” D.L. Hughley has made a career of speaking his mind. Whether you know him from his current Showtime comedy special,”Reset,” or the satirical Comedy Central documentary “D.L. Hughley: The Endangered List,” you’ll love this show. Runs through Sunday. ‘NOISES OFF’ 8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail From $46.80 Call 351-8000. Camaraderie and dysfunction are central (just like they are in all families) to this precisely timed, cunning and hilarious comedy. The story centers on a misfit company of actors tripping over themselves in a frenzied final rehearsal of the British sex farce “Nothing On.” You know it couldn’t be going worse when sardines start flying everywhere. Chaos ensues — brace yourself. Runs through April 20.

INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE WILLIAM SHATNER DAY March 22 Known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk. Shatner has a distinctive way of emoting. Watch a couple of episodes of Star Trek to get the idea. And dramatically pause, after, every, word. .

‘AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ 7:30 p.m. at Stone Hall, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton From $30 Call 748-5875.

writers are gladly doing so. Brother-and-sister pair Mark Weston (a Sarasota resident) and Carol Weston are headed to Bookstore1 to talk about the 22 books between them — six (two for children) by Mark and 16 (all for young adults) by Carol. Come learn about their latest works, Carol’s “Speed of Life” and Mark’s “Finding the Speed of Light — The 1676 Discovery that Dazzled the World” at this signing.

‘MALLETS AND FORETHOUGHT’ WITH GEORGE NICKSON 11 a.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave. $48 Call 306-1202. Who says orchestral music has to be serious? George Nickson, principal percussionist of the Sarasota Orchestra and co-founder of ensemblenewSRQ, is headlining this Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota concert to live up to the description Artistic Director Joseph Holt gives to all of Nickson’s concerts: “... inventive, fun, and always a musical tour de force.”

at using the arts to transform the lives of people experiencing pain, and this performance is a Sarasota preview of a show hitting the road to Charleston, S.C. Enjoy original songs from founder Susan Gabriel’s musical and satirical stories from her two books performed alongside paintings also by Gabriel.

Like most artists native to South Florida, Steven Anton Rehage found great inspiration in the ocean growing up — but not the way you might think. Rehage’s paintings are not landscapes. They are mixed media works inspired by the unassuming patinas that form when different metals, wood and textiles interact in a natural environment. Come meet the artist at the reception and enjoy the show through April 9.

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TANNAHILL WEAVERS 8 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $20; day of $25 Call 800-838-3006.

with a concert dedicated to all the Georges out there. Well, not all of them, but the ones who made a mark on the music industry. Enjoy music by George Harrison (whose voice will be honored by tribute vocalist Marty Scott), George M. Cohen, George Michael and George Gershwin with favorites such as “Here Comes the Sun,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Faith” and “American in Paris.” Runs through Monday.

Travel to the highlands of Scotland without leaving your seat at this concert. The Tannahill Weavers is a traditional Scottish band boasting a versatile repertoire including original ballands, firedriven instrumentals and more, all to honor the musical heritage of the Celtic people.

MONDAY THE 27TH ANNUAL SILVER FOX SHOW 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice $25 Call 488-1115.

SATURDAY UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER ART FAIR 10 a.m. at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive Free admission Call 561-746-6615. To all of you who have thought there are only chain stores and restaurants at University Town Center, you are sorely mistaken. The newest addition to the Howard Alan Events lineup is bringing 100 national and local fine artists to the area to showcase thousands of handmade works of art. Stroll amidst sculptures, paintings, furniture, and much more at this free event. Runs through Sunday. VIEWPOINT LECTURE AND DEMONSTRATION 10:30 a.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $10; students and members $5 Call 360-7399. The phrase “all talk, no action” doesn’t apply to this lecture, in which Moving Ethos Dance Artis-

tic Director Leah Verier-Dunn will explain the concept of dance theater and the benefits of telling a story through movement. Moving Ethos dancers will accompany her to demonstrate what narrative movement means to the company, which has a residency at The Ringling this season. ART IN THE GARDEN 11 a.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free admission Call 365-2032. There’s beer, wine and handmade artwork for sale in one place this weekend — what more could you want? Head to Art Center Sarasota to peruse a selection of original folk art, woodwork, ceramics, paintings, fiber art, prints, jewelry, clothing, collages and a variety of mixed media. OPENING RECEPTION: ‘LOCALLY SOURCED’ 5 p.m. at GAZE Modern, 340 Central Ave.

Free admission Call 400-0598. Two is always better than one — especially when we’re talking about two powerhouse women. When Linda Driggs of Michael Saunders & Co. and Nancy Hielscher of John Cannon Homes aren’t making homebuyers happy, they’re creating dynamic acrylic paintings together that currently grace the walls of several homes in the Tampa Bay area. Take a look at their work in their first duo show running through April 7.

SUNDAY ‘BY GEORGE, I THINK WE’VE DONE IT!’ 3 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way From $20; students $5 Call 926-7677. The Pops Orchestra is closing the curtain on its 2018-2019 “Pop Stars Take the Stage” season

This professionally directed troupe of volunteer performers is back for its annual variety show, which combines singing, dancing and sketch comedy with the theme “Sounds of the City: A Broadway Melody!” Runs through March 30.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

NIK’S PICK ‘CIRQUE DES VOIX’ Don’t forget to look up during this concert. Every year, Key Chorale teams up with Circus Arts Conservatory for a high-flying musical collaboration featuring over 100 voices accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra. This year’s show is centered around some of the most beloved film scores in cinema history, including music from “Star Wars,” “Mission Impossible,” “Avatar” and more. Runs through Sunday. IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Ulla Searing Big Top, 140 University Town Center Drive Tickets: $20-$55 Info: Call 355-9805. — NIKI KOTTMANN

PRINCIPAL FILM SERIES: ‘DAME MARGOT FONTEYN, BALLET ROYALTY’ 6 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $15 Call 359-0099. Join The Sarasota Ballet in saying “YAS, QUEEN” to this cinematic look at ballet royalty Margot Fonteyn. In celebration of what would have been her 100th birthday, watch clips from several of her most cherished roles.

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Photos courtesy Frank Atura

Victoria Hulland and Marcelo Gomes perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Apparitions.”

History and patriotism prevail in ballet program ANNA DEARING BALLET CRITIC

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he Sarasota Ballet’s “Poetry and Liberty” program, performed the weekend of March 8 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, brought together two great choreographers in two very different ballets. The company premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Apparitions” was full of dark drama and tragedy, while George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” was lively and upbeat. Director Iain Webb has influenced ballet history by having the Sarasota Ballet perform Ashton’s “Apparitions,” which has not been performed in nearly 50 years. Even though it might not be an audience favorite, the revival of “Apparitions” is a big deal to the ballet world, which premiered

in 1936 and was last performed in 1970 by The Vic-Wells Ballet in London. “Apparitions” was also one of the first ballets that Ashton choreographed featuring Margot Fonteyn, which sparked her influence as Ashton’s muse in many of his subsequent works. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fonteyn’s birth, making the revival of “Apparitions” even more poignant. The story of a poet gone mad seeking true love is carried by Marcelo Gomes, who dances the role of The Poet. Gomes’ impeccable technique is one to be marveled at. Every position and every step is precise as if this incredible star still needs to think about every fifth position, every turn and every pointe of the toe. The beautiful score by Franz Liszt is as magical as the scenery, originally designed by Cecil

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All operas performed in the original language with English translations displayed above the stage.

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Ricardo Rhodes and Kate Honea dance George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes.”

Beaton. One could only imagine how it took breaths away in 1936. During the scene in The Ballroom, those breaths were taken away once again by the flowing gowns and tutus worn by the female dancers during the many waltzes and gallops. In The Snow-Clad Plain women in black and white tutus and classic Ashton-style dramatic multipointed headpieces nodded their heads and bent their arms and bodies to emulate the movement of the exasperating bell-ringing sounds in the crazy poet’s head. As the Woman in the Ball Dress, the poet’s attempt at love, Victoria Hulland was graceful and strong at the same time. Although her sumptuous gown seemed to overpower her at

times consuming her and making the momentum needed for certain pirouettes difficult. Reviving “Apparitions” was special for Sarasota Ballet, giving its dancers a chance to re-create Ashton’s characters with their own spin. Although not born in America, it is said that Balanchine had much love and respect for his adopted country. He celebrated his patriotism with the 1958 ballet “Stars and Stripes.” The Sarasota Orchestra, led by guest conductor Ormsby Wilkins, flawlessly performed the John Philip Sousa score. The work is a delight for the audience and dancers alike. The exuberant cast committed to the Balanchine style from start to finish. A corps of women kicked, and soloists twirled batons. Elizabeth Sykes marveled the audience while she did a series of développé à la seconde while doing an impressive baton twirling sequence in the First Regiment — “Corcoran Cadets.” The third regiment was particularly impressive as an army of men leapt and spun in unison. Ivan Duarte ruled in “Thunder and Gladiator,” doing a multitude of impressive split jumps. He also marveled while doing a series of à la seconde turns while the corps of men costumed in shiny uniforms did a jeté manages around him. Although audiences surely miss Logan Learned, Duarte’s performance was technically flawless and enthusiastic. The standout was the fourth campaign featuring a pas de deux between Kate Honea as Liberty Bell and Ricardo Rhodes as El Capitan. Honea always dances with marvelous musicality and it shines most in Balanchine ballets. Paired with Rhodes’s virtuosity, the two of them exuded confidence and grace. The piece ended with a giant American flag upstage, energetic dancers who wore genuine smiles and an audience on their feet. To describe this show in short — we were all having fun.

Our season ends with music by George Harrison with tribute artist Marty Scott singing ionic George Harrison tunes and the Pops performing George M. Cohen, George Michael and George Gershwin classics featuring concertmaster Felicia Brunelle and pianist Tom Purviance.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

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Experience majestic music from some of the world's greatest films. Video montages and vintage still images accompany the scores and film vocals from blockbuster movies such as Gone With The Wind, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, James Bond, The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Ben-Hur and more.

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EarShot composers share promising new works EDWARD ALLEY MUSIC CRITIC

ast week, while Sarasota was preparing for a firstever three-week run of a musical at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Orchestra was also involved in a first-ever event: “EarShot,” a workshop-performance collaborative for young composers. Initiated by the American Composers Orchestra in partnership with the League of American Orchestras and a couple of other groups, EarShot is the first ongoing program for identifying and promoting the most promising young orchestral composers on a national level. Sarasota Orchestra was selected to participate in this event, and throughout the week, four young composers were mentored by four established composers. They were able to workshop, rehearse and improve their selected works with members of the Sarasota Orchestra before they were presented in a final concert on Saturday night at the Symphony Center’s Holley Hall. Each of the young composers — Krists Auznieks, Nicky Sohn, Sam Wu and Kitty Xiao — was coached by composers Mark Dancigers, Robert Beaser and Chinary Ung. Laura Karpman, also scheduled, was unable to attend.

Courtesy photo

Kitty Xiao, 29, is an Australian composer, pianist and collaborative artist based in Rochester, N.Y., studying at the Eastman School of Music.

Various sessions and sectional rehearsals were held throughout the week as the orchestra, conducted by Christopher Rountree, worked through the thickets of notes, effects and sounds these young composers had committed to paper. Suggestions were made, passages perhaps changed, or left the same, but each of the four selected works was reviewed by composer, mentor, conductor and orchestra. The week climaxed with two public performances. The first, on Thursday night, titled “Master Composers,” featured chamber music by the four

mentor composers performed by members of the Sarasota Orchestra. Dancigers’ “Skyline” for electronically enhanced solo violin was performed by Samantha Bennett, and she gave the arpeggio lines of sounds “written in the sky,” full meaning as the electronic echo and reverberation added depth to the solo voice. Beaser’s “Brass Quintet” brought forth blocks of sound with moving and transforming motives in a basically tonal framework that exploited the full range of the instruments. “Spiral III” by Chinary Ung

is for string quartet and, as he explained, showed how small seemingly different motives can be put together to form a perfect whole, again with shimmering and moving shapes. Although she was not present, Karpman’s “Different Lanes” for string quartet was both amusing and intriguing, with each movement reminiscent of music by Bernard Hermann from a Hitchcock film, accompanying an impressionistic film in Los Angeles freeway traffic. Intriguing and delightful. Saturday’s concert featured works of the four young composers and the full Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Rountree, followed by an audience question and answer and talk-back section moderated by Aiden Feltcamp, EarShot coordinator. Featured were “Wind Map” by Wu, “Crossing” by Auznieks, “Ink and Wash” by Xiao, and “Bird Up” by Sohn. All these works dealt more with motives, sounds, impressions, sonic sculptures and textures, orchestral color, tone clusters and effects rather than traditional and more familiar melodic and harmonic structure. In this, some works were more successful than others. Wu’s “Wind Map” created a sonic equivalent of the shifting of winds and patterns of the world’s weather

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from the extreme violence of storms to the quiet falling of rain or snow, only to be followed again by more storm. His use of orchestration was quite descriptive and at times reminded me just a bit of “Cloudburst” from Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite.” Auznieks’ “Crossing” and Xiao’s “Ink and Wash” were both interesting and evocative, but to me were less effective than the other two works. Closing the concert was “Bird Up” by Sohn, depicting the nature and clatter of New York City encountered by actor Eric Andre dressed as a bird, running through the city creating and leaving chaos behind him. A bit like John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” on steroids, this piece never lets up with its plethora of police whistles, sirens, gongs, bass drums and tam tam punctuating the virtuosic and cinematic scoring of this elongated chase scene. This was truly the crowd pleaser of the night and certainly deserves a place in the orchestral repertoire. The Sarasota Orchestra should be applauded and encouraged to repeat this involvement in “EarShot,” since it is good for the composers, the orchestra and especially for all of us in the audience to discover the new sounds in music being created today. Let’s hope for a repeat next year.

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Ibsen icon’s fate revealed MARTY FUGATE

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THEATER CRITIC

Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2” imagines a new chapter to Ibsen’s convoluted classic with Asolo Repertory Theatre. Previously in “The Doll’s House,” Nora Helmer endured incredible self-sacrifice to save her husband Torvald’s health and reputation. She did it secretly, because he didn’t take her seriously. Torvald saw her as a pretty bird in a gilded cage. When Torvald realized what Nora had done, he first rejected her, and then forgave her. That’s when Nora realized she was invisible to Torvald. She left. Hnath picks up where Ibsen left off, 15 years later. Nora’s back, disproving death rumors. Long story short: Torvald (David Breitbarth) never signed the divorce papers. After a few harsh years of early struggle, Nora wrote a series of bestsellers urging wives to follow her door-slamming example. Her literary legend revolved around her bold escape from a bad marriage. Nora wrote under a pseudonym. But a cranky judge uncovered her real name and marital status. Now, he’s threatening to expose Nora, unless she recants her feminist stand. If Nora’s still married, she’s guilty of fraud. To escape this, she needs a real divorce. That’s why she’s back. Nora’s novels paint an ugly portrait of her ex-husband. Was Torvald really the bad guy? What was it like for the children Nora left behind? What about working-class people who can’t afford grand gestures? Hnath digs into the issues Ibsen originally wrestled with — and the future implications he never considered. The playwright takes the philosophy seriously. But he’s not above cracking post-modern jokes. Director Peter Amster finds the right tone — and it’s not easy. This isn’t satire. This isn’t a dead-serious sequel, either. The

‘A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2’ When: Through March 31 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $30.60-$96 Info: Call 351-8000.

