Florida Culture for the Week of November 30, 2015 by Josh Garrick

Dec 2 – ‘Christmas at the Casa’ 
The charming Casa Feliz’ 6th Annual Holiday Open House, sponsored by Commerce National Bank, will take place Wednesday, December 2 beginning at 6 pm. Guests may have photos taken with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, admire the traditional Christmas decorations at Casa Feliz (courtesy of Lee Forrest Design), while enjoying a quartet of Dickensian Carolers.  There is no charge to attend ‘Christmas at the Casa,’ but a donation of $2 per person, or $5 per family is suggested. (Professional Santa portraits are $10). Call 407.628.8196 or email bowens[at]casafeliz.us.

Dec 2 at 8 pm – Eddie Izzard – Comic Force Majeure at Dr. Phillips Center 
The comic force-to-be-reckoned with Eddie Izzard has sold out Madison Square Garden and is the first stand-up comic to play a solo show at the Hollywood Bowl – TWICE. He has performed his solo act in 57 American cities, taking topics from Greek mythology to Darth Vader and creating bizarre, absurd, surreal comic narratives which he spiels off like the Comic Genius that he is. The New York Times calls him, “the most brilliant stand-up comedian of his generation.” The LA Times goes a little further and calls Eddie Izzard, “the funniest man in all of the known universe."  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec 2 at 7 pm – FREE Artist Talk – ‘Technological Evolution and the Fine Arts’ 
As man merges with technology, change is happening exponentially.  Join Ed Myers as he describes how he is keeping himself from turning into a ‘Transformer with a paint-brush.’ Ed’s career as an illustrator started in 1993, designing video games for Electronic Arts, merchandise for Universal Studios, and books for Scholastic.  Since 2010, Ed has focused his art on the way in which tools and technology are changing humanity … at a rapid pace. Free: no reservations required at the Henao Contemporary Art Center at 5601 N. Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Call 407.221.7732 or visit HenaoCenter.com

Dec 2 to Jan 3 – Peter and the Star Catcher at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre
Young ‘star-catcher’ Molly Aster enlists the help of three orphan boys to return a trunk of precious ‘star-stuff’ to her father in this new play by Rick Elice. Pursued by a pirate captain and a giant crocodile, the children must come face to face with the scariest enemy of all – their looming adulthood. This somewhat ‘familiar’ story, with music by Wayne Barker, is the wildly theatrical, hilarious, and innovative story of the young orphan who would become … Peter Pan. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Dec 2 and on-going – The Capen-Showalter House Open for Public Tours
Reunited, Restored, and Ready for tours, The Albin Polasek Museum announces the long-anticipated opening of Historic Capen-Showalter House for public tours. Beginning December 2, the Capen-Showalter House will open for tours twice a week: Wednesdays at 11:30 am and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Built in 1885 by James Capen, the House stands as one of the few remaining homes of Winter Park’s founding decade. Docents will immerse guests in its 130 year-old historical and architectural story including the home’s harrowing journey to the museum’s gardens and Albin Polasek’s surprising connection to the residence. Please call the museum at 407-647-6294 to confirm availability. 

Dec 3 at 6:15 pm – Christmas in the Park with the Bach Festival
Each year, on the first Thursday of December, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble in concert. This annual celebration was begun by Hugh and Jeannette McKean, the Morse Museum’s benefactors, in 1979 as a way to share their rare Tiffany collection with the public. Today, the Morse Museum and the City of Winter Park co-sponsor the event. Call 407.599.3343 or visit morsemuseum.org 

Dec 4 at 8 pm -- Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions – Video Game Concert 
Called “the must-see video game concert of the year,” this Dr. Phillips Center event gives fans and newcomers of all ages a chance to experience the evolution of Pokémon like never before. Brought to life by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra with visuals from recent and classic Pokémon video games, this magical event is for young and old and diehard fans to experience firsthand.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Dec 4 to 14 – Breakthrough Theater presents ‘Little Women’ 
‘Little Women’ is a ‘coming of age’ play by Peter Clapham based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Presented by the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park, the play follows the lives of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy during the American Civil War as they struggle to make ends meet while their father is away at war. Directed by Wade Hair, Breakthrough is at 419 W Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park.  Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Dec 4 at 5 pm – City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Join Mayor Buddy Dyer to kick off the 2015 holiday season during the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. The lighting of the 72-foot tree will be televised live on News 6 at 6 pm. This FREE event includes live music by the Encore! Cast performing holiday favorites along with Trinity Lutheran School’s holiday musical, and TheDailyCity.com Food Truck Bazaar. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Salvation Army’s Tree program. Visit cityoforlando.net/holiday

Dec 4 -- 4 pm to 10 pm -- Wine & Demo with Master Artist Steven Assael 
You are invited to visit the new Henao Center for Contemporary Art for a Fundraiser evening featuring Steven Assael, the New York artist hailed by The Art Newspaper as “the foremost figurative painter of his generation.” Open to the public, this event offers the unique opportunity for guests to enjoy a glass of wine as Steven Assael draws from life, as he "works toward two ideals: excellence and insight.” $15 per person. Call 407.272.0317 or visit HenaoCenter.com

Dec 4 to 20 – Miracle on 34th Street
This charming play, inspired by the 1947 20th Century Fox movie, is even more miraculous on stage than on the silver screen. Seven-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle: Santa Claus, but after meeting a very special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in. In performance at the beautiful Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

Dec 4 to 6 – “Art & Architecture” Holiday Home & Studio Tour in Mt. Plymouth
Art Potter Martin Cushman will host his Annual Art & Architecture Holiday Home & Studio Tour on December 4, 5, and 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour features Cushman’s unique 1929 storybook house designed by architect Sam Stoltz. Cushman will open his art studio to visitors, and he will be joined by ten other Artists who will also have their work on display. The home is located at 30801 Ridgeview Avenue in Mt. Plymouth. (Some GPS show the location as Sorrento). Refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. Call 352.223.0959 or visit martincushman.com

Dec 5 at 8 pm -- Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker with Jasmine Guy
For one performance only at the Dr. Phillips Center, journey with Clare through her magical dream as she travels with the Chocolate Nutcracker to the Kingdom of Toys. The stage is filled with dazzling costumes and dance moves performed in ballet, stepping, jazz, modern, swing, gospel and hip hop in this adaptation of the popular ballet. Performed to music by Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington, this season Jasmine Guy joins the cast as a Special Guest Artist. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec 5 at 6 pm – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert 
In support of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Network, the award-winning Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will present a ‘spirited performance’ of holiday favorites at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Hosted by WKMG News 6 Morning Show’s Bridgett Ellison and David Hall, the concert will feature sing-alongs and a very special appearance by Santa Claus. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Salvation Army’s Tree program, which helps more than 3,500 underprivileged children receive new toys each holiday season.  The event is Free; visit fsyo.org 

Dec 7 at 7 pm – The Orlando Philharmonic presents Bach’s Brilliance 
In an All-Bach program that literally bursts with brilliance, the talent of the Philharmonic’s new Maestro Eric Jacobsen will join with the Orchestra’s beloved Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois as she takes on Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 2.  Pedja Muzijevic will solo in the Concerto for Harpsichord in D Minor, and Colleen Blagov and Sandra del Cid-Davies will be featured on the flute(s) in the Brandenburg No. 4 – a work that will once again call upon the artistry of Ms. Bergeron-Langlois.  Another example of the Philharmonic’s not-to-be-missed season, this concert will be performed at The Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. Call 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org 

Dec 8 to 13 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – The Musical 
Ask all the Whos in Whoville – He’s a mean one (and as cuddly as a cactus). Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage featuring the hit songs ‘You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Welcome Christmas.’ But the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, a cheerful bunch who ‘teach’ the Grinch a thing or two about the holiday spirit. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec 10 & 11 at 7:30 pm – CFCArts presents Christmas in Toyland 
Join the CFCArts Community Choir and Orchestra as they embark on a musical journey into the magic, joy and fantasy of Christmas. Enter the world of Toyland, where Christmas comes to life through the music and songs from your favorite Christmas movies, stories and characters. Christmas in Toyland will be presented at Northland Church at 7:30 pm on December 10 and 11. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 407.949.7170 or visit cfcommunityarts.com

Dec 11 to 22 – Dickens by Candlelight 
Dickens by Candlelight is a unique holiday tradition in Central Florida as this three-person play presents an ‘up-close’ portrayal of A Christmas Carol. Actors John DiDonna, Morgan Russell, and Monica Tamborello portray ALL of the roles, transforming themselves from character to character as Dickens famous holiday story envelops the audience. Guests are seated at tables witnessing visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future while enjoying homemade cookies and a pot of hot tea, ‘involving’ the audience in a most welcoming and timeless way. Call 407-222-7669 or visit dickensbycandlelight.com 

Dec 11 & 12 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter Tour in Florida
Dec 11 at 8 pm – Jacksonville Coliseum
Dec 12 at 3 pm and 8 pm  – Amway Center, Orlando 
Fans of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are legendary, and Floridians will have opportunities in Jacksonville and Orlando to understand the devotion as TSO’s 2015 Winter Tour is based on the multi-platinum DVD and long-time PBS fundraiser, the ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.’ The story of a young runaway who breaks into an abandoned theater seeking shelter from the cold, and the ghostly visions she experiences, ‘Ghosts’ features TSO crowd-pleasers including ‘O’ Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Good King Joy,’ ‘Christmas Canon,’ ‘Music Box Blues,’ and ‘This Christmas Day.’ Visit trans-siberian.com for details 

Dec 11 at 10 am – Holiday Wreaths at the Winter Park Garden Club 
As part of their ‘Fun with Flowers Series,’ Cathy Bowers of the Winter Park Garden Club will demonstrate how to create holiday wreaths that can hang on a door or wall, or be used as a table centerpiece. Greens will be provided, but participants will need to bring own their own clippers to the Winter Park Garden Club at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. The fee is $25. Please call 407.644.5770. 

Dec 12 from 10 am to 4 pm – Free 4th Annual Holiday Amaryllis Festival 
The special folks who are renovating the home (and legacy) of Florida’s historic gardener-extraordinaire Henry Nehrling, will celebrate on December 12 at Palm Cottage Gardens, (the Nehrling Estate), at 2267 Hemple Ave in Gotha. The 6-acre site was added to the U.S. Natl. Register of Historic Places in 2000. Their annual event features rare amaryllis bulbs for sale as well as blooming amaryllis for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus promise to be there along with live music, vendors, food, and eco-activities for children. Call 407.445.9977 or visit Nehrlinggardens.org 

Dec 12 & 13 – Silver Bells: Orlando Gay Chorus 25th Anniversary Concert 
“Silver Bells,” featuring holiday music from the past 25 years, will be performed by the Orlando Gay Chorus on Dec 12 at 7:30 pm and Dec 13 at 4:30 pm at The Plaza Live at 325 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. “I think the highlight of ‘Silver Bells’ is the variety of pieces OGC is performing,” said Artistic Director James Rode. “There are holiday standards, popular favorites, and our own arrangement of ‘Little Drummer Boy’ to get everyone into the holiday spirit.” Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Call407-841-7464 or visit orlandogaychorus.org 

Dec 12 at 9:30 am – FREE  --  mommy and me making mini masterpieces
Meagan and Jose Henao invite you to the NEW Henao Contemporary Center for an artist-led, kiddo-powered, ‘mommy and me’ experience. Have fun and meet new people while talking color and using stencils to create wonderful artworks. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. All you have to do is show up ready to get messy. Coffee, toast, and bottled water will be served. This event is limited to 10 mommy and me groups, more than 1 child is welcome, and reservations are a must. Please call 407-272-0317 or email HenaoContemporaryCenter[at]gmail.com

Dec 12 & 13 – The Nutcracker by the Central Florida Ballet 
Central Florida Ballet’s Nutcracker holds the title of “most entertaining Nutcracker” as featured in ABC Nightline News; named as “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headlines News; and – thanks to some on-stage fireworks, it was called “the pyrotechnic Nutcracker” by USA Today. This fusion of the Nutcracker – with a little bit of Cirque and on-stage fireworks – makes this the FUN version of the Holiday Classic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  In performance at the Orange County Convention Center, call 800.345.9845 or visit centralfloridaballet.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators