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SRQ DAILY Jul 18, 2014

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"All of the plays are winners because the people actually sat down and did the work. They had the idea for a play and they didn't just talk about it, they did it."

- Jeffery Kin, The Players
 

[Stage]  New Play Festival Highlights Local Talent
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Monday marks the arrival of the 2014 New Play Festival from The Players Theatre. Next week, every night except Sunday and Friday, Players will host a reading of a new play, written and directed by local artists. But as much as the audience may get out of the festival, the contest is nigh invaluable to local budding playwrights.

Every year, around 35-40 plays are submitted for consideration by local playwrights. The plays are typically 2 acts, clocking in at around 50 minutes per act. They have to be new; any publication or professional performance disqualifies a play for consideration. Submissions are given to a panel of 6 anonymous but qualified readers - some with doctorates in theater, all artists in their own right – who recommend their picks based on a series of criteria ranging from creativity to narrative structure.

In the end, only 5 will be selected to run at the festival. This year’s varied selections include Marvin Albert’s One Magic Moment, Ron Pantello’s Grandpa Knows Best, Mark Kenneally’s Hot Air, Bernard Yanelli’s Not Our Time and last year’s winner, Llywelyn Jones, returns with Anatomically Speaking, an extended conversation between a man and his own vital organs as he undergoes risky surgery.

Jeffery Kin, artistic director at The Players Theatre and festival organizer for the last 12 years, reads the top 10-12 and has the final say, but largely defers to the readers.

The 5 selected playwrights are then paired with a local director and the two construct a cast. They are allowed only 2-3 read-throughs, with very minimal blocking and no sets or sound effects. The point of the festival, from Kin’s perspective, is not about polishing a production, but testing the raw power of the words themselves. That’s why the festival hosts readings, not productions.

“All of the responsibility is up to the playwright and the director,” said Kin. “The playwright gets the most out of it, but the director also grows in their way of thinking and their dynamics as a director.”

Each reading is followed by a moderated discussion between the playwright and the audience, giving valuable feedback and a real-world test of their art, with opportunity for improvement.

Every contest needs a prize and the New Play Festival is no different. When the final line has been delivered and a winner emerges, the playwright has approximately 6 months to polish, nip and tuck, before the show goes into production for a full performance – set, sound effects and all – on the Players’ main stage the following fall.

But according to Kin, it’s a productive experience for all the artists involved.

“All of the plays are winners because the people actually sat down and did the work. They had the idea for a play and they didn’t just talk about it, they did it,” said Kin. “The 5 finalists are the ones that get that feedback from the audience, which, from a playwright’s perspective, is invaluable. To be able to watch an audience watch your play and see how it moves them or doesn’t move them or when they lose interest is invaluable.”

In a way, attending the festival is more than just entertainment. Each audience member has the chance to express their views and influence their local artists with their own sensibilities and opinions.

“It’s a cool process,” said Kin “It’s been changing, it’s been growing and no place else really does this for local playwrights, except for us.

The New Play Festival starts next week with readings July 21-24 and July 26 at 7:30pm at The Players Theatre. Tickets are $10 for individual shows, $24 for any three or $35 for all five. Go to www.theplayers.org for more information or to purchase tickets. 

[Daily Shop]  Tortoise and Pearl
Erica Brown

Tortoise and Pearl is not your average vintage and artisan goods boutique. With products carefully handpicked or designed by owner Diana Allaman, the shop gives off a youthful, hippie vibe. Customers should be prepared to share their shopping wish list with Allaman and her staff, who will make it their mission to find everything you hope to find.

What stands out most about this carefree boutique is the clothing. While market-bought goods are great, Allaman’s true talent may lie in her ability to turn vintage textiles or secondhand clothing into fabulously rustic wares, all in the name of helping customers find their style. These pieces are made from a variety of materials from silks to all natural fibers, and offer customers quirky patterns and brightly colored fabrics. Allaman’s personal touch is evident in the bohemian, casual dresses and blouses, all of which possess a free flowing and wispy design. To complete your new look, pair a dress with one of Tortoise and Pearl’s handmade scarves that are light enough to be worn even in the summertime. To receive the ultimate shopping experience and a guarantee of discovering more about your personal style, stop by Tortoise and Pearl.   

539 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-363-1350

[From The Chef]  Tuna Perk
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Michael's On East offers this uplifting take on yellowfin tuna on its City Lite menu. Now Chef Jamil has shared the recipe for the ambitious home chef. This one may take some attention, but the culinary reward is worth it.

Coffee-Rubbed Yellowfin Tuna

Ingredients for Tuna and Coffee Rub: 2.5 lb Ahi Tuna (cut in long square logs); 2 tablespoons ground espresso coffee; 2 tablespoons of Cajun spices; 2 tablespoons of brown sugar; 1 pinch of cinnamon; 1 pinch of garlic powder; 1 pinch of onion powder; 1 pinch of paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 oz. blended oil for searing; salt and black pepper to taste

In a small bowl, mix the coffee with all spices. Rub the tuna all around and season with salt and black pepper. Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium high, add the oil and sear the tuna on each side around until it reaches your desired temperature. Let the tuna rest for 3 minutes, then slice and set a side until the dish is ready to be plated.

Ingredients for Sesame Slaw: 1 small head of green cabbage, shaved; ½ cup of apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup of honey; 1 tablespoon of sweet mirin; 2 tablespoons of sesame oil; 1 tablespoon of toasted white and black sesame seeds, salt and pepper to taste

In medium bowl mix the mirin, vinegar, honey and sesame oil. Add the cabbage and sesame seeds mix well, add salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for 5 minutes and set aside until the dish is ready to be plated.

Ingredients for Kabayaki Sauce: 1 cup soy sauce; 1 cup mirin; ½ cup sugar

Pour all ingredients into a sauce pan. Bring to a boil on the stove, then simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes or until syrupy. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.

To Plate: 4 logs of tuna sliced; 3 cups of sesame slaw; 24 crispy wontons; 1 cup cherry tomato; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; ½ cup kabayaki sauce; ½ cup chopped green onions

In a small bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes with sweet chili sauce and mirin. Drizzle the kabayaki sauce on the plate (with your own artistic way), place the slaw on the side of the plate (like a Lincoln log), place the tuna on top of the slaw. Garnish with the green onions. Pile 6 wontons on the other side of the plate and garnish with cherry tomato salad and green onions. Michael’s culinary team suggests serving with Wasabi and soy sauce as well.


 

[Opening]  Sarasota Estate Auction Opens

Local businessman and longtime resident Andrew Ford and his wife, Elizabeth Lathrop Ford, owners of Ford Art and Antiques, have opened Sarasota Estate Auction. The high-end online live auction house, open to the public, is located on the corner of University and Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. The 7,000-square-foot auction house, with seating for up to 100 people, features simulcast auctions where live in-house bidders compete against online bidders who have either placed previous bids, known as left bids, or are bidding online in real time. 

Sarasota Estate Auction

[Exec Moves]  Fawley Bryant Creates New Management Team

In response to the growing business, Fawley Bryant has embarked on a company-wide re-structuring of their operations, including strategic planning, marketing, project development and business development. To provide depth to their operations, a management team was created which is led by four proven professionals. Principal Architect Steve Padgett, Project Architect Arif Abdulla, Design Architect Stuart Henderson and Director of Interior Design Sarah Colandro make up the team that will be charged with guiding the future growth of the firm, driving creativity and innovation, strengthening its market leadership and delivering positive business results. 

Fawley Bryant

[Exec Moves]  Lamont Promoted by Sarasota Chamber

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has announced the promotion of Brittany Lamont to Director of Communications and Events. In her new role, Lamont will continue to manage communications and marketing and will oversee all annual events and sponsorships. She will work closely with members to expand and grow their visibility with The Chamber through various opportunities. 

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

[Real Estate]  Brzostek Sells $3.2 Million Property

Larry Brzostek of RE/MAX Alliance Group recently represented the seller, Fifth Third Mortgage, on a foreclosed property which sold for $3.2 million, the second highest priced bank-owned listing in Mid Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service and the second highest sales price for a bank-owned property since January 1, 2013.  The property sold for $50,100 above the listed price. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



Robert Baxter, "Sarasota Sunday," Oil on canvas, 34" x 41" framed, Dabbert Gallery, 76 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-1316

[SILENT AUCTION]  Former VOGUE Collage Artist To Create SRQ Magazine Originals For Silent Auction At Bal Masque
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As if Bal Masqué wasn’t exciting enough already, SRQ | The Magazine, is delighted to introduce Olan Quattro as our featured artist who will be creating original works for silent auction at the event. Having previously designed from fashion magazines, Quattro wanted to do something different, something local, and her sense was that SRQ Magazine has that local presence. For Bal Masqué, Quattro will create four collages (approximately 36”x 60”), crafted entirely out of select past editions of SRQ Magazine. These original and one of a kind pieces will be available exclusively via silent auction at SRQ Bal Masqué.  

Read more

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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