Florida Culture for the Week of August 17, 2015 by Josh Garrick

TONIGHT -- Aug 17 -- Rimma & Friends presented by the Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic proudly honors its brilliant Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois TONIGHT at 7 pm … and Rimma has lots of ‘Friends.’ Rimma will be joined by Alexander Stevens, violin; Mauricio Céspedes Rivero and Peter Dutilly, violas; Grace Gavin and Nick Curry, cellos; Colleen Blagov, flute; Nikolay Blagov, clarinet; Mark Fischer, horn; Gabriel Bergeron-Langlois, bassoon; and Keiko Andrews, piano in a veritable chamber orchestra to present Mozart’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Piano Quintet in B-flat Major, and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

FINAL WEEK -- NOW to Aug 22 – Winter Park Playhouse Presents Dames At Sea 

There’s one week left to experience the BEST Tap-Dancing-Theater in Florida – the Winter Park Playhouse – presenting Dames At Sea in a production that perfectly recalls the Busby Berkeley / Ruby Keeler movies of the ‘30’s. This gorgeous production offers a dream of a cast, the best tap dancing this side of Broadway, and the happiest of endings. The fantastic Michael Edwards directs, Roy Alan choreographs, and Chris Leavy is music director for this stellar production. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

FINAL WEEK – NOW to Aug 23 – Heathers the Musical at the Dr. Phillips Center

Based on the classic 1989 film, the Florida Premiere of Heathers the Musical is being presented in a brilliant, ‘must-see’ production at the Dr. Phillips Center through August 23. Westerberg High is ruled by the hottest – and NASTIEST – girls in all of Ohio, but misfit Veronica Sawyer and her mysterious boyfriend JD put the Heathers in their place. Director Kenny Howard is to be congratulated on perfect casting for every role in this quirky musical with special mention to Thomas Sanders as JD, Nicole Visco as Veronica, and Lindsey Wells as Heather #1. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

NOW to Aug 31 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Musical Nunsense 

I’m not Catholic, but that fact has never kept me from fully enjoying the crazy antics of The Order of the Little Sisters of Hoboken who are forced to hold a fund-raising variety show to raise money to bury several sisters (who were accidentally poisoned by their cook). It may sound more Agatha Christie than (author) Dan Goggin, but once these Sisters get going, it’s non-stop hilarity. Enjoy the comedic calamity through August 31 at the Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park.  Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

NOW to Nov 1 – BAM! It’s a Picture Book: The Art Behind Graphic Novels 

In an Orlando Museum of Art exhibition presenting 80 original illustrations, BAM! It’s a Picture Book features the work of five award-winning graphic artists: Mark Crilley, Matthew Holm, Jerrett Krosoczka, Lincoln Peirce, and Raina Telgemeier. Today, graphic novels are the fastest growing forms of publishing. From the first graphic novel published in 1842 through last century’s Comic Heroes – Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man, today’s graphic novels are more varied in content and have a new level of respectability. Visit omart.org or call 407.896.4231

Aug 21 to 30 – The Central Florida Premiere of CARRIE the Musical

Based on the Stephen King novel, CARRIE the Musical is a new take on the story of the teen who is so relentlessly bullied at school and tormented at home by her fanatical mother that she is forced to unleash terrifying powers. The creation of Academy Award-winning composer Michael Gore and Academy Award-winning lyricist Dean Pitchford, the show closed on Broadway after five performances, making it the most expensive flop in Broadway history. It was, however, resurrected for a successful Off-Broadway run in 2012. Now Clandestine Arts Artistic Director Derek Critzer has joined with Sylvia Viles to direct the musical’s Central Florida premiere at the ME Theatre at 1300 La Quinta Drive in Orlando. For tickets, visit clandestineorlando.com

Aug 21 to Sept 20 –Tribes at Mad Cow Theatre 

Winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, Tribes tells the story of Billy, a young, deaf man with a quirky and dysfunctional family. Billy struggles to find his place in his own home, but when he meets a young woman with deaf parents, she teaches Billy about a type of family he never knew. With dark humor and sincerity, Nina Raine’s new play reminds us we don’t get to ‘choose’ our family and what it means to … belong. Call 407.297.8788 ext. 1.  ASL interpretation will be offered for performances on August 23, September 4, and September 17.

July 23 – An Intimate Evening with Keiko Matsui  

Celebrating a triumphant 25 years of recording in the US with the release of her 24th CD, Keiko Matsui’s music transcends all boundaries.  She is a Japanese producer, Jazz Pianist and composer who has released over 20 albums in her 3-decade career. Her melting pot of musical influences; constant touring; and ability to connect with her audiences have garnered a devout international following. This is a very special opportunity to see and hear her in the intimate setting of the King Center Studio Theatre at 3865 N. Wickham Rd in Melbourne. Call 321.783.9004 or visit the kingcenter.com or brevardmusicgroup.com

Aug 24 to Sept 30 – Orlando's Magical Dining Celebrates 10th Delicious Anniversary

Magical Dining is truly … magical. Beginning August 24 and running through September 30, we get to select from 76 participating restaurants to enjoy three-course dinners for $33. Visit Orlando has lined up more newly-opened fine dining restaurants than ever before. There is no better time for ‘Foodies’ to enjoy Orlando, named one of The New York Times' 52 Places to Go in the World. Bottom line – we get to choose among GREAT restaurants and enjoy a 3-course meal for $33 from August 24 to September 30. A full list of participating restaurants is available at visitorlando.com/magicaldining

Aug 28 to Sept 20 – Needle and Thread: New Work by Butch Anthony

Alabama folk artist Butch Anthony has taken up needle and thread to lend a new dimension to his Southern-Gothic art. Antique photographs and reproductions on canvas are embellished with embroidery and a touch of wit to create arresting, and often humorous, images. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art will host an Opening Reception for his new work on August 28 from 6 to 9 pm (coinciding with the Sanford Art Walk). Entry is free. The gallery is located at 211 E. 1st Street in Historic Downtown Sanford. Visit jtfolkart.com or call 407-323-2774. 

Forever, a work in progress by Butch Anthony

Aug 29 – Tamia at House of Blues 

The beautiful in every way Tamia will headline with her Love Life tour at the House of Blues in Orlando on August 29 in support of her 6th studio album, LOVE LIFE. Released on June 9th, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. LOVE LIFE was the much anticipated follow-up to Tamia’s Beautiful Surprise of 2012, which earned two Grammy Award nominations. Tamia’s two decade career is highlighted by six Grammy nominations, 10 Top 20 R&B chart songs including her hits “So Into You”, “Spend My Life With You”, and “Stranger In My House.”  Tickets at tamiaworld.com

Aug 29 & 30 – Florida Kids and Family Expo 

From pre-natal to empty nest and everything in between, the Florida Kids and Family Expo is your opportunity to discover what Central Florida has to offer moms-to-be, babies, toddlers, kids, teens and families. Enjoy over 200 exhibitors at the Orange County Convention Center,  3 stages of LIVE performances (both days), interactive stations, schools, medical info, robotics, birthday entertainment, fitness, safety items, sports facilities, pets, farm animals, day cares, home decor, Orlando Magic, beauty products, security, laser tag, arts and crafts workshops … and more. This is a “fun-for-the-WHOLE-family-event.”  Aug 29 10 am to 5 pm and Aug 30 11 am to 5 pm. For tickets: mycentralfloridafamily.com/purchase-tickets/

Sept 1 – FREE Program for Veterans – Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive!

VITAS Healthcare, with a reputation for special care for World War II Veterans, will present a FREE program – Celebrating the Greatest Generation – to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II by honoring local veterans and those who were there to support them. Beginning at 9:30 am on September 1 at the Winter Park Civic Center at
1050 W. Morse Blvd in Winter Park, the Free program will feature Keynote Speaker: Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, USA, Retired and a USO-style show with the Orlando Big Band. RSVP to Veronica Soto at VITAS Healthcare at 407.599.2534.

Current – Gaboon VIPER on Exhibit at the Central Florida Zoo 

A Gaboon Viper can now be seen at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Gaboon Vipers have the largest fangs of any viper at nearly two inches, and the snakes are also among the world's largest vipers with lengths of over five feet. Relatively placid, the snakes will only harm humans if they are stepped on or harassed. These nocturnal predators possess an extraordinary camouflage pattern and two "horns" on their nose aid in concealment as they wait in ambush for their prey in the rainforests of east and central Africa. Visit centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators