Florida Culture for the Week of November 16, 2015 by Josh Garrick
 
NOW 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

NOW to Nov 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 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 – with Special Guest Star John DiDonna – 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 29 – The American Sand Sculpting Championships 

Some jobs make you long for a day at the beach, but for World-Class Sand Sculptors a day at the beach means going “to work.” Huge sand sculptures will arise from the sand at Fort Myers Beach in front of the Wyndham Garden Hotel as the world’s greatest Sand Sculptors come together for their Annual Championships.  In addition to the Masters Solo and Doubles Divisions, Amateur State Champions will be named. There will also be a Vendor Village, two (2) Kids Activity Areas, “Quick Sand Shows,” and Sand Sculpting Lessons and Demos. Admission is $5.  Visit sandsculptingfestival.com 

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

Nov 21 at 8 pm – Florida Classic Weekend presents Monica 

The much-celebrated R&B singer Monica will bring her soulful voice, flawless delivery, and stunning sense of style to the Dr. Phillips Center on November 21 as part of the ‘Florida Classic Weekend.’ Monica debuted big in 1995 when “Don’t Take it Personal" and “Before You Walk Out of My Life" hit the Top Ten. In 1998 “The Boy Is Mine” spent weeks at No. 1, becoming one of the most memorable songs of the '90s. Monica released a string of successful albums in the 2000s, culminating in 2009 with Still Standing, a BET reality series about her daily life. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Nov 24 to Jan 3 – Christmas at Gaylord Palms … with ICE!

Gaylord Palms, famous for its Holiday ICE! Show will create ‘The Night Before Christmas’ in 2 MILLION POUNDS of hand-carved ice. Accompanied by four ice slides, LIVE ice carving stations, and an adult-only On The Blocks Ice Bar, Gaylord Palms has Holiday offerings for every age. New this year is The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt, which invites guests to find Santa’s 10 scout elves, AND Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg is creating an exclusive 25-minute show the entire family can enjoy presented with the inventive theatrics for which Cirque Dreams is renowned. Christmas at Gaylord Palms is open daily from November 24 to January 3 in Kissimmee. Visit ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com

Nov 25 – 6 to 9 pm – Mills 50 District Hump Day Art Stroll 

For the cost of a wristband ($10), you and yours can sample complimentary beer, wine or sangria at numerous businesses along Mills Avenue and Virginia Drive while shopping for local art and unique gifts before black Friday madness. Pick up your wristband, map and glass at Wally’s on Mills or Gotkarma on Virginia from 6 pm until 8 pm. A cool November evening is perfect for a stroll through original art and innovative crafts as the Mills 50 District and Art for All Spaces bring you the Hump Day Happy Hour and Art Stroll.

Nov 28 at 2 pm and 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays

A joyful Central Florida tradition, the Orlando Philharmonic’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ is back with audience favorites Maestro Albert George Schram, The Holiday Singers, Florida Opera Theatre Youth Chorus, and the incomparable ‘Mr. Entertainment Michael Andrew’ joining together with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to perform holiday favorites for the entire family. Scheduled with impeccable timing – just two days after Thanksgiving – the two concerts will be presented at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Nov 29 – 44th Annual FREE Performance of Handel’s Messiah

The 44th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah will usher in the Holiday Season on November 29 at 3 pm at the Bob Carr Theatre in a FREE performance as a gift to Central Florida. Conducted by Dr. John Sinclair, the concert features ALL the familiar ‘master-moments’ including the ever-popular Hallelujah Chorus performed by a 120 voice choir, professional soloists and orchestra. The Society continues its support of the Second Harvest Food Bank by requesting concert attendees bring donations of food items to the performance. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org or call 321.285.6382  

Nov 29 at 4 pm – Orlando Philharmonic’s Free Holiday Pops in Central Park 

The City of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite you and your family  to celebrate the holiday season with a Free Holiday Pops concert on November 29 in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park. Conductor Yaniv Segal will lead the Philharmonic in a program including ‘A Christmas Festival’ and ‘Sleigh Ride,’ as well as ‘Home for the Holidays,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘White Christmas’ with soloist Marina Jurica. This Free event is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Audience members are encouraged to bring canned or dry food to restock the pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Dec 1 at 8 pm – ‘Essential Emeril’ Live On-Stage at Dr. Phillips Center 

As a national TV personality, Emeril Lagasse has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network, and is food correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America. This Super-Star Chef will be LIVE at Dr. Phillips Center for a night of cooking and camaraderie as we learn more about Emeril and how to make some of his favorite dishes. The show will be followed by a book signing of his 19th book, Essential Emeril in the lobby. Our own nationally recognized John Rivers; restaurant entrepreneur and head chef of the award-winning 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop; will ‘host’ the evening with Emeril. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Dec 2 – ‘Christmas at the Casa’ 

Casa Feliz’ 6th Annual Holiday Open House, sponsored by Commerce National Bank, will take place Wednesday, December 2 beginning at 6 pm. Guests may have photos taken with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, admire the traditional Christmas decorations at Casa Feliz (courtesy of Lee Forrest Design), while enjoying a quartet of Dickensian Carolers.  There is no charge to attend ‘Christmas at the Casa,’ but a donation of $2 per person, or $5 per family is suggested. (Professional Santa portraits are $10). Call 407.628.8196 or email bowens[at]casafeliz.us.

Dec 2 at 8 pm – Eddie Izzard – Comic Force Majeure at Dr. Phillips Center 

The comic force-to-be-reckoned with Eddie Izzard has sold out Madison Square Garden and is the first stand-up comic to play a solo show at the Hollywood Bowl – TWICE. He has performed his solo act in 57 American cities, taking topics from Greek mythology to Darth Vader and creating bizarre, absurd, surreal comic narratives which he spiels off like the Comic Genius that he is. The New York Times calls him, “the most brilliant stand-up comedian of his generation.” The LA Times goes a little further and calls Eddie Izzard, “the funniest man in all of the known universe."  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators