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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

THE OCTOBER 2016 EDITION

OF SRQ MAGAZINE

P R I M E R

Cultural Preview of Theater, Arts, Music, Exhibits,

and Performances in Sarasota, Venice

and Bradenton.

Artist Series Concerts

The Artist Series Concerts presents liveconcerts for the enjoyment and culturalenrichment of audiences in Sarasotaand the region. Featuring classicalmusic programming with voice, pianoand other instruments, these concertsput an emphasis on recitals and smallensembles. Utilizing small venues andinformal presentation styles, Artist Se-ries Concerts presents performers rec-ognized both nationally andinternationally with an emphasis onemerging aritsts. artistseriesconcerts.org

Chopin, Friends and RivalsOct 23–24. Featuring Daniela Liebman on piano. Viva L’Opera-Lunch, Lookand Listen Nov 10. Featuring GiuseppinaCiarla on harp and Natalia Maiden on violin.Old Blue Eyes Jan 29. Featuring Bob Mc-Donald on baritone and the “DC” Instru-mental Quartet. Franckly-French Feb 12.Featuring Edgar Moreau on cello and JessicaXylina Osborne onpiano. Rejoicing inravel Feb 19. Featuring John Brancy onbaritone, Peter Dugan on piano, Betsy Trabaon flute and Christopher Schnell on cello.

Entre Mundos: Between WorldsDec 3–4. The Elkey Trio will take you on ajourney of musical discovery through theclassical and folk music traditions of SouthAmerica. Their performances feature folkmusic learned during their many toursthroughout the region and classical piecesthat use this music for inspiration.

Asolo Repertory Theatre

A leading artistic force on the creativecoast. Asolo’s theatrical scene is amajor contributor to Sarasota’s richcultural atmosphere and is well knownfor its diverse spread of yearly produc-tions. With inspiring and engaging per-formances, the theater never fails toenvelop its audience in a vibrant andentertaining environment. In this finalyear of its five-season American Character Project, Asolo Rep invites its audiences to take a closer look atwhat it means to be an American

through productions spanning the history of the country and momentsbig and small. asolorep.org

Guys and DollsNov 15–Jan 1. The final season of AsoloRep’s five-season American Character Projectcommences with a production of one ofBroadway’s most iconic musical comedies.With music and lyrics by the legendaryFrank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling andAbe Burrows, this timeless tale of longshots in love defined Broadway for a gener-ation and continues to please.

The Great SocietyJan 11–April 2. A look at the role of 37thpresident Lyndon B. Johnson in RobertSchenkkan’s sequel to last season’s ac-claimed All The Way. Now in his second term, Johnson faces down political rivals and Congressional opposition to realize his Great Society. Actor Denise Cormier returns as Lady Bird Johnson.

The Originalist Jan 18–March 7. Four-time Helen HayesAward-winner Edward Gero assumes the roleof the late Supreme Court Justice AntoninScalia in this production that enjoyed itsworld premiere just last spring and comesto the Asolo under the direction of MollySmith. When a young liberal law clerk findsherself in the office of Justice Scalia, she en-counters both the antagonist she expectedand something else.

The Little Foxes March 15–April 15. The year is 1900 and Regina Hubbard and her cotton-growing brothers have the opportunity tomake it rich, but only if they can con thecash out of her ailing husband for the latestdeal. It’s a mess of betrayal and backstab-bing as each looks out for their own. FrankGalati returns to the Asolo to direct thisruthless account of greed and the American Dream in the Deep South.

World Premiere: BeatsvilleApril 27–May 27. Asolo Rep concludes itsAmerican Character Project with the worldpremiere of this musical comedy send-up ofthe beatnik scene in 1950s Greenwich Vil-lage. When square busboy Walter Paisleyhides a dead cat in a lump of clay andearns critical acclaim for his “art,” how farwill he go to stay cool? A co-production with Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater.

Unplugged New Play FestivalAn annual event at Asolo Rep, Unpluggedallows audiences the unusual opportunity to hear the latest work from upcoming playwrights in its raw form. Asolo Rep company members and guests will performthe readings, script in hand, giving solefocus to the words on the page, allowing attendees insight into the process and letting the playwright take notes based on both the performance and reaction. Following the performances will be allottedtime for intimate conversation between audience and artist to allow for feedbackand constructive critiquing.

Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota’s contemporary theater, located in theheart of downtown. It has been in operation in Sarasota since 1973. The Florida Studio Theatre campus is a village of theaters: the historic Keatingand Gompertz Theatres, the Parisian-style Goldstein and John C. CourtCabaret and Bowne's Lab Theatre. Nearthe Sarasota bayfront, FST brings an en-ergy and vitality to the downtown area.Each theater is small in size and large inimpact, providing an intimate and en-gaging setting for high-quality, profes-sional performances. Hip and historical,entertaining and challenging, FST iswhere the street meets the elite.floridastudiotheatre.org

Million Dollar QuartetNov 9–Jan 1. This Tony Award-winning musi-cal brings the audience inside the SunRecord recording studio in Memphis, TNthat fateful night in the December of 1956when rock and roll legends Elvis Presley,Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and CarlPerkins came together by chance for thejam session to end all jam sessions.

Clever Little LiesDec 14–March 4. Two-time Tony Award win-ner Joe DiPietro presents Clever Little Lies, acomedy that tells the story of long-termlove and marriage and the secrets exposedthat turn into an unexpected family disclo-sure, possibly changing everything. Compelling and emotional, this poignantlyfunny play about a son’s admission of infidelity to his father will draw you in.

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Brownsville SongJan 25–March 26. Inspired by true events,Brownsville Song by Kimber Lee is apoignant and uplifting story of one family’scourage and endurance after a senseless actof gang violence affects their lives forever.Described as moving, vivid and rhythmic bythe New York Times, this play is about thehope and resilience a family must findwithin their tight-knit Brooklyn borough.

Rich GirlApril 5–May 26. Based on of the 1940s classic, The Heiress, Rich Girl by VictoriaStewart, this clever and contemporary com-edy about women and their relationship tomen, mothers and money—in that order. A story about a girl falling head over heelsin love, this play will have you questioningwhether they can ever really coexist.

International Music FestivalApril 3–12. Enjoy award-winning interna-tional musicians and the various festivalevents from Simply Sonatas to Sonata aDue, Meet the Musicians and Musical Chefs, where La Musica musicians are featured at a lively, interactive dinner atMichael’s Wine Cellar.

The Manatee Players

Housed in the Manatee Performing Arts Center, the Manatee Players reignas Bradenton’s most prominent theaterand performing arts troupe. With Producing Artistic Director Rick Kerby at the helm, the Manatee Playersshowcases the area’s extensive talentpool through comedies, dramas andmusicals, sometimes wrangling it all together for one big community event.manateeperformingartscenter.com

AssassinsOct 27–Nov 13. Meet the men and womenwho took aim at the highest office in theland, or more precisely, the individual hold-ing it, in Stephen Sondheim’s deliciouslydark musical starring infamous Americanssuch as John Wilkes Booth and Lee HarveyOswald, as they take part in a murderouscarnival game under the direction of themysterious Balladeer. Rated R.

cover: Doug Elkins, Hapless Bizarre with Deborah Lohse and Jamie Kraus;photo courtesy of Jacobs Pillow 2013. this page, l-r: A Tribute to Ashton,Sarasota Ballet, March 10-11, 2017 and Eric Leblanc, Marie-Eve Perron andRichard Clarkin in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea coming to the Asolo this season; photo by Claus Anderson.

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La Musica

Specializing in chamber music presentation and production, La Musicahas carved a place in its decades-longtenure as a musical meeting of theminds, bringing esteemed performersfrom Europe and the US together forcollaborative performances. Under thedirection of artistic director Bruno Giuranna and president Sally Faron, La Musica continues to explore thisseason. Visit lamusicafestival.org

Sonata a DueDec 6. La Musica opens its season at TheField Club with an intimate recital perform-ance. Enjoy cocktails and a fine dinner withfellow chamber music enthusiasts while vio-linist Federico Agostini and pianist DerekHan perform a private recital.

Beauty and the BeastDec 1–18. The Manatee Players brings thisDisney classic to the stage just in time forthe holiday season. When the Beast impris-ons her father, the headstrong Belle bravesthe dark castle to save him, encounteringmagical friends and maybe a chance to res-cue the beast himself. Revisit the magic orexperience it for the first time. Rated G.

WitFeb 23–March 12. Ailing English professor Dr.Vivian Bearing faces her final hours, dyingof stage IV metastatic ovarian cancer, whenher oncologist proposes a risky and experi-mental treatment. Through the lens of thelanguage and poets she loves, Bearinglooks back on a life lived to this particularmoment. Written by Margaret Edson andwinner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.Rated PG-13.

Boynton Beach ClubMarch 16–April 2. Residents of a senior com-munity for the aging and single find hope,friendship and maybe even a bit of romancein this world premiere at times both hilari-ous and poignant. Between Lois’ affair witha younger man, Jack and Harry’s crashcourse in courtship and single Sandy’s ad-vances, Boynton Beach Club shows noshortage of lust or life. Rated PG-13.

Peter and the StarcatcherApril 6–23. It’s a world of magic, pirates, highseas daring and remote island adventure inthis Tony Award-winning prequel to J.M. Bar-rie’s Peter and Wendy exploring the originsof Neverland and its puckish guardian, PeterPan. With a mysterious trunk from the fa-mous Starcatcher Lord Astor at risk, youngMolly and her nameless orphan companionmust outwit the infamous Black Stache tosave the world. Rated PG.

Perlman Music Program

The Perlman Music Program (PMP) has held a winter residency in Sarasotasince 2004. This intensive 17-day pro-gram was founded by Toby Perlman,wife of internationally acclaimed concertviolinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman.PMP offers unparalleled musical trainingfor international students, ages 12 to20+, who play the violin, viola, celloand bass. With a faculty led by Tobyand Itzhak Perlman and comprisingsome of the most gifted musical talentsof our time, the PMP Sarasota WinterResidency offers an artistic and personalexperience that changes students' livesforever. The winter residency's free pub-lic events include orchestra and chorusrehearsals, master classes and works-in-progress student recitals, which attractmore than 13,000 audience memberseach year. Question and answer ses-sions with the Perlmans and PMP stu-dents and faculty follow many of theseevents. These events take place in aheated, outdoor performance tent onthe grounds of the USF Sarasota-Mana-tee campus. Each year, the winter resi-dency culminates with the CelebrationConcert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestraand Patrick Romano leading the PMPChorus at the Sarasota Opera House.Visit perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

Though recently rebranded and planning a move to a new primary lo-cation in Lakewood Ranch, the Playersremains Sarasota’s longest-runningcommunity theater, carving a consider-able niche in the cultural landscape by putting the community on stageseason after season. With the annualBroadway series bringing some of thebiggest musicals to town and SNAPshows offering a taste of “SomethingNew” each season, Artistic Director Jeffery Kin keeps the audience

guessing. This year, enjoy seeing filmfavorites reimagined live and for thestage. Visit theplayers.org

Young Frankenstein Nov 2–20. When the infamous Victor vonFrankenstein dies to much celebration, hisshamefaced son Frederick returns to Transyl-vania only to be tempted into the familybusiness he forswore. With music, book andlyrics from Mel Brooks himself, this musicaladaptation promises all the madcap fun thatmade the 1974 film a classic.

Legally Blonde: The MusicalDec 7–23. Bubbly sorority girl Elle Woods isbetter known for her perfect pink ensemblesand cheery compliance, but when boyfriendWarner dumps her as a ditz, Elle sets hersights on Harvard Law School to win himback. Surprising everyone—including her-self—Elle begins to think maybe shedoesn’t need Warner after all.

Big FishFeb 15–March 5. In a fantastical show long onpathos, Will confronts his ailing and estrangedfather to discover the truths behind his talltales of life as a traveling salesman. Funny,moving and a visual feast, this fairytale musi-cal based on the 1998 novel and 2003 TimBurton film celebrates the enduring bond offamily and the necessity of letting go.

FootlooseMarch 22–April 9. When light-footed big-city boy Ren ends up in a conservativesmall town where dancing is illegal and rock and roll forbidden, things are off to a rough start. Throw in a risqué courtshipwith the preacher’s daughter and troubleseems just around the corner. The corner-stone musical for the season, this TonyAward-winning show features original music from Kenny Loggins, Sammy Hagar, Tom Snow and more.

Boeing BoeingApril 26–May 14. Boeing pilot and eligiblebachelor Bernard couldn’t have it better, flying high and juggling secret affairs withthree beautiful stewardesses in his Parisflat. But when Boeing introduces a faster jet and schedules shift, Bernard faces three imminent houseguests and a lot of explaining. Based on the 1965 film starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis.

this page: The Triumphal March in Sarasota Opera's production of Verdi's Aida, photo by Rod Millington.

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Pops Orchestra

With conductor Robyn Bell wielding the baton, the Pops Orchestra gears up for its 41st season as Sarasota-Bradenton’s community orchestra, showcasing local musical talent and giving the town’s hidden gems a chanceto shine. thepopsorchestra.org

Jolly PopsDec 12 (Bradenton); Dec 18 (Sarasota). ThePops Orchestra joins forces with the QolQuartet—Johanna Fincher (soprano), RobynRicklein (mezzo-soprano), Adam Bielamow-icz (tenor) and Christopher Holloway (bari-tone)—for this holiday show full of soaringoperatic vocals.

My Funny ValentineFeb 12 (Bradenton); Feb 13 (Sarasota). Join pi-anist and funnyman Rich Ridenour, knownfor his work with the likes of Smokey Robin-son, Carol Lawrence and Martin Short, aswell as the Grand Rapids Symphony Orches-tra, for a night of music, comedy and Valen-tine’s Day good cheer.

Out of This WorldApril 2 (Bradenton); April 3 (Sarasota). Com-poser and electro-acoustic violist pioneerMartha Mooke brings her singular soundlive to the stage in a show seeing the artistpull out all the stops to prove just what afive-string viola can do. Incorporating digitaleffects and processing into her improvisa-tional performance, Mooke aims for thestratosphere.

Realize Bradenton

A nonprofit organization dedicated to invigorating Bradenton’s culturalscene, this community-focused organi-zation seeks to create a more activeand culturally connected downtown forBradenton, regularly organizing large-scale events in conjunction with privatebusinesses, public resources and localartists, celebrating the city’s heritageand place within the cultural fabric ofthe Suncoast. realizebradenton.com

Spirit Voices from Old ManateeOct 6–8, 13–16, 20–23. Now in its sixth season, Spirit Voices takes advantage of the Halloween spirit to revive the pioneersof the historic Village of Manatee, withartists assuming the roles of various no-table people buried within the Old 1850Manatee Burying Grounds, walking thecemetery grounds and telling tales from a time long past. The final performance on October 23 will be stationary, takingplace within the 1887 Church for those who prefer a seated experience.

Mana-Con Comics ConventionOct 22. Booked as Manatee County Library’s “biggest and most exciting eventof the year,” this free event assembles thecommunity’s comic counters, game geeks,manga mavens and sci-fi cinephiles for aone-day, all-out celebration, complete withbooths, presentations and the requisite pa-rade of hand-crafted and exacting cosplayright up there on the runway. This year, eliteStar Wars cosplayers Buurenaar Verda Clanof the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club andRa Kura Base of the Rebel Legion and 501stTampa Bay Squad will be in attendance.

Bradenton Blues FestivalDec 2–4. With a line-up this year full to thebrim with 11 visiting acts including “monsterguitarist” and pedigreed bluesman RonnieBaker Brooks, western-bred blues rockersThe Golden State/Lone Star Revue and theaward-winning, crowd-pleasing dynamo thatis Victor Wainwright and the Wildroots, theBradenton Blues Festival continues to grow.Whether it be the soul and blues sounds ofthe Slam Allen Band or the singular Mem-phis harmonica of Jason Ricci, the festivalpromises to give everyone the blues theywant, and maybe even the blues they need.

Manatee Pride 2017March 18. Bradenton celebrates its LGBTQpopulation with this free and open streetfestival featuring live music and perform-ances, local artisans and food and drinkfrom community vendors, including localcraft beers. Proceeds from the event benefitPrism Youth Initiative, which provides serv-ices and support to the LGBTQ youth ofManatee County.

The Ringling

Situated along 66 acres on the bay,The Ringling boasts an impressivearray of classics and works from theOld Masters, with a Rubens collectionof note, as well as regularly hostingtravelling exhibitions on the forefrontof contemporary art in the UnitedStates and abroad. The on-site CircusConservatory houses the area’s localcircus history in addition to exploringthe form’s greater reach. The historicCà d'Zan mansion stands freshly reno-vated by the water, with tours avail-able. Rich in history, the museum’sroots date all the way back to 1924,and the establishment serves as alegacy of the original owners, John and Mable Ringling. ringling.org

Soviet Scenes: Baltermants’Photographs of WWII Oct 14–Jan 8. Get a glimpse behind the IronCurtain and explore the world of the SovietUnion both at the height of World War IIand through the August Coup of 1991 thatresulted in its downfall. Photographer DmitriBaltermants’ work, which was used as state-endorsed propaganda at the time, capturesthe emotional toll taken by the war, whilethe August Coup is explored through thework of several photojournalists witnessingthe Union’s dissolution.

Asia Under the Big Top Oct 14–Feb 13. In their day, traveling circusespromised to bring the wonders of the worldto the people and it’s no wonder that theFar East and all of its exoticism to Westerntownsfolk played right into their hands.Through this collection of historic litho-graphic posters and prints, explore howAsian traditions and Western stereotypesshaped traveling shows and entranced audi-ences with everything from far-off snakecharmers to strongmen.

left: Hair, Venice Theatre.

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A Feast for the Senses: Art and Experience in Medieval EuropeFeb 4-April 30. Presented in partnership withThe Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, the ex-hibition features over 160 objects from vari-ous collections and institutions for anexploration of the art of the late medievaland early Renaissance periods, as societal at-titudes towards pleasure, nature and humanexistence saw tremendous change. The exhi-bition comprises both secular and sacredworks in the form of paintings, tapestries,metalwork and manuscripts.

National Theater LiveBringing world-class theater to the silver screen, The Ringling showcases ahandful of recent and notable stage productions captured on film to be screenedat the historic Asolo Theater throughout theyear. Selections range this year from a pairof performances from the Bolshoi Ballet todevastating dramas, raucous comedies andthe Broadway hit and Best Play winner War Horse. Oct 21. Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema:The Golden Age. Nov 4. Bolshoi Ballet inCinema: The Bright Stream. Nov 18. TheDeep Blue Sea. Dec 2. The ThreepennyOpera. Dec 9. War Horse.

Sarasota Ballet

Under the guidance of director IainWebb, the Sarasota Ballet has grownby leaps and bounds, continuallyadding to a repertoire that includesboth iconic and uncommon balletsfrom renowned choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balan-chine, Antony Tudor and more, in addi-tion to commissioning new works fromup-and-coming choreographers and established greats. This year, the

company recognizes Webb’s contribu-tions with a season entitled A Decadeof Director Iain Webb, featuring pro-gramming calling back to Webb’s be-ginnings with the ballet and greatestmoments. Garnering an internationalreputation, the Sarasota Ballet regu-larly compounds its performances withguest performances from travellingcompanies, bringing ballet from aroundthe world. sarasotaballet.org

Walsh, Graziano, Tudor & LaytonOct 28-30. In this season opener, SarasotaBallet looks back to choreographer DominicWalsh’s Wolfgang for Webb, the first com-missioned work during Director Iain Webb’stenure, before presenting the Sarasota pre-miere of Antony Tudor’s 1971 abstract balletContinuo and Joe Layton’s The Grand Tour,following the comical misadventures of anelderly tourist on a cruise full of celebrities.

JewelsDec 16-17. A Company premiere, George Balanchine’s ambitious abstract ballet inthree parts—“Emeralds,” “Rubies” and “Diamonds”—will be performed in its entiretywith live music, exploring the history of clas-sical dance from ballet’s origins in France,through its blossoming in Russia and to thecomposer’s own expression of the tradition.

Graziano, Ashton & TuckettJan 27-30. Sir Frederick Ashton’s Valses nobles et sentimentales returns to thestage, followed by the world premiere of the 11th new work from Resident Choreogra-pher Ricardo Graziano, celebrated for hisabstract sensibilities and grand flowingmovements. The program closes with the return of Will Tuckett’s Changing Light, inspired by Sarasota’s own sunsets.

A Tribute to AshtonMarch 10-11. The tribute to Sir Frederick Ash-ton begins with the first performance of thefamed choreographer’s Scènes de ballet byan American company. A seminal work, muchof what Ashton would be celebrated for canbe seen beginning in Scènes. The programcloses with The Two Pigeons, which first pre-miered in Director Iain Webb’s debut season.

Ashton, de Valois & RobbinsApril 28-30. Designed to showcase the ver-satility of the company, the night beginswith Sir Frederick Ashton’s Apparitions,

in its first performance by an American company, followed by Dame Ninette deVal-ois’ signature ballet, Checkmate. The night,and season, concludes with the Companypremiere of Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company

The Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company (previously Fuzion Artists), entering its 11th season, is now recog-nized for its collaborative performancesand eclectic choreography which fusesvarious dance styles: traditional, modern dance, Middle Eastern, aerialdance, Afro-modern and technologically-infused work. In addition to a variety ofcommunity collaborations and perform-ances at local venues, the SarasotaContemporary Dance Company has alsobeen presented at the Alabama BalletCenter for Dance, John F. Kennedy Cen-ter, Merce Cunningham Studio Theatreand the Ailey Citygroup Theatre.sarasotacontemporarydance.org.

Jazz + SCDOct 13-16. Bringing you a fresh perspective by joining forces with renownedjazz musicians led by Shane Chalke, SCDadds their contemporary flare by introducingfour performances that promise to becomea season highlight reminiscent of the com-pany’s earlier successful partnership withJazz Juvenocracy.

Voices of SCDDec 1-4. An annual spectacle that showsthe company’s approach to dance, Voices is comprised of movements of pure physicalenjoyment, thought and moments of delightand absolute hilarity. Audiences are eagerfor works by emerging choreographers thatexpand the boundaries of art. Original andadventurous, these pieces presented arechoreographed by company members andemerging choreographers chosen duringtheir summer festival to expand their works for their main stage.

Dance MakersFeb 9-12. SCD’s 11th annual concert featuresimaginative dance pieces by nationally ac-claimed contemporary choreographersMichael Foley, Doug Gillespie and AdeleMyers as well as modern dance pioneers

this page: The Little Foxes, Asolo Repertory Theatre.

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Ruth St. Denis and Doris Humphrey. These works are hand picked by the artistic director to present the strength,power, charm and diversity of the companybut also to showcase their mission to present a range of contemporary dance for multi-generational and multi-culture audience in our community.

Evolving/RevolvingMay 11–14. Highlighting new works by SCD former company member Alyson Dolan, Sarasota’s local hip-hop sensationKris Tetris Powell, former Sarasota Balletstalwart Sayward Grindley and retired DanceDirector (Harvard University) Elizabeth WeilBergmann. These performances will honordancers and choreographers that have previously graced SCD’s stage as well as ones that are nationally celebrated.

Sarasota Cuban Ballet

Founded by Wilmian Hernandez and Ariel Serrano, the Sarasota CubanBallet School teaches the curriculum of the Cuban Ballet School of NationalBallet of Cuba. Husband-wife team Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandezwere influenced by the great masterteachers in Cuba: Fernando Alonso, Estele Garcia, Aurora Bosch and Ramona De Saa, among others. In theCuban tradition, they were selected at a young age to learn the art andthrough their diligence, intense trainingand natural talent emerged to becomeprincipal dancers with various companies throughout the world. sarasotacubanballetschool.com

Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Opera is in its 58th season ofbringing premiere opera shows to thelocal Sarasota area. The group has beenin operation since 1960 and has beenunder the artistic leadership of VictorDeRenzi since his welcoming in 1983.With last year’s completion of the VerdiCycle—a three-decade-long mission toperform every note that Giuseppe Verdiwrote–the company won internationalacclaim and Maestro DeRenzi, the onlyperson in the world to have conductedall of Verdi’s available works, was sub-sequently knighted by the Italian gov-ernment. Additionally, the companyremains dedicated to youth opera edu-cation through their Sarasota YouthOpera program, which is currently themost comprehensive youth program ofits kind in the nation. sarasotaopera.org

Don Pasquale Oct 28–Nov 13. Don Pasquale wants hisnephew Ernesto to find a suitable wife, but the boy only has eyes for lovely Norino,of whom Don Pasquale would never ap-prove. Norino, Ernesto and Don Pasqualehatch their own plans to end the standoff—each unknowingly enlisting the help of wise Dr. Malatesta—in Gaetano Donizetti’scomedy of errors in three acts.

Madame Butterfly Feb 11–March 25. One of the most beloved and most performed operas of alltime, Giacomo Puccini’s epic tragedy tells the story of young Butterfly, who waits in her house on the hill in Nagasaki for theAmerican husband she married three yearsprior to return. When he finally does, it’s not with the news she expects.

Dialogues of the CarmelitesMarch 4–24. In the final days of the FrenchRevolution’s bloody Reign of Terror, FrancisPoulenc’s timid Blanche de la Force seeksrefuge from the world in a convent only tofind that her faith, which will certainly betested, may place her directly in harm’s way.

The Love of Three KingsMarch 11–26. Italo Montemezzi’s classicand grand tale of romance and intrigue,

Princess Fiora has found her one true love in brave Avito, but is forced to marry Manfredo, son of the man who conquered her country. Fiora and Avito continue theirtryst in secret, but the blind king may see more than they know.

Sarasota Orchestra

An 80-member orchestra performingmore than 100 concerts in a given year,the Sarasota Orchestra has made aname for itself in the area as both en-tertainer and educator, offering concertsand experiences to the communitythrough a variety of performances de-signed to engage and enthuse. A cele-brator of the classics as well ascontemporary gems, Sarasota Orchestraholds the distinguished title of beingthe oldest continuing orchestra in thestate. With four series ongoing through-out the year—Masterworks, Great Es-capes, Chamber Soiree and Pops—anddozens of performances, there’s a showfor everyone. Visit sarasotaorchestra.org

Quintessential QuintetsOct 16. A zesty Baroque fanfare by Gabrieli isthe perfect launching point for this celebra-tion of classic chamber works. Beethoven’sPiano Quintet offers a peek into the bold anddramatic nature of the composer. Weberloved the clarinet, thrusting the instrument tothe forefront for his Clarinet Quintet. The clar-inet sings and soars in this lyrical piece fea-turing principal clarinet Bharat Chandra.

Breaking BadOct 19–22. Every villain has a backstory, andeven storybook heroes find themselves“breaking bad.” Join the Orchestra for anevening illuminating the tragic tales of mis-understood monsters and good guys gonebad. Selections include music from Wizardof Oz to Frankenstein to Phantom of theOpera as well as the theme to the populartelevision series of the same name.

left: Treat Williams, Sarasota Film Festival 2016

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The Rite Music: Masterworks 1Nov 4–6. One of the most beautiful violinconcertos ever written joins a piece sowild—Rite of Spring—that it incited a riot at its premiere. Prepare to be exhilarated by Stravinsky’s groundbreaking ballet scorethat packs a powerful wallop. ConcertmasterDaniel Jordan will take the soaring melodiesof Mendelssohn’s beloved concerto to new heights of serenity.

The New WorldDec 2–4. If there are two iconic pieces thatbest describe America from the most diver-gent of perspectives, they may be Copland’sAppalachian Spring and Dvořák’s symphonyFrom the New World. Violinist Vadim Gluz-man is one of the biggest names in theclassical music world and promises to bringextra fire to Prokofiev’s fierce concerto.

A Tribute to Elton JohnJan 20–21. Cavanaugh is renowned for hisstarring role in the Broadway musical,Movin’ Out, celebrating the work of BillyJoel. This year, the Grammy and Tony Awardnominee returns to celebrate another titanof piano rock: Sir Elton John. In this tributeto the British piano legend, you’ll hear clas-sics ranging from “Benny and the Jets” to“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” to “Candle inthe Wind” and more. Cavanaugh also paystribute to other rock ‘n’ roll legends.

The Music of SinatraApril 21–22. Jazz vocalist Michael Andrew’ssilky, smooth croon recalls a bygone era.The days of the Rat Pack may be behind us,but Andrew’s tribute to Frank Sinatra withthe Sarasota Orchestra proves one thing:The Best is Yet to Come. This concert is amulti-media experience that combines clas-sic favorites from the Sinatra songbook withvideo clips and narration that tells the lifestory of legendary Ol' Blue Eyes.

Urbanite Theatre

The newest addition to the Suncoast’stheatrical scene, founders Summer DawnWallace and Brendan Ragan make astatement each season with sold-out,cutting-edge shows performed in theblack box style, shifting effortlessly fromheavy drama to heady comedy. In addi-tion to full productions, the Urbaniteregularly schedules spur of the momentreadings and one-off performances fromarea artists and performers, so keep anear to the ground. vanwezel.org

My Barking DogNov 11–Dec 18. Stuck in a rut, two complacent city-dwellers are stirred to lifewhen a wild coyote begins to visit their fire escape. Inspired by the creature, the pairbegins to shed their human constraints fora walk on the wild side. Contains nudityand mature themes.

IdeationJan 27–March 12. A group of consultantsworking on a massive but seemingly ethi-cally dubious project encounter bureaucraticpitfalls and dodge personal guilt in AaronLoeb’s thrilling dark comedy exploration ofthe absurdity and extremes of corporate bu-reaucracy and human rationalization. Con-tains mature language.

Bo-NitaMarch 31–April 30. When events transpire toleave 13-year-old Bo-Nita with her dead ex-stepfather on her bedroom floor, the preco-cious youngster and her mother set off on awhirlwind adventure to keep the family to-gether in this one-woman show full of bellydancers, jailbirds and Cajun philosophers.Contains adult language and maturethemes.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Playfully dubbed The Purple Cow by lo-cals, this distinctive Frank Lloyd Wrightcreation abuts the Sarasota Bayfront,where it serves as Sarasota’s primaryconnection to the world of national andinternational touring performance, bring-ing storied performers and productionsto the local stage as a regular stop onthe regional, national and internationaltouring circuits. vanwezel.org

ZZ TopOct 31. More than 46 years after its forma-tion in the Houston area, “that little ol’band from Texas” is at it again. Notable forhaving the most consistently stable lineupin the history of rock music, Rock and RollHall of Fame inductees ZZ Top are hittingthe road with their Hell Raisers Tour andmaking a pit stop at the Van Wezel.

Beach Boys “Christmas”Dec 12. A group that changed the musical landscape over 50 years ago, The Beach Boys are returning to the stageduring the holiday season this year and performing their greatest hits and Christmasfavorites such as “Fun Fun Fun”, “CaliforniaGirls” and “Help me, Rhonda”. Good Vibra-tions Gold VIP package is offered which includes an autographed copy of MikeLove’s new memoir, Good Vibrations, My Life as a Beach Boy.

OnceMarch 17. Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awardsincluding best musical, Once tells the en-chanting tale of a Dublin street musicianwho’s about to give up on his dream until ayoung woman takes a sudden interest in hishaunting love songs. Featuring an impres-sive ensemble of actor/musicians who playtheir own instruments onstage, this musicalwill draw you in from the very first note.

Kinky BootsApril 25–30. With songs by Grammy andTony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, KinkyBoots is a joyous musical celebration in-spired by true events, which deals with thefriendships we discover and the belief thatyou can change the world when you changeyour mind. The winner of six Tony Awardsincluding Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography.

Venice Theatre

A nonprofit organization and the second-largest community theater in the UnitedStates, Venice Theatre has made a namefor itself as the hub for stage perform-ance in Venice, bringing national and in-ternational talent to the stage alongsidecommunity enthusiasts and aspiring ca-reerists since 1950. Hosting multiple se-ries of performances per year, includingMain Stage productions and intimate

this page: Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

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cabaret acts, Venice Theatre is a one-stop-shop for area theater fans. Fearlessby nature, look for the bonkers, off-the-wall and unexpected on stage.

The Toxic Avenger Sept 30–Oct 23. When the New Jersey townof Tromaville is threatened by environmentaldisaster in the form of toxic waste dumping,an unlikely hero arises to fend off goons,corrupt politicians and Tromaville’s destruc-tion in this campy, violent and funny musi-cal based on the 1984 film. Area premiere.

Billy ElliotNov 8–Dec 4. The area premiere for this TonyAward-winning Broadway hit with music andlyrics by Elton John, enter the world of the1980s miners’ strike in Northeastern Eng-land, where young and motherless Billy El-liot swaps boxing gloves for ballet shoes,much to his father’s disapproval.

Frost/NixonJan 19–Feb 11. In 1977, disgraced formerpresident Richard Nixon agreed to a seriesof televised interviews with broadcasterDavid Frost, wherein his administration andpersonal role in the Watergate scandal wereexplored. Playwright Peter Morgan bringsthe historic moment to life in this dramati-zation of one of American politics most famous interviews.

Inherit The Wind April 11–30. A fictionalized account of the1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial in which highschool science teacher John Scopes was puton trial for teaching Charles Darwin’s theoryof evolution, the play debuted in 1955 andquickly became a seminal work, spawningrevivals and films.

Annual Festivals

CineWorld Film FestivalNov 4–13. Historically, the festival has been a non-stop marathon of films dedicated to various film genre. The Sara-sota Film Society anticipates this year willbe no different, resulting in a collection ofmust see films to satisfy each individual’spalate, approximately 40-50 will bescreened. filmsociety.org

Forks and Corks: Grand TastingJan 29. Hosted in the courtyard of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art bythe Sarasota-Manatee Originals, The GrandTasting offers a broad look at the area culinary scene, with flavorful injections fromacross the globe. With more than 50 arearestaurants participating, wine from 80 topinternational wineries and a selection of mi-crobrews and craft beers available, it’s amust for the sophisticated foodie.dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks

Ringling International Art FestivalOct 12–16. Showcasing the latest happeningsin the world of contemporary performanceart, once a year The Ringling invites a selectgroup of performers to bring their shows toSarasota for four jam-packed days of music,theater and dance. This year the festival ex-pands venues with performances heldwithin the Cà d'Zan, the Circus Museum andeven the Museum of Art itself. Visitingartists include the Australian acrobat troupeGravity & Other Myths, Israeli cellist MattHaimovitz, New Zealand comic Thomas Mon-ckton collaborating with Finland’s CircoAereo and contemporary dance from DougElkins Choreography, etc. ringling.org

Sarasota Chalk FestivalNov 11–14. Founded by local Denise Kowal,the award-winning and world record-break-ing Sarasota Chalk Festival returns for an-other installment of street art spectacles,bringing professionals from around theworld and amateurs from around the coun-try together in a celebration of theephemeral art form and its community po-tential. With visiting artists Cecelia Linayo,Victor Puzin, Bridget Lyons and James Bul-lough in attendance this year, the festivaltheme is Love and Peace, inviting the townto sketch their vision of harmony right onthe pavement. chalkfestival.org

Sarasota Craft ShowDec 2-4. The event, now in its eighth year, will feature exceptional works in ceramics, decorative fiber, glass, jewelry,leather, metal, mixed-media, paper, wear-able art, wood, painting, photography andsculpture by more than 100 of the nation'stop artists. Hailed by artists nationwide asone of the more innovative promoters em-powering artisans working in the fine artsand crafts industry, Richard Rothbard andhis wife Joanna are the owners of An Ameri-can Craftsman Galleries NYC since 1982.sarasotacraftshow.com

Sarasota Film FestivalMarch 31–April 9. Showcasing the latest andgreatest of cutting edge and independentfilm, the Sarasota Film Festival takes overthe town for ten days out of the year, bring-ing filmmakers from around the world andmore than a couple stars, such as lastyear’s Caitlin Fitzgerald, Matthew Modineand Sofia Loren, to present their latest proj-ects and talk film with the gathered commu-nity. With over 200 films showing andsignature social events including OpeningNight and the nigh-legendary 1137 Party al-ways in tow, SFF has grown to be a truly in-ternational event in the world of film.sarasotafilmfestival.com

Sarasota Music FestivalJune 2017. The Sarasota Music Festival is amagical combination of youthful promiseand acclaimed talent that carries a reputa-tion as one of the finest classical-musicevents in the nation. Events include MasterClasses, Artist Showcases, Friday Festivals,Saturday Symphonies and student recitals.Produced by the Sarasota Orchestra.sarasotaorchestra.org/festival

Sarasota Music Half MarathonFeb 5. The Sarasota Music Half Marathon isproduced by SHM LLC. Its mission is to cre-ate a signature event for Sarasota by pro-viding a cool experience for the athletesand spectators, involve the community andraise money for local non profits. You’ll lovethe race—have fun, fun, fun, ‘til daddytakes your t-bird away. sarasotahalf.com

left: LMnO3, BANGS-WhitneyBrowne, Ringling International Arts Festival.

14 CULTURE COAST PRIMER 2016-17 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SRQ MAGAZINE