Florida Culture for the Week of November 9, 2015 by Josh Garrick

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

Nov 13 to 15 – Florida Opera Theatre presents ‘Master Class’ (A Play)

Do not be confused. This is a “wickedly, funny play” ABOUT a Master Class given by the often terrifying opera Diva Maria Callas. Written by St. Petersburg, Florida’s own Terrence McNally, ‘Master Class’ will feature opera star Susan Neves as ‘La Divina’ – Maria Callas as she mentors a voice class in 1970. As the last of the outrageous divas, Callas is glamorous, demanding, broken-hearted, and an emotional mess. Ms. Neves handles all these facets of the diva while matching her talents as an actress with her talents as a soprano. With music by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini, the play will be presented at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov 13 to Dec 19 – Winter Park Playhouse Offers FOREVER Plaid: Plaid Tidings

A ‘heaven sent’ holiday treat, this musical comedy offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a package with a big Christmas bow. The Lads who play the (now-legendary) Plaids – spoiler alert – are members of a fictitious 1950’s singing group from a musical that has now been produced so often that the group has its own level of ‘reality.’ ANYWAY, the Plaids are back on earth when a phone call from the ‘heavenly’ Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little holiday harmony into a discordant world. Presented by the good folks at the Winter Park Playhouse (who do this kind of thing VERY WELL), call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov 13 to 22 -- The Council of 101’s Golden Anniversary Festival of Trees

Each year the Holiday Season ‘truly begins’ with the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art which turns the Museum into a ‘Wonderland’ of designer-decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread masterpieces. We may enjoy live entertainment, begin our holiday shopping, and indulge at the Festival Cafe. The $10 adult/$6 child ticket includes admission to current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions. On November 13 the Festival begins in Golden Grandeur as the Council of 101 presents “A Gala to Celebrate our Golden Anniversary” – an evening of dining and dancing to celebrate – and thank – the Council of 101 for its FIFTY YEARS of service benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art. Visit omart.org/events/festival_of_trees or call 407.896.4231x254

Nov 13 to 15 – The Car as Art at Winter Park Concours d’Elegance

Central Florida’s premier motoring event, the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance returns to Central Florida featuring 150 of the world’s most collectible cars. The weekend begins on November 13 at the Sanford Airport, moving to Winter Park on November 14 to find participants ‘exercising’ their automobiles in a mile-long parade concluding at the Polasek Museum. On Sunday, November 15 the Concours d’Elegance moves to the Winter Park Country Club where 150 of the world’s rarest vehicles will be on display offering close-up viewing and photo opportunities. For tickets, visit winterparkconcours.com

Nov 13 to 29 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents ‘Dog Sees God’

In the play ‘Dog Sees God,’ opening November 13 at Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park, CB's dog dies from rabies, causing CB to question the idea of an afterlife. His ‘loser’ friends are druggies, drunks or ‘institutionalized’ and, therefore, unable to give him any form of solace. A chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of bullying, offers CB a friendship that pushes teen angst to the limits. Including every teen problem from drug use to suicide, this play, directed by Tara Rewis and featuring Sean Kerrigan as CB, is for Mature Audiences Only. Visit breakthroughtheatre.com  

Photo Credit: Matthew Villegas

Nov 13 to 15 – The Maitland Rotary Art Festival – ‘Under the Stars’

‘Art Under the Stars’ proudly proclaims itself the only night-time fine art festival in Florida. Featuring original Art and artist-prepared lighting in all tents, the evenings in Maitland’s Lake Lily Park literally sparkle with night-time magic. 135 Artists will compete for $26,000 in awards while exhibiting original works for purchase. Presented by the Maitland Rotary, hours are Nov 13 from 6 pm to 10 pm; Nov 14 from 10 am to 9 pm; and Nov 15 from 10 am to 4 pm. Entertainment will be provided by Performing Arts of Maitland. The event is FREE and open to the Public.

Nov 13 to 21 – Rollins College Students Present Moliere’s Tartuffe 

THE classic French comedy, Moliere’s Tartuffe was originally written and performed in the 1600’s. Since that time, the play has been presented on stages across the world. The play finds the two-faced Tartuffe scamming a gentleman into surrendering his home and daughter in the name of religion. Originally banned by the church (due to its criticism of religious hypocrisy) Tartuffe has electrified audiences for centuries. Broadway veteran John Christopher Jones directs this classic for student actors at Rollins College. Visit rollins.edu/annierussell or call 407.646.2145 

Nov 13 to 15 – Menopause the Musical: the Survivor Tour Comes to Clermont

In four performances at the new Clermont Performing Arts Center, GFour Productions will join forces with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to present Menopause the Musical: the Survivor Tour (MTMS). Benefiting the Komen Foundation, and presented with a cast of breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, the musical offers sisterhood and hope. Set in a department store, the cast sings classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s while forming a sisterhood with the entire audience. Call 352.394.4800 or visit clermontperformingarts.com

Nov 14 from 10 am to 3 pm – FREE -- A Better You Expo 

The Orlando Sentinel will host a FREE day dedicated to “healthy living today and planning for tomorrow” at the Sheraton Orlando at 600 North Lake Destiny Road in Maitland on November 14. Leaders in their fields will present seminars on aging, alopecia, seasonal detox, hormones, dental anxiety, recipes, pet health and safety, beauty, stress management, finance, quality sleep, vitamins and nutrition, and active living.  FREE flu shots will be offered by Walgreens at the event.  Visit orlandosentinel.com/e/a-better-you-expo

Nov 14 at 2 pm & 15 at 2 pm – Orlando Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty 

The Orlando Ballet brings the greatest of all fairytales to life when they bring Sleeping Beauty to the beautifully intimate Garden Theatre in Winter Garden on November 14 and 15. Audiences of all ages will smile as LOVE conquers evil after a wicked fairy casts a spell on the Princess Aurora. The princess falls into a deep sleep and can only be awakened by ‘True Love’s Kiss.’ They all live happily ever after in this ONE-hour-version of the ballet created for the entire family. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org/dance.htm

Nov 18 at 7 pm –  FREE ‘Walk the Exhibit’ with Josh Garrick

As the first non-Greek Artist in the World to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, I am pleased to be showing that exhibit at the new HENAO Contemporary Center in Orlando. On November 18 at 7 pm, I will be at the Gallery for a FREE “walk-thru” of the exhibition – answering questions and telling stories of the exhibition’s 2-year tour of Europe. Plan to spend about an hour in this relaxed intro at 5601 North Edgewater Drive. It’s FREE.  Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required. Call 407.522.3906 or visit henaocenter.com. 

Nov 19 at 5 pm – The Rico Monaco Band in Free Performance at Dr. Phillips Center

The Florida Blue Concert Series, Free and open to the public, will present the red hot Rico Monaco Band (RMB) at 5 pm on Thursday, November 19 on the Seneff Plaza in front of the Dr. Phillips Center. Based in Florida while performing around the world, RMB performs original songs and stylized Latin remakes. Monaco performs on guitar and vocals, and is the songwriter for the band. Visit ricomonaco.com, and remember the concert is Free. You don’t need a ticket. Just show up. 

Nov 19 to Jan 17 – Holidays at the Waterhouse Residence Museum 

Experience the beauty of Victorian Florida as you step into the ‘Christmas Past’ of Maitland’s early residents celebrating the holidays at the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Imagine the preparations for the Christmas season as this historic home and museum reflects the life of a middle class Victorian family during the early days of the city of Maitland. Built by carpenter William Waterhouse in 1884, the home once again reflects life in Victorian Florida.  Call 407.629.1532 or 407.539.2181 for hours and further information. 

Nov 20 to Dec 20 -- The Mad Cow is Loose in the Secret Garden 

After Mary Lennox is orphaned, she is sent to live with her Uncle where Mary encounters hidden mysteries in her uncle’s garden. Mary finds ghostly spirits that guide her on her journey of self-discovery. With a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, Secret Garden is the winner of the 1991 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical – a magical, musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel. In performance at the Mad Cow Theatre in Downtown Orlando, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators