Florida Culture for the Week of November 18, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

Classics: BEETHOVEN & MOZART & the Orlando Philharmonic
TODAY – Nov 18 at 8 pm 
If you truly love classical music, I know that when you saw the title “Beethoven & Mozart,” you smiled. As concert-goers, we feel fortunate when either name shows up on our program, but BOTH on the same program – we get to sit back and enjoy unabashed genius. The Orlando Philharmonic will make this dream-come-true happen when Jeffrey Kahane, Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, conducts AND performs at the piano with our Orchestra. Both Concerto and Symphony begin with a slow introduction, with stately repetitions of a series of chords. Interestingly, Beethoven was the soloist in the public premiere of the work (1808) in Vienna. The Concerto opens with the solo piano playing a series of lyrical chords that ‘grow’ to join this ‘intimacy’ with power. Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, premiered in Prague (1787), IS the “Prague” Symphony. Both works are structured in three movements. Mozart’s exquisite first movement balances the other two. In performance at the Bob Carr Theatre, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Winter Park Playhouse presents “Daddy Long Legs” (a Musical)
Now to Dec 17
From the Tony Award winning director of Les Miserables, this Cinderella-story-musical is based on the novel that inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. The musical takes place in an orphanage, where Jerusha is the “oldest orphan in the home.” Impressed by her writing, a Trustee of the orphanage offers to pay for her to go to college – all expenses paid. The only condition is that he remains anonymous, but Jerusha is to write to him reporting her progress. As she begins her first letter, she decides to call him "Daddy Long Legs,” because of a shadow she has seen (having decided the shadow belongs to her benefactor). Including the song "Something's Gotta Give,” the story of this clever young lady and her benefactor has charmed audiences from Los Angeles to London, and it is the kind of story at which the Playhouse excels. Please call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

‘Born Yesterday’ at the Mad Cow Theatre 
Now to Dec 17
While we know the plays to be produced in any given season by our major producing companies are decided (at least) a year in advance, “Born Yesterday,” at the Mad Cow Theatre, is so PERFECT for TODAY, that its choice is brilliant in its timeliness. This hilarious/serious comedy, written in 1946 (!!!), offers biting commentary on politics and ‘persuasion’ in Washington DC. A Broadway favorite in revivals since its premiere, this comedy-with-a-message pokes fun at ‘back-room’ politics, sex, political ‘contributions,’ and billionaires (with a B) who think they know what’s best for the country just because they can “buy their way in.” In the play, show-girl Billie Dawn is the girl-friend of billionaire (with a B) Harry Brock. While Brock is off in “none-of-your- business” meetings, Billie educates herself with the help of journalist Paul Verrall, leading the pair to unintentionally shed light on the crooked nature of Brock’s business and a political scandal. You WILL love this show, and (wink wink) what could be more timely than politics and Billionaires?!? Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- The Musical’ 
Now to Dec 30 
One of the gems of our community is the professional children’s theater at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Every performance has a not-too-subtle message for our young ones, and for Christmas the Rep is taking on “bullying.” So BEWARE the Herdmans – a family of kids who lie, steal, swear, fight, and light things on fire! When they crash into Sunday School and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the town panics. In this musical adaptation of the holiday classic, there is no chance for a silent night, but sometimes a little joyful noise can be just the ticket. Special note: Three examples of the Rep’s nurturing nature are an American Sign Language show on 11.27; a Sensory-Friendly performance on 11.26; and a Scout Workshop on 12.2. The Orlando Rep is in Loch Haven Park with plenty of FREE parking. Call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com. 

MAYS Musical Harvest: A Concert in Thanks
November 19 at 4 pm 
Devoted to helping young people advance through music, the sheer number of MAYS orchestras and ensembles requires a handbook to let the young musicians know about rehearsals in Lake County and Orlando. There are ensembles named Symphony, Repertory, Intermezzo, Concertino, Chamber Symphony, Lyric Consort and String Explorers. The Symphony is the MAYS’ most advanced ensemble, and this group is continually challenged to reach for the finest in orchestral performance. Performance not only fosters relationships between audiences and performers, it provides the young musicians with exposure to classic works of music. On November 19, the young performers of the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony invite us to begin the Holiday Season with a “Concert in Thanks.” This concert is perfect for all ages, and offers an uplifting performance of classical music favorites including the “New World Symphony,” works by Aaron Copland, and others. At 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park, Admission is FREE (with $5 suggested donation) Call 407.761.5170 or visit maysymphony.org 

Marc Anthony’s “Full Circle Tour” at the Amway Center 
November 19 at 7 pm
Marc Anthony, born in New York City, is the American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer who is also the top selling salsa artist of all time. The two-time Grammy Award and five-time Latin Grammy Award winner has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide – on top of a host of other awards. Holder of the Guinness World Record for best-selling tropical - salsa artist, Mr. Anthony loves his fans, and he is touring right now to say, “Thank you.” The tour is titled “Full Circle,” which communicates Marc Anthony’s desire to offer his fans a truly special experience. As he explained, “I want to feel my people close and dedicate all my songs, one by one, to them. I want to give them heartfelt thanks for having been with me since the beginning of my career.” Exemplifying how serious he is, he had his production team create a circular stage that will allow him to be closer and connect with his fans in a more intimate way. Featuring hits from throughout his career along with some of his favorite songs, there’s going to be a lot of ‘reaching out and touching’ at the Amway Center on November 19th. That kind of communication is an Art in itself. Call 407.440.7900 or visit amwaycenter.com 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns”
November 21 to 26 
They call it the “ultimate love story” as Andrew Lloyd Webber presents his sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera.” The original “Phantom,” one of the most successful musicals of all time, has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide. Soon “Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns” will spend a week at the Dr. Phillips Center. The sequel takes place in 1907 – 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. We learn the Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York among the freak shows of Coney Island. The sequel is described as “a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance,” but then, with no mention of the critics in London or New York, the promo tells us, “This production played to critical acclaim throughout Australia and New Zealand.” That quote answers our questions about the sequel. Personally, I would not miss the sequel, and I sincerely hope that there will be moments of the “beautiful; sometimes magical and poetic music” of the original, but it finds its place here – with my recommendation based on the fact that it is the sequel to one of my all-time favorites. Please join me. We’ll be thrilled – or not – together. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

“Gingerbread Lane” at the Orlando Science Center 
Nov 24 to Jan 7 
“It takes a Village to be this sweet,” but it is a feast for the eyes-only in the new exhibit “Gingerbread Lane” at the Orlando Science Center. Your family will gaze in wonder at dozens of beautiful structures created entirely from edible (cookie) materials. The creator of “Gingerbread Lane” is New York chef Jon Lovitch, who spends his entire year designing, baking, and decorating to bring his vision of a wintry wonderland to life. Hundreds of pounds of frosting, candy and gingerbread are sculpted into houses, office buildings and countless other structures. You’ll also learn how Lovitch has created the perfect recipe to ensure that the gingerbread walls and roofs will support the traditional candy decorations. Gingerbread ‘workshops’ will be offered through the run of the exhibit, and your family may enjoy this addition to the holiday season through January 7. The Science Center is at 777 East Princeton Street in Orlando. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org 

Handel’s MESSIAH in its 45th Annual FREE Concert 
Nov 26 at 3 pm
One of the ‘wonders’ of Central Florida’s Holiday season is the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Messiah Choral Society. Open for all singers to participate, each year the group raises the funds necessary to provide a professional level performance to the public. Universally recognized as one of the finest and most popular classical music works ever written, this presentation is truly priceless – it’s FREE. Over 40 years ago, Bill Jarvis, a prominent Orlando music director, formed the society with the philosophy that the Messiah was worthy of a group dedicated solely to its performance. His vision continues to inspire the ‘Society’ to perform this magnificent oratorio annually as a gift to the Orlando community. No tickets are required at the Bob Carr Theater at 401 W. Livingston St. in Orlando. NOTE: the Ensemble asks that you help feed the hungry by bringing non-perishable food items to the performance. NOTE II: Give yourself extra time for parking due to road-work in that area. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org

Orlando Philharmonic Brings Holiday Pops to Winter Park 
Nov 26 at 4 pm 
The City of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite young, “mature,” and everyone in between to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at the annual Winter Park Holiday Pops concert in charming Central Park. “Sounds of the Season” is a FREE public concert made possible by the Hollander Trust. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a concert program that has become a family tradition in central Florida. Singing Duo Gloria Rice and Shawn Kilgore will perform with the Philharmonic in this program of holiday favorites for all ages. Highlights will include instrumentals including selections from the “Nutcracker,” “Festive Sounds of Hanukah” and “Sleigh Ride,” along with vocal selections including “White Christmas, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and a joyful Christmas sing-a-long. No tickets necessary. Visit orlandophil.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators