“Josh Recommends” for the Week of October 13, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY -- Oct 13 at 2 pm & 8 pm
The Orlando Philharmonic Presents “American Blues” featuring Rhiannon Giddens
Celebrate classics from American composers as Eric Jacobsen conducts and Rhiannon Giddens, co-founder of the award-winning band “Carolina Chocolate Drops,” sings and plays the banjo. From her Grammy-nominated album “Tomorrow Is My Turn” to LIVE performance, Giddens masterfully blends gospel, jazz, blues, and country in American classics that showcase her dazzling vocal prowess.  At the Bob Carr Theater, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Take Cover !! – “Those Hitchcock Birds” ARE BACK !!
NOW to Oct 28
“The Birds” is an unsettling look at societal collapse. Conor McPherson’s stage adaptation of “The Birds” – based on Daphne du Maurier’s short story (the same source material as the Hitchcock thriller), follows two strangers taking refuge from the attacking birds in their lakeside town. In an isolated house, Diane and Nat must learn to live together as they hide from the attacking birds, but tensions mount when another survivor enters the house and disrupts their already strained relationship. At the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 x0 or visit gardentheatre.org. 

Osceola Arts’ Hispanic Heritage Month Juried Art Show
NOW to Nov 2 -- Osceola Arts in Kissimmee pays tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month in its 10th Annual Hispanic Juried Art Show. This vibrant (and eclectic) exhibit is on display at the Center with works created by 75 Artists living and creating art in Central Florida. Representing Florida’s diverse Hispanic community, all art exhibits at Osceola Arts are free and open to the public. Visit osceolaarts.org or contact marilyn[at]osceolaarts.org. 

PHANTASMAGORIA 2018
NOW to Nov 3
Created by John Didonna, Seminole County Artist of the Year for 2018, this critically acclaimed theatre troupe, Phantasmagoria, shows up each October with their horror-based, (but charismatic) form of theatrical story-telling – overlaid with ‘Steampunk’ style.  If you’ve lived in Central Florida in the past nine years and NOT yet seen Phantasmagoria – THIS is the year for you to ‘experience’ the troupe. As you can see, they’re EVERYWHERE !!

NOW to Oct 15 -- Shakespeare Center – Orlando

Oct 14 at 2 pm -- Orange County Library, Downtown Orlando

Oct 18 at 6 pm -- Dia de los Muertes, Downtown Orlando

Oct 19 at 5 pm – “Immerse Orlando”  (see below)

Oct 19 & 20 – State Theatre – Eustis

Oct 20 -- Lake Mary Museum

Oct 20 & 21 -- Steampunk Industrial Show – Mount Dora

Oct 26 -- Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center – Sanford

Oct 27 – Reilly Arts Center – Ocala

Oct 26 to 28 -- “Spooky Empire Experience” – Orange County Convention Center

Oct 30 & 31 – The Higgins House “Phantasmagoria Experience” – Sanford

Nov 3 – Athens Theatre – DeLand

Performances range from a full-evening of theatre at the Shakespeare Center to “hauntings” at libraries and museums. Full evenings are ticketed events while many shorter appearances are FREE.  Visit phantasmagoriaorlando.com for the theater or event nearest you.

“Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook” at Orlando REP
NOW to Nov 4
Junie B. Jones returns to Orlando REP in an all-new show – this one dealing with HONESTY. Apparently someone has stolen Junie B.’s mittens, but then Junie B. finds an awesome pen, so it’s okay to keep it, right? AND there’s a handsome new boy in class who Junie is determined to impress. Junie B. struggles with the issue of honesty in this hilarious and heartfelt story based on the best-selling book by Barbara Park.  Call 407 896 7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

“The Mystery of Irma Vep” at Orlando Shakespeare
NOW to Nov 18
Years ago this fall-out-of-your-seat-laughing comedy was a vehicle for playwright Charles Ludlam to ‘prove’ that a hilarious murder-mystery could be played on a tiny stage with two actors (who were also quick-change artists).  Now Orlando Shakes is presenting this “Gothic horror” with actor Chris Crawford playing Lord Edgar, Jane Twisden, An Intruder, and Irma Vep while his fellow thespian Brad DePlanche also plays four roles.  Throw in vampires, werewolves, and the resurrection of an Egyptian princess in Gothic England as you laugh along with this deliriously melodramatic comedy.  Directed by Jim Helsinger (who never misses a comic possibility), call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

“Dangerous Women” -- Selections from the Ringling Museum of Art
NOW to Dec 12
Women of the Bible went from paragons of virtue to deadly temptresses. From Salome to Mary Magdalene – these women were often depicted by Renaissance and Baroque artists as an excuse for presenting sensuous female nudes. The exhibition “Dangerous Women” at the Cornell Museum at Rollins College presents more than twenty works from the Ringling Museum of Art which explore different artists' responses to these women. The exhibit is made even more important as the paintings are accompanied by Old Master prints and concludes with the modern Salome of Robert Henri. Call 407.646.2526 or visit rollins.edu 

“Nick Cave: Feat” at the Orlando Museum of Art
NOW to Dec. 30
Chicago-based artist Nick Cave’s creations remind us of a Mardi Gras parade -- bursting with colors and textures that are fun for audiences of all ages. But a deeper look at Cave’s work reveals issues of identity, social injustice, race, and violence. His ‘trademark’ human-shaped sculptures began as a response to the beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles over 25 years ago. As an African-American man, Cave felt vulnerable after the incident so he created a type of “armor” protecting him from profiling by concealing his race and gender. Organized by the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, visit omart.org or call 407.896.4231 

… and Coming Soon …

“Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live” at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 16 at 7:30 pm
The then-23-year-old Maxwell achieved universal praise and double platinum status for his debut album, garnering a Grammy nomination. Maxwell’s MTV; Unplugged came next, attracting universal acclaim. Time has only deepened the mutual appreciation between Maxwell and his fans. Now blackSUMMERS’night, reveals links to a musical canon that peels back the curtain on love and heartbreak like only Maxwell can. VIP Packages are available for this performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Brett Eldredge: The Long Way Tour
Oct 18 at 7:30 pm
When Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Brett Eldredge released his single “The Long Way,” it became the best-selling album (all genres) upon release and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. “The Long Way,” which he performed on both TODAY and The Tonight Show, follows Eldredge’s six chart-topping-singles including his most recent, “Wanna Be That Song.” Fans have also certified the Platinum mega hit “Drunk On Your Love” and Gold certified “Lose My Mind.”  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

“Dia de los Muertos” (Halloween) Party at the City Arts (Monster) Factory
Oct. 18 beginning at 6 pm
For the most creative “Halloween Party” of the year, don’t miss the evening hosted by the Downtown Arts District at the City Arts Factory at 29 S. Orange Ave in Orlando. ‘Inspired by’ Day of the Dead and Halloween art (for sale), those clever folks at CityArts combine this unique art show with a costumed street party on Opening Night with food, drinks, and spooky Artists offering specially created “Halloween Art.”  Presented by the Downtown Arts District, the suggested donation is $5. For more visit DDLM2018.eventbrite.com 

The Doobie Brothers at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 19 at 8 pm
The Doobie Brothers have been delivering roots-based, guitar-driven rock and roll for over four decades, selling more than 48 million albums and winning four Grammy Awards. Their latest album, “Southbound” features new recordings of the band’s biggest hits with country music’s biggest stars including Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley and Toby Keith. In all, the Doobies have tallied up five top 10 singles and 16 top 40 hits; 3 multi-platinum; 7 platinum and 14 Gold albums. Meet & Greet packages available for this performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

“Young Frankenstein” at the CFCArts ‘Black-box’ Theatre
Oct 19 to Nov 4
With music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, this stage adaptation of the 1974 cult classic movie by the same name, features the ‘grandson’ of the infamous Victor Frankenstein -- Frederick Frankenstein and his sidekick, Igor.  As Frederick works to create his own monster, “Young Frankenstein” is a comic spin-off of the classic novel. Full of songs and surprises, you’ll leave this show laughing and singing your own version of “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” And if the weather is just right, you may even witness a miracle! Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800. 

“IMMERSE 2018” all around Downtown Orlando
Oct 19 & 20
Two days and more than 1,000 artists plan to awaken you to a Downtown Orlando of boundless creativity. Music and dance from classical to hip hop, acrobats, murals, projections, theater, installations and everything in between for art lovers and people who think they don't like art – all in the streets and public spaces of Downtown Orlando. Bring your family – bring your friends – and IMMERSE yourself in wonder. The IMMERSE Basic Ticket is FREE letting you experience hundreds of performances and there are three other ticket forms with varying offers. Visit creativecityproject.com/book/ 

Lewis Black: The Joke’s on US Tour at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 20
Following 2017's highly successful “The Rant, White & Blue Tour,” prepare yourself for The Joke's On US Tour! Known as the king of the comedic rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin – and that covers a lot of territory. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Band Preservation Inc. Presents “An Evening of Swing”
Oct 20 at 8 pm
This evening of “Swing” is a tribute to the greatest music of the century that defined America. Featuring music from the Andrews Sisters, Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and many more with fantastic vocals accompanied by Central Florida’s finest 1940’s show orchestra! Anita ODay, Helen O’Connell, Tex Benneke and even the “Chattanooga Choo Choo!”  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Opera Orlando’s “Steampunk” Tales of Hoffman
Oct 24 to 30 at the Dr. Phillips Center
The first of Opera Orlando's Mainstage productions will be presented in the intimate Pugh Theater and feature the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Offenbach's most famous work interweaves four stories from the author E. T. A. Hoffmann, (who is the opera’s lead character). Making their Opera Orlando debuts, Metropolitan Opera tenor Won Whi Choi sings the title role, with Cuban-born soprano Laura León singing all four female heroines. Also making Opera Orlando debuts will be conductor Jorge Parodi and stage director Eve Summer. The magic and fantasy of each story will be created within a ‘Steampunk’ landscape of smoke and mirrors, and we are invited to show our Halloween spirit and come in ‘Steampunk’ costume to the October 30 performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org or operaorlando.org 

The Mann Family Tour: “Us Against the World”
Oct 27 at 7 pm
Grammy Award-Winning Platinum Recording Artist Tamela Mann and NAACP Image Award-Winning Comedian David Mann bring their family experience “with something for everyone” to the Bob Carr Theater. Featuring David, Tamela, son David Jr, and daughter Tia, it’s an evening of music, comedy and family entertainment. Including new music by Gospel’s leading lady, Tamela Mann and a unique sit-down with David and Tamela where they’ll share from their new book, “Us Against The World: Our Secrets To Love, Marriage & Family,” call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

BOB DYLAN and His Band
Oct 26 at 8 pm
The iconic singer-songwriter, author, and artist Bob Dylan has been one of the most influential figures in popular culture for more than five decades. Dylan has sold more than 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Along with that success, Dylan has received eleven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Premium packages are available for this show. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators