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SRQ DAILY Jun 28, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"I wanted to write something that we wouldn't expect to relate to, but I believe audiences will relate to very strongly."

- Natalie Symons, playwright
 

[Theater]  "Naming True" World Premiere Run Ends Sunday
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

In a motel room in the Florida Panhandle, in the middle of a hurricane, a dying woman named Nell receives an unexpected visitor. Amy, a young transgender woman from Seattle, wants to talk publishing Nell’s childhood memoir about life on the streets of Detroit. But as events unfold and the storm rages outside, the two seemingly disparate women find more than common ground and perhaps an unspoken reason for their meeting. A world premiere from playwright Natalie Symons, Naming True finishes its debut run at Urbanite Theatre this Sunday.

“It’s a story about redemption,” says Symons. “And how it is that we let go of the past and let go of the guilt we cling to in order to find peace.” There’s a universal camaraderie and catharsis to the sharing of stories—of secrets that lay the individual open to the other—and it’s a universal Symons sought to underline with Nell and Amy. “When we go to the theater, we see something of ourselves in the characters,” she says. “I wanted to write something that we wouldn’t expect to relate to, but I believe audiences will relate to very strongly.”

In addition to bringing voice to characters from the fringes of society, Symons also saw the opportunity to create a play riding on the performance of two strong female characters—something she says is a rarity in such “two-hander” plays. “And I don’t mean strong as in resilient,” says Symons. “But strong as in they’re very flawed and broken.”

Selecting Urbanite for the world premiere, Symons worked with Urbanite founders Brendan Ragan and Summer Dawn Wallace to bring the production to the stage, a collaboration that continued as the run progressed. Each night, small tweaks and adjustments are made and the first run is almost a workshop, says Symons. “There’s a tremendous difference between the first and second production,” she says. As Urbanite’s first world premiere—a demanding task for any theater—the playwright reports only satisfaction.

“They are such risk-takers,” Symons says. “They’re all so collaborative and adventurous, and their audiences are ready to take that journey with them.”

Naming True runs through July 2 at Urbanite Theatre. 

Pictured: Alexia Jasmene and Minka Wiltz in a scene from "Naming True." Photo by Brendan Ragan.

[Good Bite]  A Smoothie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Making juice cool again, CROP Juice has already amassed a legion of local fans around its 100 percent organic, cold-pressed juice offerings, but for those with a little more of a sweet tooth, CROP smoothies like the Mint Chip Smoothie may be the perfect compromise. Packed with all the healthy goodness that CROP regulars have come to expect, the Mint Chip includes half an avocado, a frozen banana, dates, two ounces of spinach and kale pulp and powdered lucuma, a Peruvian fruit that’s good for the skin. Lucuma also serves as a natural sweetener, building on the vanilla, banana and dates as well as almond butter, peppermint extract and cacao nib accents. Blended together into one creamy concoction, the Mint Chip may be packed with everything the doctor recommends, but it sure doesn’t taste like it. 

Photo by Phil Lederer.

CROP Juice, 1605 Main St. #108, Sarasota, 941-954-8728.

[Recognition]  Florida Green Building Coalition Recognizes Manatee

The Florida Green Building Coalition recently announced that Manatee County has become Florida's first platinum-certified county government. Manatee County achieved its initial Green Government recognition in 2011. By 2013, Manatee was a gold-level green government. Platinum certification comes after years of effort led by Manatee County Energy Manager Diana Robinson and Michelle Powers, Manatee County energy and sustainability coordinator. A host of initiatives led to certification, including the County's energy-efficient downtown chiller plant, the countywide transition to single-stream recycling and community events, such as Manatee Libraries' Teen Recycled Fashion Show. The county's landfill gas generator has slashed energy costs in half at the Lena Road Landfill. Dozens of Manatee County's green and sustainable efforts are listed on the Coalition’s website. 

Florida Green Building Coalition

[Exec Moves]  Isaacson Joins Mote Marine

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has announced Shelby Isaacson as its new public relations manager. Isaacson will serve as the primary contact for incoming local to national media requests and serve as a vital representative for Mote in the community. With a background in marketing, communications, public relations and a deep understand of brand strategy, Isaacson brings a wealth of experience to the position. Isaacson comes to Mote from Grapevine Communications, the most awarded agency in southwest Florida, where she served as the social media and public relations manager. During her time at Grapevine, Isaacson worked on notable national PR initiatives such as The Players Centre’s relocation to Lakewood Ranch, Women’s Sports Museum, the 2016 Modern Pentathlon and Center For Sight’s Mission Cataract. She previously worked as the online communications specialist for an internationally recognized marketing agency specializing in florists, where she expanded the company’s social media base from three to 30 clients within her first year. Isaacson has served as the Florida Public Relations Association Website Chairman since 2016 and is a founding member of the Bradenton Economic Development’s Young Thought Leaders Group. She is a member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Young Professionals and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

[Recognition]  Goodwill Team Members Win Medals at Special Olympics

During the recent Special Olympics at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, three Goodwill Manasota employees earned medals: Sharon Wirth and Louis Amico won a silver medal for doubles tennis, and Doug Johnson won silver for the 800-meter run and a bronze in shot put. Wirth was also presented with the Special Inspirational Athlete Award for Sarasota County. Wirth, Amico and Johnson are employed through Goodwill’s Supported JobsPlus program, which was implemented in 2005. This program supports employment for team members with significant disabilities, who face much higher rates of unemployment than those without disabilities. Through partnerships with agencies throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties, individuals who have been unsuccessful obtaining employment elsewhere and have a desire to work are referred to Goodwill. GoodPartner coaches provide team members with disabilities with job training and case management services, to help ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. More than 12 percent of Goodwill Manasota’s 800-employee workforce has some type of disability or significant barrier to self-sufficiency. 

Goodwill Manasota

[Awards]  RE/MAX Platinum Realty Agents Earn 100% Club Award

RE/MAX Platinum Realty agents have earned the RE/MAX 100% Club Award, which recognizes high-producing RE/MAX associates based on performance. In 2016, 22 percent of active RE/MAX agents earned this prestigious award. Award winners from the Sarasota office are Carol Bentivegna, Midge McCarthy, Wade Ongstad and Pamela Strom. From the Venice office are the Myles and Claudia Fromer Team and Maia Morrison. Lakewood Ranch office winners: Jason Hochstetler, Helen Jaquith, Zack Kaplan and Gina Morgando. RE/MAX Platinum Realty offers full-service residential real estate solutions in Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida, specializing in luxury and waterfront properties. With offices in downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey and Venice, the company leverages RE/MAX corporate resources to market homes to more than 90 countries in 32 languages.   

RE/MAX Platinum Realty



[TODAY]  THEATER: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , June 7 – July 2

Take a plunge into the pages of Jules Verne's classic science fiction story and get swept away in this dazzling multisensory experience. Our modern day storyteller Jules finds himself transported on board the Nautilus submarine, where he joins the mysterious Captain Nemo on a journey to the depths of the sea... and the edge of your seat. Brought to stunning life through a mix of unforgettable characters, eye-popping projections and interactive technology, this time-honored tale explores our place in time and space, and illuminates the mysteries of the deep blue sea. 

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: The Third Entity: Works by Amy Ernst and Amy Ragus , May 25 – June 30

This exhibit investigates the shared methods and subjects of Amy Ernst and Amy Ragus, two artists who work primarily in collage.

Art Center Sarasota , 707 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: The Shop Keepers Sip and Stroll , June 28

The Shop Keepers at Compass 360 Artisan Market invite you to Summer Sip & Stroll on Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shop while enjoying complimentary Wine Tasting and light bites. 

Compass 360 Artisan Market, 6227 North Washington Blvd., 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

[SOON]  THEATER: Just For Laughs , June 29 – July 28, 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm

Join FST Children’s Theatre this summer for a one of-a-kind improvised experience that will tickle your funny bone! This improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every performance based on your suggestion and your participation. The cast will perform scenes, make up songs, and tell stories that will be appropriate for all ages. No two shows are alike! Best of all, those who want to jump on stage will have the chance to interact with us. Their show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and camp field trips. FUN for the whole family! Recommended for children ages 4+

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: America the Beautiful: A Patriotic Celebration , July 1, 7:30pm

Just in time for the Fourth of July, join Brian Gurl and friends on a patriotic adventure as you experience a captivating, exhilarating show honoring the music of American Legends such as Irving Berlin, Woody Guthrie, Lee Greenwood, Elivis Presley, George M. Cohan, John Philip Sousa and more! For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/snap/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: 9th Annual Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  BUSINESS: The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne , July 5 – August 6

In this award winning southern regional premiere, tenacious and flamboyant 14 year-old Leonard Pelkey disappears. A small town New Jersey detective slowly unravels the mystery, portraying over a dozen eccentric characters along the way. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: YPG After Hours at Escape Countdown , July 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Come join us YPG Thursday, July 6th at Escape Countdown for the area's largest monthly networking event, YPG After Hours! With an average of 80-100 young professionals gathering on the first Thursday of each month you're guaranteed to make new friends, secure new clients, and learn more about what Sarasota has to offer. Along with great drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event.

Escape Countdown , 6525 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Venice Summer Cabaret Festival , July 6 – August 27

Venice Theatre is delighted to invite audiences to its 5th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival. The popular event keeps music lovers and theatergoers entertained throughout the summer months with a variety of music in a nightclub setting. The irrepressible Eric Watters will kick off the festival on Thursday, July 6, 2017 with his tribute to Johnny Mercer, "My Huckleberry Friend." The festival will continue in “Pinky’s Cabaret” (the theatre’s black box Pinkerton Theatre) through Sunday, August 27, 2017. Tickets are $20 for each show and will go on sale June 6, 2017.

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave.,Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: The Marvelous Wonderettes , July 12 – July 23, 7:30pm and 2pm

This smash Off-Broadway hit whisks you away to the 1958 Springfield High Prom where four girls with hopes and dreams serenade you with over 30 classics from the 1950s and 1960s. Single tickets are $18.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. , July 13 – July 17

Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond his toyshop to discover the meaning of family. When the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto’s wish to bring his beloved puppet to life, the new father quickly learns about the challenges of being a father.

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

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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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