Florida Culture for the Week of March 3, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure for Young People 
March 3 to April 8 
If you have not yet been introduced to the ‘wonders’ of Orlando Rep, this is the perfect time to “Move it! Move it!” on down to Loch Haven Park, where Orlando Rep is developing into one of our nation’s finest theaters for “young people of all ages.” Everything they perform is done with professionalism, and every performance has a ‘message’ for today’s ever-more-complex world. Let me add that when the ‘humans’ at Orlando Rep perform the roles of animals, they do it with joyful originality that keeps the young ones transfixed with their over-active “suspension of disbelief.” Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo, four ‘pampered’ animals from New York’s Central Park Zoo, as they find themselves on the island of Madagascar. ‘Feeding time’ rolls round to help them remember “one of the good things they ran away from.” Throw in mischievous penguins, and you’re in for a roaring good time in this all-singing, all-dancing, all-ANIMAL musical-adventure based on the block-buster film. At the Orlando Rep at Loch Haven Park, for tickets, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com. 

City of Winter Park’s 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 4 at 2 pm 
The City of Winter Park and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will present the 40th Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the only annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in central Florida. You know the drill -- wear some green (or you might get pinched) as you gather family and friends to enjoy the festivities. The parade, with more than 75 groups, floats and organizations, begins at the Winter Park Country Club and proceeds south on Park Avenue. The celebration then continues with Irish music and step-dancing on the main stage in Central Park by Irish dance schools including Sarah Costello, Tir Na Greine, and the Watters School of Irish Dance. Irish music will be provided by Mike Daly. For information call 386.785.6965. 

Noche de Zarzuela – An Evening of Zarzuela
March 4 at 7 pm 
In 1657 Spain was enjoying the riches flowing into the country from the “New World,” and throughout history, a new source of funding has always been followed by NEW ART. At his royal hunting lodge “Palacio de la Zarzuela,” King Philip IV of Spain and his court attended a performance of a new comedy WITH MUSIC. – what a concept! The NEW entertainment/ art-form incorporated popular songs, high-class songs (like opera), dance, and drama and would eventually become known as ‘Zarzuela.’ (see Palacio de la above). In one public performance, Opera Orlando joins with Central Florida Vocal Arts for a musical celebration of this passionate, Spanish operatic tradition. Featuring professional soloists Arleen Ramirez, María Laetitia Hernández, Javier Abreu, and Jean Carlos Rodriguez; the event comes together under Conductor Julian Bond, with the Opera Orlando Chorus, Osceola school students, and the Alterity Chamber Orchestra. At the Osceola Performing Arts Center in Kissimmee, tickets at $25, $15 and $5 for students and may be purchased at opac.tix.com 

Fab Fringe 2018 Fundraiser featuring 'Josephine,’ a Cabaret Dream Play
March 5 at 7 pm
Fab Fringe 2018 will present the newly extended performance of 'Josephine,’ the award-winning cabaret performance starring Tymisha Harris direct from its Off-Broadway run. Cabaret, theatre and dance tell the story of Josephine Baker, the first international African-American superstar, as ‘Josephine’ shatters stereotypes of race, gender, and sexuality. Having earned a host of awards on tour, 'Josephine' comes to Orlando with three new Josephine Baker songs and a live band. The ‘VIP Experience’ is $75 with general admission at $35 at orlandofringe.showare.com 

The Tamburitzans: “The Journey of Our Ancestors”
March 9 at 8 pm 
The longest-running multi-cultural song and dance company in the U.S. comes to Orlando in their record-breaking 81st season offering audiences a whirlwind tour of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Hungary, Greece, Spain and the "Dance of the Gypsy Roma". Created in 1937 by Dr. Lester Pierce, ‘The Tamburitzans’ have recorded albums and toured nationally and internationally performing music and dance mainly from the folk cultures of Eastern Europe. Affectionately known as "the Tammies,” their blend of intricate and historical costuming, precise footwork, and youthful energy has long been a trademark of their concerts that immediately turn audiences into fans. This season’s traveling show is entitled "The Journey of Our Ancestors" and celebrates the world cultures brought to our country through immigration. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Orlando Philharmonic Presents “My Sinatra” Starring Cary Hoffman
March 10 at 2 pm & 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
Singing sensation Cary Hoffman turns his celebrated PBS Special into a biographical, often funny, and often poignant one-man musical about his idolization of his hero Frank Sinatra. In two very special performances, Hoffman joins the Orlando Philharmonic in his intimate journey. Hoffman grew up fatherless with three musician uncles who played on some of Sinatra's greatest recordings. This association led to Sinatra becoming young Hoffman’s ‘fantasy father’ with the young man’s creative obsession leading to what the New York Times calls Hoffman’s "Dead On!” re-creation of the Sinatra experience. The show presents over 20 classic Sinatra songs in an unforgettable musical that honors a performer whose talent changed the lives of generations of Americans. Call 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org 

Dr. Phillips Center presents Andy McKee
March 10 at 8 pm in the Pugh Theater
Andy McKee is among the world’s great acoustic guitarists with his youthful energy and attention to melodic content that elevates him above the rest. He entertains both the eye and the ear as he transforms his steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and his signature two-handed technique. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

An Evening with Jason Mraz at the Dr. Phillips Center 
March 13 at 7:30 pm
Jason Mraz has quietly amassed a diverse fan base throughout all parts of the globe. Since his humble start in coffeehouses in San Diego, Mraz has brought his positive message to the world through numerous platinum releases including Grammy Awards for his record-breaking classic single, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up.” He won the Songwriter Hall of Fame Hal David Award, but through it all Mraz is first and foremost a committed global citizen. His social activism and philanthropic efforts span from environmental advocacy to his ardent support for human rights. As his Jason Mraz Foundation serves arts education and the advancement of equality, Jason Mraz sings and celebrates music’s miraculous power to inspire. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dr. Phillips Center presents ANITA BAKER in Her Farewell Tour 
March 16 at 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
After headlining the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this April, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Anita Baker will retire from her legendary singing career. After three decades of sharing the voice that has remained a significant influence in contemporary soul music, Ms. Baker will bring her tour to Orlando. The tour acknowledges the deep gratitude she feels for the fan base that propelled her to 8 Grammy Awards, 7 albums (including 6 platinum), four No. 1 Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, and 6 world tours. Including her ‘Millennial fans,’ who have viewed her videos on YouTube more than 20 million times, it’s time for Orlando to welcome Anita Baker back to the Bob Carr Theater so we can “give her the best that we got” … one last time. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Orlando Ballet presents Arcadian Broad’s ‘Beauty & the Beast Family Weekend’
March 17 & 18 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
The youthful genius of Arcadian Broad brings us his original music and choreography for Beauty & the Beast, the much-loved fairytale with Belle, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and a host of enchanted characters. The perfect introduction to the magic of ballet for fans of all ages, this weekend is created as a ‘day with the family’ with (very) affordable ticket packages starting at $15 and a Family 4-Pack for $40. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The LION KING
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to March 11
The unmistakable vibrations of “The Circle of Life” are here in a production as fresh as Opening Night on Broadway. Twenty years ago, The Lion King won six Tony Awards including Best Musical and over those twenty years has gone on to become the most successful Broadway musical in history. The touring company of The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor (who directed the Broadway original), is at our magnificent Dr. Phillips Center NOW. The Lion King has been seen by more than 90 MILLION people, an amazing success story that exceeds any other show in box office history. Part of that success is because the Broadway score features music by Elton John and Tim Rice – music that has become a part of our “Circle of Life.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is an understatement. Tickets may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org or by calling 844.513.2014 

“Steel Magnolias” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to March 11 
Like the classic movie with the same name, Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where ‘anyone who is anyone’ comes to get their hair done. As a cast of strong, loveable, gossipy Southern women experience loss in their tight-knit ‘family,’ the play reminds audiences of the important things in life through this funny/sad, touching and life-affirming evening in the theater. CFCArts is the fastest growing performance phenomenon in Central Florida, and they re-invent “life-affirming” in everything they touch. This is a great way in which to experience one of your favorite movies, performed LIVE, and perhaps more importantly – if you’ve never attended an always-affordable CFCArts performance – it’s time. At the CFCArts Black-Box Theater in Winter Park, call 407.937.1800 x710 or visit cfcarts.com 

LIVE Dramedy “The Graduate” presented by Breakthrough Theater 
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to March 12 
Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of “The Graduate,” based on the novel and the iconic film from 1967, is a bitterly funny, dark-comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinatingly dangerous characters. There is something about the close-up LIVE THEATER experience that makes this exploration of dysfunctional families, crumbling marriages, and the disillusioned younger characters even more frightening than the original movie. The lead character (who made Dustin Hoffman a Star), is forced to grow up fast in the ‘swinging’ affluence of Southern California of the 1960s. Note: adult themes. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com 

Pictured: Nate Elliott and Kristin Pringle-Marksbury 

“Twelfth Night” (by Wm. Shakespeare) and “Shakespeare in Love” in Repertory
NOW to March 25
Many Shakespeare companies CLAIM they are producing a play the way W.S. did back in 1600, but we can be proud to say our renowned (Orlando) Shakespeare company is performing “Twelfth Night” in repertory with "Shakespeare in Love,” in a fully-realized Elizabethan production with clothing, scenery, music and dance created (as it was in 1602) and performed by an ALL-MALE cast (as it was in 1602). With the reverence we hold for the world’s greatest playwright, it’s hard to conceive of a time when young ‘Will’ was just another ‘scribbler’ eking out a meager living for the plays he wrote before “Romeo & Juliet.” All of this is brilliantly introduced in “Shakespeare in Love,” the very funny LIVE stage play drawn from the 1998 Best Picture Academy Award winning movie. If possible, please see BOTH plays, and see “Shakespeare in Love” first as that play shows how “Romeo & Juliet” and “Twelfth Night” were conceived. Performed in repertory (as it was in 1602), the ALL-MALE cast for “Twelfth Night” includes the … uh … beautiful John P. Keller as Olivia and an ensemble that literally leaps to perform two comedies (no angst-filled questions like “to be or” not here). With both plays HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org for tickets.