Florida Culture for the Week of March 15, 2016 by Josh Garrick

NOW to April 24 – Women in the Arts Celebrates the ‘Genius of Women’              

The Annual Women in the Arts Exhibition and Competition, this year entitled ‘Celebrating the Genius of Women’ is at the Orlando Public Library (Downtown) with all events Free and open to the public. On March 26 beginning at 3:30 pm, a ‘Meet the Artist Reception’ will be held at the Library, and the Winners will be announced.  Be sure to check out the ‘Finalist’ works by treasured friend Lillian Verkins who may be small in stature but who creates BIG works from her BIG heart. Congrats to all entrants and winners. Visit womeninthearts.org/art-competition

NOW to March 27 – Shakespearean Repertory with ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Pericles’

There are two weeks left in the Shakespeare Theater’s annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final play ‘The Tempest,’ in repertory with a fun-filled production of ‘The Adventures of Pericles,’ in a modern verse translation. The two plays have curious similarities (think pirates and maidens in distress), and the audience is invited to arrive 30 minutes before each performance when an actor leads the audience through a discussion of the plays. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes .org

March 16 at 2:30 pm -- Free Lecture at the Morse Museum

In a Free lecture at The Morse Museum we are invited to learn about Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studios, and the Artist’s respected (but less famous) paintings. Entitled ‘Louis Comfort Tiffany and Lockwood de Forest as Easel Painters,’ the lecture will be presented by Roberta A. Mayer, Professor of Art History at Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania. The lecture will take place at the Museum and will be followed by a reception. Admission is free. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org

March 16 at 2:30 pm – “The State of the Arts” – a Free Panel Discussion at UCF

A Panel ‘conversation’ devoted to uniting the Orlando arts and cultural communities will be presented as a Free event for the Public at UCF’s School of Visual Arts Gallery (Room 132) at 12400 Aquarius Agora Drive in Orlando. The Panel will include cultural leaders Jennifer Coolidge, Josh Garrick, Benoit Glazer, Patrick Greene, Barbara Hartley, and Terry Olson with Artist Richard Munster as moderator. The Symposium will include an ‘Audience Q&A’ after which the Audience is invited to a reception to meet the panelists and to visit UCF’s MFA Thesis Exhibit. Call 850-461-0750.

March 17 at noon – Women’s Leadership Luncheon for United Way

The 9th Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon, benefiting Heart of Florida United Way will present long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad as featured speaker. Ms. Nyad is the FIRST swimmer to complete the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida; she did it without the protection of a shark tank; and most importantly, she lived to tell the tale. The Luncheon is $85 per person; reservations are required. Call 407.429.2111 or visit UWWomensLeadership.org

March 17 – 6 pm to 9 pm – Eureka! The Moment When Art and Science Collide
Art cognoscenti know to watch for Brad Biggs’ Annual Group Art Exhibit opening this year on March 17 at the City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando.  ‘The Thrill of Discovery’ prevails in Artworks inspired by geology, astronomy, chemistry, biology and more. Biggs is known for intriguingly themed exhibits that engage the eye and the mind in equal measure. Works by professional Artists, along with advanced students from Lake Highland Prep will be on display at CityArts Factory at 29 S Orange Ave. Call 407.450.2255 or email artforallspaces[at]gmail.com

March 17 & 19 – Two ULTIMATE TRIBUTE Bands at the Plaza Live

The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute is elevated above other ‘Tributes’ thanks to their amazing note-for-note renditions of the great Beatles' classics. On March 17, you’ll think you’re watching the real thing with costume changes from every era of the Beatles’ career. Then, on March 19, you’ll join “Get the Led Out – The American Led Zeppelin,” musicians so passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin it's become their mission to bring the studio recordings of "the mighty Zep" to life on the concert stage. Performances at the Plaza Live in East Orlando. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

March 18 to April 17 – Epic Eugene O’Neill at Mad Cow Theatre

THE masterwork of one of America’s iconic playwrights, Long Day’s Journey Into Night fuses tragic drama, psychological autobiography, and self-hating poetry into one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Family patriarch James Tyrone has acquired a small fortune from a one-famous-role acting career, but he ‘acts’ at life by denying the reality of his wife’s drug addiction, his eldest son’s alcoholism, and his youngest son’s imminent death. As with classic Greek tragedy, in a single day, this soul-devouring drama laughs morbidly at the very-American pursuit of wealth while ripping off the masks of propriety that allow us to act as if all is well in this ‘successful’ family.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

March 18 to April 3 – The WHALE an’ We Ain’t Talkin’ Moby Dick

In this multi-award-winning play by Samuel Hunter, a 600-pound recluse hides away while eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a vicious, sharp-tongued, unhappy teenager. In this BIG-hearted drama, we witness the story of a man's last chance at redemption. Produced by ‘Beth Marshall Presents’ at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

March 18 to April 23 – Winter Park Playhouse produces Jerry Herman’s Showtune!

The much-loved Jerry Herman’s hit Broadway shows will sing and dance their way onto the Winter Park Playhouse stage with Showtune!, an internationally popular musical revue of Jerry Herman’s music and lyrics. Recipient of the 2009 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the theater, Jerry Herman wrote the hit Broadway musicals Hello Dolly!, Mame, La Cage aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, and more. Michael Edwards will direct, Roy Alan will choreograph and Chris Leavy will music direct. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

March 18, 19 & 20 – Orlando Ballet presents Audience-Favorite Don Quixote Ballet

The Orlando Ballet will perform the ‘scenic’ production of the world’s most vibrant ballet – Don Quixote, originally created for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. Performed to live music by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, ABT Ballet Master Susan Jones is staging the production based on the 1869 original by Marius Petipa and the 1900 version by Alexander Gorsky. Adiarys Almeida will dance the ‘prima’ role of Kitri, partnered by Arcadian Broad. Second only to Swan Lake, a company’s production of Don Quixote is THE BALLET by which companies are judged. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 19 – 11 am to 9 pm – Chef John Rivers’ Low-Country Boil

Glory Hallelujah! On March 19, Winter Park’s neighborhood restaurant, The COOP welcomes spring with its first-ever Low-Country Boil.  Inspired by a classic Southern ‘recipe,’ Celebrity Chef John Rivers and Chef de Cuisine, Whitney Miller will offer their version of this one-pot-dish which includes a glorious mix of peel-and-eat seafood, corn and potatoes. Samples of Orlando Brewing Company’s most popular beers are included in the $16.99 per person price.  There will be live entertainment, and guests will dine picnic-style on the patio. To RSVP, visit facebook.com/events/1709486692622292/

March 19 at 1:30 pm – Art Portraits by Phyllis Taylor at Beardall Senior Center

Having shown her talent at the Orlando Museum of Art’s recent 1st Thursday Event and in the current Osceola Arts Center exhibit, ‘Celebrating Black Artists,’ the largely self-taught Phyllis Taylor will present a demonstration on how her painted portraits are so expressive of the subject and unique in creation.  Presented by the Artists League of Orange County, the FREE event will be at the Beardall Senior Center on Delaney Ave in Orlando.  Call 407.644.0069 or visit Phyllis Taylor on facebook.

March 19 from 6 to 9 pm – Bring Your Kinky Boots to the Sanford Art Walk

Hopefully the recent performances of ‘Kinky Boots’ at the Dr. Phillips Center left some of those boots behind, because they will be ‘perfect’ for the Art Walk in Sanford on March 19.  Drag Queens will rule in Sanford with the theme -- ART IS A DRAG. Along with original Art, Sanford will host a ‘Drag Queen Guide’ at each venue, including Sanford’s own Ashley Satine and Orlando’s Miss Sammy. Visit nine Art-Walk locations including the Sanford Welcome Center featuring artist Dlynn Roll; Gallery on First, complete with a Selfie Station; and Jeanine Taylor Folk Art’s paintings by Theresa Disney. And with all those Drag Queens, OF COURSE there is an ‘After-Party.’

March 19 to 22 -- Florida Association of Nonprofits presents ‘Sunshine Certificate Intensive’

Non-profit professionals, supporters, donors and activists will gather at the Doubletree Hotel in East Orlando to participate in the Florida Association of Nonprofits’ ‘Sunshine Certificate Intensive Program.’ The training system shares best practices, professional skills and most-recent information regarding legislation affecting charities throughout the state. The event will feature acclaimed story teller Bob Allen of Ideas Inc. and fundraising strategist Bob Kovacevich of Avatar Company and the ‘Art of the Ask.’ All are welcome. Contact Marina Pavlov-Marchner at [email protected] or call 305.557.1764.

March 19 & 26 at 7:30 pm – Kevin Kelly’s Cabaret at Parliament House

Just look at the adorable smile in that picture. THAT is a picture of a ‘born entertainer,’ who happens to have an incredible voice and sense of humor to match. Local favorite Kevin Kelly brings his new cabaret to the Footlight Theatre for two performances only. Great title – "They Said There'd Be Cake" is an attempt at navigating a single man's calendar in a ‘partnered’ world (which is ironic, because Mr. Kelly just entered into a ‘relationship’). Totally reliable – I read it on facebook!!! The P-House ‘Footlight Theatre’ is at 410 N Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Tickets at phouse.ticketleap.com

March 23 & 24 at 8 pm – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents ‘STOMP’

A combination of percussion, movement that verges on dance, and visual comedy, STOMP is a unique theatrical production. This contemporary rhythmic event, using household and industrial objects as musical instruments, will ask you to re-think all your basic assumptions about dance and percussion instruments. Prepare yourself for LOUD and aggressive, because that is how these performers ... perform. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 25, 26 & 27 – Morse Museum’s Easter Weekend Open House

The Morse Museum, home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), hosts several open houses throughout the year. Admission is free on these days, offering all guests the opportunity to tour the galleries at no charge. The entire Easter Weekend is a Free Open House with hours March 25 – 9:30 am to 8 pm, including live music by classical guitarist Josh Englert from 5 pm to 8 pm on Good Friday; Saturday, March 26 from 9:30 am to 4 pm; and Easter Sunday, March 27 from 1 pm to 4 pm.  Admission is Free.

 March 26 at 8 pm – ‘Maestro Magic’ Eric Jacobsen Conducts Musical Majesty

Music Director Eric Jacobsen returns for this majestic finale to the Orlando Philharmonic’s Classics Series in a program celebrating the new versatility of the Orchestra with Wagnerian grandeur, Spanish flair, and a ‘gallery’ of musical reflections. The program will include Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser, a World Premiere work, Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso (morning song of the jester) and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Presented in the Bob Carr Theater, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

March 29 to April 3 – The Classic – Dirty Dancing – Live

Nobody puts YOU in the corner if you get your tickets to Dirty Dancing On-Stage – an unprecedented LIVE experience, exploding with music, passion, romance and sensational DANCING. Already seen by millions, this smash hit musical tells the story of two young lovers who come together in what will be the most challenging summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, ‘Hungry Eyes,’ ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life,’ I promise this theatrical sensation will give YOU the time of YOUR life at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.