By Shelley Koppel
Entertainment writer
Sunrise Black Box Theatre opens
The Sunrise Theatre's Black Box Theatre officially opened on Oct. 29 with a reception and ribbon-cutting.
A large crowd attended the opening of the new space, which resembles the kind of place you'd find in Soho in New York. It's black, of course, except for one wall left unfinished, to give that cutting-edge look.
The space is 55 feet by 44 feet and can be reconfigured to be in cabaret-style, with a raised stage. It accommodates 210 and is suitable for corporate functions, fundraisers, receptions and, of course, theater.
John Wilkes, Sunrise executive director, said the opening was a new chapter in the Sunrise's resurgence.
"We're very excited with the opening of the Black Box Theatre, for it brings another element to what is offered by the theater and in downtown Fort Pierce," he said.
"The public seems to be very excited about the space and the interest level is high. We're looking at complementing our theater schedule with performances in the Black Box."
In other Sunrise news, Crystal Cruises and the Sunrise Theatre Foundation are offering a seven-night, Thanksgiving cruise aboard the Serenity, calling at Grand Turk, Grand Cayman and Key West. A donation of $150 to $780 per person will be given to the Sunrise at the end of the trip.
For more information, call Terry Shafer at All About Travel at (772) 465-6565.
Thanksgiving in New York
Peter and Jennifer Jones of StarStruck Performing Arts Center will be spending Thanksgiving in New York with famed Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz.
StarStruck students presented the world premiere of Mr. Schwartz' new work, "Geppetto and Son," last spring.
The Joneses will fly to New York on Nov. 23, and Peter Jones will spend several days in Mr. Schwartz' studio, recording instrumentals for the package when the show is licensed to schools and other organizations.
Art league has show
Twenty-seven local artists from the Seabranch Art League will present "ART-itude," an exhibit of fine arts, at the Court House Cultural Center in downtown Stuart.
The show runs from Nov. 18-Dec. 12, with an opening reception on Nov. 18 that is free and open to the public. "ART-itude" will raise funds to benefit the Marvin S. Cone juried high school art show in 2010.
The Seabranch Art League is partnering with the Arts Council of Martin County for the charitable endeavor. Funds raise will be used to encourage young artists in Martin County high schools.
The Court House Cultural Center is located at 80 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.
For more information, call (772) 287-6676.
Library presents art
The Morningside Branch Library, located at 2410 Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie, will present the work of local artists through its "Walls of Art" program.
During November, visitors can enjoy the wood-burning arts of Jack Flanagan and the acrylics and colored pencil art of Karen Peralta.
The "Walls of Art" display is ongoing and changes each month.
Those interested in displaying handicrafts or artwork should contact MaryBeth at (772) 337-5632.
November movies set
The Fort Pierce Branch Library, located at 101 Melody Lane, will again show free movies at 2 p.m. on Fridays.
On Nov. 13, "Beaches," with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, will be shown.
Nov. 20 brings another tearjerker, "Stella Dallas," with Barbara Stanwyck and John Boles.
There is no movie scheduled for Nov. 27 as the library will be closed for Thanksgiving.
Art show winners announced
The Port St. Lucie Community Center juried art shows have begun for the season and the October winners have been announced.
Gloria Schultz took first place for the work, "Avocado." Jackie Balestrino took second place for "Flower;" Patricia Curtis won third place for "Bathers" and Joe holiday took honorable mention for "The Horse Race."
Congratulations to all.