Florida Culture for the Week of June 25 and a 3rd & 4th of July Fireworks Preview By Josh Garrick 
 
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to July 2 – ‘Animal Crackers,’ the Marx Brothers Musical
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 send lovers Kyra and Tom in opposite directions, but eventually Tom (and his son) confront Kyra for an ending that is both “thrilling and dangerous.” At the Mad Cow Theatre, 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 

NOW to August 4 – ‘Herblish: A Chromatic Journey’ at Osceola Center for the Arts
Conceptual and commercial art photographer ‘Herblish’ exhibits a collection of portraits that explore the relationship between color, shape, and texture – and the human face. Best known for his photographs of body painted models, the exhibit is free and open to the public at the Osceola Center for the Arts at 2411 E Irlo Bronson Hwy in Kissimmee. Call 407.846.6257 or visit osceolaarts.org

NOW to August 20 – Orlando Museum of Art’s 2017 “Florida Prize”
The Orlando Museum of Art’s 4th annual exhibit of the ‘OMART Florida Prize’ features 10 of the most progressive Artists working in the State today, and it’s an inclusive (and timely) exhibit because each Artist is represented by a significant body of their most recent work. At the Museum through August 20, call 407.896-4231 or visit OMART.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. 

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 

Local Fireworks:

July 3 – Baldwin Park FREE ‘Independence Day Bash’ 
With the Street Festival beginning at 6 pm and the Fireworks set for 9:15pm, the action will center around 4990 New Broad Street in Baldwin Park in this FREE ‘Independence Day’ event. Blankets will be spread long before 9:15 pm for the best view of the fantastic Zambelli Fireworks show over Lake Baldwin. Village Center will feature artisans, food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, and a Main Stage near the lake with live music from Baldwin Park's own ROOM2 BAND. Audubon Park Elementary will be a free parking lot. Visit baldwinparkevents.com 

July 4 – May the Fourth Be With You! 
There can never be too many fireworks – right? So join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on July 4 at Lake Eola Park. ‘Fireworks over the Fountain’ are always spectacular, and this is the 40th annual ‘Fireworks at the Fountain,’ so we can expect extra wonderfulness this year. Festivities begin at 4 pm with activities for children, live music, and food, with the fireworks display over Lake Eola at 9:10 pm. If you can’t be there in person, the fireworks will be broadcast live on WKMG News 6. Visit cityoforlando.net/fireworks 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators