Florida Culture for the Week of February 10, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

Orlando Ballet presents “Romeo and Juliet”
TODAY & TOMORROW Feb 10 at 8 pm & Feb 11 at 2 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center 
As if in league with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater – the most romantic tragedy ever written is brought to life in yet another art form. This time Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill adapts the world’s most beloved love story to ballet. Set to Prokofiev’s passionate score, performed LIVE by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, “Romeo & Juliet” is an unforgettable marriage of dance, music, and drama. Trust me, Gentlemen – tickets to either of the remaining two performances are “beyond perfect” as a surprise Valentine’s Day gift for the one you love. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Giant Bierstadt Painting at the Morse Museum 
Feb 13 to July 8 
“The Domes of the Yosemite,” the largest existing painting by 19th Century “Art-Star” Albert Bierstadt (1830–1902), will be exhibited at the Morse Museum in Winter Park through a special loan from the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum in Vermont. The monumental 1867 oil-on-canvas, which recently received conservation treatment in Miami, stands 10 feet tall and 15 feet wide and has not been shown outside the Athenaeum since its installation there in 1873. Morse Museum Director Laurence J. Ruggiero calls it “a virtuoso performance by one of the most beloved painters of America’s natural beauty – sweeping, sumptuous, dramatic and luminous.” Bierstadt, a German-American artist, was known for grandiose paintings that captured the newly accessible American West, and “The Domes” is recognized as his crowning achievement. The Morse Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of works by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). The giant painting was important enough to be showcased in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston before its 1873 installation, meaning this “national treasure” fits perfectly in the time period for which the Morse Museum is known. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org 

The LION KING
February 14 to March 11
The unmistakable vibrations of “The Circle of Life” are headed our way. Twenty years ago, The Lion King won six Tony Awards including Best Musical on Broadway and over those twenty years has gone on to become the most successful Broadway musical in history. THE leading touring company of The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor (who directed the Broadway original) is now about to open at our magnificent Dr. Phillips Center. Having been presented in over 100 cities, The Lion King has been seen by more than 90 MILLION people, an amazing success story that exceeds any other show in box office history. A major part of that success is because the Broadway score features music by Elton John and Tim Rice from the animated film, and that music has become a part of our “Circle of Life.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is an understatement. Please do not miss this chance to see the most successful Broadway musical of all time. Tickets starting at $35, may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org or by calling 844.513.2014 

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center presents “Jazz for Lovers”
February 16 & 17 at 8 pm 
After sold-out performances, The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center invites us back for a Valentine’s evening of love songs from the most romantic artists of all time: Sinatra, Ella and Ellington. Sultry tunes set the mood for a dreamy way to spend the Valentine’s weekend with your loved one … right here in Orlando. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The Orlando Philharmonic presents “Bernstein and the New World”
Feb 17 at 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
Join Conductor Eric Jacobsen as the Orlando Philharmonic celebrates the 100th Birthday of one of America’s great musicians – Leonard Bernstein. The evening begins with the Overture to “West Side Story,” after which the Sharks and the Jets make way for one of today’s most gifted pianists – Orli Shaham – in a performance of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 2. Bernstein would be world famous if the only thing he had done was compose West Side Story, but he was most famous as the long-time conductor of the New York Philharmonic. He also wrote the music for Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town, On the Waterfront, and a Mass, along with three symphonies. Fortunately for many of us, the Maestro was also famous for television ‘talks’ on classical music that were beamed across the country – introducing new audiences to the arts -- before the letters PBS introduced America to the word ‘classical.’ The celebratory evening concludes with one of the most popular of all symphonies – Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 
Leonard Bernstein by Jack Mitchell via Wikipedia

Dr. Phillips Center presents “Dancing with the Stars: Live!”
Feb 18 at the Bob Carr Theater
TV’s hottest show is headed back to Orlando as “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” gives fans the opportunity to see the best ballroom dancers in the business perform LIVE at the Bob Carr Theater. There is passion everywhere as “Dancing: Live!” brings the pageantry and competitive fire of the hit ABC TV show to Orlando WITH some of the program’s most popular participants. More than 200 celebrities have been paired with professional ballroom dance instructors on the hit series, and now the nationwide tour delivers spectacular dancing along with backstage stories, re-creations of the show’s most memorable moments, and some never-before-seen numbers. Note: There are VIP packages available for this performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Orlando Shakes presents “Twelfth Night” (by Wm. Shakespeare)
Feb 21 to March 23
The renowned Orlando Shakespeare company will perform “Twelfth Night” in rotation with "Shakespeare in Love,” (see below) in a fully Elizabethan production with clothing, scenery, music and dance created (as it was in 1602) and performed by an ALL-MALE cast (as it was in 1602). Lady Viola continues as Will’s muse serving as the role model for the character of Viola in “Twelfth Night.” In the play a pair of ship-wrecked twins set into motion a tale of (very) mistaken identity. Separated from her twin brother, the quick-thinking Viola adopts a male disguise to enter the service of Duke Orsino. In this ALL-MALE performance, the handsome … uh … beautiful John P. Keller plays Olivia and the brilliantly funny Artistic Director Jim Helsinger takes on the comedy role of Malvolio. Watch out for Malvolio. Jim Helsinger is not only a great Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes, he is also one of the funniest actors ever seen on any stage anywhere. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

“Steel Magnolias” Presented by CFCArts Theatre
Feb 23 to March 11 
Like the classic movie with the same name, Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where ‘anyone who is anyone’ comes to get their hair done. As a cast of strong, loveable, gossipy Southern women experience loss in their tight-knit ‘family,’ the play reminds audiences of the important things in life through this funny/sad, touching and life-affirming evening in the theater. CFCArts is the fastest growing performance phenomenon in Central Florida, and they re-invent “life-affirming” in everything they touch. This is a great way in which to experience one of your favorite movies, performed LIVE, and perhaps more importantly – if you’ve never attended an always-affordable CFCArts performance – it’s time. At the CFCArts Black-Box Theater in Winter Park, call 407.937.1800 x710 or visit cfcarts.com 

Central Florida Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival 
Feb 25 at 11 am to 5 pm 
The Dog is 11th in the Chinese zodiac with each year related to an animal sign according to a 12-year cycle. Everyone – and most particularly dog-lovers – can celebrate their canine companion this year as 2018 is the Chinese “Year of the Dog.” The “Year of the Dog” marks the 8th Annual Central Florida Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival in the Mills 50 District with the Parade starting at 728 N. Thornton Ave and ending at Colonial Drive. Each year the parade is just the beginning of the Festival as it is followed by exotic and popular Asian entertainment including Dragon Dancing, Lion Dancing, martial arts, thrilling taiko drummers, arts and crafts exhibits and, of course, Asian food. Thousands of people from all cultures feel welcome as they join in the festivities each year. With new attractions added right up to the day of performance, visit centralfloridadragonparade.org for information and a complete schedule. 

“The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at the Garden Theatre 
NOW to Feb 25 
Called “Appallingly entertaining” by The New York Times, “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” is a “gruesome comedy” about an Irish terrorist and his precious black cat. After his cat is found dead, the heartbroken hit-man’s brutal carnage makes for an outrageous, blood-drenched ‘comedy’ that explores the violence engulfing our world. This ‘dark’ comedy contains adult language and violence unsuitable for younger audiences, while offering adult audiences something new to experience. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

“Flora & Ulysses” at Orlando Rep 
NOW to Feb 25
Flora is a self-described young cynic, so she is not surprised when a squirrel named Ulysses gets sucked up into a super-vacuum-cleaner and pops out as a superhero – who can fly – and write poetry! “Children of ALL ages,” have much to learn from Flora and Ulysses as they navigate matters of the heart in this 2014 Newbery Medal-winning adventure from Kate DiCamillo. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

“Shakespeare in Love” – LIVE 
NOW to March 25
“Shakespeare in Love” is the stage play drawn from the 1998 Best Picture and Best Actress Academy Award winning movie depicting a love affair between Viola de Lesseps and William Shakespeare. Young ‘Will’ is late finishing his play – a mess of a comedy called “Romeo and Ethel.” With characters drawn from history, back-stage antics collide with on-stage drama as Will and Viola’s forbidden love inspires Shakespeare’s masterpiece – “Romeo and Juliet,” the most romantic tragedy ever written. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Donna Dowless: The Heart Artist Shares the Love 
NOW to March 12 
Hundreds of fans and art-lovers have already visited the Grand Bohemian Hotel to view the latest work of the Great Lady of the painted heart at the exhibit Heart and Soul Episode 14. The annual painting exhibit is produced by Orlando’s Queen of Hearts AND Ambassador of Love -- Donna Dowless. Ms. Donna brings peace and smiles to everyone she meets, and she never ceases to amaze. This is always one of the great Art exhibits and social events of the season. Highly Recommended, call 407.581.4801 or visit grandbohemiangallery.com 

The Orlando Museum of Art presents “State of Excellence: Treasures from Florida Private Collections”
NOW to April 29
One popular way for a museum to showcase unique works of art without the cost of “blockbuster” exhibits is the growing trend for museums to “borrow” works from private collections, thereby showing works of interest that would not otherwise be seen by the public. In the Orlando Museum of Art’s new exhibit, 138 works of art (Treasures) are exhibited from private collections throughout the State of Florida. Not surprisingly the exhibit focuses on American and European art and significant ‘decorative’ artworks from the 16th to the mid-20th century. Along with the opportunity to view works unavailable to the public, the exhibit acknowledges the importance of private collectors to individual Artists in order to enable Artists to continue creating new works. Walking tours, offered the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm, offer insights into the works and ideas as to “why” collectors collect. Call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org 

Rudolf Eickemeyer, “Evelyn Nesbit 1901,” tinted platinum print, courtesy of the Drapkin Collection

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators