Florida Culture for the Week of March 5, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

CURRENT – The Dr. Phillips Center to Break Ground for Phase Two 
“Shout Hallelujah, c’mon get happy.” On February 27 our beautifully impressive Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts received final approval from Orlando's City Council to break ground on the $227 million ‘Phase Two’ that will finish the building. Including the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall, built for performances by the Orlando Philharmonic and the Orlando Ballet among others, a completion date of 2020 was announced. A funding gap of $14 million was mentioned, but the Center’s funding ‘Angel’ Jim Pugh said that he and other donors would address the gap. With his legendary sense of humor, Mr. Pugh said, "There's a group of us that have guaranteed the $14 million, so we have a lot of incentive to get it finished.” The Center's $360 million First Phase, opened in November of 2014, includes the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Since its opening, the Center has surpassed even the best of projections for audience size and income while also garnering the honor of having been named one of the ‘TOP 10 Things to See’ in the Southern United States. Bravo Dr. Phillips Center. 

TODAY – March 5 at 8 pm – TONY BENNETT at the Dr. Phillips Center 
To say he’s a legend doesn’t begin to cover this Icon’s past success and present popularity as one of the most celebrated artists of all time. From 1949, (when he was discovered by Bob Hope), to his 18 Grammy Awards, Emmy-winning TV specials, 24 Top 40 songs, and his duets with singers from Aretha Franklin to Lady Gaga, no one else in American music has recorded for so long and at such a level of excellence as Tony Bennett. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 7 to 12 -- Broadway in Orlando presents Disney's ‘The Little Mermaid’
In a watery kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, her crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; and the handsome Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, dive on in … under the sea at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 8 at 8 pm – Norah Jones at the Bob Carr 
Norah Jones has come full circle with her new album ‘Day Breaks,’ that finds her returning to her jazz roots while also weaving together country, folk, rock, soul, and jazz. ‘Day Breaks’ is the work of a mature artist and features jazz luminaries Wayne Shorter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and drummer Brian Blade. Ms. Jones will introduce her new album at the Bob Carr Theater at 401 W. Livingston Street in Orlando. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 10 to 19 – The World’s Largest Motorcycle Event 
The thousands of visitors about to descend on Daytona Beach may know about the ‘World Center of Racing’ where they can learn about the history of racing and the racing legends who made the City famous, and Harley lovers know about ‘Destination Daytona,’ a shrine to Harley-Davidson. But bikers who love their dogs may visit the Daytona Beach Kennel Club for a 4-legged take on racing. The ‘Space Race’ in Florida’s history can be studied at the Museum of Arts & Sciences; one of the largest, historic lighthouses is at Ponce Inlet, or the laid-back Biker may just want to walk the boardwalk overlooking the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’. Visit daytonachamber.com

March 12 at 6 pm – “Race for Space” Focus of FREE Orlando Philharmonic Concert 
Conductor Dean Whiteside and Orlando’s own singing star Natalie Cordone will lead the Orlando Philharmonic in a program called “Race for Space,” featuring space-themed music by John Williams and others. Including music from E.T. and Star Wars, this FREE concert will take place ‘under the stars’ in Winter Park’s Central Park (bring blankets and chairs). While Ms. Cordone lives in Orlando, she has traveled the globe performing in cities from Heidelberg, Germany, to Las Vegas. Visit cityofwinterpark.org 

March 16 – ‘Brain Candy Live! With Adam Savage’ & Michael Stevens 
If you’re as intelligent as you think you are, THIS show is for your MIND. Adam Savage has joined forces with Michael Stevens, and they are bringing three TONS of toys and tools for a ‘minds-on’ theatrical experience at the Dr. Phillips Center. Like an adult play-date with Walt Disney and Albert Einstein, Adam and Mike answer questions and question answers. Got a bored teen? Bring IT to the show. VIP package available. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 18 at 8 pm – Dr. Phillips Center Presents ‘Pilobolus: Shadowland’
Created by the world-famous dance company Pilobolus, ‘Shadowland’ combines dance with fast-paced multimedia, projected images and moving screens. The story involves a teenage girl who sleeps, dreams, wakes, spins, is swallowed by ‘darkness,’ and THAT is the beginning. This signature work uses Pilobolus’ amazing acrobatic dance and the heart of a love story to celebrate the power of the ‘Dark.’ Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 18 at 8 pm – Rimma Plays Tchaikovsky at the Bob Carr Theater
The New Jersey Symphony Conductor Gemma New will lead the Orlando Philharmonic in an all-Russian program, featuring our own (brilliant) Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois performing Tchaikovsky’s wondrous Violin Concerto. Shostakovich’s response to Stalin’s condemnation of his artistic style, (written under fear of arrest and death) is here in his Symphony No. 5, along with a world premiere by the young Russian composer and violinist Lev Zhurbin. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

March 17 & 18 – 150 Musicians from 30 Cities Unite to Perform in Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John 
Opening the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra’s 5th season, the Pops Concert, entitled ‘Jazz, Joel & John,’ will be split into two halves, with the first half featuring the CFCArts Big Band performing music from the Big Bands of World War II. Nostalgic, romantic and ‘fun’ songs fill the second half with Billy Joel’s and Elton John’s iconic hits. Songs include Uptown Girl, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Candle in the Wind, Your Song, and many more! Call 407.937.1800 x 710 or visit CFCArts.com/jazzjoeljohn

CFC arts Photo credit Divine Likeness Photography, Jason M. Bailey, Mike and Kate Bustillos
 
NOW to March 19 – The Central Florida Fair 
The Central Florida Fair celebrates it 105th Year by judging and honoring the work of young people in central Florida in the areas of Livestock, Agriculture, Horticulture, STEM education, 4-H, FFA, and the Arts. Free and paid concerts are offered each week along with the biggest Midway experience in Florida. Please note: located at 4603 West Colonial Drive in Orlando, March 18 is the 6th Annual Caribbean Festival Day. Paid concert tickets include admission to the Fair. Visit centralfloridafair.com

NOW to March 24 – Orlando Shakes’ “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (LLL)
Close to 100% of Shakespeare’s plays have to do with whether the boy ‘gets the girl’ or if he misses tragically. In LLL, however, ‘self-denial’ serves Shake’s comic muse. At the court of Navarre, the young King and three courtiers swear an oath to put aside pleasure in favor of serious study. The Princess of France, however, will hear none of it, and shows the men that love complicates and conquers all things. This farcical romantic comedy about love is at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. 

NOW to March 26 – “The Great Gatsby” On-Stage
Taking on another work of the world’s great literature, our Shakespeare Theatre is performing “The Great Gatsby,” drawn from what is arguably America’s greatest novel. Played in movies by Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio, one understands the regard for this book in libraries AND in Hollywood. Exploring themes of love, morality, identity, and the (corruption of) the American Dream, this work is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org  

NOW to April 9 – Curious George and the Golden Meatball 
That inquisitive Monkey-star of books, movies, and the award-winning PBS TV show is in a new musical-for-all-ages to celebrate ‘All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day.’ George heads to Rome for the ‘Golden Meatball Contest,’ and along the way, he discovers the secret ingredient known by all the best chefs. At Orlando Rep, call 407.896.7365 x1 or visit orlandorep.com

NOW to April 30 – DINOSAURS Invade Leu Gardens 
It’s ‘Jurassic Park’ meets Leu Gardens as we discover what life was like millions of years ago thanks to the artistry of Guy Darrough. Darrough creates dinosaur figures that look like the real ones did when they ruled the Earth and may be found throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens. A free, self-guided ‘DinoHunt Guide’ is available for paleontologists of all ages. Visit leugardens.org 

And looking ahead …
 
March 24, 25 & 26 – Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Gabriel Preisser 
Opera Orlando presents Mozart's magnum opus ‘Don Giovanni’ set in a present-day college fraternity. The "big man on campus" metaphor works with Mozart's masterpiece, because the tale of too much power in the wrong hands is both timely and timeless. Orlando’s own Gabriel Preisser takes on the title role of ‘frat-brother-gone-wrong’ with players from the Orlando Philharmonic, dancers from the Orlando Ballet and members of the Opera Orlando Chorus all led by Conductor Elaine Rinaldi. Visit operaorlando.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators