Florida Culture for the Week of January 15, 2017 By Josh Garrick

Submitted by Josh Garrick on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 00:39

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Florida Culture for the Week of January 15, 2017 By Josh Garrick

NOW – WICKED – For Two More Weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center
Broadway’s WICKED, one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time, continues to break box office records around the world … and in ORLANDO! Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED tells the story of two girls in the Land of Oz. How one becomes the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ and the other becomes ‘Glinda the Good’ makes for one great Broadway musical. This performance is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
WICKED – For Two More Weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center

NOW to February 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare
Years of planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia, and Vivienne’s decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century ‘myth’ about a White Egret who protects forest animals as they lose their memories. Steve Yockey’s new play ‘Blackberry Winter’ is a moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human work being presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org
‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare

NOW to April 20 – The Dinos are HERE! The Dinos are HERE!
There’s a bit of ‘Jurassic Park’ at Leu Gardens as we discover what life was like millions of years ago thanks to the artistry of Guy Darrough, who creates dinosaur figures that look just as the real ones did when they ruled the Earth. Your family can experience these creatures up-close-and-personal as the ‘Dinos’ may be found throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens. A free, self-guided ‘DinoHunt Guide’ is available for paleontologists of all ages. Visit leugardens.org The Dinos are Coming! The Dinos are Coming!

Jan 16 at 7 pm – The Orlando Philharmonic Goes to the Birds
Maestro Eric Jacobsen says of his brother Colin: “I wouldn’t be a musician without my brother. He is one of the great violinists and composers of our time. I can’t wait to share his artistry with Orlando!” The Orlando Philharmonic welcomes Colin to perform Beethoven’s virtuosic concerto, Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending,” and Colin’s own arrangement of a traditional Persian song. With Eric Jacobsen conducting, the Orchestra will perform in their new home at The Plaza Live. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org The Orlando Philharmonic Goes to the Birds

January 20 at 6:30 pm – Opening – The Wyeths and American Artists in Maine
As a child, paintings by the Wyeth family constituted my first understanding of the difference between photography, photo-realism, and ‘realistic’ fine art. In a new exhibit the Orlando Museum of Art will honor the Wyeth family, the 100th Anniversary of Andrew Wyeth’s birth, and “American Artists in Maine” drawn from the collection at the Farnsworth Art Museum. An entrance fee of $10 includes a ‘first-look’ at the exhibit and a lecture by Michael Komanecky, Chief Curator at the Farnsworth. Call 407.896.4231 ext. 230 or visit OMART.org

Opening – The Wyeths and American Artists in Maine

Jan 20 to Feb 18 – Why Do FOOLS Fall in Love? … at the Winter Park Playhouse
Written and created by Roger Bean, this song-fest takes place at a bachelorette party where best friends share their thoughts about love, marriage and the dating game. Featuring hits from the 1960’s including "My Boy Lollipop," "I Will Follow Him," "Hey There Lonely Boy," and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" this musical comedy reaffirms that true friendship is the key to everlasting love. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Why Do FOOLS Fall in Love? … at the Winter Park Playhouse

Jan 20 to Feb 19 - Picasso, Einstein and Steve Martin Walk Into the Mad Cow Theatre …
‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile,’ comic-genius-playwright Steve Martin’s first full-length play, takes place in 1904 in a Paris bar and popular hangout for artists. The play explores creativity, physics, and one-night stands, as worlds (and words) collide in this fictional meeting between Pablo Picasso (on the verge of creating Cubism) and Albert Einstein (about to publish his Theory of Relativity). With Steve Martin’s off-beat humor, the 20th Century is born through the eyes of a funny man. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Picasso, Einstein and Steve Martin Walk Into the Mad Cow Theatre …

Jan 21 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic Honors American Composer John Adams
With Eric Jacobsen conducting, the Orlando Philharmonic honors American composer John Adams with performances of two of his best-known works. The first half of this celebratory program also includes the first Orlando Philharmonic performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3.
Colton Peltier, a brilliant young pianist studying at Juilliard, will make his Orlando Philharmonic debut, playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. At the Bob Carr Theater, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org
Orlando Philharmonic Honors American Composer John Adams

John Adams’ ‘Short Ride in a Fast Machine’

January 23 at 7 pm – Battle of the BIG Bands – Glenn Miller vs. Tommy Dorsey Orchestras
The Lake Mary High School Auditorium will time-travel its audience to ‘The Battle of the Big Bands’ between the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In the tradition of the Big Band battles from the 30s and 40s, the two bands take the stage in a back-and-forth competition that showcases jazz, swing, and favorite standards. The clear WINNER is the audience. Tickets start at $30 online at brownpapertickets.com/event/2627175 or call 321-441-9135 ext. 2 for group sales.
Battle of the BIG Bands – Glenn Miller vs. Tommy Dorsey Orchestras

Jan 27 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm – ‘In the Mood’… for the Big Band Sound
This nostalgic ride to the music of the 1940’s begins aboard the ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ straight to ‘Tuxedo Junction.’ ‘In The Mood’ is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrews Sisters and all the big band greats. Complete with period costumes and choreography, the show celebrates the brassy, patriotic music of the World War II era performed by a 13-piece Band and six singer-dancers. In two performances at the Bob Carr Theater, call 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org.
‘In the Mood’… for the Big Band Sound

January 27 at 8 pm – Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography at the Dr. Phillips Center
Direct from New York City ‘Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography’ is a revival of the award-winning New York production of the Laurence Holder play. Elizabeth Van Dyke stars in the production directed by Woodie King Jr. with this performance serving as a benefit for Eatonville’s ‘ZORA Festival.’ Celebrating Hurston's 125th birthday, the annual Festival is produced by the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography at the Dr. Phillips Center

Jan 31 at 7:30 pm -- Dr. Phillips Center presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
The original ‘Jersey Boy,’ Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles including ‘Sherry,’ ‘Walk Like a Man,’ ‘Rag Doll,’ ‘Oh What a Night,’ and ‘Grease.’ His songs have anchored iconic movies, and over 200 artists have done cover versions of his work. Back by popular demand, his sold out show last year paid tribute to a unique voice that is still going strong for the audiences who love him. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.
Dr. Phillips Center presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

And looking ahead …

Feb 1 to 4 – ‘Tables Extraordinaire’ at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Over 4 special days – from 10 am to 8 pm – this unique event showcases 30 creatively exquisite table settings while offering ‘hand-made-with-love’ Greek culinary delights for lunch, dinner or take-out. You can also bid on auction items, purchase internationally acclaimed art work, and attend a fabulous gala dinner. The Gala and Silent Auction cap off a marvelous FUN-raising weekend benefiting the Florida Hospital Transplant Institute, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. For tickets or information, visit www.Tables-Extraordinaire.com
‘Tables Extraordinaire’ at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Feb 4 at 6:45 pm – The 25th Annual Chef’s Gala Supporting United Way
The funds raised at this exemplary fund-raiser support United Way’s much needed work in education, income, and health programs that serve thousands of Central Floridians in need. Recognized as a premiere food and wine pairing event, Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala features exquisite cuisine from more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs, along with fine wines, live music and a silent auction. Hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, 2017’s participating restaurants include Artist Point, K Restaurant, STK Orlando at Disney Springs and Todd English’s bluezoo among many others. Tickets are $275 (Individual) and $500 (Couples). Call 407.835.0900 or message hfuwcontact[at]hfuw.org
The 25th Annual Chef’s Gala Supporting United Way