Florida Culture for the Week of September 24, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY – Sept 24 at 4 pm – “Bach, Britten, Brahms & Gaga” from Maitland’s Baroque Chamber Orchestra
In a “re-schedule” courtesy of “Irma,” enjoy an afternoon concert by the always-unique Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Maitland as they perform selections including: “Bach’s Brandenburg No 3,” “Britten’s dynamic Simple Symphony,” “Brahms Hungarian (Gypsy) Dance No. 6,” AND Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (arranged in the style of a Bach fugue). Conducted by Alvaro Gomez, admission is $10 at the door at the Maitland Civic Center at 641 S. Maitland Ave. Call 321.303.1404 or visit pamaitland.org

FINAL WEEK – to Oct 1 – “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Garden Theatre
When Rob Winn Anderson brings the community together to produce a BIG musical at the Garden Theatre, it’s a touch of Broadway in Winter Garden. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is the brilliant rock opera that follows Christ’s story with lyrics adapted from the Gospels. From Jesus’ meteoric rise to popularity to his crucifixion, this production is a testament to the level of talent to be found among our friends and neighbors. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

NOW to Oct 8 – Orlando Shakes’ “Man of La Mancha” 
Having inspired audiences for decades, the Tony Award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha” opens the new season for our brilliant Shakespeare Company. “Man of La Mancha” tells of the aging Don Quixote as his flights of fancy transform his dungeon home into a magical landscape of epic battles and a ‘glorious quest.’ Featuring Broadway legend Davis Gaines performing the classic “The Impossible Dream,” call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to Oct 8 – CFCArts presents Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” 
The multi-talented Central Florida Community Arts brings us John Steinbeck’s theatrical adaptation of his classic novel in which two migrant field-hands find work on a farm during the Great Depression. Lennie is strong but mentally challenged, and his innocent lack of understanding brings him too close to the wife of the boss’ son. The inevitability of fate follows Lennie as his innocence spirals down to tragedy. Call 407.937.1800 or visit CFCArts.com 

NOW to Oct 8 – “Life Could Be a Dream” at the Winter Park Playhouse
LIFE often IS a DREAM at the Winter Park Playhouse, but this Florida Premiere is ‘super-dreamy’ as it calls up those ‘doo-wop’ days of the 1960’s. A singing group prepares to enter the ‘Big Whopper Radio Contest,’ and winning would launch them to stardom. With a score of classic hits including “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on My Pillow,” “Earth Angel,” and “Unchained Melody,” this promises to be classic Winter Park Playhouse FUN. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

NOW to Oct 22 – BIG RIVER: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Adapted from the classic American novel ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain, BIG RIVER tells the story of ‘Huck’ Finn, run-away slave Jim, and the (musical) journey they take along the Mississippi River. Their adventures are told through ‘foot-stompin’ music and lyrics by Roger Miller as they navigate their way at a time when freedom and bi-racial friendships could not be taken for granted. This celebration of pure Americana is at the Mad Cow Theatre; for tickets, visit madcowtheatre.secure.force.com 

NOW to Oct 22 – Disney’s “Newsies” at the Orlando Rep 
The Orlando REP has opened its new season as the first theatre in the southeastern United States to present the Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning “Newsies the Musical.” Inspired by the real-life ‘Newsboy Strike of 1899,’ this Disney musical tells of publisher Joseph Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers – at the newsboys’ expense. Against all odds, a young leader rises up to help “the little guys” stand up and ‘seize the day.’ For YOUR thrilling dose of inspiration, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Sept 29 – World Heart (Health) Day 
Devoted to raising awareness of heart disease and stroke, World Heart Day inspires millions around the world to be heart healthy. While your heart powers your body, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer. Each year, CVD is responsible for 17.5 million deaths, but CVD can be prevented by making a few simple daily changes, like eating and drinking more healthily, getting more exercise and stopping smoking. “Fuel your heart and share the power” by contacting worldheart.org

Sept 30 at 8 pm and Oct 1 at 2 pm – Beethoven’s 9th Symphony 
For its Season Opener, the Orlando Philharmonic will present the master-work known throughout the world as the greatest piece of Classical music ever written. All the more extraordinary, as the 9th was created when Beethoven was completely deaf, Symphony No. 9 rapturously reaches out to ALL Mankind asking us to believe in the “brotherhood of man.” Conducted by the world-renowned Eric Jacobsen, these two performances are the most HIGHLY RECOMMENDED of the season. 

October 6 & 7 – “The Best of Second City” at the Dr. Phillips Center 
This “must-see” comedy event features Chicago’s brightest comedy stars in a two-night engagement. The Second City Comedy Troupe finds laughs in everything from Orlando’s ‘history’ to our basketball team mixed with classic sketches by Second City’s celebrated alumni including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray and more. Celebrating 55 years of cutting edge satire, these performances are made possible through the generous support of Kathie and Bill Hohns. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators