“Josh Recommends” for January 3, 2020 by Josh Garrick 

Lillian Verkins’ “Over the Moon” Art Exhibit
FINAL Weekend -- NOW to Jan 7, 2020 at Orlando Science Center 
I’m “Over the Moon” honored to have served as the Curator for this exhibit by one of Florida’s most celebrated Artists at the Gallery at the Orlando Science Center. Lillian Verkins has received 26 juried awards including five “1st Place” awards. Her OSC exhibit includes 30 large paintings, rich in gorgeous color. The Gallery is on the Science Center’s 3rd floor, and the Gallery visit is included with regular admission. Visit LillianVerkins.com and / or OSC.org 

National Ballet Theater of Odessa, Ukraine Presents Swan Lake
January 7 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Considered to be the greatest ballet of all time, this full-scale production, with music by Tchaikovsky and choreography based on the original by Petipa and Ivanov, follows a heroic young prince as he battles to free a beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. This is the company’s first visit to the US for this world-class ballet company – so why not begin with the best? It’s never too early for a Valentine’s Day surprise. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

'Becoming Dr. Ruth'
Jan 8 to Feb 9 at Orlando Shakes 
Everyone’s heard of Dr. Ruth Westheimer -- the radio and TV sex therapist. Few, however, know the journey that preceded her fame. From fleeing the Nazis to joining the Haganah in Jerusalem, to her struggles to succeed as a single mother coming to America, Mark St. Germain’s story of her life is filled with humor and the life-affirming spirit of the girl who became “Dr. Ruth.” Americaʼs most famous sex therapist. Dr. Ruth will be played by Eileen DeSandre. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700 ext. 1. 

Ford-ify the Arts – A Gallery Celebration
Jan 10 beginning at 7 pm 
This is your chance to join Mayor Buddy Dyer in a Benefit Event to celebrate the recent move of the City Arts Factory to the historic Rogers Kiene Building AND its recent “Outdoor Garden Courtyard Expansion.” Dress is “Jazzy, Snazzy or Formal,” and the donated ticket price is $150. There will be ART (of course), wine and food, and LIVE entertainment. Tickets at Fordify.Eventbrite.com 

Orlando Philharmonic Presents “Aretha: A Tribute to the Queen of Soul”
January 11 at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater 
A Tribute to the “Queen of Soul,” this program features Philharmonic favorite Capathia Jenkins – returning after the success of “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” – and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and so many more. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014 

The Glenn Miller Orchestra
January 12 at 3 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center 
With its unique sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the greatest jazz bands of all time. Sought after for concert and swing dance engagements, the present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has toured consistently since then, playing an average of 300 dates a year around the world. Mr. Miller said, “A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.” (It does!) Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014 

“The Lion in Winter” at CFCArts Theater 
Jan 17 to Feb 2
The “Christmas gathering” in the play “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman is dysfunctional to the extreme. Forget all the good feelings you may have from a week ago. 
The Christmas of 1183, in Chinon, France, has more than your typical family squabbles, especially with the King’s three sons all vying for the throne. This is the English court in the time of Robin Hood, and poor Robin doesn’t even get a mention. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a Holiday full of lies and treachery, this is the play for you. With a Cast of local “stars,” visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800 

“Kiss My ART Live with Marla and Boris”
Jan 21 beginning at 9 pm at Maxine’s on Shine 
Stir up some “verbal trouble” with two of our favorite Arts figures in town WITH our most glamorous restaurateur (Maxine) and we’ll all enjoy an extra drink as Marla E and Boris talk to the” notorious Ted Bogert.” Ted is a Branding Coach, Mortgage Pro, Social Media Specialist, Speaker, Team Strategist, Community First Advocate, annnnnnnnnd host of The TED SHOW. Finally, he will be asked the questions many are dying to find out about. Visit maxinesonshine.com

Orlando Native MICHAEL SCOTT back in his role as GENIE in ALADDIN
Jan 22 to Feb 9 at Dr. Phillips Center 
“Aladdin,”is the hit musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated film that opened on Broadway in 2014 … AND has grossed over $1 billion since that Night!! I am very excited to report that Orlando native Michael James SCOTT, (who played the Genie on Broadway and in London), will “come home” to play the role in Orlando. A graduate of Dr. Phillips H.S, Scott has appeared in 8 Broadway productions. “To bring this iconic role back to the city where it all started for me feels like the biggest Disney dream come true,” said Scott. We’re thrilled to have you “come home” Mr. Scott, AND that gives an already “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” show several more reasons to get your tickets NOW. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

NEW Cirque du Soleil Show at Disney to Begin Performances
While many feel that La Nouba’s unprecedented 20-year-run at Disney Springs was perhaps a decade too long, the new Cirque du Soleil being conceived in Montreal and coming to Disney World in March 2020 has announced its name –“Drawn to Life.” The show is a true collaboration between Cirque and Disney as it features the art of Disney Animation which Disney Imagineers describe as “the art of bringing characters to life through drawings.” “Drawn to Life” begins (preview) performances March 20. For tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com or call 855.473.7783. 

January is National SOUP Month! 
I know it’s NOT the ART you’re expecting, but anyone who has tasted one of my creations (or that of Barbara Gold) will agree that great soup can be an Art. Anyway, January is National Soup Month, and our friends at Campbell’s Kitchen are making it easy to celebrate with “a soup a day to keep the chill away.” They are offering 38 FREE soup recipes to keep your family warm (and satisfied) all month long! Visit campbellskitchen.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators