Florida Culture for the Week of May 7, 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 overly-clever words and music of Stephen Sondheim as familiar characters journey into those Grimm woods. Their adventures won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score of a Musical while causing you to think twice about getting what you wish for. This is NOT your Grandmother’s fairy tale. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

May 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm -- Artists of the Orange County Convention Center
Our Orlando International Airport is more beautiful than most airports ANYWHERE in the world, and that has much to do with the ‘forward thinking’ of those who found Central Florida Artists with the talent worthy of being seen by the 55 million people who pass through MCO every year. Artists Robert Carter, Chris Casler, Skip Everett, Alan S. Maltz, Lynn Pauley, and John Wilton will be honored at the Orange County Administration Center at 201 S. Rosalind Ave in Orlando. The Public is invited. 

John Wilton, Exploded Graffiti, digital composition, 36 x 60 inches

May 9 to 14 – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents “Matilda”
Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards, “Matilda the Musical” is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, ‘Matilda’ continues on Broadway and in London’s West End. Please note: The Dr. Phillips Center and ‘A Gift For Teaching’ are partnering to help low-income students with a ‘School Supply Drive’ during the entire run of the musical. Supplies will be accepted at the Box Office during regular hours and prior to each performance. Supplies requested include: 12-pack #2 pencils, loose-leaf paper packs, 24-count crayons, 12-count colored pencils, 8-count markers, and glue-sticks at the Dr. Phillips Center for one week, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

May 11 & 12 – Central Florida Community Arts Presents ‘Wish Upon a Star’ 
The growth of the CFCArts Community Choir to over 330 voices makes it one of the largest in the country! This achievement will be celebrated with a Disney revue aptly titled “Wish Upon a Star.” With music from the classics Cinderella and Peter Pan, to the blockbusters Frozen and Lion King, this multi-media production will see actors, dancers, singers and musicians bring to life the world of Disney fun for all ages. For tickets to performances at Northland Church at 7:30 pm, call 407.937.1800 x710 or visit cfcarts.com

May 12 at 8 pm – Martin Sexton at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Syracuse native Martin Sexton got his start singing in the subways of Boston in the early '90s. Still fiercely independent, while headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, his songs have influenced a generation of artists. While his songs have appeared in television series as well as numerous films, it is his incendiary LIVE show and matter-of-fact lyrics that keep fans coming back for more. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

May 12 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 madcap mystery. At the Winter Park Playhouse, call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

May 13 (all day) – 25th Annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive
Postal workers give back to their communities this Saturday, May 13, because letter carriers know that many of their customers do not know from where their next meal will come. Over the last 24 years, letter carriers collected more than 1.5 billion pounds of food, which is then distributed to local food pantries. Our part is easy. We are asked to place non-perishable food items in strong bags by our mailboxes. The hunger does not go away; please give generously. Call 202.662.2489 or visit nalc.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, duet 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 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 as a candidate, and how to inspire staff and donors alike. The event is FREE at the Bush Science Center at Rollins College. Panelists include leaders from Lighthouse, Habitat for Humanity, Nemours, Zebra Coalition, 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 year’s Gala 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/tickets. 

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, Concerto Ripieno by Vivaldi, 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 to raise $100,000 to support the 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 or information, call 407.896.6700 x224

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators