“Josh Recommends” for the Week of August 2, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

“Legally Blonde, The Musical” at the Dr. Phillips Center 
August 2 to 4 
Local Summer Musical Theater Students present Legally Blonde, The Musical, the fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde. The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed with memorable songs and dynamic dancing, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Call 844.513,2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

“How to Marry a Divorced Man” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
August 2 to 25 
In this World Premiere, 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. 

Tim Allen at the Dr. Phillips Center 
August 2 
Who doesn’t love Tim Allen? Honing his talents as a stand-up comic was a perfect lead-in to his TV series “Home Improvement” where he garnered a Golden Globe Award and was honored with the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Male Performer in a TV Series” EIGHT years in a row. Currently in production for his hit sitcom “Last Man Standing” and reprising his role as Buzz Lightyear in Disney’s “Toy Story 4,” Allen continues to perform stand-up shows to sold-out crowds across the country. Call 844.513,2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

FAVO First Friday BACKPACK Collection and Art Show
August 2 beginning at 5 pm 
Hosted by FAVO Faith Arts Village Orlando, that unique collective “bee-hive” of arts activity which turned an old motel into a place for Artists to come together and show their work, this “First Friday” event is FAVO’s Annual Backpack Collection for kids. More than ever, this Art show means giving back by bringing backpacks full of school supplies while also experiencing local Artists at work and enjoying a family-friendly, FREE event. Call 407.222.1231 or visit facebook.com/FaithArtsVillageOrlando

‘SIP and SAVOR’ Otown-style
August 5 to 18 
It WAS known as “Restaurant Week,” but this year it has a new name, and bars have been added to this uniquely neighborhood “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 same. 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). 

George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Heartbreak House’ at Mad Cow Theatre 
August 9 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 

“Behind the Scenes” FREE at Orlando Shakespeare
August 10 from 11 am to 3 pm 
Join the “Orlando Shakes Family” for a day of FREE festivities as they pull back the curtain for their Annual Orlando Shakes’ Open House to celebrate the kick off of the theater’s 31st Season. With exclusive sneak peeks throughout the day, festivities include a backstage tour; an in-depth discussion of the new plays (with snippets from shows currently in development); sound and lightning demonstrations; kids’ activities including crafts and story-time; AND Special Open House-only discounts on tickets, exclusively at the theater. RSVP for this FREE event now by calling 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org

And Continuing … 

Turtle Power at the Orlando Science Center 
NOW to September 2
The Orlando Science Center is calling all Ninjas as Nickelodeon’s Mutant Ninja Turtles show off their Underground Lair in a museum exhibit featuring the four heroic ninjas. They’re looking for team-mates to train alongside the Turtles and Master Splinter. Along the way, young ones discover the importance of teamwork, creative thinking, and training as they are then asked to put their ‘new skills’ to the test in the Streets of NYC. Don't miss the live show “Enter the Dojo” on-stage, inside the 5000-square-foot exhibit hall. Visit osc.org/visit or call 407.514.2000 

“Enchanted Fairy Doors” at Leu Gardens 
NOW to Sept 30
Back by popular demand -- a visit to Leu Gardens is in order as this ‘exhibit’ of 15 “Fairy Doors” has found its way back to the Gardens. Located at 1920 N. Forest Ave in Orlando, the beautiful 50-acre gardens (where the fairies live) will inspire your child’s imagination about mythical forests and secret gardens. Work together to find the ‘enchanted’ doors and let your child’s creativity do the rest. Admission is $10 adult, $5 children (ages 4 to 17). Leu Gardens’ Members and children 3 and younger are FREE. Visit LeuGardens.org or call 407.246.2620 
 
… And Coming Up 

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 Peron and her rise from being an illegitimate child from the slums to becoming Argentina’s First Lady. 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, which were honored by 27 Grammys, Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 21. See her 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

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators