HIGHBROW TO LOW BROW?
In the final year of their Verdi cycle (performing all of Verdi’s music over a period of more than 25 years), the Sarasota Opera presented a beautifully staged Aida. No live elephants, but gorgeous music, colorful Egyptian sets, good singing, and some lovely dancers. It was a most enjoyable evening and the time flew by, even with the lengthy intermissions. We went with friends and beforehand had a convivial dinner at Roast, just down the street. I like the intimacy of the Sarasota Opera House. The stage is small, the theater not large, and I am more caught up in the unfolding drama than in larger venues.
Last evening we went very early (I won’t admit to how early or my friends will think I’ve become one of “those” senior citizens) to Cortez Kitchen, our favorite “biker bar.” It does have a bar, but is really a semi-outdoor eatery that serves local grouper fresh from the boat, shrimp, the occasional burger, and even a few sushi rolls. The spicy shrimp roll is one of our favorites. It being the weekend, there was live music; hence a large crowd of diners who arrived early and hung on to their tables until Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones took to the stage. The band was surprisingly good and obviously has a fan base. We stuck to our table too!
OSCARS
The Chief Penguin and I have already seen most of the Academy Award nominated films with a few exceptions. Having read the reviews and seen the trailer, I have no desire to see The Revenant. I’m afraid that it will win the Best Picture award, but I’m rooting for Spotlight, an excellent film about an important topic, and would be satisfied if any of the other nominees besides The Revenant won.
In the interest of being comprehensive, we watched about 20 minutes of Room last evening on our small screen. I thought the novel was excellent and Donoghue’s depiction of 5-year old Jack convincing. But, the film was more painful and so we abandoned it in favor of Trumbo, which we viewed in its entirety. I hadn’t realized that the blacklisting of screenwriters and movie stars went on for so many years, nor had I known anything about the role Dalton Trumbo played by continuing to write and to submit scripts under others’ names. Only in the late 1970’s did he get recognition for some of his excellent earlier work. This is a good film and Bryan Cranston (Trumbo) has been nominated for Best Actor. You will also enjoy seeing Helen Mirren in elegant suits and large hats as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.
ORCHIDS
To round out our week, we took our Philadelphia friends to Selby Botanical Gardens and were wowed by the impressive orchid display in the conservatory. Hanging orchids, orchid walls, and orchid vines—a kaleidoscope of colors. These waxy blooms plus a yummy pink bromeliad made my day!
(All photos by JWFarrington)
