Florida Culture for the Week of February 25 by Josh Garrick

NOW and ALWAYS – Hooray for Florida Beaches!

More than important for the economy of our beautiful State, the arrival of spring coincides with TripAdvisor’s list of the World's BEST BEACHES. Culled from a list of 276 beaches around the world, the ranking picks the TOP 25 beaches with the United States represented by 3 beaches – ALL IN FLORIDA. Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, and Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde represent Florida, and the United States, in that TOP 25 listing. Whether friends or family have a beach vacation in mind, or simply dream of warmer climes (as their winter drags on), tell them to visit tripadvisor.com to remind them that we have several of the TOP reasons in the world to “come on down” and visit.

NOW through March 10 – Two More Weeks to Get WICKED

One of my favorite Broadway shows OF ALL TIME has landed its broom-stick in a brilliant production at the Bob Carr PAC through March 10. The Broadway phenomenon WICKED is about what went on in OZ (BD) before Dorothy dropped in. Along the way it causes you to question what makes a Wicked Witch wicked and whether sweet Glinda is really all that Good. This show comes with my highest recommendation. Get your tickets at the Broadway Box Office or Amway Box Office; at OrlandoBroadway.com or call 1-800-982-2787. 

NOW – Peak Bloom Season at Bok Tower Gardens

We’ve reached the season when the magnificent park around the Bok Tower – in Lake Wales, FL – bursts into an explosion of colorful flowers over 50 acres of landscaped gardens. Violas, snapdragons, azaleas, camellias and many more flowering plants are at their peak bloom in this annual rite of spring. This beautiful backdrop is a photographer’s dream, whether taking a guided tour, hiking the Preserve Trail, or picnicking on the Great Lawn. Please time your visit to hear Geert D’hollander play the carillon live at 1 and 3 pm from Thursday to Sunday and leave time for shopping in the Gift Shop for a unique treasure or plant. Highly recommended for the whole family, visit boktowergardens.org

Now through March 11 – The Breakthrough Theatre’s Bad Seed

Set in a small Southern town, sweet little Rhoda is charming on the surface, but is Rhoda ‘involved’ in the drowning of a local boy? Is it possible Rhoda killed the boy? Could she kill again???  Find out at the Breakthrough Theatre at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034.

Now through March 17 – Godspell Goes Downtown

Stephen Schwartz is celebrated in Orlando – not only by WICKED, but with his early musical Godspell presented by The Vine Theater at Theatre Downtown through March 17. First presented in 1971, the musical is a song-filled series of parables based on the Gospel of Matthew.  Call 407.841.0083 or email thevinetheater[at]gmail.com

Feb 28 at 7:30pm – Midtown Men in Daytona

They were the original cast-members of The Jersey Boys, a Broadway show that became one of the biggest hits of all-time. Now they’re together again – thrilling audiences with a theatrical concert experience celebrating the music of the 1960’s. With classic songs by the Beatles, Motown, The Four Seasons and more, these one-time ‘Boys’ are now the Midtown Men, who enjoy singing together and sharing that experience with audiences from coast to coast. Presented – for one-night-only – on February 28 at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, visit peabodyauditorium.org or call 386. 671.3462. See the video: http://youtu.be/a86u2F6Hdrs

March 1 – FAVO Holds a “Bunny Auction”

Faith Arts Village (FAVO) celebrates local Artists with unique opportunities to exhibit – and sell – their work. On March 1, FAVO’s artist spaces (in former motel rooms) will be open to the public with these motel rooms-turned-studio spaces providing a unique art stroll. Also visit the newly-opened FAVO Gallery, offering donated art from local artists to benefit renovations of the FAVO property. For Easter, FAVO has put together a Bunny Art Contest with each bunny up for silent auction bids. FAVO is at 221 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Call 407-222- 1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

March 2 – Russian National Ballet Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet

None of Shakespeare’s classic stories lends itself to a re-telling through classical ballet as does Romeo and Juliet.  On March 2, this timeless love story, danced to the music of Tchaikovsky, comes to life as interpreted by the superb dancers of the Russian National Ballet Theatre. This special program opens with the ethereal music of Frédéric Chopin as Chopiniana, the ballet that introduced ‘classical’ ballet to the world, begins the evening's program. Presented by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

March 7 to April 6 --Florida Premiere of Musical Comedy

The Winter Park Playhouse continues its mid-Florida ‘tradition’ of premiering musical comedies with The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What? As introduced on the Today Show, this musical by Carole Caplan-Lonner takes a look at the Baby Boomer’s ‘attempt’ to age gracefully through issues including AARP, dating, divorce, plastic surgery and more.  Roy Alan directs as The Playhouse Trio lends their musicianship to this humorous score with Musical Director Christopher Leavy on piano. "If you love to laugh, don’t miss it!” says Roy Alan, Artistic Director. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators