Florida Culture for the Week of July 20, 2015 by Josh Garrick

July 24, 25, & 26 – PHANTASMAGORIA Wicked Little Tales in Limited Engagement 

Three (3) not-to-be-missed performances by the acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe PHANTASMAGORIA will premiere the company’s new touring show – Wicked Little Tales on July 24, 25, and 26. Shown in Orlando before its first Atlanta engagement, ‘Tales’ will include the troupe’s special blend of horror, ‘Phantastical dance, live music, stage combat, large-scale-puppetry and storytelling in the troupe’s first ever ‘Best Of’ performances. Orlando performances are at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. For credit card orders, visit orlandoatplay.com and visit PhantasmagoriaOrlando.com

July 24 to Aug 22 – Winter Park Playhouse Presents Tap Dance Musical Dames At Sea 

It’s the BEST Tap-Dancing-Theater in Florida, so it’s no surprise that the Winter Park Playhouse will present Dames At Sea as their first production of the 2015-2016 Season. Set in New York City, this quintessential American musical features the hottest tap dancing this side of 42nd Street. The story of a small-town-girl who comes to the BIG City to make it on Broadway, the show offers tap dancing, songs, and boatloads of laughs. The fantastic Michael Edwards returns to The Playhouse to direct, Roy Alan will choreograph, and Chris Leavy will music direct this stellar production. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

July 25 – Maitland Holds a Birthday Celebration 

Maitland's (family-friendly) 130th Birthday Celebration will begin at 6 pm on July 25 at Lake Lily Park. The Celebration will feature a Touch-A-Truck exhibit with vehicles from the City's fleet including a fire truck and a police cruiser. Live music will be provided by the Maitland Stage Band and Licorice Sticks. Learn about Maitland's history and art while hair braiders, balloon artists, face painters, and carnival games entertain the kids. Food trucks will have summer foods available for purchase, and a fireworks show will cap off the evening at 8:45 p.m. Visit itsmymaitland.com 

July 25 – Give Hope Foundation Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament & Gala

This ‘fun and classy fun-raiser’ brings Las Vegas to Orlando in an evening of professionally-managed Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Craps, Blackjack and Roulette. The date is July 25 beginning at 6 pm at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 Intl Drive in Orlando.  Along with Poker, the evening offers food, a silent & live auction, entertainment, and raffle giveaways – all for a great cause. There is even a special $99 room rate at Rosen Centre Hotel with purchase of a ticket.  Visit www.givehopefoundation.org

July 25 – Broadway Superstar Idina Menzel at the Dr. Phillips Center 

Tony-Award-Winning Leading Lady Idina Menzel, praised for her powerhouse voice and emotional performances, was recently called ‘The Streisand of her generation’ by the Denver Post. In March, Menzel released a CD and DVD entitled Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, a live concert with an orchestra led by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch. Garnering huge critical acclaim, Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony Award-winning performance in Wicked. This season, Menzel reprised her role on Fox’s hit TV series, Glee. Ms. Menzel will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 25 at 8 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.com

July 25 – The Babys 

If you’re into classic-rock history, The Babys are back together after a 3 decade layover. With hits including Isn’t It Time, Every Time I Think of You, and Midnight Rendezvous, The Babys created some of the great arena anthems of that era. Original drummer Tony Brock and lead guitarist Wally Stocker have reformed the band with new singer, John Bisaha, whose vocals really fit The Babys sound as seen through their first new song in 30 years – the aptly titled Not Ready to Say Goodbye. It has all the classic Babys elements – amazing vocals, thoughtful lyrics and a chorus that lodges itself in your brain. Judge for yourself on July 25 at 8 pm when these new-born Babys take the stage at Plaza Live in Orlando. 

July 30 to Aug 2 – Geeky Con and ‘Geek Day’ in Orange County

Thousands of Geeks from across the country will unite in Orlando to celebrate their obsession with everything nerdy at the 7th annual GeekyCon, one of the largest conventions in the world for fans of fantasy films, TV and books. In recognition of this ‘geeky gathering,’ Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs has declared July 31 as Geek Day. 75 special guests will make personal appearances at the show, allowing fans to meet their favorite personalities from fantasy films and TV as GeekyCon takes up residence at the Orange County Convention Center from July 30 to Aug. 2. Note: GeekyCon has added a ticketed pre-convention party at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on July 29 from 7pm to 2 am.  Visit GeekyCon.com

July 31 – The Dr. Phillips Center presents Fifth Harmony 

After their sold out Reflection Tour, the award-winning, pop powerhouse Fifth Harmony will visit Orlando as part of their Reflection Summer Tour. Their latest single Worth It is earning Fifth Harmony their highest position on the charts so far following their win as Favorite New Artist at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a performance at the White House. They won the Artist To Watch Moonman at the MTV VMA’s, and they were nominated for six 2014 Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award.  The ladies will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 31 at 7 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Aug 1 -- ICE CREAM Social for Bags of Hope 

Yes, ICE CREAM is the draw, including sundaes, floats, Italian ice, games, face painting, balloon art, a Cake Walk and photo opportunities for Star Wars Fans on Saturday, August 1 from 1 to 4 pm. The Council of Catholic Women present the ‘Social’ to benefit Bags of Hope, an organization that helps needy and hungry children in our community. At Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, tickets are an affordable $5. Visit Bags of Hope on Facebook or call 407.647.6769 

Aug 2 – CHAYANNE Brings His National Tour to the Amway Center

Puerto Rican heart-throb, singer, actor, and composer Chayanne has released 21 solo albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. A performer since childhood, he was too young to perform with Menudo, so he joined the group Los Chicos, beginning a life of producing hit records. 21 solo albums later, Chayanne brings his first solo national tour to the Amway Center in Orlando on August 2. Visit Amwaycenter.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators