“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 28, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Garden Theatre 
NOW to May 27 
Based on the Victor Hugo novel, with magnificent music from the Disney film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, this epic musical finds the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral longing to escape his captivity by the religious hypocrite Archdeacon Frollo. During his one night of ‘freedom,’ he is treated cruelly by the people of Paris until a beautiful gypsy comes to his rescue. Her beauty and spirit captivate the bell-ringer, the lecherous Archdeacon and the Captain of the Guard. In the end all three must deal with the complex emotions she evokes. At the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org. 

YANNI Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of “Live at the Acropolis”
April 30 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center 
After playing legendary sites around the globe – India’s Taj Mahal, China’s Forbidden City and the Pyramids at Giza – renowned new age musician Yanni returns to the Dr. Phillips Center with a concert to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his legendary concert at the Acropolis of Greece. Blessed by the goddess Athena, sixteen of Yanni’s albums reached No. 1 on Billboard's Top New Age category, and this is your opportunity to experience the music that touches the world – LIVE. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Orlando Ballet to Present Three Premieres in “Contemporary Wonders” 
May 4 & 5 at 8 pm and May 6 at 2 pm 
The Orlando Ballet will present three new works in the Ballet’s up-coming “Contemporary Wonders” program. Opening with an Orlando Ballet premiere by choreographer Jessica Lang titled “From Foreign Lands and People.” In the second premiere, Arcadian Broad will both choreograph AND compose “Mad Hatter’s Wonderland” – the story of Alice as seen through the eyes of the Mad Hatter! The program will close with a collaboration of choreography by Robert Hill with live vocals performed by Sisaundra Lewis called “Love Is” an emotional work about the healing power of love. Tickets start at an affordable $19, and may be purchased by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting drphillipscenter.org 

Mad Cow's Annual Black & White Bash
May 6 at 6 pm 
I would never BASH the great folks at the Mad Cow Theatre except for the one evening each year when we can join them for Mad Cow's biggest party of the year (which THEY call a “Bash”) This high energy cocktail party, is complete with drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a taste of their up-coming annual Cabaret Festival – featuring 4eva29, time to mingle with the artists, and raffles filled with prizes. Please help support the always wonderful Mad Cow Theatre. Wear your best black & white and join in the thanks to the evening’s Sponsor: KRES CHOPHOUSE at 17 West Church St. in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.297.8788 x1 or visit madcowtheatre.com. 

Tim Totten – Back by Popular Demand at Casa Feliz 
May 8 at 6:30 pm 
Timothy Totten is a master storyteller, who has studied the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright for more than 25 years, visiting more than 250 Wright-designed buildings across the United States. This time Totten focuses on Wright’s extensive work in Florida, while weaving a tale of love, adultery, and the Emperor of Japan to illustrate the genius and the foibles of the man the American Institute of Architects has called “The Greatest American Architect.” This FREE talk will be held at Casa Feliz at 656 N. Park Ave in Winter Park. Please RSVP by calling 407.628.8200.

On-going … 

“The Luckiest People” at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater 
FINAL PERFORMANCE – April 29
In this brilliant new play by Meridith Friedman, the question of WHAT is our responsibility to our spouses, children, and parents is laid out before us. Including several of the finest performances of this exceptional Orlando Shakes’ season, the play is guaranteed to pull up memories of your own family as it tells of the recent death of a beloved Wife and Mother. Following the funeral, Richard’s elderly Father asks to move in with Richard who is less than thrilled at the idea of living with his Father. Accusations fly and competing priorities lead to … consequences. This sometimes humorous, always thought-provoking work is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 
Photo: from left Alexander Mrazek, J.D. Sutton (seated) and Steven Lane 

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad Mad Mad Mad Treasure Hunt at Orlando Rep 
NOW to May 13
In the latest from Orlando Rep, “Judy Moody” is known for her ‘flights of fancy,’ but a (for-real) adventure on a treasure-island begins when the Moody family drops anchor on Artichoke Island. ‘Welcomed’ to the island by a (for-real) PIRATE -- Scurvy Sam, Judy Moody and her brother Stink begin an adventure with clues, codes, and puzzles in a race against the clock and other treasure-hunters. To create this 60-minute adventure, Orlando REP teamed up with six other Theatres for Young Audiences around the country to commission the new play by Allison Gregory based on the books by Megan McDonald. Ask about ‘Special Performances’ on April 14, 21, 22, and 23 when you call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators