Crimes of the Heart open Friday at Little Theatre of NSB

The Mcgrath sisters are, from left, Babe, played by Brittany Kretz; Meg, played by Sarah de la Hoz and Lenny, played by Heidi Ackerson.

“Crimes of the Heart,” will open at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach May 18. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this play teems with humanity and humor as it examines the plight of three Mississippi sisters betrayed by their passions.
The drama takes place in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital.

Babe and Barnette dance

Lenny, the oldest sister, played by Heidi Ackerson, is unmarried at and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, played by Sarah de la Hoz, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, played by Brittany Kretz, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach.
Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, played by Joey Reader, The cast also includes Ryan Mcnally and Will Bordelon and is directed by Karen Poulsen.
In the end the play is the story of how its characters escape the past to seize the future. Performances are May 18-20 and 24-27. For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach.

The cast of “Crimes of the Heart,” front, from left, Heidi Ackerson, Sarah de la Hoz, Brittany Kretz; back, from left, Will Bordelon, Joey Reader and Ryan McNally.

Art Walk & Wine Walk May 26

Art Walk and Wine Walk will be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, May 26 on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Take a stroll along Flagler Avenue, the five-blocks between the Indian River and the ocean with its many charming shops to visit. There will be something for everyone, including unique art works on display in galleries, as well as by several visiting artists set up under canopies.

The popular monthly event features painting, jewelry, ceramics, decorative art, sculpture, fabric arts, pottery and more.There will also be entertainment, with DJ Dennis playing everyone’s favorite music at the gazebo at Flagler and Pine, and live glassworking demonstrations presented at Galleria di Vetro.

A special “punch card” prize drawing is presented by the Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue. The Wine Tasting flyer includes the punch card, so pick one up and get it punched at each of the five sponsoring galleries for a chance to win this month’s prize, a metal dog scupture by Yardbirds, donated by Jewelry of Joy, 301 Flagler Ave.

The other sponsoring galleries are: Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Ave.; Cat’s Art Gallery, 220 Flagler Ave.; Galleria di Vetro Studio and Glass Gallery, 310 Flagler Ave.; and Palms Up Pottery, 413 Flagler.

The wine walk portion of Art Walk runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and offers a progressive wine tasting along the avenue where participants can taste their choice from more than 50 showcased wines. Wine tasting passports are $20 and are available at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler and at the tent at Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. The passport will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake wine glass. Some locations feature both one-ticket and multi-ticket wines to sample. It is a great way to extend you knowledge of wines and try something new and different.  A “Wine Tasting” flyer will list host locations in geographic order between the river and the ocean and what wines are featured.

From the river heading east to the ocean, the locations are: 100 block, Ta Da Gallery, Heavenly Sandwiches & Smoothies; 300 block, Clancy’s Cantina, That’s Amore, Gyftz, Manzano Fine Foods, Galleria di Vetro, Trader’s Beach Club, Om Bar & Chill Lounge; 400 block, Flagler Tavern, Peanut’s Restaurant Sport’s Bar; and around the corner on Buenos Aires at Toni & Joe’s.

Come for the art, enter the drawing, enjoy tasting some new and interesting wines, and stay for a fabulous beachside sunset. For more information about Art Walk, call 386-428-1770, or visit www.flaglergallerygroup.com.

Art Walk and Wine Walk April 28

Wine Walk tickets are available at the tent at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Avenue, NSB.

Art Walk and Wine Walk will be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, April 28 on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Celebrate Earth Day month by taking a stroll along Flagler Avenue, the five-blocks between the Indian River and the ocean with its many charming shops to visit. There will be something for everyone, including unique art works on display in galleries, as well as several visiting artists set up under canopies.

The popular monthly event features painting, jewelry, ceramics, decorative art, sculpture, fabric arts, pottery and more.There will also be entertainment, with DJ Dennis playing everyone’s favorite music at the gazebo at Flagler and Pine, and live glassworking demonstrations presented at Galleria di Vetro.

A special “punch card” prize drawing is presented by the Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue. The Wine Tasting flyer includes the punch card, so pick one up and get it punched at each of the five sponsoring galleries for a chance to win this month’s prize, a “Natural Sea Glass” necklace set on sterling silver. donated by Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Ave.

The other sponsoring galleries are: Jonah’s Cat’s Art Gallery, 220 Flagler Ave.; Jewelry of Joy, 301 Flagler Ave.; Galleria di Vetro Studio and Glass Gallery, 310 Flagler Ave.; and Palms Up Pottery, 413 Flagler.

Look for the Wine Stop signs during the April 28 Art Walk and Wine Walk on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Photos by Sandi Carroll

The wine walk portion of Art Walk runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and offers a progressive wine tasting along the avenue where participants can taste their choice from more than 50 showcased wines. Wine tasting passports are $20 and are available at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler and at the tent at Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. The passport will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake wine glass. Some locations feature both one-ticket and multi-ticket wines to sample. It is a great way to extend you knowledge of wines and try something new and different.

A “Wine Tasting” flyer will list host locations in geographic order between the river and the ocean and what wines are featured. For those who want to share their 20 tasting tickets with a friend, an additional wine glass will be available for $10.

From the river heading east to the ocean, the locations are: 100 block, Ta Da Gallery, Heavenly Sandwiches & Smoothies; 300 block, Clancy’s Cantina, That’s Amore, Gyftz, Manzano Fine Foods, Galleria di Vetro, Trader’s Beach Club, Om Bar & Chill Lounge; 400 block, Flagler Tavern, Peanut’s Restaurant Sport’s Bar; and around the corner on Buenos Aires at Toni & Joe’s.

Come for the art, enter the drawing, enjoy tasting some new and interesting wines, and stay for a fabulous beachside sunset. For more information about Art Walk, call 386-428-1770, or visit www.flaglergallerygroup.com.

‘On Golden Pond’ opens April 13 at Little Theatre of NSB

“On Golden Pond” Tony Award Winner in 2005 for Best Revival of a Play will open at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach April 13, with performances April 14, 15, & 19-22.

Mike Funaro and Patti Earl play Ethel and Norman Thayer in "On Golden Pond.' Photos by Sandi Carroll

This insightful production focuses on an aging couple, Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Patti Earl and Mike Funaro, who spend each summer at their Maine home on a lake called Golden Pond. During the year the story takes place, it is Norman’s 80th birthday.
Charlie, the mailman, played by David Jenkins, stops by and reminisces about the Thayer’s daughter, Chelsea, whom he used to date. A letter arrives from Chelsea saying that she is coming from California with her boyfriend Bill to celebrate Norman’s birthday. She has not visited her parents in years.
It becomes clearer that Norman is struggling with memory loss, as he continues to forget names and places that should be familiar.
Chelsea, played by Karin Jenkins, brings her fiancé Bill, played by Sam Goodman, and his son, Billy, played by Chris Tyson. They are on their way to Europe and ask Ethel and Norman to watch the 13-year-old boy while they’re away.
Ethel and Norman reluctantly agree and as the summer fades, the three grow close and the boy becomes the grandson they always wanted.
This heartwarming story explores the often turbulent relationship of a young woman and her father and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.
For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. For more information visit www.NsbPlayers.org.

Norman (Mike Funaro), Billy (Chris Tyson) and Ethel (Patti Earl) talk at the start of summer day at their cabin on Golden Pond.

Cast members of "On Golden Pond" are (front, l-r) Mike Funaro, Patti Earl, Karin Jenkins; (back, from left) David Jenkins, Chris Tyson and Sam Goodman.

Horsin’ Around a hit for 2012

Horsin’ Around, the annual auction held to benefit Atlantic Center for the Arts, was a big hit with attendees; who enjoyed a day of delicious food, fine wine and some spirited bidding on unique items, opportunities and trips. Here are some photos of all the fun. Click on contact sheet to open in a new window and use the magnifying tool to see all the fun that was had at this special event.

Art Walk and Wine Walk March 24

Art Walk and Wine Walk will be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, March 24 on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. It is spring and there is nothing better than taking a stroll along Flagler Avenue, the five-blocks between the Indian River and the ocean with its many charming shops to visit. There will be something for everyone, including unique art works on display in galleries, as well as several visiting artists set up under canopies.

Look for the Wine Stop signs during the March 24 Art Walk and Wine Walk on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Photos by Sandi Carroll

The popular monthly event features painting, jewelry, ceramics, decorative art, sculpture, fabric arts, pottery and more. Presented by the Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue, there will also be entertainment and a special punch card prize drawing.
DJ Dennis will be playing everyone’s favorite holiday music at the gazebo at Flagler and Pine, and live glassworking demonstrations will be presented at Galleria di Vetro throughout the day.

The wine walk portion of Art Walk runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and offers a progressive wine tasting along the avenue where participants can taste their choice from more than 50 showcased wines. Wine tasting passports are $20 and are available at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler and at the tent at Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. The passport will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake wine glass. Some locations feature both one-ticket and multi-ticket wines to sample. It is a great way to extend you knowledge of wines and try something new and different.

A “Wine Tasting” flyer will list host locations in geographic order between the river and the ocean and what wines are featured. For those who want to share their 20 tasting tickets with a friend, an additional wine glass will be available for $10.

Live flameworking demonstrations will be held at Galleria di Vetro - Kyle Carni pictured.

From the river heading east to the ocean, the locations are: 100 block, Ta Da Gallery, Heavenly Sandwiches & Smoothies; 300 block, Clancy’s Cantina, That’s Amore, Gyftz, Manzano Fine Foods, Galleria di Vetro, Trader’s Beach Club, Om Bar & Chill Lounge; 400 block, Flagler Tavern, Peanut’s Restaurant Sport’s Bar; and around the corner on Buenos Aires at Toni & Joe’s.

A special “punch card” prize drawing is presented by the Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue. The Wine Tasting flyer includes the punch card, so pick one up and get it punched at each of the four sponsoring galleries for a chance to win this month’s prize, donated by Galleria di Vetro Studio and Glass Gallery, 310 Flagler Ave. Other sponsoring galleries are Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Ave.; Jewelry of Joy, 301 Flagler Ave.; and Palms Up Pottery, 413 Flagler.

Come for the art, enter the drawing, enjoy tasting some new and interesting wines, and stay for a fabulous beachside sunset. For more information about Art Walk, call 386-428-1770, or visit www.flaglergallerygroup.com.

‘Pajama Game” opens at Little Theatre

Mandee Mitchum (Sandra), Rena Katz (Virginia), Heather Nettles (Babe), Susan Cardillo (Brenda), Javana Angelique (Poopsie) and Danielle Grau (Mae). Click on any photo to bring up in new window, then click on magnifying glass to enlarge. All Photos by Sandi Carroll

The musical “The Pajama Game” will be presented by The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Feb. 24, 25, 26 and March 1, 2, 3, 4 and March 8, 9, 10 and 11. The musical is based on the novel “7 ½ Cents” by Richard Bissell. It features a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

The story deals with labor troubles in a pajama factory, where worker demands for a seven-and-a-half cents raise are going unheeded.

In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. David Santiago, playing Sid is earnest, with a fine voice and assured presence. Heather Nettles is a Babe to match him, falling for Sid’s personal charms but standing fast with her fellow union members.

Prez (Robert Roam) puts the moves on Gladys (Bernadette Suidock)

Babe is the “good” Good Girl, while Bernadette Suidock as the perky bookkeeper Gladys is the “bad” Good Girl. Her strutting, jealous, boyfriend Hines, played by Franco Bottley is the factory timekeeper. The cast is complimented with many Little Theatre veteran actors and some wonderful new ones including Robert J. Roam, Chris Jenkins, Ida Anderson, John Palermo, John Lipka, Danielle Grau, Susan Cardillo, Javana Angelique, John Hardebeck, Bill Walker, Rena Katz, Mandee Mitchum, Joey Reader, and Violet Anne.

“The Pajama Game” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and all authorized materials are also supplied by MTI. Performances are evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

This show is directed by John Stenko with musical direction by Lizzie Brahm-Kriger. Daniel Walker is the choreographer for this musical.

Tickets are selling out fast, so call or visit the box office Monday through Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm at (386) 423-1246. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and $10 for students under 18. Visit www.nsbplayers.org for additional information. The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is located at 726 Third Avenue, NSB.

The cast of "The Pajama Game" - ready to entertain theater-goers at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach.

Art Walk and Wine walk Saturday

Art Walk and Wine Walk will be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. There is nothing better than taking a stroll along Flagler Avenue, the five-blocks between the Indian River and the ocean with its many charming shops to visit. There will be something for everyone, including unique art works on display in galleries, as well as several visiting artists who will be set up under canopies.

Wine Walk tickets are available at the tent at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Avenue, NSB.

The popular monthly event features painting, jewelry, ceramics, decorative art, sculpture, fabric arts, pottery and more. DJ Dennis will be playing everyone’s favorite music at the gazebo at Flagler and Pine, and live glassworking demonstrations will be presented at Galleria di Vetro.
The wine walk portion of Art Walk runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and offers a progressive wine tasting along the avenue where participants can taste their choice from more than 50 wines. Wine tasting passports are $20 and are available at Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler and at the tent at Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. The passport will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake wine glass. Some locations feature both one-ticket and multi-ticket wines to sample. It is a great way to extend you knowledge of wines and try something new and different.

A “Wine Tasting” flyer will list host locations in geographic order between the river and the ocean and what wines are featured. For those who want to share their 20 tasting tickets with a friend, an additional wine glass will be available for $10.

From the river heading east to the ocean, the locations are: 100 block, Ta Da Gallery, Heavenly Sandwiches & Smoothies; 300 block, Clancy’s Cantina, That’s Amore, Gyftz, Manzano Fine Foods, Galleria di Vetro, Trader’s Beach Club, Om Bar & Chill Lounge; 400 block, Flagler Tavern, Peanut’s Restaurant Sport’s Bar; and around the corner on Buenos Aires at Toni & Joe’s.

Richard Collinson working at the wheel at Palms Up Pottery. Palms Up is donating this month's punch card drawing prize, a pair of wine goblets.

A special “punch card” prize drawing is presented by the Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue. The Wine Tasting flyer includes the punch card, so pick one up and get it punched at each of the four sponsoring galleries for a chance to win this month’s prize, wheel-thrown wine goblets, donated by Palms Up Pottery, 413 Flagler Ave. Other sponsoring galleries are Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler Ave.; Jewelry of Joy, 301 Flagler Ave.; and Galleria di Vetro Studio and Glass Gallery, 310 Flagler.

Come for the art, enjoy tasting some new and interesting wines, and stay for a fabulous beachside sunset. The street boasts a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information about Art Walk, call 386-428-1770, or visit www.flaglergallerygroup.com.

Call for Artists

The Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, is seeking professional artists in any medium to display their art at Art Walk and Wine Walk held the fourth Saturday of the month (except for September and December when Art Walk is scheduled a week earlier).

Artist applications can be downloaded at www.flaglergallerygroup.com.

For more information, call 386-428-1770.

IMAGES pleases art lovers and 2012 winners

Jenna Thompson and Brian Shank of Cocoa Beach love coming to IMAGES to "buy some great art directly from the artists." Click on any photo to open in new window and zoom in on it. All photos by Sandi Carroll

Tens of thousands of art lovers took advantage of the clear and sunny weather to attend the 36th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, in downtown New Smyrna Beach January 28 & 29.

The festival featured more than 200 artists, plenty of food, live entertainment, a Student Art Exhibit, and the Creative Education tent that offered children a hands-on opportunity to create their own art.
Riverside Drive and Canal Street were lined with artist tents and masses of people came out to buy art and enjoy the warm sunny weather.
Jenna Thompson and Brian Shank drove up from Cocoa Beach. They said that they never miss IMAGES. “It is a wonderful art show with outstanding pieces of art to buy,” Jenna said. “We love coming to this art show.” They bought a mixed media piece from Tony Krysinsky of Pensacola, two photographs by Steve Vaughn of Winter Park and a glass piece by Paula Marksbury of Athens, Tenn.

Blake Vaughn, 4, loved his "sea-full" face painting.

Children enjoyed making newspaper hats, bubble prints, picture frames, salt water paintings, and creating straw weaving in the Children’s Education Tent. There was also face painting by Antonia and her helpers and the Student Art Tent, which featured art works by area students from kindergarten through high school.
More than $100,000 in Patrons Awards and cash prizes are given. Festival awards were given in six areas by the judges.
“I was very honored to be invited to the beautiful city of New Smyrna Beach and Atlantic Center for the Arts. I so enjoyed seeing all of the art and fine craft that this Festival had to offer,” said Judge Peg Fetter. “While the process of judging was very tough, I so enjoyed meeting and talking with each artist. It is obvious from community support that this Festival embraces the artists that are part of the show.”
Judge Jay Williams concurred, saying “The work in this Festival shows that fine craft in every way is as interesting and creative as paintings, prints and drawings.”
The Festival is presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts and is sponsored by the County of Volusia, New Smyrna Beach Resort Area, Community Redevelopment Agency of New Smyrna Beach, the City of New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Toyota, Brighthouse Networks, TD Bank, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, and Publix Super Market Charities.
The Best of Show award of $5,000 went to David David Figueroa, a sculptor from Sanford.

Sanford sculptor David David Figueroa won the $5,000 Best of Show award.

Other awards included:
George and June Musson Award ($2,500 award): Tim Ludwig, Ceramics, Deland
Award of Excellence ($1,500): Ummarid Eitharong, Mixed-Media, Orlando
Award of Distinction ($800 award): Steve Howell, Ceramics, Gainesville; Rolly Ray Reel, Mixed-Media, Maitland; Marilyn Vaillancourt, Jewelry, Wecki Wachee; John Kellum, Ceramics, Orlando
Award of Commendation ($500 Award): Charles Hazelaar, Sculpture, Cape Canaveral; Rodney Lints, Wood, New Smyrna Beach; Robert Kastrinos, Ceramics, Orlando; Richard Currier, Painting, Micco; C.M. Djordjievski, Sculpture, Ormond Beach; Christian Nevin, Jewelry, Parkland
Judges Choice ($350 Award): Lynn Fisher, Ceramics, Bellaire, MI; Gregory Jones, Mixed-Media, Lakeland; Michael Nemnich, Drawing/Graphics, Indialantic; Vadim Malkin, Ceramics, Gregory Strachov, Painting, Floral City

Ummarid Eitharong, Orlando, won the Award of Excellence ($1,500).

Tim Ludwig, DeLand, won the George and June Musson Award ($2,500)

Award of Merit ($250 Award): Leslie Peebles, Drawing/Graphics, Alachua; Patricia Karnes, Jewelry, Winter Park; Barbara Foley, Jewelry, Palm Harbor; Laurie Coppedge, Photography, Jacksonville; Bud Gilbert, Mixed-Media, Edgewater; Matthew Hatala, Wood, Danielsville, GA; Michael Nelson, Ceramics, New Smyrna Beach; Ken Laffal, Photography, St. Augustine; Su Abbott, Mixed-Media, East Point, GA; Martha and Gaff Pearce, Ceramics, Lewisville, GA; Joyce McAdams, Mixed-Media, Edgewater; Maria Cano, Jewelry, Lake Worth

Award of Honor ($200 Award): Michael Webber, Painting, Port Saint Lucie; Carol Elder Napoli, Mixed-Media, New Smyrna Beach; Teresa Thompson, Fine Crafts, New Smyrna Beach; Jay Canterbury, Photography, Holmes Beach; Susan Currier, Jewelry, Mico; Paula Marksbury, Glass, Athens, TN.

Festival-goers also enjoyed the variety of food from the food court and music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Among the headliners were Michael Lamy and Linda Cole, Stetson University Reggae Jazz Combo, Charlie Gear, Bobby Mercer Road Show and Junkanoo.
For more information about Atlantic Center for the Arts or IMAGES, visit www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org or call 386-427-6975.

Rolly Ray Reel

Steve Howell

Marilyn Vaillancourt