Florida Culture for the Week of October 8 by Josh Garrick

October 10 to November 11 – RACE -- A Courtroom Drama

Fresh from Broadway, David Mamet’s controversial courtroom drama RACE makes its Orlando debut at the Orlando Shakespeare Center in performance from October 10 to November 11.  RACE begins as a crime mystery, with two attorneys deciding if they want to represent a wealthy white man accused of assaulting a black woman. As the lawyers struggle to find the truth their own prejudices are exposed, and they discover that racial and gender politics are as complex as the case in front of them. In signature Mamet style, the play pushes buttons, exposing the dark side of sexual and racial politics in the American justice system. Race contains profanity and racial epithets, and is recommended for adult audiences. The Shakespeare Center is at Loch Haven Park in Orlando. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

October 13 to April 7 -- Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination

This is such a perfect fit for the Orlando Science Center, I can’t wait for the opening. Developed by the Museum of Science, Boston in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd., Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is a 10,000 square-foot exhibit that explores the technologies depicted in the Star Wars films, the real science behind that technology, and the current research that will someday lead to real-life versions of the technologies seen in the films. This ‘must-see’ exhibit is also the first to display costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies. The exhibit includes video interviews with filmmakers, scientists and engineers; and hands-on components, including two large Engineering Design Labs, where visitors can build and test their own speeders and robots.  Call 407.514.2112 or visit mos.org/starwars or osc.org.

October 13 – Art & History Museums – Maitland Honor the Orlando Magic

Each season the Orange & White Gala is held to benefit The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H).  This is especially true now that we SEE all the wonderful renovations and improvements to the Museums that have taken place over the past 2 years. THIS YEAR the Gala is called the Orange & White (& Blue) Gala, as A&H will honor the Orlando Magic on October 13 beginning at 6 pm. Corporate Tables are available. For tickets, call Devin Dominguez at 407-539-2181 x 262 or visit ArtandHistory.org  

October 13 and 27 – SMARTbiz with Josh Garrick

As an Artist, once you’ve created a body of work, how do you get it seen by the public? One way is by obtaining gallery representation. On October 13 join Artist and fine art curator Josh Garrick for a discussion of the pros and cons of getting your artwork into a gallery. Then, on October 27 return to FMWA and Josh Garrick to learn how you can present your artwork so that it stands out when a judge has a limited amount of time to spend with you and your works at an Art Festival – by a man who actually ‘judges’ festivals. Call the Florida Museum for Women Artists at 386.873.2976.

October 15 – The Annual Taste of Maitland

It’s the perfect time of year for a stroll around Lake Lily as 40 local restaurants present their finest culinary delights at the Taste of Maitland 2012.  Advance tickets are $20 and ‘day of’ tickets are $25 at Lake Lily Park. New this year … your friends and family may buy a table package that includes a linen covered table with 8 chairs that not only provides you with all the ‘samplings’ you can eat, but puts you up close to the live entertainment.
Table packages are $299.  Call 407.644.0741 or visit maitlandchamber.com

October 17 – The One Show Comes to Orlando

Held annually in New York City by The One Club, The One Show remains the pinnacle of achievement in advertising and graphic design while providing a showcase for the world’s best work. On October 17, Josephine Carey, of MP&Associates will bring the One Show exhibit to Orlando for the first time. “You have to be around great work to do great work,” she says. The One Show Screening, sponsored by AIGA Orlando, will take place at Say It Loud! at 1121 Mills Ave in Orlando. Guest speakers include award winner Bob Meagher and Yash Egami. Visit orlando.aiga.org

October 18 to November 18 – Chasing George Washington

Originally produced at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure is a charming new musical for young audiences. In a tour of the White House, three youngsters accidentally knock George Washington out of his portrait – turning their tour into a living history lesson and an unexpected adventure. As they try to get the nation's first President back into his painting, the kids encounter other famous White House residents, including Abraham Lincoln, Dolley Madison, and Jackie Kennedy. Together, they learn that the White House isn't just an historic building... it's also a home. Chasing will be performed at the Orlando Repertory Theater in Loch Haven Park. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

October 18 to November 9 – Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory

CityArts Factory presents the Third Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory Exhibit opening on Third Thursday, October 18 from 6 to 10 pm, The simultaneous exhibitions feature the work of local artists in the theme of The Day of the Dead and Halloween – including three haunting murals.  On that evening Pine Street will be closed for live music provided by Tacatantan Records and spooky performances.  A Dia de los Muertos procession with sugar skulls and puppets will take place along with a Zombie flash mob getting down to Thriller.  Guests are invited to come in costume with face painting available for a small fee. All artwork is available for purchase and will be on view through November 9. CityArts Factory is at 29 S. Orange Ave in Orlando. Visit orlandoslice.com

October 19, 20, and 21 – The Vampires are Havin’ a Ball!

The Orlando Ballet Company invites us to the Vampire's Ball, a back-by-popular-demand evening of Vampires, Ghouls (and sexy dancing) with tongue-in-cheek references to existing classical ballets and old-time vampire movies. Just in time for Halloween, and with a musical score ranging from Bach to Adele, these ‘creatures of the night’ come to life on October 19, 20, and 21. The haunting performance is a brilliant full-length ballet with choreography by Orlando Ballet’s own Artistic Director Robert Hill.  Grip your seat as you are ‘glamoured’ into craving more at the Bob Carr PAC. Visit OrlandoBallet.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators