“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 10, 2019 By Josh Garrick

Submitted by Josh Garrick on Fri, 05/10/2019 - 19:30

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“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 10, 2019 By Josh Garrick

CURRENT – MILLIONS for the ARTS in Central Florida
While the Florida State Government’s support for the Arts may be an embarrassing 49th place in the U.S.A, Florida’s Orange County is making forward thinking news with recent announcements of grants of $6 MILLION for Winter Park’s proposed library and event center; $10 MILLION for the Holocaust Resource Center (currently located in Maitland) to move to the site of the former Orlando Chamber of Commerce; and $10 MILLION to the Orlando Philharmonic which will transfer ownership of its Plaza Live performance venue to the City of Orlando. This wondrous largesse comes directly from the Tourism Tax Dollars under the control of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Amidst the jubilation, it is important for us to understand that these grants will enhance the lives of every citizen of Central Florida for generations to come. BRAVO and THANK YOU to all concerned.
Image: David Adjaye’s sweeping design for the Winter Park Library

CFCArts presents “SPECTACLE”
TONIGHT -- May 10 at 7:30 pm at Northland Church
In two ‘SPECTACULAR’ performances, the Central Florida Community Choir, Symphony Orchestra, and Dance Company combine show-stopping production numbers, selections from classical music’s “Greatest Hits,” and timeless songs from the past 100 years into an entertainment extravaganza unlike anything you’ve seen before. Join the NATION’S LARGEST community choir, members of Central Florida’s largest symphony orchestra, and the CFCArts Dance Company as they dream big through music’s all-time greatest hits! Call 407.937.1800 x 710 or visit CFCArts.com/spectacle

CFCArts presents “SPECTACLE”

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Broadway & All That Jazz”
TONIGHT -- May 10 at 8 pm
Featuring jazz from Broadway: West Side Story, Cabaret, Chicago, and more, some of the best jazz ever written started its life on Broadway. Catch The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips for their season finale in a night of Classic Jazz from Broadway as the Pugh Theater becomes Orlando’s coolest jazz club. With the backing of Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Jazz Orchestra at DPC is made up of the hottest players selected from around the country turning Orlando’s Jazz Orchestra into a series of ‘must-see’ performances. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014.

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Broadway & All That Jazz”

“Heartbeats” at the Winter Park Playhouse
OPENING TONIGHT -- May 10 to June 9
With Book, Music and Lyrics by Amanda McBroom, this Central Florida Premiere is a beautiful and comedic musical about a woman’s journey as she grows up, grows older and finds happiness along the way. Filled with tremendous humor and insight, this new musical illuminates the age-old conundrum known as “self-discovery.” Featuring 20 songs by Amanda McBroom, including her super-hit song, “The Rose,” call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

“Heartbeats” at the Winter Park Playhouse

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Shakespeare Center
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to May 14
Central Florida’s own international singing star – Michael Andrews – has created a new version of the classic fairy tale for the Shakespeare Company – and children of ALL ages who enjoy a great song and the lessons to be learned when a hero seeks to “reach new heights.” Jack is known for his sense of adventure, but when our hero is called upon to rescue new friends, his bravery is put to the test. Among giants, mystery and magic join Jack in this brand new musical in a land above the clouds! For audiences of all ages, call 407. 447.1700

Jack and the Beanstalk at Orlando Shakes

Billy Elliot: The Musical
NOW to June 2 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden
Featuring a score by music-legend Elton John, this Broadway musical is based on the hit film, “Billy Elliot,” with every member of this large cast turning in a superb performance. Anyone who has taken a ‘life-path’ different from that which one’s family approves will empathize with this story set in an English town during the miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy exchanges the boxing ring for ballet class, challenging every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, Billy discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change lives. Please note, the production contains mature themes. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736

Billy Elliot: The Musical

Mother’s Day
May 12 (all day)
Just a reminder that Mom’s Big Day is THIS SUNDAY. Tickets to a performance are always Highly Recommended for HER BIG DAY !!!

Mother’s Day

Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Rocktopia”
May 12 at 8 pm
Having grown up in the 1980’s, “Cross-Over Rock” is one of my guilty secrets, so you can only imagine how I am looking forward to the “rule-busting multimedia concert” called “Rocktopia.” This way-cool concert fuses iconic ROCK with world-renowned CLASSICAL composers. We’re talking Queen meets Beethoven; Zeppelin merges with Puccini; The Who meets the joy of Strauss and more. On May 12, five amazing vocalists – backed by a full symphony orchestra, an electrifying rock band and an “open-minded” choir take music to electrifying new heights. See it. Hear it, and enjoy the WOW factor. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014.

Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Rocktopia”

Direct from Broadway -- Anastasia
May 14 to 19
Inspired by several beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical, Anastasia is coming to Orlando. From the Tony Award – winning creators of the Broadway classic ‘Ragtime,’ this dazzling new show transports us from the fall of the Russian Empire to the jazz-fueled euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Time Out New York called it, “a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery.” Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. Direct from Broadway -- Anastasia

In the Artist’s Studio with Romero Britto
May 18 from 6 pm to 9 pm
This year, “In the Artist’s Studio” will honor Romero Britto, in the visiting artist program presented by the Downtown Arts District at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The program will be moderated by TV personality Marc McEwen of CBS This Morning and WKMG-TV, Local 6. Brazilian-born and ‘Miami-made,’ Britto is internationally loved and renowned for his vibrant colors and bold patterns that reflect his happily optimistic view of the world. Britto has created a visual language of hope that is easy to relate to and inspiring to millions. The evening will include a silent auction, entertainment, and an interview with Mr. Britto. Original works will be for sale in the Gallery. Visit itas2019.eventbrite.com or call 407-648-7060.
In the Artist’s Studio with Romero Britto

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Applause Awards
June 1 at 7 pm
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the “Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Applause Awards” celebrates high school teachers and students involved in musical theater. The event features outstanding performances from participating schools while showcasing the leading musical theater programs and encouraging all schools to continue improving their programs. To participate, schools register their musical theater production to be reviewed by a team of adjudicators who provide valuable feedback. The top contenders are then invited to the Dr. Phillips Center to take part in an awards showcase that recognizes the winning musical theater productions, students and educators. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014.