“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 12, 2019 By Josh Garrick  

King LEAR with John DiDonna at Valencia East Campus 
FINAL WEEKEND to April 14 
Shakespeare's classic and heart-rending tragedy is one of the world's most respected tragic works. AND with one of Orlando’s most inventive and deviously clever actor/directors BOTH co-directing (with Shakespearean expert Tim Williams) and playing the lead role of LEAR, this is college theatre at its very best. With stand-out performances by DiDonna, Max Kelly, and Xandra Burnett, call 407 582 2900 or visit valenciacollege.edu/arts 

“The Tender Land” -- An Opera by Aaron Copland
TWO PERFORMANCES April 12 at 8 pm and April 14 at 2 pm   Tickets: $10 to $20 
UCF Opera “Celebrates the Arts” by inviting us to a vivid portrait of the mid-west during the Depression as Aaron Copland's evocative harmonies tell the story of a young woman's coming of age. The life of a farming family is focused on a daughter about to graduate from High School, but Laurie’s questioning of her place in the world is fueled by a kiss, an overly protective Grandpa, and coming of age realizations – themes still relevant today. Sung in English at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. 

Star Wars and More:  The Music of John Williams 
TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY -- April 13 at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater 
Even when we were kids watching those film credits roll off into some other universe, WE KNEW the music behind all this wonderfulness came from some kind of genius. FIVE DECADES later composer John Williams is still America’s most acclaimed film composer.  In two performances only, Conductor Michael Krajewski will lead the University of Central Florida Chorus and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in an All John Williams concert of legendary film scores, including selections from Jaws, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, Star Wars and more. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071. 

“Once Upon a Mattress” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
FINAL WEEKEND – NOW to April 14 
This wonderfully funny (and tuneful) musical, composed by Mary Rodgers, follows the tale of an evil queen, and a prince who just wants to find a little love – Is that so wrong? In our classic tale, the nasty Queen Mother Agravia – does not think anyone worthy of her son OR her kingdom so she decides NO ONE will be allowed to marry until her son does. (Side-note: The people of the court are NOT happy). Enter Princess Winifred who turns the kingdom upside down, and ….  CFCArts excels at this kind of musical silliness, so we expect a load of laughter to accompany the singing.  Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800 

Direct from Broadway – “Dear Evan Hansen” 
April 16 to 21 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including BEST MUSICAL – and – the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, “Dear Evan Hansen” teeters precariously on a letter never meant to be seen and a lie never meant to be told. Young Evan Hansen thinks he is about to get the one thing he has always wanted – a chance to “fit in.” Called “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a profound musical about life and the way we live it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

Mad Cow Theatre Presents “Top Girls”
NOW to April 21 
Women and power are back on the table in Caryl Churchill’s famously feminist feast about career-driven Marlene and her relationships in “Top Girls.” Caryl Churchill is prolific, dynamic and varied, and this contemporary classic, first performed in 1982, is most famous for its opening scene, featuring the main character attending a dinner party, accompanied by several women from history and folklore. The play strikes a chord today, in a world where women are still suffering due to gender inequality, albeit with exciting changes on the horizon. Visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 X 1. 

Shakespeare’s Richard II at Orlando Shakes 
NOW to April 28 
With our Shakespeare Company moving into the “Histories,” we find Mr. Shakespeare tackling themes of authoritarianism, greed, and the implications one person’s actions can have on an entire country. Director Eleanor Holdridge finds the play “filled with stunning poetry and some deep questions about what makes us human. We get to see the fall of a quixotic and capricious ruler and the rise of a steadfast person of honor.”  She hopes we see ourselves in the characters and our state as a nation.”  Hmmm – Ya think ??  Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

“Seussical – The Musical” at the Orlando Rep  
NOW to May 12 
“Oh, the thinks you can think…” when “Seussical the Musical” bursts onto the stage at Orlando Rep in Loch Haven Park. This fantastical musical extravaganza by Tony Award-winning composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty features those beloved characters -- Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and a bunch of Whos in a musical journey exploring the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family. With the Cat in the Hat as our Master of Ceremonies, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Jack and the Beanstalk
NOW to May 14 
Our own international singing star – Michael Andrews – has created a new version of the classic fairy tale for the Shakespeare company – and children of ALL ages who enjoy a great song and the lessons to be learned when a hero is determined to “reach new heights.” From the urban jungle to the peaceful countryside, Jack is known for his sense of adventure -- at least in his dreams. When our hero is called upon to rescue new friends, his bravery is put to the test. Among giants, mystery and magic, join Jack in this brand new musical in a land above the clouds!  For audiences of all ages, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. 

“Symbiosis” Fine Art Exhibit at Bloomingdale’s  
NOW to June 5 
Join the distinguished Artists of the Group “Beaux Artists” on the 3rd floor of Bloomingdale’s (at the Mall at Millenia) for a truly beautiful exhibit sponsored by Bloomingdale's and the Downtown Arts District/Orlando. The exhibit perfectly celebrates the symbiotic relationships of “Art in the Home” and the “Artist in the Community.” See first-hand how various painting styles fit varying environments in Bloomie’s Furniture Showroom. I attended the fun Opening, and was truly impressed by the quality of the work, ALL of which is FOR SALE. PLEASE support your local Artists!  Visit facebook.com/bxartscentralflorida/ 

“Dreams Come True” -- A Disney Musical Theatre Revue by CFCArts Youth Theatre 
April 19 at 6:30 pm and April 20 at 11:00 am 
Dreams DO Come True – especially in Central Florida -- as the Youth Theatre Groups from CFCArts say “Be Our Guest” to the wonderful world of Disney Theatricals! Young performers will create – and re-create – our favorite songs, scenes, and dances from classic Disney musicals including “Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,”  “Lion King,” “Newsies,” and “Frozen.”  This fun-for-the-whole-family-musical-revue will be presented at Trinity Prep at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park. Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800 

Arcadian Broad’s Wonderland: Mad Tales of the Hatter!
April 26 to 28 
I can’t wait for Orlando Ballet’s highly anticipated ‘Mad’ season finale. In “Arcadian Broad’s Wonderland: Mad Tales of the Hatter,” our own “wunderkind” Arcadian Broad once again makes WORLD HISTORY by creating BOTH the musical score and the choreography for the World Premiere of a ballet and then DANCES the LEAD as well.  Arcadian did this a few years ago for the Ballet’s wonderful “Beauty and the Beast,” which makes this dance event even more amazing. We can be so very “ORLANDO PROUD” to have this World Premiere event here at the Dr. Phillips Center. You want MORE?  “We got more” – the production has all-new sets and costumes!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! A sell out is expected early so visit drphillipscenter.org/events/ or call 844-513-2014.

Billy Elliot: The Musical 
April 26 to May 26 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden 
Featuring an incredible score by music-legend Elton John, this Broadway musical is based on the hit film, “Billy Elliot.”  Anyone who has taken a ‘life-path’ different from that which one’s family approves will empathize with this story set in an English town during the devastating miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy chooses to exchange the boxing ring for ballet classes, challenging pretty much every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, he discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change several lives forever. Please note, the production contains mature themes and adult language. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736

The World Ballet Competition & Gala Performance
April 27 at 7:30 pm 
With a stage perfect for ballet, the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center has hosted The World Ballet Competition (WBC) and Gala IN ORLANDO every year since 2007. Bringing acclaim and an economic boost to Orlando, the Gala is an extraordinary evening of talent including Winners from the week of competition AND Guest Artists from around the world. I think of ballet dancers as the most highly trained “athletes” in the world, and each year the GALA proves that to be true. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit worldballetcompetition.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators