Florida Culture for the Week of September 17, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

NOW 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’ Opens Season with “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 – “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 – 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 18 to 24 – Global Peace Film Festival (GPFF) Celebrates 15th Anniversary 
The 15th Annual Global Peace Film Festival includes 34 films from around the world; the world premiere of three local films; a K-to-12 Student Peace Art Exhibit; and a photo exhibit from the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation (Opening Sept 21 at CityArts Factory in Orlando). GPFF opens with a screening of “The Promise” (USA, 2016) directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker, Terry George with Mr. George present for the screening. Visit peacefilmfest.org for a complete schedule. 

Sept 22 at 8 pm – Brian Regan: Live Comedy Tour
Considered the “Comedian’s Comedian,” Brian Regan has set a standard of excellence that made history on September 26, 2015 with the broadcast of ‘Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall,’ the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. Regan’s success is unique, because his material relates to generations of fans. This show – in the big hall at the Dr. Phillips Center – will sell out. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Sept 22 & 23 – Florida Wildflower Symposium in Orlando
Featuring experts on native wildflowers, field trips, butterflies, bees, sustainable landscaping, conservation issues and more, keynote speaker Elisabeth Schussler will address “Helping People See Plants in a Plant Blind World” as one of 18 workshops and presentations at the Orange County UF/IFAS Extension on South Conway Road. Friday will be devoted to morning field trips, wildflower propagation and meadow-planting workshops along with vendors, exhibitors and plants for sale. Call 407.622.1606 or visit FlaWildflowers.org/florida-wildflower-symposium

Sept 22 to 30 – Dark Side of Saturn Productions to Perform “Space” in Planetarium 
The Buehler Planetarium, on the campus of Seminole State College in Sanford, will partner with ‘Dark Side of Saturn Productions,’ to present a LIVE science fiction drama called “Space.” Written by Florida’s own Corey Volence, “Space” premiered at the 2016 Orlando Fringe Festival. The play follows the four-person crew of the Genesis IV as they colonize a new planet. A discussion, hosted by planetarium director Derek Demeter, will be held after each performance. Tickets are $10 and $8 at seminolestate.edu/planet 

Sept 22 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

Sept 23 & 24 – Lourdes Robles Brings San Juan to Orlando
One of the most successful singers in Puerto Rico, the Dr. Phillips Center is proud to be the site for the FIRST stop in Lourdes Robles’ new tour of Central and South America. Ms. Robles calls this tour, “a magical journey through the lovely city of San Juan,” and she will sing all of her most famous hits including: ‘Abrázame Fuerte,’ ‘Definitivamente,’ ‘Todo me habla de ti’ and many other songs on the Latin Billboard charts. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014. 

Note: CONCERT CANCELLED 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 

Sept 24 at 3 pm – Gold Star Mother and Family Event 
Since World War I, the “Gold Star” has come to honor the families whose loved ones have given the supreme sacrifice for our country. At this event in the Orlando City Hall Rotunda, Vietnam-era families are invited to bring a framed picture of your loved one to register to receive a 50th Anniversary commemorative pin as issued by the Dept. of Defense. The Event is Free; reservations at 407.691.4548 are suggested. 

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. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators