Florida Culture for the Week of November 17 By Josh Garrick

Now thru Dec 28 – A Christmas Story at Orlando Rep

A Christmas Story the Musical is the classic account of Ralphie’s hilarious quest to ensure that the most perfect gift ends up under his Christmas tree – a Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun! All the cherished moments are here – the Old Man’s leg lamp, the tongue-on-a-frozen-flagpole, the bunny suit are all there – on-stage for us to enjoy as a Tony-nominated Best Musical. Presented through December 28 at Orlando Rep, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com for tickets.

Now through Jan 4 – ICE! featuring The Nutcracker at Gaylord Palms

Of the many ways to experience the magic of The Nutcracker this season, the ICE! Experience at Gaylord Palms brings us Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in two MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four ‘inter-active’ slides. Favorite scenes from the ballet, the beloved Tchaikovsky music, and ice-carving Artists from China will be at Gaylord Palms through January 4. New this season, adults 21 and over may 'chill out' at On The Blocks — the exclusive ICE Bar.  Call 407.586.2000 or visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com

Nov 20 – Georgia On My Mind – The Music of Ray Charles

The new Jazz Series at the Dr. Phillips PAC kicks off November 20 with a concert celebrating the music of Ray Charles, an American treasure who transcended racism to spread his blues, jazz, and country sound around the world. From the Georgia State Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Ray Charles won every major award, including the Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Celebrating his music is a cast of award-winning performers. Call 844.513.2014

Nov 20 – Grand Opening of Artegon Marketplace Orlando

A one-million-square-foot shopping attraction and Artisan Marketplace will open November 20 on Orlando’s International Drive. ‘Re-developed’ from the former Festival Bay Mall and creating more than 675 new jobs, Artegon Marketplace supports local craftspeople and entrepreneurs in Florida’s largest Artisan Marketplace. There are more than 160 spaces featuring unique art, one-of-a-kind boutiques, craft items and farm-direct foods from Florida’s finest craftspeople. Visit ArtegonOrlando.com

Nov 20 to Dec 12 – Artists/Registry Exhibit at CityArts Factory

With an Opening Reception on Third Thursday – November 20 beginning at 6 pm, the Public is invited to the CityArts Factory at 29 S. Orange Avenue in Orlando for the Artists/Registry’s Annual Members’ Exhibit.  More than 80 works by local and international artists, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture, will be on display and available for purchase. Exhibition Judge Beverlee Ahlin will award the more than $1,200 in prize money. Call Jeffrey Shonkwiler at 407.312.0708 or visit ArtistsRegistry.com

‘Cracked on the Wall’ photograph by Pamela Loudon

Nov 21 – Russian State Symphony Orchestra Visits Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society will open their new season on November 21 at 7 pm with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Valeri Polyansky leads the Orchestra on this special night as world-renowned pianist Vladimir Feltsman performs Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece Piano Concerto No. 2. The All-Russian program includes Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. I’ve heard this Orchestra, and this one-night-only performance receives the HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. For tickets call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

Nov 21 to 30 – Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park loves Christmas so much, they will present 4 holiday shows this year. The first is based on an innocent question from 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon whose ‘friends’ had filled her in on the ‘facts’ about Old Saint Nick, but WHO would tell her the truth? Virginia's simple letter – "Dear Editor, is there a Santa Claus?" – falls into the hands of an editor whose answer becomes one of the most memorable editorials in history. Directed by Wade Hair, performances of Yes, Virginia will be at the Breakthrough Theatre from November 21 to 30. Call 407-920-4034.

Nov 21 – SnoSpot Brings Snow to Central Florida

In a first-of-its kind outdoor experience in Florida, SnoSpot announces the opening of its ‘snow adventure’ at Fun Spot America at 5700 Fun Spot Way in Orlando. SnoSpot’s snow-making system can make snow regardless of the temperature, and it’s eco-friendly. The system creates real snow, uses no chemicals, and recycles the water after the snow has melted. The technology can run continuously, so SnoSpot’s visitors may depend on a snowy good time – including snow tubing (down a 24-foot hill) and snow-balling – even in the heart of Florida. Call 407-363-3867 or visit snospot.com

Nov 22 – Winter Park Harvest Festival to Celebrate Five-Year Milestone

Florida’s most progressive farmers, gardeners, artisans, and non-profits will celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Winter Park Harvest Fest in Central Park’s West Meadow on November 22 from 10 am to 4 pm. Taking place in the week before Thanksgiving, the Festival offers a farmers market, cooking demonstrations, kid-friendly activities, and live music -- perfect for families seeking local ingredients to incorporate into their favorite holiday recipes. Visit alocalfolkus.com/WPHF

Nov 22 – Carmina Burana at the NEW Dr. Phillips Center

As part of the Opening Month of the NEW Dr. Phillips Center, the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra will join with the Orlando Ballet to re-produce their acclaimed performance of Orff's Carmina Burana for one night only on November 22. Vocal soloists Julia Foster, James Hall, and Gabriel Preisser will join the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Orchestra on the program. Orlando Ballet’s Director Robert Hill is the choreographer.  Call 844.513.2014

Nov 25 to April 12 – Large Birds of Florida: The Art of John Costin

In the Polasek Museum’s new exhibit, The Art of John Costin exhibits his intricate artwork – a masterful combination of copperplate etching, printmaking, and hand-painting. Like Audubon before him, this resident of Florida visually captures the majestic beauty of the diverse species of birds native to Florida. The exhibit will include Costin’s large-scale prints as well as his personal collection of original Audubon prints from the late 19th Century.  The Albin Polasek Museum is at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park.
Call 407.647.6294 or visit Polasek.org

Nov 29 – Home for the Holidays with the Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic continues a beloved holiday tradition with Maestro Albert George Schram – and special guests – in a program of carols and holiday favorites. Featuring the Holiday Singers and children of the Florida Opera Theatre Youth Program, the filled-with-cheer Home for the Holidays is the perfect orchestral program to begin your family’s Holiday Season. Presented November 29 at 2 pm & 8 pm at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, visit Orlandophil.org or call 407.770.0071

Nov 29 – Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker

In this adaptation of the popular classical ballet, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker features musical scores by Tchaikovsky AND Duke Ellington, featuring Billy Strayhorn and Donald Byrd’s jazz melodies. The pageantry of The Nutcracker is there with dazzling costumes and dance performed in ballet, stepping, jazz, modern, swing, gospel and hip hop. The whole family will ‘travel with’ Clare and her friends the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Kingdom of Sweets.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now – American Girl Opens at Florida Mall

In the midst of the biggest celebrations ever in the City of Orlando, there was another Opening – important to young ladies throughout Central Florida.  This past weekend, American Girl unveiled its new 15,000-square foot shopping experience at the Florida Mall – just in time for Christmas adventures. Family and friends can shop for American Girl products, enjoy lunch and dinner in the Bistro, treat their doll in the Doll Hair Salon, and celebrate birthdays and special events among the store’s historical dolls, doll outfits, Dress Like Your Doll clothing, and books. Call 877.247.5223 or visit americangirl.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators