On Exhibit
WONDER OF THE FALLS

When I worked at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, we curators agreed that if we could only save one painting in a fire, it would be Frederic Edwin Church’s painting of Niagara Falls. Of course, Niagara is so big three people would be needed to carry it out the door. William Wilson Corcoran, who founded his Washington museum, paid more than $25,000 in 1870 for this over three-feet-high, seven- feet-wide painting.

Church was the leader of the Hudson River School of artists, who focused their attention on the beauty of the American landscape. With his brushwork, Church created a sensuous surface of remarkable color and light. The rainbow appears evanescent, as if might disappear at any moment. Gazing at the falls intently, we think we can actually hear the water rushing by. And the viewpoint is such that one might worry about the danger of falling in. The view of the falls is from the American side, and it was (and for some still is) considered one of the wonders of the North American continent. Americans were proud of the falls in the mid-19th century, and Europeans clamored to visit it. I guarantee that present-day citizens will be equally awestruck and reverential when Niagara goes on view at the Ringling Museum, Feb. 3 through March 29.—Mark Ormond

ART
Art Center Sarasota. On view through Feb. 3: a Save Our Sarasota juried members show in the Main Gallery; Diversity, a curated exhibition, in the Front Gallery. Opening Feb. 13 to run through March 10: Abstracts, a juried members show in the Main Gallery; and Artistic Couples, in the Front Gallery. 365-2032.

*UPDATED* Burke & Company Antiques. Opening Feb. 2, Lee Grant's exhibition of his latest oil paintings. The works will remain on view at Burke & Company Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

State of the Arts Gallery. The Art of Romance, including some figurative nudes, is on view this month. 955-2787.

Venice Art Center. Continuing through Feb. 19 is the Embroiderers’ Guild of America show Through the Needle’s Eye, followed by a Plein Air Paint-Out in Paradise, running Feb. 24 through March 3. 485-7136.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. The Members Exhibit and Gift Gallery continues through March 11, while the Longboat Key Club-sponsored exhibit runs Feb. 2-25 in the center’s Durante Gallery. In the Glen Gallery, Creationism versus Evolution, paintings and drawings by Fernando Madridejos, remains on view through Feb. 27. And you can tune in to Jazz in the Gallery with Debbie Keeton Plus Four at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. 383-2345.

Museum of Fine Arts. Continuing through March 18 at this St. Petersburg museum:: Natura Morta: Still-Life Painting and the Medici Collections. Also on view, through Feb. 25: Treasures Brought to Light: Decorative Arts from the Collection; and, through Feb. 18, Witness to the Moment: Images by Photojournalists. (727) 896-2667.

Tampa Museum of Art. Remaining on view through April 1: Frederic Church, Winslow Homer and Thomas Moran: Tourism and the American Landscape. (813) 274-8130.

Palm Avenue Gallery Walk. Stroll the artsy avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 2. 955-1315.

Dabbert Gallery. Recent Works by longtime Sarasota artist Craig Rubadoux (now celebrating his 70th year) opens with a reception at 5 p.m. Feb. 2 and continues through Feb. 28. 955-1315.

Imperial Fine Art. The Sarasota gallery pairs with the American Diabetes Association to present Art for a Cure, an exhibition of works by Italian artist Alberto Mancini, from Feb. 2 through Feb. 18. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit the ADA. Opening night reception starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 2. 954-8901.

Galleria Silecchia. Opening Feb. 2 to run through Feb. 28: a show of works by photographer Michael Kahn, sculptor-painter Leo E. Osborne, mixed media painter Cary Henrie and oil painter Glenn Harrington. 365-7414.

Ringling Museum of Art. On view Feb. 3 to April 29 in the brand-new Arthur F. and Ulla R. Searing Wing: Bedazzled: 4,500 Years of Jewelry from the Walters Art Museum, and Encouraging American Genius: Master Paintings from the Corcoran Gallery of Art. 359-5700 or 358-3180.

Art Uptown. Painter Cecile Moran has a solo art show at the Main Street gallery running Feb. 3-16, with a reception at 6 p.m. Feb. 8. 955-5409.

Selby Gallery. The gallery brings back some of the artists featured over the past two decades in Solos: 20th Anniversary Exhibitions, Feb. 9 through March 7. 359-7563.

Sharp-Stevens Gallery. The Towles Court gallery presents artists Marge Bennett, Vicki Brodkin and Pat Kelly at work for the Third Friday of the month event, 6-10 p.m. Feb. 16. 365-4222.

Tour of Artisans' Homes and Studios. Art Center Sarasota presents the Tour of Artisans' Homes and Studios Friday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Tickets, $20. For more information, call 365-2032 or visit www.artsarasota.org.

CHILDREN

Tom Chapin. Singer-songwriter Chapin entertains kids and their parents, at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

COMEDY

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. Scheduled for this month at press time: Caroline Rhea, performing Feb. 16-18. 925-3869.

DANCE

Tango Pasion. Sample the passionate flavor of the Argentine dance, courtesy of a company of 26 singers, dancers and musicians. At 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The modern dance company returns to the Van Wezel, with a performance at 8 p.m. Feb. 19. 953-3368.

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The company presents the Ballet Gamonet, at 8 p.m. Feb. 23, and 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25, at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 351-8000.

Les Ballets Trockadero. Look on the lighter side of dance with the Trocks, bringing their unique blend of classical technique and campy performance once more to the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Feb. 26. 953-3368.

FILM

Monday Night Movies at the Ringling. The series of documentary and art films continues through March 26 in the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Films for Your Heart. Four movies that emphasize the positive are shown in this daylong event at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

Through Women’s Eyes: Eighth Annual Women’s International Film Festival. Documentaries and short films by women filmmakers from around the globe, presented Feb. 23 and 24 at the Hollywood 20 by Gulf Coast Chapter of UNIFEM/USA. 284-1027.

MISCELLANEOUS

ASID Showhouse. Continuing on view through Feb. 18, at 2829 S. Osprey Ave., 926-7794.

Big Cat Habitat. Offering wildlife demonstrations involving trainers and their exotic cats, bears and native animals, at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday this month. 371-6377.

Sarasota National Stamp Exhibition. Several hundred frames of exhibits for philatelists from more than 40 dealers on view Feb. 2, 3 and 4 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. 907-6604.

Circus Sarasota. Sarasota’s own circus company celebrates its 10th anniversary Feb. 2–25 under the Big Top adjacent to Ed Smith Stadium. In the lineup: Dolly Jacobs, trapeze artists The Flying Pages, hand balancer Pat Bradford with Kate Smythe, equestrian artist Erika Zerbini, acrobat Yeromenko and more, all presented by local ringmaster Cliff Roles. 355-9805.

Barely Blemished Sale. The Junior League of Sarasota’s annual sale takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at Robarts Arena, with a preview party Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. 953-5600.

Symphony Designer Showcase. A Lido Shores home designed by Guy Peterson is the site of the 32nd annual showcase, which benefits the Florida West Coast Symphony Association’s Youth Orchestra programs. Doors are open Feb. 3–25 at 1231 Westway Drive, with a preview party Feb. 1 at the Longboat Key Club. 685-0425.

Ferraris on the Circle. More than 50 of the snazzy cars compete for Best of Show at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.

Sarasota Shell Club Show. Shells from around the world, demonstrations, prizes and more at the 44th annual show, Feb. 16, 17 and 18 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. 739-0908.

Children First Celebration. Several events this month to benefit children and families, including An Evening of Comedy Feb. 22 at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre; a golf tournament Feb. 23 at Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club; a kid’s comedy show Feb. 25; and a miniature golf outing that same day. For complete details call 953-3877.

*UPDATED* Pancreatic Cancer Symposium. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) will host a free one-day patient symposium on pancreatic cancer on Saturday,  Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. To register online or for more information, visit www.pancan.org or call (877) 272-6226.

Pug Parade. The 10th annual parade, to benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County, takes place Feb. 24 at the Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch and promises games, doggie treats and lots of fun. Call SARASOTA Magazine at 487-1116 to register or for more info.

Parade of Homes. Tour more than 100 new models courtesy of the Home Builders Associations of Sarasota and Manatee, Feb. 24 through March 11. For complete details, go to www.paradeofhomesinfo.com.

MUSIC

Madama Butterfly. Puccini’s timeless tragedy about a geisha abandoned by her faithless American lover is brought to life Feb. 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 23 and 25 at the Sarasota Opera House. 366-8450.

Florida Wind Quintet. The musicians take their audience on a Wind Safari, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Holley Hall. Works by Pilss, Tamusuza and Shostakovich/Popkin are on the program. 953-3434.

Halka. This seldom-seen Polish opera by Stanislaw Moniuszko opens Feb. 3 at the Sarasota Opera House, with additional performances Feb. 6, 8, 11, 16, 21 and 24. 366-8450.

American String Quartet. Musicians from La Musica perform chamber works, Feb. 3 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Kusun Ensemble. This troupe of singers, dancers and musicians from Ghana takes to the Players of Sarasota stage at 2 p.m. Feb. 4. 365-2494.

Florida String Quartet. The quartet tries Scaling the Heights at 4 p.m. Feb. 4 at Holley Hall, with pieces by Stravinsky, Beethoven and Brahms. 953-3434.

Florida Voices. The ensemble performs La Belle Epoque selections, Feb. 4 on the Historic Asolo Theater stage. 360-7399.

Hamburg Symphony. Andrey Boreyko leads the orchestra in works by Schubert (Rosamunde Overture, D. 644), Bruch (Violin Concerto No. 1, op. 26 in G minor, played by Robert McDuffie) and Brahms (Symphony No. 1, op. 11 in D Major). At 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Salon Concert. Façade and Friends, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Holley Hall, presents works by Dvorak and Walton. 953-3434.

Florida West Coast Symphony Valentine Pops. Romantic music, at 8 p.m. Feb. 9 at the North Port Performing Arts Center; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Neel Performing Arts Center. 953-3434.

Venice Symphony. The symphony offers Classical Concerts at 8 p.m. Feb. 9 and at 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 10, at Church of the Nazarene; and Music Outside the Box at 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at Jacaranda Trace. 488-1010.

Pops Orchestra. Harv and Trish Wileman offer love songs for the season, plus selections from A Chorus Line and the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. At 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at Church of the Palms. 351-8000.

Gloria Musicae. The choral ensemble presents Music of War and Peace, spotlighting Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, in concert at 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at Holley Hall. Also this month, a concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. 351-8000.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Sir Neville Marriner’s musicians return to the Van Wezel, playing works by Stravinsky, Mozart and Beethoven, joined by pianist Jonathan Biss. At 8 p.m. Feb. 13. 953-3368.

Munchtime Musicale. Enjoy some romantic music with Lorraine and Douglas Renfroe, at noon Feb. 14 in David Cohen Hall. 925-7811.

Cocktails at the Cà d’Zan. Music and refreshments, from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 on the Ringling grounds. 359-5700.

A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Christopher Riddle leads his father Nelson’s orchestra in a salute to the First Lady of Song, featuring vocalist Kirsten Gustafson, at 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Van Wezel.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Violinist Gil Shaham joins one of  the world’s finest orchestras, led by David Zinman, at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Van Wezel. On the program: pieces by Elgar, Schumann and Golijov. 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Sisters Ani and Ida Kavafian (on violin and viola, respectively) join the orchestra for a look at Classical Perspectives, Feb. 16, 17 and 18. On the program: Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major (Classical), Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat Major, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major. 953-3434.

Attila. As part of its ongoing Verdi cycle, the Sarasota Opera presents the maestro’s early work about the horrific Hun, who in this version is subdued by a fiery maiden. Opening Feb. 17, with additional performances Feb. 20, 22, 25 and 28 this month at the Opera House. 366-8450.

Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band. A Pops Extra performance, at 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Takacs String Quartet. The quartet performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Van Wezel, in a Sarasota Concert Association presentation. Call 955-0040 to see if any tickets are available.

Sarasota Opera Artists Concert. A mix of arias, songs and Broadway classics featuring the opera’s principal and studio artists, at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Opera House. 366-8450.

Kristin Lee. Young violinist Lee performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 19 in a Van Wezel/Perlman Music Program offering at the Asolo’s Mertz Theatre. 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Great Escapes. It’s About Time highlights the music of Brubeck, Strauss and other masters of syncopation, Feb. 21, 22, 23 and 24 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists in Opera Scenes. Two different programs of fully staged operatic excerpts, at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 8 p.m. Feb. 27, at the Sarasota Opera House. 366-8450.

Liza Minnelli. Leaving her well-publicized legal and marital woes behind her, Minnelli returns to the Van Wezel to do what she does best: sing. At 8 p.m. Feb. 22. 953-3368.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands: Fourth Friday with Style. Musician Allon Sams performs this month, from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 on St. Armands. 388-1554.

Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash. These two country music stars take to the Van Wezel stage with songs from their latest recordings, at 8 p.m. Feb. 23. 953-3368.

The Jazz Singers. Tierney Sutton and Carol Welsman perform with their trios in a Jazz Club of Sarasota event, at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

The Kingston Trio. Folky sounds from the long-running trio, Feb. 25 and 26 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Melissa Manchester. Songstress Manchester entertains at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Frank Almond/William Wolfram. Violinist Almond and pianist Wolfram perform in an Artist Series of Sarasota concert, Feb. 25 and 27 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Atlanta Symphony. This is indeed the month for symphony orchestras at the Van Wezel, as Atlanta’s own guests, at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Van Wezel. Robert Spano conducts; pianist Emanuel Ax performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major, K. 482. 953-3368.

SPORTS

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees. Free water ski shows at 2 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at City Island. 388-1666.

TALKS

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL). This month: Music Mondays runs Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26; Contemporary Issues delves into politics, press and more, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27; International Issues I touches on Darfur, global competition for energy and more, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28; International Issues II looks at the Middle East, South America and other parts of the world, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22; and Arts and Humanities presents topics from contemporary Chinese art to the Freedom Riders of the 1960s, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. All at the Players of Sarasota (except for Music Mondays at Holley Hall); contemporary and international issues are also explored in a series at the Venice Community Center. Call 365-6404 or go to www.sillsarasota.org for a full schedule.

Education Center Lecture Series. This month: Using Human Design, by Matthew Edlund, Feb. 6; Wendy Wasserstein and the World of Her Women by Diane Steinbrink, Feb. 13; AntiSemitism in the Post-Holocaust Period by Thomas O. Hecht, Feb. 20; and The Face of Forgiveness—Salvation and Redemption by photographer Steven Katzman, Feb. 27. All are at 3 p.m.; call 383-8811.

Ringling School Library Association Town Hall. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is this month’s speaker, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Van Wezel. 925-1343.

Books & Coffee. This month’s Friends of Selby Public Library program examines John Updike’s The Terrorists, which is reviewed by Dr. Emanuel Tanay at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 13. 365-5228.

An Evening With…A speaker TBA. Feb. 14 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Kay Kipling reviews local productions in her blog, On Stage, on our Web site, sarasotamagazine.com.

THEATER

Golda’s Balcony. The one-woman show based on the life of the late Israeli Prime Minister, closing Feb. 3 at Florida Studio Theatre. 366-9000.

Bedroom Farce. This Alan Ayckbourn comedy ends its run Feb. 4 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Smell of the Kill. Likewise winding up its run, Michele Lowe’s comedic look at three desperate housewives closes Feb. 4 at the Island Players. 778-5755.

Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim’s fractured fairy tale musical continues through Feb. 11 at Venice Little Theatre’s Stage II. 488-1115.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore. A savagely funny and bloody piece by Martin McDonagh, about some murderous Irish political terrorists, continuing through Feb. 16 at FST’s Stage III. 366-9000.

Bingo. See if your card’s a winner in this (somewhat) interactive musical about aficionados of the game, continuing through Feb. 25 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. 366-5454.

Amadeus. Bryan Torfeh and Colby Chambers shine as rival composers Salieri and Mozart in Peter Shaffer’s play, continuing through March 7 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. 351-8000.

Men of Tortuga. A frequently very funny satire about ruthless men in power, by Jason Wells. Running through March 8 at the Asolo Rep. 351-8000.

The British Invasion. Musical memories from those early ‘60s days, continuing through March 24 at Florida Studio Theatre’s cabaret. 366-9000.

One on One. Actor Robert Mansell continues his portrayals of a variety of personalities and characters on Monday evenings this month at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. 366-5454.

Expecting Isabel. A play by Lisa Loomer about the travails of a couple desperately seeking a baby, running through April 25 at the Asolo Rep.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The Broadway musical hit brings together two con men and their often all-too-willing dupes, running Feb. 6–11 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Heaven Can Wait. Booker High’s theater students present this romantic comedy about a dead fighter returned to earth in another man’s body, Feb. 7–10 at Booker’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. 355-2967.

Permanent Collection. A play by Thomas Gibbons that raises issues familiar to those who’ve followed the saga of the Barnes Collection—i.e., who owns the art? Running Feb. 7 through April 6 on Florida Studio Theatre’s mainstage. 366-9000.

Fences. August Wilson’s drama about an African-American garbage collector with shattered dreams is presented in a Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production at the Historic Asolo Theater, Feb. 8–17. 360-7399.

A Few Good Men. Before TV’s West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Aaron Sorkin wrote this judicial drama about a pair of Marines on trial, examining issues of duty, loyalty and honor. It’s onstage Feb. 9 through May 5 at the Asolo Rep. 351-8000.

A Noel Coward Evening. Courtesy of actor Gary Briggle and the Artist Series of Sarasota, Feb. 11 and 13 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Golf, the Musical. A breezy look at the grand old game, running Feb. 13 through March 11 in Venice Little Theatre’s Stage II space. 488-1115.

Big River. The Manatee Players present the Roger Miller musical based on Twain’s Huckleberry Finn adventures, Feb. 15 through March 4, in a production designed for both hearing and hearing-impaired audiences. 748-5875.

The Bacchae. The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s second-year students tackle Euripides in an ancient story of power and religion, onstage Feb. 18 through March 18 at the Cook Theatre. 351-8000.

Riverdance. Can’t you hear those dancing feet…Irish-style, in the ever popular phenomenon, onstage Feb. 20 and 21 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

The Full Monty. They’re taking it all off in this musical about some out-of-work guys who find a new way assert themselves, running Feb. 20 through March 18 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Wicked. The Broadway hit telling the other side of the whole Oz story runs Feb. 21 through March 11 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. (800) 955-1045,

The Robber Bridegroom. Playwright Alfred Uhry helped fashion this musical, based on a Eudora Welty story, about a gentleman robber, the girl he loves, and some strange turns of fate, running Feb. 22 through March 4 at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

Carnival. The musical about young orphan Lili, whose conversations with the carnival puppets make her a star attraction, runs Feb. 27 through April 22 at the Golden Apple. 366-5454.

Mark Twain Tonight. Hal Holbrook presents his enduring one-man show about America’s favorite humorist, at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

The Fula from America. This one-man show about an African-American’s journey through west Africa bows at FST’s Stage III, Feb. 28 through March 23. 366-9000.