“Josh Recommends” for the Week of August 9, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

Current … 

Very Special Thanks and Congratulations to Krista and Jonathan LEDDEN
November 6 
Krista and Jonathan Ledden were recently awarded the “Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award for Outstanding Philanthropist,” and will be recognized at the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ annual National Philanthropy Day on November 6. Criteria for this prestigious award includes exceptional generosity with financial resources, time, and talent, as well as dynamic leadership that encourages others to take up their own philanthropic efforts. In the five years since the Leddens moved to Central Florida, they have invested generously in the community, having donated more than one million dollars to Orlando Ballet over the last two years alone. They have also provided substantial philanthropic support to Orlando Health, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando Philharmonic, Opera Orlando, and CFCArts, among others. A former professional dancer with Twyla Tharp Dance and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Krista teaches a full schedule of BeMoved classes that allow anyone interested in dance to participate. All of us at Wandering Educators send our sincere thanks and congratulations to this exemplary pair of “Super-Philanthropists.” For more information, contact Elizabeth Buccianti at ElizabethB[at]sixtheagency.com

George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Heartbreak House’ at Mad Cow Theatre 
OPENING TONIGHT -- August 9 to Sept 1
England is on the brink of massive change in 1914, but in the English countryside estate of Captain Shotover an extraordinary assemblage of guests gather to re-unite. Affairs begin, engagements end, and hearts and minds become irreparably ensnared in a young woman’s dilemma – whether to marry for love or for money. George Bernard Shaw, master of wit and social comment, chronicles the demise of the leisure class in his favorite play. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

“Behind the Scenes” FREE at Orlando Shakespeare
August 10 from 11 am to 3 pm 
Join the “Orlando Shakes Family” for a day of FREE festivities as they pull back the curtain for their Annual Orlando Shakes’ Open House to celebrate the kick off of the theater’s 31st Season. With exclusive sneak peeks throughout the day, festivities include a backstage tour; an in-depth discussion of the new plays (with snippets from shows currently in development); sound and lightning demonstrations; kids’ activities including crafts and story-time; AND Special Open House-only discounts on tickets, exclusively at the theater. RSVP for this FREE event now by calling 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Performing Arts Class Preview at Dr. Phillips 
August 17 from 10 am to 12 noon 
The “Advent Health School of the Arts” at the Dr. Phillips Center will present an Open House at which potential students may experience the fun and thrill of performing arts classes for all ages and all skill levels. With 30-minute class previews of Musical Theater, Acting, Dance, or Voice, students can pick their favorite performance genre while parents meet with a roster of experienced performance educators. Tours of the facility will also be offered at half hour intervals. To register, please visit drphillipscenter.org/classes. 

“Art After Dark” at the Downtown Arts District 
August 24 beginning at 7 pm
“Art After Dark” is the Downtown Orlando Arts District’s new program created to introduce young professionals to DAD and its mission. Guests enjoy the celebration in the unique setting of CityArts' six different galleries (all under one roof) with interactive art, meet & greet with guest artists, live music, photo ops, a silent auction, craft cocktails, and gourmet ‘lite-bites’ Tickets: $35 and $40; Attire: Semi-formal/cocktail for ages 21 and up, with Parking at the Plaza Parking Garage. Proceeds support DAD’s mission to stimulate the development of a vibrant and innovative arts district that enhances all of downtown Orlando.
 

“How to Marry a Divorced Man” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
NOW to August 25 
In this World Premiere musical production, developed at the Playhouse’s Festival of New Musicals, the hilarity follows Layla Diamond who attempts to settle down with a divorced man. Setting her sights on a charming sports agent with two obnoxious children (of course), she makes one miscalculation after another, turning her marital quest into a hilarious farce. Based on the book by Leslie Fram, visit winterparkplayhouse.com or call 407.645.0145. 

‘SIP and SAVOR’ Otown-style
NOW to August 18 
It WAS known as “Restaurant Week,” but this year it has a new name, and bars have been added to this uniquely neighborhood “foodie” event. Designed to get us into area restaurants during this summertime ‘slow’ period, it’s a great time to try that restaurant – or bar – where the menu looked a bit too pricey before. Pretty much any neighborhood that has its’ own name (e.g. College Park, Mills 50, or Thornton Park) has eateries taking part. Varying widely, most offerings include a drink and entrée – or some variation of … TIME is of the essence, however, so plan your hunger (or thirst) for offerings that begin at LUNCH for $5 !!! Visit sipandsavorotown.com for participating restaurants (and menus). 

Turtle Power at the Orlando Science Center 
NOW to September 2
Before they return to the classroom, you want to catch the Orlando Science Center’s summer ‘exhibit’ in which Nickelodeon’s Mutant Ninja Turtles show off their Underground Lair. They’re looking for team-mates to train alongside the Turtles and Master Splinter. Along the way, young ones discover the importance of teamwork, creative thinking, and training as they are then asked to put their ‘new skills’ to the test in the Streets of NYC. Don't miss the live show “Enter the Dojo” on-stage, inside the 5000-square-foot exhibit hall. Visit osc.org/visit or call 407.514.2000 

“Enchanted Fairy Doors” at Leu Gardens 
NOW to Sept 30
Back by popular demand -- a visit to Leu Gardens is in order as this ‘exhibit’ of 15 “Fairy Doors” has found its way back to the Gardens. Located at 1920 N. Forest Ave in Orlando, the beautiful 50-acre gardens (where the fairies live) will inspire your child’s imagination about mythical forests and secret gardens. Work with your child to find the ‘enchanted’ doors, and allow your young one’s creativity to do the rest. Admission is $10 adult, $5 children (ages 4 to 17). Leu Gardens’ Members and children 3 and younger are FREE. Visit LeuGardens.org or call 407.246.2620. 
 

“Tuck Everlasting” (Young Audiences Edition) at Orlando Rep 
 Sept 3 to Sept 29
Young Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but not until she becomes entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she imagined. As the adventure unfolds, Winnie faces the impossible choice of returning to her ‘normal’ life, or continuing with the Tucks on their magical journey. Based on the best-selling novel by Natalie Babbitt, “Tuck Everlasting” has enthralled readers for over 40 years and NOW Orlando Rep presents this classic story with MUSIC! Recommended for ages 9 and above, visit OrlandoRed.com or call 407.896.7365
 

Evita at Orlando Shakes ! 
Sept 4 to Oct 6 
If Shakespeare had been able to see into the future, he would have written Evita, the ‘rags-to-riches’ tale of Eva Duarte Peron and her rise from being an illegitimate child from the slums to becoming Argentina’s First Lady and the most powerful woman in the world – before her body (her health) brought her down. This is SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit orlandoshakes.com or call 407.447.1700 x1 

Alison Krauss at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 19 at 8 pm 
Having sold 12 million records to date – and honored with 27 Grammys – Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 21. See this penultimate country singer LIVE at the Dr. Phillips Center on October 19. Call 844.513,2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The Tony Award Winning Musical Phenomenon, “Les Miserables”
October 22 to 27, 2019
Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune called “Les Miz” one of the greatest musicals ever created,” and I completely agree. Single tickets are now on sale at the Dr. Phillips Center. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators