Let Us Entertain You!

There’s a cornucopia of
events awaiting you this fall.
Let us make you smile with
this guidebook so you’ll be in
the know about where to go, what
to see and what to do. Read on for
exclusive interviews with artists
and entertainers whose work you
won’t want to miss.
BY AMANDA FURRER
THEATER
THE PLAY IS THE THING
You’ll cringe, you’ll
laugh, you’ll cry as
the characters in
these productions
try to disentangle
themselves from
their catastrophic
situations.
ART
VENERABLE VISUALS
Talented artists
capture nature,
life’s simple
pleasures
and lovable
monsters in
this season’s art
shows.
FESTIVALS
CARS, CRAFTS & COOTERS
Experience our local
culture by marking
your calendars for
these fairs. The end
of October will be a
festival extravaganza,
but we bet you’ll try to
visit them all.
MUSIC/DANCE
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
A captivating dance
performance, collection
of musical tributes and
patriotic concerts will
cause all your senses to
become enchanted and
enliven you to get up and
dance.
EVENTS
OUT & ABOUT TOWN
These are
some oldtime favorites
you’ll want
to catch
before the
New Year
roars in.
Painting by Dana Cook
THE NUCLEAR
FAMILY
OTHER DESERT CITIES
THE
FAMILY MAN
ALL MY SONS
Aug. 29-Sept. 23, Hippodrome
Theatre, Gainesville
Sept. 12-30, Gainesville
Community Playhouse
The Hippodrome Theatre begins
its 40th season with Other Desert
Cities, one of Broadway’s most
acclaimed productions in recent
years. The Wyeths’ adult children
are home for the holidays, and
trouble ensues when their daughter
Brooke announces that she has
published a memoir. Old wounds
are reopened and skeletons come
out of the closet as the Wyeths
try to move forward or risk
disintegration. Other Desert Cities
is a witty play with a jaw-dropping
plot twist.
Arthur Miller’s masterful play about
how a man’s past actions come
back to haunt him in a single day
is a classic, tragic drama that will
dare audiences to empathize with
anti-hero Joe Keller. The thriving
businessman tries to justify his
sin—allowing defective parts to
be fitted to air force planes during
wartime—as he faces the judgment
and shame of his wife and children.
4TH ANNUAL HEALING HEART
thehipp.org or (352) 375-4477
Sept. 7-29, Brick City
Center for the Arts
THE
ARTIST’S PATH
A truly inspiring and uplifting
exhibit, Healing Heart showcases
original pieces created by children
and adults in the art therapy
program. The Healing Heart art
“ART TRAILS”
Sept. 6-Nov. 5, City Hall
therapy program has become an
outlet for creativity and encouragement for clients. Local professional
artists have donated their time as
guides in the program. Visitors
will witness how artwork can be
transformative and instill confidence as they view the pieces and
read “the story behind the art.”
thecenters.us or (352) 291-5462
A Second Chance
Tea and Crumpets by Sue Primeau.
Photo by Mike Kantz of Photo Imagers
Like many of the clients who
participated in Healing Heart,
Dana Cook, 48, had no experience
in painting. Cook has continued her painting despite a
busy schedule that includes studying the culinary arts at
Withlacoochee Technical Institute.
A non-profit educational
corporation, the Ocala Art Group
promotes the value of fine art in our
community by demonstrating how it
enriches the culture of our city with
classes, workshops and exhibits.
OAG’s fall show will feature artwork
in all mediums, including acrylic,
watercolor, oil, mixed media, pastel,
charcoal and sculpture. Discover the
quality pieces of local artists by
taking the trail that celebrates art.
ocalaartgroup.com
or (352) 873-1689
WHEN DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN
THE HEALING HEART PROGRAM?
It was in 2010. I was in The
Centers program for recovering
women. They brought the art
program there. I had never
painted a day in my life. It just
came naturally to me.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE
CENTERS AND HEALING HEART?
The Centers is a long-term
recovery program for alcohol
and drug abuse for adult women
and men. Healing Heart brought
Painting by Da
na Cook
HEALING ART
art into The Centers, and it was
a great way to get out your inner
energy and creativity.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU
COMPLETED YOUR FIRST PAINTING?
I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t
believe I did that. It was just a
really, really good feeling when I
left the recovery program. I’m clean
and sober today. I continue my
art. It’s a wonderful way to express
myself, and I feel a great feeling of
accomplishment doing it.
gcplayhouse.org or
(352) 376-4949
A NAIL-BITING
THRILLER
DIAL “M” FOR MURDER
Sept. 14-Oct. 7, Sonnentag
Theatre at the IceHouse,
Mount Dora
Former professional tennis player
Tony Wendice marries wealthy
Margot who is responsible for Tony
giving up his career. When Tony
secretly finds out about Margot’s love
affair with crime-fiction writer Mark
Halliday, he plots a devious plan to
have his wife murdered. You’ll be on
the edge of your seat as you watch
the original play that inspired Alfred
Hitchcock’s movie of the same name.
icehousetheatre.com
or (352) 383-4616
AMONG
THE SAVAGES
SELF HELP
Oct. 4-14, Ocala Civic Theatre
Self Help will leave you in a fit of
laughter as you watch Hal and Cindy
ocalastyle.com SEP’12
25
ocalacivictheatre.com
or (352) 236-2274
A FABULOUS
ART SHOW
AMERICAN PLEASURES
Oct. 6 & 7, Ocala Symphony
Orchestra, Ocala Breeders’
Sales Auditorium
As a part of the Ocala Symphony’s
36th Subscription Series, the
symphony will start the season
celebrating American music.
Beginning with an overture by
Florida composer Evan Kassof,
the orchestra will then guide you
through Xanadu with the tone
poem The Pleasure Dome of Kubla
Khan composed by Charles Griffes.
Sonorous music from The Red
Violin will follow, and the concert’s
finale will include masterpieces by
George Gershwin.
ocalasymphony.com
or (352) 351-1606
DISCOVER FINE ART ON BROADWAY
Oct. 5-27, Brick City
Center for the Arts
FAB (Fine Art on Broadway) is a
non-profit group of amateur and
professional artists in all media.
The organization hopes to inspire
the public and welcomes new
members to take part in their art
projects and clinics. A reception
will take place on October 5 during
the First Friday Art Walk.
ocalafab.orbs.com or
(352) 274-5755
�����
M�e���o
Matthew Wardell began his
tenure as music director
and conductor of the Ocala
Symphony Orchestra
in 2009. Florida
born and raised, he
completed his master's
in conducting at the
University of Florida. He also
studied at the prestigious Pierre
Monteux School for Conductors and
Orchestra Musicians in Hancock, Maine.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US
ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA?
WHERE DID YOUR LOVE FOR
MUSIC COME FROM?
Most people are unaware that
we have a professional orchestra.
Our concerts are a really fun
experience. People can come to
just have a good time. It’s not
formal; you don’t have to dress up
and wear a bow tie and monocle.
I’ve been doing music since I
was a kid. I played drums when
I was in the middle school band.
Eventually, I went on to graduate
school and earned my master’s
degree. Music has become a part
of me.
MONARCHS OF
THE SKY
BUTTERFLYFEST
Oct. 13-14, Florida Museum of
Natural History, Gainesville
Home of the award-winning
Butterfly Rainforest exhibit,
the Florida Museum of Natural
History will host its annual
ButterflyFest, where visitors can
become mystified as they learn
about the winged ambassadors
of the natural world. Children can
undergo their own metamorphosis
by getting their faces painted and
donning butterfly wings. Enjoy
mesmerizing performances, eat
delicious food and watch butterflies
take flight.
flmnh.ufl.edu or (352) 846-2000
BLESSED TRINITY
CARNIVAL
Oct. 18-21, Blessed
Trinity School
Prizes, rides and button-popping
carnival food galore await you at
the Blessed Trinity Carnival. Time
to warm up your throwing arm for
target practice and train your stomach for a smorgasbord of fair food.
btschool.org or (352) 622-5808
Fine Art on Broadway
A Season For Every Purpose by
Linda Reitz. Photo by Sandy Sturms
Photo by Eric Heikkinen
RIGHTEOUS
REPERTOIRE
Photo by Kirsten Grace
Savage scramble to hide a potential
scandal. The second-rate actors
reinvent themselves as gurus after
perusing a cliché-ridden self-help
book. As the couple becomes
revered for their
relationship
advice, their
own marriage
ironically
unravels. A dead
body in the
Savages’ study further complicates
their situation. You’ll be in good
company with the melee of zany
characters. Disclaimer: This play
contains humorous sexual innuendo
that may be offensive to some people.
Photo by Bonnie Blevins
“CRAZY”
FOR CLINE
TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE
Oct. 20, Orange Blossom
Opry, Weirsdale
A life cut short but a game changer
for women of her time, Patsy Cline
set the stage for women in music.
Lorri Gill, an Orange Blossom Opry
cast member, brings Ms. Cline to life
through her incredible performance
as the late singer. Gill goes through
a timeline of songs and costume
changes to reflect Cline’s short but
influential career. Joined by the
Orange Blossom Opry band, Lorri
PURSUE RIOULT
RIOULT
Oct. 25, Phillips Center at
the University of Florida
Performing Arts, Gainesville
UFPA is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an exciting lineup that
includes modern dance company
RIOULT. Based in New York City,
RIOULT (pronounced “ree-you”)
tours nationally and internationally,
mesmerizing audiences with sensual
performances. Attendees will be in
for a treat as they enjoy an evening
of four dances, including the crowdfavorite “Bolero.”
performingarts.ufl.edu
or (352) 392-2787
Dance: “Food for the S��l ”
Gill as Patsy Cline is a memorable
show that will make you crazy for
Cline all over again.
obopry.com or (352) 821-1201
As artistic director and choreographer of RIOULT, founder
Pascal Rioult has an extremely busy schedule that includes
hours of intensive practice from his nine dancers. He took some
time out to answer a few of our questions about modern dance
and what will happen to audiences when they see RIOULT.
Hint: Prepare to be moved.
�ove For Patsy
I grew up singing in church, and I
sang at clubs for my mom in South
Dakota. I always liked being onstage.
I still sing in church now and do
volunteer work singing at nursing
homes. It’s something people can
connect with and that I like to share.
WHAT OTHER ACTS DO YOU PERFORM?
Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette
are a few of the tributes I do for
shows. I also make character
appearances, like Dolly Parton
and Susan Boyle. I went shopping
38TH ANNUAL MICANOPY
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 20-21, Micanopy
The quiet little town of Micanopy
will be bustling this fall with its
annual arts and crafts festival.
at the Goodwill and got a really
good Susan Boyle dress.
WHY PATSY CLINE?
She appeals to such a broad range
of listeners. She was an interesting
lady who opened a lot of doors for
women singers back in the early
60s, a strong lady. I used to sing
in a rock band in the 80s. Even
when I was listening to rock, I
still listened to Patsy Cline. It’s
something about her voice; when
she sings she feels the message she
is trying to get across.
Visit historic landmarks as you
browse at approximately 200
displays by local artists and
crafters.
micanopyfallfestival.org or
(352) 466-7026
WERE YOU INTERESTED IN DANCE WHILE
YOU WERE A TRACK STAR IN FRANCE?
Not at all! It was a big surprise. I liked
to dance socially. One day, by chance,
I met a professional dancer, and she
said ‘Why don’t you come and watch
the class?’ Being an athlete, I love
to move. I love the physicality. My
mother is a pianist and piano teacher,
so I also have a great love for music,
and the two came together in a great
way. It transformed itself from liking
to go dance on Saturday nights to
dancing on some of the biggest stages
in the world.
HAS YOUR DANCE STYLE CHANGED
SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR COMPANY?
Yes, a lot. Of course, I was more
attached to what I used to do. Then,
I found my own way, which was a
little more classical and abstract. I’m
always looking for a different way of
moving and constructing the pieces.
It’s very hard for the dancers, but
they’re very proficient; they have
very high caliber.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE LOOK FORWARD
TO WHEN THEY SEE RIOULT?
They’ll be moved by the motion
and beauty. They get all the senses,
except maybe taste. But
it’s food for the soul.
People should come
out moved and
changed. It’s for
people who don’t
know that type of
dance.
ocalastyle.com SEP’12
27
Photo by Charles Turner O'Neil
WHEN DID YOU START PERFORMING?
Photo by Basil Childers
Lorri Gill has performed as Patsy Cline at the Orange Blossom
Opry for almost 10 years. The Opry regular grew up in small
town Leola, South Dakota, where she developed her love for
singing and performing. Gill, who now resides in Palatka,
Florida, cites Cline’s “Fated Love” as her favorite song.
9TH ANNUAL GREAT
AMERICAN COOTER FEST
Oct. 26-28, Downtown Inverness
For hatchlings, speedy tortoises and
old coots, Inverness is putting on the
annual Cooter Festival, an event that
promises to be a big, countrified bash.
The festival kicks off downtown with
a Friday night block party featuring
CREAM OF
THE CROP
Photo by Heather Petrillo & Keirstin Yantis
Oct. 26-28, Castro Farms
After a successful first year, the
organizers of the Ocala Pumpkin
Run are carving up a monster of a
weekend for 2012. The three-day
classic car show promises a slew of
events that includes the FAST
(Florida Auto and Scale Trucks)
exhibit, the First Annual Southern
States VW Rally and a City
Collision Crash Castle; a
SEP’12
ocalastyle.com
�u�ny
Speaks
Great American Cooter Festi
Festival mascot Sunny braved the
gators to leave his home for a
nice chat. It doesn’t take much
for this cooter to come out of
his shell. His adopted parents
at the City of Inverness helped
interpret his responses.
WHAT DOES THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL
HAVE IN STORE FOR US?
There are so many cooteriffic
happenings it’s hard to decide
4,000-square-foot covered
exhibition space dedicated to
automotive body repair and
restoration. Live music, free NSRA
safety inspections, vendors, food
and family activities make for a
fun-filled weekend.
THE OCALA PUMPKIN RUN
28
cooterfestival.com or
(352) 726-2611
ocalapumpkinrun.com
or (352) 620-9998
MCINTOSH 1890’S
FALL FESTIVAL
Oct. 27, McIntosh
A joyous event where thousands
flock, McIntosh’s fall festival
raises money to fund community
projects. In the past, the
festival has funded scholarship
programs, playground equipment
installations and other projects to
preserve the community.
friendsofmcintosh.org
or (352) 591-4038
where to begin. There’s the Miss
Cooter Fest and Cooter Idol, where
contestants vie for those coveted
turtle titles. Sunday morning,
you’ll need to get the shell out
of bed early and join us for the
Great Cooter Triathlon at Wallace
Brooks Park.
DORA FOR THE
EXPLORER
28TH ANNUAL
MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR
Oct. 27-28, Mount Dora
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
PART OF THE FESTIVAL?
Admission and parking is free—
and that’s important to a turtle, because I don’t have pockets. Unlike
other turtles who might withdraw
into their shell, my second favorite
part of the festival is meeting the
humans, especially the little ones.
Humans are an interesting species;
they change their shell colors a lot.
And on Sunday, Cooterween, some
of those shell covers can become
pretty awesome.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FALL HOBBIES?
Waxing my shell, making “Cootie
Catchers” (remember those?),
falling off a log.
ARTISTIC
OCALA
FAFO’S OCALA ARTS FESTIVAL
Oct. 27-28, McPherson
Government Complex
FAFO (Fine Arts for Ocala, Inc.)
has made it their mission to
promote appreciation of the fine
arts and enhance art education in
the community. The Ocala Arts
Festival upholds this mission by
displaying the work of professional
artists from across the country. This
year’s festival will exhibit the work
of 200 artists as well as students’
artwork from Marion County’s
public and private schools.
fafo.org or (352) 867-0355
Photo courtesy of WhatToDoInMountDora.com
Photo courtesy of City of Inverness
THE TORTOISE
AND THE FAIR
Bon Jovi, Journey and Bob Seger
tributes. Saturday at Liberty and WalWal
lace Brooks Parks will be an all-day
celebration with live entertainment,
games, turtle races, food, crafts and
more. Finally, Sunday will be CooterCooter
ween with costume contests.
The streets come alive in Mount
Dora as vendors with nimble
fingers, calloused hands and
creative minds set up shop for the
28th annual craft fair. With over
400 crafters and artists in
attendance, the village will be
pulsating as the expected 300,000
visitors come to browse, admire
and buy handcrafted wares. Come
and get a taste of this historic
community’s flavor.
mountdoracraftfair.com
or (352) 735-1191
AN EVENING
W/THE COUNT
DRACULA
Oct. 31-Nov. 4, The College
of Central Florida
Long before our present-day
sparkling vampires, Bram Stoker’s
incarnation emerged in the
Roaring 20s in Hamilton Deane
and John L. Balderston’s stage play
adaptation. Become transfixed as
you watch John and Lucy Harker
try to resist the fanged fiend. You
may want to leave the garland of
garlic at home, but it wouldn’t hurt
to slip on your favorite turtleneck.
tickets.cf.edu or (352) 873-5810
Show your support for local businesses, organizations and families
when you attend the Marion County
Chili Cook-off with an empty stomach. Bring the whole family and cast
your vote for your favorite chili.
marioncountychilicookoff.org
or (352) 895-1648
28TH ANNUAL
OCKLAWAHA RIVER RAID
Nov. 3 & 4, Grand Oaks
Resort, Weirsdale
In March 1865, the Union Army
raided plantations east of Ocala,
resulting in a battle with Confederate
forces near the Ocklawaha River.
Witness the reenactment hosted by
the 2nd Battalion, Hardy’s Brigade.
thegrandoaks.com or
(352) 750-5500
OH SAY, CAN
YOU SING?
“A SALUTE TO VETERANS”
Nov. 3, Marion Civic Chorale,
St. George Anglican Cathedral
In honor of America’s veterans,
the Marion Civic Chorale will be
performing a patriotic-themed
concert. The program will include
great American music, featuring
the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,”
a Civil War medley titled “The
Blue and the Grey” and traditional
patriotic anthems “God Bless
America” and “The Star Spangled
Banner.” If you’re unable to make
the date, the chorale will also be
performing at the Ocala First United
Methodist Church on November 11.
marioncivicchorale.tripod.com
or (352) 537-8833
Nov. 10-11, Silver River Museum
At this popular annual event,
visitors can experience old-time
music and historical reenactments
portraying North Central Florida
living during the 1800s. Live
demonstrations include sugarcane
syrup making, blacksmithing,
quilting, spinning, woodworking
and more.
marion.k12.fl.us/district/srm/
ocali.cfm or (352) 236-5401
MOVES LIKE
JAGGER
SATISFACTION:
ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE
Nov. 17, Circle Square
Cultural Center
Stones’ fans can get their
satisfaction this autumn when they
come to see the likenesses of Mick
Jagger, Keith Richards and their
Sound Bites
Fro� T�e
Conductor
This will be Matthew
Bumbach’s second year
conducting the Marion
Civic Chorale. Besides
practicing for November’s
upcoming patriotic series,
Bumbach will also be
preparing a group of singers
from the chorale along with
20 students from CF for a
New York performance at
Carnegie Hall in February.
supporting cast of performers.
The show has toured since 2001
with over 1,600 performance dates
to credit. Rock out to 50 years of
classic hits by the “World’s Greatest
Rock and Roll Band.”
csculturalcenter.com
or (352) 854-3670
FOR THE
WILD THINGS
SENDAK & CO.:
CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS
SINCE WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Nov. 17, 2012-Jan. 20, 2013,
Appleton Museum of Art
Prominent author and illustrator
Maurice Sendak, who died this
past May, left a legacy of treasured
works beloved by young and old.
In tribute to the brilliant artist, the
Appleton is holding an exhibition
showcasing original drawings
from 34 of some of the bestknown names in children’s book
illustration. Kids, adults and wild
things welcomed.
appletonmuseum.org
or (352) 291-4455
LIGHT UP
OCALA
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE
YOUR PERFORMANCES?
Nov. 17, Downtown Square
Our performances are both
entertaining and educational.
We try to provide background
information on some of the
music that we are performing so
that the audience gains a deeper
understanding and connection
with the music.
That magical season of scarves, hot
cocoa and goodwill unofficially
begins with this Ocala tradition.
Enjoy food and entertainment as
the square becomes illuminated for
the wintry season.
ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8444
CHAMBERS FALL
FARM FAMILY POWWOW
Nov. 22-25, Chambers
Farm, Fort McCoy
WHO SINGS IN THE CHORALE?
The Marion Civic Chorale is made up
of 50 auditioned singers. The group is
a wonderful blend of students, community members and seniors with a
variety of musical training.
The Blue Monster by Christa Unzner
Nov. 3, Southeastern
Livestock Pavilion
OCALI
COUNTRY DAYS
Photo by Cindy Larsen
MARION COUNTY’S
31ST ANNUAL
CHILI COOK-OFF
This four-day event presents
attendees with a lively powwow
where visitors can immerse
themselves in American Indian
singing, dancing, native clothes,
storytelling and vendors.
chambersfarm.org or
(352) 546-2984
ocalastyle.com SEP’12
29