Vaudeville Returns to Sarasota
Vaudeville Returns to Sarasota
Once heralded as the “Heart of American Show Business", vaudeville was undoubtedly the most popular form of entertainment in America from the late 19th century to the early 1930's. Until the rise of the film industry enticed many vaudevillian performers away from the stage and, subsequently in front of the camera, vaudeville ruled the roost as the nation's way of escaping their hard scrabble life.
But despite vaudeville's subsequent demise, the show's concept has always fascinated Sarasota’s Nicholas Mitsis. Serving as both producer and artistic director to the world premiere of "Vaudeville," Mitsis' dream of bringing vaudevillian magic back to the local community has finally been realized as the Sarasota Opera House welcomes an eclectic program of performers to the stage of the historic building April 18.
Originally a political science major with hopes of being either a politician or an attorney, Mitsis quickly changed route, and after choosing a theatre course for a required elective credit, he found himself rising to the top of the theatre industry at an intense rate, finding himself, within one year, as the acting stage manager for the University of Iowa's show “Klub Ka”. From there, Mitsis took the show to the renowned La Mama Theatre in New York, New York. Being the first student to achieve that honor, it was obvious Mitsis had found his theatrical calling.
Now, partnered up with Ambrish Piare, a former IT mastermind and now the successful owner of three of Sarasota’s hotspots: Ivory Lounge, Cafe Americano and Jalea; Mitsis' dream of bringing vaudeville back to the stage has finally come to fruition.
Mitsis' ultimate goal is to assist his fellow artists in attaining the careers they deserve without much, if any, direction. He is adamant that the artists are given the respect and structure to be themselves and i turn allowing the performers to showcase their own unique ability.
Originally named the Edwards Theatre when it opened in 1826, the Sarasota Opera House is coincidentally an original vaudeville theatre. Since its earliest days, the iconic building has played host to a wide variety of entertainers, from Will Rogers to the Ziegfeld Follies, and a young Elvis Presley in 1956.
The Vaudeville troupe kicks off its national tour in Sarasota for good reason. Dubbed “Florida's Cultural Coast," Sarasota is considered one of the most thriving artistic communities in the United States. The city is also dear to both Mitsis and Piare's hearts, as they are both driven to not only give back to the community, but to put Sarasota on the map artistically. This is the reason why they have decided the annual Vaudeville Festival will always remain in Sarasota.
With a line up of talented performers, Mitsis is certain that the show will be a success.
High wire artist and holder of several Guinness World Records Nik Wallenda (also known as “The King of the Wire”), will be introducing the show, while actor/singer Sarah Razzman (a former member of Sarasota's Black Diamond Burlesque) will be the host.
Throughout the evening, members of the audience will be entertained by the talents of pianist Maestro John F. Spencer IV, who will impress audiences with his rendition of Fritz's Rigoletto Paraphrase; while Jodi Katz, a singer who has performed with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Miley Cyrus, will lend her tantalizing vocals to the show.
Mark Dagostino of People Magazine said of Katz,“I knew the minute I was introduced to Jodi I would be following her career for a long time.”
Other performers include: Carly Sheridan and Ivan Dotsenko, who have performed on Broadway with Cirque de Soleil, while Aleksandr Deev, who says the best part of vaudeville is “Making the audience happy,” will give an electrifying performance on the German Wheel.
Dancer in the "popping style" Robert “Mr. Fantastic” Muraine will perform his jaw-dropping routine, while Sean Anderson, the renowned baritone singer, will serenade the crowd. Giuseppina Ciarla, an Italian harpist will provide angelic sounds, while eighth generation circus performers George Coronas and Miles Ashton will perform the Risley foot juggling act that is considered one of the most difficult circus disciplines.
Also performing is Brazilian physical comedian Pepe Jardim, Andrey Moraru, a talented hand balancer, and Anna Jack, who will dazzle theaudience with her hula hoop performance.
Originially Posted at Sarasota Day: http://sarasotaday.com/blog_view.cfm?BlogID=1173