Romeo Y Julieta: Flamenco Smolders in Verona

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Flamenco del Sol presents Romeo Y Julieta at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801). A little girl in the row in front of us was dressed with a rose in her hair and a flowing flamenco dress. Later a woman who might have been her aunt also showed up in a customary flamenco gown. The show tells the story of Romeo and Juliet through dance. No words were spoken every story point and emotion was strictly delivered through dance. 

The star crossed couple met at an energetic dance party with everyone dancing as well as the children. Romeo spotted Juliet from across the crowded dance floor. They were instantly attracted not knowing at the time that they were from two families who were sworn enemies, the Montagues and the Capulets. In the next scene two gangs faced off, much like the gangs in West Side Story which is also based on the Romeo and Juliet saga. Instead of snapping fingers as they faced off they clapped and stomped threateningly. it was a highly effective was to show the animosity between the families.

Friar Lawrence (Carlos Rodriguez Gonzalez) offers to heal the rift between the families secretly married the couple. However tensions remained high and a push turned to a shove and Juliet’s cousin killed romeo’s friend. Romeo is beyond grief and instantly turns on Juliets cousin stabbing him. Romeo was banished. 

Nothing ends well in this sad tale, but the passionate flamenco dancing moved the action with amazing and ruthless sincerity. The story of Romeo and Juliet is well known by most theater goers so it was reassuring to rediscover this story just through dance and mime. The strong lighting and amazing dance numbers made very moment thrilling. The part of Julieta was performed by Tammy Weber De Millar who is the passionate director of Flamenco Del Sol. Gabriel Garcia the company drama coach clued me in about this amazing production.

Tonight February 9, 2020 at 7pm is the final performance. If you have never experienced Flamenco de Sol before you should get out and see this show. It is amazing. Tickets are $47.63. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Three Musketeers

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Three Musketeers written by Catherine Bush and adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas is a
witty and action packed swashbuckler following the friendship of
young d’Artagnan (Benjamin Bonenfant) and his band of Musketeers as they fight to protect the
ones they love from the evil Cardinal Richelieu (Anne Hering) it is story of double crossings, kidnappings, and carefully guarded secrets, complete with lavish sword fights and sweeping romance, set in a time when love and honor ruled the world. It is playing at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater (812 E Rollins St Orlando, FL 32803) through March 22, 2020.

The Three Musketeers, Porthos (Rodney Lizcano), Anthos (Timothy Williams) and Aramis (Walter Kmiec) at first seem irresponsible by getting into a drunken brawl, but d’Artagnan added a blush of romance and camaraderie to the group when he assisted them in a sword fight. Monsieur de Treville (Phillip Nolan) was responsible for keeping the Musketeers in line and his assistant Planchet (Brandon Roberts) added comic relief to every scene he was in.

The spiral staircase center stage rotates creating a wide a variety of scene changes. At one point there is a sword fight on the stairs as they rotated which was visually thrilling. I had to commit to one setting for my sketch, ignoring the staircase when it moved or disappeared altogether.

It turned out that one of the Musketeers X wife, Milady De Winter (Tracy Lane) was the most deadly villain in the show. She could be sweet and cultured and then stab you in the heart while offering a kiss. The show kept a fevered pace and was a delight to watch.

Here are the remaining show dates…

Tickets are $27 to $36.

Saturday, February 8, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, February 8, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 9, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 – 2:00 PM – Senior Matinee

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, February 13, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 – 2:00 PM – Senior Matinee

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 29, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 1, 2020 – 2:00 PM – Talk back Performance

Thursday, March 5, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Friday, March 6, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Friday, March 13, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – 2:00 PM – Senior Matinee

Thursday, March 19, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 22, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Weekend Top 6 Picks for February 8 and 9, 2020

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Saturday February 8, 2020 

10am to 4pm Free. Paws In The Park. Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801.

Join the Beloved Organization’s Fun-filled Festival and Fundraiser Featuring Adoptable Pets, Doggy Sports, a PAWrade Costume Contest, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Pet-Friendly Vendors and Much More.

Following their biggest fundraising year to date raising over $2
million to support the dogs and cats of Central Florida, Pet Alliance of
Greater Orlando invites all pet lovers to join together at Orlando’s
largest pet festival and parade “Paws in the Park” returning to
beautiful Lake Eola Park on Saturday, February 8 from 10am-4pm.  Paws in
the Park supports the mission of Pet Alliance,  the region’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency, to educate, shelter, place and heal pets and their families with compassionate, responsible care, and the hugely popular event provides
aid for the more than 6,000 homeless pets who will be cared for at Pet
Alliance of Greater Orlando’s shelters and clinics this year.

 Kicking
off at 10am is the pet parade around Lake Eola, followed by this year’s
new PAWrade costume contest with celebrity judges and cash prizes
(Themes: Superheroes, Favorite Food, Binge-Worthy TV Shows). 
Participants and their furry family members can register and fund raise
online and invite their friends and family to join them for the special
walk, costume contest and festivities.  Then, all attendees and their
fur pals will enjoy a full day of both “human” and “canine” activities,
food and fun, including the famous dock diving for dogs and lure courses, beer garden, a variety food trucks and shopping, pet products and more, plus plenty of pet adoption opportunities.  Pet Alliance’s mobile vet unit will also be on site and providing free vaccines. 

 “Pet Alliance is thrilled to have adopted
out 6,601 dogs and cats, rescued 1,453 pets from shelters that would
have euthanized them and fostered 1,749 puppies and kittens last year,”
says Special Events Manager Caryn Freas.  “We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support, and we are excited to see our
animal loving community back out at Lake Eola Park for Paws in the Park
and to kick start what we hope is another phenomenal year of fundraising
for our much-loved and deserving furry friends.”

 For
more information on Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and Paws in the
Park, to register for the walk and make a donation, visit www.petallianceorlando.org and www.pawsinthepark.org.

Pet
Alliance of Greater Orlando was founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane
Society.  Since then, the organization has worked hard to provide
positive and safe outcomes for pets.  Today, Pet Alliance has a
dedicated focus on the welfare and well-being of dogs and cats in
Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties.  As the “go to” experts in
Greater Orlando, they do good things for dogs and cats and the people
who love them.  Their goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable
services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and
veterinary medicine.  Nearly 7,000 surrendered pets and homeless animals
turn to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for caring, compassion and
hope through their shelters each year.  Pet Alliance provides food,
medical care and shelter for dogs and cats until they find their new
homes.  In addition to providing housing and care, Pet Alliance works to
develop progressive and innovative programs that help keep pets and
people together.  Pet Alliance also provides low-cost spay/neuter
surgeries and animal wellness through their public veterinary clinics. 
Their shelter programs are supported entirely by donations from the
community they serve.  Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has two pet
adoption centers (Orlando and Sanford) and three veterinary clinics
(Orlando, Sanford and Alafaya).  For more information, visit https://petallianceorlando.org/.

6:30pm to 9pm $65. Taste of Arts-Arts Gala. Mercedes-Benz of North Orlando, 1100 Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771.   

This
premiere event celebrates the arts by showcasing the visual,
performing, and culinary arts. We partner with various businesses and
artists from Seminole County including local restaurants, Seminole State
College, local visual artists, and local performing artists to put on
an evening to remember and raise money to support the arts in Seminole
county!
Event Features
A spectacular gala event celebrating the arts featuring:
Food and Wine Tastings​
Silent Auction
Visual Arts Gallery
Live Music
Performance Artists
Photo Booth
and much more!

10:30pm to 12:30am Order drinks and food.  Son Flamenco. Ceviche Tapas Orlando, 125 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801. Hot blooded Flamenco Dancing set to acoustic guitar.

Sunday February 9, 2020

11am to 12:30pm Free. 9th Annual Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival. 728 North Thornton Ave Orlando Fl. This annual event, held in Orlando’s Mills 50 district near downtown,
celebrates the Lunar Year with Japanese Taiko, acrobatic performances,
cultural dances, cuisine, martial arts demonstrations and a lively
Dragon Parade. Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year 2020, “Year of
the Rat,” with Dragon and Lion Dance, and a parade from all your
favorite local organizations. Fun for the entire family!

1pm to 6pm Free. Vintage Valentine Market in Audubon Park. Park Ave CDs 2916 Corrine Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803. Celebrating
it’s 8th year, Orlando’s largest outdoor Vintage Market is back with
30+ Vintage Vendors selling clothing, vinyl records, furniture, jewelry,
curiosities and knickknacks and so much more! The market is hosted from
1pm-6pm in the parking lot in front of The Lovely Boutique Market, Dear
Prudence & Park Ave CDs. Food trucks will be available for your
noshing needs and Redlight Redlight will be open with craft beer!

2pm to 4pm $5 Film Slam. Enzian Theater, South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL. FilmSlam will usually be held on the second Sunday of each month at the Enzian. Experimental
Films, Puppet Films, Art Films, Bartenders throwing bottles, Gangsters,
a Music Video….this has to be the most amazingly eclectic line we’ve
had for all of 2012. Q&A with the filmmakers to follow screening. 

Osprey Tavern

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Pam Schwartz and I went to Osprey Tavern (4899 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814) for dinner. The place has a swanky vibe and service was fast to the point of hectic. I was just starting to block in the sketch when the food started to arrive so I had to juggle eating with sketching. We ordered some Brussels sprouts as an appetizer and they were well cooks and tasty. I ordered a Cider and Pam had a pumpkin themed cocktail that was really good.

My meal was a bolognese with thin noodles and a creamy sauce. In the dish were two cherry sized tomatoes that refused to be stuck by my fork. I chased them around the place endlessly and then gave up and continued to sketch. We both ordered desert as well. I had a carrot cake slice which was immense and Pam ordered a cheese board which had a smokey blue cheese that she loved.

Overall the food was good but both dishes we ordered were very similar to the dished Pam might cook on any given night at home. There was no spectacular WOW factor. One of the waiters looked like a musician I had sketched before. Apparently a lawyer for the city was having diner there as well since Pam recognized him as he made his way to the men’s room. The city sprayed cement on the paint job of Pam’s car and the city was supposed to remedy the pock marked damage but they never did. This lawyer was supposed to be the one to help.

Breakwater Hotel

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The Breakwater Hotel (940 Ocean Drive Miami Beach Fl) was built in 1939 by Anton  Skislewicz. This was the first stop on the sketch walk I hosted along with Gay Geiger. At the start she offered a quick sumation of the history of Art Deco architecture. Her talk was made a bit challenging because all the old cars parked along ocean drive for the car show drove by honking horns revving their engines.

Art Deco was born in Europe, first introduced in 1925 at “Exposition des Arts Decoratifs” in

Paris and flourished internationally from the 1920s – 30s. Its influence is derived from ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Mayan motifs. Also, by Cubist paintings and the Machine Age. In 1920s gambling, booze, and prostitution that came down came down to Miami with New York crime lords who invested in the hotels, were where illegal activities happened. A 1926 Hurricane wiped out and changed much of South Beach’s architecture from Mediterranean Revival to Art Deco. Miami took Art Deco and added Tropical and Natuical Deco Motifs. Motifs include frozen fountains (splashes of water frozen in time), eyebrows (ledges above windows brought with tech of reinforced concrete).

In the 1930s Henry Hohauser added curves and streamlining, by 40s Deco was over and the 1950 to 60s gave way to Miami Modernist (MiMo). Anything built after 1965 is considered “New Construction”.

The rooftop terrace of the Breakwater was the location of Bruce Weber’s early-1980s photo shoot for Calvin Klein Underwear which sparked world-wide interest in the Art Deco District as a backdrop for

the fashion industry. The Breakwater’s perfectly balanced A-B-A facade helps make the

central design even more pronounced. The hotel has etched plate glass windows which are done in the Floridiana style complete with flamingos, palm trees, and tropical terrain. It was purchased and refinished by Jordache Jeans in 2011.

What is great about Urban Sketching is that each artist has their own aesthetic and approach when sketching. The same subject might be interpreted by architects and artists with widely different and equally interesting results. I didn’t offer any insights or instruction except for artist who asked for feedback. I experimented and worked faster than usual since we only has an hour at each of 3 stops. Results were unexpected and fun.

Violet

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Violet with music by Jeanine Tesori and Lyrics and book by Brian Crawley is being performed at the Garden Theater (160 Plant Street Winter Garden FL) through February 9, 2020. The show is based on The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts. Violet (Holli Trisler) is plagued by the question, “What do you see when you look at me?” At 13 years of age she was struck inn the face by her father’s axe blade that came unhinged from it’s blade. The play opened with Violet getting on a bus from her hometown in the mountains of North Carolina heading to Tulsa Oklahoma where she hoped a televangelist might heal her scar to make her beautiful.

The primary theme of the play is that beauty is not skin deep. At a rest stop on the trip She played poker with a paratrooper, Monty (Brian Zealand) and black sergeant, Flick (Raleigh Mosley II) who are stunned by her talent playing poker. The three become quick friends. A server at a restaurant offered a racial slur when dealing with Flick and Violet stood up for him based on his character rather than the color of his skin. A deep friendship developed between them since they both saw each other for who they were. Monty on the other hand was looking for a possible one night stand.

When Violet finds the televangelist he turns out to be a jerk much like Oz, in the Wizard of Oz. Despite him Violets faith and beauty shine. The idea of commercialized beauty idealized by Hollywood female stars should not the the ideal any young woman should have to aspire to. From my seat in the audience I never could see Violets scar. She tended to try and hide it behind her long hair. The face is we all carry scars and they add character and beauty to each of us.

This show was an unexpected treat. The music was uplifting and downright inspired in the case of the televangelists chorus. The glorious “Bring Me to Light” sung at the end affirmed that Violet would no longer hide her beauty or talents because of a single scar.

Tickets are $25 to $37.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, February 6, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Thursday, February 6, 2020 – 7:30 PM – ASL Performance

Friday, February 7, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 8, 2020 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, February 8, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 9, 2020 – 2:00 PM

South Beach Drink and Draw

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After a long day of sketching at Art Deco Weekend in South Beach Miami, the Urban Sketchers then met for a drink and draw a block away from the beach at Abuella’s Cuban Kitchen. A group of us ate dinner downstairs and then the plan was to to hold the Drink and Draw upstairs. There was some confusion with the restaurant owners who seemed unaware of the plans that had been made weeks before. The dinner we had was sub par. An 18% tip was
already in the bill and I decided to fill out the digital form to give a
20% tip instead. After seeing someone else fill out the form I realized I had
given a $20 tip rather than 20%. The waitress gave me a $20 bill back.

One sketcher came downstairs and said the space upstairs was cold and weird. That made me want to go up and see for myself. Ultimately we did all go upstairs to an outdoor patio that overlooked the street. I liked the curve linear cornice in front of which many of our group sat. It was indeed spacious and weird, I liked it.

To my right the discussion turned to mixing music as a DJ. Several of the group were into mixing beats. James Richards spoke to an artist at length and Pam spoke to James’ wife. I focused my attention on finishing this sketch for the duration.  One artist was told she would have to order something other than a water or she would have to leave. She had just paid for a very expensive tasteless diner downstairs. She stood her ground. This evening left the impression that South Beach Miami is cut throat and rude.

Locust Apartments in South Beach Miami

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The second stop on the sketch crawl I was hosting was the Locust Apartments (918 Ocean Drive South Beach Miami Fl) built in 1925 by Architect A. Frasier Rose. The sun was getting low on the horizon and we had to stare directly into the sun to look at the facade.

The building is in a Mediterranean Revival style with Gothic Revival influences. Four pilasters divide 3 bays. Thin, twisted ornamentation at at the corners and there are low relief panels at cornices. Pointed arches can be found above third floor windows. There is a highly ornamented pointed arch above primary entryway. Inside there is a large tiled fireplace with twisted columns separating arches and a molded ceiling.

I sat a bit further back so I could catch some of the tents set up for the Art Deco Weekend. One tent offered hammock chairs that people were always trying out. I was first fascinated by the crowd of people seated on top of the building to the right of the Locust Apartments. Both of my fountain pens stopped putting down lines so I started sketching with a colored pencil. It was fun working fast and furious, knowing there wasn’t time for any second guessing.

The theme of Art Deco Weekend was Sheroes, Women who Made a Difference. Pam had the idea of posing women like Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells and Mary Brickell on each of the balconies of this building as the poster. I should have followed up and created that image. It could have been a strong image evocative of Evita.

The Lion in Winter

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CFC Arts presents The Lion in Winter written by James Goldman. The play depicted the personal and political conflicts of King Henry II (David Lowe) his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, (Robin Olson) their children and their guests during Christmas 1183. Eleanor was imprisoned since 1173 but now she was home for the holidays. The gamesmanship between Eleanor and the king was such a delight to watch. Though they were always at odds there was a long standing deep rooted affection between them.

The story concerns the gamesmanship between Henry, his wife Eleanor, their three surviving sons Richard (Chris Fahmie), Geoffrey (Landon St. Gordon), and John (Jake Teixeira), and their Christmas Court guest, the King of France, Philip II (Cole Nesmith). Alais (Ashleigh-Ann Gardner) was Philip’s half-sister, who was at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age eight, but had since become Henry’s mistress. The king had many mistresses and many bastard sons.

King Henry needed an heir and Eleanor favored Richard who  seemed the most likely candidate since he was a much a war hawk as his father. He was easily the strongest and toughest of the three sons. Despite this, Henry favored his youngest, rather spoiled son John.  All three sons were just pawns in Henry and Elanor’s ceaseless scheming against one another.

Eleanor tended to dominate every scene she was in. She had a fiery temperament, and great authority and presence. Intellectually she seemed to run circles around the domineering Henry. Since all three sons seemed unworthy of being king, the fair Alais rose in the kings eyes as the possible mother of future heirs. Facing the possibility of being queen, she had to make demands and do battle with the tempestuous king. She didn’t seem as much up to the task as Eleanor.

The bottom line is that this play was an absolute delight. Alliances and enemies pivoted on a dime. Battles were as much over family love and acceptance as power and kingdoms.

The final performances are:

Sunday, February 2 – 3:00

Monday, February 3 – 7:30pm (Discount Night)

Tickets are:

$25 Premium Seating (Includes seating in the first 3 rows of the theatre and a complimentary concession item)

$18 Standard Reserved Seatin

$15 Discount Night (All Seats)