“Josh Recommends” for the Week of October 27, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

FINAL WEEKEND – Opera Orlando’s “Steampunk” Tales of Hoffman
NOW to Oct 30 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
The first of Opera Orlando's Mainstage productions features the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and is Offenbach's most famous work. Interweaving four stories from the author E. T. A. Hoffmann, (who is the opera’s lead character), Metropolitan Opera tenor Won Whi Choi sings the title role, with Cuban-born soprano Laura León singing all four female heroines. The magic of each story is 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 Eroica Trio at Rollins College 
Oct 28 at 3 pm 
Made up of Erika Nickrenz, piano; Sara Parkins, violin; and Sara Sant'Ambrogio, cello; the Eroica Trio is among the most sought after in the world. The Grammy nominated Eroica Trio thrills audiences with their technical virtuosity, enthusiasm and elegance. The New York Times wrote, “There is an edge of the seat intensity to every note they produce". Having won the prestigious Naumburg Award, the trio maintains a demanding concert schedule while releasing eight acclaimed recordings for Angel/EMI classics Records. Shattering the age-old gender barrier, their unique history goes back to childhood at “music camp” leading to a lifelong bond between the three women. Call 407.646.2182 or visit bachfestivalflorida.org 

Vaudeville Halloween Dinner Show at Maxine's on Shine!
Oct 30 beginning at 6 pm 
We are invited to join four Orlando variety artists for their Halloween vaudeville show hosted by our favorite neighborhood restaurant -- Maxine's on Shine. This delicious new show is the ladies’ 7th at this “perfect venue” and their first all-female cast. For $40, we get the show AND a choice of entree plus appetizer or dessert AND 4 professional performances. Headed up by Roxy LeBlanc (who plays the Queen at Medieval Times and the Little Mermaid for Disney) AND she’s an aerialist AND Producer for Vaudeville Entertainment, the evening is enticing just to see those two female ‘dynamos’ – Maxine and Roxy – in the same room – at 337 N. Shine, call 407.674.6841 or visit maxinesonshine.com

Broadway in Orlando presents “Jersey Boys”
Oct 30 to Nov 4 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
They had a unique sound their fans couldn’t get enough of, but for these four guys from Jersey their harmonies were perfect onstage, while offstage it was a very different story. In this super popular musical, we get ‘inside’ the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award–winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys. From the streets of Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this musical features the legendary hits “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like A Man”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, and “Oh What A Night.” For one of Broadway’s great success stories, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Leopoldo Wallis and Maria Ramos at Mills Gallery 
Nov 1 to Dec 27 with FREE Public Opening on Nov 1
At 88-years-young Venezuelan artist Leopoldo Wallis will present his first exhibit in the United States. Having immigrated to the U.S. Wallis’ unique pointillist work has been described as a celebration of color, light and visual space that challenges those who try to impose limits on the Artistic Community. Mr. Wallis will be joined by the Puerto Rican Artist Maria Ramos whose work is known for showing the true and brutal side of her island's history. Together these two dynamic artists bring a colorful vision to Mills Gallery at 1650 Mills Ave. Visit thegalleryatmillspark.com 

Orlando Greek Fest
Nov 2 from 4 pm to 11 pm; Nov 3 from 11 am to 11 pm; and Nov 4 from 11 am to 6 pm 
Greeks are known for many things – (especially their history), but throughout ALL of history, Greeks have been known for sharing their food, their dancing, and their love of family. All of that and more will be part of the fun for the whole family at the Greek Orthodox Church at 1217 Trinity Woods Lane in Maitland. Absolutely authentic Greek foods (lovingly hand-made by Greek Mamas), dancing, live music, church tours, iconography presentations and more will be offered through the weekend. Admission is $3; children under 12 and active military – FREE. Call 407.331.4687 or visit orlandogreekfest.com 

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents “The Planets”
Nov 3 at the Bob Carr Theater
Conductor Eric Jacobsen looks to the heavens 50 years after we landed on the moon in the Philharmonic’s next Classical Series Concert. Beginning with three folk music inspired pieces by Bartok, the evening moves on to Persian composer-performer Kayhan Kalhor’s “Blue as the Turquoise Night of Neyshabur,” a work he recorded with ‘The Silk Road Ensemble’ and for which he will be performing on the kamancheh. Finally, Music Director Eric Jacobsen leads the massive forces of the Orlando Philharmonic in Gustav Holst’s epic masterpiece, The Planets. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Laura Hodos’ Cabaret Stylings
Nov 7 & 8 at the Winter Park Playhouse
One of Orlando’s great singing actresses – Laura Hodos – will debut her new solo cabaret act, “By the Light of the Silvery Screen,” accompanied by Christopher Leavy on piano. Known for her powerhouse vocals and a smile to steal any heart, Laura is ‘equipped’ to take on the songs made famous by Garland, Streisand and others. Laura has been a soloist with The Orlando, Jacksonville, and the Sarasota Orchestras, and recently, Laura was brilliant as Aldonza in “Man Of La Mancha” at The Orlando Shakespeare Festival, where she shared the stage with Davis Gaines. Reservations are recommended. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through
Nov 9 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne returns to the stage on tour with John Stirratt. The Boston Herald raved, “LaMontagne's voice remains a marvel, quiet and reflective one minute and forceful and impassioned the next. It really is an amazing instrument,” while Rolling Stone calls his work “gorgeous and ambitious,” Ray LaMontagne has released 7 studio albums, 5 of which reached Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart. Additionally, Ray’s 2010 album God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise won the Grammy for Best Folk Album. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Benji Brown
Nov 9 at the Bob Carr Theater
Benji Brown has taken over stages and airwaves with his original style of comic relief. He is currently an on-air personality for the syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. He also appeared on episodes of the TV One sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show in 2014. Witty, human, and hilarious, he is a comedian who is more than just the next household name; he is creating a career that is his own personal genre. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

… and On-going … 

FINAL WEEK -- 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 

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 !!
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 
Visit phantasmagoriaorlando.com for the theater or event nearest you. 

“Young Frankenstein” at the CFCArts ‘Black-box’ Theatre
NOW 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. 

“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 
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 are also quick-change artists). Now Orlando Shakes is presenting this “Gothic horror” with actor Chris Crawford playing FOUR characters while his fellow thespian Brad DePlanche also plays FOUR roles. Throw in 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  

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators