SRQ DAILY Mar 16, 2018
Friday Weekend Edition
"The sign of a good production is if I leave thinking about it for days, and asking questions and talking to my peers. This is one that will stay with you."
Asolo Repertory Theatre’s American Character Project may have officially ended more than a year ago, but its stage remains a haven for study of some of the most charged moments of the nation’s past. Opening last night, Roe marks no exception, taking on one of the most controversial Supreme Court cases in American history—Roe v Wade. Going beyond the courtroom, playwright Lisa Loomer breathes life, humanity and more than a bit of humor into the real people behind the famous story, resulting in an honest examination of a difficult topic, and one that seeks more to understand and empathize than convert or criticize. Directed by Lavina Jadhwani, Bri Sudia and Terri Weagant star.
“We need to open up the communication floodgates and talk,” says Weagant, who plays Norma McCorvey, the 22-year-old woman who found herself at the heart of the case, and better known as Jane Roe. And Weagant understands that abortion and women’s reproductive rights can be a contentious topic, but finds that all the more reason for something like Roe—neither pointed nor preachy, somber nor simple—to be produced now. “That’s what I love about Lisa’s work,” says Weagant. “No matter where you stand on the issue, you should be able to see your view honestly reflected.” Seeking more to understand than to convince, starting the conversation becomes the goal, not ending it.
Key to this was Loomer’s decision to follow the story beyond the adversarial setting of the courtroom for a wider view—allowing the story to revolve around the people involved, and treating them as more than historical footnotes or ideological stand-ins. Following them throughout their lives, as perspectives and opinions shift with experience, constructs a more nuanced reality. It also allows for a spot more humor, and, in Weagant’s case, a much more interesting character to play. “Complex and hilarious and wounded,” she says. “They’re the people you see on the street every day.”
Reading McCorvey’s published works and watching documentaries, Weagant delved into her research. Her own politics don’t enter the discussion except to dismiss them as irrelevant—to the performance and the greater exercise of the production. “If I came into this show having an agenda, then I couldn’t do it,” she says. Weagant’s job is to empathize, and she finds more than enough to connect with in McCorvey’s story. “These are real women fighting for what they believe is right,” she says. “That’s what I want to see; that’s what I want to do.”
Currently onstage at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Roe runs through April 15.
Pictured, clockwise from top left: Michelle Aravena, Bri Sudia and Terri Weagant in Asolo Rep's production of �Roe.� Photo by John Revisky.
Ruta Maria Jouniari, a small business owner, small farmer and community health advocate, has filed to run for Sarasota County Commission in District 2. Jouniari promotes a business background, including beginning her career with Aetna U.S. Healthcare, developing markets in Boston and Tampa and fighting to lower premium costs. After almost twenty years in the insurance field, Jouniari founded her own business, International Staffing Group, Inc., in 2004, to work with the federal government to place veterans in jobs. Jouniari has lived in Sarasota for almost twenty years and also co-founded the Universal Crescent Clinic, a 501 c3 non-profit, that provides free medical care to people without insurance in Sarasota County, where she currently serves on the board of directors and volunteers at the clinic.
Former JAG, and now attorney and small business owner, Tommy Gregory has filed to run for Florida House District 73. Gregory served as Staff Judge Advocate for the 48th Fighter Wing in the U.K., where he supervised a 35-person legal office. He is currently senior counsel with the law firm Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen, where he represents individual and corporate clients in commercial litigation cases and represents private and public employers in labor and employment law matters. Gregory is also the founder and owner of Raketes, a small business importing and selling luxurious wooden paddles for Raketes. He supports President Trump rebuilding the military and loosening the regulatory reigns on the private sector.
Regal Entertainment Group, a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating one of the largest theatre circuits in the United States, has announced the completion of its recent conversion of former seating into the existing theatre seats with recliners including padded footrests at Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 - Sarasota. The auditoriums now feature the new amenities and moviegoers can enjoy the luxurious King-Size Recliners, which are able to adjust to multiple positions and include padded footrests. The new seating also incorporates assigned seating, and theater-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of their chosen screening. Moviegoers can program their favorite theatres and purchase tickets all from their mobile devices.
Leadership Sarasota County will host the annual Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards on May 8, at 11:30am at the new Art Ovation Hotel. Awards will honor influential graduates of the Leadership Sarasota County program in three categories: Lifetime of Leadership, Impact In Action, and Leadership Sarasota Dedication. From the Leadership Class of 1994, Chip Gaylor will be honored with the “Lifetime of Leadership” Award. Veronica Brandon-Miller, Leadership Class of 2009, and Drayton Saunders, Class of 2004, will be co-honorees for the “Impact In Action” Award. Dean Crowley, Class of 2003, will be honored with the “Leadership Sarasota Dedication” Award. These recipients were nominated by fellow Leadership Sarasota County Alumni members. For reservations for the Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Luncheon, register at the website below.
Experience these timeless and melodic selections including Die Fledermaus Overture from the operetta by Johann Strauss, Dvorakʼs iconic and influential New World Symphony, and Samuel Barberʼs Violin Concerto featuring recording artist and violin soloist, Irina Muresanu.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice.
Open to youth 8-13 years of age. Come and learn about horticulture producation and research. Participants will go on a laboratory and greenhouse tour, visit a Manatee County plant nursery and talk with researchers and people with various careers in agriculture. This will be an outdoor event so wear closed toed shoes and bring sunscreen. Admission fee will cover activities and group transportation.
Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Services Office, 1303 17th St. West, Palmetto.
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for Live, Laugh, Love Extravaganza. Guests will be able to shop at a variety of vendors selling their wares and enjoy a delicious lunch. Guest speaker Dr. Karen Holbrook, Regional Chancellor at USF Sarasota-Manatee will speak on embracing the concept of women in education, women as mentors, and women as entrepreneurs. Guests will also be treated to a fashion show featuring Bigs and their Littles modeling fashions by Panache & Tommy Bahama.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota , 111 Ritz Carlton Dr Sarasota, FL 34236
Acclaimed pianist and winner of four Telly Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Richard Glazier takes the audience down memory lane with a concert dedicated to some of Broadway’s most famous tunes to make the jump to cinema. Bringing in medleys from West Side Story and My Fair Lady, Glazier shares origin stories and backstage tidbits alongside rare film clips.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The famous works of Salvador Dali are coming to Sarasota. The Argillet collection is on exhibition and available for acquisition. The exhibition will also allow for opportunities to meet Madame Christine Argillet, daughter of Dali's publisher, Pierre Argillet.
Chasen Galleries of Sarasota, 1830 South Osprey Ave., Suite 102, Sarasota.
Cole Quest and The City Pickers are a group of New York City musicians connected by friendship and a love of bluegrass. Cole Quest, grandson of the folk icon Woody Guthrie, has brought together a collection of eclectic pickers who have gained recognition on the local scene. Performing both Quest's original tunes as well as traditional favorites. The 502s are a raucous indie folk group formed by three cousins from Central Florida. The 502s have taken their swaggering blend of Americana across the coast including Okeechobee Music Festival and Communion Records' NYC showcase. Their album is a heartfelt invitation to good old-fashioned fun.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Consider the kaleidoscope of color: rainbows and Rubik’s Cube, Easter eggs and cherry Kool-Aid, the Green Flash, a four-leaf clover and swimming pool blue. Imagine a rainbow as groovy as tie-dye or as fun as Fruit of the Loom. Roll out your red watermelon or scatter like Skittles or come as a Sarasota sunset. Save the date for the 2018 Avant-Garde annual scholarship fundraiser to benefit the vibrant Ringling College palette-the students.
Ringling College of Art and Design , 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
The Silver Foxes are a troupe of professionally directed, volunteer performers who have been bringing entertainment to the area for nearly 26 years. Their annual MainStage production evokes Carol Burnett-style variety shows with singing, dancing, and hilarious sketch comedy.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice,
This concert will future music from a wide array of classic, beloved movies. Prepare to Strike up the Band for our Flight to Neverland as we travel Over the Rainbow. Enjoy a Star Wars theme from a new movie and the classic score from To Kill a Mockingbird. The Pomp and Circumstance of this concert will remind us all of some of our favorite things
Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.
Based on a classic book, this production is a powerful telling of Tim O'Brien's personal journey from his innocent years in rural Minnesota to the jungles of Vietnam. A one-person Tour-de-force this play explores the lines between truth and reality as fact and fiction blur in this unforgettable soldier's journey.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, CEO and Co-founder of Manifold Technology, Chris Finan will explain how the government has been challenged to keep pace with changing technology. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College , 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Based on Louisa May Alcott's American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time. Come and see this classic reproduced on stage for a limitied time only.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave West., Bradenton.
This year marks the 6th Anniversary of Women & Medicine educational luncheon featuring informative presentations and discussions from Sarasota Memorial Physicians. This event has raised more than $225,000 to date and this year will help support the Sarasota Memorial Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Join Mote Marine Laboratory to support Mote’s hospitals for sea turtles, dolphins and whales at Party on the Pass. This casual evening of good food, good fun and good will, will take place at 6:30pm in the Aquarium courtyard.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236
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