Florida Culture for the Week of January 22, 2017 By Josh Garrick

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Florida Culture for the Week of January 22, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

ONE MORE WEEK to be WICKED to January 29 -- at the Dr. Phillips Center 
One of the greatest Broadway shows of all time continues to break box office records around the world … and in ORLANDO! Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is here for one more week, and this performance is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org  WICKED – For Two More Weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center

January 23 at 7 pm – Battle of the BIG Bands – Glenn Miller vs. Tommy Dorsey Orchestras
The Lake Mary High School Auditorium will time-travel its audience to ‘The Battle of the Big Bands’ between the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In the tradition of the Big Band battles from the 30s and 40s, the two bands take the stage in a back-and-forth competition that showcases jazz, swing, and favorite standards. The clear WINNER is the audience. Tickets start at $30 online at brownpapertickets.com/event/2627175 or call 321-441-9135 ext. 2 for group sales. Battle of the BIG Bands – Glenn Miller vs. Tommy Dorsey Orchestras

Jan 26 from 10 pm to 1 am – ‘WICKED After DARK’ – a Benefit for the GLBT Center 
Join the cast of WICKED for a one-night only ‘cabaret concert’ benefiting Broadway Cares / Equity fights AIDS and the GLBT Center of Central Florida. It’s two shows in one with an opening act by WICKED Alumna, Broadway veteran, X-Factor star, and Nashville recording artist Rachel Potter with her band, ‘Steel Union.’ Song and dance by the cast members of WICKED will follow, as well as a live auction with proceeds benefitting the survivors and family members of the Pulse tragedy. At the Abbey at 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando, VIP Seating is available. Tickets at ticket-fly.com 
‘WICKED After DARK’ – a Benefit for the GLBT Center

Jan 27 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm – ‘In the Mood’… for the Big Band Sound 
This nostalgic ride to the music of the 1940’s begins aboard the ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ straight to ‘Tuxedo Junction.’ ‘In The Mood’ is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrews Sisters and all the big band greats. Complete with period costumes and choreography, the show celebrates the brassy, patriotic music of the World War II era performed by a 13-piece Band and six singer-dancers. In two performances at the Bob Carr Theater, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.  ‘In the Mood’… for the Big Band Sound

January 27 at 8 pm – Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Direct from New York City ‘Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography’ is a revival of the award-winning New York production of the Laurence Holder play. Elizabeth Van Dyke stars in the production directed by Woodie King Jr. with this one-performance-only serving as a benefit for Eatonville’s ‘ZORA Festival.’ Celebrating Hurston's 125th birthday, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography at the Dr. Phillips Center

Jan 28 from 9 am to 2 pm – Family Fun ‘Dino Day’ at Leu Gardens 
There are fun activities and craft events all over Leu Gardens as you explore the world of DINOSAURS with your family. Follow the ‘Dino Dig Map’ to discover ALL of the dinosaurs while enjoying activities throughout the Gardens. At the ‘Mad Science’ area dig for Dinosaur bones, and visit Arnold Palmer Hospital to receive a special keepsake. At the City of Orlando’s Pottery Studio, children create clay dinosaurs to add to the landscape as you watch prehistoric plants come to life with the Dr. Phillips Center Performing Arts Team. Experience live alligators from Gatorland and learn about these prehistoric animals and SO MUCH MORE at leugardens.org 

The Dinos are Coming! The Dinos are Coming!
Family Fun ‘Dino Day’ at Leu Gardens

Jan 28 from 8 am to 4 pm – 4th Annual Fire in the Park Chili Cook-Off to Cure 
Big plans are underway for this event filled with award-winning chili, chicken wings, live music, games and family fun -- ALL with a focus on raising money for Breast Cancer Research. Teams are coming together to find a cure for cancer, and we are invited to join as a sponsor, cooking team, or attendee at Avalon Park in Orlando. Contests go from Best Traditional Red Chili to a Corn-hole Tournament. For more, visit cookofftocure.com
4th Annual Fire in the Park Chili Cook-Off to Cure
4th Annual Fire in the Park Chili Cook-Off to Cure

Jan 31 at 7:30 pm -- Dr. Phillips Center presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
The original ‘Jersey Boy,’ Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles including ‘Sherry,’ ‘Walk Like a Man,’ ‘Rag Doll,’ ‘Oh What a Night,’ and ‘Grease.’ His songs have anchored iconic movies, and over 200 artists have done cover versions of his work. Back by popular demand, his sold out show last year paid tribute to a unique voice that is still going strong for the audiences who love him. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.  Dr. Phillips Center presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Feb 1 to 4 – ‘Tables Extraordinaire’ at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Over 4 special days – from 10 am to 8 pm – this unique event showcases 30 creatively exquisite table settings while offering ‘hand-made-with-love’ Greek culinary delights for lunch, dinner or take-out. You can bid on auction items, purchase internationally acclaimed artwork, and attend a fabulous gala dinner. The Gala caps off a marvelous FUN-raising week benefiting the Florida Hospital Transplant Institute, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. For tickets and information, visit www.Tables-Extraordinaire.com

‘Tables Extraordinaire’ at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
‘Tables Extraordinaire’ at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Feb 4 at 6:45 pm – The 25th Annual Chef’s Gala Supporting United Way
The funds raised at this exemplary fund-raiser support United Way’s much needed work in education, income, and health programs that serve thousands of Central Floridians in need. Recognized as a premiere food and wine pairing event, Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala features exquisite cuisine from more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs, along with fine wines, live music and a silent auction. Hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, 2017’s list of participating restaurants is amazing. Tickets are $275 (Individual) and $500 (Couples). Call 407.835.0900 or message hfuwcontact[at]hfuw.org 

The 25th Annual Chef’s Gala Supporting United Way

NOW to February 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare 
Years of planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia, and Vivienne’s decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century ‘myth’ about a White Egret. Steve Yockey’s new play ‘Blackberry Winter’ is moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human. At the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare

NOW to Feb 18 – Why Do FOOLS Fall in Love? … at the Winter Park Playhouse 
This song-fest takes place at a bachelorette party where best friends share thoughts about love, marriage and the dating game. Featuring hits from the 1960’s including "I Will Follow Him," "Hey There Lonely Boy," and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" this musical comedy reaffirms that true friendship is the key to everlasting love. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org Why Do FOOLS Fall in Love? … at the Winter Park Playhouse

NOW to Feb 19 - Picasso, Einstein and Steve Martin Walk Into the Mad Cow Theatre …
‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile,’ comic-genius-playwright Steve Martin’s first full-length play, explores creativity, physics, and one-night stands, as worlds (and words) collide in this fictional meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein. With Steve Martin’s off-beat humor, the 20th Century is born through the eyes of a very funny man. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 
Picasso, Einstein, and Steve Martin Walk Into the Mad Cow Theatre …

 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators