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SRQ DAILY Sep 30, 2016

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I want to do it one more time and then I'll never do it again."

- Jack Willis, actor
 

[Theater]  Willis Reprises LBJ for Asolo's "The Great Society"
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

With the incoming production of Robert Schenkkan’s The Great Society ready to hit the stage at Asolo Repertory Theatre this January, a late cast change has been announced. Actor Nick Wyman, who portrayed President Lyndon Baines Johnson in last year’s All The Way, Schenkkan’s prequel to The Great Society, will not reprise the role, which will instead be filled by actor Jack Willis, who originated the role in the world premieres of both All The Way and The Great Society at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. “There’s more to explore,” says Willis. “I want to do it one more time and then I’ll never do it again.”

Whereas All The Way told the triumphant tale of LBJ’s work with Congress and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Great Society takes aim at the second half of his presidency, when growing anger over the Vietnam War threatens to destroy his legacy of reform. “It’s a tragic story,” says Willis, who describes LBJ as a man who “believed in the right things” and “the leader of my generation.” The person he wants to capture, he says, can be summed up by a handful of photos of the man and his dogs—many at the height of his influence and success and one on the day of his defeat, a man alone with his dogs, broken and beaten but leaving of his own volition. LBJ never ran for reelection, “but he could’ve won,” says Willis.

Though plenty of footage exists of LBJ for aspiring imitators to mine for performance, the key to getting into character is one of understanding, not aping. “You don’t try to mimic the person or do an impersonation,” says Willis. “You try to capture the spirit of the person and the spirit of the moment.” Asked to describe the person of LBJ in few words, he responds, “Cantankerous. Overbearing. Willful. Flawed. But he believed in the things that I believe in.”

The Great Society opens January 11 at Asolo Rep. A graduate of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Willis says, “It’s nice to bring the role to my alma mater.” 

[Good Bite]  For the Love of Biscuits
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

At 2:30am, while the rest of town is cozy in bed, the team at Buttermilk Handcrafted Food is rolling and mixing, baking up treats and confections fresh for the morning rush. While pies, cookies and savory buns fill the bakery counter, you can really feel the love in their signature biscuits. Instead of the classic buttermilk, opt for the mini-size (but still oh-so-satisfying) sweet potato biscuit, slathered in a thin layer of brown sugar glaze and topped with crumbled spiced pecans. With three parts sweet and one part buttery bread, the little guy pairs nicely with the high-octane cold brew and nitro on tap courtesy of Perq. Stop in for an early morning sweet fix or an after lunch caffeine buzz and taste the home-made goodies inside the simple, rustic farm shop or at one of the outdoor tables on the green.  

Buttermilk Handcrafted Food, 5520 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, 941-487-8949.

[Recipe]  Crab Dip Kickoff
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Ideal for football and tailgate season, chips and dip have always been a top pick. Old Salty Dog shares their crab dip recipe with cayenne pepper added for a spicy punch to fire you up for the season. Served with tortilla chips, this plate can also be paired with veggies for a more refreshing bite.

Ingredients: meet from 2 blue crab claws; cream cheese (softened); ½ vidalia onion (diced); 2 tomatoes (diced); ¼ cup cilantro (stems removed, chopped); ¼ cup parsley (chopped); ½ tsp. garlic powder; ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper; ¼ cup lemon juice.

In a food processor, combine onion, tomato, cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne and lemon juice. Process until smooth. Mix into cream cheese evenly and fold in crab meat. Heat and serve with tortilla chips, toast points or veggies.


 

Old Salty Dog, 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy., 941-388-4311

[Recognition]  Goodwill Recognizes Stevens

Goodwill Industries International recognized Goodwill Manasota Ambassador Jo Rita Stevens for her 45-plus years of service as a volunteer for the company. Stevens was also previously honored in 2015 by the Office of Volunteer and Community Service division of the Department of Elder Affairs for her work as a Goodwill ambassador and countless other regional organizations.  

Goodwill Manasota

[Recognition]  JFCS Honors Legacy of Rose Chapman

The multi-county premier multi-function social service nonprofit, The Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the Suncoast honors the long-time legacy of Rose Chapman while also announcing her new role and plans for future growth with a search for a new CEO. Chapman served as chief executive officer for 23 years and during this time she successfully took JFCS from a $200,000 agency to an $8.5-million agency, grew the staff from three to 114, expanded geographically from one office to 16 and increased the range of services the nonprofit offers.  

Jewish Family and Children�s Services of the Suncoast

[Recognition]  Carpenter Receives George Hixson Award

The School District of Manatee County announced that Board Chair Karen Carpenter received the George Hixson Award at the Bradenton Kiwanis Club luncheon. Carpenter has been a member of the Bradenton Kiwanis for six years and was among four recipients to receive the honor.  

Bradenton Kiwanis

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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