A&E Picks and Highlights

Medium and size: Oil on canvas. 60 inches by 120 inches.

On display: In “David Budd: The Forgotten Abstract Impressionist” runs from April 4 through April 13 at the IceHouse, 1314 10th St.

What it is: David Budd studied at Ringling College of Art and Design in the 1940s, moved to New York City and spent his his days becoming an abstract expressionist and nights at the Cedar Tavern, drinking and arguing with his contemporaries Jackson Pollack, Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning. Forty-five of his works will be on display for the first time in many years. Opening night gala 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4. Tickets $25.

Role: Antigone in FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s “Antigone,” which runs from April 8 through April 27.

Where are you from? Newport Beach, Calif.

Give us the plot in one sentence: The family of Oedipus grapples with the forces of duty, destiny, and the pursuit of happiness, as they live in the aftermath of civil war.

Describe your character in three words: Sharp, scrappy and honest.

What’s special about this production? Rehearsals for this production are unlike any of which I’ve been a part. We have been delving into the lives of our characters before the events of “Antigone” take place, actually embodying and acting out these events together … With this production of “Antigone,” however, we have been able to cultivate a rich foundation for each and every character.

What’s your favorite line from the show? “I want everything of life, I do; and I want it now! I want it total, complete: otherwise I reject it!”

Is there any law you find unjust? Yes, I do. What disturbs me most is that I — as a white, middle-class, straight, able-bodied, American-born person — benefit from these unjust laws, while others who do not fit my description do not benefit from them.

What’s the most difficult part about performing this role? It is difficult to say “yes” to death every day. Playing a tragic character is hard and a little lonely because there is no way to get out of the situation you are in. The end is determined and fixed. That’s why it’s tragic.

It is also difficult (but extremely fun) to play someone as strong-willed and free-spirited as Antigone.
Antigone knows who she is and what she wants, regardless of the fact that society tells her she must be and want other things. Those are qualities I strive to have myself.

What’s something you learned about yourself or acting while studying this production? In playing Antigone, I have learned how fun it is to live on the offense, to seize the things I want for my life, instead of waiting for those things to hopefully materialize. I have been surprised to learn that this kind of living is more my style.

A&E Editor’s Picks

Thursday, April 3
Sailor Circus 65th Anniversary Show: ‘LEGACY’
The Circus Arts Conservatory
7 p.m. at The Sailor Circus Arena
Runs through April 5. Tickets $12 to $16. Call 355-9805.

Chamber Ensembles in Concert
SCF Music
8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center
Tickets $8, students/employees $4. Call 752-5252.

‘Denial’
Backstage at The Players
8 p.m. at The Players
Runs through April 13.
Tickets $15. Call 365-2494.

Music Makes Community
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
8:15 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Tickets $18 to $72. Call 953-3368.

Friday, April 4
Sarasota Film Festival 2014
Runs through April 13.
Various times at Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20. Call 366-6200.

‘Jazz at Two’ vocalist Judy Alexander
The Jazz Club of Sarasota. 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church
Tickets $7 to $12. Call 366-1552.

Drama, video and music on the beach
5:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat. Free. Call 475-2098.

Masterworks Series: ‘Beethoven’s Fifth’
Sarasota Orchestra. 8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Hall
8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Saturday
2:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sunday
Tickets $30 to $84. Call 953-3434.

Sarasota Ballet Program 6: Ashton, Graziano & Tudor
8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House. Runs through Saturday. 
Tickets $35. Call 359-0099, Ext. 101.

Saturday, April 5
‘The Little Mermaid’
School of Russian Ballet. 6 p.m. at Braden River High School
Tickets $11 to $20. Call 962-6664.

Lenore Raphael with Howard Alden
8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center
Tickets $20. Call 552-5325.

Sunday, April 6
Spring Music Series
1 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Call 366-5731, Ext. 229.

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival Concert II
2:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House
Tickets $40 to $175. Call 366-8450, Ext. 3.

Unplugged New Play Festival
Asolo Repertory Theatre.
7 p.m. at Asolo Rep rehearsal hall
Call 351-8000.

Monday, Monday (A Tribute to the Mamas and the Papas)
8 p.m. at Venice Theatre
Tickets $22. Call 488-1115.