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 …
Author Archives: JWF
Tidy Tidbits: Mostly Books
DINING ON THE BEACH A venue for splurges, Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach has an unbeatable setting—literally on the beach—and a dining room that is charming even when filled to capacity. And this chef delivers. The food is delicious, something that isn’t always paired with a fabulous view. We were with good friends and had …
Tidy Tidbits: Stage & Page
ON THE STAGE The theater offerings in Sarasota are so well done and so polished that you almost don’t need to go to New York. This week we saw a stunningly good performance of Robert Schenkkan play, All the Way, at the Asolo. I didn’t know of it before (not having followed Broadway closely in …
Tidy Tidbits: Diversions
COLORING CRAZE CONTINUES I knew that public libraries had signed on to the coloring craze for adults, but I was surprised to learn (thanks to my younger sister) that research libraries have joined in with a sort of challenge this week. Specifically, they are offering up images from their special collections for anyone to download …
