“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 26, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

Arcadian Broad’s Wonderland: Mad Tales of the Hatter!
OPENING TONIGHT -- April 26 to 28 
For Orlando Ballet’s highly anticipated ‘Mad’ season finale – “Arcadian Broad’s Mad Tales of the Hatter” – our own “wunderkind” Arcadian Broad once again makes WORLD HISTORY by creating BOTH the musical score and the choreography for the World Premiere of a ballet and then DANCES the LEAD as well. Arcadian did this a few years ago for the Ballet’s wonderful “Beauty and the Beast,” which makes this dance event even more amazing. We can be so very “ORLANDO PROUD” to have this World Premiere here at the Dr. Phillips Center. You want MORE? “We got more” – the production has all-new sets and costumes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit drphillipscenter.org/events or call 844-513-2014.

Billy Elliot: The Musical 
OPENING TONIGHT -- April 26 to May 26 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden 
Featuring an incredible score by music-legend Elton John, this Broadway musical is based on the hit film, “Billy Elliot.” Anyone who has taken a ‘life-path’ different from that which one’s family approves will empathize with this story set in an English town during the devastating miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy chooses to exchange the boxing ring for ballet classes, challenging pretty much every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, he discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change several lives forever. Please note, the production contains mature themes and adult language. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736

The WORLD Ballet Competition GALA Performance
April 27 at 7:30 pm 
With a stage perfect for ballet, the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center has hosted The World Ballet Competition (WBC) and Gala IN ORLANDO every year since 2007. Bringing acclaim and an economic boost to Orlando, the Gala is an extraordinary evening of talent including Winners from the week of competition AND Guest Artists from around the world. I think of ballet dancers as the most highly trained “athletes” in the world, and each year the GALA proves that to be true. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit worldballetcompetition.com 

A “French Soiree” with the Orlando Philharmonic and Eric Jacobsen 
April 27 at 8 pm 
Ravel, Saint-Saens, Faure, Messiaen, Negron, and Bizet – How very, very French! From the sublime ‘Daphnis et Chloé’ to the danger of LOVE in Bizet’s eponymous ‘Carmen’ Maestro Eric Jacobsen celebrates France and its composers who created some of the best-loved classical music of all time. Forever known as a cultural capital for its music, fashion, art, and cuisine, join the Orlando Philharmonic – with guest performer Jan Vogler and the UCF Chorus for a diverse and sophisticated evening of France’s enduring musical legacy. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org. 

Shakespeare’s Richard II at Orlando Shakes 
FINAL WEEKEND -- NOW to April 28 
With our Shakespeare Company moving into the “Histories,” we find Mr. Shakespeare tackling themes of authoritarianism, greed, and the implications one person’s actions can have on an entire country. Director Eleanor Holdridge finds the play “filled with stunning poetry and some deep questions about what makes us human. We get to see the fall of a quixotic and capricious ruler and the rise of a steadfast person of honor.” She hopes we see ourselves in the characters and our state as a nation.” Hmmm – Ya think ?? Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

“Seussical – The Musical” at the Orlando Rep 
NOW to May 12 
“Oh, the thinks you can think…” when “Seussical the Musical” bursts onto the stage at Orlando Rep in Loch Haven Park. This fantastical musical extravaganza by Tony Award-winning composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty features those beloved characters -- Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and a bunch of Whos in a musical journey exploring the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family. With the Cat in the Hat as our Master of Ceremonies, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Shakespeare Center 
NOW to May 14 
Our own international singing star – Michael Andrews – has created a new version of the classic fairy tale for the Shakespeare Company – and children of ALL ages who enjoy a great song and the lessons to be learned when a hero is determined to “reach new heights.” From the urban jungle to the peaceful countryside, Jack is known for his sense of adventure -- at least in his dreams. When our hero is called upon to rescue new friends, his bravery is put to the test. Among giants, mystery and magic, join Jack in this brand new musical in a land above the clouds! For audiences of all ages, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. 

The Temptations and the Four Tops at the Dr. Phillips Center 
April 30 at 7:30 pm 
For more than fifty years, The Temptations and the Four Tops have propelled popular music with smash hits and sold-out performances. Essential to the Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, it was Smokey Robinson’s “The Way You Do the things You Do” that turned the Temps into stars. The Four Tops had their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, which made them stars and their track record at Motown indispensable to any retrospective of the decade. Their commercial peak was highlighted by the romantic trilogy: “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” and “Bernadette” with each group following with an extraordinary run of ‘classics.’ Experience BOTH groups on one special evening. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org/events/ 
 

Orlando Museum of Art’s ‘Steampunk Revolution’ for One-Night-Only 
May 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm 
From 6 to 9 pm on the First Thursday of each month, Central Florida has an opportunity to discover local artists, with this month’s show calling upon Victorians, Vamps, Sky Captains, Secret Agents and more, who will share their art, artistry and artifacts from Steampunk Realms. With all forms of media encouraged, Steampunk is an art form that pushes one’s sense of creativity and invention in a world where make believe still exists and history can be re-imagined. With cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants available, call 407.896.4231 ext. 226 for more. 

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' Season Finale Concert
May 5 at 4 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' 62nd Concert Season closes with a concert at the historic Bob Carr Theater in Downtown Orlando. All four FSYO Orchestras will be featured in this finale with Trumpeter Alexander Keiser as featured soloist performing the “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra” by Arutunian. In addition, forty-eight graduating seniors will be recognized as they leave the orchestra to reach new heights as musicians and individuals. Tickets from $20; call the Bob Carr Box Office at 844.513.2014

The Indigo Girls at the Dr. Phillips Center 
May 5 at 8 pm 
Twenty years after they began releasing records as the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have declined slowing down with age. With a legacy of countless tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have forged their own way while selling over 14 million records. Since they burst into the spotlight with their 1989 self-titled breakout album, the band has collected a slew of Gold and Platinum records, taken home a GRAMMY Award, and collaborated with fellow artists from Michael Stipe to Joan Baez. The duo has balanced their successful careers by supporting numerous social causes while securing their spot among the most legendary musical acts of this generation. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

TOM JONES at the Dr. Phillips Center 
May 8 at 8 pm 
Tom Jones’ remarkable 50-year career has built from strength to strength. From his popularity as a live performer, he has garnered—at the age of 76—the best reviews of his career for his recent albums, Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame. Although best known for hits including ‘It’s Not Unusual,’ ‘Kiss,’ ‘Delilah,’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat,’ he is an artist with a rhythm and blues soul. With his 39th album Jones was knighted by the Queen, an honor he was able to celebrate once again in 2012 when he performed at the Queens Diamond Jubilee concert. An interesting side-note is that he has been animated as himself in The Simpsons, Duck Dodgers, The Emperors New Groove; and a role in Tim Burton’s ‘Mars Attacks.’ Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Broadway & All That Jazz”
May 9 & 10 at 8 pm
Featuring jazz from Broadway: West Side Story, Cabaret, Chicago, and more, some of the best jazz ever written started its life on Broadway. Catch The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips for their season finale in a night of Classic Jazz from Broadway as the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater becomes Orlando’s coolest jazz club. With the backing of Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Jazz Orchestra at DPC is made up of the hottest players selected from around the country turning Orlando’s Jazz Orchestra into a series of ‘must-see’ performances. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators