Scene & Heard

+ Learning the trivia behind the musical
When I went to see “Sunset Boulevard” Saturday, Jan. 12, I heard a rumor from cast members of The Players Theatre production. In the book, “On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder,” by Ed Sikov, there’s a confirmation of this disturbing rumor.

In the script, there’s a scene in which leading lady Norma Desmond buries her pet chimpanzee. According to the book, during a party someone asked Billy Wilder, the writer of the script, what the scene means. Wilder’s explanation referenced bestiality.

On a lighter note, a scene featuring Schwab’s Pharmacy is based on a real-life Sunset Boulevard soda fountain where Hollywood big shots used to hang out, much like in the musical. The musical doesn’t feature F. Scott Fitzgerald suffering a heart attack there though, like he did in real life. The pharmacy was torn down in 1988.

These are some things to think about when you go see “Sunset Boulevard.” It has been extended through Jan. 27; tickets cost $25.

+ Jazzed about Cynthia Sayer album
People are jazzed about the smooth-swinging four-string banjoist and vocalist Cynthia Sayer. During her sold-out Jan. 19 concert at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center, it’s likely she will perform some numbers from her album “Joyride,” coming out Jan. 22.

Sayer’s parents, Bert and Barbara Sayer, are residents of Sarasota. Sayer has played alongside famous locals such as Dick Hyman, but she’s also performed with impressive non-locals such as Wynton Marsalis, Les Paul, Bill Cosby and Bucky Pizzarelli, to name a few. For more info about the musician and to pre-order her new album, visit cynthiasayer.com.

Hot Ticket
Celebrate! Great Escapes 3: Put your party pants on for Sarasota Orchestra’s “Celebrate! Great Escapes 3,” which features the best party music from Sarasota Orchestra, including a Mardi Gras medley and a Fiesta Latina arrangement. It’s at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $26 to $71. The program runs through Saturday, Jan. 26. Call 953-3434.

Momix: Botanica: At “Momix: Botanica,” one will hear an eclectic score enhanced with colorful props, projections, costumes and puppetry at 8 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 22, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets range $35 to $55. Call 953-3368.