Florida Culture for the Week of October 28, 2017  By Josh Garrick 

THIS WEEKEND – NOW to Oct 29 -- SWAN LAKE by Orlando Ballet 
Set to Tchaikovsky's brilliant musical score, performed LIVE by the Orlando Philharmonic, Swan Lake is the world’s most celebrated ballet. To watch the way in which Director Robert Hill has BUILT the Orlando Ballet Company into what Mayor Dyer has called, “World Class,” allows us to HIGHLY RECOMMEND these performances based on the consistently impressive dancing from the Orlando Ballet last season. This tale of a princess turned into a swan promises to be among the “must-see” performances of the year at the Dr. Phillips Center. Order your tickets by calling 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org. 

NOW to Nov 4 – Phantasmagoria VIII: The Chains of Fire 
PHANTASMAGORIA is Orlando’s own version of a Grand Guignol theatrical troupe, the original seen in Paris in 1897. Following in Guignol’s “creepy, graphic, brutal and bloody” foot-prints, Central Florida’s PHANTASMAGORIA is the physical manifestation of Sanford’s theatrical genius John DiDonna. Our troupe comes off as a well-rehearsed rabble of ‘Steampunk Survivors’ more dangerous than a band of traveling gypsies. They are joined on-stage by dancers, soldiers, puppeteers, and fire-breathers as they embark on new journeys through the dark tales of Poe, Wilde, M.R. James and others. Trick or treat yourself to the all new PHANTASMAGORIA VIII at the Shakespeare Center. Call 407.476.5121 or visit phantasmagoriaorlando.com 

NOW to Nov 19 – The (Comical) Hound of the Baskervilles 
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 in one of the writer’s most celebrated ‘novellas.’ Even Sir Arthur would find the laugh-out-loud humor in this version of Sherlock Holmes’ investigation of the Baskerville family. Directed by Orlando Shakes’ comically inventive Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, (who is truly brilliant at this Monty Pythonesque theatricality), the play is made even more fun as three actors play a dozen roles. Call TODAY for your tickets at 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to Nov 19 – “Polkadots:” The Cool Kids Musical
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 the seemingly impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until a Square boy’s curiosity blooms into friendship. A perfect introduction to the idea of diversity for young people, this new musical will be performed at the Orlando Repertory Theater. Call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com. 

Nov 2 at 8 pm – Andre RIEU, the King of the Waltz 
André Rieu is a musical phenomenon, having sold a massive 40 million CDs and DVDs and earned 30 Number One chart positions worldwide. Touring with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, Rieu has created a global revival in waltz music while creating ‘theatrical’ staging extravaganzas. Having received over 480 platinum awards, three Classical Brit Awards for “Album of the Year” and Billions (with a B) of Youtube views, Rieu and company are among the most honored touring artists in the world. At the Amway Center in Orlando, call 407.440.7900 or visit amwaycenter.com 

Nov 3 & 4 at 8 pm -- ¡Fiesta! – A Celebration of Sound with the CFCArts Symphony
CFCArts Symphony Orchestra (Florida’s LARGEST Symphony Orchestra) invites us to a vibrant celebration of dynamic cultures, unforgettable melodies and fiery rhythms. “¡Fiesta!” performed by the CFC Arts Symphony, will present music from Spain and Latin America in a colorful and rhythmic concert that will have you wishing you could have danced all night. Featuring Mariachi Cobre and other special guest performers, this ¡Fiesta! is for the whole family. Call 407.937.1800 or visit CFCArts.com/Fiesta 

Nov 4 & 5 – The Harry Potter Film Concert Series – ‘Chamber of Secrets’
This Harry Potter Film Concert will find the Orlando Philharmonic performing John Williams’ unforgettable score from ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ while the film plays in high-def on a 40-foot screen. The Potter Film Concert Series, another magical experience from J.K. Rowling’s ‘Wizarding World,’ kicked off in 2016 and is scheduled to include hundreds of performances across more than 35 countries around the world. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Nov 5 at 3 pm -- Home of the Brave, a FREE Prism Concert 
Featuring music that honors men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, this FREE ‘Prism Concert’ will feature over 250 musicians. A Prism Concert presents many participating groups, allowing the audience to encounter each group in different moods throughout the evening. The groups include the Space Coast Symphony, Melbourne Community Orchestra, Indialantic Chamber Singers, Melbourne Municipal Band, Community Band of Brevard, Brevard Chorale, and Space Coast Flute Orchestra. Proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Performed at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, call 321.674.8106 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org

Nov 5 at 2:30 pm -- Orlando Historical Rose Society – FREE Talk on Nehrling Gardens Restoration
Speaker Theresa Schretzmann-Myers will speak about the restoration of the historic Nehrling Gardens in Gotha. In 1885, botanist Henry Nehrling, among the most important figures in Florida horticultural history, moved his family to Gotha. Under restoration for 10 years, Nehrling’s gardens and home are now open to the public for special and educational events. The talk will be presented at Leu Gardens in Orlando. Admission and parking are FREE. Call 407.497.1639 or 407.246.2020 

Nov 9 to 19 -- “Double Jeopardy” – A Pair of One-Act Operettas 
Pairing The Trial of B. B. Wolf by Curtis Tucker and Nelson Sheeley with Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic Trial By Jury, this duo of comedic courtroom operettas promise great local voices accompanied by laughs in the intimate setting of 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 local opera stars 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 write to [email protected] 

Nov 10 to 12 – Art in Odd Places 2017: NOISE/ORLANDO
There is a growing community of Artists and Curators working in the PUBLIC realm with ‘new’ ideas of visual/installation and all areas of performance participation. AiOP 2017: NOISE / ORLANDO, hosted by the Downtown Arts District, welcomes Artists from around the world to a weekend of ‘works’ that actively engage and/or collaborate with the public in public spaces. This year’s theme offers 32 projects encompassing the nuances 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 

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

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators