A&E Picks and Highlights

Chef's Special
Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Available: at Louie’s Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave.

Description: This vegan dish features truffle red chief lentils, roasted Brussels sprouts, parsnip puree and caramelized celery root ($14).

Why it’s special: Executive Chef James “Jimmy” Baselici takes a popular comfort food and modernizes it with a new combination of flavors and textures.

What to pair with it: Either a Witterkere Belgium Wit beer, $4; or a cucumber mint refresher, $4.

Role: Playing Leo in “4000 Miles,” which runs through April 27, at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Where were you before coming to Sarasota?
Vestal, N.Y.

Describe “4000 Miles” in a few sentences:
A widowed grandmother is awoken by the unexpected arrival of her grandson. The two spirited souls clash and connect while finding a sense of discovery within each other’s lives. 

Describe your character:
A valiant devoted free spirit finding the way. 

What do you think is the most important message of the show?
A message is any verbal, written, or recorded piece of communication, so as far as the most important, that is hard to say. I hope that there are many that the generations of past, present, and future can relate to and learn about. 

Tell us about the best trip you’ve ever been on:
I’m still on it. 

What’s a favorite memory you share with one of your grandparents?
Watching “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in my grandparents’ bed. 

What’s something you appreciate about the “greatest generation?”
I know the “greatest generation” survived the Great Depression and then went to war. Those men and women are dignified, strong and brave. 

Why should people come see this production?
They haven’t seen it yet.

A&E Editor’s Picks

Thursday, April 17
‘Lunch, Look and Listen’ featuring Deborah Berioli
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
11 a.m. at Michael’s On East
Tickets $45. Call 306-1202.

Ringling by the Bay — Vertigo
5 p.m. at The Ringling
Tickets $10. Call 359-5700.

‘Urinetown’
7:30 p.m. at The Players Theatre
Runs through April 27.
Tickets $25 to $30. Call 365-2494.

SCF Studio 84 Productions: ‘The Grove’
8 p.m. at David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre
Runs through Saturday.
Tickets $12, students/employees $10. Call 752-5252.

Friday, April 18
Intermediate and Advanced Allegro Music Academy student recital
Noon at Allegro Music Academy
Free. Call 358-8511.

Chroma Quartet
8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center. Tickets $15. Call 552-5325.

Saturday, April 19
New Music New College: Miranda Cuckson and Christopher Burns
8 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion
Tickets $15. Call 487-4888.

Sunday, April 20
Soiree Series: ‘Leading Men and Their Music’
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
2 p.m. at Weisenborne/Fischer Residence
Tickets $45. Call 914-306-1202.

Monday, April 21
Monday Night Movie: ‘The Babe Ruth Story’
7 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater
Tickets $7. Call 359-5700.

Faculty Recital: Felicia Brunelle, violin; Alfred Gratta, cello with guest Cheryl Tschanz, piano SCF Music
8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center
Tickets $8, students/employees $4. Call 752-5252.

Tuesday, April 22
Sensational social and singing and snacks
Sarasota Opera Guild
9:45 a.m. at Sarasota Opera House
Free. Call 549-1068.

Shen Yun Show
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Call 953-3368.

Wednesday, April 23
Chamber music concert with Paul Wolfe and Friends
The Sarasota Music Archive/Friends of Selby Public Library
10:30 a.m. at Selby Public Library
Free. Call 861-1168.

Great Escapes Series: ‘A Wink and a Smile’
Sarasota Orchestra
7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall
Tickets $29 to $49. Call 953-3434.

Still Playing

“Five Guys Named Moe” runs through April 19, at Venice Theatre

“The Grapes of Wrath” runs through April 19, at Asolo Repertory Theatre

FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s “Antigone” runs through April 27, at Asolo Repertory Theatre

“Greater Tuna” Runs through April 27, at Manatee Performing Arts Center

“Parallel Lives” runs through April 27, at Venice Theatre

“Poems, Prayers and Promises” runs through April 27, at Florida Studio Theatre

“Bubbling Brown Sugar” runs through May 11, at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Season VII: “Shared Ground” Runs through May 30, at Sarasota bayfront

Embracing Our Differences runs through June 1, at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park

“Tom Jones” runs through June 1, at Florida Studio Theatre

“Too Darn Hot” Runs through June 7, at Florida Studio Theatre