Florida Culture for the Week of October 14 by Josh Garrick

Current – Mayor Dyer and the State of Downtown ORLANDO

It is no secret to my readers that Mayor BUDDY DYER is a hero to any of us who appreciate or create ART. In his recent State of Downtown address Dyer reflected on a decade of accomplishments (since taking office in 2003) that includes the completion of 50 cornerstone projects representing nearly $2 billion in investment and the new Amway Center. He also got to look ahead to 2014, a year that will include See Art Orlando, Orlando’s eight new privately funded public art sculptures; SunRail will begin operations; and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will open to the public. Find the whole speech at www.cityoforlando.net/elected/mayor/speeches/state_downtown_13.htm

Now through Oct 19 – Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week

Returning for its 7th season, Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week is a celebration of fashion and design AND a week-long tribute to Central Florida’s greatest (and most stylish) philanthropist – Harriett Lake. For seven days, Winter Park offers trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets and the BIG fashion runway show. ‘Plan your outfit’ for October 19, when we will mingle with Florida’s fashion elite in the tent in Central Park. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. Visit parkavenuefashionweek.com

Now through Nov 10 – Jackie and Me at the Orlando Rep

In this play for young people, Joey Stoshack is assigned to write a paper about Jackie Robinson. Joey heads back to 1947 (by holding a magical baseball card), meets the legend in person, and sees Robinson’s determination and dedication during the time of segregation. The lessons learned forever change Joey’s definition of courage. At 1001 East Princeton Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Now through Nov. 10 – Dracula by Shakespeare and Company

Orlando Shakes invites us to experience the celebrated gothic thriller – Dracula – in a one-man tour-de-force that uses Bram Stoker’s original text of journal entries and newspaper clippings for an evening of bloody thrills. Dracula’s inventive theatricality works its dark sorcery through November 10 … which includes Halloween night!  Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through Oct 31 – Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen

The 4th installment of what has become an annual Halloween Celebration, this year titled Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen, is the best version so far. With the best written script, the finest acting and inspired choreography, this homage to Poe, Dickens, and other literary masters is under the inspired direction of John DiDonna, Kevin Becker & Seth Kubersky; and choreography by Mila Makarova & Dion Smith. Call 407.328.9005 or credit card orders online at redchairproject.com.

October 17 to 20 – Orlando Ballet’s 40th Anniversary

Celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 5th year with Rob Hill as Artistic Director of the Orlando Ballet, the Company will present performances – called Tribute – on Oct 18 and 19 at 8 pm and Oct 20 at 2 pm. Tribute promises a weekend of fan favorites and pas de deux from the Company’s history. Unfortunately it also signals the final performances of prima ballerina Katia Garza as a member of the Company – that alone is reason NOT TO MISS these performances. For tickets visit orlandoballet.org

Oct 17 to Nov 23 – Orlando Shakes Introduces Young Audiences to Live Jazz

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater will introduce young audiences to jazz in the World Premiere musical A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure by Will Osborne and Murray Horwitz, with music by legendary Jazz composer Allen Toussaint. In performance from October 17 to November 23, Magic Tree House follows Jack and Annie on a mission to inspire young artists to share their talents with the world as they search for the young Louis Armstrong. Complete with live jazz band, this new musical transports audiences back to 1915 New Orleans, where the streets are filled with music and the night is filled with ghosts! Call 407 447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

photo by Landon St. Gordon with actors Damian Barray (the young Louis Armstrong), Jeffrey Todd Parrott (Jack), and Sophie Bell (Annie)

Oct 18 to Nov 17 – Venus in Fur at the Mad Cow

In this sexy, funny hit – direct from Broadway – the Mad Cow Theatre introduces us to Vanda, an ‘unusual’ young actress who arrives to audition for the lead in playwright Thomas’ adaptation of the erotic novel, Venus in Fur. During the audition, Thomas finds himself heading into dangerous territory as this ‘battle of the sexes’ asks the audience, “Does Art imitate Life?” Written by comic master David Ives, this new play will keep you guessing until its comic climax. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Oct 18 to Nov 4 – Breakthrough Theatre Enters “The Twilight Zone”

The Breakthrough Theatre will present four episodes from the classic series, "The Twilight Zone", from October 18 to November 4 (which includes Halloween). The four episodes are: Night Call, in which telephone calls haunt an elderly man; The Lonely (written by Rod Serling); Shadow Play, in which a murderer tries to convince those about him that the world is his recurring nightmare; and The Living Doll, in which a father does battle with his stepdaughter's talking doll. The Breakthrough Theatre is at 419 W. Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park; for reservations call 407-920-4034.

Oct 19 – FREE Concert in the Park at Mead Gardens

The Florida Young Artists Orchestra and the Maitland Symphony Orchestra are inviting us to … "Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun, Two Orchestras Performing a Concert of One” in a FREE concert on October 19. There will be two concerts presented on the beautiful stage at Mead Gardens in Winter Park with the FYAO offering a classical concert at 5:30 pm followed by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra in a pops concert at 7 pm. The concerts are free, family friendly, and open to all. Call 321-303-1404.

Oct 19 from 11 am to 2 pm – Family Day at the Orlando Museum of Art

Comedy balloon entertainer Karen Climer will perform Karen Climer’s Crazy Balloon Show at the Orlando Museum of Art Family Day on October 19. The Crazy Balloon Show is a 45-minute stage-show featuring storytelling, magic, comedy, and the “biggest balloon sculpture ever seen.” Other activities include storytelling, face painting, and hands-on art activities. Children are free with paid adult admission. Visit Omart.org or call 407-896-4231

October 23 – Emanuel Ax and Johannes Brahms

Greatness is a sometimes overused word, but Emanuel Ax is, without a doubt, one of the great pianists of our time. This four-time guest artist with the Bach Festival Society will perform a program centered on the works of Brahms including his Piano Sonata No. 2 and Clavierstücke, Op. 118 at the Tiedtke Concert Hall on the Rollins College Campus. Set for October 23 at 7:30 pm, call 407.646.2182 or visit bachfestivalflorida.org

Oct 24 – From Christie's Auction House

Just before it closes on October 27, A Passion for Collecting at the Orlando Museum of Art will present Christie's Michael Bass, who will discuss "What's Hot and What's Not" on October 24 at 1:30 pm. Bass will focus on Chinese ceramics and then engage the group in a gallery walk through the exhibit. Free with paid admission, call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

Oct 26 – Cows ‘n Cabs -- a Charity Culinary Festival

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ David Larue and celebrity chef John Rivers return with the 3rd edition of Cows ‘n Cabs, with its signature rustic scene presented in Winter Park’s West Meadow. Inspired by local cuisine, and with the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty in Central Florida, 100% of ticket sale proceeds will benefit the Community Food & Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando. Along with top culinary talent, attendees will enjoy live music; a photo booth; a game of “Wine Ring Toss” (where guests can win bottles of wine) and a silent auction. Admission is $110, and reservations are required. Visit cowsncabs.com or E-mail tina [at] cowsncabs.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators