Black Tie & Tales 02.04.16

+"All my children …"
Before there was a Sarasota Ballet, there was the Dance Next Generation (DNG) program. Prima ballerina Jean Weidner Goldstein founded both, respectively 25 and 26 years ago. She said she created DNG, "to use the gift that was given to me to benefit the community" and it has done so with amazing success. How appropriate, then, that the Friends of the Ballet Luncheon honoring Jean benefited the DNG program and featured performances by a group of DNG students — Alexis Shalosky, RyAsia Hennessey, Yennika Perez, Kallie Gordon, Nicole Hurter, and Briyona Rivers — and a solo by Adrianne Ansley.

Jennifer Gemmeke, an ally from the day the ballet was founded in Jean’s kitchen, paid tribute to her with candor (“She can be obstinate”), humor (“She wore a black leather skirt to business lunches at the University Club”) and genuine affection (“You can’t say no to Jean”).

To get into the 10-year DNG program, students, who start at age 8, must be at risk of not graduating high school. They learn far more than music and movement; they learn who they are and what they can accomplish.  Every single DNG student has graduated high school. Many have gone on to college and successful careers in diverse fields.  There is no mistaking the pride and joy that Jean Weidner Goldstein has in their success. She says, "They are all my children." And they do her proud.

+"Renée Fleming wants to come back…"
That is the report from Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel. And there is no doubt that Sarasota will be thrilled to have her. Ms. Fleming’s first ever performance here was a success on so many levels. A few highlights … From recital to concert … Ms. Bensel’s original plan was for a recital but when she learned that Ms. Fleming would be focused on singing with an orchestra, she turned to friend and Sarasota Orchestra Executive Director Joe McKenna. The dates worked out – in and of itself a miracle -- and voila! … Sweetening the deal … there was even more excitement because Music Director Anu Tali would be in town and Ms. Fleming is a vocal champion of female conductors …  A triumph of collaboration … For starters, there was the concert featuring Ms. Fleming and the Sarasota Orchestra presented in collaboration with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hal and the Van Wezel Foundation. But did you know that the Sarasota Concert Association and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra gave up half of their rehearsal time in the hall because Ms. Fleming always rehearses a day before? … How gracious … The Asolo Rep is currently performing “Living on Love,” in which Ms. Fleming appeared on Broadway in 2015. When her schedule did not allow her to accept the invitation to see it here, she graciously invited cast and crew to attend her rehearsal at Van Wezel. Of course they did! … There’s nothing like the Superbowl! … a surprising number of guests at the Orchestra’s gala dinner preceding the performance were not opera fans but admirers of Ms. Fleming from her performing the Star Spangled Banner at the Superbowl in 2014 … It never looked better  … count on Décor Chair Anne Folsom Smith to retain Extravaganza out of Tampa to transform the cavernous Municipal Auditorium into an elegant party space for that dinner. Senior Designer Tim Thompson said the four-way stretch, Italian lycra they custom designed for the space took 68.5 hours of sewing.

+Hello, Harriett!
"My mom was a hoofer who danced with Mitzi Gaynor," said Carole Goff, "and I have hired seven of the 3rd year Conservatory students to perform as well as give her the Grand Entrance that she is requesting to 'Hello Dolly' complete with feathers and boa and more!" And that is how Harriett Krass celebrated her 90th birthday in the lobby of the Asolo Rep on January 25. The performance also included the birthday girl’s grandson playing the trumpet, and a vignette by Alan Kitty, the NYC Actor, Producer, Director and Playwright who portrays Mark Twain. The 70 partiers included Harriet’s son Gordon Krass, daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Michael Doering, Margo and Warren Coville, Carol Kleinberg, Arne and Betty Hoffman, Angel Hissom and Andria Bilan. Harriett thanked her guests with Kenny Lattimore’s lyrics from "The Soul of Man": "If you could see you through my eyes, you'd see someone beautiful." And the talent wrapped up their performance with the family-favorite-song: "Lullaby of Broadway."

+Tidbits … A new job description … Carole Kleinberg reports she is spending most of her time these days as a "midwife working with playwrights." Headed into labor this weekend: the final staged reading of "Sweeter Than Justice" by Robert Lipkin at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center February 5 and 6. Tickets: 552-5325...Ballerina bride...The beautiful Sara Sardelli, who is engaged to be married to Kenny Racho, said 'yes' to the dress at Blush Bridal Boutique...Couture & cocktails...Art Center Sarasota hosted a Charity Bartending Night featuring Iconcept's co-chairs and artists, at Polo Grill and Bar on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The event was a kick-off to the main event, happening on Feb. 21, at Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota. For tickets call 365-2032.