playwright wants to have it both ways. But Amster skates beautifully on the Hnath’s thin ice. Hampton’s Nora gets a heap of applause lines. Her high-andmighty character quickly grows tiresome. Hampton’s voice work reminds me of Jane Fonda’s character in “Grace and Frankie.” Breitbarth’s Torvald earns your sympathy — and that’s not easy. He’s the designated fall guy; the straw man; the patriarchal Charlie Brown kicking Nora’s feminist football. Peggy Roeder’s servant sprinkles her dialogue with anachronistic f-bombs. Scripted, yes, but her delivery is hilarious. Olivia Osol’s Emmy is clearly her mother’s daughter. Or her mother’s anti-particle — the anti-Nora. Her Emmy is cool and calculating, though her calculations add up differently. Robert Perdziola’s semi-circular set evokes a dollhouse without a doll. There’s almost no furniture, and the walls are stripped of paintings. Torvald burned all of Nora’s stuff and sold the rest. His costumes follow a similar paper doll template. They’re obviously artificial signifiers of identity. Obvious artificiality is the typical post-modern point. Laughter rarely is. Post-modernist comedy is usually funny on a conceptual level. Which is another way of saying it’s not funny. Hnath is actually funny. I knew he was clever, thanks to “Isaac’s Eye.” That play made me think. This play makes me laugh.

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Left: Co-Chairs Susan Jones and James Amato, speakers Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez, President and CEO Richard Carlisle and Co-Chairman Terry McKee Below: Custom napkins were placed on everyone’s plate.

RED RIBBON GALA ‘Reshaping the Face of HIV’

Saturday, March 16, at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota | Benefiting CAN Community Health KAYLEIGH OMANG BLACK TIE EDITOR

G Tulips decorated the tables.

Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Iliana Palacio gets her photo taken by Katie McCurry before the gala.

uests stepped into a sea of red March 16 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for the first CAN Community Health Red Ribbon Gala: “Reshaping the Face of HIV.” The evening began with a VIP hour with “Pose” stars Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez. Those invited mingled with cocktails in the VIP lounge, waiting for a chance to meet and take photos with the Hollywood actors. The program was loosely scheduled. After a short cocktail hour, guests were seated in the ballroom to hear from board Chairman Robert Trisolini and President and CEO Richard Carlisle. Then the three co-chairs took the stage for remarks. After dinner and time to chat with tablemates, Rodriguez told guests her story. When she was a fifth-grader, a classmate told her on the playground that she looked like she had AIDS. Now, she’s a passionate advocate for the HIV community. Billy Porter recalled how he first learned about the disease when he was 12, by watching a documentary about what was then referred to as “gay cancer.” He grew up in a community and time that told him being gay was a death sentence. Although it wasn’t easy, Porter was able to grow from

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his experiences and accept being gay, and he went on to become a Broadway star. He gave the audience a call to action to help ensure the community receives education and services related to HIV. Along with hearing from the speakers, guests learned about CAN’s mission with a video interviewing people with HIV. In Sarasota, 4,972 HIV cases were diagnosed in 2016. CAN currently owns and operates 34 clinics. The event concluded with a paddle raise and a bustling dance floor with TF Band.

Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Above: Marsharee Chronicle and Kris Castellano Left: Live entertainment with TF Band got everyone to dance along.

Kara and Drayton Saunders

The flipside of the timeline outside the ballroom featured several “faces” of HIV.

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KAYLEIGH OMANG The man who CAN Actor Billy Porter was full of character and humor — everywhere from the VIP cocktail hour to after-gala drinks at Jack Dusty — as a guest speaker at CAN Community Health’s Red Ribbon Gala March 16. He shocked the audience with his story, but also made them laugh when appropriate. He received a standing ovation after his speech, and Elisabeth Waters even ran up to him after he got off stage to give him a kiss on the mouth. He didn’t seem bothered by it. After the gala winded down and guests left the dance floor, a few groups made their way to Jack Dusty for a night cap, including Billy. He must have been hungry, because he stood next to Hermione Gilpin, eyes fixated on her plate, and asked “Can I have a French fry?” He returned a couple minutes later to get himself a plate of her fries since they were “so good,” then went healthy and ordered a salad.

Kayleigh Omang

Glenn Reith and Renee Phinney

CAN’t be bought After making the Red Ribbon Gala invitations with Palm Printing, Renee Phinney had what she needed to create some attire with the same art. So, her boyfriend, Glenn Reith, sported a custom tie and pocket square with CAN’s logo, proving he is a good supporter of his lady and the organization.

Billy Porter gives his speech at the March 16 Red Ribbon Gala.

Connecting the dots “Interpolations: Artworks from The Ringling and Monda Collections” is the first exhibit at The John & Mable Ringling Museum to feature a combination of pieces lent from a private collection and works from the museum’s own modern and contemporary art collection. Philanthropists Keith and Linda Monda gave a $5 million gift to the museum, a donation which is part of The Ringling’s $100 million comprehensive campaign, The Ringling Inspires: Honoring the Legacy and Building for the Future. The centerpiece of the exhibit is Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Dots,”part of the Monda collection. Keith told attendees at the March 14 press preview that it’s much easier to appreciate the work (and its scale) in a museum

Tidbits Well-versed ... Bart Lowther isn’t just a math-whiz and money manager who supports local nonprofits, he also sings. On March 17, Bart sung the national anthem for the polo match in Lakewood Ranch. Styled in Saks ... Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota General Manager Terri Najmolhoda sent clothes over to Red Ribbon Gala speaker MJ Rodriguez for the gala. Not only did she look stunning, but she said she

Kayleigh Omang

Yayoi Kusama, “Infinity Dots,” 1993 acrylic on canvas, 76 3/8 x 204 ½ inches

than in his New York City apartment, where it used to hang. At the Circle Member preview event March 13, the Mondas announced they will be donating additional works to “Interpolations” in the future.

We heard your nominations, and now it’s time to vote for the finalists in this year’s Season Standouts magazine. The magazine comes out once a year at the end of season to celebrate the hard work, dedication and time put into the events we all attended and loved. Although every philanthropist is deserving of recognition, there can only be one standout man and standout woman. This year’s finalists are: Women: Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman, Ashley Kozel, Renee Phinney and Elisabeth Waters Men: Brian Craft, Brian Mariash, Nati Shabat, Dan Starostecki and Jim Syprett Vote once per hour until midnight, March 29. Voting can be done on our website and the Black Tie App.

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felt great in the flowing boho dress and suede nude heels. MJ commented that the shoes were a little too big, but she wanted to deal with it because they were just too cute. Girl power ... Girls Inc. announced that Jennifer Compton and Felice Schulaner have been chosen as this year’s Visionary Award honoree and She Knows Where She’s Going Award honoree, respectively. The Celebration Luncheon is April 30 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Call 366-6646, Ext. 207, for tickets.

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Co-Chairs Ken and Jenny Pendery with Nora and Billy Johnson

SATURDAY

Garden to Plate Wine Dinner

APRIL 13

Bradenton Area Convention Center

Friday, March 8, at Selby Gardens | Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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9AM–3PM Doors open at 8am www.neurochallenge.org Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Above: Marc Mannino played guitar during social hour. Left: Wendy Deming and Deb Kabinoff

FREE EVENT Registration required. Online registration is strongly encouraged at www.neurochallenge.org Call 941-926-6413 for more information.

The Parkinson’s Expo will feature presentations from medical experts on treatment options, the latest in research, managing the non-motor aspects of the disease, and more.

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Bryce Berbo, Suzanne Atwell and Chip Gaylor

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Co-Chairwomen Charlie Ann Syprett, Mary Braxton-Joseph, Audrey Robbins and Penny Hill

Fighting for Truth + Care for All Dinner Thursday, March 7, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota Benefiting Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida

SOURCE Productions staged a performance with several young artists.

Speaker and journalist Irin Carmon, President and CEO Stephanie Fraim and President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America Dr. Leana Wen

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On Pointe Luncheon

Taste the Difference at Aravilla.

Monday, March 11, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Sarasota Ballet

Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Susan M. Larson, Donna Maytham and Sarah Skebba

Left: A summer salad was served for lunch. Below: Barbara Jacob, Donna Mateer, Sue Gordon and Pat Klugherz

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New College graduate Jesse White has always had a passion for the environment and salvage management. He started the first campus xxxxx recycling program in the 1980s and launched his own consulting firm after graduate school. White developed the concept of architectural salvage focused on recycling and reuse through a retail store while working on a construction materials recycling and waste diversion project in Charlotte County. He founded Sarasota Architectural Salvage in 2003, launched a custom workshop in 2015, and recently opened a second location on University Parkway. “What drew me to New College were the values of responsibility, personal exploration and self-expression that continue to drive me today,” he says. “New College gave me the unlimited boundless opportunity to explore. I also learned that you can have a passion for something and turn it into a viable business. New College totally prepares you to be an entrepreneur.”

