Florida Culture for the Week of July 9, 2017 By Josh Garrick  

CONGRATULATIONS!! – Two Orlando Students Win Top Honors in National Acting Competition 
In an unprecedented double win, Tony Moreno and Sofia Deler of Orlando, both of whom studied in the youth education program at the Dr. Phillips Center, won the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in a July 3 ceremony at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre. Competing against 72 students from across the USA, this is the first time both TOP WINNERS of the Jimmy® Award are from the same city. Hosted by 2017 Tony Award winner Ben Platt of Dear Evan Hansen, the ‘Jimmy Awards’ are to High School Actors what the ‘Tony Awards’ are for Broadway. 

July 10 at 7 pm – Sounds of Summer: Colors of Brass 
The always popular ‘Sovereign Brass’ invites us to experience the colors and richness of brass instruments in a program arranged by Jeff Thomas and Tom Macklin. Jeff and Tom, along with Kathy Thomas, Josh Parsons, Michael Fee and Mark Goldberg will offer colorful favorites, such as ‘Over the Rainbow,’ ‘Blue Bossa,’ and the ‘March from The Love for Three Oranges’ at The Plaza Live in East Orlando. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Photo:  left to right -- Tom Macklin, Jeff Thomas, Kathy Thomas, Mark Goldberg, Michael Fee, Josh Parsons
  
NOW to July 23 – Orlando Shakes Presents ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’
With the magic of Arabia, Aladdin seeks help and advice from wise Genies, a powerful Sultan, and his own Mother to find a way to meet the Princess. In this telling, Aladdin learns that it takes more than a wish to make a good impression. Told interactively with young members of the audience, Aladdin is a mystery, an adventure, and a comedy about pursuing your dreams. Call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to July 24 – Disney’s ‘High School Musical’ at Breakthrough Theatre 
Disney’s hit movie musical comes to life on-stage at the Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and other characters (who jump-started the careers of many young film stars of today), ‘began’ as students of East High tunefully dealing with issues of first love, friends and family. ‘High School Musical’ is directed by Jamaal Solomon and choreographed by Angelyn Rhode.  At 419A West Fairbanks in Winter Park, call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com 

NOW to August 20 – Orlando Museum of Art’s 2017 “Florida Prize”
The Orlando Museum of Art’s annual exhibit of the ‘OMART Florida Prize’ features 10 of the most progressive Artists working in the State today. An inclusive exhibit offering everything from representational painting to a video exhibit, each Artist is represented by a significant body of their work. This year’s winner is William Cordova, a native of Lima, Peru, who grew up in Miami. At the Museum through August 20, call 407.896-4231 or visit OMART.org

NOW 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 exhibit helps answer the question “How well do we know ourselves?”  By checking our physical, psychological and social identities, 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.

July 13 at 7 pm – The Professors of Jazz at the Dr. Phillips Center 
The ‘Professors of Jazz Concert,’ presented in the intimate Pugh Theater, will present some of the greatest Jazz Artists performing today. These Jazz Artists will spend a day teaching local students before taking the stage for this one-of-a-kind concert. A complimentary ‘Bourbon Tasting Reception’ with the Artists (and food pairings) is your chance to meet the Artists, included in the $45 ticket. Proceeds support local scholarship students attending the Jazz Intensive. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

July 14 from 7 to 10 pm – “La Femme” Art Exhibit at Sawmill Center in Maitland 
The Art Exhibit “La Femme” will showcase a variety of works by Women Artists, each of whose lives have been impacted by social/economic conditions in America. With works ranging from conceptual to decorative, the Artists include Mirjana Cesar, Marsha DeBroske, Marsha Herring, Denise Kirsop, Cheri Riechers, Cheryle Rome Beatty, Jamieson Thomas and Lillian Verkins. The public is invited to the (FREE) opening at 711 North Orlando Avenue in Maitland.  Call 352.989.1964.

July 14 at 9 pm – Proparoxítona at the Bob Carr Theater 
The YouTube phenomenon ‘Proparoxitona’ is, at the age of 22, the 2nd largest digital influence in the world with millions of followers in his social networks. In this completely new show, he shares jokes and stories from before and after achieving his fame. With simple ‘stand-up’ he takes on videos, blogs, parodies, songs, and movie reviews, and he won’t quit till everyone is laughing.  Performing at the Bob Carr Theater in Orlando, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

July 21 to Aug 6 – Seussical the Musical at OsceolaArts
“Oh the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!”  Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust; Jojo, who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," finds his place in society; as Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love. With some help from the ‘Cat in the Hat,’ these characters come to realize they are not ‘alone in the universe.’ Call 407.846.6257 or visit osceolaarts.org 

July 22 & 23 – ‘Hairspray’ Presented by Encore! Cast Performing Arts 
Presented by the incredibly talented dancer/singer/actors from Disneyworld, the ‘Encore Cast’ takes us to Baltimore in 1962 for Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, (including Best Musical). This family-friendly musical introduces the bouncy plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad who has one desire – to dance on TV’s ‘Corny Collins Show.’ When her dream comes true, Tracy must use her new-found powers to integrate a TV network! Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators