“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 5, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

“Burn This Down:” HAROLD GARDE’s Reflections on the Art World
OPENS TODAY -- April 5 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm – FREE Opening Reception 
This Art exhibit features the work of American abstract expressionist painter and printmaker HAROLD GARDE, who has lived, and painted through, the births (and deaths) of several significant art movements during his SEVEN DECADE career. Fast forward to today, and Garde remains as relevant as ever … and a Mentor to many (including yours truly). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at Mills Gallery at 1650 Mills Avenue. 

King LEAR with John DiDonna at Valencia East Campus 
OPENS TODAY -- April 5 to April 14 
Shakespeare's classic and heart-rending tragedy is one of the world's most respected tragic works. AND with one of Orlando’s most inventive and deviously clever actor/directors BOTH co-directing (with Shakespearean expert Tim Williams) and playing the constantly outrageous lead role of LEAR, this is one of the must-see theatre events of the season. Following Lear’s descent into madness will find a whole new reading on the madness scale – with DiDonna in charge … but then … when is Lear in charge? Including the stunning stage combat of Bill Warriner, call 407 582 2900 or visit valenciacollege.edu/arts 

FREE Friday Nights at the MORSE Museum of American Art 
TODAY – April 5 to April 26
When visitors come to town I am most proud to take them to the incredibly beautiful Morse Museum in Winter Park, and those visits are particularly welcoming on Friday Nights as the Museum provides free admission every Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Through the month of April the Museum enhances an already ‘excellent’ experience with live musical groups. For the full schedule, through April 26, call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org/programs 

Jack and the Beanstalk
April 6 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 Maitland Stage Band in FREE Performance at Maitland Art & History Museum
April 7 at 4 pm 
It’s time to pack snacks and drinks and bring the family and friends to a FREE outdoor concert featuring the Maitland Stage Band! This 16-piece group, directed by trombonist Jim Foy, brings the big band sound of America's favorites to the outdoor Rotary Plaza stage, sponsored by PAM Performing Arts Matter [formerly Performing Arts of Maitland]. For more, visit PAMaitland.org

Mendelssohn Goes Italian and Adds a Tuba Concerto
April 8 at 7 pm 
By now we’ve come to ‘expect’ interesting programming when Maestro Eric Jacobsen, conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic puts together a program. For the Orchestra’s ‘Focus Program’ on April 8 Robert Carpenter, Principal Tubist will perform the Glazer Tuba Concerto – and let’s face it, a Tuba Concerto is a rare thing indeed. That will be followed by a World Premiere by the Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence Angelica Negron and Mendelssohn sharing what he did last summer with his 4th Symphony – the ‘Italian.’ All of this is at the Orchestra’s home at Plaza Live on Bumby Ave. Visit Orlandophil.org or call 407.770.0071 

“Seussical – The Musical” at the Orlando Rep 
April 8 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 the Whos in a musical journey. Will the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family be able to triumph? In this case it’s not even a spoiler alert to say a great BIG YES, you Silly. The Cat in the Hat is your Master of Ceremonies in this wondrous mash-up of Seuss stories. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

“Symbiosis” Fine Art Exhibit at Bloomingdale’s 
April 9 from 6 pm to 9 m to June 5 
Join the distinguished Artists of the Group “Beaux Artists” on the 3rd floor of Bloomingdale’s (at the Mall at Millenia) for the Opening Reception of "Symbiosis.” Beverages & hors d'oeuvres for this FREE event are sponsored by Bloomingdale's with the exhibit hosted by Downtown Arts District/Orlando. The exhibit celebrates the symbiotic relationships of “Art in the Home” and the “Artist in the Community.” See first-hand how various painting styles fit varying environments in the Furniture Showroom. Visit facebook.com/bxartscentralflorida/ 

“The Tender Land” -- An Opera by Aaron Copland
April 12 at 8 pm and April 14 at 2 pm Tickets: $10 to $20 
UCF Opera “Celebrates the Arts” by inviting us to a vivid portrait of the rural mid-west during the Great Depression as Copland's beloved harmonies tell the story of a young woman's coming of age. The life of a rural farming family is focused on a daughter about to graduate from High School, but Laurie’s questioning of her place in the world is fueled by a kiss, an overly protective Grandpa, coming of age realizations, and loneliness and longing – themes still relevant today. Sung in English at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. 

Star Wars and More: The Music of John Williams 
April 13 at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater 
Even when we were kids speechlessly watching those film credits roll off into some other universe, WE KNEW the music behind all this wonderfulness came from some kind of genius. FIVE DECADES later, composer John Williams is still America’s most acclaimed composer for film and the concert stage. In two performances only, Conductor Michael Krajewski will lead the University of Central Florida Chorus and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in an All John Williams concert of legendary film scores, including selections from Jaws, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071. 

“What a Glorious Feeling!” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
NOW to April 13 
“What a Glorious Feeling!” is the new song-and-dance musical that brings to life the little-known story of the love triangle between Hollywood legends Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen and their assistant Jeanne Coyne during the creation of the greatest movie musical of all time, “Singin’ in the Rain.” That means it includes movie-land’s most-loved songs and Hollywood’s most enduring dancing -- the kind of musical the Winter Park Playhouse seems to have been created to present! Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

“Once Upon a Mattress” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
NOW to April 14 
This wonderfully funny (and tuneful) musical, composed by Mary Rodgers, follows the tale of an evil queen, and a prince who just wants to find a little love – Is that so wrong? In our classic tale, the nasty Queen Mother Agravia – does not think anyone worthy of her son OR her kingdom so she decides NO ONE will be allowed to marry until her son does. (Side-note: The people of the court are NOT happy). Enter Princess Winifred who turns the kingdom upside down, and …. CFCArts excels at this kind of musical silliness, so we expect a load of laughter to accompany the singing. Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800 

“Dreams Come True” -- A Disney Musical Theatre Revue by CFCArts Youth Theatre 
April 19 at 6:30 pm 
Dreams DO Come True – especially in Central Florida -- as the Youth Theatre Groups from CFCArts say “Be Our Guest” to the wonderful world of Disney Theatricals! Young performers will create – and re-create – our favorite songs, scenes, and dances from classic Disney musicals including “Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Lion King,” “Newsies,” and “Frozen.” This fun-for-the-whole-family-musical-revue will be presented at Trinity Prep at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park. Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800

Mad Cow Theatre Presents “Top Girls”
NOW to April 21 
Women and power are back on the table in Caryl Churchill’s famously feminist feast about career-driven Marlene and her relationships in “Top Girls.” Caryl Churchill is prolific, dynamic and varied, and this contemporary classic, first performed in 1982, is most famous for its opening scene, featuring the main character attending a dinner party, accompanied by several women from history and folklore. The play strikes a chord today, in a world where women are still suffering due to gender inequality, albeit with exciting changes on the horizon. Visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 X 1. 

Shakespeare’s Richard II at Orlando Shakes 
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, who has directed 23 of Shakespeare’s plays – “some several times over” – 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. I hope the audience will see themselves in the characters and our state as a nation.” Hmmm – Ya think ?? Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators