“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 3, 2019 By Josh Garrick

Billy Elliot: The Musical
NOW to May 26 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden
Featuring a 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 miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy exchanges the boxing ring for ballet class, challenging every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, Billy discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change lives forever. Please note, the production contains mature themes and adult language. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736 

“Seussical – The Musical” at the Orlando Rep 
FINAL WEEK -- 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 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 at the Shakespeare Center
NOW to May 14
Central Florida’s 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 seeks to “reach new heights.” Jack is known for his sense of adventure, but 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. 

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' Season Finale Concert
May 5 at 4 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' 62nd Concert Season closes with a concert at the historic Bob Carr Theater in Downtown Orlando. All four FSYO Orchestras will be featured in this finale with Trumpeter Alexander Keiser as featured soloist performing the “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra” by Arutunian. In addition, forty-eight graduating seniors will be recognized as they leave the orchestra to reach new heights as musicians and individuals. Tickets from $20 at the Bob Carr Box Office at 844.513.2014 

Drinking Water Week
May 5 to 11
Each year, the American Water Works Assoc (AWWA) sponsors Drinking Water Week to highlight the importance of tap water and the need to RE-INVEST in our water infrastructure. One hundred years ago, life expectancy in the United States was 47 years. NOW life expectancy is 78 years, BECAUSE over the last century regulation of water contaminants have made U.S. tap water one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world. #OCFLTapWaterDelivers

The Indigo Girls at the Dr. Phillips Center
May 5 at 8 pm
Twenty years after they began releasing records as the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have declined slowing down with age. With countless tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have sold over 14 million records leading to a slew of Gold and Platinum records, a GRAMMY Award, and collaborations with fellow artists from Michael Stipe to Joan Baez. Along the way, the duo has balanced their successful careers by supporting numerous social causes, thereby securing their spot among the legendary musical acts of this generation. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014.  

TOM JONES at the Dr. Phillips Center
May 8 at 8 pm
The popularity of Tom Jones’ remarkable 50-year career has built (at the age of 76), to the best reviews of his career for his recent albums, Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame. Best known for hits including ‘It’s Not Unusual,’ ‘Kiss,’ ‘Delilah,’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat,’ he is an artist with a rhythm and blues soul. With his 39th album Jones was knighted by the Queen, an honor he celebrated by performing at the Queens Diamond Jubilee concert. An interesting side-note is that he has been ‘animated as himself’ in The Simpsons, Duck Dodgers, The Emperors New Groove; and a role in Tim Burton’s ‘Mars Attacks.’  Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014.  

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Broadway & All That Jazz”
May 9 & 10 at 8 pm
Featuring jazz from Broadway: West Side Story, Cabaret, Chicago, and more, some of the best jazz ever written started its life on Broadway. Catch The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips for their season finale in a night of Classic Jazz from Broadway as the Pugh Theater becomes Orlando’s coolest jazz club. With the backing of Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Jazz Orchestra at DPC is made up of the hottest players selected from around the country turning Orlando’s Jazz Orchestra into a series of ‘must-see’ performances. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

CFCArts presents “SPECTACLE”
May 9 & 10 at 7:30 pm at Northland Church
In two ‘SPECTACULAR’ performances, the Central Florida Community Choir, Symphony Orchestra, and Dance Company combine show-stopping production numbers, selections from classical music’s “Greatest Hits,” and timeless songs from the past 100 years into an entertainment extravaganza unlike anything you’ve seen before. Join the NATION’S LARGEST community choir, members of Central Florida’s largest symphony orchestra, and the CFCArts Dance Company as they dream big through music’s all-time greatest hits! Call 407.937.1800 x 710 or visit CFCArts.com/spectacle

“Heartbeats” at the Winter Park Playhouse
May 10 to June 9
With Book, Music and Lyrics by Amanda McBroom, this Central Florida Premiere is a beautiful and comedic musical about a woman’s journey as she grows up, grows older and finds happiness along the way. Filled with tremendous humor and insight, this new musical illuminates the age-old conundrum known as “self-discovery.” Featuring 20 songs by Amanda McBroom, including her super-hit song, “The Rose,” call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Mother’s Day
May 12 (all day)
Just a reminder that Mom’s Big Day is coming up.  Tickets to a performance are always Highly Recommended for HER BIG DAY !!!

Dr. Phillips Center Presents “Rocktopia”
May 12 at 8 pm
Having grown up in the 1980’s, “Cross-Over Rock” is one of my guilty secrets, so you can only imagine how I am looking forward to the “rule-busting multimedia concert” called “Rocktopia.” This way-cool concert fuses iconic ROCK with world-renowned CLASSICAL composers. We’re talking Queen meets Beethoven; Zeppelin merges with Puccini; The Who meets the joy of Strauss and more. On May 12, five amazing vocalists – backed by a full symphony orchestra, an electrifying rock band and an “open-minded” choir take music to electrifying new heights. See it. Hear it, and enjoy the WOW factor.  Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Direct from Broadway -- Anastasia
May 14 to 19
Inspired by several beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical, Anastasia, is coming to Orlando.   From the Tony Award – winning creators of the Broadway classic ‘Ragtime,’ this dazzling new show transports us from the fall of the Russian Empire to the jazz-fueled euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Time Out New York called it, “a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery.” Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

And Coming Up …

Orange County HURRICANE Expo !!!
June 1 from 9 am to 1 pm at Cypress Creek High School

A Chorus Line presented by the Celebration Theatre Company
July 3 to 6 at the Dr. Phillips Center 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators