2015-16 ARTS/CULTURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS E O N T N O

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P E S H T Asolo Repertory Theatre All The Way an energy and vitality to the downtown Jan 7-April 9. Keeping with the 1960s theme area. Each theater is small in size and The fourth season of the American as the American Character Project continues, large in impact – providing an intimate this 2014 Tony Award-winner for Best Play Character Project captures diverse and engaging setting for high-quality, takes a closer look at the character of Lyn - professional performances. Hip and groups of people, as well as the coun - don Baines Johnson as he gained a reputa - historical, entertaining and challenging, try itself, in moments of deep, funda - tion for political expediency and efficacy in mental change. This company is telling his efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of their theater is where the street meets stories about forbidden love arising 1964, bringing him into contact with tower - the elite. Visit floridastudiotheatre.org amidst the rivalry of two culturally ing and opposing figures such as Dr. Martin divided street gangs, monumental Luther King Jr. and J. Edgar Hoover. Rumplestiltskin social changes driven by firebrand Through Nov 20. This classic fable of politicians and African-American civil Josephine love, deceit and vanity is given a modern twist. A father, eager for his daughter Millie rights leaders, feuding artists whose April 27-May 29. A world premiere, to win the King’s heart, claims that she can talents are matched only by their egos, Joey McKneely returns to close the season as director and choreographer of spin straw into gold. When Millie and her a young man whose coming of age this debut production destined for Broad - sister Tillie are forced to complete the task tests his entire family, parents coming way. A musical, the story follows the young or face dire circumstances, they take an to terms with their children’s unex - and beautiful Josephine Baker, a black offer made by a mysterious man. Will pected engagement, two multicultural musician rising from poverty in the early they all live happily ever after, or will couples whose dinner party disinte - 20th century to become a dominant figure the consequences of their decision grates into a highly charged confronta - of the Jazz Age and international sex sym - threaten their happiness forever? tion, and a young African-American bol, with a focus on Baker’s time in Paris, One man, Two Guvnors woman who exiles herself to Paris where she became embroiled in scandal and the French Resistance. Grammy- Nov 18-Jan 3. Studio Theatre where she becomes an international nominated Deborah Cox stars as Baker. brings this comedy of errors and confused celebrity and war hero. asolorep.org. identities to the stage, seeing the hope - Unplugged New Play Festival lessly befuddled Francis Henshall juggle clashing loyalties among his criminal West Side Story April 3, 10, 17. An annual event at Asolo employers, who may not be who they Nov 10-Dec 27. This classic Broadway Rep, Unplugged allows audiences the un - appear to be. Adapted from the Italian tale of high drama and romance kicks off usual opportunity to hear the latest work comedy Servant of Two Masters , this the fourth season of Asolo Rep’s American from upcoming playwrights in its raw form. English adaptation from Richard Bean Character Project, examining the social, Asolo Rep company members and guests premiered in London before moving on political and historical aspects of the will perform the readings, script in hand, to Broadway and an international tour. US through its manifestation on the stage giving sole focus to the words on the page, of the time. Tony nominee Joey McKneely, allowing attendees insight into the process a special director for the season opener, and letting the playwright take notes based Butler also serves as director of choreography. on both the performance and reaction. Dec 9-Feb 20. An absurdist comedy He brings more than 20 years experience Following the performances will be allotted set amidst the backdrop of the American with the show, including working with time for intimate conversation between Civil War and based on real life people the legendary Jerome Robbins, original audiences and artists to allow for feed- and incidents, playwright Richard Strand weaves a tale nigh unbelievable, following West Side Story choreographer. back and constructive critiquing. the profiteering exploits of Union Army Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler, as he amasses his fortune under the March 9-April 17. Director Frank Galati very nose of General Ulysses S. Grant. brings this classic tale into the modern age with a script by Todd Kriedler, who Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota’s reinvented the iconic film for the stage in contemporary theater, located in the Outside Mullingar 2013. A daring comedy, the stage is set as heart of downtown. It has been in Feb 3-Mar 26. From the acclaimed a young woman in the 1960s brings her operation in Sarasota since 1973. The writer of the Tony Award-winning Doubt, John Patrick Shanley’s tale of romance in African-American fiancé home to her profess - Florida Studio Theatre campus is a edly liberal parents, in a move that chal - the Irish countryside created a stir at its village of theaters – the historic Keating debut on Broadway last year, where it lenges the characters’ preconceptions about and Gompertz Theatres, the Parisian- themselves and those around them. Insight - received a Tony nomination for Best Play. style Goldstein and John C. Court ful and funny, the real strength lies in the Neighboring farmers in the sparsely show’s heart, still beating 47 years later. Cabarets and Bowne's Lab Theatre. populated Midlands, Rosemary pines Near the Sarasota bayfront, FST brings for Anthony, but Anthony is unaware.

2 CULTURE COAST PRIMER 2015-16 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SRQ MAGAZINE producing artistic director Rick Kerby at the helm, The Manatee Players showcases the area’s extensive talent pool through comedies, dramas and musicals, sometimes wrangling it all together for one big community event. Visit manateeperformingartscenter.com

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Nov 15. When six middle schoolers in Putnam County, New York vie for the title of Spelling Bee Champ, the audience wins. That’s the lesson audiences are taking from this comedic romp through the high- stress, all-precision world of competitive left and cover : Josephine at the Asolo Repertory. right: Sarasota Chalk Festival. spelling that invites attendee participation and asks all involved if maybe there’s more to all this than winning. La Musica fine dinner with fellow chamber music en - thusiasts while violinist Federico Agostini and pianist Derek Han perform a recital. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Specializing in chamber music Dec 3. Based on the Disney classic in turn presentation and production, La Musica International music festival based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale, this musical love story takes the audience has carved a place in its decades-long April 4-13. Enjoy award-winning international “Under the Sea,” where the young mermaid tenure as a musical meeting of the musicians and the world premiere of a com - Ariel longs for a different world and a love minds, bringing esteemed performers missioned work by renowed Hollywood and that’s true. With music from eight-time Acad - Disney on Ice composer Jerry Bilik. Enjoy the from Europe and the US together for emy Award winner Alan Menken, it’s a timely various festival events from Simply Sonatas collaborative performances. Under the addition to the incoming holiday spirit. direction of artistic director Bruno to Sonata a Due, Meet the Musicians and Giuranna and president Sally Faron, Musical Chefs, where La Musica musicians are featured at a lively, interactive dinner Valentine’s Day Mascara La Musica continues to explore this at Michael’s On East. Murder Mystery Brunch season. They produce an annual La Feb 13. Details are scarce, but the Musica International Chamber Festival The Manatee Players game is afoot and it’s a murder most every April. Visit lamusicafestival.org foul. The community is invited to come out and celebrate Valentine’s Day Eve with Sonata a Due Housed in the Manatee Performing Arts friends, family and maybe someone close, Dec 7. La Musica opens its season at Center, the Manatee Players reign as all the while donning your deerstalker Michael’s On East Ballroom with an intimate Bradenton’s most prominent theater and catching a cold-blooded killer. recital performance. Enjoy cocktails and a and performing arts troupe. With

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SRQ MAGAZINE | CULTURE COAST PRIMER 2015-16 3 left : The Perlman Sarasota Winter Residency.

residency culminates with the The Drowsy Chaperone Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman Jan 13-31. This winner of five Tony Awards, conducting the PMP String Orchestra including Best Book and Best Original Score, and Patrick Romano leading the PMP celebrates the history of American musical Chorus at the House. theater in the Jazz Age while having a little fun at everyone’s expense, as an agorapho - Visit perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org bic Broadway fanatic leads the audience through a haphazard and reality-bending PMP Alumni In Conert listening session of the rare and mysterious Oct 10. Featuring Molly Carr, viola and The Drowsy Chaperone , with characters Yannick Rofalimanana, piano. Nov 22. and places springing to life. Featuring Sean Lee, violin and Peter Dugan, piano. April 17. Featuring the Ariel Quartet. Hands on a Hardbody To Kill A Mockingbird Feb 17-March 3. An area premiere on April 15. With Harper Lee’s Go Set A The Players Theatre The Players’ stage, this hilarious take on Watchman bringing the Finch family back the various manifestations of The American into the cultural zeitgeist, there’s no better Sarasota’s longest running comm- Dream follows 10 determined Texans as they time to revisit this classic tale of racism unity theater, The Players has carved engage in a hilarious battle of wit and grit and moral certitude in 1930s Alabama. a considerable niche in the cultural in an attempt to win a brand new truck. Produced in collaboration with the NAACP, landscape putting the community on Michael Newton-Brown directs, while the audiences are invited to experience a cast tries to keep one hand on the body of stage, season after season. With the timeless story in a new way. the truck and be the last Texan standing. annual Broadway series bringing some of the biggest musicals to town and Perlman Music Program La Cage Aux Folles S.N.A.P. shows offering a taste of March 23-April 10. When the owner of a “Something New” each season, artistic The Perlman Music Program (PMP) famous drag club finds his only son marry - director Jeffery Kin keeps the audience has held a winter residency in Sarasota ing the daughter of a hardline conservative guessing. since 2004. This intensive 17-day pro - Visit theplayers.org politician, he and his neurotic partner juggle their identities and their son’s expectations gram was founded by Toby Perlman, The Players Follies’ Play as they welcome their future in-laws to din - wife of internationally acclaimed concert Reading Festival ner. Perhaps most popularized in the US by violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman. Oct 24-25. The Players Follies Group the film adaptation starring Robin Williams PMP offers unparalleled musical training brings a host of brand new 10-minute plays and Nathan Lane ( The Birdcage ), Players for international students, ages 12 to to the stage with a series of actor readings, artistic director Jeffery Kin directs this much- 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello selecting the ten best submissions among loved comedy of errors and heartfelt take and bass. With a faculty led by Toby the many sent from playwrights around the on family, identity and politics. and Itzhak Perlman and comprising country. Gathered under the theme “Plays some of the most gifted musical talents on a Front Porch,” many come from Florida, Pops Orchestra of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter such as “The Selfie,” from Sarasota’s own Residency offers an artistic and personal Betty Robinson, while others, such as With conductor Robyn Bell wielding “Yellow Submarine” and “The Golden experience that changes students' lives the baton, the Pops Orchestra gears up Years,” come from as far away as for its 40th anniversary season as Sara - forever. The winter residency’s free pub - California and New York respectively. lic events include orchestra and chorus sota-Bradenton’s community orchestra, showcasing local musical talent and rehearsals, master classes and works-in- She Loves Me giving the town’s hidden gems a chance progress student recitals, which attract Dec 2-20. Part of The Players’ Broadway more than 13,000 audience members Season, director Bob Trisolini takes the to shine. Visit thepopsorchestra.org each year. Question and answer ses - helm for this production of the romantic sions with the Perlmans and PMP stu - musical that garnered five Tony Award nomi - A Christmas Carol – The Concert dents and faculty follow many of these nations, an Olivier Award and a Critics Circle Dec 12-13 The Pops Orchestra joins forces events. These events take place in a Award for Best Musical. The tale of two em - with the State College of Florida and the ployees outwardly at odds while falling in SCF Musical Theater class to bring this heated, outdoor performance tent on love via anonymous letters, audiences may holiday classic to the stage just in time for the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Mana - recognize this play as the inspiration for the gathered family and friends. Featuring new tee campus. Each year, the winter Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan film You’ve Got Mail. music and songs in genres ranging from

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left : The Players Theatre’s 39 Steps

Spirit Voices from Old Manatee The Ringling Oct 1-4, 8-11, 15-18. Now in its fifth season, Spirit Voices takes advantage Situated along 66 acres on the bay, of the Halloween spirit to revive the The Ringling boasts an impressive pioneers of the history Village of Manatee, with artists assuming the roles of various array of classics and works from the notables buried within the Old 1850 Mana - Old Masters, with a Rubens collection tee Burying Grounds, walking the cemetery of note, as well as regularly hosting grounds and telling tales from a time long travelling exhibitions on the forefront past. The final performance on October 18 of contemporary art in the United will be stationary, taking place within the States and abroad. The on-site Circus 1887 Church for those who prefer a Conservatory houses the area’s local seated experience. classical to Broadway to gospel, Melodie circus history in addition to exploring the form’s greater reach. The historic Dickerson directs and Jim Sorenson stars Mana-Con Comics Convention as Ebenezer Scrooge. Ca d’Zan mansion stands freshly Oct 24. Booked as Manatee County renovated by the water, with tours Library’s “biggest and most exciting event Let’s Be Frank of the year,” this free event assembles the available. Rich in history, the museum’s Feb 21-22. It’s been a hundred years since community’s comic counters, game geeks, roots date all the way back to 1924, the birth of “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” and Frank Sina - manga mavens and sci-fi cinephiles for a and the establishment serves as a tra fans can celebrate with the Pops at this one-day, all-out celebration, complete with legacy of the original owners, John concert dedicated to the life and work of booths, presentations and the requisite and Mable Ringling. Visit ringling.org this American Icon. Join singer and jazz styl - parade of hand-crafted and exacting cos - ist Cole Rumbough as he arrives from New play. With a Doctor Who theme this year, Paul Rudolph York City to lead a series of selections and expect to see a few Sonic Screwdrivers. favorites from Sinatra’s illustrious career. Through Dec 6. A small focus exhibition on the guest houses Paul Rudolph designed Bradenton Blues Festival It Takes a Village and built in Sarasota will be on display. Dec 5. With a line-up this year including These architectural gems in particular are April 10-11. The Pops Orchestra puts the award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness, early examples of the innovative design and youth on stage with this show featuring harmonicist and songwriter Rick Estrin and daring for which Rudolph would be known. local musical scholarship winners. Under the the Nightcats and Gulf Coast blues rockers A variety of vintage photographic and direction of concert master Felicia Brunelle, Mike Zito and the Wheel, the Bradenton architectural material will be exhibited. audiences will be treated to renditions from Blues Festival continues to grow. Whether Sleeping Beauty , Billy the Kid and Benjamin it be the bayou blues of Larry Garner or Royal Taste: The Art of Princely Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the the Chicago stylings of Joanna Connor, the Orchestra and Disney’s Frozen . festival promises to give everyone the blues Courts in Fifteenth-Century China, they want, and maybe even the blues they Oct 9-Jan 10. Royal Taste offers a unique Realize Bradenton need. Girls with Guitars returns with three glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles and new aspiring blues musicians, including religious practices of princely courts in early- and mid-Ming China (1368-1644). A nonprofit organization dedicated singer/guitarist Eliana Cargnelutti from Italy, bassist Heather Crosse from Organized by The Ringling, this exhibition to invigorating Bradenton’s cultural of more than 140 works of pictorial, Mississippi and Sadie Jones. scene, this community-focused organi - sculptural and decorative arts reveals zation seeks to create a more active some lesser-known aspects of palatial lives, ArtSlam 2016 and culturally connected downtown for religious patronage and afterlife beliefs of March 5. A celebration of the city’s Bradenton, regularly organizing large- Ming princes, whose world has long been a youth as a wellspring of creativity, ArtSlam mystery. The majority of the objects on view scale events in conjunction with private invites the young artists of Bradenton out were selected from recent archaeological businesses, public resources and local onto the streets for a series of installations, finds now in the collections of four muse - artists, celebrating the city’s heritage performances and interactive showcases ums in the Hubei province in China, and and place within the cultural fabric of right in the heart of downtown Bradenton. from imperially-commissioned statues the Suncoast. Visit realizebradenton.com With food and drink vendors peppering housed at Daoist temples on Mount Wu - the street alongside live music, this free dang, the birthplace of Tai Chi. Through and open event on Old Main Street these important loans—all of which are remains an annual favorite. traveling to the US for the first time—

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left : Sarasota Opera’s La Bohéme.

the Historic Asolo Theater throughout the The Sarasota Ballet year. Featuring Shakespearean classics as Presents Smuin Ballet well as modern milestones, Hollywood stars Feb 26-28. Hailing from the San Francisco such as Helen Mirren, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bay Area, Smuin Ballet takes the Sarasota Benedict Cumberbatch grace the stage in stage for three days, bringing its undeniable this year’s selections. American style and exuberance, the legacy of late founder Michael Smuin, who founded Sarasota Ballet the company in 1994. Representing classical ballet traditions alongside contemporary demands for higher physicality and newness Under the guidance of director Iain of expression, Smuin Ballet represents a Webb, The Sarasota Ballet has grown welcome addition for area fans of the form. by leaps and bounds, continually the exhibition provides a more complete adding to a repertoire that includes Ashton and Balanchine understanding of the visual and religious both iconic and uncommon ballets from April 8-9. Opening with Sir Frederick Ash - worlds of Ming princes and demonstrates renowned choreographers such as Sir ton’s Enigma Variations , an exploration of the vital role of their courts in shaping Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, composer Edward Elgar through the lens of Ming material culture. Antony Tudor and more, in addition to a social gathering at the turn of the 19th commissioning new works from up-and- century, the Ballet will be the first American Samurai: The Way of the Warrior coming choreographers and established company to add the production to its reper - Jan 15-April 17. This evocative exhibition toire. Paired with George Balanchine’s Stars greats. Garnering an international features 70 exquisite objects related to and Stripes , a patriotic ode set to the music the legendary Samurai warriors-full suits of reputation, The Sarasota Ballet regularly of John Philip Sousa, Balanchine will provide armor, helmets, swords, sword-hilts and sad - compounds its performances with guest the choreography while the Sarasota Orches - dles, as well as exquisite objects intended performances from travelling companies, tra supplies the musical accompaniment. for personal use such as lacquered writing bringing ballet from around the world. boxes, incense trays and foldable chairs. Visit sarasotaballet.org Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company Ink, Silk and Gold: Islamic Art from MacMillan, Wright and Ashton: the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Knights of the British Ballet The Sarasota Contemporary Dance Feb 5-May 1. This exhibition features Nov 20-21. The Company premieres three Company (previously Fuzion Artists), approximately 100great works of Islamic new pieces in this show, one from each of art never before presented in a dedicated these Knights of the British Ballet. Concerto , entering its 10th season, is now recog - exhibition, this collection covers virtually all by Sir Kenneth MacMillan, sets its move - nized for its collaborative performances aspects of Islamic art in almost all media, ment to Dimitri Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano and eclectic choreography which fuses ranging from the 8th to the 21st century Concerto , while Sir Peter Wright’s Summer - various dance styles – traditional, and from Spain to Indonesia. Through silver tide , an “abstract expression” of Felix modern dance, Middle Eastern, aerial inlaid metalwork, Qur’an pages inscribed Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2 , sees dance, Afro-modern and technologically- with gold, brocaded velvets, luster-painted its American premiere. Marguerite and Ar - infused work. In addition to a variety of ceramics and more, it offers a window into mand , written by Sir Frederick Ashton and community collaborations and perform - many different facets of the dynamic and inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame aux complex artistic traditions of the Islamic Camelias, rounds out the performance. ances at local venues, the Sarasota world. More than 130 years after the MFA Contemporary Dance Company has also began collecting Islamic art, the objects John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker been presented at the Alabama Ballet presented in Ink, Silk and Gold are being Dec 18-19. A Sarasota staple, this annual Center for Dance, John F. Kennedy comprehensively studied, restored and production brings audiences to the Van Center, Merce Cunningham Studio presented to the public for the first time. Wezel Performing Arts Hall for a completely Theatre and the Ailey Citygroup Sarasota interpretation of the traditional Theatre. Visit fuziondance.org. National Theater Live yuletide tale, interweaving the history of Oct 23: The Audience /Nov 13: Hamlet / Dec John and Mable Ringling and Sarasota’s Close Up 11: Everyman / Jan 8: Beaux’ Stratagem / Jan proud circus heritage into one of Pyotr Oct 14-18. An intimate view of Artistic 22: Coriolanus. Bringing world-class theater Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s most famous works. Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott’s choreog - to the silver screen, The Ringling showcases Choreographed by Matthew Hart, the Ballet raphy, this performance puts audience a handful of recent and notable stage pro - joins forces with the Sarasota Orchestra members in the midst of dancing bodies – ductions captured on film to be screened at for the trio of performances. they hear the dancers breathe,

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left : Sarasota Ballet’s Christine Peixoto & Ricki Bertoni in Jamie Carters A Deux Mains , photo Frank Atura.

influenced by the great master friends vying for the love of the same teachers in Cuba - Fernando Alonso, woman is set amidst a nation at war striving Estele Garcia, Aurora Bosch and Ramona to break free from the grip of the Holy De Saa, among others. In the Cuban Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Additionally, there will be an opportunity tradition, they were selected at a young to meet all those involved in the production age to learn the art and through their before the opening performance. diligence, intense training and natural talent emerged to become principal The Verdi Festival Week dancers with various companies The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Season con - throughout the world. Visit cludes with a pair of concerts showcasing sarasotacubanballetschool.com the composer’s vast musical prowess-The Young Verdi Concert, composed completely see their strength, feel the energy of their Sarasota Opera of Verdi’s works prior to the creation of his collaborative power. This exhilarating event first opera, and The Verdi Concert, a per - features favorites from the 2006 Cuban formance of one of Verdi’s final works, the Art Exhibit collaboration at the Ringling Sarasota Opera is in its 57th season Te Deum , and newly discovered work Musuem and Wilmott’s acclaimed “After - of bringing premiere opera shows to the unperformed for more than 100 years, math,” as performed at Kennedy Center. local Sarasota area. The group has been as well as arias, ensembles and choruses in operation since 1960 and has been from his most famous operas. Voices of Fuzión under the artistic leadership of Victor Dec 2-6. Performances break new DeRenzi since his welcoming in 1983. Sarasota Orchestra ground and audiences are eager for its It has been recognized internationally works by emerging choreographers that for multiple performances including its expand the boundaries of art. Original and An 80-member orchestra performing current series that is wrapping up, The adventurous, the pieces presented in this more than 100 concerts in a given year, annual spectacle are hallmarks of the com - Verdi Cycle, which is the production of the Sarasota Orchestra has made a pany’s approach to dance – full of move - Giuseppe Verdi’s complete works. Addi - name for itself in the area as both ments of pure physical enjoyment, as well tionally, the company remains dedicated entertainer and educator, offering con - as moments of delight and absolute hilarity. to youth opera education through their certs and experiences to the community Sarasota Youth Opera program, which is through a variety of performances Retrospect currently the most comprehensive youth designed to engage and enthuse. A March 17-20. This 10th Annual Concert is program of its kind in the nation. celebrator of the classics as well as a look back at the passion, artistry and Visit sarasotaopera.org contemporary gems, Sarasota Orchestra eclectic contemporary dances created and holds the distinguished title of being produced by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Verdi’s Aida Wilmott. Exciting examples of critics top the oldest continuing orchestra in the Oct 30-Nov 17. One of Verdi’s most picks, as well as dancers’ favorite pieces, state. Visit sarasotaorchestra.org beloved operas, Sarasota Opera saved the feature former company members: Angela grand tale of romance and revenge for this Rauter, Jennifer Maecker, Rolando Cabrera, final season of the long-running Verdi Cycle. Great Escapes – Movie Night 1 Sarah Caldabaugh, Carolina Garcia Serpa, Conducted by Maestro Victor DeRenzi and Oct 14-17. Part of the Great Escapes series, physically integrated dancer Dwayne Sche - directed by Stephanie Sundine, soprano this performance conducted by Andrew Lane uneman and co-founder Rachel Inman. Join Michelle Johnson stars in the title role, brings the film score front and center, show - us to honor dancers with the company in alongside mezzo-soprano Leann Sandel- casing the musical might that makes movie the past and who continue to be present Pantaleo and tenor Jonathan Burton. Prior magic. Flautist Betsy Traba and Cheryl Losey, in innovative, thought-provoking work. to the premiere, attendees will have the harp, will perform the works of Mozart from opportunity to meet the artists. Aida is the Oscar-winning Amadeus , while attendees snack away on complimentary popcorn. Sarasota Cuban Ballet performed in Italian with English subtitles. A screening of Charlie Chaplin’s short film The Lion’s Cage tops off the night. Founded by Wilmian Hernandez and Verdi’s The Battle of Legnano Ariel Serrano, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet Feb 27-March 18. This production will be Percussion Perfect School teaches the curriculum of the the final opera of The Verdi Cycle and will be performed in Italian with English subtitles. Oct 29. The third installment in the Cuban Ballet School of National Ballet Chamber Soiree series, Percussion Perfect of Cuba. Husband-wife team Ariel Led by the company’s Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi, this tale of two warriors and old brings George Nickson to the stage as Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez were principal percussionist for a string of four

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left : Forks and Corks Grand Tasting at the Ringling Museum Courtyard.

Urbanite Theatre Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The newest addition to the Suncoast’s Playfully dubbed “The Purple Cow” by theatrical scene, founders Summer Dawn locals, this distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright Wallace and Brendan Ragan made a creation abuts the Sarasota Bayfront, statement with an opening summer where it serves as Sarasota’s primary season featuring sold-out, cutting-edge connection to the world of national and shows performed in the black box style, international touring performance, bring - shifting effortlessly from heavy drama ing storied performers and productions to heady comedy. In addition to full to the local stage as a regular stop on productions, the Urbanite regularly the regional, national and international performances, including the all-percussion schedules spur of the moment readings touring circuits. Visit vanwezel.org Rain Tree by Toru Takemitsu, with Bruce and one-off performances from area Lehman joining Nickson onstage, and Mario artists and performers, so keep an ear John Cleese and Eric Idle Davidovsky’s considerably more crowded to the ground. Visit vanwezel.org Oct 1-2. These two founding members Flashbacks , bringing flute, clarinet, violin, of the iconic and absurdist Monty Python cello and piano into the mix. The perform - Freak comedy group stop by the Van Wezel with ance closes with the string-heavy Oct 23-Nov 15. The Urbanite opens its their new show “John Cleese & Eric Idle: LIgNeouS 1 , by Andy Akiho. second season with a play from British Together Again At Last… For The Very First playwright Anna Jordan, who penned the Time,” treating audiences to a delightful mix All About Mozart theater’s debut, Chicken Shop . As before of improvisation, storytelling, music and Feb 4-7. Join conductor Anu Tali, also music Jordan worked with Wallace and Ragan to an extended Q&A with the audience. director for Sarasota Orchestra, violinist ‘Americanize’ the script for it’s US premiere, Sergey Dogadin and violist Andrei Dogadin making it an individualized experience and Straight No Chaser for this entry of the celebrated Masterworks another world premiere of sorts. Centering Nov 19. Straight No Chaser is the real Series, featuring accomplished musicians on the twin tales of 15-year-old Leah on the deal, the captivating sound of 10 unadulter - showcasing their talents through the works verge of sexual awakening and middle-aged ated human voices coming together to of the masters. Two pieces by Mozart, Sinfo - Georgie rediscovering that side of herself, make extraordinary music that is moving nia concertante and Symphony No. 41, close Freak asks frank questions about society people in a fundamental sense... and with out the show opening with Variations on a and female sexuality in a poignant mix a sense of humor. On the road, Straight Theme by Haydn by Johannes Brahms. of insight and humor. No Chaser has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act. Unforgettable Lungs March 2-5. The fifth and penultimate of the Dec 4-Jan 3. From playwright Duncan The Book of Mormon Great Escapes performances, this collection Macmillan, Lungs sees a Millennial couple Feb 9-14. This nine-time Tony Award- showcases the work of greats such as Nat facing a world seemingly plagued by winning musical comedy from Trey Parker King Cole, who put a stamp on their time increasing disaster and questioning the and Matt Stone continues the creators’ with distinctive style. Conductor Christopher merits of having a child in such a time. penchant for biting satire with the tale of Confessore will lead the orchestra through Stripped down and highly theatrical, the two naïve Mormon missionaries sent to a curated favorites from Broadway as well as minimalist use of set and props places village in northern Uganda, where they try a salute to Irving Berlin and the characters primacy on the words and performances. to spread their faith to a population more and melodies of his creation. concerned with warlords, famine and dis - The Drowning Girls ease. With songs from Parker, Stone and Outdoor Pops Apr 22-May 22. Based on the true crimes Frozen co-composer and co-lyricist Robert May 14. Hitting the end of the season in of 20th century serial killer George Joseph Lopez, explicit language abounds. style, the Sarasota Orchestra hits Ed Smith Smith, who made a habit of drowning his Stadium, part-time home of the Baltimore wives, these interlocking stories from play - Black violin Orioles, for Orchestra in the Outfield, play - wrights Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic and Jan 12. Classically-trained viola and violin ing selected favorites from the repertoire Charlie Tomlinson raise Smith’s victims from players Wil B and Kev Marcus started Black and featuring a guest vocalist and fireworks their watery graves to tell their side, in Violin more than a decade ago and have display. Conductor Andrew Lane leads this an eerie and engaging performance with since performed an average of 200 shows family-friendly affair in the open night air. contemporary relevance in its similarity a year in 49 states and 36 countries. Their to modern-day struggles. music is a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and even bluegrass.

12 CULTURE COAST PRIMER 2015-16 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SRQ MAGAZINE

left : Ringling International Arts Festival / Phare: The Cambodian Circus.

its world premiere at Toronto, with a Sarasota Chalk Festival schedule release date of Oct. 2. From the Nov 9-Nov 16. Founded by local Denise French director Jean-Paul Rafeneau Belles Kowal, the award-winning and record- Familles , a comedy about a French busi - breaking Sarasota Chalk Festival returns nessman who returns home to straighten for another installment of street art specta - out a family mess. Other premiers include cles, bringing professionals from around Stephen Frears’ film The Program about the world and amateurs from around the Lance Armstrong, Jay Roaches Trumbo and country together in a celebration of the Peter Sollett’s Freehold . Naturally these are ephemeral art form and its community but a few of the many films that will be potential. After last year’s Guinness World reviewed during the event and eventually Record for Largest Anamorphic Pavement narrowed down to approximately 40-50 Art, this year’s theme is “Eat, Drink and Venice Theatre that will be screened. Visit filmsociety.org Be Merry,” inviting artists to create a veritable feast right on the pavement. October Architecture Hair Visit chalkfestival.org and Design Month Nov 10-Dec 12. Tony Award-winner and Hollywood actor Ben Vereen directs this Oct 1-31. Join the Center for Architecture Sarasota Craft Show production of the Tony Award-winning rock Sarasota and the AIA FL Gulf Coast Chapter Dec 4-6. The event, now in its seventh musical born from the hippie counterculture for their month-long celebration of architec - year, will feature exceptional works in and sexual revolution of the 1960s. As one ture and design. Engage in Kids at the Center ceramics, decorative fiber, glass, jewelry, of the original cast members in this story Architecture: 101 on October 3; Toshiko Mori leather, metal, mixed-media, paper, wear - of a “tribe” of long-haired political activists FAIA of Toshiko Mori Architect will be the fea - able art, wood, painting, photography and fighting conscription in the Vietnam war, tured lecturist on October 16; join her for a sculpture by more than 100 of the nation's Vereen in the director’s chair promises tour of the Burkhardt/Cohen House on Casey top artists. Hailed by artists nationwide as Key on October 17; and, sample 130 years something special. one of the more innovative promoters em - of architecture and history with local powering artisans working in the fine arts historian John McCarthy on October 10. and crafts industry, Richard Rothbard and Sweeney Todd Visit cfasrq.org his wife Joanna are the owners of An Jan 21-Feb 14. Join the Demon Barber American Craftsman Galleries NYC since of Fleet Street for a night of barbarism Forks and Corks Festival 1982. Visit sarasotacraftshow.com and barbering in this eight-time Tony Grand Tasting Award-winning dark musical from Stephen Jan 30. Hosted in the courtyard of the Sarasota Film Festival Sondheim chronicling an unjustly impris - John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art by April 1-10. Showcasing the latest and great - oned man’s bloody quest for revenge in the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, The Grand est of cutting edge and independent film, the streets of Victorian London. Together Tasting offers a broad look at the area the Sarasota Film Festival takes over the with his partner-in-crime, the delightfully culinary scene, with flavorful injections from town for 10 days out of the year, bringing twisted and cannibalistic Mrs. Lovett, across the globe. With more than 50 area filmmakers from around the world and more Todd sings and slices his way to the top. restaurants participating, wine from 80 top than a couple stars, such as recent years’ international wineries and a selection of Rachel Weisz, Jane Seymour and Richard Annual Festivals microbrews and craft beers available, it’s Jenkins, to present their latest projects and a must for the sophisticated foodie. talk film with the gathered community. With CineWorld Film Festival Visit dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks over 200 films showing and signature social Nov 6-15. While Toronto prepares for the events including Opening Night, SFF has 40th anniversary of the International Film Ringling International Art Festival grown to be a truly international event. Festival (TIFF), the Sarasota Film Society has Oct 14-18. Showcasing the latest happenings Visit sarasotafilmfestival.com begun their own preparations. It is planning in the world of contemporary performance on having extensive coverage of the 11-day art, once a year The Ringling invites a select Sarasota Music Half Marathon event running September 9 through Sep - group of performers to bring their shows to Feb 7. The Sarasota Music Half Marathon tember 20. Historically, the festival has been Sarasota for four jam-packed days of music, is produced by SHM LLC. Its mission is a non-stop marathon of films dedicated to theater and dance. With a focus on contem - to create a signature event for Sarasota various film genre. The Sarasota Film Soci - porary Asian art this year, performers in - by providing a cool experience for the ety anticipates this year will be no different, clude Phare: The Cambodian Circus, Tao athletes and spectators, involve the commu - resulting in a collection of must see films Dance Theatre from China and the Indone - nity and raise money for local non-profits. to satisfy each individual’s palate. Ridley sian musical genre-benders Orkes Sinten You’ll love the race – have fun, fun, fun, Scott’s much touted The Martian starring Remen, among others. Visit ringling.org ‘til daddy takes your t-bird away. Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain will have Visit sarasotahalf.com

14 CULTURE COAST PRIMER 2015-16 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SRQ MAGAZINE