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SRQ DAILY Jul 28, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"It's Danny and Sandy from "Grease." One of them just happens to be dead."

- Brad Wages, "Zombie Prom"
 

[Theater]  Prom of the Dead
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

When Jonny went to meet his girlfriend Toffee, he didn’t expect to have his heart broken. And when his motorcycle careened off the road that night, he didn’t expect to be reanimated as a radioactive zombie. But these things happen at a place like Enrico Fermi High, and now Jonny has his work cut out for him if he wants to get his diploma on time and take Toffee to the prom. Opening tonight at Venice Theatre, the musical comedy Zombie Prom brings all the throwback campy charm of its 1950s comic book origins, with a dose of timely wisdom and a whole lot of fun, taking jabs at familiar tropes and characters. “It’s Danny and Sandy from Grease,” says Zombie Prom Director/Choreographer Brad Wages. “One of them just happens to be dead.”

In keeping with the over-the-top subject matter, the Venice Theatre stage gets a minor overhaul and the actors received a crash course in camp. A production of Venice Theatre’s Summer Stock program, an intensive musical theater boot camp for high school and college students pursuing the performing arts, every cast member takes part in set design, lighting and costume design and repair, but performance remains the focus. In the case of Zombie Prom, it’s a matter of indulging the tongue-in-cheek nature of the spoof, while still allowing the sincere moments to bubble through and resonate, i.e. exaggeration doesn’t drown emotion. “There are some incredible morals here,” says Wages, “and it’s just sort of frosted in this silly, fun love story. We found a nice balance.”

Playing off the actors’ performances, monitors installed on both sides of the stage further the campy comic book aesthetic with visual punctuation to the action, a la the “WHAM” and “POW” bubbles from Adam West-era Batman.

And working with young performers on such an over-the-top production has been a blessing. “They’re fearless,” says Wages. “And they’re willing to try anything.” Some theater camps can feel like babysitting, but the students of Summer Stock come to work and they come to learn. “They want to be here,” he says, before adding with a laugh. “It’s invigorating and it’s exciting and it’s exhausting.” In between rehearsal and other production duties, Wages and other instructors also led educational workshops on how the young performers could further their studies and their careers.

Zombie Prom opens tonight at Venice Theatre and runs through Aug. 12. Attendees are encouraged to dress up (for prom, for zombies or just for the 1950s) and stop by the photo booths set up in the main lobby to take their own zombie prom photos. 

Pictured: Natalie Taylor and Becket Pfanmiller in "Zombie Prom." Photo by Renee McVety.

[Theater]  Sarasota Opera Brings Classic Films to the Screen
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Following on the success of its popular HD at the Opera House series, Sarasota Opera is bringing even more films to be screened in the Historic Opera House with a new series called Classic Movies at the Opera House. Beginning August 18 with a showing of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth (filmed in large part in Sarasota), and, running through September 22, five classic films from 1935 to 1972 will be screened in total. “We look forward to letting our audience take a step back in time by experiencing these classic films in the space they were intended to be seen,” says Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell.

Beginning with the August 18 screening of The Greatest Show on Earth, the series continues each following Friday with a different classic film. On August 25, Singin’ in the Rain receives a similar revival, followed by Casablanca and A Night at the Opera, and concluding on September 22 with The Godfather. “We hope to both introduce a new audience to these films, as well as bring back wonderful memories for those who hold them close to their hearts,” says Russell.

Similar to the HD at the Opera House series, the goal is to “have fewer dark nights” at the Sarasota Opera House and use the facility to its fullest for the community. And while screening films will never replace opera (the projection booth is actually temporary and can only be installed in the opera off-season, from May to September, as it interferes with stage productions), the notion is entirely in line with the building’s history, which began as a movie house and vaudeville theater. Sarasota Opera still has the program from the stage’s very first performance, in April 1926, which included the screening of a silent film and onstage musical performances. “They did everything here,” says Russell. In that spirit, Classic Movies at the Opera House kicks off in grand style, with not only a showing of The Greatest Show on Earth, but accompanying entertainment from the performers of Circus Arts Conservatory.

Running from August 18 to September 22, tickets for Classic Movies at the Opera House go on sale August 1. Tickets are $10 for individual shows and each showing begins at 7:30pm. 

[Good Bite]  Cult Classics
Gabrielle Holliday

Chicken wings are a cult classic, no questions asked. And Origin Craft Beer and Pizza Cafe’s Garlic Parmesan wings are the crème de la crème. The crunchy, parmesan-coated skin surrounds the tender chicken meat that melts off the bone, and leaves the juices flowing down one’s face. Baked rather than fried, these wings not only offer a healthier alternative but a more complex profile, as the wings simmer in their own juices, tenderizing and locking flavor inside a crispy crust, after marinating for 24 hours. The rest of the menu packs a punch as well, featuring Mediterranean inspiration throughout. Whether the craving of the day is for pizza, wings or falafel, Origin just became the new go-to spot for classic food on an elevated level. 

Photo by Gabrielle Holliday.

Origin Craft Beer and Pizza Cafe, 1837 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-877-5244.

[Exec Moves]  Chocklett Named COO of Doctors Hospital

Wyatt Chocklett has been hired as the new chief operating officer at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, where he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hospital. Chocklett was previously the chief operating officer at TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, TN, a 157-bed regional medical center. There he oversaw the renovation of the emergency room, the addition of new technology throughout the hospital, led the certificate of need approval process for the area’s first level II neonatal ICU and helped secure funding for the addition of a new satellite emergency department. Chocklett earned his bachelor’s in biology and chemistry from Newberry College, his master’s in biochemistry from Virginia Tech and a master’s in management from Wake Forest University. He was part of the Young Leaders Council in Tennessee and donated many hours of community service through the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

[Exec Moves]  Hudson Joins RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Patti Hudson has joined RE/MAX Platinum Realty as a sales associate in the Venice office. Formerly with Accardi & Associates Real Estate, Hudson specializes in residential properties in Venice, South Venice, Englewood, North Port and Sarasota. Hudson brings strong negotiation and customer service skills, and extensive training in mediation and the latest real estate strategies. A native of Lynn, MA, she moved to Florida in 1997 and is active with the Venice Area Board of Realtors, serving on the Special Events Committee and Data Committee. She has also been involved as a Special Olympics volunteer and coach. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty

[Recognition]  Goodwill Manasota Named Healthy Business Leader

Goodwill Manasota has recently been recognized as a Health Links Certified Healthy Business Leader in Manatee County due to its holistic approach to creating a culture of health and safety in the workplace. As a Certified Healthy Business Leader—the top tier of recognition possible—Goodwill has been recognized for holding managers and supervisors accountable for supporting health and safety, integrating health and safety efforts, actively preventing workplace injuries and extending health and safety services to employee spouses, domestic partners, dependents and the greater community. Health Links is a signature program of the Center for Health, Work and Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health that recognizes businesses for their excellence in workplace health and safety. Health Links assesses businesses via an online assessment tool that benchmarks their health and safety efforts. Health Links also provide businesses with expert advising by a local lead advisor and connects them with community resources to help them bring health to work. 

Goodwill Manasota



"Whirlpool" by Mark Muench. State of the Arts Gallery.

[TODAY]  DANCE: Sarasota Ballet Presents: International Intensive Summer Showcase , July 28 – July 29

The Sarasota Ballet’s International Intensive Summer Showcase will feature students from across the world performing works by some of the big names in dance, including Sir Matthew Bourne, Marius Petipa and Antony Tudor! These pre-professional students have spent the 5 weeks leading up to the performances working with an incredible faculty featuring guest teachers from The Royal Ballet, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Elmhurst Ballet School. Join Sarasota Ballet for spectacular performances July 28 and 29 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available on their website or by calling the box office at 941-359-0099.

FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243

[WEEKEND]  DANCE: SCD Presents: In The Round , July 29

“In the Round” is an intimate performance presented by Sarasota Contemporary Dance company. SCD members, in collaboration with four selected choreographers from the summer dance intensive, partnered to create this show. Participants from the SCD summer program join the SCD company dancers on stage for a program that is sure to be entertaining.

New College of Florida, New College of Florida, Black Box Theatre (Hamilton Center) 5850 General Dougher Place

[WEEKEND]  DANCE: In the Round , July 29, 2:00pm to 7:00pm

An intimate performance produced and presented by Sarasota Contemporary Dance company members joined by four selected choreographers from the summer dance intensive. 

New College of Florida, Black Box Theater , 5850 General Dougher Pl., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Michelle & David Pruyn present A Tribute to the Carpenters , July 29 – July 30

This gifted husband and wife duo will serenade you with all of The Carpenters’ hits along with a top-notch five-piece band.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: The 2017 Jazz Club of Sarasota Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert , July 30

The 2017 Jazz Club of Sarasota Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert will feature a performance by The Old Souls, a group of former and current scholarship winners – including former members of the very popular youth group Jazz Juvenocracy. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The Players New Play Series , July 31 – August 4, 7:30pm

Witness the birth of a brand new play as regional playwrights compete each night to have their play produced at The Players the following season. Each night a new play just waiting to be born! Now held at the new Arnold Aimonsen Players Studio! 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]  THEATER: Doublewide , August 2 – August 20

Jim Starkey’s American Dream is a modest one: to replace the family’s doublewide trailer with a comfy house his daughter can inherit. Forces and desires beyond his control, though, may shape his family’s aspirations. Doublewide is a heartfelt and resonant comedy about a blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them… and to each other. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Eli Schildkraut presents Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) , August 3 – August 6

Combining his passion for musical theatre and his love of introducing people to new music, student music director Eli Schildkraut and his talented friends return to Venice Theatre’s Cabaret Festival with an evening of somewhat obscure songs from the musical theatre repertoire. Equal parts entertaining and insightful, Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) is sure to have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and a couple of new tunes in your head.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: National Theatre Live, Amadeus , August 4, 6:30pm

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote Mozart's talent or destroy his name. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God. Lucian Msamati plays Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Sinning Sirens , August 4 – August 5

Check out the hottest local burlesque troupe featuring the Sirens you love – RubyyJean Siren, Karma Kandlewick, and Ginger Holliday. Also introducing Chief Peach, the Sirens’ fun loving drag king! And who could forget about Toez, the adorably creepy tapping clown? Join Venice Theatre for a night of beautiful ladies and live vocals that will make you want to come back for more.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Pilgrims , August 4 – September 10

On a ship to colonize a newly discovered planet, a soldier and a teenage girl find themselves quarantined in one of the ship’s cabins with only an outdated robot and each other for company. When they’re no longer able to create fantasies to escape their past lives, the two cabin-mates are forced to explore their own traumatic histories in order to connect and survive. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: FREE Admission for Kids at Sarasota Jungle Gardens Back-to-School Celebration , August 5 – August 6

For two days, Aug. 5 and 6, adults may bring up to three children each for free with the purchase of a full-priced adult admission. Take this time to enjoy one last vacation bash with the family before it is time to hit the books again.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: WSLR’s Ninth Annual “Very Merry Jerry Day” , August 6

 Break out the tie-dye and hula hoops for WSLR's annual celebration of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia was born on August 1, 1942, and lived to become one of the most famous counterculture icons of the 20th Century. Playing guitar and singing for his band, The Grateful Dead, as well as several others, Garcia took his hippie movement from the 60's into the 90's, inspiring the following of millions of long-haired, tie-dye t-shirted, carefree "Deadheads." Musicians honoring the Dead this year will include the Michael Miller Band, Grass is Dead, and The Schmitz Brothers.  The event is held at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center with doors opening at 4pm and music starting at 5pm.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Power Hour Lunch , August 9, 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

A Chamber of Commerce networking opportunity, at this event each guest is invited to make an introduction to the group and pitch an elevator speech about their business. Please RSVP at least 24-hours prior to the event to save your spot. Depending on availability, member walk-ins will be charged $25.

Hotel Indigo , 1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Arsenic and Old Lace , August 9 – August 20, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is about two charming and innocent old ladies running a boarding house for "acceptable" gentlemen roomers. Single tickets are $18.

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

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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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