Florida Culture for the Week of June 18, 2017 By Josh Garrick 
 
TODAY – June 18 from 9 am to 5 pm – Father’s Day at Leu Gardens 
Leu Gardens honors Dads by opening the Gardens – FREE for Dads – TODAY! Even if every day is special with Dad, the Gardens invite the whole family to stroll the pathways that cover 50 acres. Then stop by the historic ‘Leu House’ to take a tour of the home while learning about the families that once lived there. Admission is $10 adult / $3 children (5 to 17) and FREE for Dad today. Visit leugardens.org 

NOW to July 2 – ‘Animal Crackers,’ the Marx Brothers Musical Comedy
From 1928, Mad Cow Theatre brings us the laugh-out-loud Marx Brothers musical-comedy, ‘Animal Crackers.’ Lowbrow humor rules as ‘Animal Crackers’ takes us into a ‘dignified’ weekend party only to see it made ‘more interesting’ by Groucho and other ‘questionable’ guests. Dignity is banished in this farce that recalls how much fun it can be to poke fun at pretension. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

NOW to July 9 – David Hare’s “Skylight” at Mad Cow Theatre 
A multiple award-winning British drama, “Skylight” presents the aftermath of an extramarital romance and the way it affects everyone it touched. After the affair, feelings of betrayal and guilt send lovers Kyra and Tom in opposite directions. Eventually Tom (and his son) confront Kyra for an ending that is both “thrilling and dangerous.” At the Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando, call 407.297.8788 or vist madcowtheatre.com 

NOW to July 23 – Orlando Shakes Presents ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’
It’s a magical sandstorm of Arabian Tales as Aladdin seeks help and advice from wise Genies, a powerful Sultan, and his own Mother to find a way to meet the Princess. In this telling, Aladdin learns that it takes more than a wish to make a good impression. Told interactively with the younger members of the audience, Aladdin is a mystery, an adventure, and a comedy about pursuing your dreams. Call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

June 23 & 24 – Amway Center Hosts the ‘Mascot Games’
Returning to the Amway Center, the ‘Mascot Games’ feature 30 mascots from sports teams across the country, competing in a variety of games. These ‘Family-Friendly’ games create real sports competition, as mascots from the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and Arena Football League battle like gladiators to become ‘Champion’ of the mascot world. Proceeds benefit New Hope for Kids, which provides support to children grieving the death of a loved one. Tickets start at $12. Visit mascotgames.org or newhopeforkids.org 

June 24 at 7:30 pm – The World Ballet Competition & Gala Performance
The Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center, with a stage perfect for ballet, has hosted The World Ballet Competition (WBC) and Gala every year since 2007. The Competition and Gala not only bring acclaim, and an economic boost, to Orlando, but offer cash awards among the highest of any international dance competition. The Gala that concludes the week-long competition is an extraordinary evening of talent including Winners from the week of competition and Guest Artists from around the world. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit worldballetcompetition.com 

June 24 & 25 – “PAW Patrol Live! – at the Dr. Phillips Center 
PAW Patrol is on a roll in their first-ever live tour! It's the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Chase, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and the newest pup, Everest. Using each of their unique skills and teamwork, the pups make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Be a (VIP) Very Important Pup with premium seating, a gift, and access to a ‘Meet & Greet’ after the show! Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

June 27 at 7:30 pm – DIANA ROSS: In The Name Of Love Tour 
Diana Ross’ remarkable career, spanning five decades, has resulted in music history milestones from a performer who is one of the most iconic singers of all time. As lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross helped shape the sound of popular music. Her countless awards and love of the human spirit make her the most prominent woman in popular music history of the late 20th century. Join Ms. Ross to feel the magic at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Current – Eight LGBT Students Receive Scholarships to Honor the Pulse 49
To honor those who lost their lives in the Pulse tragedy, ‘The 49 Fund’ recently awarded eight scholarships, in the amount of $4,900 each, for local college students. Attorney Barry Miller, Pres. of The Closing Agent and the GLBT Community Center, launched ‘The 49 Fund’ in March 2017 with the fund providing scholarships to LGBT students in Central Florida on an annual basis. 

Photo: The 49 Fund at Central Florida Foundation awarded eight LGBT students scholarship at the amount of $4,900 to honor those who lost their lives in the Pulse tragedy. Pictured: Mark Brewer, CEO of Central Florida Foundation, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, scholarship recipients, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and Barry Miller, founder of The 49 Fund.
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators