Scene & Heard

+ YPGers distracted by unusual suspect
On Thursday, Sarasota YPGers piled into the Asolo Repertory Theatre for a happy hour and musical combo to watch “Marilyn: Forever Blonde.” One gentleman in the audience made sure everyone was paying attention with his high-pitched catcalls and whistles each time Marilyn Monroe stepped on stage.

“At first, the thought of spending two hours silenced while a woman descanted on about her life made me wary of attending,” said Jimi Goethe, YPG member. “However, Asolo kept par with this performance by exhibiting a show with one actor that proffered an entertaining evening, which was both humorous as well as informative. Each time she would make her risqué costume change, the audience would burst out laughing at his (the audience member’s) loud, but jovial, comments.”

+ After 300 hours, artist deems work is done
Local artist Brian Schlenger recently completed his latest color-pencil drawing, “Eye Was Blind, Now Eye See,” after spending 300 hours on it. He started his “Eye” works last year when he attended the “I am Home Project,” at Tommy Bahama.

“Much of the drawing I let transform from the energies around me, thinking all the time about a higher power and the world’s turmoil,” Schlenger said. “There’s a lot in this. It’s as I say, ‘A straight from the brain and heart, colorful creation.’”

Schlenger has donated “Optical Eye-lusions” to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, “Dream Angels” to the I am Home Project and “Angel Eye on Paradise” to the Trinity Church, in Venice.

+ WBTT, Players Theatre announce open auditions
Want to star in “Love Sung in the Key of Aretha,” “A Raisin in the Sun” or “Blackbird, the Josephine Baker Story”? The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold open auditions for men and women ages 18 and older from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at 1646 10th Way (behind the Binz building at 10th Street and Orange Avenue). Those auditioning should be prepared to perform a short monologue and sing a musical selection. Call 366-1505 to schedule a reservation.

The Players Theatre will hold auditions for its New Play Reading Festival from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 18, at 838 N. Tamiami Trail. Actors and actresses of all levels are encouraged to audition and are requested to perform a one-minute monologue. Reservations are required. Call 365-2494.

+ Spirit of India inspires colorful exhibition
Meg Pierce, of the Meg Pierce Art Studio, will showcase a series of abstract pattern paintings inspired by the colors and spirit of India from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 15, during the Towles Court Third Friday Art Walk.

Pierce’s recent trip to India was the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. She interprets her experiences from the tour by using a subtle combination of fabrics, sequins, metallic trims and acrylic paint. To reflect the richness of the Indian culture, Pierce details her work with a layering of glazes, strings, waxed paper and flashes of silver and gold. The studio is located at 1938 Adams Lane.

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HOT TICKET
Country music queen to grace Sarasota stage: The one and only Dolly Parton will stop in Sarasota on The Better Day Tour for one night only at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at Van Wezel. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 15. Visit www.vanwezel.org or call 953-3368.

GPAC presents ‘Summertime Songfest’: Featuring the local men’s group, Chorus of the Keys, The Glenridge Performing Arts Center will hold its “Summertime Songfest” at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at 7333 Scotland Way. The performance will feature three famed quartets — The Bowery Boys, The Best of Times and Old Guys Rule. A free Italian ice reception will follow the show. Tickets are $15. Call 552-5325 or visit www.gpactix.com.