Florida Culture for the Week of April 30, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

 
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 

NOW to May 28 – “Into the Woods” at the Garden Theatre
When the Garden Theatre pulls together the community to present its annual musical, they always ‘do it up right.’ This year features the overly-clever words and music of Stephen Sondheim as familiar characters journey into those Grimm woods. Their adventures won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score of a Musical while causing you to think twice about getting what you wish for. This is NOT your Grandmother’s fairy tale, but it is a great evening in the theater. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

May 4 at 11:30 am – Women’s Leadership Luncheon for United Way 
Supporting 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 with 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 

May 9 to 14 – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents “Matilda”
Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards, “Matilda the Musical” is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, ‘Matilda’ continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. At the Dr. Phillips Center for one week, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

May 11 & 12 – Central Florida Community Arts Presents ‘Wish Upon a Star’ 
The growth of the CFCArts Community Choir to over 330 voices makes it one of the largest in the country! This achievement will be celebrated with a Disney revue aptly titled “Wish Upon a Star.” With music from the classics Cinderella and Peter Pan, to the blockbusters Frozen and Lion King, this multi-media production will see actors, dancers, singers and musicians bring to life the world of Disney fun for all ages. For tickets to performances at Northland Church at 7:30 pm, call 407.937.1800 x710 or visit cfcarts.com

May 12 at 8 pm – Martin Sexton at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Syracuse native Martin Sexton got his start singing in the subways of Boston in the early '90s. Still fiercely independent, while headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, his songs have influenced a generation of artists. While his songs have appeared in television series as well as numerous films, it is his incendiary LIVE show and matter-of-fact lyrics that keep fans coming back for more. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

May 12 to June 11 – ‘MURDER for Two’ – the Musical 
Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious ‘Musical-Murder-Mystery’ with a twist. One actor plays the investigator and the other plays 13 suspects while BOTH play the piano. With book, music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, it would be a crime to miss this musically crazy blend of comedy and madcap mystery. At the Winter Park Playhouse, call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

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