“Josh Recommends” for the Week of June 8, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

Step One: The Dance Project presents “Wakanda Forever”
June 9 at 3:30 pm & 7 pm 
Step One: The Dance Project, under the artistic direction of Katrina Webster Baker celebrates its 10th year with the tale of a young girl who dreams she has journeyed to the land of Wakanda. Nia, the young dancer, dreams she is dancing through Africa in the company of a Guardian Elder and her Hero, the Black Panther ending in the pageantry of her own coronation. Like the Black Panther, Nia becomes fearless too – a dancer dancing ‘fiercely’ with all her heart. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Tony Awards Viewing Party at Orlando Shakes – FREE 
June 9 from 6 pm to … 
This sounds like FUN – and it’s FREE. Enjoy Broadway’s biggest night in the audience of other theater-obsessives by watching the Tony Awards on the big screen at Orlando Shakes. Festivities include: screening of the Tony Awards, prizes for patron with most correct predictions, food vendors, specialty cocktails, theater trivia (during commercial breaks), 15% off sale at the Gift Shop, and early ticket access to Season 31 (before they go on sale to the public) Please note: This free event is on a first come basis. Your RSVP does not guarantee a seat inside the Theater. Visit OrlandoShakes.org 

‘ONCE’ at the Mad Cow Theatre 
NOW to June 30 
Talk about “Highly Recommended,” this emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have won an Oscar, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award! ‘ONCE’ draws you in. From the streets of Dublin, where an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant come together by their love of music, friendship evolves into a powerful love story. Under-scored by emotionally charged music, this joyful show speaks to the power of music to connect us all. Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney, for tickets call 407.297.8788 or visit MadCowTheatre.com 

Direct from Broadway – “Come From Away”
June 11 to 16 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
On 9.11, the world stopped. On 9.12, their stories moved us all. This New York Times ‘Critics’ Pick’ takes us into the hearts of the true stories of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clash, but uneasiness turns into trust, music soars into the night and gratitude grows into friendship. “Come From Away” is a Best Musical winner written by Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Tony-winning Best Director Christopher Ashley. Newsweek says, “It does what all the best musicals do: takes you to a place you never want to leave.”

“Snow White” presented by Orlando Shakes
June 13 to July 28
“Snow White,” adapted by the always funny Brandon Roberts, comes to life onstage in a comic re-telling of the classic tale of love, envy, and magic. Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, the wicked queen banishes Snow White to the woods where “Snow” must rely on her courage and wit to outsmart the evil queen. Director of Education Anne Hering says. “This adaptation brings a fun and new take on Snow White while honoring its core message about love and courage.” Also, join the cast for some interactive pre-show fun called, “Shake Out the Sillies” prior to each performance. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700 ext. 1 

Library Pop-Up Fun at Horizons West
June 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 am 
The Orange County Library System is bringing fun for the whole family this summer with “Library Pop-Ups” at Horizons West. On June 14, journey to the far reaches of outer space with “Mad Science Live” where you will travel amongst the planets, meet friendly aliens and cook up a kitchen comet with our favorite Mad Scientists at Waterleigh Community Clubhouse, 10482 Atwater Bay Drive on June 14, 21 & 28 at 10:30 am. To register, visit attend.ocls.info/event/2495245

FATHER’S DAY 
June 16 
A reminder for that one day out of the year to forget the “Honey-Do List,” and find something to do that DAD (and family) will enjoy. Anyone for tickets ??

The Alive Artist’s Group presents “Vision”
June 20 to July 13 at City Arts, Gallery B
With the serious belief that Art-making has the ability to move people along their journey of grief and loss, we are invited to the “2nd annual ALIVE art exhibit,” which will highlight the creativity of 49 artists honoring the PULSE tragedy. Creating art inspired by the feelings of healing, faith, and hope, the exhibit will occur in observance of the third anniversary of the Pulse tragedy with an opening reception on June 20 from 6:pm to 9:pm at CITYARTS. The evening will include music, an art print sale and raffles. Visit “The Alive Artists Group” on facebook. 

It’s Turtle Power Time 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. It’s a museum exhibit featuring the four heroic ninjas – who are 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 challenged to put their skills and training 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
Just in time for summer a family visit to Leu Gardens is in order as this ‘exhibit’ of 15 “Fairy Doors” has found its way 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. Find the ‘enchanted’ doors and let your child’s creativity do the rest. Admission is $10 adult, $5 child (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 … 

A Chorus Line presented by the Celebration Theatre Company
July 3 to 6 at the Dr. Phillips Center
Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Flashdance: The Musical at the Garden Theatre 
July 5 to 28 
Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

Legally Blonde, The Musical at the Dr. Phillips Center 
August 2 to 4 
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the movie. 
Visit DrPhillipsCenter.org 

 
EVITA -- presented by Orlando Shakes
Sept 4 to Oct 6
Tickets on sale June 11 at orlandoshakes.org

Les Misérables at the Dr. Phillips Center 
October 22 to 27 
Direct from Broadway with new staging and scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this is in the TOP 3 of my all-time favorite Broadway shows. This gets a “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” months before it even opens!! Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators