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SRQ DAILY Jan 19, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"It's not a kitchen drama, this is a play about great ideas and important ideas for our democracy."

- Edward Gero, actor
 

[Theater]  Gero Brings Scalia to the Asolo Stage
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Asolo Repertory continues the final season of its American Character project with a timely production of The Originalist from Charles MacArthur Award-winning playwright John Strand. Premiering just last spring, The Originalist zeroes in on the offices of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, when a young liberal law school graduate lands a clerkship in the famously argumentative and conservative justice’s office, finding the frustration she expected and the warmth she did not. Starring four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner and role originator Edward Gero as Scalia, The Originalist opens this Friday and runs through March 7.

Making his name performing Shakespeare but branching out into more contemporary and political work in the last decade or so, including portraying former president Richard Nixon in Nixon’s Nixon, Gero is no stranger to controversial figures onstage but found Scalia particularly alluring. Not only had Strand written the part with Gero in mind, but it also fulfilled a dream for the actor who describes himself as “the best number two” around, picking up meaty roles after other actors originated them. “I had hoped one day to create a role of my own,” he says, and The Originalist was that opportunity, with a figure he describes as “Shakespearean” in its larger than life persona and outsized eloquence.

And as a Roman Catholic Italian-American born and raised in New Jersey—just like Scalia—Gero relished the chance to play something other than the stereotypical Mafia-tinged Italian-American. “To play this particular Italian-American, who rose to the top of the political ladder, was an honor and a challenge,” he says.

Gero and Strand developed the character for a year and a half, during which time Gero did his typical research reading biographies and such and even pulling out The Federalist Papers to better understand Scalia’s philosophy. But the “ultimate research” came in meeting the man himself—studying him in court, sharing lunch in his chambers, skeet shooting with his clerks—finding the intimidating figure to be “extraordinarily open and disarmingly warm.” Says Gero, “I’m proud to say we forged a real friendship.”

And while seeing a two-hour play may not be enough to forge a real friendship, Gero hopes it can impact the audience’s conception of civility in public discourse and appreciation of the humans behind opposing opinions. “It’s not a kitchen drama, this is a play about great ideas and important ideas for our democracy,” he says. “People may not change their political opinions, nor do I think they need to, but if they understand there’s a difference between who the person is and what ideas they hold, then that’s a job well done.”

The Originalist opens at Asolo Repertory Theatre on January 18 and runs through March 7. 

Pictured: Edward Gero as Antonin Scalia. Photo by John Revisky.

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 3: P&M Aviation Quik GT450
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin continues his exploratory journey through the world of aviation, shifting gears from last week’s Stearman with a flight in a P&M Aviation Quik GT450. A flexwing ultralight aircraft (not technically an airplane), Rankin compares it to a tricycle attached to a hang-glider—with a bit more sophistication but still leaving the pilot almost entirely exposed to the elements and steering the wings manually. “For week 2, I wanted a departure from anything I’ve done before and something where I was very much a student,” he says. “And this fit the bill.”

Flying out of Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, AL, Rankin paired up with local flight instructor and owner of Beach Flights Gary Berdeaux for a 45-minute flight over the coast. From the moment he stepped into the cockpit, Rankin saw he had a lot to learn. “I knew how to operate the radio and the seatbelt,” he says. With Berdeaux handling the takeoff and landing (because of the nature of the beast, flight instruction for a Quik GT450 entails a separate class for ground operations), the pair went airborne and Rankin took the wings.

“I’ve flown open-canopy aircraft and I’ve experienced that sensation of being out there in the wind, but this was even more,” says Rankin. “It took a few minutes to get adjusted.” But beyond the rushing wind, Rankin had to adapt to a whole new method of steering. The familiar “stick” that all the pilots in the movies use is gone, replaced by an almost DaVincian mechanical solution operating on simple principles. Instead of using a control stick to send signals through the aircraft or operate complex internal workings, the pilots use their hands to move the wings how they want. When turning right, the pilot uses his or her hand to push the left wing up, and vice versa. Rankin likens it to how one would pretend to be a plane and spread their arms like wings. When they turn right, in addition to making awesome sound effects with their mouths, they tilt their left arm up.

Quickly developing a knack for it, Rankin says he found the Quik GT450 “surprisingly” nimble, as he and Berdeaux banked and corkscrewed through the air. “I was impressed.”

With 50 more planes to go this year, he’s happy to already be pushing his horizons. “There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how you get up there,” Rankin says. “The how is different for everyone and there’s a lot more out there than I thought.”

For more about this flight in Rankin’s own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Gary Berdeaux and Ryan Rankin in front of the Quik GT450. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

[Daily Shop]  Gold Digger
Kendall Sompolski

The extravagant gold packaging of these super-luxe candles will make you feel guilty just for lighting them. Thankfully, Apothecary Guild Mineral Agate Candle Jars burn for at least 45 hours and smell as luxurious as they look. Gold-plated with a thin-sliced Agate gemstone that compliments the dynamic fragrances, the wood-wick candles come in an array of exotic scents. Aromas such as Wood Ash, Oceana, Mangosteen, Siberian Fir and Blackcurrant create a musky and oceanic aura that will waft throughout your living room. These exclusive candles have yet to be spotted anywhere in the area besides The Cottage on Anna Maria Island. Formerly a residential house built in the 1930’s, the home boutique has been open for just a month, the dark rustic wood floors, whitewashed shiplap walls and the open shelving brimming with an array of original artwork, apothecary candles and handcrafted beauty products.  

The Cottage, 9801 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, 941-281-2934.

[Recognition]  Kepecz-Hays, Buky Ranked No. 1 Team in Sarasota

Judy Kepecz-Hays, Gabe Buky and Charles Buky of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate were ranked the No. 1 team out of the entire company in Sarasota County this year for their exceptional combined sales volume of $70.35 million—$61.07 million in residential and $9.28 million in commercial real estate. The team quickly gained traction with several multi-million dollar deals over the past year. Most notably, the team sold a $7-million Longboat Key mansion and a record-breaking $3.45-million Ritz Carlton Beach residence, among many others in 2016.  They rose in the rankings this past year, as they were the number two team in 2015. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is a leading full-service residential real estate brokerage company with more than 85 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving the communities of Central Florida, Flagler, Brevard, Palm Beach, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay and the Panhandle. 

Coldwell Banker

[Recognition]  Booker High Student Top Scorer Nationally on AICE Exam

Booker High School graduate Dana Buckhoy has been awarded the Cambridge Learner Top in Country distinction on the Cambridge AICE English Literature exam. Buckhoy was one of only two students in the US to achieve the award. AICE is the Advanced International Certificate of Education, an international educational program developed and administered by the University of Cambridge, an 800-year old institution based in Cambridge, England. In Sarasota County, the AICE program is offered to students at Booker, Sarasota and North Port high schools; a middle-school program is offered at Heron Creek Middle in North Port. 

Booker High School

[Community]  Patterson Foundation Gives Additional $100,000 to Season of Sharing

Season of Sharing has raised more than $1 million to help families and individuals on the verge of homelessness. This latest milestone sparked a second $100,000 contribution from The Patterson Foundation. During Season of Sharing, The Patterson Foundation will give $100,000 each time the community raises $500,000. So far, the foundation has contributed $200,000 to the 2016-2017 campaign. Each $100,000 incentive contributed during Season of Sharing will help at least 100 additional families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties maintain stable housing by providing targeted financial assistance for vital needs like rent, utilities, car repair and other emergency expenses. The annual campaign, created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, gives 100 percent of all donations directly to those in need. Each year, staff of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Herald-Tribune Media Group and more than 50 nonprofit organizations donate hundreds of hours for project management, administration and creative planning to allow Season of Sharing to serve the community without any operating expenses. 

The Patterson Foundation



[Inside The Issue]  Those Poor Boys!

Thought there was only one way to eat a po boy sandwich? Think again! This month we explore the myriad ways to munch the delectable fried sandwich in Those Poor Boys! From shrimp to oysters, remoulade to Leidenheimer bread, find out why the po boy is a perennial favoriate—especially for Floridians.  

Read more

[TODAY]  THEATER: Clever Little Lies , December 14 – March 4

Clever Little Lies by Joe DiPietro is an edgy yet hilarious show that challenges our beliefs about the sanctity of marriage. Most suitable for college aged students and adults, this play will be held in the Keating Theatre. Subscriptions and single tickets are available online or by calling the FST box office. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[TODAY]  THEATER: Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves , October 5 – February 5

Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves celebrates the women who have capitvated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. The play will be featuring songs by powerhouse performers such as Cher, Tina Turner, and Reba McEntire. The play is by Rebecca and Richard Hopkins with arrangements by Jim Prosser and will be helf at the John C. Court Cabaret. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Gateways , December 16 – January 20, 11am-5pm

Hans Van de Bovenkamp, renowned for monumental sculpture installations with the pwoer, lyricism and grand proportions that heighten a viewer's sense of imagination and discovery, unveils Gateways at Alfstand& Contemporary. The exhibition features more than 30 pieces. The opening reception will be December 16 from 5:30pm-8pm.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419th 5th Street, Suite A

[TODAY]  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]  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]  PERFORMANCE: Brahms: Beyond the Lullaby , January 22, 4pm

Gloria Musicae presents lilting waltzes of love and passionate gypsy songs from the pen of the symphonic master Johannes Brahms. Pianists Andrew Lapp and Joseph Holt, with the celebrated Gloria Musicae Singers, and a special appearance by baritone Luis González serving as conductor for one of the works. Tickets are $35 at the door and $30 in advance.

Faith Lutheran Church, 7750 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Surviving Cultural Hate: A Firsthand Account , January 22, 4–6pm

Hussein Aboubakr Mansour will speak about his time as a political prisoner in Egypt. Mansour was persecuted for his interest in Israel and study of the Hebrew language. In this presentation, he shares the story of becoming a pro-Israel advocate and his subsequent journey to the United States after surviving imprisonment, and torture and being disowned by his family. The event is free but audience members must pre-register at JFEDsrq.org/events.  


Beatrice Friedman Theater, 582 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Former Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor , January 25, 7pm

Ambassador Ron Prosor will speak about Israel’s foreign policy and its enduring but often volatile relationship with the U.S. Proser was a Israeli diplomat, writer and columnist. He served as Israel’s 16th permanent representative to the United Nations from June 2011 to October 2015. During his tenure, he was elected to the position of vice president of the UN’s 67th General Assembly. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at jfedsrq.org/events.

Temple Emanuel, 151 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

[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]  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]  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]  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]  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]  SEMINAR: Women & Medicine , January 27, 10:30am–1:30pm

Don’t miss Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Women & Medicine Interactive Luncheon on January 27at Michael’s on East. This year’s program will focus on women and cardiac health, showcasing the innovative and personalized services and treatments offered at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Systems. This event will also highlight the hospital’s rehabilitative and community programs, designed to educate and empower us to take better care of ourselves, our families and our community. After a panel discussion, guests will have an opportunity to continue the health conversation and Q & A session.

Michaels on East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[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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