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SRQ DAILY Dec 19, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"The thing that makes you most different is the thing that makes you most special."

- Bob Penola, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical:
 

[Theater]  Of Bullies and Bioluminescence at the Van Wezel
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

In 1964, a young Bob Penola sat down in front of the TV and witnessed a little piece of history in the premiere of the animated TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. For near 30 years after that, he watched it almost every Christmas, and the triumphant tale of the bullied little bioluminescent caribou became engrained in his heart—so much so that he spent 20 years adapting and expanding the story for the stage. And for one night only this holiday season, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on December 22.

At its core, Penola says, the TV special was already a musical. “It has great songs that move the plot along, it’s got great characters and it’s got a wonderful message,” he says, but the challenge remained in how to translate such a fantastic story to the stage. The TV special had elves and toys and animals of all sorts—how could Penola make that work without the benefit of claymation?

“We were inspired to make it a living, breathing show that people could experience,” says Penola, so projections and shadowplay was off the table. It took years to “crack the code,” but the answer presented itself in an unconventional form—puppets. Puppets can offer the versatility necessary for such a bizarre cast of characters, yet without losing any physical or emotive presence, says Penola, “so you don’t lose the magic you remember.” For the misfit toys, for example, the puppets can be much smaller than the actor, yet the actor’s face and voice lend all the emotion needed. And for the abominable snowman, which needs to tower over the stage, three puppeteers can collaborate to coordinate one 15-foot-tall monstrosity.

And when it came to adding musical numbers to fill out the story, Penola went right back to the original songwriter—Johnny Marks. “We felt it was the most authentic way to expand the score,” Penola says. “We didn’t even have to look beyond the special.” In fact, three Marks classics lie hidden in the original special, where only a few notes of instrumental versions are used for transitions. Penola simply dug them out in their entirety and repurposed them. Other songs are given reprises or reshuffled, but everything stays true to the adventure that hooked Penola all those years ago.

Today, the musical continues to evolve (Rudolph actually flies now), and gain renewed relevance as the campaign against bullying continues to gain attention. Penola admits he couldn’t have seen that coming when he started working on this two decades ago, but couldn’t agree more with the heart of the message. “The thing that makes you most different,” he says, “is the thing that makes you most special.”

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical comes to the Van Wezel on December 22. Tickets are on sale. 

[Community Foundation]  A Holiday in Full Bloom
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County provided Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with a flourishing $50,000 grant for its Family Togetherness programmed events throughout the year like Spooktacular, held in October, as well as the annual Lights in Bloom eventwhich runs select dates from December 20 through January 6. The CFSC partnership specifically ensures that underserved children from Title 1 schools are afforded the opportunity to attend these special holiday events complimentary. The lights tonight will welcome hundreds to a sneak preview of Lights in Bloom, to enjoy over one million lights illuminating the Gardens before the general public. Walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels as visitors stroll through glowing flowers, rainforest butterflies and dragonflies hanging from hundreds of illuminated banyan branches all throughout the magical botanical scene.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Community Foundation to enable the Gardens to continue this program,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO of Selby Gardens. “This is an incredible opportunity for children and their families, who may not otherwise have the chance to engage with nature and the gardens in a fun and memorable way.”

The Community Foundation worked with Selby Gardens to establish and pilot the Family Togetherness program in 2017, and CFSC has since tripled its investment in the program for 2018. Designed to introduce vulnerable youth to gardens and nature along with their parents and guardians, the students are identified by Title I school administrators and nonprofit, human service organizations.

The grant also supports other key programs, like the Gauguin Family Saturdays, held monthly beginning February 2019, which will include a series of nighttime viewings of Selby’sVoyage to Paradise’ exhibition, along with inspired performances by some of Sarasota’s arts and cultural organizations. CFSC will also be sponsoring 2019 Orchid Ball: Gauguin’s Sunset in Paradise, taking place on Saturday, February 9 on the Gardens’ Great Lawn.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to partner with SRQ Media Group to highlight stories about community impact powered by philanthropy in our region, thanks to the support of donors and our local nonprofit partners. The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. 

Photo provided by Michael Klauber

[Government]  Manatee County Commission Elects Chairman, Announces Officers

Manatee County Commissioners yesterday elected District Three Commissioner Steve Jonsson as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2018.  Commissioner Betsy Benac will serve as first vice chairman of the Board next year. Commissioner Misty Servia will be second vice chair and CommissionerCarol Whitmore will be third vice chair. Commissioner Vanessa Baugh will again serve as Port Authority Chair and Commissioner Priscilla Trace will serve as first vice chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Reggie Bellamy will be second vice chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Carol Whitmore will again serve as the Tourist Development Council Chair. 

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners

[Education]  SCF Professor Selected as Associate Editor on IASA Editorial Board

Courtney J. Ruffner, a professor with State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), has been selected to serve a three-year term as associate editor on the Italian American Studies Association (IASA) Annual’s editorial board. The IASA Annual is a nonprofit journal published by SUNY Press. Ruffner, who earned her doctorate in literature and criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, is a literature professor at SCF. Her first project in this position, a book of selected essays, Theorizing the Italian Diaspora, was released last month. The essays explore the aftereffects of migration. For more information about the Italian American Studies Association, visit the website below. 

Italian American Studies Association

[Business]  Goodwill Manasota Job Connection Program Receives CARF Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International announced Goodwill Manasota has been accredited for an additional period of three years for its Job Connection Program. Goodwill’s Job Connection—a free service—is designed to help individuals obtain long-term employment or transition to better-paying jobs. Through community partnerships, Goodwill matches jobless and underemployed workers with companies seeking well-trained, dependable employees. 

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process. Goodwill has one Veterans Services Program office in Sarasota and five Job Connection sites throughout its service area of Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties; these six sites were all part of the survey. 

Goodwill Manasota



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Inspired Juried Show & Women's Contemporary Artists , December 4 – January 11

Two exhibits open up in the four galleries, including an all-media juried show featuring artists from all around the region. Women's Contemporary Artists is a group of women artists from Florida's Gulf Coast. Opening reception on December 5.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: SRQ Magazine's 6th Annual Women in Business Competition , December 10 – January 25

Nominations are now open for SRQ Magazine’s 6th Annual Women in Business Competition, recognizing extraordinary women who have made meaningful contributions to the Sarasota and Bradenton communities through their business, non-profit and philanthropic endeavors. Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today! Once nominated, individuals will be invited to submit a formal application which will be juried by a panel of outside judges.

Nominations are open through Friday, January 25, 2019; midnight.

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Cycle 2: Art Center Instructors, McMennamy and Gatzambide , November 29 – January 4

Art Center Instructors exhibition will feature the talented local and visiting Art Center Sarasota instructors. A second gallery will offer Stephen McMennamy, an Atlanta-based artist, his first solo exhibition featuring his time-based video collages. Artist Peter Gatzambide will exhibit a recent series of assemblage paintings and works on paper in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul , November 28 – January 13

After several years of requests from theater patrons, Sheldon Rhoden will reprise the role of Marvin Gaye. This original show begins in the 1950s at the start of Gaye's career with Motown and follows its twists and turns until his untimely death in the mid-1980s.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Guitar Girls , November 28 – March 31

A celebration of female singer-songwriters who have used their music to give themselves a voice in contemporary America. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, and Carly Simon have made indelible marks on the music industry.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Straight White Men , December 12 – March 1

Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. All the while, Monty must juggle his mistress, his fiancée, and the constant threat of landing behind bars. Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Lights in Bloom , December 20 – January 6

For the 15th year, and with an expanded 15-night schedule, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will light up the holiday season with Lights in Bloom!  More than one million lights will illuminate the Gardens and walkways. The tropical holiday paradise will also include nightly live entertainment, games, crafts, and grilled foods from Michael’s on East. Celebrate the holiday season at Lights in Bloom! Event dates are December 20–23, 26–30, and January 1–6.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: 15th Anniversary Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency , December 20 – January 5

The 15th Anniversary Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency takes over USF Sarasota- Manatee beginning December 20, culminating with the Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera House on January 5. 20+ free events will be held in the Performance Tent, including orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress recitals. Super Strings, December 29, features Florida students performing side-by-side with PMP students under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Complete schedule and tickets available online at PMPSuncoast.org.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens , December 31

This black tie event features a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing, culminating with a champagne toast overlooking the fireworks on Sarasota Bay.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Illumination , December 31, 9:00PM - 1:00AM

The most anticipated party of the year is right around the corner....NEW YEARS EVE!

Full Moon Promotions is bringing back THE Sarasota New Years Eve Party to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium to ring in 2019. This will be THE Biggest & Best Ticketed New Years Party in the area! Tickets are all inclusive; open full bar, bottomless champagne, catered apps, live & DJ entertainment, and a huge dance floor and light show. Ring in the new year right at Sarasota Illumination!

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Cirque Ma’Ceo , January 4 – February 3

The Magic of Ma’Ceo... described by the ocala star banner as an- “Equine Cirque du Soleil”! This theatrical European style, equestrian themed, cirque show tells a beautiful seamless story with a contemporary blend of Acrobatics, Aerial, Dance, and Equestrian Arts woven to the acoustic beats of rich Spanish guitar. This renowned show has toured the nation this past decade, recently performing in Honolulu, Hawaii, Alaska, and Las Vegas. For the first time ever, Cirque Ma’Ceo will be performing in front of their hometown crowd,Sarasota Florida! To make this occasion even more special, we will be offering a VIP ticket to purchase a Benefit Dinner with the rare opportunity to eat, drink, and personally get to know the cast of Cirque Ma’Ceo right under the Big Top! A large portion of the ticket proceeds will be directly donated to Big Cat Habitat and the animals who have filled our lives with joy.

Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: 15th Anniversary Celebration Concert , January 5, 5:00PM

The culmination and highlight of the 17-day Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency, the 15th Annual Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera House features the most gifted, young musical talents of our time. The PMP Chorus is led by Patrick Romano, Chorus Master and the PMP String Orchestra performs under the baton of Itzhak Perlman.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Pirates of Penzance , January 10 – January 27

This rollicking, music-filled farce, which premiered in 1879, includes home-town references to our own Pittsburg Pirates. At eight years of age, Frederic was apprenticed to a group of fun-loving, soft-hearted pirates. Now 21, he decides to leave the pirates to lead “a blameless life.” He makes it his goal to eradicate these pirates. Fun and mayhem follow.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The Crucible , January 11 – March 10

In the black of night, a Salem village reverend discovers a group of teenage girls dancing devilishly around a fire in the woods. When his daughter exhibits strange catatonic symptoms the following morning, the townsfolk are frenzied with rumors of witchcraft. Deep-seated jealousy, deadly accusations, and seething resentments pit neighbor against neighbor as a deeply religious community is thrown into turmoil, in this Arthur Miller classic.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Images- Who Stole the Mona Lisa , January 12 – January 13

“Who Stole the Mona Lisa?” is a whimsical and imaginative animated film that offers a delightful, multimedia, classical music performance presented in synchrony with a live performance of Igor Stravinsky’s Suite from “The Firebird.” Live and visual pairings of “Babar the Elephant” and “Pictures at an Exhibition” complete the program. Alexandre Moutouzkine mans the piano while Edward Alley narrates.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: American Watercolor Society , January 15 – February 22

Artists are local, national and international, and Art Center Manatee is one of only five venues in the country to host the exhibit. Admission is $5. In a neighboring gallery, and on display for the same period of time, the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society will also be showing work from its member-artists.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Hairspray , January 17 – February 3

“Welcome to the 60s” where Tracey Turnblad, a pleasantly plump teenager dreams of fame and fights to racially integrate the Corny Collins Show. This winner of eight Tony Awards (including “Best Musical”) is based on the John Waters film and proves that “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”

The Players Theatre, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: A Doll's House, Part 2 , January 18 – March 31

In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 masterwork, Nora Helmer slammed the door on her marriage and family life, leaving her family. This sequel imagines her 15 years later as a successful writer and independent women, but she must return home to the one man who can help her. Universally acclaimed during its recent Broadway run, this new comedy raises questions about marriage and the roles of women have—and have not—changed.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Bill Bowers: All Over The Map , January 18 – January 19

Through movement, mime, and comedy, a veteran solo artist recalls and recreates the indelible memories from thirty years of touring twenty-five nations.

Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., 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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