Florida Culture for the Week of May 29, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

June 2 to July 2 – ‘Animal Crackers,’ the Marx Brothers Musical Comedy 
From 1928, Mad Cow Theatre brings us the crazy, laugh-out-loud Marx Brothers musical-comedy, ‘Animal Crackers.’ Lowbrow humor rules as ‘Animal Crackers’ takes us into Margaret DuMont’s ‘dignified’ weekend party only to see it made ‘more interesting’ by Groucho and other ‘questionable’ guests. Dignity is banished in this farce that recalls how much fun it can be to poke fun at pretension. *Fun Fact: The script includes #53 of AFI’s ‘Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time.’ Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

June 2 to August 20 – Orlando Museum of Art’s 2017 “Florida Prize”
The Orlando Museum of Art will open their 4th annual exhibit of the ‘OMART Florida Prize’ on June 2 beginning at 7 pm (a ticketed event). Featuring 10 of the most progressive Artists working in the State today, one of the Artists will be selected to receive a monetary award while each Artist will be represented by a significant body of work at the Museum through August 20. Call 407.896-4231‎ or visit OMART.org 

June 3 to September 4 – Orlando Science Center’s “Identity: An Exhibition of You”
“Identity” at the Science Center is a 3-part interactive experience that explores our unique identities. In the age of the “selfie,” the new exhibit helps answer the question “How well do we know ourselves?” By checking our physical (e.g. finger-prints), psychological (personality types) and social identities (our relationships), we learn how we are different, AND how much we are the same. Highly Recommended at 777 East Princeton Street in Orlando, call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org. 

June 3 at 8 pm – The Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra -- ‘Ellington for Lovers’ 
The debut solo performance of the Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra is reason enough to be happy, but artistic director Rodney Whitaker makes this performance even more special by presenting a program called ‘Ellington for Lovers.’ Ellington’s music always sets a mood for romance from ‘Sentimental Mood’ to ‘Do Nothin’ Til You Hear From Me,’ ‘All Too Soon,’ and ‘Sophisticated Lady, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

June 4 at 6 pm – The 2017 “Applause Awards”
The Dr. Phillips Center “Applause Awards” program honors excellence in high school musical theater. Theater professionals and educators serve as judges to review high school productions with their shared comments as a way to support the teacher and student performers. Tabulated results determine awards in a constantly surprising, one-time-only show that features performances from the lead actor, lead actress, and Best Musical nominations. Highly Recommended, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

June 4 at 7:30 pm – Maitland Symphony Orchestra Celebrates America
‘May the Fourth (of June) be with you’ as the Maitland Symphony honors American composers with "A Salute to America.” We all love Aaron Copland (in this case – ‘Hoe-Down’) and selections from William Grant Still’s "Afro-American Symphony". Additional offerings feature well-known American big band, movie, and folk melodies. Celebrate America’s best with the Maitland Symphony at the Maitland Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at eventbrite.com/e/maitland or call 321.303.1404 or visit PAMaitland.org

June 6 to 11 – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents ‘Finding Neverland’
Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus, ‘Finding Neverland’ is the story of the creation of ‘Peter Pan.’ Playwright J.M. Barrie finds inspiration when he meets four young brothers and their widowed mother; based on the boys’ make-believe adventures, he writes the play that has astounded theater-goers ever since. Adding pixie dust and a lot of believing, and Barrie leaves his old world behind for Neverland, where the wonders of childhood last forever. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

June 10 at 1 pm – “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure” 
Famous for the level of training received by young ones (Grades 3 to 8) at the Orlando Rep, their summer camp production this year is a true musical ‘adventure.’ Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and those diligently hilarious Penguins as they bound on to the stage of the Orlando Rep. (They have escaped from New York’s Central Park Zoo) with the realization that ‘feeding time’ is different in the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com 

And looking ahead … 

June 27 at 7:30 pm – DIANA ROSS: In The Name Of Love Tour 
Diana Ross’ remarkable career, spanning five decades, has resulted in major awards and music history milestones. This consummate performer is one of the most iconic female singers of all time. As lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross helped shape the sound of popular music with her love of life and sheer human spirit that make her the most prominent woman in popular music history and pop culture of the late 20th century. Feel the magic at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators