Florida Culture for the Week of October 12, 2015 by Josh Garrick

FINAL WEEK – to Oct 18 –‘Into the Woods’ with CFCArts Theater Group

Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) is a gift to our community, and that ‘gift’ was recently acknowledged with a large donation to support CFCArts’ theatre program. Their season has begun with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods through October 18. This Broadway hit and recent movie appeals to audiences of all ages. Now in its final week, visit cfcarts.com or contact info[at]cfcommunityarts.com.

NOW to Oct 31 – Phantasmagoria VI – ‘The Darkness Returns’

The FANtastic, MAGical troupe of Phantasmagorians is performing Phantasmagoria VI ‘The Darkness Returns’ to celebrate the Halloween Season. Live performers offer new stories of terror, ‘Phantastic’ dance, large-scale puppetry, aerial performance, and horror as they relate literary tales of terror from around the world. This is theatrical story-telling of the highest order, created with power and magic at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, and it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407-328-9005 or visit OrlandoAtPlay.com

NOW to Jan 4 – History-Making Art Exhibit at New Henao Art Gallery 

Two years ago I had the unprecedented honor of making history as the first non-Greek Artist in the World to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece.  The exhibit has returned from a two-year-tour of Europe to OPEN the new Henao Contemporary Center in Orlando, and it is now Free to visit (all artwork is for sale) and open to the Public. Call 407.522.3906 or visit henaocenter.com for visiting hours. 

NOW to Oct 17 – Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week 

Named for Harriett Lake, one of Central Florida’s great philanthropists, Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week offers a series of events concluding with the PAFW runway show – the biggest fashion event of the year. A 20,000 square foot tent is placed in Central Park’s West Meadow to give the models a runway on which to “strut.” Modeled after New York’s Bryant Park, visit parkavenuefashionweek.com for a complete list of events.

Oct 12 to Nov 8 – Orphie from Ancient Greece at Orlando Rep

Next up at Orlando Rep, spunky and curious Orphie, a young girl in Ancient Greece, sets out to save the famous storyteller Homer in this humorous adventure in which she encounters Zeus, the Sirens, Pegasus, and more. Will Orphie save Homer? This new musical is a clever take on Greek mythology with contemporary references. With ‘Backstage Tours’ offered on October 24 and November 7, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Oct 13 to 18 – Charles Ross IS the One Man Star Wars Trilogy

The mastermind behind the One Man Star Wars Trilogy, Charles Ross is a Canadian actor who first performed his one-man-show in Toronto in 2001. Bringing audiences to their feet with his unique performances, word of his ‘one-of-a-kind talent’ has spread with appearances on The Today Show, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. From a family matinee to a Sci-Fi convention, Charles Ross entertains with energy and humor – from a galaxy far, far away!! Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Oct 14 to Nov 15 – Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents Bakersfield Mist 

Following a run in London, the critically acclaimed new play Bakersfield Mist comes to Central Florida, produced by 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 ‘art expert’ Lionel Percy arrives to authenticate the painting, cultures collide as 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.

Oct 15 – Free Kickstarter Film Fest Brings ‘Indie’ Films to Florida

An expansion of the Annual Kickstarter Film Festival brings a slate of independent films to 32 theaters across the country on October 15. Tickets are free and may be reserved at kickstarter.com/filmfest. “Getting your film made is the goal, but getting it in front of an audience is the fun part,” said Kickstarter CEO Yancey Strickler. The two-act film festival will present screenings at 7 pm and at 9:20 pm and includes themes from vampires to clones to a team of Zambian ‘Afronauts.’

Oct 15 to 26 -- Breakthrough Theatre presents, "Sleepy Hollow, A Musical Tale"

This not-too-scary musical, based on Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is a modern-day spin on the classic tale. The musical begins in the present day and ‘moves to’ Sleepy Hollow as three modern-day children find themselves in the middle of all the ghosts and goblins of Sleepy Hollow. They even confront the infamous ‘Headless Horseman’ in their attempt to return home. For reservations, visit breakthroughtheatre.com or call 407-920-4034

Photo Credit: Valerie Sims; Pictured: Skylar Robertson 

Oct 15 to 31 – BatBoy: the Musical at the Abbey 

Flying into Orlando as a Halloween entertainment and based on a ‘true’ story in The Weekly World News, BatBoy: the Musical is a musical-comedy-horror show about a pointy-eared boy discovered in a West Virginia cave. Adopted by the town veterinarian, BatBoy “falls in love” with the vet’s daughter (while struggling to keep his blood thirst under control). In a show consistently praised for its intelligence and wit, this outlandish musical will be at The Abbey from October 15 to 31. Visit ticketweb.com 

Oct 16 -- The Fedotov Family Presents 15th Anniversary Ballet Gala 

Dancers from the National Ballet Companies of Ukraine, Cuba and Brazil will perform inspiring highlights from classic ballet masterpieces including Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Spartacus and more as the Fedotov family presents a Ballet Gala to celebrate 15 years of dance education in Florida. Combining three dance schools, the Gala will offer Fedotov students the unique opportunity to perform alongside world renowned dancers. Tickets at calendar.northlandchurch.net

Oct 16 to Jan 3 – Mennello Museum Opens ‘Mary Whyte: A Portrait of Us’

The Mennello Museum will open ‘Mary Whyte: A Portrait of Us’ on October 16 from 6 to 8 pm with Mary Whyte as Honored Guest. The watercolor Artist is a teacher and author whose paintings have earned national recognition as the Artist gains her inspiration from descendants of coastal Carolina slaves. In addition, on October 17 at 11 am, Ms. Whyte will lead tours through her exhibit. Ms. Whyte’s watercolors of farmers and laborers tell a story of America that is both provocative and moving. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Mary Whyte by Jack Alterman 

‘Graffiti,’ 2008, watercolor on paper by M. Whyte

Oct 16 & 17 – Musical Comedy ‘The Other Woman’ at Trinity Prep

Written by Samantha Eaddy and directed by Jacob Eaddy, ‘The Other Woman’ is an original musical comedy featuring four women discussing the trials and tribulations of dealing with that famous ‘other woman’ – their mothers-in-law. This breakout play for Mirage Talent will be performed October 16 at 8 pm and October 17 at 4 pm and 8pm at Trinity Preparatory School Auditorium. Call 407.227.5602 or visit TheOtherWomanMusical.com

Oct 17 – John Cleese & Eric Idle: Together Again… For The Very First Time  

Comedy Legends John Cleese and Eric Idle will perform ‘Together Again At Last for the Very First Time’ at the Dr. Phillips Center on October 17. As founding members of Monty Python, Cleese and Idle are among the godfathers of comedy performance, having pioneered the irreverent, absurdist sensibility emulated by comics to this very day. Blending scripted and improv storytelling, musical numbers, and exclusive footage, please call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org for tickets. 

Oct 17 – Benefiting Hope & Help Center – the Headdress Ball 

A vital fundraiser for the Hope and Help Center, the 26th Annual Headdress Ball will be held at the Hilton Orlando on October 27.  This charity fundraiser is Florida’s “most outrageous black-tie event,” featuring a Vegas-style show, dinner, live and silent auction … and some mind-blowing bare skin.” This year’s theme is ‘Colors of the World.’ Call 407.645.2577 or visit headdressball.org 

Oct 20 – Tiffany Lamps at the Morse Museum 

Drawing from its world-famous collection of works by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, Winter Park’s Morse Museum will spotlight the designer’s ever popular designs for lamps in two exhibitions opening on October 20. Celebrating the unique creations by Tiffany Studios at the dawn of the age of electricity, the Lamps and Lighting gallery will reopen along with a focus exhibition on the Daffodil reading lamp, circa 1899–1905, beloved not only by consumers of its day but by Tiffany himself. While Tiffany was an international success before his first lamp, his lamp designs greatly extended his popularity from the 1890’s to today. The Morse Museum is at 445 N. Park Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org

Photo: Daffodil design reading lamp, c. 1900, from Tiffany Studios. 

Oct 20 – The Traveling ONE SHOW Returns to Orlando 

The prestigious One Show Awards, celebrating the finest in advertising creativity, returns to Central Florida for the 4th time with a screening and gallery exhibit of the year’s best work in creative advertising from around the world.  The One Show Awards, held in May 2015 in New York, was judged by a panel of over 100 creative leaders with 36 countries winning a total of 470 Pencil Awards out of 20,000 entries. The event begins at 5:30 pm on October 20 at The Orange Studio at 1121 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando.  Call 407.529.6275, visit oneclub.org, or email writer[at]josephinecarey.com 

Oct 24 & 25 – Maestro ERIC JACOBSEN to Debut with Orlando Philharmonic

The most highly anticipated event of the new Arts Season will happen as the Orlando Philharmonic opens its ‘Classics Series’ by welcoming newly appointed Music Director Eric Jacobsen to the podium. His opening concerts – Oct 24 at 8 pm and Oct 25 at 2 pm – will be performed at Bob Carr Theater and begin a 5-year relationship between the Orchestra and Maestro Jacobsen. In a program chosen by Jacobsen, both concerts will feature Beethoven’s Leonore Overture; Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by Van Cliburn silver medalist Joyce Yang; a World Premiere by Gabriel Kahane; and Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe. Call 407.770.0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org 

Oct 24 – ‘Masterpiece Moments’ with the Maitland Symphony Orchestra 

Performing Arts of Maitland will sponsor the Maitland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in a Free Classical Music Highlights Concert on the outdoor stage at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park on October 24 at 6:30 pm. Joining MSO in this 10th Anniversary celebratory concert is the Baroque Chamber Orchestra (BCO). Please bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy beautiful music in this setting under the stars. The BCO performs at 6:30 pm with the MSO performing at 7:30 pm. The concert is Free. Call 321-303-1404

Oct 24 – The ZOMBIE Ball at Venue 578

The Zombies will be out in force from 7 pm to midnight on October 24 as the Party to Die For returns to Venue 578 – BIGGER, SCARIER, and on a SATURDAY night! Hide in the Scare Zone, thrill to live performances by Phantasmagoria, and mojo your creativity in the $1000 costume contest. The ticket price includes a complimentary open bar all night at 578 N Orange Avenue in Orlando. You must be 21 to attend, but the more important question is – “Will you make it out alive?” Tickets at ticketfly.com

Oct 24 – So You Think You Can Dance at Hard Rock Live 

So You Think You Can Dance, the 13-time Emmy Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance will celebrate its 12th season with a performance on October 24 at Hard Rock Live at Universal. Introducing their new ‘Stage versus Street’ format, SYTYCD’s Top 10 finalists will perform with the competitive intensity that has made the show a consistent Emmy-winner. Call 407-351-5483 or visit Ticketmaster.com

Oct 24 – Jazz at the Dr. Phillips Center Presents Arturo Sandoval 

Celebrated musician and 2013 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Arturo Sandoval has 10 Grammy Awards, 19 Grammy nominations, six Billboard Awards, and an Emmy Award. He is also a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. His dynamic live performances have been seen by millions at the Oscars, the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards and in concerts around the world. This musical paragon will grace the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center on October 24 at 8 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators