Florida Culture for the Week of January 13, 2014 by Josh Garrick

Jan 13 to 18 – Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show

Tony Brent returns to the Orlando Repertory Theater with PIP-SQUEAK: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show from January 13 to 18. Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied anywhere there were no adults present. Using comedy, magic tricks, juggling (and a coat-rack loaded with costumes), Tony uses humor and magic to teach children how to cope with being bullied, Tony role-plays with children about ways they could respond if they are bullied. Call 407. 896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Jan 15 and 16 – Artful Events Presents Broadway Cabaret Series 

Two-time Tony Award winning singing actor Norbert Leo Butz will reprise his acclaimed cabaret show at The Abbey in Orlando on January 15 at 8 pm and January 16 at 9 pm. The show features arrangements from his Broadway musicals along with songs that were part of Norbert’s life growing up in Missouri – ranging from country  to rock ‘n roll. Tickets are available at ticketweb.com for $75 and $50.

Jan 16 – 2014 Ovations Awards

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite us to ‘kick off the New Year’ with networking, food and drinks at the 2014 Ovations Awards Ceremony. The Chamber has joined with the Winter Park/Maitland Observer for this second annual 'best of' guide to Winter Park as voted by Chamber members, readers and the local community. Awards will be presented in 50 categories beginning at 5:30 pm at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Avenue in Winter Park.  Visit winterpark.org

Jan 16 – ‘I Believe’ at the City Arts Factory

‘What do you believe?’ is a fundamental question that shapes the world in which we live. Art for All Spaces will present an Art exhibit about believing; through words and images, Artists will share the beliefs that inform and inspire them. In addition, poets will present verses based upon the I Believe titles. Hosted by the CityArts Factory (29 S. Orange Ave in Orlando), Downtown Arts District, and Art for All Spaces, call 407.450.2255or email artforallspaces[at]gmail.com

Jan 17 to 27 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Their Annual Best of Broadway

In what has become an annual musical revue featuring the songs from Broadway musicals that opened (within a given time-frame), Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park hits the home-run derby by choosing Broadway shows from 1975 to 1984. Proving that you “can please all the people some-of-the-time,” this year's revue features songs from The Wiz, A Chorus Line, and Chicago to Evita, 42nd St, and Cats. With performances from January 17 to 27, call 407-920-4034 to reserve your seat.

Jan 17, 18, 19 – CFCArts’ Spotlight Presents Melissa Braillard

Resolutions, featuring the effervescent Melissa Braillard, is an evening of music about “risks we take, decisions we make, and resolutions we break.” A singing actor in Central Florida for over 10 years, Melissa has performed with Orlando Shakespeare, the Orlando Philharmonic, Walt Disney World and more. Resolutions will be performed on January 17 at 7:30 pm, January 18 at 5 pm, and January 19 at 7:30 pm at Central Christian Church at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd in Orlando. Visit cfcarts.com

Jan 18 – 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Parade and SOUND Showcase

The Birthday celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will begin with a Parade which ‘steps off’ at 10 am on January 18 and follows Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. The celebration continues at 1 pm with The SOUND Praise Team Showcase at the Lake Eola Amphitheater. This musical showcase features Central Florida churches and residents as they perform before a panel of judges to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. The event is FREE. Call 407.246.2122 or visit cityoforlando.net.

Jan 18 – Festival Singers – Singing the Scriptures

With a repertoire ranging from Brahms to Bernstein, the Festival Singers of Florida will present a choral concert, Singing the Scriptures, at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 400 Lakemont Avenue on January 18. Incorporating Biblical texts as well as hymns, selections will include Lead, Kindly Light, Fairest Lord Jesus, The Lord’s Prayer, and more. The performance is free. Visit fsof.org

Jan 21 at 7 pm – The Orlando Ballet … Uncorked

The second ‘in-formance’ of Orlando Ballet's popular behind-the-scenes look at the creative process is an ‘up close and personal’ visit with Artistic Director Robert Hill and his company of dancers. This is our chance to learn how the Choreographer converts creative concepts into fluid movement … resulting in choreography. At The Abbey in Downtown Orlando $30 gets you in the door and puts a glass of wine in your hands...
Call 407.704.6261

Jan 22 to March 9 – The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Parts I and II

In the Florida theater-event-of-the-season, a cast of 27 actors will play over 150 characters in this unique, two-part, dramatic and comic masterpiece that captures the genius of Charles Dickens. Combining outrageous characters with theatrical spectacle, The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Parts I and II won BOTH the Tony Award and The Olivier Award for Play of the Year. Nickleby’s adventures lead the way to a must-see theatrical event for Florida audiences. Visit Orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700

Jan 23 – The Winter Park Institute at Rollins College

In a series of talks offered FREE to the Public, the Winter Park Institute at Rollins College will begin its 2014 season with Sharon Robinson, daughter of major league baseball player Jackie Robinson. On January 23 at 7 pm, Ms. Robinson will discuss her father’s legacy, highlighting his now-legendary values in sports and in life. Over the years, the Institute has brought renowned speakers, poets and Pulitzer Prize winning authors to Central Florida. This season’s featured speakers include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Filmmaker Ken Burns. Events are free and open to the public. Call 407.691.1995 or visit winterparkinstitute.org

Jan 23 to Feb 23 – The Magical Adventures of Merlin at Orlando Repertory

The Magical Adventures of Merlin, to be presented from January 23 to February 23, at the Orlando Rep, is an ‘imagined’ tale about how young Merlin meets young, soon-to-be King Arthur in mythical, ancient England. Young Merlin faces serious life-choices before becoming the greatest wizard in the land as surprises abound in this musical adventure for the whole family. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Jan 24 and 25 – The 90th Birthday of the Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is celebrating 90 Years in Orlando, and the Opening of the Museum’s 90th birthday celebration will be very special as it features the exhibit – Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe from the Speed Art Museum. Between 1600 and 1800, the years in which these paintings were produced, popular subjects included portraits, religious paintings, landscapes, still-lifes, and classical antiquity, ‘illustrating’ the people and the objects that made the two centuries a rich cultural age. An Opening Reception will be held on January 24 at 6pm and the Exhibit opens to the public on Jan 25 at 10 am. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

Jan 24 to 26 – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios

Enter a world where MAGIC is real on the weekend of January 24 as the WORLD descends on Orlando. Universal Studios will celebrate the adventures of Harry Potter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in three days of fun set against the backdrop of two amazing theme parks. Q&A sessions with cast members, a wand master-class, a film tribute, time to explore Hogwarts castle, stock up on wizard supplies at the shops of Hogsmeade, and experience pulse-pounding rides in a world of magical excitement. Visit universalorlando.com

Jan 24 to Feb 15 – Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do at the Winter Park Playhouse

Set in a 1960s Catskills resort, Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do is a musical comedy about two friends in search of romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. The score features 18 Neil Sedaka classics including Where the Boys Are, Sweet Sixteen, Calendar Girl, and of course the chart-topping title song. Directed and choreographed by Roy Alan with musical direction by Christopher Leavy, the production features a cast of Playhouse favorites. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

Photo by Tom Marshall Photography

And looking ahead …

Nov 6 – The Dr. Phillips Center Sets Official Opening Date

In my year-end wrap-up of 2013, I included the thrill of watching our NEW Performing Arts Center rise before our eyes. This week Center President Kathy Ramsberger announced the ribbon-cutting on the theater complex will be November 6 with an Opening Night Gala the following evening. The opening will include an “open house and free performances in a celebration that will last for days,” she said. The $514 million Center will begin performances in the 2,700-seat Disney Hall with the musical Newsies. The 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater will also open this fall with the third theater in the complex expected to be completed in 2018 – based upon reaching fund-raising goals.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators