Florida Culture for the Week of January 20, 2014 by Josh Garrick

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

It’s here --  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 Dickens’ outrageous characters with theatrical spectacle, The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Parts I and II leads the way to a must-see theatrical event. 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. Bringing renowned speakers, poets and Pulitzer Prize winning authors to Central Florida, this season’s 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 Rep

The Magical Adventures of Merlin, to be presented from January 23 to February 23, at the Orlando Rep is an ‘imagined’ tale about how a young Merlin meets a 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 – Quantum Leap Winery Hosts Public Reception

Quantum Leap Winery will host a reception (open to the public) for their new wine partner Roberta Bricola, owner of Gorgo Winery in Italy. The reception will begin at 5 pm on January 24. Gorgo is a family-owned winery located outside of Verona, and “They are a perfect partner, because they’ve been making wine for more than 45 years and use sustainable practices in their vineyards,” said Quantum partner David Forrester. Quantum Leap is in the Mills 50 district at 1312 Wilfred Drive in Orlando. Call 407.730.3082 or visit quantumleapwinery.com.

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. Join Q&A sessions with cast members, a wand master-class, a film tribute, take time to explore Hogwarts castle, stock up on wizard supplies at the shops of Hogsmeade, and experience pulse-pounding rides in a world of excitement. Visit universalorlando.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 feature the exhibit – Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough, and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe. Between 1600 and 1800, the years in which these paintings were produced, popular subjects included portraits, 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; the Exhibit opens to the public on Jan 25 at 10 am. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

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 Labor Day weekend. The score features 18 Neil Sedaka classics including Where the Boys Are, Calendar Girl, and the chart-topping title song. Directed and choreographed by Roy Alan, the production features a cast of Playhouse favorites. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

Photo by Tom Marshall Photography

Jan 25 – Orlando Philharmonic to Host Party at The Plaza

In a “rockin’ party Gala” featuring headliner Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band – with 14 additional musical acts on 5 stages of music – ranging from classical to jazz, bluegrass, rock n’ roll and more, food stations, silent auction, photo booth, and a beer and wine bar (included), the Orlando Philharmonic and the Plaza Live Theatre will present their first joint fundraising event. Party at the Plaza begins at 6:30 pm on January 25 at 425 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. Tickets are $95 and $150. Visit OrlandoPhil.org/Party or call 407.896.6700 x236

Jan 26 – The JCC’s 5th Annual Winter Festival

The Jewish Community Center’s Southwest Orlando Campus at 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando will present its 5th Annual Winter Festival on January 26 beginning at 11 am. The Florida ‘wintertime fun’ will feature a real snow park, sledding,  carnival games, bounce houses, video games, a food court, a photo booth and the J Idol Singing Competition (with a $500 prize). Admission is FREE. Call 407-387-5330 or visit orlandojcc.org

Jan 28 to Feb 2 – Best Musical ONCE in Orlando Premiere

ONCE, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, will play the Bob Carr PAC from January 28 through February 2. The celebrated new musical, based on the Academy Award-winning film ONCE, is about an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Their unexpected friendship evolves into a ‘complicated’ romance, heightened by the emotion of the songs they create together. Tickets are available at OrlandoBroadway.com or by calling 1-800-982-2787.

Jan 29 – Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium Demolition Kick-Off 

Next up for a serious face-lift in the City Beautiful is the Florida Citrus Bowl. Opened in 1936 as a public works project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the stadium is about to undergo major demolition and reconstruction. At 10 am on January 29 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Florida Citrus Sports will celebrate the beginning of the venue's reconstruction. New features will include a new lower bowl, 360-degree main concourse, club level with both enclosed & open-air seating and a 10,000 square-foot party deck Excited?  Join the crowd.  We’re all invited.

Jan 31 to April 6 – Southwestern Allure Opens Mennello's 15th Season

Southwestern Allure: The Art of the Santa Fe Art Colony will open the Mennello Museum’s 15th Season in an exhibit of 40 artworks that reflect the experience of Santa Fe as an art colony. Featuring the period from 1915 to 1940, Allure explores the artists who went to Santa Fe, what compelled them and the work they produced. The Opening Reception will be held on January 31 beginning at 6 pm. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Andrew Dasburg (American, born France, 1887-1979), "Pueblo Village," c.1926-1928, oil on canvas

Feb 1 – Commemorating Bok Tower Gardens

February 1 is the Dedication Day as the magnificently beautiful Bok Tower Gardens commemorates their 85th Anniversary with FREE admission. The occasion will feature guest speakers, special carillon concerts, a tree planting ceremony, and a rare opportunity to ‘Cross the Moat’ surrounding the Singing Tower. No reservations necessary. Visit boktowergardens.org

Current – New Year – New Name – Same Commitment to Philanthropy

The Community Foundation of Central Florida officially announced its new name, Central Florida Foundation, and has launched its new website as a resource to the community. The Central Florida Foundation is home to more than 400 charitable funds established by individuals, families and corporations. It has grown to more than $55 million in assets since 1996 and awarded more than $30 million in grants, including $1 million in scholarships. The funds cover the full range of philanthropy supporting education, the arts, environment, health and human services and religion. Visit cffound.org

And Looking Ahead …

Feb. 6, 7, 8 – Tables Extra Extraordinaire

Decorators, brides, interior designers, and anyone who enjoys elegant entertaining will want to visit the Holy Trinity Conference Center in Maitland for Tables Extraordinaire. This unique fundraiser showcases 30 lavishly decorated tables while offering luncheons or dinners reminiscent of a trip to Greece. The 3-day event ends on Saturday evening (Feb 8) with a Gala Banquet. During the day, visit the Center for Greek pastries and delicacies (they even offer ‘take-out’ for lunch and dinners). Visit htgocorlando.org or Tables Extraordinaire on Facebook, or call 407-333-3895.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators