“Josh Recommends” for the Week of August 15, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

‘SIP and SAVOR’ Otown-style
FINAL WEEKEND - NOW to August 18 
It WAS known as “Restaurant Week,” but this year it has a new name, and bars have been added to this unique “foodie” event. Designed to get us into area restaurants during this summertime ‘slow’ period, it’s a great time to try that restaurant – or bar – where the menu looked a bit too pricey before. Pretty much any neighborhood that has its’ own name (e.g. College Park, Mills 50, or Thornton Park) has eateries taking part. Varying widely, most offerings include a drink and entrée – or some variation of … TIME is of the essence, however, so plan your hunger (or thirst) for offerings that begin at LUNCH for $5 !!! Visit sipandsavorotown.com for participating restaurants (and menus). 

CFCArts Presents Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”
August 22 and 23 at 7:30 pm 
This is a fairy-tale musical, but with Stephen Sondheim at the helm his classic "Into the Woods” finds the Grimm’s traditional characters somewhat ‘up-dated and colliding’ in the ultimate cautionary tale: “Be careful what you wish for; things are not always what they seem.” Many characters do see their wishes come true, BUT – in Act Two – they also see how the consequences of their actions turn out to haunt them in disastrous ways. At Northland Church in Longwood, for tickets and more, visit CFCArts.com 

Woofstock – National Dog Day at Celebration 
August 23 from 10:30 am to 1 pm
“Attention Party Animals!” In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock coinciding with National Dog Day, Windsor -- the beautiful facility created for over-55 living is creating “WOOFSTOCK 2019.” You can “dress up” (for a p-awesome costume contest); fetch doggy products at vendor booths; and even “strike a pose” at a special photo booth for you and your four-legged friend. It’s all FREE at 1370 Celebration Blvd in Celebration, FL, but please ask your canine buddy to RSVP by August 20 at 407.599.9100 

“Ragtime the Musical” in Winter Garden
August 23 to September 15
Based on the novel “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow, we find ourselves at the dawn of the new century – 1900 -- where in the ‘melting-pot’ of New York City anything seems possible. An upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a young Harlem musician are brought together by the promise of the future and by interlocked stories of compassion, courage, AND some historical figures – an inspirational ‘portrait’ of America. With some mild violence, and racial slurs, please use your judgment as to your child’s attending. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

 “Art After Dark” at the Downtown Arts District 
August 24 beginning at 7 pm
“Art After Dark” is the Downtown Orlando Arts District’s new program created to introduce young professionals to DAD and its mission. Guests enjoy the celebration in the unique setting of CityArts' six different galleries (all under one roof) with interactive art, meet & greet with guest artists, live music, photo ops, a silent auction, craft cocktails, and gourmet ‘lite-bites’ Tickets: $35 and $40; Attire: Semi-formal/cocktail for ages 21 and up, with Parking at the Plaza Parking Garage. Proceeds support DAD’s mission to stimulate the development of a vibrant and innovative arts district that enhances all of downtown Orlando. 

“How to Marry a Divorced Man” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
NOW to August 25 
In this World Premiere musical production, developed at the Playhouse’s Festival of New Musicals, the hilarity follows Layla Diamond who attempts to settle down with a divorced man. Setting her sights on a charming sports agent with two obnoxious children (of course), she makes one miscalculation after another, turning her marital quest into a hilarious farce. Based on the book by Leslie Fram, visit winterparkplayhouse.com or call 407.645.0145. 

George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Heartbreak House’ at Mad Cow Theatre 
NOW to Sept 1
England is on the brink of massive change in 1914, but in the English countryside estate of Captain Shotover an extraordinary assemblage of guests gather to re-unite. Affairs begin, engagements end, and hearts and minds become irreparably ensnared in a young woman’s dilemma – whether to marry for love or for money. George Bernard Shaw, master of wit and social comment, chronicles the demise of the leisure class in his favorite play. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 
 
… And Coming Up 

“Tuck Everlasting” (Young Audiences Edition) at Orlando Rep 
 Sept 3 to Sept 29
Young Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but not until she becomes entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she imagined. As the adventure unfolds, Winnie faces the impossible choice of returning to her ‘normal’ life, or continuing with the Tucks on their magical journey. Based on the best-selling novel by Natalie Babbitt, “Tuck Everlasting” has enthralled readers for over 40 years and NOW Orlando Rep presents this classic story with MUSIC! Recommended for ages 9 and above, visit OrlandoRed.com or call 407.896.7365 

Evita at Orlando Shakes ! 
Sept 4 to Oct 6 
If Shakespeare had been able to see into the future, he would have written Evita, the ‘rags-to-riches’ tale of Eva Duarte Peron and her rise from being an illegitimate child from the slums to becoming Argentina’s First Lady and the most powerful woman in the world – before her body (her health) brought her down. This is SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit orlandoshakes.com or call 407.447.1700 x1 

Alison Krauss at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 19 at 8 pm 
Having sold 12 million records to date – and honored with 27 Grammys – Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 21. See this penultimate country singer LIVE at the Dr. Phillips Center on October 19. Call 844.513,2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The Tony Award Winning Musical Phenomenon, “Les Miserables”
October 22 to 27, 2019
Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune called “Les Miz” one of the greatest musicals ever created,” and I completely agree. Single tickets are now on sale at the Dr. Phillips Center. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014

Miss America 2020: New Venue, New Date for 93-Year-Old Pageant
December 19 at 7 pm at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut
It’s a return to the “old home TV network” when NBC airs a live broadcast of the “Miss America Pageant” from a casino in Connecticut on December 19. Held to crown the “most beautiful woman” in the United States, this year Central Florida’s hopes for winning the crown are particularly well founded. Presenting a talented and stunningly beautiful participant in the Pageant, Michaela McLean, a native of Clermont, Florida was recently named Miss Florida. With deliriously beautiful blue eyes, Michaela ran locally as ‘Miss Florida Citrus.’ The Pageant is usually held in September in Atlantic City, but this year’s date and location change come after a board-directed “fresh take on the historic competition.” For more, visit MissAmerica.org 

 
Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators