MARCH 1. 2020

NIK VS. THE VOLCANO..........

Masaya Volcano

Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. turn your television to ABC, as Sarasota's Nik Wallenda tries to outdo himself.  He will attempt to walk across Nicaragua's Masaya Volcano; and you thought walking across Times Square was crazy!   Results next week.........

It's rare for an Asolo Rep play to generate as much or even more buzz than their opening musical, but Murder On The Orient Express does just that; especially the staging.  The set is lavish-looking with cut-glass windows and wood paneling, along with the rotating cars  giving  both a sense of motion and a view from outside. 

The imaginative sets, creative costumes, and snappy dialogue make this feel more like a musical than a straight play.  But if you want to catch a seat on the train before it leaves the Asolo, do it soon.  Express closes March 8, and with other plays to follow, I doubt it will be extended.

For tickets 941-351-8000, 800-361-8368 or asolorep.org.  You can always stop by box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Mon-Sat or day of performance.

Salvador Dali: Gardens of the Mind is the fourth annual display of art at Selby Gardens, one of Sarasota's best attractions.  This exhibit, in collaboration with the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, features 10 of his lithographs of flowers that have not be displayed anywhere in years.  

Dali With And His Famous Mustache

In conjunction with the Dali paintings and usual garden displays,  a butterfly house filled with Florida native butterflies and plants has been erected to honor one of Dali's favorite symbols.  

If you plan on going for this exhibit, the entrance price is $25 adults and $15 for children 4-17.  A family membership starts at $100 for dual and $150 for family.  Parking is available on site or at the many parking facilities a few blocks away.

SCOOP.....Mark Freed broke the news of new University Town Center ice cream shop locating adjacent to Shake Shack at 190 Cattleman Rd.  Since 2002, Jeni's has been available in pint size at Publix and Whole Foods, with Tampa housing area's only company store.  Opening is scheduled for early this summer.


Finally saw Florida Studio Theatre's production of American Son.  I fully agree with those of you who told me it was one of their best presentations in years.  Though we had seen the original on Broadway several years ago, we were blown away by the acting, staging and lighting of this production.


For 90 minutes of fast paced dialogue, the amazing cast will have you on the edge of your seats, and the ending, though predictable, will have you asking for more.  Playing through March 22, you should be able to find seats for most performances at 941-366-9000, the box-office,  or floridastudiotheatre.org.  





A few weeks ago went to oldie but goodie, Caragiulos.  Typically crowded for a week night, the wait was not too long, and their bar was a good place to wait.  Once seated, we were treated with the same excellent service and food they've been known for since opening in 1989.  Their Chopped "1989" salad tastes the same 31 years later, as does the pizza and pasta.  Lots of similar restaurants have opened throughout Sarasota, but not many on a level of Caragiulos.

If your party is 6 or more, they do accept reservations.  My suggestion is to go during the week and let the snowbirds fight for space on the weekend.  Open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner Mon-Sun, Caragiulos is  Located at 69 South Palm Avenue. 




JIM'S RANT....

The Baltimore Orioles are in their 10th season of Spring Training at Ed. Smith Stadium.  The Sarasota Ballet, Opera and Orchestra are well into their performance schedules for 2020.  And  if that were not enough to attract visitors to our community, now comes word of Siesta Key's Number One ranking as "best beach of 2020."  Add warm weather and a growing airport, and it's easy to figure out why Uber or Lyft may be your best option until April....JIM....Thanks for reading.....see you next week....