Monthly Archives: September 2019

Fame is a curious thing. In the social media age, we are all trying, in ways big and small, to be famous. Yet, those who are famous will tell you that its more brutal and brittle than it looks. I recently read an interview on vulture.com with American filmmaker Joel Schumacher (St Elmos Fire, Flatliners), in which he talked about working with Julia Roberts on a film called Dying Young. Pretty Woman had just been released and Roberts had become, overnight, one of the biggest stars in the world. She was sobbing in his car because someone had written a story about the boys she had gone out with in high school. She said: I never needed to be this famous.

Joel tells the interviewer that this was profound to him because, until then, he hadnt realised that you cant decide how much fame you get. Its not up to you. You now belong to them.

This belonging is magnified in Indian cinema. Were a movie-mad culture obsessed with stars. Pre-social media, the relationship was reverential, with actors placed on a pedestal. They were literally like gods I remember reading news reports about an Amitabh Bachchan temple in Kolkata.

Post-social media, theyve become intimate strangers (a term American film critic Richard Schickel coined in 1985). We know too much about them. Of course social media presents a highly curated and constructed identity, but it has irrevocably blurred the lines between private and public from Hrithik Roshans bonding vacations with his sons to Farhan Akhtars grand passion for partner Shibani Dandekar, its all out there for public consumption.

Stars are now on 24x7. Is the information overload fraying our relationship with them? I dont know. But the additional followers / subscribers / eyeballs have given them even more clout. Their hold on us is complete. So it becomes even more imperative that they use their power responsibly, which brings me to the Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda.

The star, whose fans are called Rowdies, combines acting chops and charisma with a refreshingly unrehearsed manner. Hes politically incorrect and unpredictable. Hes also generous.

Last year, Vijay launched his own production house, King of the Hill. A few weeks ago, he announced his first production, Meeku Maathrame Chepta (Ill Tell Only You). He posted on Twitter that he would be putting most of his savings on the line. He said: While we were finding it painfully hard to break into the industry and make a film, I decided the day Ill make it, Ill start a production house... I realise how hard it is to do this and how risky, but whats life without a challenge?

At a screening in Mumbai of his latest film, Dear Comrade, Vijay promised that every film he produced would be an open house, that actors would be selected purely on auditions. He said: I promise no one will look at you like youve come to take a loan. Because thats how I was treated.

After the Q&A session, Vijay instructed the many viewers clamouring for photos to keep their phones on selfie mode. Then he went from aisle to aisle taking pictures, affectionately reprimanding the fans who werent ready. He was playing the star but there was no vanity in it he was just trying to keep them happy.

I wish more artists would use their fame like this to put smiles on peoples faces and to discover and empower new voices. Thats real success.

First Published:Sep 21, 2019 22:11 IST

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What can stars do, beyond shine? Actually, quite a lot, says Anupama Chopra - Hindustan Times

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I see nothing particularly interesting about the premise behind it. And yet a sequel to Hogans Heroes is apparently in the works.

As reported by our sister site Deadline, the original series co-creator, Al Ruddy, in association with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group and Danny McBrides Rough Pictures, is developing a follow-up to the World War II-set comedy, which aired from September 1965 to April 1971 and starred Bob Crane (as Hogan), Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink), Richard Dawson (Newkirk) and John Banner (Schultz), among others in a somewhat rotating cast.

But whereas the original series currently one of my go-to MeTV night-enders was set during World War II and followed the titular POWs in a German prison camp, the sequel would take place all the way in the present day thats quite a jump, if I paid attention correctly in history class and follow descendants of the heroes as they team up for a globe-trotting treasure hunt.

Are you champing at the bit to catch up with Hogans, what, great-great-grandson? Or is this the case of an IP being misused?

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'Hogan's Heroes' Sequel Series: Descendants' Modern Day Treasure Hunt - TVLine

Armies are designed to bring the enemy to battle and destroy their capacity to fight normally by killing or capturing them or forcing them into untenable positions. Handing over "suspected combatants" to civil courts with a brief of evidence that is probably not substantial enough to meet judicial standards is not the way the military expects to operate, and seeing many of them released to possibly fight again can only be injurious to morale.

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Along with the opprobrium, a degree of sympathy and understanding must be extended to military personnel who have been given an almost unwinnable conflict to engage in. - Lance Rainey, Lanitza

While I am not always an admirer of MP Andrew Hastie's views, he should be admired for taking on the culture that blindly celebrates "heroics" and refuses to be held accountable. It is a sad reflection that so many current and past politicians have not just stood behind these "heroes" but have openly erected and supported the barriers to any accountability (including attacking the messengers) for their actions. - Bernie de Vries, Bolwarra

An SAS officer who is being investigated for alleged war crimes still wears the label of hero. This reminds me of what Bertolt Brecht said: unhappy is the land that needs heroes. - Paul Hardage, Leura

To all the war hawks, the "tough on terror" rah-rahs, the vicious "appeaser!" white feather tossers, the unanimous Murdoch keyboard warriors, the sickly sentimental Anzac Day boozers and "our brave Diggers" fetishists, the lazy, the ignorant and the cynical, who together sent our soldiers to war in Iraq and Afghanistan without thinking it properly through: this is now we civilians time to stand up and get behind our soldiers.

Whatever crimes theyve committed, the moral burden is ours to own. So, Australia, are we going to own it? Or abandon our Diggers exactly when they need us to do some heavy lifting on their behalf? My suggestion is that, as then, its up to John Howard to lead the way in assuming collective national responsibility. Happy with that, John? - Jack Robertson, Birchgrove

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes is to be congratulated when he says that Nor should we use population growth as a lazy proxy for economic growth (Numbers game needs right answers, September 23).He is right in that control of population policy, such as it is, should not be just within the realm of treasurers but also those who can really see and understand the entirety of the problem and wrangle it back under control.It is terrifying that this continents population looks set to double within 30 years. Were not now properly handling the consequences of our current numbers, let alone a doubling in a generation. - Peter Neufeld, Mosman

Stokes commendably rejects the notion of growing the population for its own sake. Why then does he use the pejorative term stagnant population when he actually means stable population? Stabilising population has to be a viable alternative to accommodating endless growth when considering a national settlement strategy. - Jenny Goldie, Cooma

Current population strategy is a thumbs up to everyone who wants to come here with money to prop up the economy and a middle finger to anyone who dares to question this because they think the land and water cannot support the current population, much less an extra million every five years (Plea for national population strategy, September 23). - David Neilson, Invergowrie

I believe the summit is underpinned by the premise that we need population growth. On the plus side, there is economic growth and profits for the big end of town.But on the negative side is more environmental destruction, massive infrastructure expense for the taxpayer, more gridlock on our roads, increased pollution and waste management problems, a future of water restrictions and struggling education and hospital systems. The list goes on. Does the positive outweigh all the negatives? - Shane Nunan, Finley

Anthony Albanese is right when he says Cuts and delays to urban rail projects have had an ongoing negative impact (Absence of planning bound to cost Australia dearly in future, September 23). But there is also a major negative impact in Sydney as the state government insists on investing in only so-called metro rail that can be privatised.The best and quickest investment would be upgrading the existing double deck system, particularly the outdated signalling, to improve train speed and headways. - Geoff Wannan, Dawes Point

The smiling, bitter, vengeful assassin (Artless and angry after all these years, September 21-22). An appalling and inappropriate choice for such an important role. What can Scott Morrison be thinking! - Elizabeth Kroon, Randwick

Pauline Hanson may well be wrong (Statistics contradict Hansons claim that Family Court is anti-men'', September 21-22). So too, the protection of women from the prevalence of violence in domestic life is a paramount concern. Yet what do you say to the men who make up the small percentage who have been dudded by the family law system?As a rural solicitor for over 25 years, I have direct experience (albeit a small number) where it was the man that was the victim of violence. It was the man who was shut out from his childrens lives. It was the man who got worked over by the cost of attempting to get a fair go.In the hands of the family law specialists, artfully directing their clients affidavit exaggerated claims or even fabricated stories are not that uncommon, sadly. Unless the case goes to trial say goodbye to probably $50,000 at least such affidavits are never tested.Some mechanism to check the veracity of claims at an early stage of the process is certainly required. Dads and their children often end up way short of where they ought to be because the cost and the scale of the mountain ahead of them is too much. There is no help when minority means you. They just end up consenting. - John Gibson, Kyogle

I have been caught up in a domestic violence case for nearly two years now since my daughter and her two-year-old son left an abusive situation and came to live with us. It has been a shocking eye-opener for me. We have attended local court four times often the hearing was postponed and what an inefficient and hopeless system it is. Indeed, the system gives the benefit of the doubt to men. My daughter was grilled and made out to look like a liar for about an hour. Her partner did not receive the same treatment and all the charges were subsequently dropped. He lied through his teeth.I am terrified of what may happen in a custody battle next year when the AVO is finally lifted. This man is indeed dangerous and manipulative, but I fear the courts will override this and put a small boy in his custody for some of the time. It beggars belief. - Name withheld, NSW

Surely the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission must find that strip-searches are a disproportionate response to drug use (Police to face questions over strip-search of teenager, September 23). If taken out of context, strip-searching would be rightly seen as extreme sexual assault. Cavity searches would be seen as rape. The idea that society is condoning sexual assault as a measure to prevent drug abuse is disproportionate and should be stopped. - Peter Olive, Marrickville

A new report indicates climate warming is happening faster than anticipated (Defining time for efforts to save climate is now: UN report, September 23). While Merkel, Modi and Johnson prepare to talk global warming at a UN conference, Morrison and Trump are talking up cardboard. Maybe Trump was right to call our man titanium man, not because hes strong, but because hes incredibly light. - Brian Waldron, Woolloomooloo

I read that our PM opened a factory in Ohio owned by Australian businessman Richard Pratt. Perhaps we can have a new slogan: If you have a go, youll get a go, make your way to Ohio. - Paul Tocchini, Manly

When Tin Man returns to the Emerald City, will he find a heart? - Vicky Marquis, Glebe

Am I the only one who thinks Morrison has gifted NASA $150 million for their venture to Mars because that is where he intends to send those on Newstart, asylum seekers and those pesky climate kids? (Australia aims for the moon with sliver of $12b NASA pie, September 23). Remember in space, no one can hear you scream. - Craig Jory, Glenroy

So as not to break promises to an esteemed US leader, could Morrison rename the Carmichael Basin the moon and the Liverpool Plains Mars? Then his $150 million could support Australian industries to grasp the opportunity for large solar power installations. The 300,000 or so Australians who were among millions around the world protesting in support of protecting Earth would be led to believe that you, Mr Morrison, like us, live on this little blue sphere and care about its future. - Ken Rubeli, Bandon Grove

Nobody younger than 80 would have any recollection of what took place on December 7, 1941, nor what followed in the ensuing four years, when friendship between America and Australia hardened into mateship, and it was encouraging to hear our prime minister refer to it in discussion with the US president. It was embarrassing, however, to hear ingrates from his own country denigrating him for doing so. They obviously have no concept of what it implies. - Ron Elphick, Buff Point

Its very clear that Trump wants something, be it support for military intervention in Iraq or agreement on trade sanctions with China. Morrison is an ad man in a past life and would be easily impressed by Trump and the accompanying pomp and ceremony as part of a more sinister pitch from a consummate salesman. Previous PMs have been easily seduced by similar ceremony, almost always with poor consequences. Remember Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq: we should be concerned. -Max Redmayne, Russell Lea

From the climate change rally in The Domain, I went to the art gallery to look again at WC Piguenits landscape The Flood in the Darling 1890. It should be compulsory viewing for those who are making decisions on the Murray Darling Basin. The contrast between his vision of the Darling and the appalling state of our inland rivers today could not be starker. How could we have come to this? - Margaret McDonald, Northbridge

Richard Murnane asks what was an appropriate costume for an Arabian Nights party (Letters, September 21-22). Twenty-five years ago, I convinced my boyfriend to wear a gold vest, purple satin baggy pants and a feathered turban, his pale skin au naturel but with lashings of baby oil. I assured him everyone would be in costume. The women were. The men wrapped tea towels around their heads. He has refused to wear fancy dress ever since. Nevertheless, we did marry, in civilian clothes. - Eva Elbourne, Normanhurst

OK, I am sorry. It was me parading as Bob Marley at a rock-star fancy dress party circa 83 in Brisbane. The bad accent, the dreadlocks and face paint: all fake. The many joints: well they were real. - Paul Taylor, Murwillumbah

Last Saturday I drove 80 kilometres to see Hair at Wyongs Art House theatre. Wow! It was even better when I saw it at the Metro Theatre, Kings Cross 50 years ago (for my 21st). Top-notch actors, singers, dancers and musicians. But why so few performances? Only five at Wyong and just six at the Opera House opening Thursday. Is it too politically incorrect for this less liberated age? - Pamela Mawbey, Brookvale

To submit a letter to The Sydney Morning Herald, email letters@smh.com.au. Click here for tips on how to submit letters.

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Lest we forget who sent the soldiers - Sydney Morning Herald

Tina Fey featured in a video on behalf of her old university, UVA (Instagram/@uva)

Actress and screenwriter Tina Fey has told University of Virginia students to stop singing a homophobic song at college football games.

The 30 Rock star is one of the universitys most famous alumni, having graduated in 1992 with a BA in drama. She took part in a video urging people to stop adding a homophobic line to the schools fight song, The Good Old Song.

Set to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, the song includes the line: We come from old Virginia where all is bright and gay, which is typically followed by the shout: Not gay!

Fey had a simple message for those who continue to sing the outdated lyrics. I just had an amazing idea: stop doing that.

She appeared alongside university students and staff in a video as they explain why the songs extra line is harmful and unnecessary.

That, obviously, is not only not politically incorrect, its heinous and pretty divisive, one student says.

The not gay line is sometimes substituted with f**k Tech, referring to Virginia Tech, UVAs rival, but students agree this isnt ideal either.

Saying f**k Tech, especially during games in public settings, is just not really the right place and time for it, says one. Another notes: Thats not Virginia. Virginias one of those places that competes and wins with class.

The universitys LGBT+ Union has long raised issue with the song, with one 2003 article referencing an unsuccessful petition to get the offensive line banned.

When I first brought the petition to my teammates, they thought it was a joke. They just laughed, said Kyle Singer, who at the time was a UVA sophomore.

Its hoped that the latest push with Feys backing will have more of an effect.

The move was praised by one former student, who commented on Instagram: As an alumna who was coming to terms with my mother being gay while I was an undergrad in the early 90s, I appreciate this so, so much. I didnt want to hear people screaming that when my mom sat with me in the stands at Scott Stadium in the Pep Band. Thank you.

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Tina Fey has a really amazing idea: Stop insulting gay people at football games - PinkNews

There's more gray than black and white in the scintillating new play THE PURISTS written by Dan McCabe and directed by Billy Porter. Receiving its rollicking world premiere at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, this rap versus Broadway battle for musical purity between an ex-rapper, a hip-hop DJ and a showtunes aficionado finds common ground among this disparate group of stoop dwellers and thus throws staunchly held beliefs about music, self, and others into serious question.

Mr. Bugz (J. Bernard Calloway) and Gerry Brinsler (John Scurti) live in the same Queens tenement brownstone and spend much of their time commiserating with Lamont Born Cipher (Morocco Omari) about the cultural changes that make them feel as if life is passing them by. Bugz and Lamont are legendary artists who are no longer commercial. Bugz is also dealing with the agonizing mental decline of his mother's dementia while Lamont is trying to regain his relevance by promoting his talented nephew.

Gerry is an aging Broadway telesales director, a gay man who has sadly outlived his friends. Given his age and melancholy, most presumably have died of AIDS. When the trio's mutual friend (and drug dealer), the young Puerto Rican woman Val Kano (Analisa Velez), squares off with Gerry's spirited sales protg Nancy Reinstein (Izzie Steele) in an impromptu norm-busting rap smackdown, they are forced to acknowledge that new ways aren't necessarily bad.

THE PURISTS crackles with politically incorrect humor that illuminates the complexities of well entrenched stereotypes. Through outrageous, at times even shocking, jabs, the joke is often turned back on the perpetrator. When Gerry gripes about a rude "thug" on the subway, for example, Lamont assumes he means a young black man. When Gerry and even Bugz merely hint at the topic of homosexuality in their conversations, Lamont immediately begins doing pull-ups on the sidewalk scaffolding in an effort to assert his black alpha masculinity.

Despite their very real differences, though, the men, for better or worse, have chosen to be friends. Lonely (and angry) in their own ways, they nevertheless risk sharing their truths. In so doing, they find that they have more in common than they imagined. Lamont may never go to a Broadway musical, and Gerry may never learn to like rap. But all three have grappled with fear and loss in their own ways. And they have all survived.

To navigate the sudden shifts between THE PURISTS' raucous laughter and barbed verbal attacks, Billy Porter has directed his nimble cast as if conducting a symphony. Timing is split-second, and both the rap music and showtunes add unexpected vitality.

When Bugz and Lamont go into action, the clock rewinds to their musical heyday. When Gerry plays his Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein, he becomes Patti LuPone and Gertrude Lawrence. It's not coincidental that two of the songs Gerry plays are "Anything Goes" and "Getting to Know You." Then, when Bugz and Val mash-up hip-hop and "Annie," it's a not so subtle nod to the joy of bridging differences.

Omari, Calloway, Scurti, Velez and Steele are all simply exquisite in their roles. Omari blends long-standing frustrations with a poet's soul. Calloway is a gentle giant whose pain in coming to terms with his own identity as he faces his mother's mortality is tempered by his unbridled joy in making music. Scurti balances the weight of unspeakable grief with a biting sarcasm that evokes shocked guffaws followed by a knowing empathy. Velez and Steele are defiantly, and goofily, optimistic, the former in spite of the obstacles in front of her, the latter because of her as yet unscathed naivete.

Set designer Clint Ramos' multi-story tenement pinpoints the Queens neighborhood that is home to a diverse community of working-class generations. The stoop outside of the secured entrance is a natural summertime gathering place, while the scaffolding that blocks a portion of the sidewalk suggests that the brownstone has seen better days. Above the street on the first floor is a cutaway that exposes Gerry's apartment, an untidy studio that seems an apt metaphor for his disheveled and circumscribed life.

THE PURISTS is a delightful and at times breathtaking new play that is anything but pure and simple. With a team of Broadway pros at the helm both onstage and off, one can only hopefully speculate about its future.

(PHOTOS Courtesy of Huntington Theatre)

Written by Dan McCabe; directed by Billy Porter; scenic design, Clint Ramos; costume design, Kara Harmon; lighting design, Driscoll Otto; sound design, Leon Rothenberg; original music, Michael Sandlofer; production stage manager, Kevin Schlagle

Cast in Order of Appearance:

Lamont Born Cipher, Morocco Omari; Mr. Bugz, J. Bernard Calloway; Gerry Brinsler, John Scurti; Val Kano, Analisa Velez; Nancy Reinstein, Izzie Steele

Performances and Tickets:

Now through October 6, Huntington Theatre Company, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston, MA; tickets start at $25 and are available online at http://www.huntingtontheatre.org, by calling 617-266-0800, or at the Box Offices at 264 Huntington Avenue and 527 Tremont St.

Continue reading here:
BWW Review: THE PURISTS at Huntington Theatre Company In Boston - Broadway World

Film: Rambo: Last Blood

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Yvette Monreal

Director: Adrian Grunberg

Rating: * * *

The fifth and final film in the Rambo franchise which hits theatres37 years after Sylvester Stallone essayed the titular traumatised Vietnamveteran, continuesto be as politically incorrect as some of its predecessors. Now John Rambo, living out his geriatric years in self- imposed retirement on his fathers Arizona ranch, single handedly takes onthe baddies who abduct women for sex slave ringsand drug them into submission (among other things). Such is the intimidation, the hapless victims refuse to run away even after they are set free by Rambo who enduresa brutal beating himself before a journalist (Paz Vega) helps him recover sufficiently to set out on his mission. The story from thereonrevolves around the rescue mission in Liam Neeson Taken style.

Our world weary protagonisthaving put thetrauma of his war years behind him, reared horses, fortified a warren of Vietnams Cuchi underground tunnels and strove to foster a niece(Yvette Monreal) who is actually the granddaughter of his housekeeper, before she took off for Mexico looking for her feckless birth father. Noprizes for guessing the outcome.

When Rambo tells a baddie, I want to rip out your heart he means it. Before proceeding to thatdeed, he rips out collar bones, decapitates, breaks limbs, etc etc. A certain demographic will whoop with unholy glee at this especially during the bloody climactic finale where the baddies get despatched to Hell in gruesome ways. A snatch of dialogue reveals their world view their victims are things. Stallones toned body at age 73 is impressive, his weather-beaten visage, sad in repose. When he rides off into the sunset I thought a sanitised sixth sequel would be quite in order.

ronitatorcato@gmail.com

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Rambo: Last Blood; Gruesome curtain call - Free Press Journal

Thursday

39th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition

10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave.

$20; youth aged 4-17 $10; members and youth under age 4 free

Call 366-5731.

See Selby through the eyes of other Sarasotans at this annual community show. This photo exhibit is split into five categories Selby scenes, plant life, geometry, birds, bugs and critters, and black and white and cash prizes will be awarded to the best in each, along with an overall best in show winner. Runs through Sept. 29.

OUR PICK

In Plain Sight

GAZE Modern is opening visitors eyes to the art that was right in front of them this whole time. Artists are everywhere especially in a town like Sarasota so check out this exhibit to see the world through the perspective of three such creative minds: Elle LeBlanc, Manny Rangel and Savannah Magnolia. Runs through Sept. 28.

If You Go

When:10 a.m.Thursday

Where:GAZE Modern, 340 Central Ave.

Tickets:Free admission

Info:Call 400-0598.

DON'T MISS

Homelessness in Focus Exhibit

Photographer Allan Mestel specializes in candid, street portraiture. By shooting the photos in close proximity and always at eye level, Mestel creates intimate portraits of people who are often not looked at square in the eye. Mestel spent two years photographing and humanizing the homeless community throughout Southwest Florida. Exhibit runs through Oct. 17.

If You Go

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Lexow Wing Gallery, Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road

Tickets: Free

Info: Call 371-4974.

Thai Rivera

7 p.m. at McCurdys Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$18

Call 925-3869.

Thai Rivera isnt afraid to make his audiences uncomfortable, so prepare yourself. His politically incorrect sense of humor will dominate this stand-up show, so check your sensitivity at the door and enjoy some laughs from the guy you might recognize from the Jo Koy Comedy Tour or Comedy Centrals Live At Gotham. Runs through Sunday.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail

$29; $34 premium; $14 students

Call 365-2494.

Celebrate the 50th birthday of this Broadway classic. The colorful, musical take on the story of Joseph from the Bibles book of Genesis follows not only the shows namesake but also his father, Jacob; his 11 brothers; and the famed multicolor coat that changed everything. Tap your toes along to beloved classics including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. Runs through Oct. 6

FST Improv Presents: Comedy Lottery

7:30 p.m. at Bownes Lab Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St.

$12-$15

Call 366-9000.

What if you could be part of the next show you see? Before this one, 12 lucky audience members will choose an improv game out of a bucket of more than 50 games. The result is a hilarious and unpredictable improv performance. Runs through Saturday.

Steel Magnolias

8 p.m. at The Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria

$20

Call 778-5755.

Like many of us, six delicate-yet-tough women use humor to cope with the seriousness of various situations; theirs include Type 1 diabetes, relationship problems and personal growth. This play is the story of the womens bonds and how their lives intertwine through joy and despair. Runs through Sept. 29

Born Yesterday

7:30 p.m. at MainStage, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave.W., Venice

Tickets $27; college students $20; kids $15

Call 488-1115.

A Broadway triumph and 1950 Academy Award-nominated film, this comedy packs an important message on politics and empowerment. Runs through Oct. 6

A Taste of Downtown Sixth Annual Food & Wine Festival

1 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

$75

Call 328-1300.

Ever wondered what it would be like to stand atop the Sarasota Opera House stage? See the venue from the performers point of view while sampling an assortment of cuisine from many of downtown Sarasotas best restaurants at this Sarasota Youth Opera fundraiser. Bonus: Every dish is paired with a fine wine, beer or specialty cocktail, so you have the right to eat more in the name of alcohol absorption. You know, for health reasons.

Food Truck Rally

5 p.m. at JDubs Brewing Co. and Tap Room, 1215 Mango Ave.

Free admission

Call 955-2739.

Join the food truck craze, and head to this monthly event for live music from Fiyah Wata and grub from local vendors including Smokin Momma Lora BBQ, Scotts Deli and Veganology.

Nightbird: The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks

7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center; 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice

$27-$56

Call 218-3779.

Time casts a spell on you, but you wont forget this tribute night. Southwest Florida-based band NightBird features Indianas Angela Chang as lead singer for the evening. Chang has been singing professionally since she was 18 with a soulfulness that rivals Nicks herself. If youre in need of heavy percussion, smooth harmonies and high energy, this is the place to be.

HD at the Opera House: La traviata

1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

$20

Call 328-1300.

Romance, drama and a main character named after a delectable pasta sauce make this an opera favorite. The production opens on Parisian courtesan Violetta and her beau, Alfredo, leaving the city for a house in the country. However, trouble from her past and an interfering father soon threatens their relationship.

Beneva Fruitville's Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza

8 p.m. at McCurdys Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$20

Call 925-3869.

LDG Productions presents Sarasotas beloved queen, Beneva Fruitville, in the naughtiest game of bingo in town. Enjoy performances by special quests and plenty of surprises including a Disney-esque twist this month. Youre in for a wild night.

Mozart and More

4 p.m. at Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

From $35

Call 953-3434.

One night. Three works. Five players each. This chamber soiree program will open with Alfredo Casellas Serenata, a rare chamber combination of the trumpet with string and wind instruments. Following will be Grycs Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Bla Bartk, and the concert ends with Mozarts String Quintet No. 2 in C Major.

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate

5 p.m. at Boca Sarasota, 19 S. Lemon Ave.

$25

Call 256-3565.

Truly, need we say anything more? Enjoy tastings of the Earths finest trio at this decadent monthly event.

The Office Team Trivia

7 p.m. at Big Top Brewing Co., 6111 Porter Way

Free?

Call 371-2939.

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This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Sept. 19 - YourObserver.com