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ABOVE EXPECTATIONS. BEYOND SHOES. Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Bill and Annette Lloyd and Brad Goddard

Co-Producer Dinner Monday, March 11, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting Sarasota Opera

Quality footwear made in America. A wide range of hard-to-find widths and sizes. One-on-one consultations

Roz Bokoff and Luke Adelstein

and fittings with the experts. All

Ellyn Drummond and Scott Bushey

adding up to a more comfortable fit.

OUR ENTIRE STOCK

DRASTICALLY REDUCED

Offer expires 4.14.19. Excludes some footwear. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One-time use only. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Not valid on prior purchases. No cash value. Not redeemable for Gift Card purchases. Some restrictions apply. Availability of style and colors vary by store. Coupon Code: 19MarOMG

EVERYTHING

40 70OFF! % to %

941.921.3696

www.newbalancesarasota.com 1872 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, FL 8204 Tourist Center Dr., University Park, FL

75 South Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 6:00pm Free Parking in Miramar Plaza Garage 941-953-2948 | martinfreemanclothing.com

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$10

Store Closing Sale!

off your purchase of $75 or more

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BLACK TIE

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

Celebrating 30 years in Sarasota... Thanks to all of our loyal customers

A ’50s Inspired Sock Hop!

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Sunday, March 10, at Temple Beth Israel | Benefiting The Paradise Center

Duette® Honeycomb Shades

PowerView® Motorization

$100 rebate

Skyline ® Gliding Window Panels Voted Sarasota’s best, 26 years in a row!

With qualifying purchase

MATTSON & MATTSON

Photos by Kayleigh Omang

Above: Milkshake cups adorn the tables with dessert bites. Left: Chairman of the board Richard Pelton and Executive Director Suzy Brenner

*Manufacturer's mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/17/17 - 4/10/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. If you purchase fewer units than the required multiple of the speciﬁc model and operating system, if any, described above, you will not be entitled to rebate; partial rebates will not be awarded. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. ©2017 Hunter Douglas All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

You Can Look Years Younger and Still Look Completely Natural

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Janet Mattson Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc.... since 1989 Janet and and Curt Curt Mattson Owners Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc....Since 1989 Owners 4801 S. Tamiami4801 Trail, Across from The Landings Sarasota 925-7800 • Lakewood Ranch: 925-9802 Sarasota Area S. Tamiami Trail, Across• from TheArea: Landings Lakewood Ranch mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 925-9802

Rejuvenation Exclusively for the Face & Neck

The Skill of a Surgeon  the Eye of an Artist  PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_____________ and theUnderstanding of a Woman

Tom and Michelle Giannico with Skip Wilder

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Degree 1:43:35 PM ADVERTISER: M&M WALLCOVERINGS & BLIN PROOF CREATED AT:Arts 1/19/2017

Case Western Reserve University, MD and NEXT RUN DATE: 01/22/17 Residency in Ophthalmology SIZE: 3X5.25 PROOF DUE: 01/20/17 11:59:55 Duke University Medical Center, Fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery PUBLICATION: SF-HERALD TRIBUNE

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SALES PERSON: SFSR01

1958 Prospect St | Sarasota 941.951.2220 | www.hollybarbourmd.com

A Meal Makes A Difference.

Join us for Wine Walk to Ca’ d’Zan 2019 and taste your way through The Ringling World’s Fair. Enjoy a variety of wines from Total Wine & More while enjoying culinary delights from Sarasota’s top caterers.

Your donation delivers heart healthy meals to homebound Sarasotans in need.

MAR 29

6:00 – 10:00 PM

WINE WALK TO CA’ D’ZAN 2019

TICKETS: $135 / $200 VIP

ringling.org

180,000 meals annually

’S

500+ meals daily

6 days a week

DONATE TODAY

R FAI Net proceeds will be directed to the Ca’ d’Zan Preservation Fund.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota By mail: 421 N Lime Ave. Sarasota FL 34237 By phone: 941-366-6693 Online: mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org