“Josh Recommends” for the Week of September 20, 2019 By Josh Garrick
 
The Orlando Philharmonic – 2019 Season Opening Night
September 28 at 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theatre
The Orlando Philharmonic opens their new season with Richard Strauss’ revolutionary tone poem, “Don Juan,” a tour de force masterpiece that established Strauss’ status as a composer. America’s most acclaimed saxophonist, Branford Marsalis, joins the Philharmonic with Ibert’s Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and eleven instruments. In conclusion, Music Director Eric Jacobsen leads the orchestra in Ravel’s mesmerizing and powerful Boléro.
STRAUSS– Don Juan
MAHLER– Rückert-Lieder
IBERT– Concertina da Camera for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
CLYNE– Masquerade
MAHLER– “Urlicht” from Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”)
RAVEL– Boléro
Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 
 
Orlando Native Michael Scott reprises his role as GENIE in ALADDIN in Orlando
Jan 22 to Feb 9 at Dr. Phillips Center
“Aladdin,”is the hit musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated film. It opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014 and has grossed over $1 billion since 2014!! WOWZER !! I am incredibly excited to report that Orlando Native Michael James SCOTT, who previously played the Genie on Broadway, in London’s West End, and in Australia, will “come home” to play the iconic role in Orlando. Scott, a graduate of Dr. Phillips H.S, has also appeared in Broadway productions of The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten, Hair, All Shook Up, Elf, Mamma Mia and Tarzan. “The pride, joy and excitement of having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring this iconic role, in a show I’m so proud to be a part of, back to the city where it all started for me feels like the biggest Disney dream come true,” said Scott. “I’m the product of Orlando, a city that is a big supporter of the arts and gives young artists the tools and opportunities needed to pursue their dreams. So many people have helped me, and my family, make this dream a reality. I can’t believe I have the chance to come back home to show my beautiful city their return on investment!” We’re thrilled to have you “come home” Mr. Scott, AND that gives an already “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” show several more reasons to get your tickets early. 
Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org



 
“Ragtime the Musical” in Winter Garden
FINAL WEEKEND -- NOW to September 22
Based on the novel “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow, we find ourselves at the dawn of the new century – 1900 -- where in the ‘melting-pot’ of New York City anything seems possible. An upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a young Harlem musician are brought together by the promise of the future and by interlocking stories of compassion, courage, AND some historical figures, this is an amazingly well sung and inspirational ‘portrait’ of America. With racial slurs, and violence, please use your judgment as to your child’s attending. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 
 
Deep Purple: The Long Goodbye Tour
Sept 26 at 8 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center
The contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music includes having sold more than 100 million albums. The British radio station ‘Planet Rock’ named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’, while VH1 ranked them #22 on its 'Greatest Artists of Hard Rock' list. These legends of “rock royalty” were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped define the hard rock genre. To see them LIVE call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 
 
Dane Cook Live – The “Trouble-Maker Tour”
September 27 at 7:30 pm 
Dane Cook, an intrinsically funny man, has maintained his reputation as one of today's most prolific stand-up comedians while also maintaining a career as a versatile actor in a variety of film and TV projects. Cook recently returned to the stage with his direction of ‘Troublemaker,’ which premiered on Showtime. The show features Cook's acerbic wit and comedic insights while exploring the hilarious aspects of everyday life. VIP packages are available for this performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 
 
“Tuck Everlasting” (Young Audiences Edition) at Orlando Rep
 NOW 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 
 
“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 as you work together to find the ‘enchanted’ doors and let your child’s creativity 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 
 
EVITA at Orlando Shakes ! 
NOW 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. In a series of brilliant performances Central Florida is LUCKY to have such greatness in this all singing / all dancing show. SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, DO NOT MISS this theatrical greatness at Orlando Shakes! Visit orlandoshakes.com or call 407.447.1700 x1  
“Desperate Measures” at the Winter Park Playhouse
Sept 20 to Oct 13 
This critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical comedy is set in the 1890s and is inspired by Shakespeare's “Measure for Measure.” When the ‘dangerously handsome’ Johnny Blood puts his fate into the hands of a ‘colorful’ cast of characters (a wily sheriff, a saloon-girl-gone-good, and a nun out of the habit), will they pull off the greatest caper yet, or will Johnny be left hanging? Winner of the 2018 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, for tickets visit winterparkplayhouse.com or call 407.645.0145. 
 
“White Canvas Party” hosted by Mennello Museum of American Art
October 4 beginning at 6 pm
Presenting the inaugural “White Canvas Party,” the Mennello Museum will present the commissioned work of 30 Artists on their lakefront site in the Marilyn Mennello Sculpture Garden. Celebrating the Museum’s mission, the evening will present the work of the local artists for sale to benefit the museum while supporting the artists. Tickets include valet, food & drinks from partnering restaurants & bars, and more. Tickets at mennellomuseum.org  
Winter Park Wine & Dine 
October 9 from 6 pm to 10 pm 
One of our favorite “foodie” events each year is the “Winter Park Wine & Dine” – always held at the perfect time of year for an event that is mostly outside with signature beverages and desserts “inside.” Offering tastings from over 40 food and drink venues plus live music, a percentage of proceeds benefit Caring By Sharing United. Restaurants and Beverage partners include: Seasons 52, Bolay, Dubsdread Catering, Hamilton's Kitchen at The Alfond Inn, Bulla Gastrobar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and many more. Held at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market at 200 West New England Ave, tickets run from $39 to $69. Visit Eventbrite.com 
 
“MACBETH, the Scottish Play” at the Shakespeare Festival
Oct 9 to Nov 24
For this trip into Halloween evil, Orlando Shakes will make sure that -- “Something wicked this way comes.” Experience a visually striking production of Shakespeare’s Scottish play in an intimate setting. Blind ambition and twisted prophesy lead Macbeth to murder the Scottish king and seize the throne. An impulse for destruction and a loose grip on sanity define Lord and Lady Macbeth’s foothold on power that can only end in tragedy.
Call 407.447.1700 or visit OrlandoShakes.org

 
“DeathTrap” in Winter Garden
Oct 11 to 27
Sidney Bruhl will do anything to publish the next great play – (he would even kill for it). Ira Levin’s famous dark-comedy-thriller has audiences laughing one moment and screaming in terror the next … as Sidney discovers he may not be the only murderer in the room. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org  
The CFCArts Theatre presents
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Oct 11 to Nov 3
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler
This thrilling and dark musical set in Victorian-era London tells the tale of barber Sweeney Todd as he returns to London after fifteen years of exile. Writer Stephen Sondheim captures the pain and evil of Sweeney’s life, as this murderous barber sets his sights on revenge against the corrupt Judge who ruined his life. This production contains the use of suggestive material and may not be suitable for all audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

 
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. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, single tickets are now on sale at the Dr. Phillips Center. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014 
 
“A Hero’s Journey” Presented by CFCArts Symphony Orchestra
October 25 and October 26 at Calvary Orlando
Presented by the newly enlarged CFCArts Symphony Orchestra, their fall concert is called “A Hero’s Journey.” By definition, a hero goes on an adventure, is victorious in a crisis, and comes home changed or transformed. With its sweeping scores and “story-book” background music, this is the perfect one-of-a-kind concert that is perfect for your entire family – and a great way to introduce young ones to the appreciation of the power of great music. Call 407.937.1800 or visit cfcarts.com

 
… and Looking Forward ---
 
“VAMPIRE’S BALL 2019” Danced by the Spirits of the Orlando Ballet
Oct 31, Nov 1 & 2 at 7:30 pm and Nov 3 at 3 pm
Truly wonderful ballet dancing (and hauntingly good fun) awaits us at the “back-by-popular-demand-return” of the newly ‘revamped’ VAMPIRE’S BALL opening on Halloween night 2019. This fan favorite thrills and surprises with the riotous tale of two ‘competitive’ vampires (and the obligatory “mad scientist”) told through dance as only Orlando Ballet can. With splendid sets and costumes, please join in the fun in your own “haunting best” … if you dare. Dancer: Daniel Benavides in Photography by Michael Cairns 2019. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014

 
Opera Orlando presents Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”
November 1, 2, 3, and 5
Sung in Italian with English sub-titles in the charmingly intimate Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org  
“Leading Ladies: Encores” presented by the CFCArts Community Choir
November 8 at 6:30 pm and 8:15 pm at Calvary Orlando
This fall, the CFCArts Women’s Chorale returns with another night of music featuring iconic songs from stage, screen, and TV. With Broadway’s greatest songs -- from “Memory” (Cats) to “Defying Gravity” (Wicked) – ( and more than a few surprises along the way) this concert is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED even before I see the full list of songs. Call 407.937.1800 or visit cfcarts.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators