Florida Culture for the Week of September 21, 2015 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Sept 30 – Orlando's Magical Dining Celebrates 10th Delicious Anniversary

Magical Dining is truly … magical. Running through September 30, we are invited to select from over 70 participating restaurants to enjoy three-course dinners for $33.  And in celebration of their 10th Anniversary Visit Orlando has lined up more fine dining restaurants than ever before. Bottom line – we get to choose among GREAT restaurants and enjoy a 3-course meal for $33 – through September. Find the full list of participating restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com. 

NOW to Sept 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 23 – Janet Jackson at the Amway Center in Orlando 

One of the most influential entertainers of our time, Janet Jackson has won six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, an Academy Award nomination and dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Ms. Jackson is a published author, choreographer, philanthropist, and with sales of over 160 million records worldwide, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Ms. Jackson performs at the Amway Center in Orlando on September 23. Tickets are available at amwaycenter.com; charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000; or at Ticketmaster.com

Sept 24 – Second Harvest Hosts the Chefs of Grand Lakes for Chef’s Night Series

Second Harvest’s Chef’s Night brings celebrity chefs into the kitchen to raise money for Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, which provides needy students with the skills to obtain a position in a food service establishment. On September 24 at 6 pm Chef Nathan Hardin of Highball & Harvest at the Ritz Carlton, and Chef Jaden Sheive of the Whisper Creek Farm Kitchen at Marriott Grande Lakes, will prepare the 4-course dinner. The cost is $75 per person. In addition, this month hunger-relief organizations across the country are celebrating Hunger Action Month. Second Harvest Food Bank invites the community to participate in its “30 Ways in 30 Days” initiative to fight hunger all month long. Learn more by visiting FeedHopeNow.org or calling 407.514.1048 

Sept 24 to 27 – The Southern Women’s Show to Celebrate 25th Anniversary    

The 25th Annual Southern Women’s Show is all about shopping, cooking ideas, healthy lifestyles, fashion, and celebrities, and learning about travel destinations, home décor, and business opportunities. Top Ten Highlights: Meet Hollis Wilder of the Cupcake Wars, Learn to Paint with Wine and Canvas, Care For Your Health, Meet the Snow Sisters, Shop Gifts With a Cause, Meet Celebrities, Try a New Hair Style – Free, the HOT Firefighter Fashion Show, and the Southern Women’s Show’s 25th Birthday Celebration – ALL at the Orange County Convention Center. Call 800-849-0248 or visit southernshows.com/wor

Sept 25 – La Maschera Goes Disco = A Fundraiser 

Find those disco duds and stretch that spandex as you Hustle on down to The Abbey on September 25 beginning at 7 pm.  The Downtown Arts District is celebrating the Arts with their annual fundraiser – this year with a disco theme and prizes for ‘best dressed.’ Live entertainment by RC Express and food stations by Arthur’s, Millenia Catering, and John Michael Catering.  Call 407.648.7060 or visit lamaschera2015.eventbrite.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 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. 

Sept 25 & 26 – Celebrity Impersonators at the Sunburst Convention

Imagine Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Cher, Dolly Parton, Ed Sullivan and a host of other celebrities performing for you – LIVE – on-stage in Orlando. That is exactly what happens when the Sunburst Convention celebrity impersonators hold their annual ‘conference’ at the Florida Hotel (at the Florida Mall).  They’re performing for booking agents and other ‘suits,’ but the Public is invited to the showcases – Sept 25 from 12 noon to 2pm and 6:30 to 10 pm and again on Sept 26 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. It’s the kind of entertainment you ‘expect’ in Vegas, but with all these ‘famous’ performers together in one place it’s constant FUN. Visit sunburstconvention.com/spectator-tickets.html

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 

Oct 1 to 10 – Corey Volence’s Realms of the Untold at the Venue 

Realms of the Untold by Corey Volence will make its World Premiere at The Venue at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando from October 1 to October 10. Realms of the Untold is a brand new anthology of short plays by Corey Volence, scriptwriter of the award-winning 2013 Orlando Fringe musical Key of E. The six new plays are written in a style meant to evoke classic horror and science fiction shows such as The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits. Produced by Dark Side of Saturn, the plays are directed by Kent Vanderberg, Samantha Malloy, and Corey Volence. For tickets, visit sideofsaturn.com or call 209.479.9923. 

Oct 2 to 18 –‘Into the Woods’ with the New CFCArts Theater Group

Quality work at $10 a ticket has been the ‘gift’ of Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) to our community, and that ‘gift’ was recently acknowledged with a donation of over $20,000 to support CFCArts’ NEW Theatre program. The donation allows CFCArts to offer a season of five fully-staged productions beginning with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods from October 2 to 18. A huge Broadway hit before its recent movie version, the wildly witty Sondheim ‘do-over’ of Grimm’s Fairy Tales is a perfect opener as it appeals to audiences of all ages. Congratulations to Joshua Vickery and Donald Rupe of CFCArts for yet another ‘gift’ to Central Florida. Visit cfcarts.com or contact info[at]cfcommunityarts.com.

Oct 3 – The GLBT Center’s 1920’s Fund-Raiser 

Shove the disco duds back in the closet (see Sept 25), and up the glam with Spats, Flappers, Pinstripes, and Fedoras – and practice your Charleston. The GLBT Center of Central Florida presents their big event of the year on October 3 with 100% of monies raised for the Center. The evening will include a four-course Dinner, Open Bar all night, Vegas-Style Casino, Live and Silent Auctions, Jazz Band Entertainment and Dancing. Help the Center grow and strengthen their counseling, medical and other services provided to the community by calling 407-228-8272 or visiting TheCenterorlando.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators