Florida Culture for the Week of August 11 By Josh Garrick

Current – Mayor Dyer Asks Us to Make a Difference with ‘Orlando Cares’

In 2011 the City launched Orlando Cares, bringing volunteers to help young people improve their academic success. Through six programs, volunteers have helped more than 6,000 children with results including – 1,800 5th to 8th graders have participated in Mayor Buddy’s Book Club; preschool Ambassadors have read 4,500 stories in pre-kindergarten centers; more than 530 container gardens have been planted by youths participating in The Garden; hundreds of middle school students have completed career plans as part of Path Finders; and 100% of the students in 3rd Grade Reads have improved their reading fluency. The Mayor is seeking more volunteers and invites us to call 407.246.3507 or email orlandocares[at]cityoforlando.net to ‘make a difference.’

Thru August 31 – The Allure of Ancient Rome

Showcasing prints, drawings, and an illustrated book from the Cornell Museum’s permanent collection, the Cornell’s current exhibit highlights the significance of Roman antiquities and the role played by printed images in sharing knowledge about those antiquities. This exhibit coincides with the loan of a Roman sarcophagus to the Cornell with the works on view dating from 1540 to 1750. Admission is FREE. Call 407.646.2526 or visit Rollins.edu/cfam

Aug 15 – Fringe Favorite Tappin’ and Yappin’ in Performance at the Abbey

Fresh from a successful run at the Orlando Fringe Festival, Tappin’ and Yappin’ -- featuring Joy Anderson and John B. deHaas, will play one performance at The Abbey on August 15 at 9 pm. Directed by Andrea Canny, Tappin’ and Yappin’ is a one-woman show celebrating the life of ‘superstar’ Cindy Starr from her humble beginnings to her triumph on the silver screen. Cindy and her accompanist Johnnie Ivories will have you laughing and singing along with her best known hits. Tickets are $20 at TicketWeb.com or by calling 866-468-7630

Aug 15, 16, and 17 – CFArts Presents Singing Sondheim

Central Florida Community Arts (CFArts) brings back their ‘Spotlight Series’ with Singing Sondheim. Featuring songs from the unparalleled career of Stephen Sondheim – from musicals as varied as West Side Story to Into the Woods, Director Donald Rupe has gathered a team of 13 performers with voices to handle this award-winning repertoire. Singing Sondheim will take place on August 15, 16, and 17 at Central Christian Church at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd in Orlando. Info and ticketing at cfcarts.com/singing-sondheim/ or contact Sarah.Mattingly[at]cfcommunityarts.com

Aug 15 to 31 – Peter Pan the Musical at Osceola Center for the Arts

The Osceola Center for the Arts will present Peter Pan the Musical from August 15 to the 31st at The Center. Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved family favorites of all time.  Follow Peter, Tinkerbell, and a trail of fairy dust as the ‘lost boys’ face the villainous Captain Hook.  Featuring the iconic songs I'm Flying, I Won't Grow Up, and Never Never Land, and a book full of magic and adventure, audiences will see the actors fly through the air in special effects never before done at The Center. Osceola Center is located at 2411 E. Hwy 192 in Kissimmee. Visit ocfta.com

Robert DiGiovanni as Captain Hook and Timmy Walczak as Mr. Smee

Aug 16 to Nov 30 – “Frankly my Dear ...”

The Orange County History Center will host Gone With the Wind: Reel to Real, an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of one of the most popular films ever made. The exhibit will include original costumes and artifacts of the film from the collection of James Tumblin, former head of Universal Studios’ makeup department. Tumblin started his collection in 1962 when he purchased a dress which was about to be thrown away only to learn later the dress had been worn by actress Vivien Leigh. Tumblin’s collection now includes more than 300,000 items. The exhibit runs from August 16 to November 30 at the History Center. Call 407.836.8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

August 17 – Puppets’ Untold Stories at the Polasek Museum

While puppetry is the theme of the current exhibit at the Polasek Museum, a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit – with the puppet creators – is being offered on August 17 at 1 pm and 3 pm.  The staff from MicheLee Puppets will walk us through the collection, sharing stories about each work of art – created from layers of foam, fur, and papier-mâché. Museum admission rates apply. The Polasek Museum is at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org.

August 17 – Steinway Society Fundraiser 

Known for providing scholarships (and pianos) for young pianists, The Steinway Society will present Divas in Concert with the Carol Stein Quartet on August 17 at 6 pm.  Beginning with a reception at 5 pm, this ‘fun-raiser’ will be held at the Orlando Museum of Art “to stimulate the talent of disadvantaged youth.” Featuring top female performers Linda Cole, Jacqueline Jones, Michelle Mailhot, and Jaimie Roberts with singer / pianist Carol Stein hosting, you can show your support by calling 407.786.5965 or email steinwaysocietycf[at]gmail.com

August 18 – Orlando Philharmonic Presents Rimma & Friends

With each concert featuring a different theme, this season’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series is performed at the Orlando Philharmonic’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. The August 18 Concert, called Rimma and Friends, includes Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and members of the Orlando Philharmonic string section performing Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2, Glinka’s Piano Trio in D minor, and Beethoven’s String Quartet, op. 132. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071

August 21 – Wine Dinner Takes Us to Greece at Taverna Opa Orlando

Taverna Opa’s final summer wine-dinner of the season will take place on August 21 beginning at 6:30 pm. Chef Katerina Coumbaros has created a five-course tasting menu to complement the fine wines provided by the Republic National Distributing Company – this time honoring Taverna Opa’s authentic Greek cuisine by featuring Greek wines exclusively. Allowing us the opportunity to experience one last ‘vacation’ without leaving Orlando, Taverna Opa is at 9101 International Drive at Pointe Orlando; the meal with wine price is $45 per person. Please RSVP to EatGreek[at]opaorlando.com or call 407.351.8660

August 22 – Lengua Materna Offers ‘Messages’ by Hispanic Artists

Art & History Museums – Maitland gives voice to the Hispanic community in its new exhibit – Lengua Materna, opening August 22 at A&H’s Maitland Art Center. Translated as ‘mother tongue,’ the exhibit presents universal ideas through the unique vision of Hispanic culture with Artists representing diverse communities in a variety of media. The exhibit features Maria Albornoz (Venezuela), Roberto Gonzalez (Mexico), J. Tomas Lopez (Cuba), and David Figueroa and Edgar Sanchez Cumbas (Puerto Rico). An Opening reception – Public invited – will take place on August 22.  Visit artandhistory.org

Red Haired Russian Girl by Tomas Lopez and Mystery by Roberto Gonzalez

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators