« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Jun 15, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"As actors, we don't have to ask major philosophical questions; all we have to do is play these characters with honesty and integrity."

- Brendan Ragan, Urbanite Theatre
 

[Theater]  "Incognito" Creates an Actor's Playground, All for the Audience
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Someone steals Einstein’s brain. A neuroscientist explores her sexuality. A seizure patient loses all his memories but remains certain of his love for his girlfriend. Three seemingly disparate stories come together on the Urbanite Theatre stage with the current production of Incognito.

Written by rising star Nick Payne (whose work audiences may have seen in this past February’s production of Constellations at Florida Studio Theatre), the production is a coup for the Downtown Sarasota theater, which has tried to schedule the in-demand show for the past two seasons, but to no avail. Compared to a modern-day Tom Stoppard, Payne’s output already makes him a standout among young playwrights—“Phenomenal,” says Urbanite co-founder Brendan Ragan. “[Payne] can write about big ideas in very simple ways,” he continues, “and just through human relationships and human connections.” So when Payne creates a time-jumping, location-hopping exploration of identity, free will and memory through three very different stories—Incognito—it remains open and accessible.

But while Payne gets feted in New York, the performers have plenty of heavy lifting all their own. Four actors play 20 characters in the show. Ragan himself plays six.

And, unlike most productions seeing actors inhabit multiple characters, none of these transitions happen offstage or involve costume changes, leaving the actor to enact the transformation right in front of the audience, often with little more than a change in lighting to help them along. “There’s no time to go put on a funny hat and a mustache,” says Ragan. “You have to change on a dime.” That means making large physical and vocal adjustments, but never reducing character to caricature. “That’s the challenge,” he says, “maintaining some level of truth.” And for the three and a half weeks leading up to the Sarasota premiere of Incognito, that’s what Ragan and his castmates practiced. Some characters came right away; others required a few resets. “And some I still feel like I’m working on,” he says.

But it’s all in service of something higher, born of faith in the script and the story they’ve dedicated their time to. “As actors, we don’t have to ask major philosophical questions,” says Ragan, “all we have to do is play these characters with honesty and integrity. If we do that, and give the audience a relatable series of stories, their minds will leave churning.”

Currently onstage at Urbanite Theatre, Incognito runs through July 8. 

Pictured, from left: Brooke Tyler Benson and Brendan Ragan in Urbanite Theatre's productionf of "Incognito." Photo courtesy of Urbanite Theatre.

[Music]  Hitting the High Notes at SMF Part 2: A Serenade of Strings
Cassandra Manz

Editor's Note: This is the second in a three-part series on the Sarasota Music Festival.

Concluding a successful opening week, the Sarasota Music Festival is well underway, with highlights this weekend, including American composer Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, visiting pianist--and past festival participant--Vijay Venkatesh and a student ensemble’s take on Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes. And on Saturday, international violinist Alexander Kerr will lead Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in the second symphony of the festival.

A teacher at the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Kerr has performed at music festivals all over the world but keeps returning to Sarasota. “Sarasota's the one place that sort of kept my attention,” says Kerr, a longstanding member of the festival’s faculty, partly because of the “very special atmosphere” in which faculty members, students and guest musicians work with each other in “every facet of music.” Drawn in by the sense of camaraderie with his colleagues and the room to work with students in a variety of settings, Kerr returns to Sarasota for his eighth summer.

On Saturday, Kerr will lead the strings section in Serenade for Strings, a piece he describes as “harmonically lush” and “charming.” An audience cannot help but be drawn in, Kerr says, by “so many different characters in one piece of music.” In just four movements, Tchaikovsky takes the orchestra--and the audience--on a musical journey, from the passionate, emotional introduction to a waltz typical of the composer’s ballet music, transitioning to a somber, poignant elegy and ending with a buoyant finale based on a Russian dance melody. “There's so many things that an audience can enjoy and its so typically Tchaikovsky in so many ways that you can't help but enjoy it,” he laughs. “Who doesn't like Tchaikovsky?” 

[Education]  Ivey Receives Shine Award from Governor Rick Scott

In a ceremony in Tallahassee this week, Governor Rick Scott bestowed the Shine Award to Riverview High School coach and teacher, William “BJ” Ivey. The award was bestowed to teachers who greatly impacted the lives of students in the classroom. Additional recipients included Eleanna Hurst of Broward County, Maria Torres-Crosby of Hillsborough County, Samantha Hopper of Monroe County, Dana Kelly of St. Johns County and Kathleen Redfern of Walton County. In addition to the Shine Award, BJ Ivey was named the 2017 Sarasota County School District Teacher of the Year. Earlier this spring, the Baltimore Orioles recognized Ivey as their 2018 Community Hero. 

Riverview High School

[Healthcare]  Roush Named Founding President of SMH - Laurel Road

Sharon Roush has been named the founding president of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH)’s new south county hospital and 65-acre medical campus on Laurel Road, according to Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder. Roush is slated to step into the new executive role in July to oversee the design, construction and opening of Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Laurel Road, and its ongoing operations. A resident of Sarasota, Roush comes from South Bay Hospital in Sun City, FL., where she served as CEO of the 138-bed community hospital in HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division for nearly 10 years. Before that, she served as CEO for two other HCA hospitals in Florida: Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee and Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach. Over the course of her 25-year career, Roush successfully led the development and design of one of HCA’s largest building projects—the replacement hospital, Capital Regional Medical Center—and expanded multiple service lines in the communities she served Selecting Roush for its president is SMH’s first step in building its south county leadership team. Her first priorities will be overseeing the campus’ pre-construction plans, including hosting community workshops and meeting with city officials. As the hospital takes shape, she also will focus on staffing and assembling a specialized medical staff and clinical team. It will take about three years to build the new hospital. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Sea Debris - Awareness Through Art , December 9 – June 15, 10am to 5pm

Artwork made of marine debris including Greta the Great White Shark and Natasha the Turtle will arrive to Mote Marine this winter. This exhibit will bring awareness to the 4.4 pounds on average of trash genereated by each American daily. These larger-than-life sculptures are entirely made from plastic and other debris gathered from the Oregon Coast.

Mote Marine, 600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota

[TODAY]  DANCE: Behind the Curtain with Kira Blazek Ziaii , June 15, 3pm

Come out and enjoy an open rehearsal with Choreographer Kira Blazek Ziaii and Sarasota Contemporary Dance dancers followed by a Q&A session.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Ste. 300, Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  DANCE: Physical Theater Workshop with Kwesi Johnson , June 18 – June 22, 9:30am-11:30am

Artistic Director of Kompany Malakhi in the United Kingdom, Kewsi Johnson will show dancers his passion for creating imaginative and inspiring narratives that often hold a message. He specializes in fusing dance styles such as UK Jazz dance, contemporary, Funk styles, and Breakin', with physical theatre and the unexpected to create a style that is incomparable. The workshop equips you with the skills to transform and reinterpret image, spoken and written language into 'physical theatre.'

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Ste. 300, Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Jungle Book , June 6 – June 24

Join Mowgli, Baloo and friends when Asolo Rep presents the world premiere of Jungle Book from the creators of the hit show Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Using the same jaw-dropping multi-media theatrical approach, Jungle Book re-imagines Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories through modern eyes to transport audiences to the world’s jungles. Family Day is June 16; Family Package pricing starts at just $15 per ticket when one person in the party is 18 or younger.

Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[WEEKEND]  SPORTS: Sarasota Tarpon Tournament , May 12 – June 17

The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament will take place from May 12-June 17 celebrating the start of Tarpon Season and 88 continuous years of sanctioned competition. For an entry fee of just $125, anglers not only compete for an overall winner category, but also, weekly, junior, ladies, and ‘his & hers’ categories. Weekly winners and winners of the two additional categories will all compete in a 2-day Fish-Off weekend to determine overall winner whose name is inscribed on the historic trophy. A kick-off party will be held on May 9 at White Buffalo Saloon featuring live music, great food and a cash bar.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Friday Fest: Jah Movement , June 22, 5:00pm

Opening the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Friday Fest summertime concert series is reggae band Jah Movement. Fronted by hometown hero and vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman, Jah Movement plays top 40, Funk, Soul, R&B and Calypso Dance music. Winners of Creative Loafing’s 2016 ‘Best Local Reggae Band’ in the Tampa Bay Area and recent 2nd place winners of Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Best Local Entertainment for 2017, Jah Movement is made up of some of the best musicians in the South West Florida Region. Each of the four events will feature food trucks, beverage vendors and more – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a summer sunset over Sarasota Bay. Don’t miss out - “The Movement” is sure to get you dancing!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  DANCE: Behind the Curtain with Kwesi Johnson , June 22, 3pm

Come out and enjoy an open rehearsal with choreographer Kwesi Johnson and Sarasota Contemporary Dance dancers, followed by a Q&A session.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Ste. 300, Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: The Lion King Jr. , June 22 – June 23

The African savannah comes to life with Simba and Nala, Pumbaa and Timon, Mufasa and Scar, and more unforgettable characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age story. This vibrant tale has captivated worldwide audiences. With Sir Elton John's music, dazzling costumes and extraordinary talent, this is a show not to be missed.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton

[SOON]  SPORTS: HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix , June 23 – July 4

The 34th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, offers events for the entire family to enjoy.  Powerboat racing will take place off Lido Beach on July 1 broadcasted by CBS Sports, with boats racing at speeds over 100 MPH. Other Festival events include a Golf Classic, Car Show, Kickoff Party, Racer Autograph Signing, A Fan Festival, Downtown Block Party, Motorcycle Charity Ride and much more. The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is produced by, and benefits, Suncoast Charities for Children supporting local children and adults with special needs.

[SOON]  THEATER: Murder for Two , June 27 – July 29

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman who dreams of becoming a detective. When shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney, and Whitney ends up dead, Marcus sees an opportunity to prove his sleuthing skills. With only a short time to solve the case, he has to find out, “whodunit?” In a witty musical homage to classic murder mysteries, Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, and murder.

 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , June 30, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  FILM: Films on the Fairway , June 30, 7pm

The Palms Golf Club and the Sarasota Film Festival are teaming up for Films on the Fairway. Throughout the summer, you will be able to enjoy a film, food and fun on the gorgeous greens of the Palms Golf Club. In their upcoming screening, the golf club will show Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the 1981 Steven Spielberg classic starring Harrison Ford. Tickets can be bought in advance or purchased at the door. Premium tickets are also available on a limited first come-first serve basis. For $27.50, enjoy dinner, a beverage of choice, a golf cart with preferred viewing, unlimited popcorn and waitress service! Reservations must be made and paid in prior to June 23rd, 2018.

The Palms Golf Club, 1990 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 1, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 4:30pm-10:00pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three-hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack's, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , July 4, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Curry Creek to Nokomis , July 7, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy the great outdoors with a kayak paddle led by John Sarkozy, through Nokomis and the Curry Creek Preserve. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. Bring drinking water, suncreen and your sense of adventure. 

American Littoral Society

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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024