Florida Culture for the Week of August 27, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

NOW to Sept 11 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents “A CHORUS LINE” 
I’ve seen some great productions on the ‘intimate’ stage at the Breakthrough Theatre, and I am still in disbelief as to HOW Breakthrough handles the all-singing, all dancing ‘A CHORUS LINE.’ I’ll keep it simple. ‘A CHORUS LINE’ is among the greatest musicals of all time, and what Wade Hair and company have created is a small miracle. This up-close-and-personal performance is one powerhouse number after another, and the amazing cast gives you every note of the CHORUS LINE experience. As word gets out, these performances will SELL OUT at $12 to $20. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com 

August 30 at 4 pm – Winter Park Chamber FREE Business Showcase 2017
Grow your business network while you learn from local experts at ‘Business Lab Sessions’ at the ALL-FREE Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. Meet the leaders from over 50 Winter Park businesses at the Orlando Science Center at 777 East Princeton St. on August 30 where the event is FREE, Parking is FREE, Admission is FREE, and even the Food is FREE. RSVP to Ally Stricker at 407.644.8281 or visit WinterPark.Org  

August 30 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm – “Art Night Out: Abstract Anomalies”
‘Abstract Art’ is easy – right? It’s all just shapes and forms. Join Artist/Instructor Hannah Spector as she shows how your paint splotches and cut paper may be moved to create your own work of abstract art using artist collage techniques. Limited to 20 adults, $30 includes all materials AND an adult beverage with pre-registration required. Call 407.896.4231 x261 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot at the Orlando Museum of Art. 

Aug 31 to Nov 13 – Epcot International Food & Wine Fest 
The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Fest is bigger than ever with 35 ‘Global Marketplace’ food kiosks; the ‘Eat to the Beat Concert Series’ offering LIVE music daily; ‘Center Happenings’ with culinary demos, seminars, and book signings from celebrity chefs; beverage ‘tastings’ by expert mixologists; signature breakfasts; and dancing and dining at the “Grand Tasting Events.” I asked some in-the-know ‘Foodies,’ what is the one item not to be missed in 2017? The answer is a resounding sweet from the ‘Chocolate Studio’ – the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel. Start your meal with dessert? That’s one Disney moment on which the whole family may agree. Visit epcotfoodfestival.com 

Sept 1 & 2 at 1 pm – The Sunburst ‘Impersonators’ Talent Showcase 
Imagine the fun of having Marilyn, Madonna, Elvis, Cher, Michael, Tina, Lucy, Lady Gaga, Bill Clinton and 100 other icons of the past and present gathered together in one ‘Celebrity’ Convention. That is exactly what you’ll see at the ‘Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Impersonators’ at The Florida Hotel & Conference Center at The Florida Mall in Orlando. This year we may attend the talent showcases AND have our picture taken with our favorite ‘celebs.’ Tickets are $25 or $20 on-line by visiting SunburstConvention.com

Sept 5 to Oct 22 – Disney’s Newsies at the Orlando Rep 
The Orlando REP proudly announces the opening of its new season as the first theatre in the southeastern United States to present the Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning “Newsies the Musical.” Inspired by the real-life ‘Newsboy Strike of 1899,’ this Disney musical tells of publishing guru Joseph Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers … at the newsboys’ expense. Against all odds, one young leader rises up to help “the little guys” stand up and ‘seize the day.’ For YOUR thrilling dose of inspiration, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Sept 6 to Oct 8 – Orlando Shakes’ Opens Season with “Man of La Mancha” 
Having inspired audiences for decades, the Tony Award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha” opens the new season for our brilliant Shakespeare Company. From one of the greatest novels in Western literature, “Man of La Mancha” tells of the aging Don Quixote as his flights of fancy transform his dungeon home into a magical landscape of epic battles, majestic lords and ladies, and a ‘glorious quest.’ Featuring Broadway legend Davis Gaines performing the classic “The Impossible Dream,” the musical is a glorious affirmation of the strength of the human spirit. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Sept 8 to Oct 1 – Jesus Christ Superstar at the Garden Theatre
When Rob Winn Anderson brings the community together to produce a BIG musical at the Garden Theatre, it’s a touch of Broadway in Winter Garden. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is the brilliant rock opera that follows Christ during his last days on Earth with lyrics adapted from the Gospels. From Jesus’ meteoric rise to popularity to his crucifixion, this production is a moving testament to the humanity in all of us. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

NOW to Sept 10 – ‘The Amish Project’ Deals with the Inexplicable
The Mad Cow Theater is founded on the belief that “Theatre is a dynamic and powerful means of social understanding.” That belief is tested to the limit in Jessica Dickey’s ‘The Amish Project,’ which begins with the headline, “Man Enters Amish School-house and Opens Fire.” Ms. Dickey conveys the voices and emotions of people unprepared to deal with this unthinkable act and movingly conveys these singularly personal emotions through the voice of a single actress. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators