Florida Culture for the Week of May 14, 2017 By Josh Garrick 
 
NOW to May 28 – “Into the Woods” at the Garden Theatre
Each year the Garden Theatre pulls together the community to present its annual musical, and this year features the mature/clever words and music of Stephen Sondheim. Story-book characters journey into those Grimm woods for adventures that won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score of a Musical. Along the way, the musical makes you think twice about ‘getting what you wish for.’ Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

NOW to June 11 – ‘MURDER for Two’ – the Musical 
Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious ‘Musical-Murder-Mystery’ with a twist. One actor plays the investigator and the other plays 13 suspects while BOTH play the piano. With book, music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, it would be a crime to miss this musically crazy blend of comedy and mad-cap mystery. At the Winter Park Playhouse, call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

May 16 at 7:30 pm – Julianne & Derek Hough in “MOVE Beyond - Live On Tour”
Dance Superstar siblings Julianne and Derek Hough will star in their all-new dance production “MOVE Beyond - Live on Tour” at the Dr. Phillips Center. This complete stage production, with sets, costumes and a cast of talented dancers, will headline the Houghs in solo, duo and group performances in styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa, hip-hop and everything in-between. ‘Dance Superstar’ VIP packages are available for this event. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

May 17 to May 27 -- PHANTASMAGORIA’S “Wickedest Tales of All”
Orlando’s own Victorian Horror Troupe PHANTASMAGORIA, will premiere its 3rd touring show, PHANTASMAGORIA’s “Wickedest Tales of All” in a 5-performance-run at the Orlando Fringe Festival before heading out on tour. On-stage at the ‘Orange Venue’ with their stories of horror, “Phantastical” dance, music, and large-scale-puppetry, PHANTASMAGORIA takes the stage with critically-acclaimed vengeance at the Shakespeare Festival in Loch Haven Park. Visit orlandofringe.org or on-site box offices. 

May 19 from 8:30 am to – Edyth Bush Institute Offers FREE Leadership Panel 
The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership's 3rd Annual Leadership Panel, "Reposition Yourself: A Discussion for Current & Emerging Non-Profit Leaders" will offer insights on becoming a leader in your organization, ‘positioning yourself,’ and ways to inspire staff and donors. The event is FREE at the Bush Science Center at Rollins College. Panelists include leaders from Lighthouse, Habitat for Humanity, Nemours, and the Early Learning Coalition. Margaret Linnane will moderate. 

May 20 – Opera Orlando’s 2nd Annual Gala – “The Gilded Age” 
It’s ‘Roaring 20’s’ glamour in one unforgettable party as our one-year-old ‘wunderkind’ Opera Orlando makes this evening one of the great events of 2017. Hosted by legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, the party begins with opera stars from across the globe. Add a silent auction, a live auction, a wondrous dinner, ‘guests’ from the Roaring 20’s, and a tribute to Guest of Honor John Ruggieri. At the Dr. Phillips Center, tickets are $250 with Black Tie/Roaring 20’s attire suggested. Call 407.512.1900 or visit operaorlando.org/ticket

May 21 at 4 pm – “Baroque & Beyond” Concert 
Some of the world’s most beautiful music will be performed by Performing Arts of Maitland’s Baroque Chamber Orchestra at the Venue-On-The-Lake-Maitland Civic Center. Featuring Bach’s Organ Fugue in G minor, Vivaldi’s Concerto Ripieno, and Telemann’s Concerto Polonois, tickets are $10 at the door. Call 321-303-1404 or visit PAMaitland.org 

May 23 at 6 pm – Disney Hosts ‘Prelude’ Fundraiser for Orlando Philharmonic 
‘Prelude to 25’ is a fundraiser presented by the Walt Disney World Resort with a goal to raise $100,000 to support the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Season. Presenting over 125 performances each year, $78,000 has already been committed from sponsors and donors with the remainder to be realized through ticket sales and donations. Tickets are $100 per person. For YOUR tickets, call 407.896.6700 x224

May 25 at 10 am – Florida History Writer Joy Wallace Dickinson at Leu Gardens 
In a morning designed to be “informational and fun,” join “Florida Flashback” writer Joy Wallace Dickinson for a look at the folks who owned Leu Gardens over the years. Learn how the owners reflected themes in Orlando’s history, from the days of the ‘wild frontier,’ from the lady who has written hundreds of “Flashback” features in the Orlando Sentinel about Florida’s colorful history. Call 407.246.2620 or visit leugardens.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators