“Josh Recommends” for the Week of March 29, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

Festival of Arts & Flowers to Benefit the Orlando Museum of Art
THIS WEEK-END – March 29 & 30 - 10 am to 5 pm and March 31 - 11 am to 4 pm   This week-end, the Council of 101 presents its springtime fundraiser, the “Festival of Fine Arts and Flowers,” a museum-wide showcase combining spectacular fresh floral designs inspired by works from the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. James Farmer, renowned author, gardener, floral and interior designer, joins a treasure trove of Antiques Dealers for this year’s show. Also included will be the “Petals Boutique,” a pop-up boutique; “Blossoms & Blooms,” a garden shop with all things flowering; and the Tea Room for “High Tea” cuisine. Call 407.896.4231x254 or visit omart.org/FAF

FREE Friday Nights at the MORSE Museum of American Art
TODAY – March 29 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. In the Spring, the Museum enhances an already ‘excellent’ experience with live musical groups and art demonstrations. This evening – March 29 – the Museum presents “48” Strings, including Harp and Violin. For the full schedule, through April 26, call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org/programs

“Once Upon a Mattress” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
TODAY -- 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 – 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 

Mad Cow Theatre Presents “Top Girls”
TODAY -- March 29 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 existential questions about what makes us human and how we think of our own identity. 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

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 !!!)
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to 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. Some of the iconic songs include “All You Need Is Love,” “Come Together,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

“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 

“Burn This Down:” HAROLD GARDE’s Reflections on the Art World
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 birth 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.  Hosted by Mills Gallery at 1650 Mills Avenue. 

King LEAR with John DiDonna at Valencia East Campus
April 5 to 14
Shakespeare's classic and heart-rending tragedy, (premiered 1606), 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) the production 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 always stunning Stage Combat of Bill Warriner, call 407 582 2900 or visit valenciacollege.edu/arts

“Symbiosis” Fine Art Exhibit at Bloomingdale’s 
April 9 from 6 pm to 9 m to June 5
Join the distinquished Artists of the Group Beaux Artists at Bloomingdale’s for the Opening Reception of "Symbiosis" on the 3rd Floor. Beverages & hors d'oeuvres for this FREE event are sponsored by Bloomingdale's with the exhibit co-hosted by Downtown Arts District and CityArts Factory. The exhibit celebrates the symbiotic relationships of “Art and the Home” and the “Artist with the Community.” See first-hand how various painting styles fit within varying home environments in Bloomingdales’s Furniture Showroom. Participating Artists include: Jean Banas, Peggy Banks, Nancy Hagood, Carson Kapp, Kathy O’Meara, Barbara Perkins, Lora Robinson, Amelie Bush Rogers, Joye Shaffer, Robert Shirk, Antoinette Slick, Patricia Thompson, and Lillian Verkins. Visit www.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.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators