Florida Culture for the Week of July 4th, 2016 by Josh Garrick

FINAL WEEK – NOW to July 11 – The Brothers Size at Mad Cow Theatre 
The Chicago Tribune calls ‘The Brothers Size,’ "The greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more."  Set in Louisiana, big brother Ogun is hard-working and independent while younger brother Oshoosi is just out of prison and aimless. Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney crafts symbolism and ritual into a tough/tender drama about the unbreakable bond between brothers and family. Call 407-297-8788 x1 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

NOW to July 18 -- Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park presents "Urinetown the Musical" 
This oddly named musical won three Tony Awards, three Outer Critic's Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, and two Obie Awards, so YES, it’s the real-deal. It’s also a comic satire of the legal system, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement, governmental interference, and musical theatre itself. Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, ‘Urinetown’ is said to have catapulted the American musical comedy into the 21st Century with its wicked comedy and incisive honesty. Directed by Jamaal Solomon and music directed and choreographed by Angelyn Rhode, call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com/tickets/

NOW to Aug 21 -- Winter Park Playhouse Presents Musical “I Love My Wife”
The Tony award-winning Broadway musical “I Love My Wife” is set in New Jersey during the 1970's ‘sexual revolution’ with the comedy revolving around two suburban couples attempting to spice up their sex lives but not quite moving beyond the picket fence.  The top-notch cast of singer-actors includes Heather Alexander, Natalie Cordone, Michael Colavolpe, and Shawn Kilgore with comedy veteran Michael Edwards directing. Recommended for mature audiences.  Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Photo Credit: Taylor Glore  (lft to rt.) Michael Colavolpe, Heather Alexander, Natalie Cordone, Shawn Kilgore

July 4 in Winter Park – the 21st Annual Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
It’s all FREE as Winter Park celebrates its 21st Annual Olde Fashioned 4th of July from 9 am to 1 pm in Central Park. Mayor Steve Leary will lead a naturalization ceremony for 20 new citizens; the Morse Museum invites friends and neighbors with its annual Free Open House from 9:30 am to 4 pm; and the Winter Park History Museum, at 200 W. New England Ave. (the Farmers’ Market building), offers Free admission from 9 am to 4 pm. We are all invited to join in the patriotic spirit and gather with family and friends to enjoy this Free Winter Park tradition. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org. 

July 4 – Fireworks (and More) at the Fountain in Downtown Orlando
It’s perfect timing for some beautiful fireworks, and on Monday, July 4, you and your family are invited to join thousands of Central Florida residents and visitors as we gather around Lake Eola for the 39th annual ‘Fireworks at the Fountain.’ Festivities, and the ‘reservation’ of space, begin at 4 pm with activities for children, music, and food and beverages available for purchase. The highlight of the evening is that much-anticipated and spectacular fireworks display at 9 pm. Should you not be able to make it to the event, News 6 will present it live. 

 
July 6 at 7 pm -- Robin Cowie’s “Orlando Story Club” at The Abbey
‘Orlando Story Club’ is in a new home giving anyone who wishes to tell a ‘personal’ story a chance to be selected at random for the opportunity. Story Club is held on the first Wednesday of every month with judges awarding prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. July’s theme is “Triumph” and the benefiting charity is the Zebra Coalition, a network of providers, government agencies, and schools that assist LGBT young people facing homelessness, and physical, sexual and drug abuse. Admission is $5. ALL proceeds raised support Orlando philanthropies. The Abbey is at 100 South Eola Drive in Orlando. Visit orlandostoryclub.com

July 7 – ROCK! On at First Thursday at OMART 
Orlando’s original date-related Art Party is always on the First Thursday of the month at the Orlando Museum of Art. On July 7, Artists will visually display their love for Rock music and those who perform in a show including portraits, symbolic art, sculpture, digital art and more. May the Age of Aquarius inspire your life’s true liberation at the Orlando Museum of Art on July 7 beginning at 6 pm. Call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org 

July 7 -- World CHOCOLATE Day – The Perfect Excuse to Indulge
Hooray for July 7! World Chocolate Day practically orders us to indulge, along with the news that Dark Chocolate continues to gain ‘share of mouth’ among chocolate eaters. Consumers are willing to pay for higher quality chocolate for gifting and/or snacking. “Baby Boomers are buying less chocolate, but when they do purchase they want high quality taste and a unique experience as in merci’s rich indulgence,” says Ross Handler, Consumer Insights Mgr at Storck USA. In response, manufacturers are offering greater variety with DOUBLE the number of new, premium chocolate products introduced from 2014 to 2015.           
                                              

July 8 at 6 pm & 9 pm – PechaKucha Night – Twice in One Night at Dr. Phil Center
An entertainment/education event held several times a year in Orlando, PechaKucha Night features an hour of PowerPoint presentations on a variety of topics. Japanese for ‘chitchat,’ PechaKucha’s format is 20 images x 20 seconds. It makes the presentations concise and keeps things moving. Speakers may present on any subject, from the personal to the public. Since its debut 12 years ago in Japan, the events may be seen in more than 800 cities around the world with audiences in the thousands. 

July 9 and 10 at 7:30 pm – Encore! Cast Performing Arts presents RAGTIME The Musical
Encore! Cast is a super-talented, all-volunteer, 300-member organization dedicated to providing Disney Cast Members an outlet for expression in the performing arts as well as supporting Central Florida charities. Their next performance, RAGTIME, is set in turn-of-the-century New York. Weaving together the stories of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring Harlem musician, they confront the very timely contradictions of wealth and poverty, hope and despair, and what it means to be an AMERICAN. The performance will benefit USO Central Florida. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

July 12 at 6 pm –Bloomingdales presents Artist Victor Bokas in ‘Bokaslicious’
The name ‘Bokaslicious’ has just the right amount of whimsy to introduce the eclectically fun artwork of Orlando’s Victor Bokas. On July 12 at 6:30 pm, Bloomingdales will present Victor and his work in an Opening Reception on their 3rd-floor furniture showroom. Supporting local Artists, Bloomingdale's provides an ‘art gallery’ which allows viewers to ‘see’ the artists' work as if displaying it in their homes. Victor grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and the images of palm trees, Florida kitsch and lush colors, along with tributes to his Greek heritage of statues, columns, and olives appear in his work. Active in the local arts community, Victor was awarded both the Orlando International Airport mosaic art project and the Winter Park Art Festival poster. The event is Free. Come and meet Victor Bokas, and let's get "Bokaslicious at Bloomingdale's!"

July 14 at 7 pm – A Taste of Jazz with the ‘Professors of Jazz’ at Dr. Phillips Center
Nationally-known Jazz Artists are coming to the Dr. Phillips Center to lead a weeklong Jazz Workshop with July 14 set aside as a time for these exceptional Artists to take the stage for a special, one-of-a-kind jam session and concert. Following the concert, the audience is invited to meet the Artists while sampling Bourbon and Whiskey with ‘light bites.’ The entire event is $29 with all proceeds going directly to fund the School of the Arts Jazz Camp. Special Note: Musicians and vocalists interested in participating in the Summer Intensive may request a scholarship to register for this full-day camp. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

July 15 – 9:30 am to 11 am – BUTTERFLY BUDDIES in the Nehrling Gardens 
Share ‘quality-time’ with your child and teach them the wonders of nature as you learn about Florida’s butterflies in a class for children and their guardians. Learn about butterfly identification, life-cycles, and what butterflies tell us about the world as you tour the historic butterfly haven of Nehrling Gardens. You can even take home a mini butterfly garden of your own. The suggested donation of $15 includes supplies and expenses for one child and their parent/guardian. Nehrling Gardens is at 2267 Hempel Ave.in Gotha. Visit NehrlingGardens.org.

July 15 at 7 pm – ‘Purple Masquerade,’ the Prince Tribute Band at Daytona Bandshell 
Summer at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell means FREE concerts and amazing entertainers. Located in Oceanfront Park, the scenic amphitheater was built in 1937, and can host 5,000 people.
‘Purple Masquerade’ is THE Prince Tribute Band, known for high energy concerts of Prince’s greatest hits. With elaborate costumes and a very real stage presence, Prince is ‘channeled’ by James Kincherlow as he sings ALL the songs we love including ‘Lets Get Crazy,’ ‘1999,’ ‘Raspberry Beret’, ‘Poplife,’ and of course, ‘Purple Rain.’ No tickets required.

July 15 & 29 & Aug 26 – FREE MoviEola Film Series 
The FREE outdoor movie series in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park begins each evening at 6 pm with activities and music from Mix 105.1. Bring the whole family (along with blankets, chairs, and snacks) to enjoy this year’s movies including July 15: Inside Out; July 29: Jurassic World; and August 26: Minions. Arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy some of the pre-movie activities. Movies begin promptly at 8:15 pm. Call 407.246.4484.or visit cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators