Florida Culture for the Week of April 25, 2016 by Josh Garrick

NOW to May 8 – Mad Cow’s 14th Annual Cabaret Festival 
Yes, Virginia -- America’s definitely got talent. Over the course of 17 days, Mad Cow Theatre will host 32 performances, ranging from jazz to pop to Broadway and more. Headliners for the 14th annual Cabaret Festival include Broadway star Andrea McArdle, the very first Annie in the Broadway show of the same name; a cappella sensation the Edge Effect; Orlando's own Broadway Star Michelle Knight; and up-and-coming cabaret star Jesse Luttrell.  The Festival runs through May 8 at the Mad Cow’s home at 54 West Church St. in Downtown Orlando.  Call 407.297. 8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

NOW to April 30 – The 8th Annual Winter Park Paint Out – Free Events 
The Polasek Museum will host its 8th Annual ‘Winter Park Paint Out’ with 25 professional artists working around Winter Park, capturing our favorite landmarks with oils, watercolors and pastels. Whether you’re an art patron or simply curious to see Artists in action, stop by the Museum which will be open FREE through the entire week, to see the latest from these artists. Completed paintings will hang in the ‘Wet Room’ where these one-of-a kind works may be purchased as soon as they are hung on the wall. Call 407.647.6294 or visit polasek.org for a complete schedule of events. 

April 27 at 5:30 pm & 8 pm – The ‘Daredevil’ String Quartet – Brooklyn Rider
Maestro Eric Jacobsen’s Best Buds, who make up the contemporary music sensation Brooklyn Rider, will join forces for a fundraiser celebrating Maestro’s first season as Orlando Philharmonic Music Director AND the first stage of renovations to The Plaza Live. Begin with cocktails at 5:30 pm followed by dinner WITH music by Eric Jacobsen and his brother Colin in the renovated rehearsal hall. The ‘concert’ begins at 8 pm after which everyone is invited to a reception with desserts and the opportunity to explore the new renovations. Concert ONLY tickets are $45, $75 and $95. Call 407.896.6700 x234 or visit orlandophil.org 

April 28, 29 & 30 – Into the Woods, Junior 
It was inevitable that the Broadway musical ‘Into the Woods,’ a musical fairy tale including the characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack (of Beanstalk fame), would be turned into a young people’s version. One featured performer in the up-coming 4 performances is Zak Zweifel, perhaps the youngest working magician in Florida. As Zak prepares for the role of Jack, he promises he will never abandon a certain retirement home where he performs for charity. “That was where I began,” he says. “I will always go back.” Visit http://hfcschool.com/genesian-players-drama-club Tickets: $7/each ($10/each at the door) at Holy Family Catholic Church at 5125 S Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando

April 29 to May 1 – Orlando Ballet Presents Beauty and the Beast 
Orlando Ballet's Beauty & the Beast is a re-interpretation of this classic tale. From the Beast’s imposing castle to the enchanted forest, this ancient love story illustrates the power of love through inventive choreography and a mythic cast of characters. With original music – composed by Orlando’s own Arcadian Broad – the CFC Arts Symphony will join the Ballet for the performances. This partnership will result in a 35-piece orchestra of local musicians to perform music written by an Orlando composer to accompany the Orlando Ballet for the run of Beauty & the Beast. Call that “Orlando Proud,” and call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org for tickets 

April 29 to May 29 – Singin’ in the Rain – A ‘Splashy Musical’ for the Whole Family 
Directed by the magically talented Rob Winn Anderson, the Garden Theatre’s BIG annual musical has become a MUST-SEE event. The LIVE staging of one of the great movie musicals of all time offers a Tinsel-town starlet, a handsome leading man and a love affair that could change lives while making (or breaking) careers. Taking us back to the time of silent movies, this classic is chock full of unforgettable songs and dancing that changed musicals for all time. At the beautiful Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

April 30 at 2 pm & 7 pm – Ballet Fedotov presents The Snow Queen
It’s Snow-time in Florida for Ballet Fedotov and the Russian Ballet Alafaya as they present the World Premiere of ‘Snow Queen,’ a ballet adaptation of the tale by Hans Christian Anderson. The power of love triumphs over evil when young Kai is taken by the wicked Snow Queen. It takes faith and courage to find Kai, and love to rescue him. With original choreography by Vadim Fedotov, and an original score by David Goldstein, the production features stunning new costumes and sets. Performed by an integrated cast of professional dancers with the dancers of Russian Ballet Alafaya, the two performances will be presented at the Dr. Phillips Center. Visit drphillipscenter.org – shows & events. 

April 30 at 5 pm -- Corks, Caladiums, & Canvases in Gotha 
Nehrling Gardens, 1885 home of horticulturalist Henry Nehrling, is the garden property where he experimented with over 3,000 new plants for the Bureau of Plant Industry, now the USDA. Visited by thousands of tourists, including Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Edison, this event invites us to step back in time and stroll through the Gardens at sunset. Sample a variety of food and wine from regions where the plants originated; view artists at work, with original art for purchase; listen to live music; and visit the gift shop. At 2267 Hempel Ave in Gotha, tickets are $55 advance, $65 at the door. Visit nehrlinggardens.org

April 30 & May 1 – The Annual St. Johns River Festival of the Arts 
On April 30 and May 1, historic downtown Sanford will be transformed into an artist mecca for the 4th annual St. John's River Festival of the Arts. It’s a great time of year to stroll these historic brick streets filled with arts and crafts from over 150 artists from across the country. See live demonstrations, create your own piece of artwork and enjoy gourmet food offerings while listening to live musicians. Chalk artists will add even more color to the streets as you seek out that perfect piece of original art to add to your collection. Visit stjohnsriverartfest.com

May 1 at 7:30 pm – 42nd STREET – THE Broadway Musical 
It’s one performance only, and it’s THE Broadway Musical – the BIGGEST and – the GREATEST.  Drawn from the 1930’s Busby Berkeley movie musicals that helped our ancestors forget the Depression for an hour or two, this show offers some of the greatest dancing and some of the greatest songs ever written including ‘We’re in the Money,’ ‘Dames,’ ‘I Only Have Eyes for You,’ AND the can’t-sit-still-in-your-seat ‘42nd Street.’  At the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, visit PeabodyDaytona.com or call 800.982.ARTS. 

May 3 to 8 --  Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
Before she was Carole King, ‘Superstar,’ she was Carole King, teenage songwriter. No one knew her music would become the soundtrack to a generation, but Carole King fought her way into the record business as a teenager and by the time she reached her twenties, she had the husband of her dreams and she was writing hits for the biggest acts in rock 'n' roll. But her personal life had to crack before she would find her true voice. BEAUTIFUL tells the true story of Carole King’s rise to stardom, becoming one of the most successful solo acts in pop music history. Along the way, she made BEAUTIFUL music. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

May 4 – International ‘Star Wars Day’ – “May the Fourth Be With You”
Star Wars Day, a day to celebrate the Star Wars films, is observed by fans worldwide on May 4. The first film in the series was released on May 25, 1977; that original film and its two sequels, have directly affected the lives of two generations. Since "May the Force be with you" is a phrase often spoken in the films, fans commonly say "May the Fourth be with you" on this day. Fan events include: watching the original Trilogy, touring the Space Center, creating trivia games, holding costume contests, watching countless tribute films and parodies, and even ‘dressing up’ your favorite Star Wars snacks in a Death Star piñata!  May the … 

May 4 – Opening – The Historic Archives and Museum of Hydra, Greece 
I am honored that Iris Kritikou, the brilliant curator in Greece responsible for my life-changing exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, along with my friend and patron Marios Voutsinas, have arranged for yet another Museum to exhibit my work. This time the work will be on the walls as sculptures from 8 Greek sculptors have a 'conversation' with the work at the Historic Archives and Museum of Hydra. Founded in 1918, the Museum displays artifacts from Greek national history as well as works by well-known artists. As ever, my works are sent with all-embracing love and hope for the people of Greece.

May 5 – 5 pm to Closing – 4 Rivers Smokehouse and Cinco de Mayo 
On May 5, John Rivers and team are trading in their cowboy hats for sombreros to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a ‘patio party’ at 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park. Guests will ‘Party on’ with music by Scotty Jordan, made-to-order margaritas, and the ‘Playful Chef’s take on traditional Mexican street-fare. In addition, Tamale Co. Food Truck will be on-hand with made-fresh Mexican tamales and beer on-site through the evening.  At 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park, the Cinco Special of 3 mains + 2 sides is an easy $9.99.  

May 6 at 7 pm – The Shoe Maven presents THE ART OF FASHION
THE ART OF FASHION is a Team Fox event benefitting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. It’s a ‘fusion’ evening of Fashion, Art, Food and Caring in a special event showcasing the talents of Orlando's fashion and art communities as Orlando's favorite retailers, designers and stylists display their top looks paired with artwork from Florida's most talented Artists - creating a truly unique visual experience. The event includes an extensive silent auction as Bento Sushi Cafe serves hors d'oeuvres. A dessert bar, wine and champagne will be served at the Orlando Museum of Art. Tickets at theartoffashion2016.eventbrite.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators