Florida Culture for the Week of September 14, 2015 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Oct 11 – "Fancy Nancy" Opens Season at Orlando Rep

Based on the children’s book by Jane O’Connor illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, NANCY is ready for the spotlight from her twinkly tiara to her sparkly slippers. She even gives lessons to her friends about HOW to be fancy. But someone else gets picked to be the ‘star’ of the show, and Nancy has to play a tree. THAT is a crisis for our little heroine. The appeal of this show, for kids of all ages, is to watch Nancy learn about kindness and teamwork. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Sept 16 – Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee to Speak at Rollins 

2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee will speak on “Leading Change Through Activism” at the Alfond Sports Center at Rollins College on September 16 beginning at 7.30 pm. Gbowee’s has been plying her own form of non-violent activism, first in Liberia and most recently in North Korea by joining women marching for unity. A Distinguished Fellow in Social Justice at Barnard College, Gbowee travels internationally advocating for human rights, peace and security. The event is FREE. Visit rollins.edu/rollins-winter-park-institute or call 407.691.1706

Sept 17 – The Inaugural Winter Park Outlook

Keeping the community informed is paramount to our hard-working Chamber of Commerce, so on September 17 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, the inaugural Winter Park Outlook will feature an in-depth conversation on Winter Park, examining the projects and initiatives that impact our lives. Attendees will hear from local experts in business, health, education and government in a panel discussion moderated by Dick Batchelor at the Alfond Inn. For reservations call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

Sept 17 – Meet the Farmer: Dennis Stoltzfoos

In an effort to ‘strengthen’ our local food system, the Audubon Park Exchange (APEX) invites us to their first “Meet the Farmer” presentation on September 17 at 6 pm. Introducing Florida’s most holistic farmers, the evening will introduce Dennis Stolzfoos, of Full Circle Farms. Raised in Lancaster, PA on his family’s farm, he spent 15 years in alternative healing, returning to farming to produce REAL foods direct from the farm to feed our cells, heal sickness, and provide the next generation with vibrant health. Visit eastendmkt.com/events or fullcirclerealfoods.com

Sept 17 to 24 – 10th Anniversary ‘Fashion Week’ at the Mall at Millenia

Orlando’s Mall at Millenia will roll out the red carpet for their 10th Annual Fashion Week beginning September 17 and featuring 6 runway shows – most open to the public as well as the Mall’s philanthropic event, benefitting Runway To Hope. Highlights include Sept 17 at 6 pm – Neiman Marcus’ Fall Trend Report; Sept 19 at 7:30 am – Bloomingdale’s Makeup Event; and Sept 20 from 9:30 am to 2 pm – the Fall Collection Brunch Benefit hosted by Laura Brown, Executive Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR.  Visit milleniafashionweek.com

Sept 18, 19 & 20 – First Ever International CAKE Convention Comes to Orlando

In the first Cake Fair of its kind in the United States, celebrity cake artists Buddy Valastro, Mich Turner (who has baked for the Queen of England), Ron Ben-Israel and Roland Mesnier will share the high-caliber stage September 18, 19 and 20 at the Orange County Convention Center before a crowd of 30,000 professionals and enthusiasts. The show will also feature Cake Central’s Sugar Arts Fashion Show; a live Global Cake Challenge; cake competitions; 75 hands-on classes taught by 40 of the world’s best cake artists; and a wedding, chocolate, kids, and sugar art zone. Visit cakefair.com

Sept 18 to 28 – Breakthrough Theatre presents William Hoffman’s "As Is"

Winner of the Obie and Drama Desk Awards, “As Is” was originally presented Off-Broadway in 1985 and then transferred to Broadway where it was nominated for a Tony Award. “As Is” focuses on the effect AIDS, at that time a new pandemic, had on a group of friends living in New York City. The play tells of the relationship between an HIV-positive man and the ex-lover who returns to his side in his time of need. Portraying the fear that gripped the nation as HIV first spread, this production is directed by Wade Hair and features Anthony Marando and Marcus Davila. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Sept 18 to Oct 31 – Robin Maria Pedrero at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art 

The very popular Florida Artist Robin Maria Pedrero is an award winner with work in museums and in worldwide collections. A signature member of the Pastel Society of America, Ms. Pedrero was awarded Best Florida Artist 2012 by Baterbys Art Gallery. Her colorful paintings and sculptures of nature, gardens, and skies invite the Public to meet this lovely lady at her Opening at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art on September 18 beginning at 6 pm. Call 352.483.2900 or visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org. 

Sept 19 – Central Florida Community Arts Hosts Free Open House 

Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), the ‘umbrella organization’ to several arts entities, will hold a Free Open House on September 19 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Events include tours of the facilities, introduction of all programs (choirs, orchestras, theater and youth programs), live music, refreshments, raffle prizes, registration for classes, and new member orientation. With a ‘welcome’ from Exec Director Joshua Vickery, the Open House will take place on the grounds of Central Christian Church, 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd in Orlando. The event is free and open to the public. 

Sept 19 – Elvis Tribute Show with Ted Torres Martin 

The award-winning recipient of the 2014 ‘Heart of the King’ Award Ted Torres Martin will bring his live stage production ‘Back to Live’ to the Athens Theater in Deland on September 19. The multi-media production is a first-of-its-kind musical performance featuring Presley’s hits, film sequences, live performance and concert segments. Torres Martin works with backup singers and a live band in a show that was named one of the ‘Top 5 Tributes’ in the world. Call 386.736.1500 or visit backtolive.com or athensdeland.com

Sept 19 – Frankie Says, “Relax, Come Get Some ‘Badness”

Come watch an empty Art Gallery build into a “monster of color, light, sound, and more.” Compulsive Do-Gooder-Bad-Boy Frankie Messina has asked for every local Artist’s WORST piece of Art. There are no limits to the style (LOL) of the Art. Current Galleries – at 116 East 1st Street in Sanford – is known for experimentation, and a Bad Art Show is always a FUN show. Artists walk in with the Art; it gets hung, priced and sold that night. There will also be eclectic performances, live music, independent films, and more.  Contact Frankie Messina at apartmentefrankie[at]gmail.com 

Sept 19, 20, & 21 – The Nearly Final Almost Posthumous Play … etc etc etc 

Fresh from a sold-out run in Tampa, Osceola Arts will present ‘The Nearly Final Almost Posthumous Play of the Not-Quite-Dead Sutton McAllister’ in a laughter-filled run September 19 to 21 at the Osceola Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Written in the tradition of British drawing room comedy, the plot finds playwright Sutton McAllister suffering a stroke and he NEARLY DIES. Chock full of characters with questionable motives, this new comedy will have you laughing along as you wonder who’s who, what’s what, and WHERE IS the NOT-QUITE-DEAD Sutton McAllister?  Visit osceolaarts.org

Sept 21 – Doris Dear – Direct from NYC – at The Abbey in Orlando 

Coming to Orlando from a sold-out run in New York City, the ‘Perfect American Housewife,’ Doris Dear, will bring her critically acclaimed cabaret show to The Abbey on September 21 at 8 pm. Seen in countless movies and TV shows, Doris Dear will tell stories of growing up in the suburbs with her parents, Taffy and Duke, and her poignant journey to become the Perfect American Housewife. Through songs and original stories, Doris will share her ‘dreams.’ Ah, but dreams don't always work out the way we plan – DO THEY?  Tickets at TicketWeb.com or visit AbbeyOrlando.com

Sept 25 to Oct 25 – The Garden Theatre Presents ‘La Cage aux Folles’ 

The town of Winter Garden is a beautiful community, with a ‘look’ that is 1950’s America. The Garden Theatre is integral to this ‘other-era’ feeling, and I consistently congratulate them on the professionalism of their musicals.  It says much about TODAY that this “we-only-look-conservative” community has chosen to begin its season with the ultimate ‘gay’ musical – Jerry Herman’s brilliant La Cage aux Folles – the first show ever to win the Tony Award for Best Musical three times. Considered controversial when it first opened in New York City in 1983, this musical – in which chorus girls defy you to determine if they are women or men – exemplifies family, community, acceptance, love, and a forward thinking Board of Directors. Directed by Rob Winn Anderson, the show features Matthew Arter as Albin and Brian Minyard as Georges, and it comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

Sept 25 – Orlando Museum of Art Preview Reception for … 

The Orlando Museum of Art opens its Fall season with a Double Opening of two exhibits that ‘speak to each other’ in fascinating ways.  Beginning at 7 pm on September 25, we are invited to an Opening Reception for Harold GARDE and METAMODERN, both of which deal with the concept of ‘MODERN’ and both of which open on September 26. 

Sept 26 to Jan 3 – Harold GARDE: Mid-Century to This Century 

Harold GARDE is a living legend. A brilliant and refreshingly out-spoken working Artist who still paints every day, Garde’s extraordinary career spans over 70 years. Graduating from Columbia University in 1951, Garde was immersed in the New York art world just as Abstract Expressionism brought the art-world’s attention to New York City. Garde’s paintings reflect his engagement with this movement as the spirit of creativity, discovery, and the vitality of gestural painting have remained central to Garde’s work. ‘Harold Garde: Mid-Century to this Century’ brings together 35 paintings that highlight the breadth of Garde’s career. 

Sept 26 to Dec 6 – METAMODERN at Orlando Museum of Art 

In the fresh and provocative work presented in METAMODERN, contemporary Artists refer both literally and conceptually to iconic design objects of the mid-20th century. This exhibit includes video, sculpture and works on paper by 19 international Artists.  Call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org 

Sept 26 – Rhino Day at the Central Florida Zoo 

From 10 am to 3 pm on September 26, we are invited to celebrate Jahi and PJ, the Central Florida Zoo’s greater one-horned Indian rhinos. By participating in crafts, games, and a chance to get up close to and touch a rhino, we are helping support rhino conservation and working to save these incredible animals from extinction. This event is included in general Zoo admission; additional fees may apply. Call 407.323.4450 x 100 or visit centralfloridazoo.org

Sept 26 – ARTLANDO – One Day, One Festival, ALL the ARTS

From 11 am to 11 pm on September 26, Loch Haven Park in Orlando will become ARTLANDO, a FREE day to celebrate ALL the Arts with 80-plus Artists displaying, selling and creating Art. An Outdoor Performance Stage will showcase groups from the Orlando Ballet to Orlando Fringe, while the Kid’s Zone will offer the Philharmonic ‘Petting Zoo,’ chalk art, balloon animals, and live painting. Programming goes from family-friendly during the day to ‘edgy’ as ‘Artlando After Dark’ offers an on-stage ‘night-life’ experience. The Orlando Museum of Art, with its air conditioned environment, offers varied exhibits from its participating galleries. Visit Artlando on facebook.

Sept 26 & 27 – Moore Dance Project at the Center for Contemporary Dance

Moore Dance Project will preview new works exploring themes of aging, identity and culture in 'form, shape & space.'  In performance at The Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park on Sept 26 at 7 pm and Sept 27 at 3 pm, the audience is invited into the rehearsal studio for an intimate preview of emerging works from the area's only professional African-American dance ensemble. The Center is at 3580 Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.695.8366 or visit thecenterfordance.org

Sept 27 – Juan Carlos Salazar Sings in Tribute to Simon Diaz 

Juan Carlos Salazar is a Venezuelan singer, musician and composer with over 25 years of performing internationally. He has recorded 12 solo albums in a career during which Juan Carlos has participated in concerts featuring singers including Julio Iglesias and Jose Jose. His concert on September 27 at 7 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center will be a tribute to the popular Venezuelan composer Simon Diaz, the author of "Caballo Viejo,” later recorded as "Bamboleo." Juan Carlos will be accompanied by six Venezuelan musicians. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Sept 25 to Oct 3 – Theater Students at Rollins College Present REEFER MADNESS!!!

Reefer Madness is a tongue-in-cheek musical that pokes satirical fun at the now infamous 1938 propaganda film of the same name. Jimmy and Mary are a clean cut high school couple until they are lured into trouble by (shock!!!) Evil Marijuana Pushers. By smoking the evil weed, Jimmy and Mary soon move from merry-making to misery to misdeeds and MURDER. Offering contemporary audiences a timely message about the ‘cost’ of fear-mongering, the performances are presented for mature audiences by theater students at Rollins College in Winter Park. Call 407.646.2145 or visit rollins.edu/annierussell. 

Current – The Winter Park Playhouse Receives Prestigious Recognition

The Winter Park Playhouse has stepped into the national spotlight having received membership in the prestigious National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), the premiere national service organization dedicated exclusively to musical theatre. This recognition places The Winter Park Playhouse among such recognized companies as Goodspeed Musicals (CT), Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, The Public Theatre (NYC), and the Walnut Street Theatre (Philadelphia). Congratulations to ALL the hard-working singers, actors, dancers, directors, musicians and technicians who have brought the Playhouse to this new level of professional recognition. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators