Florida Culture for the Week of March 25 by Josh Garrick

March 26 – Artist Critiques Evening FREE to the Public

The Art & History Museums - Maitland invites the Public to its FREE Artist Critique & Conversation series, offering artists the opportunity to have their work reviewed. Held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6 pm at the Maitland Art Center, the critiques are led by artist and arts writer Josh Garrick, along with guest panelists Thomas Thorspecken and Camilo Velasquez. Each evening is meant to be both entertaining and informative with audience participation encouraged. After her critique, Artist Renée Wilson said, “Tonight’s critique was immensely informative and enjoyable; Excellent panelists, interesting discussion, and a wide variety of work. Kudos!” Visit Artandhistory.org

March 27 April 28 – Titus Andronicus at Orlando Shakes

Those Elizabethans were a bloody bunch as ‘witnessed’ by the popularity of Shakespeare's bloodiest blockbuster. Vengeance and madness are the themes of Titus Andronicus with each barbarous act escalating the plot to brutal acts of retaliation. Gory and horrific, Titus Andronicus was the most popular of Shakespeare's plays during his lifetime … and what does that say about this ‘human race?’ Through April 28 at the Shakespeare Festival. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

March 29 to April 15 – Jesus Christ ‘Breaks Through’ as Superstar!

The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park will present the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice ‘rock opera’ Jesus Christ Superstar from March 29 to April 15. Based on the Gospel accounts of the last weeks of Jesus’ life, Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971. Beginning with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion, the musical uses a variety of musical song – many of which have become ‘hits’ – to tell the story. Directed by Artistic Director Wade Hair (who will also play the role of Herod), Jesus will be played by Tony Flaherty. The Breakthrough Theatre is at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034.

March 29 to 31 – Easter Surfing Festival at Cocoa Beach

Championship surfers from around the world (ages 12 to 80) will compete in this annual surf competition at Cocoa Beach. Trophies and prize money from $500 to $5000 will be awarded for competitions from the short board to the Skim City Easter Bunny Bash. Spectators may learn Surfing and Skim Boarding via on-site clinics, participate in celebrity signings, attend an Easter egg hunt, listen to music from the Dweebs, enjoy movies, parties, and experience an Easter Sunrise Service. Held March 29 to 31, the Festival will be staged at the Landmark Cocoa Beach Pier (with parking at Shepard Park). Admission is FREE. Call 321.799.8888 or visit eastersurffest.com.

Mar 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm – Cirque de la Symphonie

The forward-thinking Orlando Philharmonic shows us how ‘Cirque can meet Symphony’ in a thrilling program featuring music by Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and Tchaikovsky. In this program, acrobats and contortionists perform amazing feats and aerialists soar overhead as the Philharmonic performs. Maestro Christopher Wilkins says, “The circus performers have chosen the selections. Whether it is the power of the strongmen, the tension of the acrobats, or the grace of the aerialists, I find myself fascinated by their choices, and loving the connections to my world that they have made.” For tickets to this unique performance, visit orlandophil.org or call 407.777.1700

April 5 and 7 – The Orlando Philharmonic Presents Madama Butterfly

A wise man once said that ALL opera is about love and death, and no opera is more touching – on both subjects – as Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The Orlando Philharmonic, continuing to distinguish itself in beautifully staged operas (with the Orchestra on-stage) will present Mika Shigematsu as Suzuki Butterfly, the beautiful young geisha who sacrifices family, religion, and her life for an American naval officer. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

April 5 to 7 – Casa Feliz Hosts Colloquium on Historic Preservation

Famed architecture critic Paul Goldberger will deliver the keynote address as Casa Feliz hosts the 7th Annual James Gamble Rogers Colloquium on Historic Preservation. Visitors will celebrate the legacy of architect Gamble Rogers (1901-1990), designer of Casa Feliz, while raising public appreciation for our architectural heritage. Open to the public, the Colloquium includes a bus tour of important Winter Park homes including The Tappan House, The Nelson House, and The Edwards House. Call 407.628.8196 or visit casafeliz.us

April 6 – pARTicipation – Fund-Raiser for A&H’s Maitland Art Center

The Fund-Raiser “pARTicipation” was voted Best Arts Event in The DailyCity's Best of Orlando, and the newest version will be held on April 6 at A&H Museums – Maitland.  The Art Center’s campus comes to life in this interactive event showcasing visual artists, food, and ‘mysteriously engaging’ performances. The dining experience happens at artist-created tables, followed by bidding on art, a text message scavenger hunt, creation stations, and more. Call 407.539.2181 or visit artandhistory.org

April 6 at 8 pm – Fernando Varela in Benefit for Gay Games 2018

Orlando’s home-grown super-talent Fernando Varela has performed in 26 countries. From opera to Pop to Broadway, his diverse vocal talent will perform in support of Orlando’s bid to host the Gay Games 2018. Varela says “I am a big fan of these games coming to Orlando, and my wife Susan and I are very supportive of the GLBT community. Staging an event like this in our hometown sends a message to the world that Orlando is ready and willing to be known as an embracing place of diversity and hospitality for all.” For tickets, visit ticketweb.com or orlando2018.com

April 7 – Gold Medal Fund-Raiser to Benefit Piano Competition

Yekwon Sunwoo, Gold Medalist in the 1st Florida International Piano Competition, will be the featured performer on April 7 in a fund-raiser to benefit the Competition. Beginning with a cocktail reception and Silent Auction, guests will enjoy fine dining along with the excitement of a Live Auction. After dinner, the Ballroom becomes a private salon as pianist Yekwon Sunwoo offers Bach, Schumann, Scriabin, and Schubert on the Bösendorfer grand piano. VIP guests will then enjoy a private post-concert reception with the Artist. Held at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, visit FloridaPiano.org or call 407.645.2525

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators