Florida Culture for the Week of April 7 By Josh Garrick

Now through April 27 – The TRUE Story of Three Little Pigs

Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s The True Story of the Three Little Pigs tells the Wolf's side of the story in a rock musical for the entire family. Alexander T. Wolf (aka Big Bad Wolf) is accused of deplorable crimes. Facing a jury of pigs and a judge (with a weakness for musical theater), can the Wolf possibly get a fair trial? The audience will decide! Before the show, Orlando Shakes actors invite the audience to join in pre-show fun in this rock n’ roll musical for audiences of all ages. Through April 27, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

April 11 -- Good Morning Winter Park presented by Florida Blue

The next meeting of Good Morning Winter Park begins with a complimentary continental breakfast at 7:45 am on April 11. The program Setting the Stage: Dr. Phillip's Center for the Performing Arts, will update members about DPAC's plans and grand opening set for November 2014. The event is Free and open to the public at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce/ Welcome Center in Winter Park. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

April 11 to 13 – Carmen – the Ballet

Returning by popular demand, Carmen (the ballet) brings the most famous love triangle of all time to the Bob Carr PAC. With blazing intensity and an ironic twist of fate, the free-spirited Carmen tempts fate again and again until she dies at the hands of her beloved. Performed to the music of Georges Bizet and choreographed by Robert Hill, this tragic love story brings the Orlando Ballet’s season to a finale on April 11 and 12 at 8 pm and April 13 at 2 pm. Call 407.426.1733 or visit Orlandoballet.org

April 11, 12, & 13 – The Performers* at Breakthrough Theater

If you’ve been waiting for a stage show about what could happen – backstage – at the Adult Film Awards, Breakthrough Theater of Winter Park is about to bring us a “mature audiences only” version of that theatrical event in The Performers by David West Read. Both funny and profane, The Performers finds two high-school friends who ‘reconnect’ at the Adult Film Awards only to have sex, romance (and Barry Manilow) intersect in this comedy about the ‘ins and outs’ of love. Directed by Wade Hair, The Performers – will be performed – on April 11 and 12 at 8 pm and on April 13 at 3 pm and 7 pm. Call 407.920.4034 for reservations.

April 12 – Dr. Phillips Charities presents Free Outdoor Family Concert

Peter & the Wolf and other Musical Stories will be presented by the Orlando Philharmonic in a FREE Family Concert on April 12. Honoring the memory of Della Phillips, the event will include food trucks and an ‘instrument petting zoo’ beginning at 4:30 pm and a 6 pm concert of animal-themed music by the Orlando Philharmonic (complete with narration). This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event; please bring picnics and seating for the family. Visit orlandophil.org.

April 12 – Slow Art Day at A&H Museums Maitland

On Slow Art Day, the Art & History Museums in Maitland join a national movement where viewers are invited to ‘take their time’ viewing the art in the Museum galleries. This is followed by a brown bag lunch with Artist Carla Poindexter for a discussion of the works. The FREE event begins at 11 am on April 12, and is followed by a ‘sneak peek’ at the Museum’s Summer Camp activities. Visit ArtandHistory.org

April 15 to 27 – JERSEY BOYS is “Workin’ Its Way Back” to Orlando !

Worldwide, more than 13 million people have seen JERSEY BOYS, the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi. These four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history, writing their own songs, inventing their own sound – and selling 175 million records – all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS – the musical will be performed at the Bob Carr PAC from April 15 to 27. Visit OrlandoBroadway.com or call 1-800-982-2787

April 16 from 5 pm to 8 pm – Taste of Winter Park

The annual Taste of Winter Park is Winter Park's ultimate ‘foodie’ event. In an area renowned for great chefs, this event showcases signature dishes and decadent desserts from more than 40 of the area's top chefs and restaurants. This year the Taste of Winter Park will include samplings from John Rivers' new concept, The Coop, as well as the opportunity to meet 3-time Cupcake Wars champion, Hollis Wilder, from Sweet! by Holly. The event begins at 5 pm on April 16 at the Winter Park Farmers' Market at 200 West New England Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

April 16 – Wishbone Ash at Plaza Live

One of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, Wishbone Ash kicks off the North American leg of their 2014 tour on April 16 at Plaza Live in Orlando. Celebrating the release of their 24th studio recording, Blue Horizon, Wishbone Ash was formed in 1969, pioneering a melodic twin-lead guitar style based on strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals. Showtime is 8 pm. Call 407.228.1220 or visit plazaliveorlando.com

April 16 and 17 – The Winter Park Playhouse Presents Bert Rodriguez

Multi-talented vocalist, actor, and music director Bert Rodriquez will perform his new cabaret act, Why Do The Wrong People Travel? at the Winter Park Playhouse April 16 and 17. Bert’s powerful tenor voice sings through decades of musical theatre, while relating anecdotes of travel gone hysterically awry! Rodriguez is featured on the American cast recording of the musical HONK!, directs for Norwegian Cruise Line, and performs regularly in Disney's Finding Nemo: The Musical. Call (407) 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

April 18 – Joe Rogan at Hard Rock Live

A standup comedian for more than 20 years, Joe Rogan has several comedy specials to his name while also hosting The Joe Rogan Experience and providing ‘colorful’ commentary for the UFC on Pay Per View and FOX. Rogan’s passion for martial arts led him to win the US Tae Kwon Do Championship at age 19, moving on to win the Grand Championship. He hosted Fear Factor on NBC, and can be seen in the film Here Comes The Boom. Rogan brings his ‘inquisitive comedic’ style to Hard Rock Live on April 18.  Visit hardrock.com/Orlando

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators