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SRQ DAILY Jan 13, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"We should see this amazing historical story to its conclusion. It would feel like unfinished business if we didn't do 'The Great Society.'"

- Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Rep
 

[Theater]  Asolo Rep Stages An Epic Conclusion
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Following the success of last season’s All The Way, Asolo Repertory Theatre continues playwright Robert Shenkkan’s chronicling of Lyndon B. Johnson’s tumultuous presidency with the sequel, The Great Society, opening tonight. To produce both had been “a dream,” says Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, but it was the enthusiastic reaction to All The Way, which sold out to standing room only, that convinced him it was not only possible but the right course to take for the final season of the American Character Project. “We should see this amazing historical story to its conclusion,” he says. “It would feel like unfinished business if we didn’t do The Great Society.”

Whereas All The Way focused on Johnson’s ascension to the presidency after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and his ensuing triumph in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and securing the Democratic nomination for president, The Great Society looks at Johnson’s decidedly less triumphant second term. Embroiled in both the Vietnam War and the War on Poverty, an embattled Johnson struggles to pass ambitious social programs and realize his “Great Society,” as the various political forces that surround him angle for their own agendas. A compelling drama that raises, among others, questions of race relations in America, the role of the federal government and the justness of war, The Great Society is “a play with amazing contemporary pertinence as well as historical significance,” says Edwards.

Picking up where All The Way left off, actors A.K. Murtadha and Denise Cormier reprise their roles as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Lady Bird Johnson, respectively. Also returning is William Dick as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and longtime Asolo Rep company actor David Breitbarth as Governor George Wallace, Richard Nixon and more. Filling the role of Johnson proved more difficult, with All The Way actor Nick Wyman originally believed to be returning and then the role’s originator, Jack Willis, circling the part before having to back out and the role going to Matt DeCaro, an actor from Chicago whom Edwards had been following for years. “We’re incredibly lucky to have him,” he says after coming up from rehearsal. “He is so engaging and he has the toughness as well as the heart.”

After jokingly describing the production as something of a mix between Game of Thrones and House of Cards, Edwards sums it up in one word: “Unmissable.”

The Great Society opens tonight at Asolo Repertory Theatre and runs through April 2. 

Pictured: A.K. Murtadha and Matt DeCaro in "The Great Society." Photo by John Revisky.

[Good Bite]  Baby Cakes
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

It's a mystery—who will be this year's King for a Day? Who will be the lucky winner of the tiny pink plastic babe? No clue what's going on? Let this be a quick education about the pre-Lenten/Mardi Gras "King's Cake," a ring-shaped pastry dough cake topped with icing and colored sugar, usually purple, green and gold (symbolizing the gold, frankincense and myrrh gifted by the Three Wise Men). And inside—a baby figurine—an ode to the baby Jesus. The point of all the merrymaking surrounding the galette des rois? A celebration of the Epiphany, or Three King's Day, a momentous feast day celebrated by Christians worldwide, and the preamble to the raucous festivities of Mardi Gras/Carnival, where king's cakes are consumed by the thousands. Even if you aren't an observant Catholic or the like, the cake is still delicious (and the baby makes it a fun gimmick for the lucky recipient).  

Pictured: the King's Cake (quickly) consumed by the SRQ staff.

Morton's Gourmet Market, 1924 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-9856.

[Recipe]  Grateful Bread Pudding
SRQ Staff

According to Rick Munroe at Sun Garden Café, custard is the "ultimate crowd pleaser." Take his Greateful Bread Pudding (a riff on Greateful Dead, get it?), a seasonal favorite—it's gooey, sweet, tart and savory all at once. It's perfect for these chilly Florida winter mornings. 

Ingredients: 16 oz. brioche (weighed after crust removed) about 1 large loaf, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes; 3 ¾ cups heavy cream; 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar; zest of 1 Meyer lemon; 6 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 ½ pints fresh blueberries; 1 Tbsp. Meyer lemon juice

Meyer Lemon Whipped Cream: 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream; 1 ½ Tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 Tbsp. Meyer lemon juice; zest of 1 Meyer lemon; ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract.

Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the bread cubes on a large baking sheet in a single layer and toast until lightly golden brown on all sides, turning a few times, about 15 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. Bring cream, 1 cup of sugar and lemon zest to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk together the eggs and yolks in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk the warm milk into the eggs and add the vanilla. Transfer the bread cubes to a 9x15 inch baking dish, pour the custard mixture over and press on the bread to submerge in the custard. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb more of the custard.

Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with warm water halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Bake until puffed around the outside but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 45 minutes. Remove from the water bath and let rest at least 15 minutes before serving. Toss the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the blueberries. Serve bread pudding topped with macerated berries and Meyer lemon whipped cream.

Meyer lemon whipped cream: Combine the heavy cream, sugar, juice, zest and vanilla extract in a large bowl and whip with a balloon whisk until soft peaks form. 

Sun Garden Cafe, 210 Avenida Madera, Sarasota, 941-346-7170.

[Recognition]  SMH Highest Performing for Hip and Knee Replacement

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was ranked America’s highest performing safety net hospital for total hip and knee replacements in 2016, according to an assessment by Modern Healthcare. SMH received the highest score in both clinical areas based on a review of inpatient data collected from all hospitals from 2012 to 2014 by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Modern Healthcare analyzed a subset of that publicly reported data for the nation’s safety net hospitals (defined as those providing at least 0.1 percent of the nation’s charity care). It published the top five highest performers in the nation, with Sarasota Memorial ranked no. 1. According to the latest update on CMS’ Hospital Compare website (December 2016), Sarasota Memorial was listed among the top three hospitals for hip/knee surgery in Florida and among the top 50 in the nation for demonstrating the lowest (best) readmission rates. Hospital Compare’s analysis included166 hospitals in Florida and 3,473 hospitals nationwide. Sarasota Memorial also was the only hospital in Florida to earn CMS’ highest 5-Star rating for overall care. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare

[Recognition]  Quatreau Tap Wins "Better Homes & Gardens" Award

Pure H20’s Quatreau Tap System has been named by Better Homes & Gardens Beautiful Kitchens and Baths 30 most innovative products of 2017. Beautiful Kitchen and Baths magazine, part of the Luxury Home Design Group at Meredith Corporation, announced this year’s winners at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando. The list unveils editors’ picks for their favorite kitchen and bath design products. These new products will be featured in the spring issue of the magazine. The judging panel consisted of a group of editors from Luxury Home Design, Better Homes & Gardens and Traditional Home. Judges looked for products that showcase innovation, style and design with high-tech features. Quatreau USA is headquartered in Sarasota.  

Quatreau USA

[Community]  Goodwill Manasota launches Business 100

Goodwill Manasota has recently launched Business 100. The venture provides the nonprofit organization with a new way to raise funds to support its mission of changing lives through the power of work while offering area small businesses a new avenue for philanthropy. By becoming a part of Business 100, businesses will be investing in the community and in the programs that Goodwill Manasota provides. Membership supports Goodwill’s free career services through its Job Connection program, with offices in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Hardee counties, employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and critical programs and services for helping veterans reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs. The investment required is just $500, although more can be contributed if the business chooses. Benefits for participating companies include wide community exposure through Goodwill’s communication networks, marketing materials and recognition at special events, a listing in Goodwill’s “The Good Guide,” its resource guide of community partners, invitations to special events and more.




 

Goodwill Manasota



[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Sip 'n' Stroll: Burns Court Bingo Night , January 13, 5–8pm

Come out and play with the Burns Court community. Shop all your favorite spots in downtown Sarasota, many of which will be serving up goodies for visitors. Everyone has a shot at winning a $100, $50, or $25 VISA gift card. All they have to do is stop in and play Burns Court Bingo at one of the following places: Clever Rose, PHbotanical, L. Boutique, L. Spa, Blank Slate Gallery, Rustic Rooster, Treat Boutique, Sarasota Trading Company, AllyCat, Pineapple Bay Trading Company, Farmhouse Frocks, Posh Pony and Pup and Artisan Jewelers.

Burns Court, Burns Court

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: The Great Society , January 13 – April 2

On the heels of Asolo Rep’s wildly successful All the Way, The Great Society continues Robert Schenkkan’s profound exploration of Lyndon Johnson’s turbulent years in the White House. In his second term as president, besieged by political opponents, Johnson summons all his political wiles to try to push through Congress some of the most important social programs in U.S. history. His vision of a Great Society became the most ambitious effort ever to test what American government is capable of achieving. And in doing so, to discover what it is not. Actor Nick Wyman returns to the Asolo Rep stage to reprise his role as L.B.J. in this unflinching examination of the morality of power.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, 34243

[TODAY]  GALLERY: createSRQ Juried High School Art Show , January 13 – January 16, 12pm–4pm

View over 200 art works on display, created by high school students from across Sarasota County. An evolution of Evening of Excellence, createSRQ is a multi-faceted initiative of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to elevate arts education has become the area’s preeminent high school arts competition and exhibit.

Roskamp Exhibition Hall, 2700 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Hunter and Doe , January 13, 8pm

Two of Canada's most versatile performers come together in Hunter and Doe to create an unusually magical blend of percussive guitar, agile vocals, dynamic fiddle playing, and fiercely rhythmic tap footwork. The explosive duet of Stephanie Cadman, a world-renowned step-dancer and a fierce fiddler, and Jeremy Walmsley, a multi-instrumentalist and a stellar high tenor, is breaking musical boundaries and giving birth to a new, electric fusion of sound. Tickets start at $22.50 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, Florida

[SOON]  THEATER: Thrillers, Chillers and Killers , January 17 – January 29

Join the Crosely Estate for the next installment of their theatre series, Thrillers, Chillers and Killers. Murder and intrigue take center stage as your hosts from the past, Gwendolyn and Powel Crosely present an evening of three, chilling classic stories from Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Louisa May Alcott. 

Powel Crosely Estate , 8474 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Wild Carrot , January 18

Can you play a 1930s’ standard followed by a traditional tune from the 1800's and then launch into a song written just last week? Pam Temple and Spencer Funk of the award-­winning, Cincinnati-­based duo “wild carrot" can. Rooted in traditional American music, their music reaches to jazz, blues, traditional folk songs, not-­so­-traditional songs, show tunes, and originals. Blending guitar, mandolin, concertina, penny whistle, dulcimer, and bowed psaltery, “wild carrot’s” entertaining, honest, and moving performances have something for everyone. Tickets start at $22.50. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, Florida

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Originalist , January 20 – March 5

Justice Antonin Scalia’s unexpected death at age 79 has thrown a wrench into the political arena, but has brought intense interest in this daring new stage play that had its world premiere at Arena Stage last spring. When a bright, liberal law school graduate embarks on a nerve-wracking clerkship with Justice Scalia, she discovers him to be both an infuriating sparring partner and unexpected mentor.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, 34243

[SOON]  GALLERY: Mr. Krisztian: Exordium , January 21, 7pm

Fine artist and painter Mr. Krisztian debuts new work and steps into the Sarasota arts scene with his first solo show. Meaning "beginning," Exordium is a one-night showing in the space next to Palm Avenue Fine Art.

[SOON]  THEATER: Brownsville Song (b-side for tray) , January 25 – March 26

Brownsville Song by Kimber Lee is an award-wining play based on real-life tragedy and loss. Its a beautiful and compelling tale that sheds light on the cycle of violence and the strength of families in Brooklyn's inner city. The play will be held at the Gompertz Theatre.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[SOON]  GALA: Masquerade Ball Vernissage , January 26, 6pm

Celebrate the original works of figurative artist Teresa Oaxaca at this special exhibition opening plus masquerade ball. Free and open to the public, revelers are encouraged to don masquerade-style costumes for a magical evening of dance, costumes and original oil paintings.

Southern Atelier, 7226 21st St. East, Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 GOOD EDUCATION: Learning for a Lifetime , January 26, 7:30am–9:00am

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 7:30-9:00am for the next installment of the 2016-17 SB2 Season on the adaptations going into innovative thinking in the K-100+ education experience with Keynote Speaker Mary Chance, President of the Consortium of Florida Education and panelists Jennifer Vigne of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art and Design and Mireya Eavey of CareerEdge. Tickets $35/per person. Register online at www.srqsb2.com. Symposium location is at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Sarasota World Affairs Council January Lecture , January 26, 6:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next installment of their 2016–2017 lecture series on January 26 featuring Terry Garcia, the man responsible for the National Geographic Society Core Mission Programs that support and manage more than 400 scientific field research, conservation and exploration projects annually. Mr. Garcia will be the featured speaker during a unique and inspiring dinner event in celebration and support for the Sarasota World Affairs Council and Mote Marine Laboratory and their service to the Sarasota community. 

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALA: A New Beginning Fashion Event , January 26, 11:30am–1:30pm

Selah Freedom presents their fourth annual A New Beginning Fashion Event from 11:30am–1:30pm at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Co–chaired by Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman, this fashion show and champagne luncheon will showcase stunning fashions from Selah Vie Boutique and Karen Roth Eco Luxe Resortwear, inspirational survivor stories and fabulous raffle prizes. Ticket and sponsorship opportunities are available. 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Ideation , January 27 – March 12, Wed-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm

Aaron Loeb brings a dark comic edge to this psychological suspense thriller, in which a group of corporate consultants work together on a mysterious and ethically ambiguous project. As the lines between right and wrong are blurred, these characters must navigate cognitive dissonances and moral dilemmas to decide for themselves if everything is as it really seems. Tickets range from $5-$28.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street Sarasota, FL 34236

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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