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SRQ DAILY Jun 9, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"It's not CGI, but there is a sense of wonder you get when this stuff happens in front of you."

- Rick Miller, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea"
 

[Theater]  High Adventure and High Seas at Asolo Rep
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

It’s high adventure on—and below—the high seas with Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, onstage tonight at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Written by Craig Francis and Rick Miller, who also directs, this modern adaptation of the Jules Verne classic introduces new characters and an eco-conscious bend, using tricks both old and new to bring the adventure to the stage, all the while taking audience interaction to a whole new level. “We want everything we’ve added to the story to be as innovative as Jules was with the technology at the time,” says Miller.

Fans of the novel since childhood and looking to push the boundaries of theatrical special effects, Twenty Thousand Leagues provided the perfect fit for Miller and Francis, but also its own particular challenges both theoretical—how to make Captain Nemo’s story relevant—and practical—how in the world they would convincingly portray an impossible submarine and its giant squid antagonist onstage.

“We jumped at it, but did not want to just retell a story about 1867,” says Miller, and the decision was made to introduce some time-traveling to the narrative and inject a modern perspective in the form of a present-day oceanography PhD student aptly named Jules, who finds himself thrust into one of his favorite childhood stories. “Without getting heavy about it, we want to touch on water issues of today,” says Miller, “to encourage the audience to think about water differently and more aware of the effects we have.” But the story is still at heart an adventure, and though Jules may relate to the captain’s love of the ocean, but also must deal with Nemo’s growing madness and the danger it brings.

Nobody expects computer-generated Hollywood special effects when they go to the theater, but when they go to see a story called Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea they expect to see a giant squid. Unable to book a live one for the production (and similarly unable to obtain a life-size replica of a nonexistent submarine), Miller made do with his theatrical bag of tricks, bringing everything to bear from shadow puppets and traditional set dressing to video and immersive sound in order to realize Vernes’ vision. The audience will know it’s in a theater, but that just makes the ensuing transportation that much more impressive. “That is what theater can do when you spend enough time,” says Miller. “It’s not CGI, but there is a sense of wonder you get when this stuff happens in front of you.”

And bringing a new dimension to the production, audience members are encouraged to bring their phones to the theater and keep them on, albeit on silent. By downloading the Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea app to their phone before the show, audience members can access story and character information prior to the show, receive periodic alerts throughout the show and keep tabs on happenings during intermission.

Onstage now at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea runs through July 1. 

Pictured: Suzy Jane Hunt, Rick Miller and Marcel Jeannin in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea" at the New Victory Theatre. Photo by Robert Altman.

[Good Bite]  Freshly Squeezed Old Florida
Shelby Schwartz, shelbys@srqme.com

Iconic and a Florida favorite, the orange can be squeezed, juiced and eaten but what about turning it into ice cream? A charming and colorful Old Florida packinghouse and gift shop, Nokomis Groves, founded in 1948, brings a twist to eating oranges. When walking up to the patio in front, visitors make their first stop at the ice cream window. The orange and vanilla swirl, easily a favorite, marries the flavor of a creamsicle with the classic cake cone. Bright and citrus-scented, the orange and vanilla swirl builds up in the cone towering high and dripping quickly in the hot Florida sun. One can see that fresh orange juice from one of Nokomis’ three groves serves as an important ingredient in the ice cream, but made with a family secret recipe, the rest is left to the taste bud’s imagination. Other flavors offered include orange, lime and pineapple, and each can be swirled with chocolate or vanilla. 

Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

Nokomis Groves, 111 Albee Farm Rd. N, Nokomis, 941- 488- 5274.

[Exec Moves]  Phillips Joins SCF as Assistant Director of Finance

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), has hired Shan-Mei Phillips as assistant director of finance. With extensive experience in fiscal oversight, Phillips previously worked for Hawaii’s Department of Education as a fiscal specialist. Prior to that, she worked as a CPA licensed auditor in a national public accounting firm. Phillips reports to Lou Woroch, who recently was promoted to director of finance. In Hawaii, Phillips was responsible for modernizing financial processes and systems to improve the overall workflow. She has been charged with helping to improve processes at SCF as well. She plans to focus on streamlining the accounting office’s workflow to improve its efficiency. Phillips will also work to help the college respond to student financial concerns more quickly. 

State College of Florida

[Expansion]  Key Glass Celebrates Expansion, Anniversary

Key Glass is celebrating its 25th year in business and has announced an 18,000 sq. ft. expansion. Founded in 1992 and based in Bradenton, FL, twenty-five years later, the business has become a $12 million company with the need to expand.  Adding on 18,000 sq. ft. of warehouse and offices to its current location, Key Glass even had to add additional offices after the initial drawings, making room for continued growth. Jon F. Swift Construction was selected as general contractor for the expansion. Notable Key Glass projects include work at Ringling College of Art and Design’s Alfred Goldstein Library, Sarasota Air Traffic Control Tower, University Town Center Mall, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Bed Tower, University of Tampa IBC Building, IMG Performance Building, Sarasota Police Headquarters and Sarasota High School. 

Key Glass

[Exec Moves ]  Ryntal Names Wagenhauser Treasurer of Ringling Gardens

Ryntal Property Management, a leader in residential property management, has announced the appointment of Thomas K. Wagenhauser, broker, as treasurer for the Ringling Garden Apartments Association. Ringling Gardens is located near downtown Sarasota at the intersection of Ringling Blvd. and Lime Ave. and is managed by All Florida Services. Wagenhauser is a graduate of The Ohio State University and a retired CPA with over 30 years’ experience and has worked with several large multibillion dollar national and international construction and management companies holding positions of corporate controller, vice president of finance and chief accounting officer. Wagenhauser is co-owner of Ryntal Property Management with his wife Kathy Wagenhauser. He currently holds his Florida Real Estate Brokers License and is a member of the Sarasota and Manatee chambers of commerce. 

Ryntal Property Management

[Expansion]  Restoration Progresses on Historic Courthouse

Work has begun to restore Sarasota County's Historic Courthouse, the 91-year-old landmark that houses the main office of the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. In 2007, Sarasota County began the project to repair and restore the building. So far, repairs have been made to the roof and courthouse tower. Work is now in progress to restore the iron work, repaint the exterior and remove layers of exterior coatings. The building is expected to remain open and fully available to the general public during construction. The clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller will be open normal business hours during the restoration, as well as The Law and Order Café. No impacts are expected to surrounding roads, courthouse parking or entrances, but every effort will be made to alert the public should impacts occur. The restoration is being funded through revenues collected specifically for court facilities capital improvement. Completion is expected by spring 2018. The Sarasota County Historic Courthouse is located at 2000 Main St., Sarasota.  

Sarasota County Historic Courthouse



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Mean Mary & Frank James , June 9, 8pm

Mean Mary is known internationally for lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate lyrical storytelling. This Nashville-based musician will be joining us at WSLR for a night of summertime fun! Spanning the genres of Americana, folk-rock, bluegrass, and blues, Mean Mary is accomplished on no less than 11 instruments, including banjo, fiddle, and guitar. She is joined by long-time collaborator and brother Frank on guitar and vocals.  

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art , June 9 – September 10

Demonstrating The Ringling’s continuing commitment to the study of Asian art, Eternal Offerings showcases nearly 100 Chinese bronze objects from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its collection of this material is generally considered to be one of the most important in the United States. The works span millennia, revealing the evolution of the use of bronzes in Chinese society. The exhibition highlights how these objects were employed to conduct religious rituals, record significant events and represent elite status from the Shang through Han dynasties (1600 BCE to 220 CE). This exhibit is free with admission. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Shirley and Me , June 9, 8pm

Shirley and Me is the first encore presented from the SaraSolo Film Festival. This one woman play stars Jan Wallace and is about is about her relationship over the years with her beloved theatre and movie character, Shirley Valentine. Tickets are $15 at the door. 

Starlite Room , 1001 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota.

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: Salon D'Art , June 9, 4-5pm

A lively and informative discussion group free and open to everyone. A selected famous artist(s) is featured each month. Join the fun and chat with artists, art lovers and the curious minded. The upcoming artist will be Marc Chagall.

Art Center Sarasota , 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Powerhouse Dance Recital , June 10, Starts at 7pm

Powerhouse Dance presents the 2nd Annual Recital Showcase. Come be a part of this fabulous year end event as the Powerhouse dancers dazzle you with an exceptional array of dances highlighting their skills and passion for dance. Don’t miss the opportunity to support and acknowledge all the hard work and dedication the girls have shown.

Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  GALLERY: Jeffery A. Cornwell , June 12 – September 22

Featuring paintings by Ringling College Fine Arts alumnus Jeffery Cornwell. Showing across the United States in galleries and alternative spaces, Cornwell draws inspiration from the natural environment and the relationship of sky to land.

Patricia Thompson Gallery , 2700 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Museum of Art Mondays , June 12 – July 24, 11am-2pm

Join The Ringling on Mondays to receive free admission to the Museum of Art as well as a special art-making program tied to works of art you can find in the galleries. You can also pick up a Museum of Art Family Guide for a new way to enjoy the art museum as a family. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art Making , July 13, 5-8pm

Drop by the Children’s Welcome Center in the Visitors Pavilion which has been transformed into an art studio for the evening. Instructors will teach you how to become comfortable will many different materials that artists use. This event is free and all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Claudia Ryan – drawings , June 12 – August 11

Abstract drawings and prints by Claudia Ryan will be featured in the college’s new gallery at the Basch Visual Arts Center.  Ryan’s works on paper are densely layered and threaded with color, creating a map for a journey that becomes the viewer's own.

Lois & David Stulberg Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: IncrediBello! , June 13 – July 29

This summer promises to be a hair-raising event when Feld Entertainment brings Bello Nock back to the Sarasota stage. Bello, the world-renowned, gravity-defying comedic daredevil with the unmistakable foot-high hair, returns to his hometown to engage audiences with his lovable personality, trademark humor and playful antics.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Community Volunteer Fair , June 13, 10am-2pm

More than 20 local nonprofit organizations will be present to recruit volunteers. Residents can come learn about the organizations and their volunteer opportunities, which include one-day events, family events and ongoing positions. Organizations that will be in attendance include All Faiths Food Bank, Safe Place Rape and Crisis Center (SPARCC), Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens, Senior Friendship Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Selby Library , 1331 1st St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Jersey Tenors , June 13 – July 16

A combination of Opera and Rock creates a mash-up sensation of a explosive blend of iconic music. From the opera classics to artists such as Queen, ABBA, Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Springsteen, and more – The Jersey Tenors will have you singing along as they raise the roof with their powerful voices. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Beau Jest , June 14 – June 25, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by James Sherman, Beau Jest is about a Jewish girl named Sarah and her parents wanting her to marry a nice Jewish boy. Sarah hires an aspiring actor to meet her parents but eventually ends up falling in love with him. Single tickets are $18.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SkillSHARE June 22 Mentoring Summit , June 15, 5-7:30pm

Made for speed, SkillSHARE is the basics of mentorship concentrated into mini-sessions that encourage honest interactions and allow for spontaneous connection. This event is a way to meet like-minded professionals, make valuable connections and get straight to your most burning questions about career and personal development. Each participant will be paired with several mentors for mini-sessions. Lasting from 10-12 minutes, each mini-session is unstructured, allowing for conversation, guidance and direction from each mentor.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

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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