Florida Culture for the Week of April 27, 2015 by Josh Garrick

April 29 – Mayor Buddy Dyer’s ‘State of the City’

The hardest working Mayor in the world will talk about the ‘State of the City’ on April 29 at 10:30 am. The site for Hizzoner’s address is the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – just one of the incredible success stories for which Mayor Buddy Dyer is more responsible than any other. Add to that SunRail, the Amway Center, the re-built Citrus Bowl, and the brilliant opening of our Soccer Franchise. Amazing is too simple a word. Join in the applause as Orlando’s Super-Mayor tells us what’s next. Visit cityoforlando.net

May 1 and May 3 – Puccini’s TOSCA with the Orlando Philharmonic

It’s love and death at the OPERA when a fiery prima donna is forced to play a role she never imagined as she becomes trapped between her lover and a treacherous police chief who will stop at nothing to satisfy his lust. That lust leads to one of opera’s bloodiest and most intense conclusions. Conducted by Joel Revzen, with Keri Alkema as TOSCA, the opera will be performed on May 1 at 8 pm and May 3 at 2 pm at the Bob Carr Theater. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

May 1 and 2 -- CFCArts Youth to present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. 

The CFCArts’ Youth program (grades 7 to 12) invites us ‘down the rabbit hole’ to join Lewis Carroll’s inquisitive heroine (Alice) as they present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr,  an adaptation of the Disney film. Alice will chase the White Rabbit, race the Dodo, rap with the Caterpillar, and beat the Queen of Hearts at her own game in performance at Cornerstone Academy at 824 Fairlane Ave in Pine Castle, Florida. Performances are May 1 and 2 at 7 pm. $10 tickets are on sale at cfcarts.com. 

May 1, 2 & 3 – Coppelia presented by Orlando Ballet  

Orlando Ballet’s production of Coppélia at the Dr. Phillips Center is NOT your typical love story. The soon-to-be-married-Franz falls in love with a life-sized doll (Coppélia). NOT a popular turn-of-events for his fiancé (Swanhilda), the fiancé impersonates the doll leading to a “Boy meets doll” love triangle. Riiiiight. Let’s see what the Orlando Ballet makes of this comic folk-tale. Note: For young audiences, a one-hour performance of the ballet will be presented on May 2 at 11 am.  Call 407.426.1739 or visit orlandoballet.org 

Kate-Lynn Robichaux as Coppélia    

May 1 to 31 – Peter Pan at the Garden Theater  

Take flight with Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John as they bring new ‘magic’ to this timeless Broadway musical that now combines live action with digital theatre. Thanks to the magical talents of the Theatre's digital partners, we’ll follow these fairy-tale characters out the nursery window on a trail of pixie dust to Neverland. This uniquely new theatre magic is happening at the intimate 299-seat Garden Theater in Winter Garden. RECOMMENDED. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736

May 2 – Hearts of Gold Concert to Benefit Coalition for the Homeless

May 2 will be an extraordinary night at Hard Rock Live featuring a concert with the Orlando Pops Orchestra and the vocals of Fernando Varela and Branden James (America's Got Talent) and Sisaundra Lewis (The Voice). Funds support the Coalition for the Homeless where, each night, 600 of our neighbors in need – over 150 of them children – are provided with a place to sleep, meals, childcare, counseling … and hope. Yes, YOU can make a difference. Email [email protected] or call 407.426.1265.

May 2 and 3 – St. Johns River Festival of the Arts 

Historic Sanford invites us to an Art Festival and Art Experience as 125 nationally accredited fine artists and craftsmen line the City’s historic brick streets with original paintings, pottery, sculpture, woodworking, photography, jewelry, blown glass and more. It’s Great Art, Great Food, Great Music, AND Free Parking along with hand crafted foods at the Culinary Arts Court and LIVE ‘Artist-in-Action’ demonstrations. Call 407.416.1779 or visit stjohnsriverartfest.com 

May 3 – Buddha’s Birthday Celebration 

The first Sunday of May is Buddhism’s biggest day of the year -- Buddha's Birthday, and we are ALL invited to the event. Beginning at 10 am on May 3 there will be teams of Offering Volunteers in procession, walking the red carpet in the main shrine for a sharing ceremony with participants of all ages, ethnicities and creeds welcome. Join any part of the festivities that last through 4 pm at the Guang Ming Temple at 6555 Hoffner Avenue in Orlando. Call 407 281 8482 or visit orlandobuddhism.org

May 3 – Running of the Chihuahuas at Cocina 214

My favorite Tex/Mex Restaurant – Cocina 214 - will host the 3rd Annual Running of the Chihuahuas on May 3 starting at 10 am. Hey – “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” as this fundraiser for Winter Park Lost Pets and A Cause 4 Paws Rescue offers a (hilarious) race as well as music, food and drink specials, Tito’s Vodka photo booth, and Cocina’s 4th anniversary block party. Cocina 214 is just off Park Ave at 151 East Welbourne in Winter Park.  Call 407.790.7997 or visit cocina214.com and tell them “Josh sent me.” 

May 3 – One Night to Benefit the Trauma Center at Orlando Health 

It’s a milestone year for the 10th Annual One Night that celebrates the excellence in Trauma Care at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Hosted by the Mall at Millenia, One Night includes a champagne reception with silent auction followed by a gourmet meal during which guests are introduced to true-life-saving trauma care stories and the people who experienced the moment-to-moment life-saving care offered by these helicopter and ambulance medics and emergency physicians. YOUR ticket purchase will help save lives by visiting onenightsaveslives.com or calling 321.843.3230. 

Jane & Phil Easterling with Trauma Center First Responders 

May 5 to August 9 – Gourds From Around the World at the Polasek Museum 

Prized for their infinite uses and forms, gourds are one of mankind’s earliest domesticated plants. Embellished by humans for centuries, gourds from cultures throughout the world will be presented at the Polasek Museum from May 5 to August 9. From archaeological sites as early as 13,000 BC, the gourds will include statues, musical instruments, tea cups, and the iconic gourd pipe used in movies by the literary character Sherlock Holmes. In addition, the Polasek Sculpture Gardens will have live gourds growing in the garden. Call 407.647.6294 or visit Polasek.org 

May 7 & 8 – Ladies and Gents in Concert presented by CFCArts 

Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) will present Ladies and Gents in Concert, the inaugural performance of the organization’s Women’s and Men’s Chorale on May 7 and 8 at 7pm. A mix of spirituals, hymns, and songs from the Renaissance through contemporary Broadway showstoppers, the Chorales will join forces to present When I Fall In Love, arranged by Derric Johnson, arranger of the Voices of Liberty. This beautiful night of song will be performed at the Central Christian Church at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd in Orlando. Visit cfcarts.com or contact Sarah.Mattingly[at]cfcommunityarts.com

May 8 to 24 – The Osceola Center Theater presents Legally Blonde the Musical

In this charming and surprisingly powerful musical, Elle Woods has her life turned upside-down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can ‘get serious’ and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charms to get into Harvard only to struggle with ... everyone. Watching Elle prove herself to the world is the real joy of this contemporary fairy-tale at the Osceola Center for the Arts from May 8 to 24. Call 407.846.6257 or visit ocfta.com 

May 9 -- Science of Wine at Orlando Science Center

The 5th Annual Science of Wine, at the Orlando Science Center, is a unique wine and gourmet food tasting event with a fun and educational twist. More than 150 of the finest wines from all of the major wine regions of the world will be presented for tasting throughout the evening, and a seminar on wine-making will be offered. Gourmet restaurants and caterers will pair the wines with a variety of delectable dishes as you celebrate and network with others who enjoy the culture of wine. HIGHLY Recommended. Call 407.514.2112 or visit osc.org and click events. 

May 10 – The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra's Season Finale 

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra closes its 58th remarkable season of young people making classical music with a concert at the Bob Carr Theater in Downtown Orlando. All four FSYO Orchestras will be featured in this finale, set for May 10 at 4 pm, with the friendly invitation of complimentary admission to all academic and music educators to this concert. Call 407.999.7800 or visit fsyo.org 

May 10 – PBS Hit Dinosaur Train – Live! at the Dr. Phillips Center

In two performances on May 10 at 1 pm and 4 pm, Dinosaur Train – Live! brings the stars of the hit PBS series to the Dr. Phillips Center. Kids can join Buddy, Tiny, King, and Don in a fun-filled trip back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth....and rode in trains! This musical story is created for the stage, with special effects filling the theatre with a full-sized Dinosaur Train and costumed puppet characters. Kids will love this “pre-hysterical” experience from the Jim Henson Company. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

May 12 to 17 – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Dr. Phillips Center 

It’s a tale as old as time – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to the Dr. Phillips Center. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this musical spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide – filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including Be Our Guest. Let the whole family experience the enchantment – Beauty and the Beast is appropriate for all ages. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

And looking ahead … 

May 16 – Chef’s Gala to Support Heart of Florida United Way 

Twenty-three Top Chefs from Central Florida’s finest restaurants will create the region's premiere food and wine pairing event on May 16 at Disney’s Epcot World Showplace. 95 cents of every dollar raised will benefit United Way partners providing services to the 1 in 5 of our neighbors who are in desperate need. Last year the Chef’s Gala raised $300,000 to benefit local programs for thousands of Central Floridians. Buying a ticket will help – more than you can imagine. Visit hfuw.org or call 407.429.2129

Central Florida’s Top Chefs worked their magic for Heart of Florida United Way to raise $300,000 at last year’s Chef’s Gala

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators