Florida Culture for the Week of January 6, 2014 by Josh Garrick

Jan 8 to 12 – Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Thousands from around the world join this annual event that charts a double race-course through the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The races climax a weekend of fitness featuring races from the Walt Disney World Marathon to Goofy's Race and a Half. Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo will be at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the races. Visit disneyworldsports.com

Jan 9 to 12 – The CIRCUS !!!

“LADIEEEEEES and GENTLEMEN” – the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey present LEGENDS! – living legends – as the Circus presents performers from around the globe along with the magic of the mythical: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth. LEGENDS!, a brand new show running January 9 to 12 at Amway Center, includes Alexander Lacey’s return with the Lacey family’s 11 generations of lions and 9 generations of tigers. For show times and information, visit Ringling.com.

Jan 9 to 19 – That Demon Barber – Sweeney Todd

For over 150 years the legend of Sweeney Todd has ‘fed the appetites’ of those hungry for ghoulish tales of violence. Beginning January 9, Clandestine-ARTS will transform The Venue into 1800’s London and bring this grisly adventure to life in the Stephen Sondheim musical. The murderer, played by Stephen Jones, will sing as he wreaks havoc from his Fleet Street barber shop. For tickets, visit clandestine-arts.com or call (408) 676-7095. The Venue is at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando.

Jan 10 -- Good Morning Winter Park Welcomes New Hope for Kids

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce begins its 2014 programming with a ‘before work’ event that invites residents and business owners to learn about the non-profit New Hope for Kids. ‘New Hope’s mission is to bring healing and happiness to children and families suffering loss of a loved one or life-threatening illness. Attendees will hear how the Chamber plans to support this organization through its 2014 Chamber Cares Campaign. A complimentary, continental breakfast will be served. The event is FREE and open to the public at 151 W. Lyman Avenue in Winter Park.  Call 407.644.8281

Jan 10, 11, and 12 – Mad Cow Presents the Science Play Festival

A unique theatrical experience will be presented by the Mad Cow Theatre in an interactive festival that explores the world of science through staged readings and discussions of plays about science. Discussions, following each reading, will feature experts in the fields of science and art, as Director Denise Gillman lends her expertise. Works include Isaac's Eye by L. Hnath, An Experiment with an Air Pump by S. Stephenson, Photograph 51 by A. Ziegler, and A Short History of Nearly Everything, a play for young people adapted by Lauren Gunderson. Running January 10, 11, and 12, Mad Cow is located at 54 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Jan 11 – Songs of Elton John from the Orlando Philharmonic

After his sold out performances with the Philharmonic in 2012, Grammy and Tony Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh returns to Orlando to perform Pinball Wizard, Crocodile Rock and other rock hits from the legendary Elton John. Cavanaugh will have his band – and the Orlando Philharmonic, conducted by Andrew Lane – to share the stage at the Bob Carr PAC on January 11 at 2 and 8 pm. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan 15 and 16 – Artful Events Presents Broadway Cabaret Series 

Two-time Tony Award winner for his performances in Catch Me If You Can and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Norbert Leo Butz will reprise his acclaimed cabaret show – Memory & Mayhem Unplugged at The Abbey in Orlando on January 15 at 8 pm and January 16 at 9 pm. The show features ‘re-imagined’ 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 – ‘I Believe’ at the City Arts Factory

‘What do you believe?’ is a question of fundamental importance, shaping our life-orientation and shaping 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 [email protected]

Jan 17 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 exhibit is available for viewing on January 17, and the official 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

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 of the people some-of-the-time,” this year's revue features songs from The Wiz, A Chorus Line, Annie, Chicago, Godspell, Working, Sweeney Todd, Ballroom, Evita, 42nd Street, Woman of the Year, Nine, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, La Cage Aux Folles, Sunday in the Park with George, 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

The start of a new year brings us Resolutions, featuring the effervescent Melissa Braillard, in a night 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, Mad Cow Theatre, 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. Tickets are on sale at cfcarts.com/resolutions-january-spotlight-series/ or visit cfcarts.com

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, Jubilate Deo, The Lord’s Prayer, and more. The performance is free. Visit fsof.org

Current – $3 Million Raised for Orlando Philharmonic’s New Home

THANK YOU ARTS DONORS.

Central Florida’s unprecedented ‘year of giving’ to the ARTS ended on a high note as the Orlando Philharmonic announced an anonymous gift of $1 Million for its new home at Plaza Live. Bringing the total raised to $3.1 million, the Donor joins philanthropists Marc and Sharon Hagle ($750,000); Bryce West ($500,000); and Kenneth and Ann Hicks Murrah ($500,000) providing the Orchestra with funds to begin Phase I of renovations. Those renovations will include new seating and renovations to the rehearsal hall, administrative offices and backstage. Visit OrlandoPhil.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators