Florida Culture, Dining, and ‘Open Housing’ for the Week of July 31, 2016 by Josh Garrick

NOW through August 13 – Diner-Friendly Prices During “Main Street Restaurant Week”
Showcasing Orlando’s eclectic culinary scene, the Orlando Main Street Restaurant program is offered now through August 13 with 50 restaurants from Orlando’s unique Main Streets offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at ‘diner-friendly’ prices. Each restaurant offers a ‘Main Street Restaurant Menu’ in conjunction with their everyday menu encouraging residents to dine out in one of Orlando’s Main Street Restaurants. The menus are offered till August 13 featuring $5, $10, $20 or $30 dishes, and are available online at orlandomainstreets.com/restaurantweek. 

NOW to Aug 7 – Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ at Orlando Rep
The REP goes ‘Under the Sea’ with the full Broadway version of this classic musical. Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson and one of the most beloved animated films of all time, the mermaid Ariel sees Prince Eric and wants to be “Part of Your (His) World.” Making a bargain with a witch, Ariel becomes human, but loses something precious. This love story features a brilliant score including “She’s In Love,” “Kiss the Girl,” and more. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

August 3 from 1 pm to 6 pm – School Supplies for ‘United Against Poverty’ 
Members of the Rotary Club of Baldwin Park are ‘stepping up’ to collect school supplies and backpacks for Orange County Public School students in need. With Baldwin Park drop-off points at Caddy Shanks at 4882 New Broad St; ECT office at 3660 Maguire Blvd. and Winestyles at 4841 New Broad St, the supplies will be distributed by United Against Poverty to children in need. The Rotary Club is collecting for all ages, from elementary to high school. 

August 3 at 7:30 pm – Maxwell at the Dr. Phillips Center
Maxwell redefined classic soul in 1996 when he released his critically acclaimed debut album “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite” that earned Grammy nominations, double platinum status and RIAA gold for the single, “Ascension.” To date, Maxwell has achieved 13 gold and platinum certifications from the RIAA, and Maxwell’s new album, ‘blackSUMMERS’night’ was released just days ago along with the generous news that ticket purchasers to his August 3 concert at the Dr. Phillips Center (who provide a valid email address), will receive a copy of the album. Get your tickets – and album – by calling 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org

 
August 5 to 28 – ‘The Big Meal’ at the Mad Cow Theatre 
‘The Big Meal’ is a big-hearted play that spans nearly eighty years in ninety minutes, telling the extraordinary story of an ordinary family. Somewhere in America, Sam and Nicole meet. Sparks fly, and so begins Dan LeFranc’s expansive new play that tells of five generations of a modern family. The Mad Cow Theatre is on the second floor at 54 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando. RECOMMENDED. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

August 5 – 9 pm to ‘late’ -- Guys With Ties Philanthropy’s 11th Annual White Party 
Central Florida’s ‘fab and philanthropic night’ returns as the ‘Guys with Ties Philanthropy’ kicks things up a notch by presenting their annual White Party in combination with a Summer Fashion Show. Returning to 180 Skytop Lounge in the Amway Center, Melanie Pace will host with personalities and local celebs walking the runway. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Guests will enjoy one hour of select complimentary cocktails with event proceeds benefitting ‘Street Team Movement,’ whose mission is to help individuals impacted by homelessness. Visit guyswithties.org

August 6 at 8 pm – The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest
The acclaimed Symphony of the Goddesses returns to the Dr. Phillips Center with new inclusions from ‘A Link Between Worlds’ and new game-play imagery. Those new to ‘Symphony’ will also have the opportunity to experience the beautifully orchestrated four-movement symphonic work from last season which chronicles fan-favorite moments from the franchise's rich history, expertly timed with a larger-than-life video presentation. A special ‘Meet & Greet Package’ is available for this concert. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

August 8 at 7 pm – Duo Sole: Music and Dance – Tangos & Flamencos 
In this smoldering concert with dance, Duo Solé (Alexander Stevens and Mauricio Céspedes, Principal Second Violin and Principal Viola) will “showcase some of the most beautiful Bolivian, Argentinean, and Spanish music ever written,” says Cespedes. “The first half of the program will showcase Bolivian music and Argentinean Tangos, with dancers Ernesto and Jenny Caballero from Alborea Dances. The second half showcases Spanish music, with Argentinean Tangos by Alberto and Selena Hoyos from Tango Orlando. The concert represents a diverse community coming together to build something great.” Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

August 11 – 10 am – Open House at 3rd Ronald McDonald House in Orlando
The vision has become a reality. With the addition of the 3rd House, Orlando becomes one of only six cities in the country to have three or more Ronald McDonald Houses. The Public is invited to celebrate the new Ronald McDonald House on the campus of Nemours Children's Hospital in a celebration that begins at 10 am with ‘House Tours’ available until 6 pm. The new House is at 13551 Nemours Parkway in Orlando. IMPORTANT: Please get parking and shuttle information when you RSVP to Kayla Jones at 407-206-0957 x110.

August 13 – All Invited to Open House at Orlando Shakespeare
The most OPEN of Open Houses is the annual event at the home of the Shakespeare Festival in Loch Haven Park in Orlando. With on-going activities from 10 am to 2 pm, we can stop by for a cool beverage or we can stay the whole day enjoying family activities. While craft activities keep young hands busy, “creative demonstrations” from the Theater’s production staff (sound, lighting, costumes) will offer an insider’s view as to HOW a Shakespearean production makes it from rehearsal to the stage. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org/openhouse  

    
and 
Orlando Shakes Launches Website to Improve Patron Experience
Orlando Shakespeare Theater has launched a new website – www.orlandoshakes.org – designed to respond to an increased demand for online ticket sales. Its debut corresponds with the release of tickets for all 10 productions that comprise Orlando Shake’s upcoming Season – a season that begins with the Arthur Laurents / Leonard Bernstein classic West Side Story on September 7 running through October 9. Tickets for all of Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s 28th Season may be purchased by calling 407.447.1700 x1 or online at www.orlandoshakes.org    

and Looking Ahead …. 

August 27– Taste of the Nation – Orlando
Taste of the Nation brings together the area's top chefs who donate their time, talent and passion to END childhood hunger in Central Florida. Along with unlimited samplings of extraordinary food, guests sample select wines while enjoying auctions and entertainment. We need to do something about the horrific statistic that one in five children in Central Florida goes to bed HUNGRY. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit tasteofthenation.org/orlando and/or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste. We can all BUY a ticket and HELP. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators