Florida Culture for the Week of September 11, 2016 by Josh Garrick

TODAY - Sept. 11 at 8 pm – ONE Voice Orlando – Opera’s Response to the Pulse Tragedy
‘ONE Voice Orlando: A Celebration in Song,’ is the benefit Gala Concert from the opera community in response to the ‘Pulse Tragedy’ in Orlando. The performance takes place this evening at the Dr. Phillips Center. “National stars and musicians have joined in this outpouring of support and generosity for the victims, families and those impacted by this horrific shooting,” said Gabriel Preisser, Executive Director of Opera Orlando. “Internationally-renowned David Charles Abell will conduct and legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes will be one of the evening’s hosts.” All performers are donating their services with tickets at $25 to $125 available at operaorlando.org or by calling 844.513.2014. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

Current: Bok Tower Gardens’ 8-Acre Expansion Now Open 
In the shadow of his Great-Grandfather’s ‘Singing Tower,’ Dr. Tomas Bok recently dedicated 8 acres of new garden spaces at Bok Tower Gardens. The largest expansion in 87 years of the Gardens’ history, the new spaces include Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, the Wild Garden, Outdoor Kitchen, Edible Garden and Alexander Discovery Center. Guided tours of the gardens took place with the Dedication Ceremony concluding with the release of 2,500 native pollinators. Now – more than even – Bok Tower Gardens is a “must-see” natural tourist preserve at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales, Florida. Visit Boktowergardens.org 

NOW to Sept 19 – The Breakthrough Theatre presents "Dearly Departed"
In the David Bottrell/Jessie Jones comedy, "Dearly Departed", (set in the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt), the beleaguered Turpin family attempts to pull themselves together for their father's funeral. The Turpin's other problems, however, keep overshadowing the occasion. In desperation, the Turpins turn to their neighbors, an ‘eccentric’ community of misfits, who pull together in their ‘hour of need.’ The Breakthrough Theatre is located at 419A W. Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com/tickets/

NOW to Oct 2 – Central Florida Premiere of ‘Bonnie & Clyde,’ the Musical 
With a ‘White Trash’ craving for excitement and ‘fame,’ two nobodies in Depression-era Texas meet, feel a ‘spark,’ and set out to chase a dream. Too quickly that ‘spark’ leads the young lovers’ to robbery and murder. This musical, infused with blues, gospel and rockabilly, was nominated for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score in 2012. While “everyone loves a bad boy,” the musical’s mature subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

NOW to Oct 9 – West Side Story Opens Orlando Shakes Season 
The most famous of the contemporary Romeo and Juliet stories finds idealistic young lovers Maria and Tony caught between rival street gangs. Their struggle to love and survive in a world filled with hatred and violence is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching musical dramas of all time. Based on the original concept by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story's Latin and classical-inspired score features the treasured songs "Maria," "Tonight," and "America." HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Visit orlandoshakes.org

NOW to October 16 – Orlando Repertory Brings Rhyming Book to Life for Young Ones The world of little Llama and his Mama seems familiar as they encounter the daily adventures of the first day of school, a trip to the supermarket, and bedtime. Llama learns about self-control and bravery with help from his Mama. Based on the rhyming books by Anna Dewdney, playwright Ernie Nolan has crafted a delightful show for children and parents alike. Call 407.896.7365 x1 or visit orlandorep.com 

Sept 14 at 7:30 pm – Singer–Songwriter Bebel Gilberto at Dr. Phillips Center 
World-renowned singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto has earned multiple Grammy nominations while captivating fans with her trademark electronic bossa nova. One of the top-selling Brazilian artists in the U.S., Gilberto transports listeners to Brazil with her bossa nova-infused melodies and performance style. In addition to living and breathing all types of Brazilian music as a child, she was exposed to the greats, from Debussy to Billie Holliday. Bebel moved to New York City in 1991. She says, “I think there I became a New Yorker – with a Brazilian heart of course!" Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept 15 beginning at 5 pm – Sip, Shop & Stroll in Winter Park 
Park Avenue in Winter Park is the place to be as the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite you to “sip, stroll and experience the charm of Park Avenue” on a unique ‘Wine Walk’ to your favorite shops and restaurants. While checking out the latest fashions, gifts and menus, you’ll enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at participating locations. Tickets are $25 each with online registration closing at noon on September 15. Check-in on September 15 begins at 5 pm to receive your wine glass and passport. Call 407.629.2299 or visit experienceparkavenue

Sept 15 to Oct 14 – The “ArtistsRegistry.com Small Works Show" at CityArts Factory
The CityArts Factory will host the ‘ArtistsRegistry.com Small Works Show’ with an opening reception on September 15 beginning at 6 pm. With a diversity of artwork including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture, the Public is invited and the event is Free. City Arts Factory Gallery hours are open from 11 am to 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday. You’ll find the CityArts Factory at the corner of Orange Ave and Pine in Orlando. Call 407.648.7060 or 407 312.0708 or visit ArtistsRegistry.com 

Sept 16 to January 1 – Highlights from the James Cottrell and Joseph Lovett Collection
The Orlando Museum of Art continues its relationship with James Cottrell and Joseph Lovett who have been, over a period of 40 years, building an exceptional collection of contemporary art from prominent artists, while reflecting the collector’s passion for discovering new talent before it is critically proven. Their regard for artists is demonstrated by their practice of collecting an artist’s work in depth. Cottrell and Lovett began collecting in the late 1970s with acquisitions including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, and Robert Mapplethorpe. Call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org 

Sept 16 at 8 pm – Stand-up Comedian Gary Gulman 
Originally from Boston, Gary Gulman has been a college football player, an accountant, a barista, a doorman, a waiter, and a high school teacher. Now he is one of the most popular touring comics and one of only a handful of comedians to perform on every late night comedy program. He's made three TV specials, three albums, and marked his 20-year anniversary in stand-up with the "Its About Time Tour," (because) the New York Times wrote, "Gary is finally being recognized as one of the country's strongest comedians."
Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept 16, 17 & 18 – The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale
It’s a hefty 50 percent off the Library’s annual Book Sale on the third floor of the Downtown Orlando Public Library. Featuring a great selection of already discounted fiction and non-fiction, recorded books, DVDs, CDs and more at half price, your purchase helps support the library and it services. For those who plan some serious shopping, you can become a “Friend of the Library” for as low as $15 and receive an additional “Friends” 10 percent off all purchases while enjoying a “Friends-only preview sale” on September 15 from 5 to 7 pm. Visit oclsfriends.info

Sept 16 to Oct 9 – ‘All Hands on Deck’ Brings (Bob) Hope to the Winter Park Playhouse 
Bob Hope’s World War II USO tours for the troops made the man a legend in his own time. Now Mr. Hope is the inspiration for a new all singing, all dancing musical written, directed and choreographed by Jody Madaras at the Winter Park Playhouse. In an evening of classic songs, dances and laughs, join those happy audiences with timeless hits, vaudevillian antics and rousing comedy for audiences of all ages. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

Sept 17 at 8 pm – Musical Gala of Mexican Independence at Dr. Phillips Center 
Casa de México invites the Public to their traditional Gala Concert to celebrate Mexican Independence. Presented for the first time at the Dr. Phillips Center, this year’s concert features Opera Orlando performing with the Orlando Philharmonic under the baton of Maestro Kensho Watanabe. Opera Orlando will be represented by tenor Leonardo Villegas, soprano Ana Villeda, and baritone Gabriel Preisser performing aria highlights. In addition, the Gala will feature Mariachi Cobre with the Orlando Philharmonic in a presentation created exclusively for Casa de México. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept 21 to 25 – Cirque du Soleil presents OVO 
Cirque du Soleil returns to Orlando presenting its newest touring show, OVO, never before performed in Florida. Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 2009, OVO (‘egg’ in Portuguese), offers up a colorful ecosystem where insects work, eat, crawl, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. As with all Cirque shows, the cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists, from 12 countries, specializing in a variety of acrobatic acts. Visit cirquedusoleil.com; cirqueclub.com; AmwayCenter.com, or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000. 

Sept 25 beginning at 10 am – Second Harvest Food Bank’s “Sunday Funday” Brunch 
With proceeds benefitting one of the best charitable ideas ever, funds raised at Second Harvest Food Bank’s “Sunday Funday” Brunch will support the Culinary Training Program,’ which provides the unemployed with skills to obtain a position in the food service industry. Guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch – with mimosas or Bloody Marys – as Olive Garden chefs, including Executive Chef Jim Nuetzi, present an array of pastas and salads, a carving station, and traditional brunch fare. The event also benefits the Orlando Gay Chorus with a piano bar in the atrium, ensembles in the dining rooms, and culminating in a‘main-stage’ show during the Brunch. The cost is $39.95 per person. Call 407.514.1070 or visit SundayFundayBrunch.org

 
Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators