Florida Culture for the Week of October 30, 2016 By Josh Garrick 

Not to be Missed Final Performance -- October 30 – Orlando Ballet’s DRACULA 
The Orlando Ballet loves Halloween, and choreographer Michael Pink’s sexy and stylish ballet DRACULA – danced beautifully by our home-town company – combines the horror of Bram Stoker’s classic story with dramatic choreography, amazing sets, and an entrancing score by Philip Feeney. This story of seduction and transformation is on pointe and as expressive as a silent movie. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- DO NOT MISS TODAY’S FINAL PERFORMANCE. Call 844.513.2014 or by visit drphillipscenter.org

100th Main Stage Performance -- Oct 31 – Phantasmagoria VII: The Cards They Are Dealt
PHANTASMAGORIA is a troupe of ‘Steampunk Survivors’ joined by dancers, soldiers, puppeteers, and fire-breathers as they embark on new journeys through the dark tales of Poe, Wilde, M.R. James and others. The all new PHANTASMAGORIA VII " is at the Shakespeare Center. OMG – the October 31 performance is the Troupe’s 100th Main-stage show!!! DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU. For tickets – visit orlandoatplay.com 

NOW to Nov 6 – CFCArts’ Metamorphoses
A shallow pool serves as the primary scenic element of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the classical myths as recorded by the Roman poet Ovid (43 BC – 17 AD). ‘Metamorphoses’ harkens back to the origins of theater using an ensemble of actors to retell ancient stories of gods and goddesses. Performed on Broadway and around the world, the CFCArts Theatre Program will present Metamorphoses in their ‘Blackbox’ Theatre at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd in Orlando. Call 407.937.1800 ext.710 or visit cfcarts.com/metamorphoses

NOW to Nov 6 – ‘Glass Menagerie’ at the Garden Theatre 
‘The Glass Menagerie’ is the play that took its author – Tennessee Williams, from obscurity to fame. The man who would eventually be considered by many to be America’s greatest playwright, based the play on his psychologically damaged mother, his sister, and himself. Premiered in Chicago in 1944, the play moved to Broadway where it won the Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. Call 407.877.4736 or visit BethMarshallPresents.com

NOW to Nov 13 – ‘Rock the Presidents’ at Orlando Rep 
Orlando Rep’s new ‘history’ show is a rock, hip-hop, blues, pop, jazz, reggae, and country musical spanning the history of the American Presidency – from Washington to Obama. The Presidents are brought to life through songs including a way for audiences of all ages to learn something about our nation’s history. Age-Appropriate Note: Lincoln’s and Kennedy’s assassinations are included with songs that contain the words ‘pistol’ and ‘bullets.’ Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

NOW to Nov 13 -- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at Orlando Shakes
The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s Halloween presentation is the Jekyll/Hyde story by Robert Louis Stevenson. Frustrated by dull respectability in Victorian London, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that transforms Dr. Jekyll into the brutish Edward Hyde. Hyde’s immoral ‘high life,’ leads to murder. Fascinating and deviant, the play captivates audiences who experience the lead actor transform before them. For tickets, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to Nov 20 – ‘The God Game’ at Mad Cow 
When running for political office in the US of A, the Public knows or can learn anything about a candidate from his/her work-out routine to religious beliefs. SO – what if your candidate is an atheist? Playwright Suzanne Bradbeer poses this question in ‘The God Game’ in performance at the Mad Cow Theatre. Bradbeer presents this test of American politics while exploring the limits of truth, ambition, and faith. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

October 30 at 8 pm – Magic Men LIVE at the Bob Carr 
“Magic Men LIVE” invites ladies to let loose in a fun-filled environment for a night with thrilling production numbers and sexy choreography set to the hottest music. This ‘sophisticated approach’ to ‘ladies night’ offers an exciting cabaret show filled with comedy, sexy dancing, audience participation, and serious muscle. The experience is enhanced with state of the art lighting and sound to captivate women of all ages. Call 844.513.2014. Contains adult material(Age 18 and up).

Nov 1 at 10 am – Attempting to Define Political Correctness
“Anything I say is right.” “You must agree with me or risk being seen as a bigot, or a racist.” True or false? Tolerance once meant ‘live and let live’ – but not in 2016. At this University Club conversation, however, all points of view will be respected, leading to intelligent conversation without dissension. The Moderator is Don Cain at the University Club of Winter Park at 841 N. Park Ave. Free to members; $5 donation from guests. Call 407-644-6149

Nov 1 to Nov 5 – Calling All Fashionistas! Fashion on the Avenue AND at the Alfond 
The celebration of our local Fashion and Design Community transforms Winter Park into a fashionista’s paradise with over 50 trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, sales and parties hosted by Park Avenue merchants. It all culminates on November 5 at ‘Fashion Night Out’ (5 to 9 pm) with fashion shows in participating stores. (Tickets $25.) ‘Fashion Night Out’ is followed by ‘Fashion at the Alfond’ (9 pm to midnite) where attendees enjoy a showcase of ‘Emerging Designer’ winners with each designer reviving their winning looks and revealing selections from their latest collections. The Alfond event includes food, drinks, music and dancing. Tickets for Fashion at the Alfond INCLUDE admission to Fashion Night Out at $75. Call 407.644.8281

Nov 1 to 6 -- Broadway in Orlando – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Hailed as “One of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, this dazzling adaptation is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens. Fifteen-year-old Christopher is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an outrageous discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Call 844.5132014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

November 3 to 6 – PlayFest 2016 at Orlando Shakes – ‘The Pulse Tragedy’
PlayFest 2016 is dedicated to 6 new plays that explore issues surrounding the Pulse tragedy of June 12 including LGBTQ struggles and responses to hatred, discrimination against Hispanics, terrorism, mental health, gun violence, and community responses to violence. Playwright Caridad Svich will offer a keynote address on November 5 at 8 pm called “Creating ‘After Orlando’ (a collection of sixty 3-minute plays) and Global Theatre Initiatives.” Individual tickets: $10 with a PlayFest Package available. Call the Box Office at 407-447-1700 ext. 1 for the complete schedule.

Nov 5 beginning at 7 pm – The Neanderthal Ball at the Orlando Science Center 
Celebrate our evolution! It’s a night of Neanderthal revelry at the most fun Gala this side of the Stone Age. The Orlando Science Center’s Neanderthal Ball offers a blend of cocktail party with prehistoric mixer. Guests show off their latest Stone Age chic at the Caveman Couture Contest, enjoy food from Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, dance to live music from Running with Scissors, and claim dominance over silent auction packages with a cocktail provided by Tito’s Vodka. Your support enables the Science Center to provide educational programs to learners of all ages regardless of income or background. Ticket Prices: $150 & Couple: $265

Nov 6 – Kristallnacht Remembered at the Holocaust Memorial Education Center 
This event recalls the day the Nazis destroyed Jewish communities across Europe. Each year the Holocaust Center sponsors a program in remembrance of Kristallnacht – the “Night of Broken Glass.” This year’s commemoration is a theater performance in which actors describe the journey of Teodora Verbitskya, and her experiences in Russia in the first half of the 20th Century. Her artist-daughter Nadia Werbitzky has transformed her mother’s journal into a stunning exhibit. Tickets are FREE; reservations required. Call 407.628.055 or visit holocaustedu.org

Nov 7 to Dec 18 – Harry Connick Jr’s The Happy Elf at Orlando Rep 
From the Grammy-winning musician, this joyous new musical is about the happiest elf at the North Pole. He is SO HAPPY that his constant exuberance wears others out. Still he believes if he can restore ‘JOY’ to the town of Bluesville, he will win a spot on Santa’s sleigh (his ultimate dream!) Teamwork and faith are wonderful gifts to be shared in this story of elfin magic, and Harry Connick, Jr. has written a wonderful score for the Happy Elf’s story. Experience it by calling 407.896.7365 or visiting orlandorep.com 

Nov 10 at 8 pm – The Annie Moses Band: The Art of the Love Song
The Annie Moses Band has entertained audiences in record numbers of airings on PBS and on stages as diverse as Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. With their blend of folk and classical music, the Annie Moses Band is an ensemble of songwriters, singers, and musicians whose showmanship offers music-making for roots enthusiasts to classical connoisseurs, and from jazz aficionados to bluegrass buffs. On this tour, the Band performs the world’s greatest love songs in one incredible night of music. Call 844.5132014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Nov 10 to Dec 11 – A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration 
When Noel Coward reigned supreme, High Society meant hats and gloves, and the brilliance of the English language. Now The Winter Park Playhouse invites you to “A MARVELOUS PARTY” in Celebration of Noel Coward. As sparkling as a newly-popped bottle of champagne, this party is a musical romp featuring thirty-three tunes and a bevy of sketches, anecdotes and musings by the incomparable Noël Coward. YOU are invited to the Party of the year! RSVP by calling 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators