Arts + Entertainment 3.16.23

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Becoming ‘Madama Butterfly’

The deepness of an ojiji (bow).

The way a geisha holds her sensu (folding fan) to giggle behind. How high her arms lift in a gofuku (kimono).

The way feet move across the stage wearing uwabaki (traditional Japanese slippers) and tabi (socks).

These are some of the actions studied by cast members while training for the Sarasota Opera’s 2023 production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.”

Sarasota Opera Stage Director Stephanie Sundine brought New York City-based movement coach Yoko Yamashita to Sarasota for a three-day training session with the opera.

Sundine wanted to make sure that the character Cho Cho San (Butterfly), the chorus of geishas and others in the production would have an accurate Japanese movement vocabulary to draw upon while performing the iconic opera.

Sundine, who was an opera singer for 25 years and has been a stage director for about 25 more, had worked with Yamashita before. She knew that Japanese movement training would go a long way toward establishing the authentic-

ity of a revered work that has been performed worldwide for nearly 120 years.

‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’ REDUX

From its 1904 premiere at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala to the Sarasota Opera’s 2023 Winter Festival, “Madama Butterfly” has emerged as one of the most beloved and recognized operas in the world.

The plot revolves around Cho Cho, a young geisha also known as Madama Butterfly, who falls in love with American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, only to be so tragically betrayed that she takes her own life.

As one of the most frequently performed operas in the world, “Madama Butterfly” is an enduring success story. The Sarasota Opera alone has staged it nine times since 1968. Five of those seasons — 1994, 2007, 2011, 2017 and now in 2023 — have featured Maestro Victor DeRenzi as conductor.

With great achievement, however, often comes controversy. Problems with public and critical perception of “Madama Butterfly” surfaced after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. At that time, the opera was deemed to be inflammatory — especially given its depiction of American

LA SYLPHIDE

Johan Kobborg’s production of August Bournonville’s iconic full length romantic ballet.

by

‘Madama Butterfly’

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naval officers behaving badly. “Madama Butterfly” was even formally banned at New York’s Metropolitan Opera during World War II. More recently, it has been criticized for a range of issues including perpetuating Japanese clichés and caricatures, patriarchism, Orientalism, cultural appropriation and racism.

Some of those problems may have been inevitable. Not only was “Madama Butterfly” composed more than a century ago during a less enlight-

ened era; no one involved in its original creation was Japanese or even had visited the island nation. The plot came from a one-act play written by an American in 1900 based partly on an 1898 American short story inspired by an 1887 French novel.

IT’S COMPLICATED

Soprano Raquel González, who makes her Sarasota Opera debut as Cho Cho San (Butterfly) in the latest production, is no stranger to the role. The three-time “Butterfly” veteran notes the complexity in staging the work for modern audiences. Some of this involves balancing cultural shifts of perception in recent years with the fact that Puccini describes exactly what he wants Butterfly to do in the score and more.

González says she was familiar with the style of movement taught by

Yamashita, “but when you first learn it, there’s a steep learning curve,” she says.

Authenticity is found in learning the details: how deeply to perform a particular bow, how to take small, narrow steps and the proper way to kneel in a kimono.

“Butterfly is not just Japanese. She is also a trained geisha at the turn of the century,” González notes. “As an American woman in 2023, I want to honor Puccini’s (instructions) and the authenticity of Japanese movements.”

According to Sundine, learning to use a folding fan in different situations and mastering the depth of a bow, which depends the relationship with the person being greeted, were highlights of the three-day Japanese movement training.

Sundine describes how, at the start, “a lot of the geisha chorus wanted to just fan themselves,” instead of using the prop to be coy and friendly, which is part of a geisha’s mannerisms. Now, members of the chorus giggle behind their fans, then point at something and giggle some more, she says.

There’s a world of nuance when it comes to performing a bow in Japan — and not just on stage. For example, shaku is a simple 15-degree bend or nod of the head; keirei is a 30-degree tilt to show respect; and saikeirei is a full 45- to 90-degree bow.

Both Sundine and González agree that authenticity is key but note that it’s also important to understand what movements will work on stage. “With respect to the language of (Japanese) movement, we sometimes had to scale up for the opera stage,” says Sundine.

For this, the director worked with Yamashita to choose and alter movements for certain situations. When performing in a kimono, “you never want to raise your arms above shoulder level,” says González.

“Having someone like Yoko develop a specific language (of movement) is key to honoring both Puccini’s work and the sensitivity of the culture we are in today,” Sundine says.

IF YOU GO CELEBRATION CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23

Where: First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, 2050 Oak St.

Tickets: $35 Visit ChamberOrchestra-Sarasota.org or call 219-928-8665.

The website was equipped with a comprehensive search engine with parameters that included length of music and instrumentation. The latter is particularly important for a chamber orchestra, since the word “chamber” denotes a group of 25 or fewer musicians. (The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota has 19.)

A Musical Birthday Card

The program will feature the works of five Jewish composers.

Question: How will “Celebration,” the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota’s final concert of its sixth season, differ from all previous performances?

Answer: It’s the first time the orchestra will commemorate a nonmusical event — the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel — with a special concert of music by five Jewish composers. It’s also the first major solo performance by Christina Adams, who was named Chamber Orchestra concertmaster in February 2022. But that’s not all. “Celebration” also marks the first time that the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will perform original works by two living Israeli composers, Boris Levenberg and Noubar Aslanyan. “That’s really something quite special for us,” says Robert Vodnoy, Sarasota Chamber Orchestra’s music director, conductor and founder.

“Celebration” will also feature

works by Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin and Ernest Bloch. It will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota.

Audiences can anticipate three soloist showcases over the course of the evening. Violinist Adams will play “Hasidic Scene (Kaddish and Dance) for Violin and Strings” by Russian/Israeli composer Levenberg.

Robert Smith, principal trumpet of The Florida Orchestra, will be the guest soloist for “Trumpet Concertino” by Armenian/Israeli composer Aslanyan. Pianist Ann StephensonMoe is the featured soloist for Ernest Bloch’s “Concerto Grosso No. 1 for Strings with Piano Obbligato.”

“Music by Jewish composers reflects the historical, cultural and religious experiences of the composers themselves. This program spans two centuries of music and reflects the composers’ lives in Europe, Russia, the United States and modern Israel,” says Vodnoy. “The repertoire is enormous, but I’ve chosen some composers and works the audience will know and love and some new works, which I’m sure will thrill them.”

A CONDUCTOR’S JOURNEY

Once Vodnoy decided that the chamber orchestra he founded in 2017 would commemorate Israel’s 75th

anniversary, creating the program became a rich and joyful experience. It also could be called pre-ordained. Not only was the Maestro born in 1948, the year of the founding of the state of Israel, he was about to go there on vacation.

“My wife and I had planned an Israel trip with the Jewish Congregation of Venice where we are members, so I thought that I might be able to program a piece or two by Israeli composers and meet them when we were in Israel,” says Vodnoy. The problem was that he didn’t know any.

“So, I just Googled ‘living Israeli composers’ and found the website of the Israel Composers’ League (IsraelComposers.org),” he says.

The Composers’ League website also had recordings of each work.

Vodnoy selected a couple of dozen and started to listen. “There was a lot of music I liked but these two (the Levenberg and the Aslanyan) met other programming goals.”

After that, he went ahead and got in touch with the composers, met with them while he was in Israel, and even recorded video interviews with them. They can be viewed at the orchestra’s website along with clips from other recent Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota concerts.

After locking in the Israeli composers, Vodnoy turned his attention to finalizing all the music for “Celebration.” The Bloch Concerto will anchor the end of the concert. While that work doesn’t use the Jewish text or themes that Bloch is known for, “his ethnic identity is certainly felt in the pieces,” says Vodnoy.

Vodnoy also knew he wanted to include works by Ira Gershwin and Felix Mendelssohn, partly because the music is recognizable to audiences. “When I program concerts, I try to include composers where the audience can say, ‘I know his music.’”

Thus, the evening will open with Mendelssohn’s youthful Symphony No. 10, composed when he was only 14 years old, while George Gershwin’s “Lullaby” will add a jazzy feel to the program.

THURSDAY

SOFÍA ROCHA:

MAKING MUSICAL WAVES

6:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave.

$5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Sofia Rocha is the winner of the 2022 Hermitage Prize in Composition. A native of Boulder, Colorado, who grew up in Naples, Rocha is an avid trombonist and conductor.

‘ERNANI’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

From $25 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

The latest presentation in the Opera’s long-running Verdi Cycle, “Ernani” features a stirring score that follows a bandit who has lost everything as he faces competing suitors — including the king — for his true love. Continues at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

IRELAND WITH MICHAEL LIVE

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$22-$62 Visit VanWezel.org.

Starring Michael Londra of Broadway’s “Riverdance,” the multimedia performance combines the music, dance and stories of the Emerald Isle.

MASTERWORKS: ‘EMPEROR’

Sarasota Orchestra

7:30 p.m. at SFC Neel PAC, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton

$37-$99

Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov makes his Sarasota Orchestra debut with guest conductor Sascha Goetzel. The evening also includes selections from Prokofiev’s suite for “Romeo and Juliet.” Continues at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

FRIDAY

THIS WEEK

DON’T MISS

ANN MORRISON AND BLAKE WALTON: ‘SARASOLO’

7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts

$20 Visit SarasotaContemporary Dance.org.

“Oh, My Achin’ Feet” follows a 64-year-old on a 36-day pilgrimage through France and Spain that combines spirituality, humor and pathos. Continues Saturday.

SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL: ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT WITH GUMBI ORTIZ AND MARCUS MILLER BAND

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 16

Where: Circus Arts Big Top Tent at Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

Tickets: From $48 Info: Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.

Friends since the mid-1980s, Allen Carman and Gumbi Ortiz began their formal collaboration in 2015, bringing together the sounds of the noted bass player Carman and the percussionist Ortiz, the longtime right-hand man of jazz great Al DiMeola. Marcus Miller is a multifaceted artist best known for his work as a bassist. The jazz festival, which runs through March 18, includes other concerts as well as a selection of films and outdoor open jams.

present continuous entertainment under the tent. Traditional Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and beer will be for sale.

‘THÉRÈSE’

7:30 p.m. at 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $25 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

This rarely heard work by Jules Massenet about a love triangle during the French Revolution makes its Sarasota Opera debut. Continues at 1:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

CLANCY’S ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BASH

11 a.m. to midnight at 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Free Visit ClancysIrishSportsPub.com

The Eric Von Band, Jezabelle and the Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota are among the performers who will

SATURDAY

‘SINATRA! THE MUSICAL’

2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $26.50 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Tony Sands treats audiences to more than 20 hits in this rousing musical journey that follows Frank Sinatra’s career from his Big Band days to his triumphant return to Madison Square Garden. A 20-year veteran of the stage, Sands has appeared at the Tropicana Casino and Resort Hotel in Atlantic City and in the Rat Pack tribute at Harrah’s, among other venues.

‘BALANCE & IMBALANCE AND JUDO’ BY BEREISHIT DANCE CO.

7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bayshore Road

$10-$35 Visit Ringling.org.

Founded in 2011 by choreographer Park Soonho, Bereishit Dance Co. explores the relationship between nature’s physical laws and the human body. In “Balance & Imbalance,” traditional Korean music is supplemented by powerful drums accompanying the dancers. Continues at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

‘DON GIOVANNI’

7:30 p.m. at 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $25 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Set in 17th century Spain, Mozart’s most famous opera focuses on the infamous heartbreaker Don Juan, telling a story of obsession, betrayal, crime and retribution.

FST IMPROV PRESENTS

‘LIFE’S A BEACH’

8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 265 First St. $15 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

In this crowd-pleasing favorite, the cast of FST Improv draws upon audience suggestions and uses sketches, music and games to poke fun at “this beautiful spot in paradise we hold dear.”

SUNDAY

‘WHAT A NIGHT: JERSEY BOYS

MEETS MAMMA MIA’

3 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice

$36-$100

Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com

Promising the “most sensational musical finale you’ll ever see,” “What A Night” honors chart-topping hits from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and Abba culminating in a 20-minute climax. This event is sold out, but call the box office at 941218-0627 to join the waiting list.

MONDAY

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE TOUR

10:30 a.m. at 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Free Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Learn about the historic opera house’s past and present and get the scoop on the opera’s productions in this hour-and-a-half tour. Private tours for groups of 20 or more cost $12 per person and can be arranged by contacting the box office.

ROBERT GIBSON, CLASSICAL GUITARIST

7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista St. Free Visit GuitarSarasota.org.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Gibson has toured as both a soloist and chamber musician around the U.S. Mexico, Spain and Italy. in addition to the classical style Gibson is well-versed in multiple genres, including jazz, rock, country, contemporary Christian, Broadway and folk.

Rona Siddiqui is one of several musicians joining Hermitage CEO Andy Sandberg in this 20th anniversary performance.

OUR

PICK

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HERMITAGE ARTIST RETREAT

The 90-minute concert of Broadway songs celebrates the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s 20th anniversary and is a fundraiser for ongoing repairs because of Hurricane Ian. The show features such stars of the Great White Way as Jeannette Bayardelle, Laura Bell Bundy, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and Jay Armstrong Johnson, as well as Sarasota’s own Ann Morrison and Andy Sandberg, Hermitage artistic director and CEO, who returns to his musical roots.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. March 20

Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: From $25

Info: Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org

TUESDAY

‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’

1:30 p.m. at 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

From $25

Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Since its 1904 premiere in Milan, “Madama Butterfly” has become one of the most popular operas in the world. Over the years, the tragic tale of a Japanese geisha who commits suicide after being jilted by a U.S. Naval officer has sparked controversy, first during World War II, for its portrayal of

deceptive Americans, and later, for its stereotypical depictions of Asian women. It’s a crowd pleaser nonetheless.

GORDON LIGHTFOOT:

THE LEGEND IN CONCERT

8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$41-$85 Visit VanWezel.org.

The Canadian troubadour known for such 1970s hits as “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown” has recorded 21 albums and garnered five Grammy nominations. Lightfoot was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012 for defining the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ’70s.

WEDNESDAY

LENTEN NOONTIME RECITAL: CYNTHIA ROBERTS-GREENE

Noon at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. Free Visit RedeemerSarasota.org.

The latest in an ongoing Wednesday organ series that continues through Lent on March 29 and April 5.

‘FAMILY SECRETS’

1:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130

$36 Visit ThePlayers.org.

This award-winning multigenerational comedy by Sherry Glaser was first produced in 1998. It explores milestones such as pregnancy and birth, parenting and aging as well as issues of mental health, eating disorders and sexual identity. Runs through March 26.

UNDERSTANDING OPERA:

‘VIVA LA RÉVOLUTION!’

5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

$15 Visit SarasotaOpera.org

Sarasota Opera Director of Education Martha Collins explores how the drama and upheaval associated with political change inform such operas as this season’s “Thérèse.”

The Pops Orchestra Presents A Judy Garland Celebration

Come On, Get Happy

Celebrate 100 Years of Judy Garland with Joan Ellison and The Pops Orchestra as we perform a hit parade of songs with the original symphonic arrangements. Bring your smiles, dancing shoes, and everybody you know to this incredible concert experience.

Ever Onward Season 27

SAMANTHA BENNETT, violin

March 23

11:00 am performance followed by lunch

Sarasota Yacht Club

In this program of music that has inspired her career, Samantha Bennett will lead a journey through the centuries, performing works by Prokofiev and Berio, as well as perhaps the most famous unaccompanied violin piece of all, the Chaconne of JS Bach.

FEDER DUO

CHERYL LOSEY FEDER, harp ABRAHAM FEDER, cello

April 9, 4:00 pm • Temple Sinai

Cheryl Losey and Abraham Feder began their orchestral careers on the same day in 2008 with the Sarasota Orchestra, and the rest is history. They will perform a program of music for harp and cello, including their own transcriptions of music by Bach and Johann Strauss, Jr. 389198-1

festivals to performances and art exhibits, discover the wide variety of events happening in Sarasota and Manatee.

EATING WITH EMMA Sláinte to these Tasty Three dishes on St. Patrick’s Day

Gather ’round, raise your glass and choose from a trio of Irish-influenced offerings in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

I’ve had my fair share of stereotypical St. Patrick’s Day celebrations: I guzzled green beer in college while fraternity boys drunkenly bellowed Irish folk songs. I drank beer with my cousins along the Chicago River as the city dumped green dye into the water. Last but not least, I had my rite of passage as a Sarasota local when I celebrated the Irish at the Shamrock Pub, located at 227 Ringling Blvd., pretending I could dance as well as the Sassy Lassies.

But the older I get, the more I realize St. Patrick’s Day isn’t about day parties that slip into the wee hours of the morning. Rather, it represents the feeling that comes with being a proud and passionate Irish woman honoring the culture of my ancestors. Somewhere between the drinking and the dancing, the Irish overcame adversity by learning what it means to laugh at yourself, enjoying blessings — big or small— and celebrating any and everything. I mean everything.

You remembered to check the mail every day this week? Pour yourself a stiff one. You spent a day at the beach and didn’t sneeze because the red tide? Sláinte. Read a full Eating with Emma column? That calls for a toast.

While the Irish and those who think they are show up loudly and proudly every year, it’s local chefs who celebrate the origin of simple, savory ingredients that have me feeling extra lucky to be Irish — and not just on St. Patrick’s Day.

So gather ’round, raise your glass and feast on these tasty three Irishinfluenced dishes served up here in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

SHAKESPEARE’S CRAFT BEER & GASTRO PUB

3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941364-5938, ShakespearesEnglishPub. com

I’m lucky enough— wait, do you hear that? It’s my paternal grandfather, Francis W. Burke, rolling over in his grave as I start my

Irish-inspired food column with an English pub. But Grandpa, if you have any doubts — this is also your son’s favorite joint. Shakespeare’s is a place where you go when you’ve had a bad day to make it better and a place to continue celebrating the wins of a great day.

I selfishly wish I could keep this spot to myself, but the time has come to reveal the secrets of its more-than-pleasant plates accompanied by “are-we-still-inSarasota?” atmosphere. Since first experiencing its dark, mysterious and cozy ambiance many moons ago, Shakespeare’s has become my go-to dinner destination when my family is in town, as the staff serves consistently craveworthy meals. May your glass be ever full as you booze up with the bounty of beers offered here. My staple to sample at Shakespeare’s is none other than Guinness on draft. There are 14 other drafts to pick from, plus bottled options and wine too. May your troubles be fewer after you order the three-cheese-stuffed potato skins ($8.95). Filled with bacon, jalapenos and three cheeses plus Parmesan, this delicacy will make any worries wander away. If that isn’t enough cheese for you, my Irish roots can turn a blind eye to the “English” in Shakespeare’s spicy English beer cheese dip ($9.95) to give this delectable dip a moment on this Irish roundup — as long as it’s consumed with an Irish pint of sorts.

May the sun shine warm upon your face when you bite into the cottage pie ($15.95), described on the menu as a “delicious combination of ground beef and vegetables cooked in a rich gravy and topped with mashed potato and melted cheese, served with a crusty rosemary bread.” I love how it’s served in a brown and ivory stoneware bowl that I swear my grandparents had in their kitchen. See Grandpa, everyone is a bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

Calling all lucky leprechauns: On March 17, head to Shakespeare’s for the corned beef or Irish burger special! I can promise you this isn’t the last time I’ll rave about this restaurant.

McGRATH’S IRISH ALE HOUSE 8110 Lakewood Main St., Bradenton; 941-210-4398,mcgrathsirish.com

I’m lucky enough to know that McGrath’s offers brunch, lunch, dinner and a happenin’ happy hour.

Sucker for brunch? On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., you’d better order the Irish skillet with corned beef hash ($13) with tea service ($6) and add a bottomless mimosa ($10). Headed for happy hour? I’ll join you for half-priced drafts, $5 bar bites and $3 house wines. Just let me know when so I can text coowner Bruce Mahnke, who was inspired by his great-grandmother’s recipes to open McGrath’s. If you’re lucky enough to have grown up with Irish home cooking, you’ll feel like a kid again. If you weren’t lucky enough to grow up with Irish home cooking, welcome. May your glass be ever full of fantastic flights of flavorful beer. For $8, you can “pick your poison” with a world tour flight of Calusa, Stella, Magners Cider and Killians. If you’re feeling like tapping Irish roots a bit more, ask for the four corners flight to sample Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny and Smithwick’s. Looking for liquor? This Irish whiskey lover recommends the Teeling label or the craft cocktail favorite, the Irish true old fashioned ($13). May your troubles be fewer with the flavorful boxty ($9), an Irish staple dating back to the 1700s. This pleasing potato pancake outlasted and outwitted the famine. It should not be overlooked when placing your appetizer order. But if you feel like something more, try the charcuterie board ($10) for the clover honey alone. May the sun shine warm upon your face when you order the family favorite, Irish beef stew ($17.50). McGrath’s version of this simple, soulful and scrumptious platter

would surely make our ancestors scream “Sláinte Mhaith.” Chunks of beef, carrots and of course, potatoes swim in a savory lake paired with none other than my most-loved foodie moment of March 17, Irish soda bread. Calling all lucky leprechauns: Starting at 1 p.m., celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at McGrath’s. With live music until 11:30 p.m., food and beer, games and entertainment for all ages, raffles, giveaways and more!

SHEBEEN IRISH PUB & KITCHEN

6641 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; 941-952-3070,facebook.com/Pub32

I’m lucky enough because after Pub 32 closed its doors in 2022, owner Ross Galbraith rode the rainbow over to Siesta Key and opened his next pot of gold. Renamed and relocated, The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen is a much smaller version of Pub 32. But with gracious staff that treats you like you break soda bread daily, the history on its walls (including my family crest), meals that trigger memories and live music that makes the entire pub come together in unison (or not), you’ll feel like you just got a free ride to the Emerald Isle. May your glass be ever full as will your belly if you keep drinking heavy beers. Knowing I’ll be bloated from potato dishes, I’ll opt for a lighter beverage. Order a Smithwick’s at Shebeen ($6.50, 16 ounce or $8, 20 ounce) and you will be slinging back that easy libation until you think you sound like Sinéad O’Connor or Bono. However, if you can find room in your belly for a Guinness, the way this

pub pours the 200-year-old brew is indeed Instagram-worthy.

May your troubles be fewer after you move past the idea of ordering a soup when its 80-plus degrees outside. The leek and potato soup ($7 for cup, $10 for bowl) is as Irish as the Claddagh ring. I slurped mine faster than you could say, “Erin go Bragh.” If the Florida heat is saying, “No soup for you,” follow my Scottish husband and dig into the sausage rolls with gravy ($12).

May the sun shine warm upon your face when you order the corned beef and cabbage ($20). Sold once a year in all Publix stores with potatoes, cabbage and green-andorange dyed floral arrangements, corned beef technically isn’t a delicacy from Ireland. It’s inspired by Irish and Jewish collaboration in 19th century New York.

Irish immigrants bought brisket at kosher butcher shops because it was the most affordable meat at the time. Then they threw it into a pot with cabbage and potatoes — making it more tender than brisket.

While Americans eat corned beef and cabbage to honor St. Patrick, in the motherland, March 17 usually brings lamb or bacon to the dinner table. Regardless, Shebeen’s version is delectable.

Calling all lucky leprechauns:

Shebeen will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day event with dancers, live music and more on March 17. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

And to you my foodie friends of Irish descent or not, “May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

A funny thing happened on the way to the funeral

Asolo Repertory’s farce ‘Chicken & Biscuits’ looks on the bright side of life and death.

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of Douglas Lyons’ “Chicken & Biscuits” opens with a celebration of life — which is to say, it opens with a funeral.

The life of Bernard Jenkins is the one being celebrated. He was the pastor of St. Luke’s Church, a Black fellowship in New Haven, Connecticut. He was also the patriarch of the Jenkins family. They all come together for his funeral — eventually. Until then, they’re constantly on the verge of falling apart.

The late Pastor Jenkins is survived by two daughters: Beverly (Jasmine Rush) and Baneatta (Tracy Conyer Lee). They’re as different as night and day.

Beverly is a single mom who speaks her mind and celebrates her body. Her former fiance just dumped her. Now she’s shopping for a new one — and figures a funeral’s as good a place as any to find love. Armed with a push-up bra and dress with killer cleavage, Beverly is ready to seal the deal.

Whatever Beverly is, her sister isn’t. Baneatta is the archetypal church lady: prim, proper, judgmental and severe. She even married the pastor who stepped into Bernard’s shoes — Reginald (La Shawn Banks). Banks’ portrayal of the preacher is spot on. When he says “I’m going to share a few words,” eyeballs roll. His family knows there’ll be more than a few. Reginald often runs interference on his opinionated wife.

Baneatta’s son, Kenny (Ernest Bentley), is gay. He’s officially out, but he loses all confidence around his mother and sister. Baneatta looks down her nose at her son’s “lifestyle”

IF YOU GO

‘CHICKEN & BISCUITS’

When: Through April 13.

Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Tickets: $33-$93.

Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

— and refuses to remember his partner’s name. His sister, Simone, simply calls her brother and his partner “thespians.” (Because they’re both actors. Get it?)

Kenny thinks she’s homophobic— but there’s something else at work.

Beverly’s daughter, La’Trice (Dreaa Kay Baudy), is an aspiring, almost-16 rapper with a cellphone in her hand and self-promotion on her mind. She loves her cousin Kenny for who he is. His partner, Logan (Dean Linnard), is white, Jewish and gay — and totally clueless about the traditions

of a Black funeral. As for Candice McKoy’s Brianna, she’s a wild card. Enough said in a spoiler-free review.

The Asolo Rep actors are all firstrate. Unlike the Jenkins family, they do come together — and click as an ensemble. Lyons’ script gives them plenty to work with. The brood stews with secrets, lies, issues, wounds, feuds and grudges. Director Bianca LaVerne Jones puts the show on low heat and lets the comedy simmer.

Antonio Troy Ferron’s realistic set is a church interior, but it doubles for other locations. His details bring the family’s world to life. Rasean Davonte Johnson’s stained glass windows look utterly real — but constantly change. Dede Ayite’s costumes reveal how the characters define themselves. As Frank Zappa once observed, “Everyone in this room is wearing a uniform.”

The sartorial shorthand probably makes “Chicken & Biscuits” sound like a sitcom. In some ways, it is. The comedy’s broad and the characters verge on caricature. But that’s just on

the surface. Lyons goes below that — and it’s not always a laughing matter.

Lyons reveals the family’s wounds, including Kenny’s sense of rejection — and an unsurprising surprise I won’t reveal. But he doesn’t pour salt on the wounds — or study them too hard, too long.

Exploring pain isn’t Lyons’s top priority. Most of the time, he wants to make the audience laugh. And he succeeds — again and again.

“Chicken & Biscuits” isn’t a sociological portrait of Black suffering. That’s not what Lyons wanted it to be. He made that clear in a 2021 ESPN interview.

“Broadway and Hollywood love to see Black people pillaged, raped, struggling, oppressed,” he said. “I’m tired of it. That’s not the majority of my experience growing up. We were not that. There was so much laughter and shade and food and love everywhere. And I don’t see that in the American theater. So I’m trying to bring that joy center stage.”

BLACK TIE

Inspiration Gala

Friday, March 10, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Benefiting Van Wezel Foundation

Grammy-winning musician Kenny Loggins took Van Wezel Foundation supporters to the Danger Zone during the 2023 Inspiration Gala on March 10.

Guests gathered outside the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for the annual event, which benefits the organization’s many arts and education programs.

The evening started with cocktails on the bay as the sun set. Guests mingled and, keeping in line with the night’s Top Gunadjacent theme, posed for pictures with a Tom Cruise look-alike.

Once the cocktail hour had concluded, guests entered the outdoor tent space to enjoy dinner and hear words from Van Wezel Foundation figures about their appreciation for the continued support and their plans for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

It was then time for the night’s entertainment, and guests filled the performing space to hear Loggins himself rock out.

BLACK TIE & TALES HARRY SAYER

A Return to the Stage

Hermitage Artist Retreat Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg has had his days busy as can be, both planning his organization’s artistic programs as well as overseeing repairs to the artist space following Hurricane Ian. Of course there’s always room for another endeavor. Sandberg and staff are putting on a one-nightonly benefit concert to celebrate the Hermitage’s 20th anniversary season, as well as to raise funds for ongoing repairs. The March 20 concert will be held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The show promises performances from Broadway stars as like Jeannette Bayardelle, Laura Bell Bundy and Jay Armstrong Johnson, as well as Hermitage Fellow and 2023 Grammy nominee Rona Siddiqui.

What’s more is that the night will feature a performance from Sandberg himself, who says it’s likely the only chance for Sarasota locals to see him perform for some time.

“In talking over options with members of the Hermitage team (for the concert). We figured it’s probably the only time I’ll be performing in Sarasota, so let’s go big,” Sandberg said.

Sandberg — who hasn’t acted in a production since 2012 — has been training with composer Siddiqui to be good and ready for the big night.

Sandberg says he isn’t nervous just yet and is excited for the audience to enjoy the 90-minute show.

Art Avenue Auction

Second Heart Homes hosted its second annual Hands Up For Homes! fundraiser at the Art Avenue gallery on March 10.

More than 150 art enthusiasts turned out for the auction at the Crossings at Siesta Key, which benefited the nonprofit’s programs providing housing for local homeless.

As was fitting for an art auction, several artists provided creative pieces for auction. Local artists including Jack Dowd, Brandon Thrift, Vicki Chelf and more had their artwork on display and were on hand

mingling with guests at the auction.

One artist had painted founder Megan Howell with her dog Lil B in an homage to “Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci. That piece was sold for $10,000 and donated back to Howell. The event had raised more than $56,000 by night’s end. Howell says the final number is expected to increase through online donations over the next couple weeks.

Planned Parenthood Dinner

Author and speaker Blair Imani

headlined Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s spring dinner fundraiser on March 9.

The annual event brought in just over 300 guests to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium for the night, which included words from a number of Planned Parenthood figures including president and CEO Stephanie Fraim, board chair Mary Braxton-Joseph, treasurer Dennis Rees and more.

The nonprofit raised more than $225,000 throughout the event. The program ended with a pop-up party featuring music from Twinkle Rock Soul Radio that had guests dancing away.

THE 2022 SARASOTA POLO SEASON

Broadway Begins Here! Gala

Saturday, March 4, at Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting Asolo Repertory Theatre

Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele have been part of the creative fabric of the Asolo Repertory Theatre for years.

But all times come to an end. This season will be the last for Edwards and DiGabriele, with the pair set to retire in June.

The theater company paid tribute to the pair with a lively Broadway-themed gala March 4 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The Asolo’s longtime supporters met at the Ritz for the gala, which adopted a Broadway theme. The event space was full of dresses, accessories and other props from the many productions the company has put on over the years.

The night’s program started with words from Edwards and DiGabriele before dinner was served. Guests also enjoyed a Broadway medley from Ana Isabelle and Justin Gregory Lopez.

Incoming Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein then took to the stage to speak about Edwards and DiGabriele’s legacy before welcoming Production Manager and Director of Operations Vic Meyrich to speak on his many years working with DiGabriele.

Longtime Asolo supporter John Welch then surprised DiGabriele with a bouquet of flowers for her many years with the company.

The night concluded with drinks and plenty of dancing. The Broadway gala raised around $200,000.

Hush! Hush! Party

Monday, March 6, at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Theater | Benefiting Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe announced its 2023-24 season to excited supporters during the Hush! Hush! Party at the theater on March 6. Guests mingled and enjoyed dinner outside on Monday evening before Executive Director Julie Leach and Development Director Debra Flynt-Garrett addressed the crowd and had them move to the theater space to learn about the company’s upcoming slate. It was then that founder Nate Jacobs welcomed the crowd and announced each upcoming production for the “Simply The Best!”-themed season with performances from various WBTT artists.

WESTCOAST

BLACK THEATRE

TROUPE’S UPCOMING SEASON

n “Once On This Island” —

Oct. 11 to Nov. 19, 2023

n “Joyful! Joyful!” —

Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2023

n “A Soldier’s Play” —

Jan. 18 to Feb. 18, 2024

n “Ruby” —

Feb. 28 to April 7, 2024

n “Marvin Gaye:

Prince Of Soul” — April 17 to May 26, 2024

The Teen Court of Sarasota provided scholarships and awards to its many student members during its annual dinner on March 8.

Hundreds of the nonprofit’s supporters filled Michael’s On East for the annual Teen Scholarship Awards Dinner, which recognizes the young volunteers who compose the many Sarasota County programs.

COO Lori Moran welcomed the audience before Executive Director Heather Todd spoke about the impact funds raised had for Teen Court programs. Event Chairwoman Megan Leaf then led the scholarship presentation for local students.

The Jena Hellman Memorial Award was given to Alexandra James, The Katie Self Scholarship Award was presented to Gabriel Merman, the Dennis Wood Scholarship Award was presented to Jaden Probus and the Lynn Strong Scholarship Award was given to Shajeffsa Cribe.

Teen Court Teen Scholarship Awards Dinner

Wednesday, March 8, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Teen Court of Sarasota

Sarasota Orchestra Gala

Thursday, March 2, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Benefiting Sarasota Orchestra

The Sarasota Orchestra brought renowned musician Yo Yo Ma to perform in Sarasota during its annual gala at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on March. 2.

The Sarasota Orchestra Gala featured a special concert where Yo Yo Ma performed with members of the Sarasota Orchestra — something staff considered to be a major milestone in the organization’s history.

Before that, though, was an hour of mingling, where the Sarasota Orchestra’s closest supporters met at sunset to sip drinks and catch up.

Following the concert — which brought every guest to their feet for a standing ovation — guests took their seats for dinner and heard from Tom Koski, board chair.

“

the gardens of memory, in the palace of dreams, that is where you and I will meet.”