Florida Culture for the Week of October 2, 2016 by Josh Garrick
 
October 4 to 9 – The Illusionists - Live From Broadway – at Dr. Phillips Center
This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the talents of nine incredible Illusionists. ‘The Illusionists – Live From Broadway’ has shattered box office records around the globe while dazzling audiences with some of the most outrageous acts ever seen. Packed with sophisticated magic, this show truly must be seen to be believed.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Florida Culture for the Week of September 11, 2016 by Josh Garrick

In a simple basement with bare light bulbs and a water heater for company, five gifted musicians are making extraordinary music. In a studio that means business (except for the cheerful teal and silver dots adorning one wall), eight talented dancers are pushing the boundaries of what their bodies can do. On an often isolated journey, a budding composer is hearing whole orchestras. What do they have in common? None of them are older than 25.  

Opening nights are ever an exciting and elegant gala, celebrating months of hard work. This year on May 12 – at SpringWorks indie theatre & arts festival – will be no exception. Though there may be a bit more rocking out as Sharron Matthews takes the stage with her signature irreverent wit and solid gold mash-ups in a comedic tour-de-force concert.

As a Dora-Award winning actor, Nicky Guadagni is no stranger to centre stage. In her one-woman show Hooked, all eyes are certainly on her and audiences are utterly captivated by her “exquisite, note-perfect performance” (Brian D. Johnson, Maclean’s Magazine).  

“Right here, right now, for one night only, I’ll tell you something special I ain’t never told no one before; I’ll tell you the truth” is the compelling opening to multi-award winning actor, director, and creator Margo MacDonald’s production The Elephant Girls. This show is a lost piece of women’s history, telling the tale about Britain’s most notorious girl-gang who terrorized London for over 100 years.

Stratford’s indie theatre and arts festival is celebrating its sixth season with a line-up of more than 40 artists and companies. Running from May 12 to 22, SpringWorks 2016 features an eclectic mix of theatre, music, dance, poetry and visual art. Following a successful launch last year, the SpringWorks Puppet Festival will return on Victoria Day weekend.

The Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, concludes its 83rd season with the iconic Hello, Dolly! by Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman. Set in the 1890s, Hello Dolly! transports us to the era of Annie Russell’s heyday, and the time period is not the only similarity to be found between Ms. Russell and the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi.

The World Festival of Children's Theatre, coming to Stratford this summer, offers a pivotal opportunity for those who care about childhood creativity to share their inspiration and best practices. Experts in children's theatre and creative play will gather concurrently in Stratford for PLAY! A Symposium, a key educational exchange presented in the context of the world festival at the University of Waterloo's Stratford campus. Local, Canadian and international participants are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Have you seen Once? It's a musical that touches the heart of anyone who loves music. ONCE is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together.