Florida Culture for the Week of November 5, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

The (Comical) Hound of the Baskervilles 
NOW to Nov 19
The Bard and his ‘minions’ have chosen to give us Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” in a very tongue-in-cheek version of Sir Arthur’s world-famous detective. Directed by Orlando Shakes’ inventive Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, (who is brilliant at this Monty Pythonesque theatricality), the play is made even more fun as three actors play a dozen roles. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

“Polkadots:” The Cool Kids Musical 
NOW to Nov 19
In this new musical, inspired by civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges, “Polkadots” follows Lily Polkadot as she moves to the “Squares Only” town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot to attend the all-Square school, Lily faces everything from bullying to segregated drinking fountains. This musical for children is the perfect introduction to the idea of diversity for young people. At the Orlando Repertory Theater, call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com. 

“Double Jeopardy” – A Pair of One-Act Operettas 
Nov 9 to 19 
Pairing The Trial of B. B. Wolf by Curtis Tucker with Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic Trial By Jury, this duo of comedic courtroom operettas promises the operatic ‘stars’ of Central Florida accompanied by laughter at the CFCArts Black Box Theatre in Winter Park. St. Augustine composer Curtis Tucker’s work, The Trial of B. B. Wolf will be a premiere for Central Florida featuring Christina Rivera, Andrew Lejeune and John Segers. Central Florida Vocal Arts will also present outstanding talent from their youth training programs in the ensemble roles. Call 407.927.0058 or visit CFLVocalArts.com 

Art in Odd Places 2017: NOISE/ORLANDO 
Nov 10 to 12 
There is a growing community of Artists and Curators working in the PUBLIC realm with ‘new’ ideas of visual/installation and ‘performance’ involving the audience. AiOP 2017: NOISE / ORLANDO welcomes Artists from around the country to a FREE weekend of ‘works’ that actively engage the public in public spaces. This year 32 projects will address the idea of NOISE. This grassroots project, fueled by the inventiveness of its participants, will take place on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.648.7060 or visit artinoddplaces.org 

The Tasty Return of "Cows n Cabs"
Nov 11 beginning at 7 pm
Now in its 7th Year, Central Florida’s “Cows ‘n Cabs” returns with great food (and drink) for TWO great charities. With more restaurant participation than ever, the event promises ‘serious tastings’ from more than 30 restaurants including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, The Ravenous Pig, Holler & Dash, and Chroma Modern Bar +Kitchen. The “down-home, cowboy-themed” evening is hosted by 4 Rivers Smokehouse founder John Rivers and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ David Larue. ‘Four Rivers’ Master Chef John Rivers KNOWS fundraisers, and when he joined with David Larue to create a ‘new’ fundraiser they wanted the opposite of the tux-and-tie crowd. Trust me, switching to cowboy boots makes this one of the most FUN FUNdraisers of the season, and all that FUN benefits the “After-School All-Stars” and “Elevate Orlando.” Held in Winter Park’s Central Park West Meadow, for info or tickets, please visit cowsncabs.com. Tickets are $110, and you must be 21 or older.

Nov 11 to 19 – The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art 
Each year “The Festival of Trees” transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a wonderland of sparkling Christmas trees by the area’s top designers as well as festive décor for visitors of all ages. Activities include an opening night Gala Fundraiser, live music performances, and programs for seniors and children. Trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and decorative accessories for home or office are available for purchase. This joy-of-the-season experience supports the Orlando Museum of Art at 2416 North Mills Avenue in Orlando. Adults: $10. Call 407.896.4231x254 or visit omart.org/FOT 

Nov 13 to Dec 30 -- ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical’ 
BEWARE the Herdmans – a family of kids who lie, steal, swear, fight, and light things on fire. When they crash Sunday School and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. In this musical adaptation of the holiday classic, there’s no chance for a silent night, but sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas. At the Orlando Repertory Theater at Loch Haven Park, call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com. 

Nov 15, 17 & 19 -- Opera Orlando presents Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’
Long before there was “Rent,” Giacomo Puccini created his most beloved opera, “La Boheme.” Telling the timeless story of love ‘found and lost,’ Opera Orlando has updated the opera to Paris in the Roaring 20s. Cecilia Violetta Lopez of the Metropolitan Opera makes her Opera Orlando debut as Mimi matched with tenor Ben Gulley as Rudolfo. Company favorites Bridgett Gan and Gabriel Preisser round out the opera’s leading quartet. Performing with Orlando Philharmonic musicians, these performances WILL SELL OUT. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Daddy Long Legs – the Musical
Nov 16 to Dec 17
From the Tony Award winning director of Les Miserables, this gorgeous Off-Broadway musical is based on the novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. It’s a heart-warming Cinderella story about a witty young woman and her mysterious benefactor. Having charmed audiences of all ages from Los Angeles to London, in the end, it’s an ‘enchanting love story. At the Winter Park Playhouse, call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

‘Born Yesterday’ at the Mad Cow Theatre 
Nov 17 to Dec 17
This hilarious/serious comedy offers biting commentary on politics and the powers of feminine persuasion. A Broadway favorite in revivals since its premiere in 1946, this comedy-with-a-message pokes fun at sex, politics, sex, and political ‘contributions.’ Show-girl Billie Dawn is the girl-friend of billionaire (with a B) Harry Brock. Billie educates herself with the help of journalist Paul Verrall, leading the pair to unintentionally shed light on the crooked nature of Brock’s business and a possible political scandal. You WILL love this show, and (wink wink) what could be more timely than politics and Billionaires?!? Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Classics: BEETHOVEN & MOZART
Nov 18 at 8 pm 
Even today, the fact that Mozart and Beethoven both lived and worked in Vienna and Prague gives both cities a form of musical magic. Now, Jeffrey Kahane, music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will conduct and perform at the piano with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 combines lyricism and intimacy with gravity and power, while Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 (premiered in Prague in 1787) IS the “Prague” Symphony. In performance at the Bob Carr Theatre, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Musical Harvest: A Concert in Thanks
November 19 at 4 pm 
Presented by the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony at Trinity Prep, the young performers invite us to the Holiday Season with a “Concert in Thanks.” This concert is perfect for all ages, and offers an uplifting performance of classical music favorites including the New World Symphony, works by Aaron Copland, and other American composers. At 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park, Admission is FREE (with $5 suggested donation) Call 407.761.5170 or visit maysymphony.org

Marc Anthony: Full Circle Tour 
Nov 19 at 7 pm 
Titled “Full Circle,” this concert communicates Marc Anthony’s desire “… to feel my people close and dedicate all my songs, one by one, to them.” To this end, his production team has designed a circular stage that allows the artist to connect with his fans in a more intimate way in a concert featuring hits from throughout his musical career. At the Amway Center, call 407.440.7900 or visit amwaycenter.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns’
November 21 to 26 at the Dr. Phillips Center
The intrigue, obsession, and romance continue in Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. One of the most successful musicals of all time, ‘Phantom’ has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide. ‘Love Never Dies’ begins 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House with the Phantom living a new life in New York – among the freaks of Coney Island. While he may have found a place for himself – and his music – he has never stopped yearning for Christine Daaé. In the sequel Webber continues his beautiful, magical, and joyful score. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Handel’s MESSIAH in its 45th Annual FREE Concert 
Nov 26 at 3 pm
Handel’s Messiah is universally recognized as one of the finest and most popular classical music works ever written, and the opportunity for our community to experience this world-class presentation is truly priceless. It’s FREE. The Messiah Choral Society invites you to the performance – FREE –with no tickets required at the Bob Carr Theater at 401 W. Livingston St. in Orlando. NOTE: the Ensemble asks that you help feed the hungry by bringing non-perishable food items to the performance. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators