Culture Worthy of Your Calendar: Award-winning Classic Theatre Arrives in O-town, by Josh Garrick

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
It’s safe to say that Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is Edward Albee’s finest and most famous play. Running from January 28 to February 27 at the Mad Cow Theatre, we are fortunate to have two of Central Florida’s best actors – Stephan Jones and Peg O' Keef to play George and Martha – the roles Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton took on years ago – as the aging college professor and his razor-tongued wife. On the campus of a small New England college, George and Martha invite a new professor and his wife home for a nightcap. Cocktails flow – drunken bitterness ensues – and the lies (and truths) hidden for years by both couples come crashing in on them. The younger couple – played here by Timothy Williams and Heather Leonardi – are caught as the pawns in this battle of booze-marinated marital warfare. Award winning J. Barry Lewis, director of Palm Beach Dramaworks, oversees the production.  Knock back a cocktail of your own and resist the temptation to shout back at the actors on-stage. Visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 x1. The Mad Cow Theatre is at 105 South Magnolia Avenue in Downtown Orlando.

West Side Story
From one of our finest plays to one of our greatest musicals, we are blessed this week with the arrival of WEST SIDE STORY. Running from February 1 to 6, the tour of West Side Story comes to the Bob Carr with its Tony Award-winning direction re-created by David Saint, and the original Jerome Robbins choreography reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely. The history-making Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim score features classics including “Maria,” “Tonight,” “America,” and “Somewhere,” leading the new Broadway cast to win the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show. The current Broadway revival began at the Palace Theatre in February 2009, received critical acclaim, and recouped its investment after running only 30 weeks. The original West Side Story, with its updated Romeo and Juliet story of race relations and the bloody anger of inner-city youths, opened in 1957, garnering passionate reactions from all who saw it. The profound passions and innovative musical score are credited with changing the entire course of the American musical theatre and represent true American greatness. Visit www.OrlandoBroadway.com or call 407.423.9999 or (800) 950-4647.

Menopause, the Musical
This huge musical “hit” started right here in Orlando, but the “home-grown” Menopause the Musical is returning to Orlando to Celebrate 10 Years of "The Change!"  In those 10 years, 11 million viewers in more than 450 cities and 15 countries around the world have seen Menopause.  “We started in Orlando, and I live in Orlando, so it’s important for us to be here," says Jeanie Linders, former advertising executive turned playwright. Linders invites all of Central Florida to “Come join our Sisterhood!”  The musical begins with four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra, hot flashes and night sweats. The limited engagement, running through March 13 at the Plaza Theater gives us another chance to see what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for years! The Plaza Theatre is at 425 North Bumby Avenue. Call 407.228.1220 or visit www.theplazatheatre.com

Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones at the Bone Show
A highlight to any visit to Sanford is the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery where the inventive Ms. Taylor finds elegance in the folk art of the South. With an Opening on Friday, January 28 from 6 to 9 pm, Alabama Artist Butch Anthony returns to the Gallery with a unique twist on his collection of salvaged treasures. All the pieces in the new show are constructed with bones – bleached out, time-worn animal bones he uses to construct his sculptures and chandeliers. The bones provide both a solid structure and a playful shock as viewers figure out what they’re looking at. “Butch’s genius is in his remarkable affinity for turning cast-offs into things of striking beauty,” says Ms. Taylor. Butch Anthony garnered national attention after appearing on the History Channel’s American Pickers, and his hand-built log home has been featured in the New York Times. The Opening reception is free, and the Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Visit www.jtfolkart.com  or call 407-323-2774. 

Chandeliers by Butch Anthony; photo credit to Natalie Chanin

‘Tables Extraordinaire’ to Benefit Ronald McDonald House
Brides-to-be, wedding planners, interior designers, and those of us who love setting a beautiful table are invited to the Second Annual Tables Extraordinaire. Bring your family and friends for an inspirational stroll through a “wonderland of spectacular tablescapes,” featuring elegant place settings for special occasions and holidays. On February 3, 4, and 5, at the Holy Trinity Conference Center in Maitland, we are invited to tour, lunch, and shop in the Aegean Market Place for Greek pastries, chocolates, desserts and specialty coffees. “Take home” appetizers, meals and unique gifts are also available during this fund-raising weekend. The evening of February 5 features a gala dinner to benefit Ronald McDonald House and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Contact Catherine Kassianides at 407.333.3895 or Joyce Yarbrough at 407.774.2744 for tickets. Holy Trinity is located at 1217 Trinity Woods Lane in Maitland just off I-4 and Wymore Road.

And Not to be Missed …
The Off-Broadway Musical Five Course Love makes its hilarious Central Florida premiere at The Winter Park Playhouse through February 13. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators.