Florida Culture for the Week of May 9, 2016 by Josh Garrick

May 12 to June 11 – The Fantasticks at the Winter Park Playhouse 
This romantic Off-Broadway musical ran for over 50 years in Manhattan, making it the world’s longest running musical. It’s about a boy, a girl, two manipulative fathers, and a love that grows with each season. Awarded Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1991, the musical is written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt and is filled with love songs that made the show popular. They include “Try to Remember,” “They Were You,” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” You can experience the magic once again by calling 407.645.0145 or visiting winterparkplayhouse.org 

May 12 & 13 – CFC Arts' Choir & Symphony Orchestra ‘On the Red Carpet’
In two performances, on May 12 and 13, the Central Florida Community Arts' (CFCArts') Choir and Symphony Orchestra will perform excerpts from award-winning shows of stage and screen from the past 50 years. They are calling this celebration of the best of the best – “A Night on the Red Carpet.” Both performances begin at 7:30 pm at Northland Church at 530 Dog Track Road in Longwood. Tickets are $10 advance / $15 at the door; Purchase at cfcarts.com/events. For ticketing questions, call 407.937.1800 x710

May 14 – HELP Florida Letter Carriers ‘STAMP OUT HUNGER’ on May 14 
Central Florida Letter Carriers will participate in the nation’s largest single-day food drive ‘Stamp Out Hunger!’ as school programs close for the summer leaving millions of children to find other sources of nutrition. Florida residents are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable foods – canned or boxed – next to mailboxes on May 14. Letter carriers will collect the food donations and drop them off  at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Dave Krepcho of Second Harvest said, “One in five people who receive food assistance is a child, and this year, the organization asks participants to remember the special needs of infants and toddlers.” The date is May 14. YOU can make a difference. Visit FeedHopeNow.org

May 14 from 10 am to 2 pm – “Mission Success” Veteran’s Education Fair 
Focused on helping Veterans advance their education and careers, more than 20 local colleges, universities, and institutes will offer information on veteran enrollment, degrees, certifications and more. VA benefits staff will be there to address GI Bill and vocational rehab questions, and the event will include a Panel of Veterans discussing their ‘reintegration journey’ and choices after a military career. Veterans of all ages are invited to attend this Free event at the Orange Technical College (1600 Building) at 2900 W. Oak Ridge Road in Orlando. Call 407.440.6883

May 14 at 5 pm -- Florida Blue presents Revelation Acappella - Free Outdoor Concert
‘Revelation’ began its ministry in 2001 at the Southside Church of Christ in Orlando. Changes over the years have led to the current 15 members singing together under the direction of Sister Kelly Neal. ‘Revelation’ “ministers through song” with the mission to "bring the lost to Christ, teach them to be faithful, and equip them to be fruitful..."  This is a FREE performance on the Seneff Plaza outside the Dr. Phillips Center with NO ticket required. Beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks will be available for purchase from Food Trucks. 

May 15 at 7 pm – Catch the Impossible with Charles Peachock & Kostya Kimlat
Performers-With-A-Purpose will bring America’s Got Talent Finalist Charles Peachock and master magician Kostya Kimlat to the Dr. Phillips Center.  Peachock appeared a record-breaking 6 times on America’s Got Talent while Kostya Kimlat actually fooled Penn & Teller on their show ‘Fool Us.’ These two powerhouse performers will donate 20% of their ticket proceeds to the non-profit Dr. Phillips Center School of the Arts to inspire young artists to pursue their love of the performing arts.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

The Orlando International Fringe Festival’s 25th Anniversary Season
Proving once and for all that there CAN BE too much DEMOCRACY, the Orlando Fringe Festival takes over Loch Haven Park for the last two weeks of May with 800 non-juried and non-censored performances (say what ??), an outdoor stage, Visual Fringe, Kid’s Fringe (Surely there’s ‘censorship’ here !?!?  Stop calling me Shirley.)  and a BEER Tent. As there is no way for any journalist to predict the winners and losers, I choose to give you a few performances that I guarantee will keep your attention (for one reason or another).  As to all the others – set out, explore, and report back to headquarters … if you make it through.

   
May 18 to 28 -- Orlando Icons Elizabeth Murff and Peg O'Keef Fringe Together – Again 
You know Elizabeth Murff and Peg O’Keefe better than you think. Either or both are brilliant and together they became Orlando Sentinel's "Best of 2015.”  THEY reunite with playwright John Ryan in a deliciously dark comedy about the spunky spirits and lascivious lunatics that go ‘bump in the night’ inside the creepiest funeral home in Central Florida's swankiest town. Once this playlet works on your head, you’ll reconsider those heels before you sashay away down Park Avenue … after dark … you big Silly. 

May 18 to 29 -- Breakthrough Theatre Presents Tom Eyen’s Women Behind Bars
Breakthrough brings Tom Eyen’s classic comedy, "Women Behind Bars" to the Fringe’s RED VENUE.  Breakthrough Artistic Director Wade Hair directs this uproarious satire of B-movies of the 1950's in which pathetically innocent Mary Eleanor lands in the Greenwich Village Woman's House of Detention. The jail is presided over by a massive matron with a taste for sadism who forces our heroine to learn about life … “The Hard Way.” All tickets are $11. The RED VENUE is within the Shakespeare Center. 

May 19 to May 29 – Louisa May’s Little Ladies with ATTITUDE
Join the ‘March Sisters’ as they spit rhymes and kick it “Old School-House,” Lil' Women is BACK at Orlando Fringe. Originally debuted at Fringe 2012, the new version has added songs and scenes. Combining the classic “Little Women” with hip hop music, the show is written by Lindsay Taylor and Sara Stock with music and lyrics by Isaac Folch. Directed by award-winning Lindsay Taylor, “Lil’ Women audaciously mashes together elements of the books original 19th century backdrop with outrageous rhyme-spitting production numbers,” said Jim Abbott of the Orlando Sentinel. Tickets at $11 can be purchased at orlandofringe.org

May 21, 22, 28 & 29 – PHANTASMAGORIA –“Wickeder Little Tales” at Orlando Fringe 
In FOUR performances only, "one of the most unique theater troupes in the country”* will present 
PHANTASMAGORIA’s Wickeder Little Tales to celebrate Orlando Fringe’s 25th Anniversary. With their haunting and whimsical tales of horror, Phantastic dance, music, stage combat, large-scale puppetry and seductive storytelling, the troupe will perform at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Tickets are $11 and may be purchased at orlandofringe.org or at Onsite Box Offices.  * quote from Good Day Atlanta; visit PhantasmagoriaOrlando.com 

May 20 – Fernando Varela Concert to Benefit Coalition for the Homeless
Every day, the Coalition for the Homeless serves over 600 homeless men, women and children in Central Florida. This work is done to transform the lives of the homeless by providing the services needed to END their crisis. On May 20 the Coalition invites you to an extraordinary concert evening beginning with a reception including beverages and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle, followed by a concert at Hard Rock Live starring Fernando Varela, William Joseph, and special guests -- all to benefit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Please call 407.426.1250 or visit centralfloridahomeless.org 

May 20 at 6:30 pm – Live Jazz Concert under the Stars with Dinner and more … 
The Alfond Inn’s new “Get Your Jazz On” season features the Chris Cortez Quartet on May 20 in an event for ALL the senses. The evening begins with the music of guitarist, vocalist, and band leader Chris Cortez celbrating his recently released 6th solo CD, “Aunt Nasty.” The concert is accompanied by wine, spirits and seasonal cocktails, roast chicken, smoked pig, vegetarian selection, cigars and valet parking. Tix are $45 online or $50 at the door with all profits endowing Rollins College Scholarships. Visit thealfondinn.com or call 407.998. 8089

May 21 at 9:30 am – Casa Feliz Hosts 10th Annual James Gamble Rogers Colloquium
Celebrating Winter Park’s rich architectural resources, Casa Feliz will host its 10th annual James Gamble Rogers Colloquium on Historic Preservation featuring preservationist Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, speaking on the topic “Historic Preservation and Economics: Recent Lessons from Home and Abroad.” After lunch at Rollins College, the day will conclude with “Grand Dames of Winter Park,” a charter bus tour of some of the area’s oldest and grandest homes. Full day ticket with catered lunch is $75/each. For more, contact Betsy Owens at 407-628-8196 or bowens[at]casafeliz.us

May 21 at 3 pm – Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live!
The legacy of Mister Rogers lives on with the hit television series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” airing daily on PBS KIDS. Now, Daniel and his friends are coming to the Dr. Phillips Center to delight young audiences with “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure in his Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing themes of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences. This live theater production, filled with singing, dancing, laughter and surprises, will thrill your young theater-goers. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

May 21 at 6.45 pm – The Heart of Florida United Way’s 24th Annual Chef’s Gala
THE pre-eminent ‘foodie’ event of the year, the Heart of Florida United Way’s annual event features 25 of Central Florida’s finest chefs at their most creative preparing gourmet ‘tastings’ (and desserts!!!) EACH paired with a hand-selected wine to complement their creation. The festivities begin May 21 at 6:45 pm as the sparkling wine begins to flow (along with a silent auction) at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. All this wonderfulness provides funds to benefit health and human service programs vital to Central Floridians in need, and – with the purchase of a ticket to the Chef’s Gala – we can help! Call 407.429.2129 or visit hfuw.org


 
CURRENT – Dr. Phillips Center Arts School Awarded $100,000 Grant from Disney 
The recently announced Grant of $100,000 from Disney to the Dr. Phillips Center School of the Arts was developed by Disney Theatrical Group to create ‘sustainable’ theater programs in under-resourced elementary schools. The grant funds programming for four Central Florida elementary schools to participate in the 2016-17 school year and another four in 2017-18 at NO COST TO THEM. The schools will participate in a 17-week musical theater residency which includes performance rights, educational materials and guidance from the teacher/artists in order to produce, direct and choreograph their first school show.  The program culminates in a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical at each school site. Visit drphillipscenter.org/arts-education/ or call Dana Brazil at 407.839.0119 or email Dana.Brazil[at]drphillipscenter.org.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators