Florida Culture for the Week of April 2, 2017 By Josh Garrick    

April 4 to 9 – “Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In” with the Blue Angels in Lakeland 
The 6-day SUN ‘n FUN FLY-In is the 2nd largest event of its kind in the world and is Florida’s largest annual convention. Covering 2200 acres, the event offers jet teams, aerospace exhibits, educational forums, day and evening air-shows including aerobatics, veterans, women in aviation, and youth activities. Sport aircraft fly above parking areas as visitors from more than 80 countries come together at the Lakeland Linder Airport in Lakeland, Florida resulting in the event providing $430,000 in scholarship funds annually to students entering the Aerospace Industry. Visit flysnf.org

April 6 to May 6 – Pinkalicious: The Musical at Orlando Shakes 
Based on the popular children’s book, ‘Pinkalicious’ can’t stop eating pink cup-cakes despite warnings from her parents. Her indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with ‘pinkititis’ in a musical sure to strike a chord among parents and picky-eaters. “Pinkalicious is nonstop fun and packed with great messages,” said Anne Hering, Director of Ed. at Orlando Shakes. “The audience learns important lessons about healthy eating habits as they go on a ‘pinktastic’ adventure.” Call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

April 8 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic Presents the Mahler ‘Resurrection’ Symphony 
Join the Orlando Philharmonic and Conductor Eric Jacobsen as the music of Mahler is brought to life in order to “conquer Death.” With a huge orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists, Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony tells the story of life and the universal expression of hope as summed up in this excerpt from the final movement:  “O Death, You masterer of all things, now, you are conquered.” At the Bob Carr Theater, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

April 8 & 9 – Spring Fever in (Historic Downtown Winter) Garden 
The whole family will enjoy the two-day Winter Garden Festival called “Spring Fever” with live entertainment, food vendors, a silent auction, a raffle, and loads of plants for sale. The ‘Kidzone’ will educate children about the environment as they climb on an old fire truck, jump in the bounce house, and have their faces painted. Visitors may "Ask the Experts" booth for information about landscaping and water conservation. Visit springfeveringarden.com or ‘watch’ vimeo.com/208517190 

April 8 & 9 from 10 am to 5 pm -- Florida Mosaic: A FREE Festival of the Arts
Presented by Osceola Arts, this two-day Festival transforms Historic Downtown Kissimmee into an outdoor art gallery with fine arts and crafts from 100 local and national Artists. There will also be live entertainment, student art, food, drink and free parking along with FREE admission. Call 407.749.6607 or visit floridamosaic.org 

April 10 to May 14 – Nancy Drew at Orlando Rep for Her ‘Biggest Case’
Missing this show would be a crime! In “Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever,” Nancy must solve the biggest mystery of her young career. Only Nancy can save the day as clues are found and motives revealed. But will Nancy solve the mystery in time? Based on the classic series by Carolyn Keene, the original super-sleuth Nancy Drew and friends are ready to find the answers. Call 407.896.7365 X1 or visit orlandorep.com 

April 11 beginning at 5:30 pm – Artist Reception with K. Brodeur & E. Campos
The Downtown Arts District has joined with Bloomingdale's in a unique way to exhibit Art by providing ‘gallery space’ in the store’s 3rd Floor Furniture Showroom. It allows the viewer to consider owning the Artists' work with proceeds to the Artist and a portion as a fund-raiser for DAD. On April 11 meet Kathleen Brodeur and Edson Campos, enjoy a champagne toast, and consider “displaying their original Art in YOUR home.”
Call 407.648.7060 or visit facebook.com/events/610918985778410/

April 11 to 20 – DIS-enchanted Princesses Tell Their Side of the Story 
“Those” Princesses have broken out of their “small, small world,” and led by Snow White, the royal renegades have drop-kicked their tiaras to bring their hilarious not-for-the-kiddies musical to you. DIS-enchanted! began with an award-winning run at Orlando’s Fringe Festival 2011 and has now been performed across the country. This laugh-fest, adult parody of the Disney princesses will be performed at Plaza Live Orlando. Call 877.987.6487 or visit plazaliveorlando.org. 

April 15 at 2 pm & 8 pm – The Orlando Philharmonic in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Is it science fiction or is it hyper-space?  Conductor Jack Everly and the Orlando Philharmonic are prepared to launch you into space from the comfort of your theater seat in this salute to movies from outer space, sci-fi TV, and superheroes. Experience favorite moments from “Lost in Space,” “E.T.”, “Star Trek,” and “Star Wars” as galaxies fly by with introductions by ‘Commander Jonathan Frakes’ of the Starship Enterprise. In two performances on April 15 at the Bob Carr Theater, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

April 16 & 17 – Chris ROCK - Total Blackout Tour 2017
Actor, director, producer, writer and comic genius Chris Rock is praised by peers and critics alike as one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. In two performances at the Dr. Phillips Center, we can count on him to create more memorable moments – LIVE.  Note: No cell-phones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed inside the theater for this event. VIP PACKAGES are available for these performances.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

NOW to April 9 – Destiny of Desire, a Satire in Winter Garden 
If you are a soap opera fan, this outrageous modern comedy is for you. With the music, drama and burning passions of a Mexican telenovella, one stormy night in Mexico, two baby girls are born – one into wealth; the other into poverty. When the babies are maliciously swapped, the stage is set for tragic misfortune and/or remarkable destiny at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

NOW to April 16 – Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters” at Mad Cow 
“To Moscow” Yearning for their former lives preoccupies Masha, Irina, and Olga as boredom takes over their lives – far from Moscow. In this masterwork, Anton Chekhov paints a portrait of the eternal struggle to work, love, hope, and – live. Chekhov’s plays have helped create Mad Cow’s ensemble-based performance process, as seen in prior productions of ‘The Cherry Orchard’ and ‘The Seagull.’  The Theatre is at 54 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com. 

NOW to April 30 – Orlando Shakes’ Antony and Cleopatra 
The victors of Rome’s civil war have divided the ancient world between themselves with Marc Antony traveling to Egypt to take up his rule. His impassioned affair with the irresistible Cleopatra ultimately pits Roman against Roman, thereby changing the face of the world forever. Featuring Michael Dorn, best known as Lt. Worf in Star Trek, as Antony, call 407.447.1700 X1 or visit orlandoshakes.org