Florida Culture for the Week of March 21, 2016 by Josh Garrick

FINAL WEEK – to March 27 – Shakespearean Repertory with ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Pericles’
Orlando’s Shakespeare Theater’s thrilling repertory season includes Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest,’ 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. We have a great Shakespeare company, and when they do SHAKESPEARE, we owe it to ourselves to see those performances. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes .org

NOW to April 3 – The WHALE is XXXL in Winter Garden
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

NOW 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 drama, psychological autobiography, and poetry into one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Family patriarch James Tyrone denies the reality of his wife’s drug addiction, his eldest son’s alcoholism, and his youngest son’s imminent death in this soul-devouring drama that laughs morbidly at the American pursuit of wealth while ripping off the masks of propriety that allow us to act as if all is well, and THIS is happiness. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

NOW to April 23 – Winter Park Playhouse produces Jerry Herman’s Showtune!
The much-loved Jerry Herman’s hit Broadway shows 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, and more. Michael Edwards directs, Roy Alan choreographs and Chris Leavy music directs. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

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, 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 25 to April 11 – ‘Heathers the Musical’ at Breakthrough Theater in Winter Park
OK, I admit it. ‘Heathers the Musical’ is one of my guilty secrets. Based on the 1988 film that made ‘Stars’ of Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, ‘Heathers the Musical’ is the gossipy story of Veronica, a brainy teenager who experiments her way into the most powerful (and evil) clique at Westerberg High. This hilariously homicidal new musical mixes a love story, comedy and some great songs with the anguish of high school bullying. With direction by Angela Cotto, Veronica is played by Elliana Rogers. Call 407.920.4034 to rsvp for cash at the door.

Photo by Allie Champagne   Pictured: Katherine Lozon McDermott, Leigh Ann Cross, and Savannah Cassidy

March 26 at 9:30 am – The 62nd Annual Winter Park Easter Egg Hunt
Presented by the City of Winter Park, this family-fun event provides as much excitement and laughs for adults as it does for the young ones. Children up to 10 years of age may begin lining up at 9:30 am for the FREE ‘hunt’ that begins at 10 am. Over 10,000 eggs will be placed throughout Central Park, AND children who come up empty-handed will enjoy special treats at the designated candy area. Everyone brings their own basket to the West Meadow of Winter Park’s Central Park Call 407.599.3334 or visit cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks/central-park/

March 26 at 3:30 pm – Women in the Arts Celebrates the Winners            
The Annual Women in the Arts Exhibit and Competition is at the Orlando Public Library (downtown) with all events Free and open to the public. We are invited to the Library on March 26 beginning at 3:30 pm for a ‘Meet the Artist Reception’ at which the Winners will be announced. Early Congrats to all entrants and winners. Visit womeninthearts.org/art-competition

March 26 at 7:30 pm – Kevin Kelly’s Cabaret at Parliament House
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. Kevin Kelly brings his new cabaret show to the Footlight Theatre with the fun title – "They Said There'd Be Cake,” which Mr. Kelly describes as an attempt at navigating a single man's calendar in a ‘partnered’ world. The P-House ‘Footlight Theatre’ is at 410 N Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Tickets at phouse.ticketleap.com

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.

March 30 to April 20 – The Sanford /Seminole Art Assn (SSAA) Annual Members Show
In downtown Sanford, at Gallery on First (211 E. First Street), the SSAA will present Artwork in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, and photography. A reception will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, April 3 with FREE admission. In addition to works by SSAA members, the exhibit will also feature artwork by students from Seminole County middle schools. Call 407.951.5607 or visit SanfordSeminoleArt.com

Pictured: "Hagan's Cove," pastel painting by Francine Levy

March 30 – noon to 4 pm – FREE Job Fair from Employment Council & Christian Help
We all know at least one or two friends still looking for employment. Please tell those friends about the Central Florida Employment Council CFEC/ Christian Help Job Fair where 70 companies will attend with thousands of job openings and volunteers to assist you with your search. Prepare for face to face recruiting, hiring, a variety of industries, and openings on all levels. Professional business attire is required, and BRING resumes (but NO children) to the Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W Colonial in Orlando. Admission and Parking are FREE to all. Questions? Call 407.834.4022

March 30 to May 1 – Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike
Playwright Christopher Durang won the 2013 Tony Award for BEST PLAY for this quirky play, and fortunately you do not have to be familiar with the Chekhov plays to enjoy this one. References abound, however, as Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in a rural farmhouse. Suddenly their movie-star sister Masha drops in for a surprise visit with her 20-something ‘boy-toy,’ and the weekend takes on a mix of Chekhovian sensibilities and modern ‘awkwardness’ that gives us “three siblings and one hot mess.” A Free Opening Night Party and Pre-Show Chat is set for April 1 at 6:45 pm. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

March 31 at 6 pm – An Evening with a Gift For Music
Proceeds will support A Gift For Music's tuition-free music instruction for students in need as musicians and concerned friends join on March 31 for an evening of great music, wine and hors d'oeuvres at the home of Judy and David Albertson in Winter Park. Music will be performed by Eric Jacobsen, Music Director, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and internationally acclaimed cellist; Dr. Mauricio Céspedes, Principal Violist, Orlando Philharmonic; and Dr. Ayako Yonetani, Professor of Violin, UCF. The requested donation is $75. Visit AGiftForMusic.org

March 31 at 6 pm – Eureka! When Art and Science Collide … and Discuss
Brad Biggs’ Annual Group Art exhibit, currently at the City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando features Artworks inspired by Science by professional Artists, along with advanced students from Lake Highland Prep. On March 31, Biggs has invited Retired Nasa scientist Ben Hirchenfang, Research scientist Jill Smith, and SSC Professor Jay Spalding to share their expertise and the relations they see between Art and Science. The evening is Free and the Public is invited to the CityArts Factory at 29 S Orange Ave. Call 407.450.2255 or email artforallspaces[at]gmail.com

April 1 from 5 to 10 pm – The Bacchus Bash for the CFHLA
No April Fool’s here. The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 30th Annual Bacchus Bash – their large fund-raiser of the year – will be held at Orlando Premium Outlets at 8200 Vineland Ave in Orlando. Having raised over $120,000 last season, CFHLA was able to distribute scholarships and grants to 29 Hospitality Students and 5 Schools in Central Florida. Admission is FREE; money raised comes from top-end restaurants showing off gourmet food samples and mixed drink concoctions that run from $2 to $5 each. Call 407.313.5000

April 1, 3 and 5 – The Magic Flute – Mozart’s Opera Entertainment
Begin with music by Mozart conducted by ‘Maestro Magic’ Eric Jacobsen; toss in a host of human, animal, and magical characters; add a Hero on a quest and a Soprano singing the ‘Sounds of Music;’ and you have some idea of the fun Mozart created in Die Zauberflöte. Today ‘The Magic Flute is considered ‘high’ opera, but Mozart considered it a form of for-the-Public musical comedy created to deliver that all-important message, “LOVE CONQUERS ALL.”  In three performances at the Orlando Philharmonic’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 North Bumby in Orlando, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org for tickets.

April 2 at 2pm & 7 pm – Spencers: Theatre of Illusion
Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion features extraordinary magician Kevin Spencer and his wife Cindy in a family-friendly show that combines storytelling, illusion, stage magic and audience participation. The Spencers’ appearance last year delighted audiences at the Dr. Phillips Center, and they’ve been invited back to ‘amaze us’ once again with a program suitable for age 4 and above. Kevin Spencer is a pioneer in using magic for therapeutic purposes, and in the week prior to the two performances, Kevin Spencer will be in the community, visiting hospitals and schools with his ‘Healing of Magic Workshops.’ Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators