Florida Culture for the Week of April 23, 2017 By Josh Garrick

TODAY -- April 23 from 1 to 5 pm – ‘Ice Cream Social’ at Winter Park Civic Center 
It’s a celebration full of ice cream and sweets to benefit the families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Guests enjoy ice cream creations, live entertainment, games, prizes, and a silent auction.All this sweetness provides a ‘home away from home’ for families who stay at Ronald McDonald Houses to be close to their critically ill children. Tickets: $10 at door / children under 3 FREE. Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org 

April 24 at 7 pm – “Wolfgang, Chris & Igor” at the Orlando Philharmonic 
The final concert of the Orlando Philharmonic’s ‘Focus Series’ begins with Igor Stravinsky’s chamber concerto, commissioned by the owners of the Dumbarton Oaks estate. Guest Artist Matthew Marshall, New Zealand’s premiere classical guitarist, will perform the U.S. premiere of Orlando-based Christopher Marshall’s guitar concerto, “Soul Journey,” which will be followed by Mozart’s unequaled “Jupiter Symphony.” Presented at The Plaza Live, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org for tickets.

April 27 – ‘Theatrix! & Phantasmagoria’ is Art & Theatre in One Evening 
Each year, independent Art Curator Brad Biggs comes up with a theme with which he tests the creativity of his colleagues. This year’s theme, “Theatrix!” addresses theatre from the Greek tragedies to contemporary Broadway. A celebration night at City Arts in Downtown Orlando will be held on April 27 beginning at 6 p.m. when John DiDonna’s Phantasmagoria Theatre Troupe performs with the original Art as their backdrop. The event is FREE. Call 407.450.2255

April 29 at 8 pm – Sheryl Crow at the Dr. Phillips Center
Nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow has sold more than 35 million albums and has been nominated for an additional 27 GRAMMYs. Her eight studio albums (seven charting Top 10, four of them platinum-plus), and a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection capture the sound of a great Artist enjoying a great career. Join her at the Dr. Phillips Center by calling 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org for tickets. 

April 30 at 2 pm -- Dr. Phillips Center presents Pokémon: Symphonic 
Brought to life by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing new arrangements with visuals from new and classic Pokémon video games, ‘Pokémon: Symphonic’ is the ‘must-see’ video game concert of 2017. Offering fans and newcomers of all ages the chance to experience the evolution of Pokémon, the concert provides the perfect family-fun introduction to LIVE symphonic music for children. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

April 30 at 2 pm – Handel’s Messiah ‘Sing-Along’ 
The Messiah Choral Society, which has offered a FREE performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Bob Carr Theater annually as a gift to the Orlando community, will begin its 45th season of FREE events with a “Sing-Along” on April 30.To be presented at the First Congregational Church at 225 S. Interlachen Ave in Winter Park, the event is FREE. 
Call 407.647.2416 or visit messiahchoralsociety.org

April 30 at 4 pm – MAYSfest 2017 – The Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony
The MAYSfest Youth Symphony began thirty years ago by the late musician Jonathan May known for an inclusive and nurturing educational approach that turns students into musicians. This event includes a very special guest performance by the renowned Conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic, Eric Jacobsen along with hundreds of young Florida musicians coming together to perform some of history’s greatest music. For tickets, visit drphillipscenter.org or visit MAYSymphony.org for details.

FINAL WEEK to April 30 – Orlando Shakes’ Antony and Cleopatra 
The victors of Rome’s civil war have divided the ancient world between themselves with Marc Antony traveling to Egypt to take up his rule. His impassioned affair with the irresistible Cleopatra ultimately pits Roman against Roman, thereby changing the face of the world forever. Featuring Michael Dorn, best known as Lt. Worf in ‘Star Trek,’ as Antony, call 407.447.1700 X1 or visit orlandoshakes.org Michael Dorn stars as Antony in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of Antony and Cleopatra. Photo by Luke Evans 

FINAL WEEK to April 30 – DINOSAURS Make a Home in Leu Gardens 
It’s ‘Jurassic Park’ meets Leu Gardens as we discover what life was like millions of years ago thanks to the artistry of Guy Darrough. Darrough creates dinosaur figures that look like the real ones did when they ruled the Earth and may be found throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens. A free, self-guided ‘DinoHunt Guide’ is available for paleontologists of all ages. Highly Recommended; visit leugardens.org 

NOW to May 6 – ‘Pinkalicious: The Musical’ at Orlando Shakes
Based on the popular children’s book, ‘Pinkalicious’ can’t stop eating pink cup-cakes. Her indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office in a musical sure to strike a chord among parents and picky-eaters. Packed with important lessons about healthy eating habits, Pinkalicious’ adventure makes those lessons ‘easier to swallow.’ Call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to May 14 – Nancy Drew at Orlando Rep for Her ‘Biggest Case’
In “Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever,” Nancy must solve the biggest mystery of her young career. Clues are found and motives revealed, but will Nancy solve the mystery in time? Based on the classic series by Carolyn Keene, super-sleuth Nancy Drew and friends are ready to find the answers. Call 407.896.7365 X1 or visit orlandorep.com 

May 4 at 11:30 am – Women’s Leadership Luncheon for United Way 
With the support of Heart of Florida United Way, the Women’s Leadership Council hosts the annual Leadership Luncheon, bringing together 1,000 guests to help Central Florida’s students. Last year $150,000 was raised to help Orange County schools receive a reading program that gives students access to a digital library of books. That program impacted more than 6,000 students. With this year’s guest speaker, Jodi Picoult, the goal is to bring this love for reading to even more students.Held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, the cost is $95 per person. Visit uwwomensleadership.org

May 5 to 7 – Orlando Ballet presents “A Cinderella Story” 
The 1950’s is the setting for Val Caniparoli’s picturesque “A Cinderella Story,” a re-telling of everybody’s favorite fairy tale. Performed by the Orlando Ballet, this unique vision of the story comes to us with couture-inspired costumes, choreography created for Richard Rodgers’ music, and a score for jazz orchestra with LIVE music from the ‘Central Florida Community Arts Big Band.’ Highly Recommended: call 844.513.2014 or visit orlandoballet.org 

May 6 at 8 pm – “The Springs Concert 2017: The Music of ABBA” 
At the “Springs Concert 2017,” the Orlando Philharmonic and world-class touring act Jeans 'n Classics celebrate the music of the Swedish singing sensation ABBA. With hundreds of millions of albums sold, ABBA is among the most successful music groups in history. People of all ages remember the songs "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," and "SOS," which topped the charts world-wide from 1974 to 1982. Grab your picnic basket and call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

… and Looking Ahead

May 20 – Opera Orlando’s 2nd Annual Gala – “The Gilded Age” 
It’s ‘Roaring 20’s’ glamour and ‘Gatsby-esque’ revelry in one unforgettable party as our one-year-old ‘wunderkind’ Opera Orlando makes this year’s Gala one of the great events of 2017. Hosted by legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, the party begins with opera stars from across the globe. Add a silent auction, a live auction, a wondrous dinner, ‘guests’ from the Roaring 20’s, and a tribute to Guest of Honor John Ruggieri, who has worked diligently to assure the future of opera in Central Florida. At the Dr. Phillips Center, tickets are $250 with Black Tie/Roaring 20’s attire suggested. Call 407.512.1900 or visit operaorlando.org/tickets.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators