Florida Culture for the Week of July 1 by Josh Garrick

Now through July 28 -- Theater for Young Audiences’ Sleeping Beauty

Princess Rose is celebrating her birthday and the kingdom is having a party, but a terrible curse causes our young Princess to fall asleep for 100 years. Complete with a handsome prince and a magical kiss, this retelling of Sleeping Beauty introduces the classic fairy tale to a new generation of kids and families. Complete with “autograph session” with the cast after every performance at the Shakespeare Center, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through July 15 – Breakthrough Theatre presents In the Gloaming

The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park presents the new musical, In The Gloaming, through July 15. Adapted for the stage by Wade Hair from the teleplay by Will Scheffer (which was adapted from a story by Alice Dark), In the Gloaming tells of Danny, dying of AIDS, who returns home for his last months. With music from the Dixie Chicks, the new musical is directed by Wade Hair. Call 407-920-4034 or purchase tickets online at breakthroughtheatre.com/tickets/

Now through July 7 – A Star-Spangled WEEK at Disney

This is Central Florida, and WE LOVE FIREWORKS. We also know that no one does fireworks better than DISNEY, and Disney guests have FOUR MORE DAYS to celebrate our country’s birthday.  Guests can experience the flag-waving spirit of the Holiday through July 7 in the fireworks spectacular above Cinderella’s Castle.  Visit limitedtimemagic.com

Now through July 31 – FREE Admission at Art & History Museums – Maitland

For my readers from Maitland (who can show proof of residency) all of the Museums that make up Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) are offering FREE Museum admission throughout July. Those Museums include: The Maitland Art Center at 231 W. Packwood Avenue; Maitland Historical Museum at 221 W. Packwood Avenue, the Telephone Museum at 221 W. Packwood Avenue; the Waterhouse Residence at 820 Lake Lily Drive; and the Carpentry Shop Museum at 820 Lake Lily Drive. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

July 4 – Admission is FREE to the Morse Museum on July 4th

The Morse Museum – home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany – will follow a decades-long tradition and provide FREE admission to its galleries on July 4, in conjunction with Winter Park’s Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. The City celebration, from 9 am to 1 pm, includes a bicycle parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, patriotic music by the Bach Festival Choir and more. The Museum is open from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org

July 5 – The Central Florida Artist Show at FAVO

On July 5 from 5 to 9 pm, Faith Arts Village Orlando (FAVO) will open its doors – LOTS of doors – to the former motel rooms at 221 East Colonial that have been renovated and filled with local art for the public’s enjoyment – and potential purchase.  With food trucks, activities for kids, and live music, it’s a great way to ‘celebrate’ the extended Holiday weekend. The 19 open studios include the ceramic sculptures of Denisse Berlingeri, abstracts by Rodney McPherson, and paintings by Robin Maria Pedrero, along with works by dozens of other Artists. Visit faithartsvillage.com

July 6, 13, 20 and 27 – Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series

Throughout July, Lakeridge Winery will host Blues and Jazz artists in a Summer Music Series held outdoors each Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm. The musical line-up features a different band each Saturday, and there is no charge for admission or parking. (Guests should bring chairs or blankets) A variety of food and beverage items will be available for purchase, including Lakeridge wines by the glass. Wine tours and tastings will be held throughout the day. The music schedule includes July 6 – The Ladyz & the Boyz; July 13 – The Nightly Blues Band; July 20 – Ruth King; July 27 – The Robert Harris Group. Visit lakeridgewinery.com or call 352.394.8627

July 8 – Duo Sole & Friends

When I write to tell you about a Duo-Recital between Mauricio Céspedes Rivero, the Orlando Philharmonic’s principal violist, and Alexander Stevens, the Orchestra’s principal second violin, none of us would expect an evening of songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern to make up the program. But the ‘unexpected’ is exactly what the Philharmonic offers with its Summer Series. Rivero and Stevens make up Duo Sole, and they will be joined by ‘friends’ to present this tribute to American Song on July 8 at 7 pm at the Shakespeare Center. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

July 10 to 13 -- International Parents Without Partners will Convene …

International Parents Without Partners will bring single parents from near and far to the Wyndham Orlando Resort from July 10 to 13 to meet other PWP’s. The organization provides guidance and a wide range of workshops for single parents (and their children), and the convention ends with a dinner-dance (July 13) with the public invited. For information or registration, call 843-771-4787 or 305-385-3423

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators