Some See-worthy Productions and Grand Gets Into the Groove

A giant inflatable set of shark jaws serves as the portal to enter the New Vic, where Ensemble Theatre is producing the West Coast premiere of The Shark is Broken, set during the Jaws shoot in the waters of Martha’s Vineyard more than half a century ago. The theater sits directly across the street from 28Vic, the new gathering space that serves as HQ for SBIFF’s daily happy hours. Now comes word that the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is partnering with ETC for more ocean-centric storytelling, a series called “From Sea to Stage” starting February 12 with, what else, a film screening. 

Row of Life, which played last year at SBIFF,follows renowned ocean rower, Marine Corps veteran, 3x Paralympian, and 14x Guinness World Record holder Angela Madsen as she attempts to row solo and unassisted across the Pacific Ocean. Madsen, director Soraya Simi, and a member of the SB Coast Guard will participate in a post-screening Q&A. Two weeks later, the museum shows David Attenborough’s most recent film, Ocean, which features local commercial fisherman Ray Kennedy and a segment on the Channel Islands. Kennedy and comrades will do a Q&A session following the screening.  

A Grand Night for Lovers

Elsewhere in music, the Grand on State gets into the groove on Feb. 14, with Valentine’s Night at the Grand featuring two different sets of live jazz with romantic songs, jazzy tunes and delightful appetizers, desserts and wine. Keyboardist/co-owner Brian Mann tickles the ivories both for singer Cora Wonderland’searly set and saxophonist Colin Richardson’s late show.

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