Florida Culture for the Week of July 23, 2017 By Josh Garrick 
 
FINAL Performance TODAY -- July 23 – ‘Hairspray’ by Encore! Cast Performing Arts 
Presented by the incredibly talented dancer/singer/actors from Disneyworld, the ‘Encore Cast’ takes us to Baltimore in 1962 for Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, (including Best Musical). This family-friendly musical introduces the bouncy plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad who has one desire – to dance on TV’s ‘Corny Collins Show.’ When her dream comes true, Tracy must use her new-found powers to integrate a TV network! Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

TODAY – July 23 at 7:30 pm – Tito Puente Jr. with The Rico Monaco Band 
Featuring the greatest hits of his Father, Tito Puente Jr. offers the best of Latin Rock including the hits ‘Oye Como Va,’ ‘Ran Kan Kan,’ ‘El Cayuco’ and more. Plus, joining with Orlando’s own Rico Monaco Band, the group will cover the great songs of Santana, Juanes, Mana, Carlos Vives, Malo, and songs by the award-winning Rico Monaco. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

NOW to Aug 6 – Seussical the Musical at OsceolaArts
“Oh the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!” Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust; Jojo, who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," finds his place in society; as Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love. With some help from the ‘Cat in the Hat,’ these characters come to realize they are not ‘alone in the universe.’ Call 407.846.6257 or visit osceolaarts.org 

NOW to September 4 – Orlando Science Center’s “Identity: An Exhibition of You”
“Identity” at the Science Center is a 3-part interactive experience that explores our unique identities. In the age of the “selfie,” the exhibit helps answer the question “How well do we know ourselves?” By checking our physical, psychological and social identities, we learn how we are different, AND how much we are the same. Highly Recommended at 777 East Princeton Street in Orlando, call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org. 

July 24 at 7 pm – Sounds of Summer: Music of the Beatles 
Hear elegant renderings of your favorite Beatles songs set for string quartet, along with music of Ravel, Gershwin, Dvořák, and Mozart; plus join in a fun audience sing-along. Hear a Beatles melody as if Mozart had performed it as presented by Principal Second Violin Alexander Stevens and Principal Violist Mauricio Céspedes, violinist Sacha Phelps, cellist Grace Gavin and vocalists Sean Moore and Matt Kamm. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

July 28 – Registration DEADLINE – Orange County Civilian Police Academy 
You can get an up close and personal look at the Orange County Sheriff's Office from the men and women doing the job at the Sheriff's Office Civilian Police Academy. This FREE program is open to any citizen with teachers that include homicide detectives, crime scene investigators, the SWAT Team, and undercover deputies working narcotics. Classes meet for 13 weeks on Tuesday nights at the Sheriff's Office at 2500 West Colonial Drive from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Visit ocso.com/Public-Interest/Civilian-Police-Academy 

July 30 – United Nations’ International Friendship Day
The International Day of Friendship is recognized by the United Nations for the “importance of friendship as a noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings around the world.” To mark the Day, the UN encourages governments, organizations and civic groups to hold events and activities that promote a dialogue among civilizations for mutual understanding and reconciliation. 

Photo: Boys practice ‘parkour,’ athletic maneuvers around obstacles, in Gaza. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-2063/Romenzi

July 30 at 5 pm – ‘La Bayadere’ by the Russian Ballet Orlando 
In this very special climax to their Summer Intensive training, the Russian Ballet Orlando will present a full production of ‘La Bayadere.’ Set in India, ‘La Bayadere’ tells the story of the doomed love between Solor, a warrior, and the temple dancer Nikiya, who is murdered by a jealous rival. In one of the most beautiful of all ballet scenes, Solor's grief brings him to the heavenly ‘Kingdom of the Shades’ where he and Nikiya are joined “beyond the reach of man.” This ballet classic will be presented with all new costumes and guest artists from the Ukraine. Call 407.896.0309 or visit russianballetorlando.org 

August 4 to 27 -- Mad Cow Theatre presents August Wilson's award-winning ‘Fences’
Winner of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Drama Desk Award among many others, ‘Fences’ is August Wilson’s 1950’s chapter in his 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” chronicling the evolving African-American experience through the 20th century. In Mad Cow’s first-ever production of a Wilson play, the universally relevant themes of freedom, family, and the American Dream are conveyed in this landmark production. The New York Times wrote, “this is not theater, this is life.” Tickets are available online at madcowtheatre.com or by calling 407-297-8788 x1

August 5 at 7 pm – Sabrina Carpenter at the Dr. Phillips Center 
In 2015, singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter, unveiled her debut album ‘Eyes Wide Open,’ an album reflecting Carpenter’s rise to fame playing Maya Hart on the Disney Channel. ‘EVOLution,’ encompassed more growth. “I’m living in an adult world,” notes Carpenter, who is now 17. “I put all my feelings and all these stories into the songs I’ve made.” VIP tickets are available for this performance at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators