Florida Culture for the Week of November 2, 2015 by Josh Garrick
 
NOW to Mar 1, 2016 – Winter Park to Present ‘ART on the Green’ OUTDOOR Exhibit

Seven “verrrrrrry interesting” large-scale sculptures are now on display in Winter Park’s welcoming 11-acre Central Park through March 1, 2016 (concurrent with park hours). The seven Artists who created the works reflect a wide spectrum of creativity, keeping in mind the selection of sculptures was made to highlight the natural beauty of Central Park while engaging audiences of ALL ages. The Art on the Green exhibition may be viewed FREE of admission seven days a week. Visit cityofwinterpark.org/AoG

NOW to Nov 15 – Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents Bakersfield Mist

Following a run in London, the critically acclaimed new play Bakersfield Mist is being performed in Central Florida at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Winner of the 2012 Norton Award for Best New Play, and inspired by a true story, this comic-drama finds out-of-work Maude spending her last few dollars on a thrift shop painting she’s convinced is worth millions. When an ‘art expert’ arrives to authenticate the painting, cultures collide and the audience is asked, “What makes ART truly authentic?”  Call 407.447.1700 x 1 or visit orlandoshakes.org.

Photo by Landon St. Gordon feature Anne Hering and Steve Brady

November 3 – Olive Garden Restaurants Help Schools Across the Nation

Olive Garden is practicing true philanthropy as their restaurants across the county prepare to donate a portion of in-restaurant sales to local schools. You can join in the celebration by eating at your local Olive Garden starting at 4 pm on November 3 when the 3675 E. Colonial Olive Garden will help Winter Park High; the 7300 West Colonial will help Heritage High; 4101 Conroy Road Olive Garden will help Oak Ridge High School, and the 10 Towne Center Circle Olive Garden in Sanford will assist Lake Mary Prep. To find your nearest location, visit OliveGarden.com

Nov 6 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic: Rimma Plays Prokofiev

The critically acclaimed Maestro Daniel Stewart will conduct the Orlando Philharmonic as the Orchestra’s brilliant concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois takes on Prokofiev’s diabolically passionate violin concerto along with works illuminating the musical genius of three of America’s most celebrated composers. The concert, to be presented at the Bob Carr Theatre, will include Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Andrew Norman’s Great Swiftness, and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 1. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Nov 6, 7, 8, 14, & 15 – The Lady of the Lake (Tavares) Renaissance Faire

Step back in time to the Year of our Lord, 1606. King James is on the throne; son of Mary, Queen of Scots and cousin to Queen Elizabeth I. At this two-weekend Faire, even peasants may walk and talk with the King, try fencing and archery, watch battling Knights, sing ballads, visit fairies, and drink ale, mead, or wine. The Faire features over 70 Performers – including Knights in shining armor, fire-eaters, pirates, dancers, historical characters and musicians. 60 Artisans work in mediums such as metal (swords), pottery, leather, black-smithing, candle-making, jewelry, and garb such as corsets and kilts. Call 352.326.1265 or visit medievalfest.com

Nov 6 to 22 – The Odd Couple by the NEW CFCArts 

Donald Rupe is the Director of Theatre at CFCArts, and he has chosen an eclectic season of Theater for CFCArts’ first theater season. Next up is the Neil Simon comedy favorite – The Odd Couple – which, after a successful run on Broadway, ‘started’ a string of equally successful movies and TV shows. Rupe, who has been directing theater in Central Florida for 15 years, takes us back to the original script by Neil Simon and offers us two casts – one male and one female to remind us what all the fuss was about from the very beginning. Visit cfcarts.com/events

Nov 6 to Jan 3 – FINAL Year for Disney's Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

As older attractions make way for the new at Disney theme-parks, we’ve learned this is the final year for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Light Spectacle will make room for the recently announced “Star Wars Land.” First opened in 1995, this final season – the Osborne’s 20th – is included in the admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park.

Nov 7 & 8 – 300 Artist/Crafters at Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola

Orlando's largest and longest-running heritage event will take place in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola Park on November 7 and 8 when 300 artist and craft booths line the streets, and ALL the Art is for sale.  Fiesta in the Park also offers entertainment, great food options, a free kids area, plenty of space for picnicking, and both days are pet-friendly. Booth spaces are sometimes available right up to show-time, so if you are an interested artist, please visit fiestainthepark.com for an application. This FREE event is at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. 

Nov 7 at 7 pm – Step Into the Past to Support the Future at OSC’s Neanderthal Ball

The MOST FUN GALA of the Season is the Orlando Science Center’s not-to-be-missed Neanderthal Ball.  Savor delectables from John Michael Catering as you dine among the dinosaurs; enjoy a silent auction of mammoth proportions; show off your best Neanderthal outfit at the Caveman Couture Contest, and purchase a glass of champagne to toast Orlando Science Center’s 60th Anniversary for a chance to win a diamond necklace!  The Dress code is ‘Knock ‘em Dead Caveman’ (think animal-print tie or leopard cocktail dress) while the big excitement is the chance to experience the exhibit, ‘Mummies of the World.’  Tickets are $150 and $100 with all proceeds benefiting the Orlando Science Center. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org/neanderthal-ball

Nov 10 to 15 – Direct From Broadway – Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of  Cinderella’s better known ‘step-sisters’ The Sound of Music and South Pacific. Written as a joyfully contemporary take on the classic tale, this gorgeous production features magical transformations, a masked ball, costumes fit for a princess, and a classy, glass slipper. The comedy works on several levels (you’ll love it as much – if not more – than your children). It is a romantically beautiful and surprisingly funny musical comedy … that comes with a really great pair of shoes. Call844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov 11 – Thanksgiving Flowers at the Winter Park Garden Club

In a FREE program entitled Thanksgiving Floral Arrangements and Beyond, master flower show judge and design instructor Betty Moore will demonstrate how to create your own floral arrangements for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. The program will begin at 10 am on November 11 at the Winter Park Garden Club at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Please call 407-644-5770 for information.

Nov 13 to 15 – Florida Opera Theatre presents ‘Master Class’ (A Play)

Do not be confused. This is a “wickedly, funny play” ABOUT a Master Class given by the often terrifying opera Diva Maria Callas. Written by St. Petersburg, Florida’s own Terrence McNally, ‘Master Class’ will feature opera star Susan Neves as ‘La Divina’ – Maria Callas as she mentors a voice class in 1970. As the last of the outrageous divas, Callas is glamorous, demanding, broken-hearted, and an emotional mess. Ms. Neves handles all these facets of the diva while matching her talents as an actress with her talents as a soprano. With music by Verdi, Puccini and Bellini, the play will be presented at the Dr. Phillips Center.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov 13 to Dec 19 – Winter Park Playhouse Offers FOREVER Plaid: Plaid Tidings

A ‘heaven sent’ holiday treat, this musical comedy offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a package with a big Christmas bow. The Lads who play the (now-legendary) Plaids – spoiler alert – are members of a fictitious 1950’s singing group from a musical that has now been produced so often that the group has its own level of ‘reality.’ ANYWAY, the Plaids are back on earth when a phone call from the ‘heavenly’ Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little holiday harmony into a discordant world. Presented by the good folks at the Winter Park Playhouse (who do this kind of thing VERY WELL), call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov 13 to 22 -- The Council of 101’s Golden Anniversary Festival of Trees

Each year the Holiday Season ‘truly begins’ with the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art which turns the Museum into a ‘Wonderland’ of designer-decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread masterpieces. We may enjoy live entertainment, begin our holiday shopping, and indulge (just a little) at the Festival Cafe. The $10 adult/$6 child ticket includes admission to current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions. On November 13 the Festival begins in Golden Grandeur as the Council of 101 presents “A Gala to Celebrate our Golden Anniversary” – an evening of dining and dancing to celebrate – and thank – the Council of 101 for its FIFTY YEARS of service benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art. Visit omart.org/events/festival_of_trees or call 407.896.4231x254

Nov 13 to 15 – The Car as Art at Winter Park Concours d’Elegance

Central Florida’s premier motoring event, the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance returns to Central Florida featuring 150 of the world’s most collectible cars. The weekend begins on November 13 at the Sanford Airport, moving to Winter Park on November 14 to find participants ‘exercising’ their automobiles in a mile-long parade concluding at the Polasek Museum. On Sunday, November 15 the Concours d’Elegance moves to the Winter Park Country Club where 150 of the world’s rarest vehicles will be on display offering close-up viewing and photo opportunities. For tickets, visitwinterparkconcours.com 

Nov 14 at 2 pm & 15 at 2 pm – Orlando Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty

The Orlando Ballet brings the greatest of all fairytales to life when they bring Sleeping Beauty to the beautifully intimate Garden Theatre in Winter Garden on November 14 and 15. Audiences of all ages will smile as LOVE conquers evil after a wicked fairy casts a spell on the Princess Aurora who falls into a deep sleep and can only be awakened by ‘True Love’s Kiss.’ This ONE-hour-version of the ballet was created for the entire family. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org/dance.htm

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators