Florida Culture for the Week of November 12 by Josh Garrick

November 14 – Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

THIS is the week of the always-touching annual Junior Achievement Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame in which three laureates are inducted into the Hall of Fame along with the Spirit of Achievement award. Each ‘laureate’ is a person who has been successful in business as well as having “given back” to the community in some significant way. This year’s laureates include Toni Jennings, first female Lieutenant Governor of Florida – and the finest public servant ever to serve that office, Joe Lee, former CEO of Darden Restaurants, and Leonard Williams, CEO of Wayne Densch, Inc., each of whom will be introduced by a poised and confident young person whose life has been inspired by the lessons learned through Junior Achievement. In addition, former Florida Senator Mel Martinez, chairman of Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and chairman of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, will receive this year’s Spirit of Achievement award. Sincere congratulations to each honoree. This year’s event will be held November 14 at 6 pm at the Rosen Centre. For tickets, contact Philip Schwalb at [email protected] or call 407.898.2121 x 31.

November 15 to December 23 – Junior Claus at Orlando Rep

Junior Claus is a joyful new musical for young audiences by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond to be presented by the Orlando Repertory Theater from November 15 to December 23.  In the musical, Junior is Santa’s only son, and he must ‘save the day’ when a depleted Christmas belief-o-meter puts the jolly old man into a deep sleep. In grand musical form – and with the help of an elf, a penguin, and a youngster who fully believes in the Christmas spirit, Junior manages to “save Christmas.” The Rep is at 1001 East Princeton Street in Loch Haven Park. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

November 16 to March 17 – The Big Dog Show

Visitors to the Mennello Museum are familiar with Red Dog by sculptor Dale Rogers, a sculpture which resides in the Museum’s Sculpture Garden. On November 16th, Rogers returns to the Museum with a pack (herd) (team) (bunch) of twenty 8-foot-tall sculptures of dogs made of steel. Rogers’ work brings art, the public and animal welfare together for a good cause. He says, “American Dog has proven to be my most iconic sculpture to date.  The profile of the dog is very much a ‘muttigree,’ but it strikes a strong emotional pull with many clients.” The Big Dog Show premiered in 2009 and continues to tour in conjunction with Humane Societies around the country. On December 1, from 4 to 6 pm, The Big Dog Show will host a Happy Hour (with Free admission) to which four-legged friends are welcome.  The Museum is part of Loch Haven Park at 900 East Princeton Street in Orlando. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com.

November 17 – Bronfman & Beethoven & the Orlando Philharmonic

On the evening of November 17 at 8 pm, a legendary pianist will perform Beethoven’s majestic ‘Emperor’ concerto as the guest of the Orlando Philharmonic. Two musical tributes will sustain the heroic mood: Stella Sung’s World Premiere salute to the Philharmonic’s own heroes and Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a masterpiece written to honor his close friends. This brilliant program will close with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (the ‘Emperor’) where Yefim Bronfman will be the guest pianist.  “Mr. Bronfman gave a brilliant and triumphant performance,” said The New York Times and brilliance is what is needed for Beethoven’s most renowned – and majestic – piano concerto. At the Bob Carr PAC.  Call 407.770.0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org/Opera

November 17 and 18 – The 2012 Osceola Fall Art Festival

Fall means Art Festivals, and the 2012 Osceola Art Festival will take place on November 17 and 18 on Broadway in historic downtown Kissimmee from 10 am until 5 pm each day. Featuring 75 professional artists from across the country, as well as local artists and crafters, live entertainment, and children's art activities, this is family-friendly cultural entertainment. Categories include oils & acrylics, water color & pastels, graphics & drawing, photography, sculpture, clay & metal, jewelry, glass, wood, and mixed media with all artwork available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. Call 407.846.6257 or visit ocfta.com.

And Planning Ahead … Broadway Blockbuster WICKED Returns to Orlando

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster – and a ‘favorite’ cultural phenomenon to the millions who have seen this unique and record-breaking show – WICKED – will return to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre from February 20 to March 10, 2013. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 35 major awards including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, is the ‘untold story’ of the witches of Oz. (Very HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). Tickets go on sale November 30 and can be purchased at the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America Orlando Box Office, Amway Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. To charge-by-phone call 1-800-982-2787

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators