Florida Culture for the Week of August 31, 2015 by Josh Garrick

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

Magical Dining runs through September 30, and we are invited to select from over 70 participating restaurants to enjoy three-course dinners for $33.  In celebration of their 10th Anniversary Visit Orlando has lined 76 fine dining restaurants – more than ever before. There is no better time for ‘Foodies’ to enjoy great Orlando Restaurants. Bottom line – we get to choose among GREAT restaurants and enjoy a 3-course meal for $33 – all through September. Find the full list of participating restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com.

Sept 4 to 6 – Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic

The full legacy of Walt Disney is celebrated as ‘Mouse-ter of Ceremonies’ Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters including Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy, the Disney Princesses Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Frozen comes to life along with 14 classic stories including Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Portrayed by an international team of award-winning figure skaters with high-energy choreography, breathtaking sets, and 30 musical masterpieces, it all comes together to make 100 Years of Magic the ultimate Disney fan experience. In six performances at the Amway Center from September 4 to 6, visit DisneyOnIce.com or ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Sept 4 to 8 – Celebrate 450! – St. Augustine's Unique History

When you talk about history, Florida often gets left behind EXCEPT in the case of St. Augustine. Established in 1565, St. Augustine is 450 years old, and its Commemoration acknowledges the role the city played in the making of America while telling the story of its rich multicultural history. It is America's first city, a city that symbolizes discovery. The St. Augustine 450th Celebration – from Sept 4 to 8 – will feature a street and music festival, commemorative re-enactments, processions, Mass, cake-cutting ceremony, history "touch boxes," a KidZone and Family Oasis, and many other events (all FREE) to honor St. Augustine's history. Visit staugustine-450.com

Sept 4 to 13 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche

It’s 1956 at the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein’s Annual Quiche Breakfast, and the idyllic gathering lives by the motto “no men, no meat, all manners.” The breakfast is upended when the Society’s matriarchs confront the startling revelation that an atom bomb may be falling on THEIR city. Fears are confronted as the ladies stay firm in their commitment to “respect the egg.”  This cult hit won the 2012 NYC International Fringe Festival with a mix of silliness and social observations. The Breakthrough is at 419A West Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Sept 5 -- Rocket Man: The Elton John Experience FREE

Rus Anderson is “the Rocket Man” as he and his musicians re-enact an early Elton John Concert, with outrageous replica costumes, live instruments, and flashy grand pianos. It’s a magical journey with real musicians that leaves audiences laughing, singing, and dancing as Anderson puts everything he has into making his show the most fun Elton John tribute in the USA. The Elton John Experience will be at the Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell on September 5 at 7:15 pm with fireworks immediately following. This concert is FREE.

Sept 9 to Dec 18 – ‘Second Nature’ Photographs by Brad Temkin

The exhibit ‘Second Nature’ Photographs by Brad Temkin will open with a Reception on Sept 9 beginning at 6 pm at the Southeast Museum of Photography. Temkin, an award-winning Chicago-based photographer, has documented human/environmental relationships throughout his career. This exhibit presents Temkin’s work related to man’s imprint on the landscape, often including our efforts to incorporate Nature back into urban environments – in gardens and on the rooftops of skyscrapers. In addition, an Artist Lecture / Reception will take place on October 2 at 6 pm. Visit smponline.org/ex_BTemkin.html

Sept 9 – Central Florida Women’s League ‘Meet and Greet’ 

Founded in 1988, the Central Florida Women’s League (CFWL) is a group of 150 volunteers committed to charity, service, and scholarship within our community. Since that time, CFWL has granted over $2 million in support to local charities and scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Beginning at 5:30 pm on September 9, CFWL invites you and a friend to a “Meet and Greet.” The $30 ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails at the Dubsdread Ballroom at 549 West Par Street in Orlando. To RSVP, visit cfwl.org or call Mary Colton at 407-222-7388.

Sept 9 to Oct 11 – Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at Orlando Shakespeare

With a book and lyrics by Eric Idle (YES, the Monty Python guy), Mr. Idle certainly “found his Grail” as his musical version travelled to Broadway where it WON 3 Tony Awards – including BEST MUSICAL!  Now Orlando Shakes is bringing SPAMALOT, lovingly ripped off from the classic Monty Python film, to Orlando complete with Knights “who run away,” flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and a bevy of musical numbers that elevate silliness to an art form. IF you’ve ever followed my recommendation, THIS is the “must-see” event of the season, so buy your tickets now. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Photo by Landon St. Gordon featuring Davis Gaines, Brad DePlanche, and Dee Roscioli.

Sept 10 to 28 – Musical Totally Electric at The Abbey

Totally Electric is a new show that takes us on a flash-back to the 1980s, and the high school choir – ‘The Sensations' last weeks of high school. Each with a unique personality, the Sensations find respect through their musical group, while being bullied by the West Lake "in crowd.”  Through determination and talent, The Sensations leave their mark on West Lake High along with a surprise casting twist. Totally Electric stars (real) Miss America winner Ericka Dunlap as a ‘Sensation,’ so it will be fun to watch ‘Miss A’ transform on-stage from bullied to Beauty. (she’ll probably take off her glasses). Totally Electric will be presented at The Abbey in downtown Orlando.  Visit TicketWeb.com or AbbeyOrlando.com

Sept 10 & 11 – "Guys and Dolls" by Central Florida Community Arts 

It’s New York City in the 1950s, and all the gamblers in town are depending on Nathan Detroit to set up this week’s Crap Game while also seducing local missionary Sarah Brown to accept a date with him. Central Florida Community Arts will present a concert version of Guys and Dolls as its 2015 Summer Broadway production. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, featuring classic hits including Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat and Luck Be A Lady, Guys and Dolls will be presented at Northland Church at 7:30 pm on September 10 and 11. Tickets are $10. Visit cfcarts.com/guys-and-dolls for tickets or contact Sarah.Mattingly[at]cfcommunityarts.com

Sept 11 to 20 – Central Florida Premiere of Women Playing Hamlet

The Southern Winds Theatre reminds us that in Shakespeare's day men played all of the women's roles. The funny and thought provoking new play Women Playing Hamlet turns that idea around as we follow Jessica, who auditions for the role of Ophelia, but ends up playing Hamlet. Comedy ensues as the cast of 4 ladies plays 19 different roles – including ALL the men’s roles. Written by William Missouri Downs, the cast includes Chloe McElroy, Avis Marie Barnes, Danielle Miller, and Marylin McGinnis. Presented at the Venue at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando, call 407.341.3495 or visit southernwindstheatre.com.

Sept 11 to Oct 10 – Swing back to the ‘50s with The Marvelous Wonderettes

Loaded with hit songs from the 1950’s and 60’s, this musical comedy by Roger Bean, is set at Springfield High’s Senior Prom in 1958. We meet four teens with dreams as big as their crinoline skirts in this musical trip down memory lane including Lollipop, It’s My Party, Dream Lover, You Don’t Own Me and so much more. Featuring Playhouse favorite Kate Zaloumes, Winter Park Playhouse Artistic Director Roy Alan will direct and choreograph.  Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Photo: (l to rt) Kate Zaloumes, Caitlin Doak, Sandia Ahlers, Lindsay Nantz    credit: Vincent Gerace 

Sept 13 – Comedy Legend Martin Lawrence at the Dr. Phillips Center

Martin Lawrence is “Live Doin’ Time,” and he’s coming to the Dr. Phillips Center. The comedic legend and actor first found his way to the legendary Improv and won a performance spot on Star Search. He was chosen to host the groundbreaking Def Comedy Jam on HBO and soon had his own show Martin on Fox TV from 1992 to 1997 -- an enormous success. Many of his films have been blockbusters at the box office, including Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House with several Big Momma’s films to his credit. We can see him “Doin’ Time” LIVE on-stage on September 13 at 8 pm.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators