Florida Culture for the Week of November 10 By Josh Garrick
 
Forbes: ORLANDO is Number ONE!

Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Buddy Dyer, “Our community has made strategic investments to fulfill our collective vision of making Orlando and all of Central Florida a world-class city. As we mark the opening of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, I believe we are that City,” he says. This has been a life-changing year for Central Floridians – from the installation of See Art Orlando, to the MLS franchise and the groundbreaking for a stadium, to SunRail, to the opening of a reconstructed Citrus Bowl and the Dr. Phillips Center. These projects not only enhance our quality of life, they bring economic opportunity to Central Floridians. This week – as we open our new Performing Arts Center, Forbes ranked Orlando the number one city in the entire country for job growth – at a rate more than double the next city. Once again – CONGRATULATIONS to Mayor Dyer and all who worked so hard to bring about this dream come true that is ORLANDO.

No. 1 City: Orlando, Florida -- Growth in the first three quarters of 2014: 3.7%

Nov 10 to Dec 28 – A Christmas Story at Orlando Rep

A Christmas Story the Musical is the classic account of Ralphie Parker’s hilariously desperate quest to ensure that the most perfect gift ends up under his Christmas tree – a Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun! All the cherished moments are here – the Old Man’s leg lamp, the tongue-on-a-frozen-flagpole, the bunny suit, and the Santa slide. Ralphie’s dreams are all there – on-stage for us to enjoy as a Tony-nominated Best Musical. Presented from November 10 to December 28 at Orlando Rep, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com for tickets.

Nov 12 – Morning Coffee with Director Frank Holt

The new exhibit at the Mennello Museum is another triumph for Director Frank Holt with which the Museum celebrates its 15th Anniversary. The Taos Society was the first to establish an art colony in the American West, and in the new exhibit, Mr. Holt presents 12 Artists, working from 1915 to 1927, who were fascinated by the landscape, light and the Pueblo lifestyle of Taos. On November 12, beginning at 9 am, we are invited to a ‘walk-through’ of the new exhibit with Mr. Holt. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Nov 13 to 24 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom!

Before RENT, there was Tick, Tick...Boom!, an autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer and TONY Award–winning composer of Rent. The story of a composer and the sacrifices he makes to achieve his big break takes us with Mr. Larson from waiting tables to writing the great American musical. Set in 1990, this rock musical features Rob Guest and Krystal Gillette with the show directed by Wade Hair and Musical Direction by Justin Scarlat. In performance from November 13 to 24, tickets are Cash at the door with reservations at 407.920.4034. Visit breakthroughtheatre.com 

Nov 14 to 23 – The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

Each year, the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees kicks off Central Florida’s holiday season by turning the Orlando Museum of Art into a ‘wonderland of holiday elegance’ with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, and holiday vignettes – all for sale to benefit the Museum. The prize drawings and Toyland Town activities are all part of this popular tradition benefiting OMART’s children’s art education programs. An Opening Night Festival Gala called A Tartan Affaire will be held November 14 beginning at 7 pm (Black Tie Optional) including fine culinary creations, cocktails, and entertainment. Visit omart.org/programs

Nov 14 to Jan 11 – Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink 

This holiday season the City of Winter Park will host its 6th annual Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Central Park from November 14 to January 11. It’s a little bit of Winter inside the tent – no matter the temperature outside. Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce & Park Avenue Merchants Association as they spread holiday cheer to skaters and spectators. Visit winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.

Nov 14 to 16 – The 2014 Winter Park Concours d’ Elegance

The Winter Park Concours d’ Elegance – now in its 13th year – is a full weekend of activities including a Friday evening AeroPort Reception, a Saturday Tour d’ Elegance and a Sunday Concours on the fairways of the Winter Park Country Club. This season Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge Emeritus for Pebble Beach, will join the team of judges. Sunday’s Concours will display more than 160 of the world’s finest automobiles arranged by make and model, chronologically and by ‘private collection’ for viewing interest. Ticket information at WinterParkConcours.com

Nov 14 to Dec 13 – Isn’t it Romantic? A Tribute to Rodgers & Hart

It may well be that the song-writing team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart is the greatest (and most prolific) team ever to bring their music to Broadway. Now the Winter Park Playhouse has created an original –World Premiere – singing and dancing Musical Revue aptly titled Isn’t it Romantic? as a tribute to the legendary team. Featuring an assortment of the greatest love-songs ever written including My Funny Valentine, The Lady is a Tramp, Blue Moon and more, call 407.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org for tickets.

Nov 15 – Grand Opening Gala of the NEW Dr. Phillips Center

In a one-night-only performance called Broadway & Beyond, the Walt Disney Theater will OPEN the new Dr. Phillips Center. The 90-minute show will feature performances from stars including Norm Lewis, Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera; soprano Deborah Voigt; Latin superstar Ektor Rivera; The Broadway Kids; jazz singer Jane Monheit; and an orchestra made up of members of the Orlando Philharmonic. Tickets at $250., $175. and $125. include the performance and after-party including a champagne toast and dancing under the stars to Michael Andrews’ Big Band. Call 844.513.2014, visit drphillipscenter.org or visit the new Box Office at 155 East Anderson Street in Orlando.

Nov 15 to Jan 4 – ICE! featuring The Nutcracker at Gaylord Palms

Of the many ways to experience the magic of The Nutcracker this season, the ICE! Experience at Gaylord Palms brings us Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in two MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four very inter-active slides. Favorite scenes from the ballet, the beloved Tchaikovsky music, and ice-carving Artists live from Harbin, China will be at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee from November 15 to January 4. New this season, adults 21 and over may 'chill out' at On The Blocks — the exclusive bar at ICE!  Call 407.586.2000 or visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com

Nov 18 – James Taylor and his All-Star Band at the Amway Center

The legendary James Taylor promises “an intimate and memorable night” as he and his All-Star Band come to the Amway Center on November 18 at 8 pm. Over the course of his celebrated songwriting career, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for his classics from Sweet Baby James in 1970 to October Road in 2002. He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and now we get to experience the legend at the Amway Center. Tickets at amwaycenter.com, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com

Nov 20 – Georgia On My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles

The new Jazz Roots Series at the Dr. Phillips PAC kicks off November 20 with a concert celebrating the musical genius of Ray Charles, an American treasure who transcended racism and cultural upheavals to spread his blues, jazz, and country sound around the world. From the Georgia State Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Ray Charles won every major award, including the Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Celebrating his music is a cast of award-winning performers. Call 844.513.2014

Nov 20 – Grand Opening of Artegon Marketplace Orlando

A one-million-square-foot shopping attraction and Artisan Marketplace is set to open November 20 on Orlando’s International Drive. ‘Re-developed’ from the former Festival Bay Mall and creating more than 675 new jobs, Artegon Marketplace supports local craftspeople and entrepreneurs, and houses Florida’s largest indoor Artisan Marketplace. There are more than 160 spaces featuring unique art, one-of-a-kind boutiques, hand-crafted items and farm-direct food offerings from some of Florida’s finest craftspeople. Artegon Marketplace is at 5250 International Drive. Visit ArtegonOrlando.com for celebratory Grand Opening activities.

Nov 20 to Dec 12 – Annual Artists/Registry Exhibit at CityArts Factory

With an Opening Reception on Third Thursday – November 20 beginning at 6 pm, the Public is invited to the CityArts Factory at 29 S. Orange Avenue in Orlando for the Artists/Registry’s Annual Members’ Exhibit. More than 80 works by local and international artists, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture, will be on display and available for purchase. Exhibition Judge Beverlee Ahlin will award the more than $1,200 in prize money. Call Jeffrey Shonkwiler at 407.312.0708 or visit ArtistsRegistry.com

‘Cracked on the Wall’ photograph by Pamela Loudon

Nov 21 – Russian State Symphony Orchestra Visits Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society, celebrating its 63rd season at the Peabody Auditorium, will open its new season on November 21 at 7 pm with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Valeri Polyansky has led the Orchestra to new heights of achievement, and on this special night, the world-renowned pianist Vladimir Feltsman will perform Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece Piano Concerto No. 2. The not-to-be-missed All-Russian program will include Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. I’ve heard this Orchestra, and this one-night-only performance receives the HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. For tickets call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

Nov 21 to 30 – American Sand Sculpting Championship

Fort Myers Beach is home to the 28th American Sand Sculpting Championship with sculptors from three continents including World Class Master Sand Sculptors, a State Championship contest, Amateur contest, Chain Saw Art, a kid’s activity area, and more than 60 vendors. From November 21 to 30, Visitors will see 30 works of sophisticated Sand Art on display created from over 1000 tons of sand.  Presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, call 239.454.7500 or visit sandsculptingfmb.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators