Florida Culture for the Week of December 30 by Josh Garrick

Dec 31 – Taverna Opa’s Greek-Themed ‘Gatsby New Year’s Celebration’

The Roaring 20’s return on New Year’s Eve at Taverna Opa Orlando, as the restaurant, known for its entertainment and Greek cuisine, hosts its annual celebration on December 31 beginning at 9 pm. ‘Gents and Flappers’ are invited to sip, dine and revel in live entertainment featuring aerial artists, a tap dancer and a Gatsby contortionist. Guests will receive a four-course dinner including a champagne toast as the year turns to 2014. Reserve at eatgreek[at]opaorlando.com or call 407.351.8660. Taverna Opa Orlando is at 9101 International Drive at Pointe Orlando 

Jan 4 – Cornell Fine Arts Museum Presents Matisse as Printmaker

Drawn from the collection of Henri Matisse prints that once belonged to the Artist's son, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum (CFAM), on the campus of Rollins College, will present Matisse as Printmaker: Works from the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation. Opening January 4 and running through March 16, Matisse as Printmaker includes 63 etchings, monotypes, aquatints, lithographs, linocuts, and two-color prints – examples of every printmaking medium used by the Artist. Call 407.646.2526 or visit Rollins.edu

Jan 8 to 12 – Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Thousands of participants join this annual event that charts a double race-course through the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. The races climax a weekend of fitness that features the Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon, Walt Disney World 10K, Disney Family Fun Run, Disney Kids Races, Goofy's Race and a Half, and the Pasta in the Park Party. Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo will be at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the races. Visit disneyworldsports.com

Jan 9 to 12 – “Get Your Growl On”at the Circus

“LADIEEEEEES and GENTLEMEN” – the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey present LEGENDS! – living legends, that is as the Circus presents performers from around the globe in feats of daring along with the magic of summoning the mythical and the mysterious including a Unicorn, a Pegasus, and a Woolly Mammoth. LEGENDS!, a brand new show running January 9 to 12 at Amway Center, includes Alexander Lacey’s second American debut. The Lacey family has raised more than 11 generations of lions and 9 generations of tigers. For show times and information, visit Ringling.com.

Jan 9 to 19 – That Demon Barber – Sweeney Todd

For over 150 years the legend of Sweeney Todd has ‘fed the appetites’ of those hungry for ghoulish and violent tales. Beginning on January 9, Clandestine-ARTS will transform The Venue into 1800’s London and bring this grisly adventure to life in the Sondheim musical. The illustrious murderer, played by Stephen Jones, will sing as he wreaks havoc from his Fleet Street barbers shop. For tickets, visit clandestine-arts.com or call (408) 676-7095. The Venue is at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando.

Jan 11 – Songs of Elton John from the Orlando Philharmonic

After his sold out performances with the Philharmonic in 2012, Grammy and Tony Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh returns to Orlando to perform Pinball Wizard, Crocodile Rock and other rock hits from the legendary Elton John. Cavanaugh will have his band – and the Orlando Philharmonic, conducted by Andrew Lane – to share the stage at the Bob Carr PAC on January 11 at 2 and 8 pm. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

And Planning Ahead …

From January 22 - March 9, we can all ‘experience’ The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (Parts I and II) at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. This epic adventure in theater serves as the ‘anchor’ for Central Florida’s year-long What the Dickens? celebration. More than 15 cultural organizations will host Dickens-inspired events and performances throughout the year.
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators