Florida Culture for the Week of June 4, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY – June 4 at 6 pm – The 2017 “Applause Awards”
The Dr. Phillips Center “Applause Awards” program honors excellence in high school musical theater. Theater professionals and educators serve as judges to review high school productions with tabulated results determining the awards in a constantly surprising, one-time-only show that features performances from the lead actor, lead actress, and Best Musical nominations. Recommended, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

TODAY – June 4 at 7:30 pm – Maitland Symphony Orchestra Celebrates America
‘May the Fourth (of June) be with you’ as the Maitland Symphony honors American composers with "A Salute to America.” We all love Aaron Copland (in this case – ‘Hoe-Down’) and selections from William Grant Still’s "Afro-American Symphony". Additional offerings feature American big band, movie, and folk melodies. Celebrate America’s best with the Maitland Symphony at the Maitland Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at eventbrite.com/e/maitland or call 321.303.1404. 

June 6 to 11 – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents ‘Finding Neverland’
Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus, ‘Finding Neverland’ is the story of the creation of ‘Peter Pan.’ Playwright J.M. Barrie finds inspiration when he meets four young brothers and their widowed mother; based on the boys’ make-believe adventures, he writes the play that has astounded theater-goers ever since. Adding pixie dust and a lot of believing, Barrie finds ‘Neverland,’ where the wonders of childhood last forever. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

June 9 from 10 am to 2 pm – Paw Patrol Live ADOPTION Event 
Before Paw Patrol takes over the Dr. Phillips Center on June 24 and 25, the show will take over the Plaza with a FREE pet adoption fair. On June 9 Orange County Animal Services will provide the opportunity to adopt a rescue dog or cat in a FREE Family Event called ‘Paws on the Plaza.’ The Center’s Food Trucks will be there along with American Bulldog Rescue, The Cat Hospital, Pet Rescue by Judy, The Pixel Fund, Phoenix Rising and Pure Hearts Animal Rescue, Zeena’s Sanctuary, and the Pet Alliance of Orlando. 

June 10 at 1 pm – “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure” 
Famous for the level of training received by young ones (Grades 3 to 8) at the Orlando Rep, their summer camp production this year is a true musical ‘adventure.’ Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and those hilarious Penguins as they bound on to the stage of the Orlando Rep. (They have escaped from New York’s Central Park Zoo) with the realization that ‘feeding time’ is different in the madcap world of Madagascar. Call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com 

June 11 at 3:30 pm – ‘Sounds of Freedom Band’ Remembrance Concert 
“Celebrating the culture, diversity, and history of our nation,” the Sounds of Freedom Band will present ‘We. Are. Americans.’ a concert with music from American composers that celebrates the history that shaped our country. Including music, dance, color-guard, and poetry, this unique concert will also mark the one-year anniversary of the Pulse tragedy. Presented at the Orlando Rep Theater at Loch Haven Park, visit centralfloridasoundsoffreedom.com

June 15 & 16 at 10:30 am – 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 for more information.

June 16 to July 9 – Mad Cow Theatre presents David Hare’s “Skylight” 
In this multiple award-winning British drama, “Skylight” shows us the aftermath of an extra-marital romance and how that romance affects everyone it touches. After their affair is exposed, feelings of betrayal and guilt send lovers Kyra and Tom in opposite directions, each brewing resentment of the other. Tom – and his son – confront Kyra looking for ‘closure’ that is both fascinating and dangerous. Call 407 297 8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

June 17 at 8 pm – Tig Notaro at The Plaza LIVE 
Tig Notaro is a comedian, actor and writer, named by Rolling Stone as “one of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.” Tig writes, produces and stars in the autobiographical Amazon series, “One Mississippi” with Season one producing nominations from WGA, GLAAD and The Critic’s Choice Awards. Nominated for an Emmy as well as a Grammy for her 2016 HBO special “Boyish Girl Interrupted,” her memoir “I’m Just a Person” is a New York Times Bestseller. In addition to her talk-show appearances, Tig recently sold out Carnegie Hall. Visit plazaliveorlando.org

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 – on his special day. 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 and learn about the families that once lived there. General admission is $10 adult and $3 children (5 to 17) and FREE for Dad (all day) on his special day. Visit leugardens.org 

NOW to July 2 – ‘Animal Crackers,’ the Marx Brothers Musical Comedy 
From 1928, Mad Cow Theatre brings us the crazy, laugh-out-loud Marx Brothers musical-comedy, ‘Animal Crackers.’ Lowbrow humor rules as ‘Animal Crackers’ takes us into Margaret DuMont’s ‘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. *Fun Fact: The script includes #53 of AFI’s ‘Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time.’ Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com  

NOW to August 20 – Orlando Museum of Art’s 2017 “Florida Prize”
The Orlando Museum of Art recently opened their 4th annual exhibit of the ‘OMART Florida Prize.’ Featuring 10 of the most progressive Artists working in the State today, each Artist is represented by a significant body of 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 new exhibit helps answer the question “How well do we know ourselves?” By checking our physical (e.g. finger-prints), psychological (personality types) and social identities (our relationships), 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. 

And looking ahead … 

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 consummate performer who is one of the most iconic female 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 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators