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SRQ DAILY Nov 15, 2018

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"If anyone doesn't love the show as much as I do, I would give them their money back. That's how confident I am about this production."

- Jeff Calhoun, "The Music Man"
 

[Theater]  Asolo, Calhoun Promise a Whole New
Philip Lederer

For the Tony-nominated director Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, Grease), a trip to Sarasota just wouldn’t be complete without at least stopping in at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. “The Asolo is my favorite regional theater to work at,” he says, crediting Asolo’s artistic director, Michael Donald Edwards as a major draw. So when Calhoun and Edwards met up more than a year ago, and Edwards asked him if he were interested in directing a classic musical for the opening of the 2018–19 season, Calhoun jumped at the chance—with a few caveats.

“Without hesitation, I said the only revival that interests me is The Music Man,” Calhoun says. “Because I had an affinity for it as a kid watching the movie.” Edwards readily agreed, but Calhoun had a couple more “prerequisites” if he were going to create a revival the likes of which had never been seen before. And with The Music Man opening November 17 at the Asolo, it looks like Calhoun may have pulled it off.

It’s a tough question, how to differentiate a revival of an iconic show that’s been produced countless times in theaters across the nation since its Broadway debut in 1957, when it ran for a whopping 1,375 performances. But Calhoun thought he had the answer. “I wanted it to be an all tap dancing Music Man,” he says, “which, to my knowledge, hadn’t been done before.” But to pull it off, he knew he needed a special performer. He thought of no one but Noah Racey.

“Noah is one of our great song-and-dance men,” says Calhoun, dubbing the pairing of skills a dying art. “He’s sort of the last to follow in those footsteps of Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.” Asolo fans may recognize Racey’s prowess from the world premiere of Noah Racey’s Pulse, which came to the Asolo in 2013, also directed by Calhoun. “There was no one else I was interested in for the role,” he says.

Assembling his dream team, the production also sees Calhoun reuniting with the designer from his Tony-nominated production of Newsies in 2012. Together, the challenge was to make a revival of a period piece seem fresh to contemporary viewers. The first step was avoiding the obvious—meaning eschewing the classic setup and looking for something new. “Normally, they paint a front porch and push it on from the wings,” says Calhoun. “And it’s very easy to have the show look like a high school production, even when you have the greatest artists doing it.” He’s mum on the details, but confident they’ve found a solution.

“It’s going to be a very special production,” Calhoun says, mentioning that he’s already reaching out to theater professionals in New York to come see the show. “Not all productions are worthy or warrant a New York run,” he says, “but sometimes you get lucky and the stars align, and I feel that may be the case with this one.”

The Music Man opens at Asolo Repertory Theatre on November 17 and runs through December 29. 

Pictured: Jeff Calhoun. Photo courtesy of Asolo Repertory Theatre.

[PINC]  PINC Profile: John Marzluff
Philip Lederer

With the imminent arrival of PINC 2018 on December 6, once again promising a day full of passionate speakers covering a broad and varied range of topics, SRQ went behind the scenes with a few of these incoming artists, activists and entrepreneurs for a quick taste of what’s to come. A bird brain researcher with a focus on corvids (crows, ravens and jays), John Marzluff, Ph.D., has dedicated his studies to seeing how human activity and urban development has affected bird populations, as well as how bird have influenced art and language in humans.

SRQ: Why did you want to come to Sarasota and spend time with this audience in particular? Marzluff: It is not the typical audience for me. I’m used to speaking to birders and others interested in nature, so speaking to the PINC community allows me to get the message about the wonder of birds to a more diverse group

“Birdbrain” used to be a common insult—what do you make of that? Outdated? Most certainly outdated.  Birds have small brains, but these tiny computers can do just about anything our large brains can. They form complex, emotionally charged, spatially relevant memories. They focus the bird’s attention on things that matter. I’d be happy to be called a bird brain—a real compliment.

What crow fact would most astonish the average audience? The ability of some crow species to manufacture tools used to obtain food is a real shocker. But the more typical species also possess amazing skills that enable them to remember particular people for years and solve many complex problems in their environment. 

Pictured: John Marzluff. Photo courtesy of PINC Sarasota.

[ShopTalk]  Soaking up the Positive Vibes
Brittany Mattie

Valerie Bernhard had suffered a rare complication during her pregnancy called HELLP Syndrome, when her little guy, Arthur Guy arrived to the world early at 35 weeks—she had to be treated in ICU and then transported to a hospital that could potentially prepare her for a liver transplant. Slowly, Valerie physically healed, and her and her husband Karl vowed from then on to live a more mindful, present lifestyle. “Karl played ‘Heart of Gold’ by Neil Young on the car ride home from the hospital and I will never, ever forget it,” she says. “I had a very hard time understanding what had happened, why I got so sick at such a beautiful time in life, but most of all, I felt so cheated that I couldn’t be the one to bring Arthur home and missed the first two weeks of his life.” Craved for a more creative and brighter outlet, the Bernhards packed up a U-Haul in New Orleans and moved to the beaches of Sarasota—honoring their vow as a family to fully enjoy every moment life has to offer. Valerie now spends her sunny days on the Gulf as a graphic designer, screen printing mindul messages on Turkish textiles for her tasteful brand for the tropics, Art Guy Workshop.

“Quality and authenticity led my search to a family-owned company with more than 40 years of experience in the textile industry.”  Her Turkish towels, also known as peshtemals, are imported from Denizli, Turkey—the granddaddy of towels—versatile enough to provide an ultra-soft pat down after the shower with the option to also use as a yoga mat topper, spa swathe, comfy blanket for the beach or trendy spread at a park picnic. Handmade of 100% cotton to be super absorbent and dry quickly, they’re also extremely light weight and fold (or roll) down nicely to take with you wherever you go. Art Guy’s bestsellers include the Low Key towel in either red, aqua, gray or black, sporting the simple mantra, ‘HERE IS GOOD’. For some added company and potential napping, the Siesta double size towel is basically the california king of towels, stamped with the gentle reminder, ‘YOU ARE HERE’. And if you just need to create some space for your bum for a little meditation outdoors, the round circle Lido towel comes in nautical stripes of navy/beige or turquoise/charcoal. Beyond the luxe linens, covet beachy and functional hobo bags, coconut sarong buckles, kids’ ponchos with fun little hoods and swaddles for babies/toddlers.

“I used art to heal and grow as a parent, wife and friend. Art Guy helps me every single day to remember how fortunate we are to have this moment and this day,” Valerie notes. Her journey to recovery and discovery has become her contribution to remind those around her to “live in the present when you can.” Because really, in the grand scheme—it’s 'ALL GOOD'.


Keep a look out for Art Guy Workshop hitting the streets at upcoming markets in Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa soon, with plans for national yoga festivals in the future. But for now, fill your cart with positive peshtemals to go with the flow from its artful online boutique. 

Photos courtesy of Art Guy Workshop.

[Ophelia's on the Bay]  Tropical Retreat on the Bay
Cori Spruiell

As the first flakes of snow begin to fall in the frigid north, Florida remains, as always, a steadfast oasis of warmth and tropical sunshine. For those returning to the sandy shores of this winter haven, and for perennial denizens of the Gulf Coast, there are few dishes that encapsulate Florida’s eternal summer like the fresh dayboat mahi-mahi from Ophelia’s on the Bay. 

Those that have seen mahi-mahi in the water will know that the fish is recognizable for its brilliant colors, and that influence is clear in this stunning dish. Tropical flavors abound as the mild, sweet fish is crusted with a crunchy macadamia and coconut panko crumb topping, and topped with a generous helping of bright, fresh tropical fruit-cilantro jam. Nestled on a bed of either jasmine rice or, for the more adventurous taste buds, Sriracha potatoes, this dish is best accented by a gorgeous Florida Gulf Coast sunset. Take a seat outside, enjoy a cocktail from the bar and welcome winter as a true Floridian should. 

9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota

[Gallery]  RCAD Fine Arts Department Announces Off-Campus Pop-Up

The Fine Arts Department of Ringling College of Art and Design has announced a special off-campus event, HOUSE OF 9, a pop-up exhibition at 238 South Links Avenue with artworks by seniors in Fine Arts. This event is free and open to the public and will be part of the Towles Court Art Walk. HOUSE OF 9 showcases nine young artists delving into the connections between their studio practice as their thesis develops. This collection of work focuses on introspectivity, expressing the artists’ perceptions and experiences. Using unconventional materials and approaches, viewers are invited to explore the artists’ personal explorations. Artists included are: Disco Pat, Meagan Hindel, Alisa Hodzic, David Klos, Savannah Magnolia, Andrea Oded, Brianna Faith Rivers and Kiara Rodriguez. An opening reception will take place this Friday, November 16, from 5pm to 9pm. Additional hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm or by appointment. 

[Healthcare]  SMH Receives Magnet Recognition for Fourth Time in a Row

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has received Magnet recognition again, a testament to the health system’s nurses and organization’s continued dedication to top-notch care. SMH has earned the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program Magnet designation continuously since 2003, a four-time achievement attained by less than 1 percent of the nation’s 6,300-plus hospitals. SMH is among just 51 Magnet hospitals to earn the designation four times. Valid for four years, Magnet recognition is the highest national honor for nursing excellence and the gold standard for measuring quality of care and professionalism in nursing practice. To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy application and review process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff to demonstrate Magnet elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital



[TODAY]  MUSEUM: Storytelling: French Art from the Horvitz Collection , September 9 – December 2

Explore two exhibitions selected from one of the world’s finest private collections of French art, “Imaging Text: French Drawings for Book Illustration” and “17th and 18th Century French Paintings,” from The Horvitz Collection. Features 60 drawings and 10 related prints for book illustration, created between the 16th and 19th centuries, as well as a selection of 10 paintings. Subjects range from mythological and religious scenes to more playful genre imagery.

The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Cycle One: Lerner, Jounquil, Onghena , October 11 – November 16

The first exhibition of Brooklyn-based artist Natalie Lerner, daughter of Leslie Lerner, features a series of intimately scaled etchings and graphite on paper drawings. Miami-based installation artist Brookhart Jounquil brings his mesmerizing and illusory glass- and light-based sculpture. An Onghena, brings her diaristic take on traditional and contemporary printmaking to create a series of daily prints.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Silence! The Musical , November 2 – November 25

Based on the 1991 psychological thriller Silence of the Lambs, this mischievous twist on the Oscar-winning film features a narrating, singing chorus of floppy-eared lambs, while Buffalo Bill gleefully dances a hoedown in the midst of kidnapping the unlucky Catherine Martin and Dr. Lecter sings about the life he dreams of outside the prison walls.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice

[TODAY]  THEATER: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder , November 7 – January 13

Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. Along the way, Monty has to juggle his mistress, his fiancée and the constant threat of landing behind bars. It will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Sight Unseen , November 8 – November 18

A critically acclaimed artist has created art that is so popular, that now his works are bought ‘sight unseen.’ Happily married with a pregnant wife, the artist decides to visit his former model and lover while attending a retrospective of his work. Written in a non-linear progression, expect forward and backward jumps in time.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Nominations Now Open for 2019 Localpreneur of the Year , November 8 – December 7

Nominate a passionate and purposeful local entrepreneur who you believe has forged a successful company in the Sarasota and Bradenton region with astute corporate drive, a heart for giving back, a talent for engineering innovation and indelible leadership qualities. Your entrepreneur nominee should have an active for-profit business located in Sarasota or Manatee County and may represent any sector of business.  The LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR program celebrates these courageous and intrepid visionaries who make this one of the best places to start and run a successful small business. We will announce the finalists at the SB2 Regional Economy and Localpreneur of the Year Awards Luncheon on January 24, 2019 at The Hyatt Regency Sarasota and showcase all nominees and finalists in the February 2018 edition of SRQ | The Magazine.

[SOON]  GALA: Rock The Boat - Against Sex Trafficking , November 15, 7:00PM

An extraordinary evening to fight sex trafficking affecting American children on the rooftop of the Westin, downtown Sarasota, Co-Chaired by Marko Radisic and Elizabeth Moore. This will not be a seated event. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages and entertainment, a fabulous auction and moving survivor speaker! Please contact Sponsorship@SelahFreedom.com with questions or for more information.

The Westin, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Lifelong Learning Expo 2018 , November 15, 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Join us Lifelong Learning EXPO 2018!  Light up your life on November 15 at the Carlisle Conference Center in Sarasota. The daylong event will feature renowned speakers and topics, like-minded learners, food, humor and information about all this region has to offer. 

The Carlisle Inn Conference Center, 3727 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Surviving the New Sarasota - DSCA Workshop on Construction Safety , November 15

Downtown Sarasota is experiencing construction boom that is creating disruption and hazards for downtown residents & visitors. Over 50 of the construction projects are located in the greater downtown neighborhood. Attend this free workshop to learn your rights and what steps to take to protect your condo, home and neighborhood with construction projects nearby. You must register to attend.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Master of Dance , November 16 – November 17

Accompanied with live orchestra and operatic singers, Program 2 features the company premiere’s of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody and Jerome Robbins’ The Concert alongside the revival of Christopher Wheeldon’s There Where She Loved.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Festa Italia! , November 16 – November 17

The Venice Symphony debut of Music Director/Conductor Troy Quinn will feature the joyous Festive Overture, op.96 by Dimitri Shostakovich, Ottorino Respighi’s lush Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome and Carnival of Venice featuring The Venice Symphony’s Aaron Romm on Cornet. Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck solos on Saint-Saens’ showpiece Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, op. 28.

Venice Performing Arts Center, One Indian Ave., Venice

[SOON]  GALA: Champions for Children , November 17, 6:00PM

Champions for Children will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2018. This annual signature gala, will be held at our Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds will support our valuable programs designed to enhance more than 7,000 Club members’ academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. Champions for Children engages over 300 guests representing our community’s social philanthropists, foundations, donors, and friends of BGCSC.

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Christmas at Casino Royale , November 17, 4:00PM - 10:00PM

Join the Sarasota County South Elks at their Christmas at Casino Royale benefitting Toys for Tots! Enjoy a sit-down dinner, casino games, auctions, raffle prizes and more. $45 per person and VIP full table reservations are available.

Please call Jim Lamb at (941) 228-6800 to reserve your tickets.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 5680 Rosin Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Woodblock Prints from Post-War Japan , November 18 – May 5

In the wake of the Second World War, woodblock prints emerged as a channel of diplomacy and friendship between Japan and the U.S. Printmaking continues to be a vibrant and ever-changing art form well into the 21st century. This exhibition draws the Ringling Museum of Art’s extensive holdings of postwar Japanese prints and local collections. On display will be works by key artists including Onchi Koshiro, Hiratsuka Un’ichi, Saito Kiyoshi, Yoshida Chizuko, and Hoshi Joshi, including a number of new acquisitions and never-before exhibited pieces.

The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Putting for Pets - Golf Tournament Fundraiser , November 18, 7:00AM

Enjoy a day of gold benefitting homeless shelter pets! Register as a foursome or individually; all includes 18 holes of golf, cart, generous goody bag, awards banquet barbecue luncheon and 2 beer, wine or soft drink tickets. Contests and prizes throughout the day!

Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Misatango , November 25

Misatango, a tango mass from Argentina, combines the passion of tango with the ancient beauty of the Latin mass sung to the melodies and rhythms of the streets of Buenos Aires. Dancers from Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company, choreographed by Elizabeth Bergmann, perform while Argentine composers Astor Piazzolla, Martin Palermi and Ariel Ramirez’s evocative Misa Criolla captures the sounds of Argentina with guitars, accordion, strings, voices and percussion.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul , November 28 – January 13

After several years of requests from theater patrons, Sheldon Rhoden will reprise the role of Marvin Gaye. This original show begins in the 1950s at the start of Gaye's career with Motown and follows its twists and turns until his untimely death in the mid-1980s.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Guitar Girls , November 28 – March 31

A celebration of female singer-songwriters who have used their music to give themselves a voice in contemporary America. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, and Carly Simon have made indelible marks on the music industry.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 presents Philanthropic Agenda , November 29, 11:00am - 1:00pm

The SRQ Philanthropy Agenda luncheon and panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Gives Good program at which we will honor the Non-Profit Innovation in Philanthropy Award and the Local Philanthropy Hero Award honoring individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year.


The Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cycle 2: Art Center Instructors, McMennamy and Gatzambide , November 29 – January 4

Art Center Instructors exhibition will feature the talented local and visiting Art Center Sarasota instructors. A second gallery will offer Stephen McMennamy, an Atlanta-based artist, his first solo exhibition featuring his time-based video collages. Artist Peter Gatzambide will exhibit a recent series of assemblage paintings and works on paper in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Elf- The Musical , November 29 – December 16

Santa Claus narrates the story of Buddy, who was raised at the North Pole. Prior to Christmas, Buddy learns he’s human, not an elf. He convinces Santa to let him return to New York City to find his real father. He finds his father (who’s on the naughty list) and a step brother who doesn’t believe in Santa. Buddy decides it’s up to him to bring back the spirit of Christmas to his family and all of New York.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton

[SOON]  DANCE: Raphael Xavier: Point of Interest , November 30 – December 1, 7:30PM

Crackling with his signature bravado and high-energy physicality, Raphael Xavier shares the stage with a multigenerational cast, performing a series of solos, duets and quintets in his newest work, featuring a soundscape of beats, spoken word poetry and musical rhythms. 

Distilling the art of break dancing to its purest form, Raphael Xavier takes this movement vocabulary to uncharted territory. Point of Interest ventures into the "mature" space for hip-hop dance, following the standard of traditional Breaking aesthetics while pushing the boundaries of a culture and dance form commonly associated with youth. 

The Ringling

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Perfect Pairs , November 30 – December 3

Ward Stare leads Sarasota Orchestra in a program pairing exquisite French music with rich German orchestral fare. Twin sisters Christina and Michelle Naughton provide double the drama in Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos, while Ravel’s masterwork appropriately uses the word “delicious” in its subtitle. Mozart’s music from Thamos, King of Egypt is a rarely heard delight and German Romantic giant Richard Strauss’ operatic suite concludes the program in an explosion of orchestral virtuosity.


Sarasota Orchestra, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

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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