Florida Culture for the Week of August 26 by Josh Garrick

Congratulations -- Local Artist Rebecca Rose Wins National Grant

We happily extend CONGRATULATIONS to Central Florida artist Rebecca Rose, recently named winner of the Halstead Grant for design excellence in silver jewelry. Rebecca will receive $5000 in cash and $1000 in jewelry supplies in addition to other prizes. "Upon hearing the news, I realized the Halstead Grant will flip the switch from sketches into pieces, from dreams into realities," Rebecca said. Only recently, Rebecca launched her line called Sculpturings. Each ring is a large statement piece that can be worn as jewelry or displayed as art – some as unique pieces, and some as limited editions, and each one more amazing than the last. Visit rebeccarose.bigcartel.com   

Aug 28 and 29 – Natalie Cordone Returns to the Cabaret …

The charming and popular Natalie Cordone is back for her 4th series of Cabaret performances on August 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm at the Winter Park Playhouse. Her new show, called My Favorite Themes, features popular songs from TV, film, and Broadway – a night of music and some unexpected surprises! Natalie is a favorite performer at the Playhouse, and she recently made her TV debut on The Inbetweeners on MTV. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Aug 29 to Sep 22 – Cortez Method in World Premiere at Orlando Shakes

The Cortez Method is a darkly comic drama that questions what happens when bad decisions are made for the right reasons. Sara and Bill are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new baby when an unexpected visit from Bill’s brother Walter upsets their hopeful future by shedding light on the troubled foundation of their past. Rob Keefe’s new play – in its official world premiere at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater – forces audiences to deal with infidelity, prescription drugs, home improvement, and the dysfunctional family in this roller coaster ride around the American Dream. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

August 31 – The Voice of SISAUNDRA

Orlando’s singing Diva – Sisaundra Lewis was ‘the voice’ of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba for 10 years, performed worldwide tours with Celine Dion, is an Oscar Nominee, co-wrote two #1 Billboard Hits, and has appeared on The Tonight Show and Oprah. I promise you’ll fall in love with Sisaundra (and ‘the voice’) as she tells of growing up in a citrus grove and moving on to fame and glamour. She’ll perform August 31 with special guests in a show called Bold & Daring at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Call 407. 877.4736

September (the whole month of …) – Orlando’s ‘Magical’ Dining Month

“Foodies – Start your taste-buds!” You won’t want to miss a day in September when Orlando’s top restaurants offer $33 three-course dinners throughout the month of September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. Yes – you read it correctly – 3-course meals for $33. This ultimate “foodie” event features more than 60 restaurants offering the special price meal with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Find a full list of restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Sep 5 to Oct 6 – Ivy + Bean the Musical – for Young People

The Orlando Repertory Theater (the Rep) continues its series of musicals (with a message for young people) with Ivy + Bean the Musical. Can two 2nd graders, who are very different, become inseparable friends? Both are sure they have nothing in common and will not like each other, but they soon discover that true friendship comes from the heart and not appearances. Meet ‘quiet Ivy’ (with her amazing ideas) and ‘outgoing Bean,’ (who puts those ideas into action). Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Sept 6 to 16 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents The Gingerbread Lady

The first play of Breakthrough Theatre’s 5th season is Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady. In a significant departure from Neil Simon’s comedies, this 1970 work is a drama about alcoholism. In the play, performer Evy Meara’s career, marriage, and health have all been destroyed by alcohol, and she returns home following a 10-week stay in rehab. Her return, however, is marred by friends with emotional problems of their own – including her teenage daughter and ex-lover. Do not be surprised when this Neil Simon “tragi-comedy” ends up more tragic than comic. Call 407-920-4034

Sept 6 – Visit the Everglades at The Mennello Museum

The Mennello Museum will be alive with the sounds, images and colors of the Everglades on September 6 as the Public is invited to the Opening Reception of the new Discover the Everglades Through Art! Series. The opening includes the exhibit Eugene Savage: The Seminole Paintings. In 1935 American artist Eugene Savage began a two-decades-long series of paintings of Florida’s Seminole Indians in works that reflect his deep concern for the plight of their native culture. The paintings will be exhibited through January 5. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

September 7 – ‘Lace Up’ for the Greater Orlando Heart Walk

Looking to raise funds while increasing awareness of heart disease, the American Heart Association is looking for 18,000 ‘Walkers’ to participate in the Greater Orlando Heart Walk. On September 7, at 7 am, the Walkers will start at the UCF Memory Mall with a fundraising goal of $1,500,000, making it the largest one-day fundraiser in Central Florida. Combining fitness and philanthropy, the annual Walk brings together corporate sponsors, walk teams, individuals, and heart disease survivors to raise funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading killers of American men and women. Visit greaterorlandoheartwalk.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators