Florida Culture for the Week of October 26, 2015 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Oct 31 – Phantasmagoria VI – ‘The Darkness Returns’

The PHANtastic, MAGical troupe of Phantasmagorians performs Phantasmagoria VI ‘The Darkness Returns’ to celebrate the Halloween Season. Live performers offer new stories of terror, ‘Phantastic’ dance, large-scale puppetry, aerial performance, and horror as they relate literary tales of terror from around the world. This is theatrical story-telling of the highest order, created with POWER and MAGIC at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. This is LITERALLY the PERFECT way to spend HALLOWEEN. Call 407-328-9005 or visit OrlandoAtPlay.com

NOW to Oct 31 – BatBoy: the Musical at the Abbey 

Another Halloween entertainment, this one is based on a ‘true’ story in The Weekly World News, BatBoy: the Musical is a musical-comedy-horror show about a pointy-eared boy discovered in a West Virginia cave. Adopted by the town veterinarian, BatBoy falls in love with the vet’s daughter while struggling to keep his blood thirst under control. In a show consistently praised for intelligence and wit, this outlandish musical is at The Abbey through Halloween. Visit ticketweb.com 

Oct 30 to Nov 1 – Giselle by the Orlando Ballet with the Orlando Philharmonic 

The epitome of romantic ballet, Giselle is a tale of unrequited love, remorse and forgiveness. NOW performing with live music by the Orlando Philharmonic, Giselle demands consummate skill and true acting ability. These performances are historic as the Orlando Ballet brings a new generation of artists to the stage. Joseph Gatti and Adiarys Almeida perform the lead roles at the Dr. Phillips Center along with welcoming the Orlando Philharmonic’s brilliant new Music Director Eric Jacobsen, who will conduct the Orchestra for these performances. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org  

Oct 30 & 31 – Epcot Resorts Food and Wine Classic

A whole ‘other’ take on Halloween finds culinary offerings, wines from around the world, and celebrity chef appearances at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic on October 30 and 31. On the causeway you’ll be tempted with a diverse selection of delectables prepared by Disney’s award-winning chefs offering cuisine to please every palate. A state-fair-themed food area, Carnival Corner, is new this year offering childhood-inspired comfort foods, corn dogs, and funnel cakes. Tickets to the Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a hotel package or individually by visiting SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or calling 1-800-227-1500. 

Oct 31 – Celtic Woman’s World Tour at Bob Carr Theater

Global music sensation Celtic Woman will bring its 10th Anniversary World Tour to Orlando on October 31 at 3 pm. This musical experience features Celtic Woman performing Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary pop songs in the group’s signature style. The World Tour stars three angelic vocalists and a dazzling violinist with a full band, the Aontas Choir, bagpipers, and Irish dancers all under the direction of producer David Downes. Celtic Woman’s 10-year journey has entertained millions. For your chance to experience Celtic Woman Live, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Oct 31 at 3 pm – Baroque Chamber Orchestra Concert in Maitland

Performing Arts of Maitland’s newest musical group -- The BCO brings the “Baroque alive” and into the 21st Century by performing contemporary compositions in the style of the Baroque. These modern works are contrasted to the Masters of the period: Bach, Telemann, and Vivaldi. Enjoy the enchanting sounds of harpsichord and strings under the direction of Dr. Alvaro Gomez at 3 pm on October 31st at the Maitland Presbyterian Church at 341 North Orlando Avenue. $10 admission at the door. Call 321-303-1404.  

Nov 1 to Mar 1 – Winter Park to Present ‘ART on the Green’ OUTDOOR Exhibit

Seven large-scale sculptures will be on display in Winter Park’s welcoming 11-acre Central Park from November 1 through March 1, 2016 (concurrent with park hours). The seven distinguished artists who created the works reflect a wide spectrum of creativity while keeping in mind the selection of sculptures was made to highlight the natural beauty of Central Park while engaging audiences of ALL ages. The Art on the Green exhibition may be viewed FREE of admission seven days a week. Visit cityofwinterpark.org/AoG

Nov 4 – Applications Due for Orlando’s Annual Recycled Fashion Show

The City of Orlando seeks local fashion designers and artists to create innovative looks from materials that would otherwise be headed to the landfill (TRASH). Chosen designs will be featured at the Trash2Trends runway event, (Feb 6) a fundraiser for Keep Orlando Beautiful. The event brings the fashion and the environmental communities together to inspire Orlando, already one of the most sustainable cities in America, to protect Orlando’s natural resources and amenities for generations to come. Go to cityoforlando.net/trash2trends for an application. Those with questions may call Jody Buyas at 407.246.2752 or e-mail her at jody.buyas[at]cityoforlando.net

Nov 6 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic: Rimma Plays Prokofiev

The critically acclaimed Maestro Daniel Stewart will conduct the Orlando Philharmonic as the Orchestra’s brilliant concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois takes on Prokofiev’s diabolically passionate violin concerto along with works illuminating the musical genius of three of America’s most celebrated composers. The concert, to be presented at the Bob Carr Theatre, will include Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Andrew Norman’s Great Swiftness, and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 1. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Nov 6 to Dec 6 –  Chaim Potok's My Name Is Asher Lev 

My Name Is Asher Lev chronicles a young painting prodigy growing up in Hasidic, post-WWII Brooklyn. When Asher’s Art comes into conflict with his religious identity, Asher must choose between family and his Art. A story of growth and perseverance, Aaron Posner’s adaptation of this modern classic is a touching examination of the artist’s journey.  Mark Edward Smith directs with Michael Frishman as Asher in this Mad Cow Theatre production. Visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 x 1

Nov 6 to Jan 3 – FINAL Year for Disney's Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

As older attractions make way for the new at Disney theme-parks, we’ve learned that this will be the final year for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios as the Light Spectacle makes room for the recently announced “Star Wars Land.”  First opened in 1995, the ‘Spectacle’ is created from more than 10 miles of rope lighting. This final season – the Osborne’s 20th – is included in the admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park. 

Nov 10 to 15 – Direct From Broadway – Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of  Cinderella’s better known ‘step-sisters’ The Sound of Music and South Pacific. Written as a joyfully contemporary take on the classic tale, this gorgeous production features magical transformations, a masked ball, costumes fit for a princess, and a classy, glass slipper. The comedy works on several levels (you’ll love it as much – if not more – than your children). It is a romantically beautiful and surprisingly funny musical comedy … that comes with a really great pair of shoes. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators