JANUARY 3, 2016

WHILE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY SUFFERS SARASOTA CONTINUES TO ENJOY SUMMER-LIKE WEATHER, WITH THIS WEEKEND AN EXCEPTION,...HERE'S WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE ELSEWHERE.........

This is what awaits many of our holiday visitors when they return home!!!
 

TONIGHT(Sunday) STARTS FINAL SEASON ON PBS

Following a sold-out West Side Story with an equally good play is the unenviable position ASOLO REP finds itself.  But have no fear, the show opening Friday (previews Wednesday and Thursday) is the 2014 TONY Award Winner.......... ALL THE WAY.

  No, it's not based on Frank Sinatra's song of the same name, but is the story of Lyndon Johnson during the year 1964, when he somehow was able to pass our landmark Civil Rights Act.  He was joined by Martin Luther King, Jr. J. Edgar Hoover and Hubert Humphrey in his efforts.   We are going opening weekend, and will report back next week.


If you are a lover of quality London productions reproduced on film then Friday is your lucky day as well.  Playing two performances in Ringling's Historic Asolo is the National Thetare Live performance of Beaux Stratagem. 

 Running nearly three hours long with intermission, it tells the story of two charming, dissolute young men, who having blown their fortunes in London, flee to provincial Lichfiled where there "stratagem" (strategy) is to marry for money.  Posing as master and servant, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles.  Showing at 1:00 and again at 6:30.  For information on this performance, purchase tickets or learn of coming Ringling events, click here.

Michael Poll

Next weekend is the third Masterworks program WINTER DREAMS.  It marks the return of Anu Tali to the podium along with guest artist and renowned pianist Mihkel Poll.  The program includes Tchaikovsky's lush first symphony and the difficult-to-perform Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3.  Dreams begins its performance schedule on Thursday at NEEL PAC and continues the weekend at Van Wezel.  Good tickets still remain for most performances click here for your opportunity to purchase on line or call 941-953-3434. 

The dawn of December marked the release of several outstanding adult movies.  After Trumbo, Steve Jobs and Labyrinth of Lies, today there are several additional  movies to recommend.  I did see STAR WARS Christmas day.  Lots of fun; especially with a theatre full of parents and children.  Harrison Ford, who reportedly was paid $20 mil was as good as anticipated as were Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil.  Brought back lots of memories from past movies.  Sure to be an Academy Award nominee.

As will JOY, David O. Russell's followup to the wonderful Silver Lining Playbook.  Reuniting Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, it is Lawrence's movie to run with and she does just that.  Her performance will surly get her a nomination.  Ms. Lawrence's range from drama to comedy to action marks her as the go-to actress for several years to come. The movie itself takes too long to develop, but once it does, it rolls merrily along to conclusion.

I highly recommend  CONCUSSION.  Will Smith gives the performance of his life as an accomplished pathologist working in Pittsburgh, who uncovers the truth about brain damage to football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.  He is supported  by an excellent cast including David Morse as Mike Webster, former Steeler whose battle with a concussion is the crux of the movie. 

 Albert Brooks, always brilliant, but seldom seen, is a Dr. who works with Smith.  That this movie is factually based makes it one of the best of its kind in years.  I think this may be on the Academy list as well.  Smith surely will be.

Not enough room for The Big Short.  Next week, but here's a clue; don't miss it!!!

When was the last time you visited BONEFISH GRILL?  For me, it had been several years, before a friend called and invited us to join him for dinner.   What a revelation!!!  With so many copy-cat restaurants and franchise operations open now, it is easy to forget the one that got us here.  From the Outback, Carrabba's, Fleming's family of restaurants, Bonefish is easily the best. 

 I was fortunate to have dinner close to home in Cooper Creek location, and lunch in Sarasota.   Both were excellent, with service to match the food.  Lunch is served daily, but only at their at  Cooper Creek.


This Thursday through next weekend marks the 18th Annual THUNDER BY THE BAY with events at Sarasota Ford, Hillview St. and Downtown Main St. Saturday and Sunday.  During 17 previous years, this event has raised over $1.6 Million for Suncoast Charities for Children.  Noisy only during bike arrival, this is an event to make the time to attend at least for a few minutes to contribute to this worthy cause. For a complete schedule of Thunder by the Bay events click here.

JIM'S RANT....Many complaints about traffic flow from Longboat to downtown.  Especially these past two weeks of holiday and beach weather.  Both came to an end this weekend.  Hopefully the 80's will return soon, but with sun and high temperatures you will have to endure heavy traffic.  It could be worse...get on I75 some day and you'll see what I mean.

Tracy had the week off, so what you see is what you get.  Thanks to Rosemary Restaurant  for the mention in their Ticket Ad this week.  And a not so thank you to Cheap Eats choices...the writer must eat with his eyes and mouth closed....see you next week..... but before you go see below..JIM

Reminder to all residents of UPCC, once again, Life in THE PARK is hosting a meet and greet your neighbors 5:30pm January 12.  The location is the  locally owned and very successful

REVELRY Pub and Grill 3005 University Parkway.  They are offering 20% off entire menu.  Hope to see you there!!!