“Josh Recommends” for the Week of November 23, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

“Bach and Beyond” with the Orlando Philharmonic 
Nov 25 at the Plaza Live 
Join the Orlando Philharmonic for Bach’s Sonata in G minor followed by an exploration of the music of South America as soloist Bridget Kibbey, performs a colorful and virtuosic World Premiere harp concerto by Brazilian composer João Luiz Rezende. The evening also features Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois on Ravel’s “Rhapsodie de Concert for Violin & Orchestra.” The program concludes with Ginastera’s “Four Dances.” At the Plaza Live, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

“The Four Italian Tenors” at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Nov 26 at 8 pm 
This is the inaugural U.S. tour in the United States of a sensational new Italian ensemble. “The Four Italian Tenors” present a melodic and love-filled program of Italian Opera arias and songs, fusing Italian charm with dramatic flair and operatic style. Performing arrangements created for their U.S. Debut Tour, this new generation of world class Tenors present these classic works in their own inimitable style. Call 843.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

“Home for the Holidays” with the Orlando Philharmonic 
Nov 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm 
Conductor Albert George Schram returns with a Philharmonic tradition as the Orlando Philharmonic celebrates the sounds of the Holiday Season in Central Florida’s festive holiday audience favorite. The musical celebration features the Holiday Singers and the Opera Orlando Youth Chorus in familiar classics and new surprises. It’s the perfect concert to bring family and friends to together to celebrate this holiday season. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

The Award-Winning FusionFEST – “It’s Diversitastic” 
Nov 30 – noon to 9 pm & 
Dec 1 – noon to 6 pm 
Bringing together 4 different stages, a parade, food, fashion, contests, a movie pavilion and more, Fusion-FEST brings a mini-United Nations to downtown Orlando inviting us to discover the world through interactive experiences. Share a smile (and your heritage) and “you may discover just how different other people really AREN’T!” FusionFEST is a place where we honor our varied heritages as we shape our identity as Floridians. The schedule truly has something for everyone and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Visit fusionfest.org for the complete schedule. 

“The Play That Goes Wrong” 
Dec 3 to Dec 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Described as “what would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby?” – “The Play That Goes Wrong” is Broadway & London’s award-winning smash-hit comedy. Called “A gut-busting hit” by The New York Times and “The funniest play Broadway has ever seen” by HuffPost, this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The CFCArts Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 
NOW to Dec 15 
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” It’s all here including the family’s exploding furnace, the wet tongue on a cold lamppost and the “prize” lamp shaped like a woman’s leg. Everyone loves this theatrical holiday perennial. Call 407.937.1800 or visit cfcarts.com 

“Christmas in the Park” Hosted by the Morse Museum of American Art
Dec 5 from 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm 
December 5 is the 41st Anniversary of a beautiful and generous tradition from the Morse Museum of American Art and the City of Winter Park as they present the Annual “Christmas in the Park” in Winter Park. The FREE outdoor event begins with a thrill at 6:15 pm when nine century-old Tiffany-glass windows are lighted throughout the Park creating a luminous concert hall for the 160-voice Bach Festival Choir. The HIGHLY RECOMMENDED performance concludes at 8 pm, and the Tiffany windows remain lighted until 8:30 pm. Call 407.645.5311 x100 or visit morsemuseum.org 

A Christmas Carol – A GHOST Story 
NOW to Dec 22 at the Garden Theatre 
There are now so many versions of Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol” that I find it fascinating when a company comes up with yet another version. This season the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden puts the ‘ghosts’ of the classic tale center stage – sometimes to good effect … and sometimes NOT so much. For tickets to this Holiday story of redemption, magic, and hope call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 
NOW to December 15 at the Winter Park Playhouse 
Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip comes to life in this joyful, ‘classic’ Broadway musical. It’s an “average day in the life” of the Peanuts gang including Charlie Brown, bossy Lucy, prodigy Schroeder, perfectionist Sally, blanket-toting Linus and lovable Snoopy as they battle with kites, school, baseball and each other before realizing what makes them truly happy. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

“The Spitfire Grill” at Mad Cow Theatre 
Dec 4 to 29 
In the next offering by the Mad Cow Theatre, “The Spitfire Grill” is for sale (BUT with NO interested buyers) Hannah decides to raffle it off with entry fees of $100 and the best essay on why you want the Grill. Percy, a feisty parolee, lands a job at the Grill and soon things start heating up as mail arrives by the wheelbarrow-full. A musical triumph, “The Spitfire Grill” is an inspiring celebration of the power of what one person can do. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

41st Annual Christmas in the Park Hosted by the Morse Museum of American Art
Dec 5 from 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm 
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the City of Winter Park will present the 41st Annual “Christmas in the Park” in downtown Winter Park. The free outdoor event begins at 6:15 p.m. when nine century-old Tiffany leaded-glass windows are lighted throughout the Park. Central Park is then transformed into a luminous concert hall for the 160-voice Bach Festival Choir. The choral performance concludes about 8 p.m., and the windows remain lighted for viewing until 8:30 p.m. Museum at 445 N. Park Ave in Winter Park 

1st Thursday at OMA – “Art to Live With” 
Dec 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm 
Hosted for one-night-only at the Orlando Museum of Art, this exhibit traditionally celebrates the Holidays by presenting ORIGINAL works of ART that can be purchased at the price of $200 OR LESS! Discover new artists, listen to live music, and mingle with an eclectic mix of people at the cash bar before VOTING on your favorite work of art. Parking is free, but limited. Tickets are $15 and $5; OMA Members FREE.

Sweet, Fresh, Juicy: Florida Oranges in Art and History
NOW to Jan 5, 2020 at the Art & History Museums – Maitland 
The citrus industry had an enormous impact on Central Florida during the mid-20th century, and the Museums’ new exhibit spans the Maitland Art Center Gallery and the Maitland Historical Museum to examine the rise and fall of the citrus industry through a collection of historic citrus labels, many on loan from the Orange County Regional History Center. Visit artandhistory.org

The Art Gallery at Grand Bohemian Hotel 
Dec 12 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm 
The Art Gallery at the Grand Bohemian Hotel has declared an end-of-year celebration for a one-night event recognizing the Gallery’s outstanding local artists. It is suggested that you get your Christmas shopping done while supporting local talent during this “Meet & Greet Happy Hour.” Artists include: Almut Belote; Loura Parks Dobbs, Donna Dowless, Roberto Gonzalez, Peterson Guerrier; Matt Maher; Heather Nagy; Ursula Schwartz; and PJ Svejda. This is a ‘Kid-Friendly’ exhibit at 325 S. Orange Avenue in Orlando. Call 407.313. 9000. 

Central Florida Ballet’s Incomparable Nutcracker Experience
Dec 14 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm and Dec 15 at 2 pm 
Known nationally as the “exciting” Nutcracker, the critically acclaimed CFB Nutcracker ballet offers Orlando a unique holiday experience. This version of the ballet features international guest artists and an (Orlando-based) pyrotechnic display. Guest performers include Dusty Button, "...the punk rock Black Swan ballerina,” and international sensations Emanuel Tavares Filho and Saaya Pikula Mason. Performances are held at the Orange County Convention Center’s Linda Chapin Theater at 9800 International Drive. Visit centralfloridaballet.com

“Miracle in Bedford Falls” – The Musical at Orlando Rep 
NOW to December 29 
“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” The beloved Holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” is now a musical with the character George Bailey finding himself in a desperate place on Christmas Eve. His guardian angel shows George what the world would have been like if he’d never been born as friends and family surround George with the Holiday spirit of generosity and love. At Orlando Rep, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Lillian Verkins’ “Over the Moon” Art Exhibit
NOW to Jan 6, 2020 at Orlando Science Center 
I’m “Over the Moon” honored to serve as the Curator for this exhibit by one of Florida’s most celebrated Artists at the Gallery at the Orlando Science Center. Lillian Verkins has received 26 juried awards including four “Best of Show” and five “1st Place” awards. Her OSC exhibit includes 30 paintings, most of which are quite large and rich in gorgeous color. The Gallery is on the Science Center’s 3rd floor, and the Gallery visit is included with regular admission. Visit LillianVerkins.com and / or OSC.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators