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Season of Sculpture, Season VII, invites members of the public to its Wrap Party and Presentation on Sunday, May 4, at the Francis in downtown Sarasota. Public art consultant Glenn Weiss, a mem- ber of the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals, will discuss Engagement: Marrying Public Sculpture and the City, a news release says. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., the release adds. It also will feature "conversation over drinks and hors d'oeuvres," the release notes. The Francis is located at 1289 N. Palm Ave. Tickets are $75. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing seasonofsculptu- re2O14@gmail.com or calling 928-4445. Please mail checks to Season of Sculpture, 1662 Floyd St., Sarasota, FL 34239. SEASON OF SCULPTURE TO HOLD WRAP PARTY ON MAY 4 The Elephant Man will close out Venice Theatre's 2013-14 MainStage Series with a two-week run, from April 29 to May 11, the theatre has announced. This new production of the 1979 Tony Award- winning drama by Bernard Pomerance is based on the life of John Merrick, who was severely disfigured, a news release explains. "The Elephant Man focuses on Merrick's transformation from a freak show curiosity to a friend of 19th century London's aristoc- racy," it adds. Tickets are $25 to $28 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. They are available at the theatre's box office, online at venicestage. com or by phone at 488-1115. The theatre is also offering a first-week special rate of $20 through Sunday, May 4, the release points out. The show's title, The Elephant Man, "refers to the derogatory description given to Merrick (played by Venice newcomer Matt McClure) by his sideshow promoters," the release notes. The play opens with scenes of him on display in a London storefront and then at a carnival sideshow in Belgium, the release says. "After being mistreated, abandoned and left help- less, he is eventually admitted to London's prestigious Whitechapel hospital under the care of celebrated physician Frederick Treves (played by Steven O'Dea)," it continues. "Merrick is introduced to London society and VENICE THEATRE TO PRESENT TOUCHING DRAMA THE ELEPHANT MAN Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 107