Scene & Heard

+ Sarasota Film Society has Hollywood dreams
You might remember the September 2011 buzz that Jennifer Lopez was in Sarasota to film a movie called “Parker” at Ringling Museum’s Cà d’Zan. Well, the crime thriller opened this week and stars Jason Statham as the anti-hero, while Lopez plays his love interest. Some of the scenes were, indeed, filmed in our backyard.

The historic 36,000-square-foot Cà d’Zan closed for four days in while the crew filmed a heist scene. Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford, known for “Ray,” “Officer and a Gentleman” and “Devil’s Advocate,” directed the shoot, which lasted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and featured nearly 300 extras, made up of locals and others who drove from all over the state. 

Sarasota Film Society hosted the world premiere of “Parker” Friday, Jan. 24, at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. The film society hopes “Parker” will put Sarasota on the map as a beautiful and great place to film.

+ Sarasota senior publishes memoir
Herb Baron held a book launch Sunday, Jan. 27, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The 88-year-old, first-time author wrote “La Dolce Vita,” as a promise to his late wife of 59 years, Lorraine.

The memoir is about how his wife’s love helped him survive and triumph over his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II; following the war, he got a bachelor’s in business and marketing and then a master’s in economics. It recounts his entire life, from witnessing the loss of his best friend to the struggles of business, but most importantly, how his wife stuck by his side through it all. He even attributes her love to helping him get back to mental stability.
Baron has a second book in the works.

+ Holly takes a Two-Day ‘vacation’
Holly is the beloved Labradoodle known for her role as Sandy in The Players’ recent production of “Annie.” Holly, owned by Ross Mercier, disappeared Saturday, Jan. 26, from the Ice House, on Tenth Street. A Facebook post by Leona Collesano, vice chairwoman of The Players Board of Trustees, was shared more than 300 times, and a lengthy email chain helped spread the word.

Just like the street-dog Sandy gets picked up by Annie in the play, Holly wandered across the street to an empty lot where someone helped Holly find her owner. Holly was safely returned home Monday, Jan. 28.

Hot Ticket
‘Martin Preston as Liberace’ — Liberace is coming! Rather, “Martin Preston as Liberace” is coming. Get your tickets for the one-night-only show Friday, Feb. 1, at the Golden Apple Celebrity Theatre, 25 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets are $43. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The price includes dinner. Call 366-5604 to make reservations.

‘Turning Points’ — Guest conductor Daniel Hege leads Sarasota Orchestra in the Masterworks concert “Turning Points,” featuring Haydn, Barber, Debussy and Stravinsky. Tickets start at $30. Call 953-3434 for more information. Runs 8 p.m. Feb. 1 through Feb. 3.