Florida Culture for the Week of October 29 by Josh Garrick

Oct 30 to Nov 4 – The Million $ Quartet

Inspired by the true story of an electrifying recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, the story was turned into a Broadway musical. On December 4, 1956, these four musicians were brought together in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life through November 4 with its irresistible tale of broken promises, betrayals and Number One hit songs. At the Bob Carr PAC. Call 800.448.6322 or visit OrlandoBroadway.com

November 1 – First Thursdays’ Dia de los Muertos

Souls of the dead ‘return’ during Orlando Museum of Art's (OMA's) 1st Thursday event, Dia de los Muertos, on November 1 from 6 to 9 pm. Festive offerings to the departed include colorful art-works, artist demonstrations, and other ancient traditions explored by artists. Music will be provided by Mexican folklorist David Peñaflor; have your portrait done by Caricatures by Maria or an artistic design done by Face Painting by Kayla. Admission is $10, and FREE for OMA Members. Parking is free at Orlando Loch Haven Park. Call 407 896 4231 or visit OMArt.org

November 2 to 4 – Playfest at Orlando Shakes

PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays will be held November 2 to 4 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater offering a fast-paced weekend of play readings, panel discussions, parties, and networking. PlayFest offers the unique opportunity to meet and talk with artists and view groundbreaking new plays. This season, a Festival Pass ($28) enables us to see all seven Playfest readings. Tony Award winner Jon Jory is the keynote speaker (free) on November 3 at 7 pm. All Events take place at the Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org/tickets

November 2 – FAVO Art Village – Motel Studio Art Exhibits

The Faith Arts Village (FAVO) gives local artists a unique ‘studio home’ and the opportunity to exhibit. On November 2, FAVO will present Motel Studio Art Exhibits, the first time the FAVO artists’ spaces (formerly motel rooms) will be open to the public. Among the featured artists are Alberto Quintero, Robin Pedrero and Berto Ortega. Will Benton, executive director of FAVO, says, “The talent in Orlando is huge. Art will include jewelry, paintings, photography, locally grown nursery plants and gift items to start your holiday gift selection.” This is a Free, family-friendly event. FAVO is at 221 East Colonial Drive in Orlando. Call 407.222.1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

November 2 to 27 -- Derek Gores COLLAGE EUROPE! Art Exhibit

Collage artist Derek Gores’ answer to “What did you do this summer?” is a Solo Exhibit inspired by his trip to the UK and France. Presented at EGAD! Art Lab in Melbourne, the Friday, November 2 Opening Night will include large format collage works created by recycling magazines, maps, menus, and notes gathered on his trip. The trip, “… made the world bigger and smaller for me, and it shows up on the canvases. I love combining the history and the now, the epic and the intimate, the silly and the important.”  EGAD! Art Lab is at 1405 Highland Ave in Melbourne. Call 321.258.2119 or visit derekgores.com

November 3 -- Orlando Science Center’s Neanderthal Ball

Time to ‘go huntin’ for your new Caveman Couture and step out in Paleolithic style as the Orlando Science Center welcomes you to the 6th Annual Neanderthal Ball. As the Science Center’s premier fundraising event, the Ball is also the wackiest (and most fun) Gala of the season. It may be held in a Museum, but there is nothing ‘stuffy’ about the coolest event this side of the Ice Age! It’s a benefit for children’s programming at the Science Center, AND it’s an upscale dining event with gourmet food selections, themed music, and silent auction items. Visit osc.org or contact Kathy Lopus at klopus[at]osc.org

November 8 to Dec. 15 – The World Premiere of Steppin’ Out with Irving Berlin

10 years ago Winter Park Playhouse Artistic Director Roy Alan created an evening in honor of Fred Astaire that was so successful that it was brought back to the stage a few years later. Now Roy Alan will be joined by mega-talents Chris Leavy and Todd Allen Long to create a show in celebration of the life and career of Irving Berlin. This new song and dance tribute will feature songs including Blue Skies, Puttin' on the Ritz, and Steppin' Out With My Baby in World Premiere performances from November 8 to December 15. The Playhouse is at 711 Orange Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

November 9 and 11 – Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro

The Orlando Philharmonic has done an extraordinary job of creating brilliantly sung and staged opera performances with the Orchestra on the stage. On November 9 and 11, the Philharmonic will present Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro featuring singers who have performed with the world’s most renowned opera companies. This ‘perfect’ opera – about real people, is filled with seduction, lust, infidelity, love and forgiveness – woven together with some of the most beautiful music ever written. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the opera will be performed at the Bob Carr PAC.  Call 407.770.0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

November 9 – Greece in Photographs with Josh Garrick            

For those of you who only know me as a writer, I invite you to a ‘One Night Only Exhibit’ of my Photography on Friday, November 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm. I’m honored to begin the new season of Culture & Cocktails at A&H Museums – Maitland with an exhibit titled From Both Sides Now – the Treasures of Greece.  Recently I was blessed with unprecedented access to the Parthenon and the new Acropolis Museum, and I’ve prepared an exhibit that pays homage to the greatness of Greece’s heritage while also showing the Athens of TODAY.  There will be art, music, food truck fare, poetry readings, and the unveiling of a new work to enter the Permanent Collection of A&H - Maitland. Call 407.522.3906 or visit artandhistory.org/?page_id=146
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators