Florida Culture for the Week of February 8, 2016 by Josh Garrick

TONITE – Feb 8 at 8 pm – An Evening with 2Cellos
The 2 young Croatian heart-throb cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS, have achieved international success by taking the cello to a new level with their incredible talent and passion. They have broken down the boundaries between classical and film music to pop and rock, and are equally impressive whether playing Bach and Vivaldi or ‘rocking out’ to AC/DC and Iron Maiden. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now to March 13 – Naked Boys Singing at the Footlight Theatre 
With the recent announcement of Tim Evanicki as Artistic Director at Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre, an ambitious schedule of theatre has begun with the attention-grabbing musical revue, Naked Boys Singing. With 16 original songs, 8 good-looking guys and NO CLOTHES, Evanicki knew what he was doing by opening with a show that may be controversial for Florida but has run in venues from Hollywood to Off-Broadway since 2006. With nothing pornographic about this revue, there IS complete nudity. The Leap Year Performance on February 29 is a fund-raiser. Visit tep.ticketleap.com or call 321-299-7464.

Feb 9 & 10 at 7:30 pm – Shen Yun at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Celebrate the Year of the Monday by capturing the spirit of ancient China in a show that moves seamlessly from one story and dynasty to the next. Dozens of dancers fly across the stage in an array of flips, spins, jumps, and aerials, leading audiences on a journey from ancient legends to contemporary tales of courage. Amazing backdrops and costumes transport audiences to this distant land as the orchestra, combining Western and Chinese instruments, adds to the excitement.  In two performances a the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Feb 10 to Mar 27 – Shakespeare’s The Tempest 
Orlando’s brilliant Shakespeare Theater begins its annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final and much-loved play, ‘The Tempest.’  Prospero, the Duke of Milan, finds himself stranded on a remote island in this mystical play that defies expectations with its tale of love and monsters, love and spirits, and love and mercy. Arrive early – 30 minutes before each performance an Orlando Shakes actor will lead the audience through a discussion of the plot and themes of the production, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Feb 13 at 8 pm – Dr. Phillips Center presents YANNI 
A legendary composer and performer, YANNI has brought millions of people together through his albums and live concerts. Over two billion more have experienced the magic of his music through television in YANNI’s unforgettable performances at the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, the Forbidden City in China, and El Morro in Puerto Rico.  
This Greek "modern day composer" creates amazingly pure melodies as witnessed by more than 40 platinum and gold albums worldwide.  Join YANNI LIVE at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Feb 13 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic’s ‘Barber to Bolero’ at the Bob Carr 
Join the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Associate Conductor Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Stewart Goodyear as they take the Orlando Philharmonic for an adventurous ride, with twists and turns, jazz rhythms, and a charming detour, culminating in a triumphant crescendo. They will perform Barber’s ‘Overture to The School for Scandal,’ Gershwin’s ‘Concerto in F,’ Stravinsky’s ‘Pulcinella Suite,’ and Ravel’s propulsive ‘Bolero’ as part of the Orlando Philharmonic’s Classics Series at the Bob Carr. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Feb 14 – St. Valentine’s Day – A Friendly Reminder 
This is, for the most part, a note to the Guys who read my column.  Of the two or three dates in the year you WANT TO REMEMBER, THIS is one of them …  TICKETS to the Theater or a live Concert could make YOU a Valentine’s Day Hero. 

Feb 14 – The Year of the Monkey Dragon Parade
Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year, and this most important Chinese festival will be celebrated with a real Dragon Parade beginning at 11 am on February 14 at the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Featuring cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, and an assortment of Chinese foods, the event is FREE, and the Public is invited.  Call 407.808.0497

Feb 17 at 5:30 pm – Chili for Charity at the Winter Park Farmers Market
It’s year five for the Rotary Club of Winter Park’s Chili for Charity event featuring creative chili dishes by popular restaurants and some unlikely contenders. Favorites including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Francesco’s, and Hamilton’s Kitchen will be there along with competitors from Rollins College to the Title Boxing Club of Winter Park. They compete for the ‘Peoples’ Choice Award’ as guests enjoy unlimited chili tastings, live music, drinks, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s Foundation. Held at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, tickets are $25 each. Visit chiliforcharity.org or call 407.702.2014. 

Feb 18 & 19 – Encore Cast Performing ‘In the Wee Small Hours’
Exemplifying the unique versatility of our new Performing Arts Center, ‘In the Wee Small Hours’ is a jazzy cabaret event celebrating the Great American songbook. While transforming the Pugh Theater into a 1940’s speakeasy and transporting guests to an after-hours party, ‘club guests’ will dine on assorted hors d'oeuvres and small dessert plates, while a 4-piece band and club vocalists perform an assortment of Jazz Classics. This might just be – ‘Your Momma’s Cabaret Experience.’ Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb 20 at 8 pm – Patti LaBelle at the Dr. Phillips Center 
The incomparable Patti LaBelle is a soulful songbird whose name is synonymous with grace, style and class. The amazing vocal range that allows her to belt out classic rhythm and blues, pop standards and spirituals has created the unique performance versatility for which Ms. LaBelle is known and revered. Save February 20th for this special evening filled with classic songs, incredible vocals, and inspiring energy. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Feb 20 at 8 pm – ‘Science Night Live’ at the Orlando Science Center 
Live from Orlando, It’s Science Night Live! This evening is reserved for adults to enjoy OUR Orlando Science Center with grown-up-inspired programming. We get to view stars and planets through the giant refractor telescope, catch the films in the CineDome, ‘experiment’ in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory, play Science Trivia, and enjoy food and adult beverages from Hard Rock Café.  There’s even a guest speaker – Derek Demeter – who will present “Our Sky, Our Universe” at 9 pm and 10 pm. Admission is $15 / Members Free. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org/snl

Feb 21 at 2:30 pm & 7 pm – The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Anna in the Tropics
‘Anna in the Tropics’ by Nilo Cruz, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is set in Ybor City, a section of Tampa and the center of the cigar industry at the turn of the 19th  century. In the play, a reading of Anna Karenina, deeply affects the characters' lives, leading their relationships to spin out of control. In two performances at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

Feb 23 to 28 -- Broadway in Orlando presents KINKY BOOTS 
Inspired by true events, the musical KINKY BOOTS tells the story of Charlie Price, who is looking to save the family shoe business. Charlie turns to a fashionable friend — cabaret star Lola — who gives Charlie the idea that could change both of their destinies. Featuring a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein, and Tony-winning choreography and direction by Jerry Mitchell, the story turns out to be about finding friendship and inspiration where you least expect it. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. 

And Looking Ahead … 
March 2 at 8 pm – An Evening with Josh Groban at the Dr. Phillips Center 
We’re sharing this news early, because if I waited, there wouldn’t be any tickets left. The Dr. Phillips Center invites you to an evening with the incomparable Josh Groban.  This international singing phenomenon has more than 25 million albums sold worldwide, including five multi-platinum albums and huge hit songs such as ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘You Are Loved’ and ‘The Prayer.’ Groban’s latest album – Stages quickly reached the top of the charts and features a collection of some of the greatest music theatre songs of all time. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators