With a stage dominating one side of the room and the walls plastered with fashion adverts, glam rock icons and countless Playboy centerfolds, the Dingbat Theatre Project has transformed what will soon be a family-friendly dining space in the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime into the setting for its latest off-the-wall production, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. And though the production now nears the end of a successful sold-out run, with the final two performances taking place tonight and tomorrow night, there were moments of trepidation and doubt on the road to opening night, says Dingbat Theatre Project Founder Luke Manual McFatrich.

And not just about the Playboys.

An R-rated rock musical about everything from sex and soulmates to rock bands, romantic ruin, the Cold War and botched gender reassignment surgery, Hedwig brings the audience front-and-center for one hilarious and unhinged night in the life of the titular genderqueer rocker as she tours in the shadow of an ex-lover. And for McFatrich, who also plays Hedwig, it surprisingly set the stage for his own journey of self-acceptance as well.

In many ways, the role of Hedwig presents something of an actor’s dream, with opportunity to flex one’s acting muscles as Hedwig adopts different personas and accents throughout the show, bringing characters from her past to life for the audience. “It’s really scary,” McFatrich says. “But I enjoy it. It quickly became a fun puzzle to figure out.” And working with director Brian F. Finnerty, McFatrich had no doubts that the puzzle could be solved.

But there was one lingering doubt.

At the show’s conclusion, Hedwig typically bares a little skin, going shirtless, at least. And for this reason, McFatrich says, the actor portraying Hedwig is typically of the well-muscled variety. McFatrich, however, is not. “So there were some insecurities,” he says, “about having to end the show in a vulnerable situation like that.” He and Finnerty went back and forth on the issue, eventually deciding that the ending was too important to change. In the end, the audience agreed, and McFatrich found people approaching him after the show to tell him how powerful they found the finale—especially with that added bit of body positivity. “I’m really proud of that,” he says.

Because under all the Playboy and punk rock, the showmanship and the shock factor, there’s an earnest heart to Hedwig, and McFatrich wants to lay that bare for all the audience to see as well.

“I hope they leave with a desire to understand other people on their journeys,” he says. “I hope they see Hedwig’s journey of self-acceptance and can translate it to their own lives.”

Then, after a pause.

“And I hope they leave with a smile on their face.”

The Dingbat Theatre Company’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch concludes its run this weekend, with the final shows tonight and tomorrow night. Visit the website below for tickets. 

Pictured: Luke Manual McFatrich as Hedwig in 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch.' Photo by Goddess Imagery Studios/Jamie Lee Butrum.

Dingbat Theatre Project

As an artists’ retreat less dependent on box office revenue for its operations than other arts organizations, The Hermitage had no problem pivoting last year as performance art organizations struggled. A year later, after lost seasons and their accompanying existential crises, the organization based on the sandy white beach of Manasota Key prepares for another season in which flexibility sits front and center.

“We were already looking at expanding our programming last year before COVID-19,” says artistic director and CEO Andy Sandberg, “we just weren’t as focused on being outside.” For Sandberg, channeling the retreat’s energy into outdoor programming proved fruitful across the board. It forced more productive conversations with other arts organizations about collaborations, helped the retreat get a handle on large-scale streaming events and, perhaps most importantly, introduced many new faces to an organization that for years seemed to exist outside of the county’s arts radar. “As people came to our events at Selby or our Zoom events with Unscripted, suddenly they decided it wasn’t that far to drive down to The Hermitage for one of our outdoor events,” says Sandberg.

Now, over a year after the initial shutdown and with the Delta variant circulating, Sandberg still has a lot to be optimistic about. “I think we learned last year that people felt really comfortable being outside and socially distanced,” he says, “and we only had to cancel one show last year due to the weather.” The Hermitage’s audience also became accustomed to maintaining flexibility with outdoor events, readily accepting the current operating model in which The Hermitage makes a final determination on an event only three hours before it begins.  

Of course, it helps that the retreat does not have to uphold the high production standards of a live theatre, with costumes, set designs and lighting. “The works we present aren’t finished,” says Sandberg, “so we’re not advertising production value, we’re advertising authenticity.” 

For the coming season, Sandberg hopes to carry the unforeseen momentum of the last year into more programming. “We’re just trying to continue building relationships with other organizations,” he says, “and we’re in talks with The Bay, Booker High School and MOTE Marine about ways we can all collaborate.” The upcoming season will also give Sarasota a look at the national curatorial team responsible for making selections on who receives Hermitage awards and grants. In addition, next year marks the first cycle of the Major Theatre Award, which awards $35,000 and a Hermitage residency to a playwright with the goal of producing a brand-new work. 

“Last year we weren’t even sure what to do about touching an Amazon delivery,” says Sandberg, “and now coughing inside a theatre is like yelling ‘fire.’ We’re still facing a lot of challenges in the arts, the difference is that The Hermitage, the artists and our audience have all kind of figured out how to navigate it all.” 

Photo courtesy of The Hermitage

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, kicks off their season September 25 and 26 with “Shout Glory! A Gospel Revival.” Key Chorale is back to celebrate togetherness through the powerful legacy of African American spirituals and Gospel music in a feel-good concert. Joined by the energetic pulse of The Stephen Lynerd Group and Jamal Sarikoki on the Hammond B-3 organ, this opening concert is full of upbeat, joyful music sure to raise the roof.

Artistic Director, Joseph Caulkins, says, “After 19 months of online concerts and virtual choirs, we are so ready to experience that synergy again between our musicians and our audiences. I know this will be an overwhelming experience for all of us and we know it will be a celebration. That is why we chose to focus on music that truly uplifts, gets our toes tapping, our hands clapping, and puts a smile on our face. I know years from now, we will look back at these concerts and remember how powerful it was to be back in the concert hall once again and to share the experience with our community.”

Tickets are available on keychorale.org or by calling the Box Office at 941-552-8768. 

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC). The Ringling will be providing guidance and expertise in assisting the SAACC with storage of a recent gift from Michael Berger. Berger, who splits his time between Sarasota and Pittsburgh, recently acquired and donated Five Florida “Highwaymen” paintings and pieces by Sam Gilliam and Radcliffe Bailey. These pieces will assist to build the collection of the SAACC’s upcoming art center and history museum that celebrates black life, art, history, heritage and culture. The SAACC is currently fundraising to construct the new building. “I've followed the progress of SAACC to open a facility that illuminates the work of African American artists," Michael Berger said. "We're thankful to The Ringling and Steven High for storing these important works of art until SAACC's permanent center and museum opens." 

"A new cultural asset, the Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum will offer culturally immersive experiences that include exhibitions, classes, demonstrations, panel discussions, outdoor festivals and performances” said SAACC Executive Director, Vickie Oldham. "Our success greatly depends on forming partnerships with long standing institutions such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum. The offer to store artwork donated to SAACC by a collector is greatly appreciated. We're anxious to jointly present programs with the museum that celebrate and explore issues of race, identity, class, social justice, history and culture through"

The SAACC has partnerships with 35 arts and cultural institutions and organizations and is dedicated to preserving, celebrating and sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. 

In honor of the 20^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, hundreds of car enthusiasts and community members will come together Saturday morning at Sarasota Cars and Coffee at UTC to pay tribute to first responders and remember the victims of that tragic day in American history. 

Powered by Suncoast Motorsports, Sarasota Cars and Coffee at UTC is a monthly gathering of exotic, sports, and classic car owners and enthusiasts. This month’s event will benefit the Sarasota Fire Fighter's Benevolent Fund and feature fabulous cars, fire trucks, the Mission BBQ army truck and a special 9/11 memorial ceremony. Starting at 8:46 am – the exact time the first tower was struck – there will be a moment of silence, followed by the presentation of colors by the Sarasota Military Academy Prep Color Guard and national anthem performed by Shantel Norman.

 Saturday, September 11, from 8:00 am – 10:00 am (Memorial ceremony begins at 8:45 am) at West District at UTC (near the Ford’s Garage parking lot, 295 N Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota). The event is free and open to the public; $10 suggested donation for show cars to benefit Sarasota Fire Fighter's Benevolent Fund.  

The Sarasota Ballet announced the award of an Arts Appreciation grant by Gulf Coast Community Foundation in support of the Company’s 2021 – 2022 Season and Director Iain Webb’s 15^th Anniversary Season. This year’s ballet programming includes the World Premiere of choreographer Sir David Bintley’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic work, A Comedy of Errors, along with a World Premiere by Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano, the Company Premiere of Mark Morris’ The Letter V, and treasured ballet classics and favorites from the Company’s extraordinary repertoire.

“We deeply appreciate the tremendous support provided by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” says Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet. “This Season is particularly special to me for two main reasons – firstly, it will see our return to the theater for in-person performances; and secondly, it marks my 15^th Season with the Company.” Webb continues, “It is because of the support we receive from organizations like the Gulf Coast Community Foundation that the arts in Sarasota has managed to survive the pandemic. Through their funding, we can continue to bring world-class artistry to the community, impact hundreds of students, and reach out to thousands of individuals across the spectrum of our society.” 

Saturday, September 18^th is Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day, an annual celebration of boundless curiosity. The Manatee County Agricultural (Ag) Museum and Palmetto Historical Park will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, entry is free. At the Ag Museum, a red barn craft is available to create on site or bring home and a Curiosity Scavenger Hunt is an in-house activity which will enter participants into a prize drawing. At Palmetto Historical Park a tour of the buildings will take place at 2:00 pm.  Guests are invited to take a Museum Day Activity Pack which includes a BINGO game, puzzle, and other pastimes. Each person who completes the BINGO game and turns it back in will be entered into a prize drawing.  Prize winners will be notified the following week.  While on the grounds, visitors may also enjoy the Sensory Garden and the Little Free Library. The Museum and Park are located at 515 10^th Ave. West, Palmetto. 

La Primavera Supermarket will host a first- and second-dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic Saturday, Sept. 11, in partnership with the Department of Health-Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota and The Mallard Law Firm. 

The walk-up clinic will be held from 11 am to 3 pm September 11 at La Primavera, 901 N Washington Blvd., Sarasota. Second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available to individuals age 12 and older who received their first dose at La Primevera’s clinic on Aug. 21. First doses of the vaccine will also be available. No appointments are necessary. Bilingual Spanish speakers will be on site to help coordinate the event.

“We’ve had success with these smaller events in teaming with community partners, and we’re hoping for the same great turnout on Saturday for folks to get first and second doses of the vaccine,” Mayor Hagen Brody said. “Partnering with credible community institutions like La Primavera has proven helpful in overcoming hesitancy issues for some who are now making a wise and informed decision to get vaccinated.”

For questions and more information about the vaccine clinic, contact La Primavera Supermarket at 941-366-5321. 

SRQ MEDIA is currently accepting nominations for our annual Good Hero Philantrhopic Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact with local nonprofits. The deadline to nominate someone was just extended to Friday, October 1st! 

Click here to nominate someone!