Florida Culture for the Week of September 2 by Josh Garrick

September (the whole month of …) – Orlando’s ‘Magical’ Dining Month

Serious “Foodies” won’t want to miss a day in September when Orlando’s top restaurants offer $33 three-course dinners throughout the month of September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. Yes – you read it correctly – 3-course meals for $33. More than 60 restaurants will offer the special price meal with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Find a full list of restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Sep 5 and 6 -- Central Florida Community Arts Presents Oklahoma!

Considered THE great American musical since its premiere in 1943, Oklahoma! will be presented in concert version by Central Florida Community Arts on September 5 and 6. Benefitting victims of the 2013 tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, performances begin at 7:30 pm at Northland Church in Longwood. Tickets at $10 may be purchased online at cfcarts.com/oklahoma/ or at the door on the night of the performance, or by calling 407.949.7170

Sept 6 to 16 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents The Gingerbread Lady

The first play of Breakthrough’s 5th season is Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady. In a significant departure from Neil Simon’s better known comedies, this 1970 work is about alcoholism. In the play, performer Evy Meara’s career, marriage, and health have all been destroyed by alcohol, and she returns home following a 10-week stay in rehab. Her return, however, is marred by friends with emotional problems of their own – including her daughter and ex-lover. Do not be surprised when this Neil Simon “tragi-comedy” ends up more tragic than comic. Call 407-920-4034

September 7 – ‘Lace Up’ for the Greater Orlando Heart Walk

Looking to raise funds while increasing awareness of heart disease, the American Heart Association ‘lace up’ 18,000 ‘Walkers’ to participate in the Greater Orlando Heart Walk. On September 7, at 7 am, the Walkers will start at the UCF Memory Mall with a fundraising goal of $1,500,000. Combining fitness and philanthropy, the annual Walk raises funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading killers of American men and women. Visit greaterorlandoheartwalk.org

Sept 7 – The Orlando Mind, Body, Spirit Expo 2013

The Radisson Hotel on I-Drive will be the home of The Orlando Mind, Body, Spirit Expo 2013 – an event created to unite the Conscious Living Community in Central Florida and to help people connect with available resources. Including live performances, psychic readings, henna art, yoga workshops and nutritionists, there will be over 50 vendors AND an Artist Village outside the hotel. Held from 9 am to 9 pm on September 7, visit orlandomindbodyspirit.com for complete information.

Sept 9 to Oct 8 – New Venue for Local Artists at Chapman/Leonard

The award-winning manufacturer of camera equipment for motion pictures and TVs – Chapman Leonard Studios will present the work of 13 Central Florida Artists represented by Arts Hub FL. Coupled with a screening of Star Trek Into Darkness, the Opening Reception is set for September 9 from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, with the screening starting at 6 pm. “Our philosophy includes a commitment to the local arts scene,” said Christine Huenergardt, Marketing Director at Chapman/Leonard. The C/L Studios are at 9460 Delegates Drive in Orlando. Call 888 883 6559 to rsvp. 

"Fred and Pebbles” by Parker Sketch

Sept 10 – Rockaway’s Table Talk Explores Trends in Mixology

The Rockaway Agency will present its 2nd Table Talk, a series of discussions exploring the culinary industry on September 10, at which the panel will discuss Raising the Bar: Farm, Food & Spirits at K Restaurant.  Featuring a Free “kegs and eggs” breakfast, panelists will discuss how the farm-to-table concept has impacted the beverage industry. Moderated by Paul Johnsen, the panel includes James Beard-nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, Kaitlin McGavock of Courtesy Bar, Nathan Clark of Wonder-made, and Matt Anderson of Enlightened Grain Spirits. The Free breakfast will be served at 10 am at K Restaurant in College Park. RSVP at 407.236.6566 x 103 

Sept 11 to 22 – Bokas’ ART at Bloomingdale’s

Native Floridian Victor Bokas grew up on the Gulf Coast against a backdrop of sunbathing tourists, palm trees and tropical images which show up in his colorful, witty, and idiosyncratic paintings. A graduate of The University of Florida, Victor is Senior Graphic Designer for Tupperware and his work appears in private collections, museums and public spaces including a magnificent 88 foot long mosaic at the Orlando International Airport. On September 11 Bloomingdale’s invites us to the Mall at Millenia to launch the Exhibit and to celebrate this popular Central Florida Artist. Call 407.264.2504 or visit bloomingdales.com

Sep 11 to October 6 – The Taming of the Shrew Direct from the ‘Wild West’

Shakespeare’s most outrageous comedy kicks off the 25th season at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater as Director Jim Helsinger presents a very American version of The Taming of the Shrew set in the ‘Wild West.’ “We’ve never done the play set in the ‘Wild West,’ and I think it is a perfect setting for a rootin' tootin' trick shot shootin' version of this battle of the sexes,” Helsinger says. Opening September 11, this high-energy battle of the sexes runs through October 6. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Sept 12 – Sip & Stroll in Winter Park

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite us to an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres at 25 participating merchants in downtown Winter Park. The Sip & Stroll events invite attendees to visit local shops and restaurants, each of which offers a preview of their latest fashions, gift ideas and menu items. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience new destinations along Park Avenue and return to long-time favorites. Admission is $25. Each attendee receives a wine glass and passport at check-in. Call 407.644.8281 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Sept 12 – Polasek Museum’s Mingle at the Museum

We are all cordially invited to an evening of networking, poetry, sculpture, and cocktails at the beautiful Polasek Museum. Bring your business cards and garden-friendly-shoes while enjoying complimentary appetizers and live poetry readings by the Orlando Poetry Troupe as you peruse the Polasek’s new gallery exhibit. Follow that with a cocktail in the magnificent sculpture gardens for a sunset stroll overlooking Lake Osceola. Cash bar and limited on-site parking offered with proceeds benefitting the Museum. Tickets are $5. Purchase tickets online at polasek.org or call 407-647-6294.

Sept 13 to Oct 5 – I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Among the most successful musicals presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, one of the most hilarious and most popular is I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Now the 2nd longest-running show Off- Broadway is returning to the Playhouse “by popular demand.” This musical comedy sings about everything you’ve ever thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit!  Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept 13 -- Performing Arts of Maitland Hosts "A Havana Night" 

September 13 promises to be an evening packed with music and dance – beginning with the Maitland Stage Band featuring the magnificent Miss Jacqueline Jones singing her favorite big band tunes. This wonderfulness will be followed by Nannette's Ballroom Dance, performing and inspiring everyone onto the dance floor in a night recalling romantic “Old Havana.”  Hor d'oeuvres from ZaZa’s Cuban Diner complete the Latin theme. Tickets, on-line at MaitlandCivicCenter.com are $20 advance; $25 at the door.