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

2019 Science Play Festival at Mad Cow Theatre 
TODAY -- March 15 at 8 pm & March 16 at 3 pm and 8 pm 
In 2014, Mad Cow Theatre's first Science Play Festival was received with standing-room-only performances, and this year's festival features three more staged readings exploring the influences between art and science – and vice versa. Each reading is followed by a “talkback” with the cast and science gurus. They include “A Number” by Caryl Churchill (3.15 at 8 pm); “Incognito” by Nick Payne (3.16 at 3); and “Ada and the Engine” by Lauren Gunderson (3.16 at 8 pm). Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheare.com 

Experience a Divine Culture … Shen Yun 2019 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
FINAL PERFORMANCES -- NOW to March 17 
In ancient times China had a culture rich in creativity and beauty. Shen Yun invites audiences to visit this lost civilization by melding classical Chinese dance and athleticism with cutting-edge innovation. Through hundreds of hand-made costumes, backdrops raised to a high-art, and a live orchestra, this theatrical experience brings 5,000 years of folktales and legends to life in a magical world of heroes and miracles. In performance NOW at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org/events 

“What a Glorious Feeling!” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
TODAY -- March 15 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 

Winter Park Spring POPS with Orlando Philharmonic 
March 17 at 3 pm 
The Orlando Philharmonic presents over 150 concerts each season at venues all over the Central Florida area. These community events happen in parks, churches, and even at the Airport. The concert on March 17 is not only a concert worth traveling for, it is also FREE. Maestro Eric Jacobsen will conduct with Christina Courtin and Leah Flynn as guest vocalists in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park. This annual Spring Pops program is perfect (and FREE) for the entire family. For more, visit orlandophil.org 

1984 – The Play, based on the book by George Orwell
FINAL PERFORMANCES -- NOW thru March 17
After a successful Broadway run, this Central Florida Premiere of a new play presents the full terror of George Orwell’s horrific masterpiece in which a totalitarian government uses brainwashing, surveillance, and torture to control its citizens. Special mention goes to Brian Zealand as the would-be revolutionary. Be forewarned -- the violence and torture is presented with such ‘reality,’ it is almost too much to sit through. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

Mozart’s Symphony 33 and More by the Orlando Philharmonic 
March 18 at 7 pm 
One of today’s most dynamic young conductors, Ruth Reinhardt this season makes her debuts with the Grosses Orchester Graz and Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra; and the symphony orchestras of Fort Worth, Omaha, Orlando, Portland, Santa Fe, and Sarasota. Ms. Reinhardt will be joined by our own Concert Master Rimma Bergeron-Langlois as the soloist in a program including JANÁČEK’s– Suite for String Orchestra; ZWILICH– Romance for Violin and Chamber Orchestra, MYSLIVEČEK– Overture No. 2 and MOZART’s luxurious Symphony No. 33. This performance takes place at The Plaza Live at 425 North Bumby Avenue in Orlando. Call 407.896.6700 or visit orlandophil.org ​

A Most Important Opening for the Downtown Arts District 
March 21 from 6 pm to 9 pm 
Closed since November 2018, that ‘miracle’ of fine arts presentation called “City Arts Factory” is about to OPEN again to the Public with a Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Buddy Dyer at 6 pm on March 21. On opening night, guests are welcome to walk through 6 “new” art galleries and see the updates made to the historic building which was donated to the City of Orlando through the generosity of Ford Kiene. The donation provides a facility dedicated to the arts in downtown Orlando. The event is FREE and NO tickets are required, but you may want to arrive early just to have a space in what is one of the most important Openings for Downtown Orlando in a decade.

Opera Orlando Pairs Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella
March 22 to 26 
The always imaginative Opera Orlando is creating one evening in which two classics are paired in this premiere operatic union of Pagliacci/Pulcinella. Both works garner inspiration from Italy's commedia dell'arte tradition, and this production honors that tradition by showing us the “circus troupe” from which the tragedy is drawn. Orlando’s own Phantasmagoria Troupe comes on-stage with Pagliacci as one of their performers. Brian Cheney is Canio and Suzanne Kantorski is Nedda in this mash-up of high comedy and intense tragedy in this emotionally charged “show within a show.” Performances at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

TONY BENNETT at the Dr. Phillips Center
March 23 at 8 pm
Tony Bennett's life and philosophy is the embodiment of the Great American Story. Having celebrated his 92nd birthday on August 3rd 2018, his career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries is unprecedented as he continues to be embraced and loved by audiences of all generations. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Rock n’ Roll Lovers – You’ve Got a DECISION to Make --- Check This Out … 
The Planets Align on March 24 at 8 pm (same night – same time) 

Legendary Band CHICAGO at the Bob Carr Theater
March 24 at 8 pm
CHICAGO, the legendary “rock-and-roll-band-with-horns,” comes in at an incredible number 9, the highest-charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s “Hot 200 ALL-TIME Top Artists.” The first American band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. From the unique sound of their horns, to their dozens of classic hits CHICAGO ‘Celebrates’ at every concert. This year marks the band’s unprecedented 51st Anniversary Tour, giving them 50-plus reasons to ‘Celebrate’ as never before. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org/events

The John Mellencamp Show
March 24 at 8 pm 
Set to coincide with his highly anticipated new album release, JOHN MELLENCAMP brings his 2019 tour of “The John Mellencamp Show” to Orlando. Featuring the rock icon’s classics plus new material, his live show has garnered critical acclaim with the Hollywood Reporter calling it a “triumphant, career-spanning show.” His extensive touring and live shows have solidified the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer’s place at the forefront of American music for the past 40 years PLUS -- Every ticket purchased online will receive a copy of Mellencamp’s up-coming album “Other People’s Stuff” set for release on November 16 by Republic Records.
Visit drphillipscenter.org/events 

Gertrude and Claudius – and Hamlet 
NOW thru March 24 at Orlando Shakes 
We can always be proud of our Shakespeare Company – especially when Artistic Director Jim Helsinger steps in as an actor or director. NOW Mr. Helsinger has turned the John Updike NOVEL (entitled Gertrude and Claudius) of 2001 into a PLAY which is a PREQUEL to Hamlet. Not only are we treated to the WORLD PREMIERE of G & C, but it is being presented in repertory with Shakespeare’s amazing play from 1600. (That would be Hamlet). Much of the enjoyment of G & C is the cunning plotting that ANSWERs questions we all have about HAMLET. That’s two more triumphs from our Shakespeare Theatre – including a World Premiere. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Florida Cowboy Heritage Day is FREE 
March 24 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Polasek Museum
On March 24 the Polasek Museum offers FREE admission on “Florida Cowboy Heritage Day” when several of the artists from the Museum’s current exhibit will be present. There will also be “pop-up” painters from the Central Florida Watercolor Society, poetry readings by the Orlando Poets Association, and historical re-enactments by the Museum of Seminole County History & Osceola County Historical Societies. It all takes place at the Albin Polasek Museum at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. Visit Polasek.org or call 407.960.4719 

“Once Upon a Mattress” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
March 29 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 – Now 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 

Peter & the Wolf Family Weekend with the Orlando Ballet 
March 30 at 11 am & 7:30 pm and March 31 at 2 pm
The Orlando Ballet presents the classic fairy tale, “Peter and the Wolf” as seen through original choreography by Artistic Director, Robert Hill. Prokofiev’s brilliant score brings each animal to life for children of all ages, introducing the instruments of the orchestra, while the work is ‘sophisticated enough’ for adults to enjoy. With tickets starting at 4 for $60, the Orlando Ballet’s second annual Family Weekend not only introduces young ones to the joys of symphonic music, but presents the beloved tale with “live animals” and Music provided by Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Beat Bugs – A Musical Adventure (Inspired by the Beatles !!!) 
NOW through April 7 at the Orlando Rep
Inspired by music made famous by The Beatles, "Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure" hits the stage with five insect pals who explore the world and pick up life lessons along the way. This new musical, based on the Netflix animated series, introduces Walter, Buzz, Jay, Crick, and Kumi on a mission to save Strawberry Fields from being taken over by a Stink Bug. Some of the iconic songs include “All You Need Is Love,” “Come Together,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “With A Little Help From My Friends.” Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators