NOVEMBER 22, 2015

THANKSGIVING 2015....A WORLD IN TURMOIL....A FIELD OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES THE LIKES WE'VE NEVER SEEN....AN UNPREDICTABLE STOCK MARKET.....IN TIMES LIKE THESE, IT IS ALWAYS NICE TO TAKE A BREAK TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS...ENJOY

If your guests this holiday are 18 or older I suggest you head to Venice to see a new version of the classic musical HAIR, running through 12/14.  There are mature themes, nudity and strobe lighting, but this version directed by Ben Vereen has been lauded by critics and those who have seen it.  I can still remember some of the music and my awe at seeing HAIR on Broadway years ago.  Tickets are scarce so I urge you to click here now to purchase tickets for this week as soon as possible.

For weeks , I've been telling you about WEST SIDE STORY, the Asolo's season opening  production. Well, it's here with rave reviews; especially Jay Handelman's Herald Tribune article of a week ago as well as Marty Fugate and JuneLebelle's Thursay  Observer reviews.  This one is for the ENTIRE family.  It is especially topical today what with the immigration issue front and center in Presidential debates.  This is a country of immigrants, and never better portrayed on stage than in this performance.  We are going Friday.  To order tickets for holiday performances click here.

FST gives you still another option as their opening production of ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS also produced on Broadway, debuted  last week .  A word of caution, I've heard fair reviews at best  on this one.  Playing at the Gompertz at least there isn't a bad seat in the house.  For a schedule of performances or to purchase tickets click here.


 The one thing best said about SARASOTA, other than our weather,  you do have several options whether it be theatre, opera, symphony, ballet,  there is something for everyone!  For a so-called small market that's not too shabby.

Some of your guests may be too young for theatre so here are a couple of options for them.  FREE at UTC Center Court is this year's Christmas attraction complete with Santa Claus, falling snow and characters from the new Disney Peanuts movie.  The entire experience is interactive with several television sets showing scenes from the movie while inside a 30-foot Ice Palace.  Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Santa, they're all here. Open daily 10AM-close.
 

You and your company can shop at dozens of stores and eat at the many restaurants in UTC and the surrounding area.  If you go at night, the wonderful Christmas decorations will mark a spectacular ending to a wonderful day.  And, if you don't do too much shopping, the cost will be minimal.
 

TREE UMPH! adventure course is fun for the whole family.  Go on a supervised excursion among trees and ropes or an obstacle course  and end your day with a fantastic zip line.  For all ages with activities designed for small and tall from 7 to adults of any age who feel they can climb and zip with the best of them.  Click here for hours of operation and discount promotions. 

Located 21805 SR70, a few miles east of 70 in Bradenton.  Be prepared for a 3-4 hour stay.  Bring a book or go to UTC and have your kids text near the end.  It is well worth the drive.

Additional perfomances for Christmas

One more activity for your young guests.  FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE is presenting a Kids Komedy Club with  a sketch comedy show for "children of all ages", but obviously designed from ages 8-18.  Tickets are only $6 including a snack and drink.  The date is November 28 and at a reasonable time for non-shoppers 2PM.  To order tickets click here or call 941-366-9000.

Two of your favorites from ABBEY

Changing the subject from holiday activities to television, those of you who are devout followers of DOWNTON ABBEY and cannot wait until January, WEDU is having a special screening of parts of the sixth and final season December 4 SARASOTA Opera House 61 N. Pineapple 7:30-9:00pm. Tickets for this event are FREE and can be obtained by clicking here.


There is a terrific documentary on HBO....The Latin Explosion...A New America....among the many Hispanic stars featured are Jennifer Lopez. Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Jose Feliciano whose Felice Natividad is all over the radio, Rickey Martin and George Lopez.  Especially poignant and current with all the immigration debate we are having.  Check their schedule.   Only an hour, it is well worth your time.

And if you're not too stuffed from Turkey and desserts, you should watch a special 8-9PM Thursday on TLC, Broadway at the White House.  Hosted by Kristin Chenoweth (who will be here in February) and Matthew Morrison, with  perfromances from them and others as Michelle Obama hosts dozens of high school art students for the event.

Next week I will review ROSEMARY, a terrific addition to our downtown eating choices and Debbie Yonker will be back with her take on Marcello. Hint, Hint, she "loved" the restaurant. AND, the most up to date information on the Sol Meyer opening!  Plus a first time visit to one of the area's best Beach Bistro.
 

Photo courtesy Mark Freed/Chicago/Sarasota.  Look what we don't have to contend with this week!!

JIM'S RANT....Why can't our two political parties put squabbling aside and try to work on joint solutions instead of one side versus the other?  The world changed forever on 9/11 and events of the past several weeks only solidify that reality.  I am old enough to remember a time when both parties worked together to the betterment of our country.  Now totally opposite. 

On a positive closing note, enjoy the holiday with your family.  And save some turkey for me!!!!  

Tracy, take the rest of the week off...you've earned it.....Until next week...JIM 

                              

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