Florida Culture for the Week of June 11, 2017 By Josh Garrick    

NOW to June 19 – Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park presents “Geezers”
The Tommy Lee Johnston play, "Geezers" introduces us to some wonderful people in a retirement home. Jack, a pathologically shy, 27-year-old man, begins a job there, but it's the "geezers" who wind up caring for Jack. On the way to his epiphany, Jack learns from his wise group of mentors in this heart-warming drama about growth, learning, and love. At 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park, call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Photo: (L to R) Gary Norris, Larry Stallings, Vicki Wicks, Sean Kemp, Carol Palumbo, Mary Lee Stallings, Jenny Fraebel

June 15 & 16 at 10:30 am – Orlando Shakes Presents ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’
It’s a magical sandstorm of Arabian Tales as Aladdin seeks help and advice from wise Genies, a powerful Sultan, and his own Mother to find a way to meet the Princess. In this telling, Aladdin learns that it takes more than a wish to make a good impression. Told interactively with the younger members of the audience, Aladdin is a mystery, an adventure, and a comedy about pursuing your dreams. Call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

June 16 – July 9 – David Hare’s “Skylight” at Mad Cow Theatre 
A multiple award-winning British drama, “Skylight” presents the aftermath of an extramarital romance and the way it affects everyone it touched. After the affair, feelings of betrayal and guilt send lovers Kyra and Tom in opposite directions, each brewing resentment of the other. Eventually Tom (and his son) confront Kyra for an ending that is both “thrilling and dangerous.”  At the Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando, call 407.297.8788 or vist madcowtheatre.com 

June 16 & 17 – CFCArts Symphony Orchestra on “American Road Trip” 
The 155-member CFCArts Symphony Orchestra invites us to join them on a ‘Great American Road Trip’ as we experience the sights, sounds, history, and grandeur of America.  The music creates a sonic tapestry from New York to Hollywood and from the Grand Canyon to Washington DC. Coming ‘home’ to Orlando, we’ll hear powerful patriotic music performed by Central Florida’s largest Symphony Orchestra. At Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, tickets are $10, $15 and $25; Children12 and under FREE. Call 407.937.1800 x710 or visit cfcarts.com/roadtrip 

June 17 at 8 pm – Tig Notaro at The Plaza LIVE 
Tig Notaro is a comedian, actor and writer, named by Rolling Stone as “one of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.” Tig writes, produces and stars in the autobiographical Amazon series, “One Mississippi” with Season one producing nominations from WGA, GLAAD, and The Critic’s Choice Awards. Nominated for an Emmy as well as a Grammy for her 2016 HBO special “Boyish Girl Interrupted,” her memoir “I’m Just a Person” is a New York Times Bestseller. In addition to her talk-show appearances, Tig recently sold out Carnegie Hall. Visit plazaliveorlando.org 

June 18 from 9 am to 5 pm – Father’s Day at Leu Gardens 
Leu Gardens honors Dads by opening the Gardens – FREE for Dads – on his special day. Even if every day is special with Dad, the Gardens invite the whole family to stroll the pathways that cover 50 acres. Then stop by the historic ‘Leu House’ to take a tour of the home while learning about the families that once lived there. Admission is $10 adult / $3 children (5 to 17) and FREE for Dad on HIS special day. Visit leugardens.org 

June 23 & 24 – Amway Center Hosts the ‘Mascot Games’
Returning to the Amway Center in Orlando the ‘Mascot Games’ feature 30 mascots from sports teams across the country, competing in a variety of games. These ‘Family-Friendly’ games create real sports competition, as mascots from the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and Arena Football League battle like gladiators to become the true champions of the mascot world. Proceeds benefit New Hope for Kids, which provides support to children grieving the death of a loved one. Tickets start at $12. Visit mascotgames.org or newhopeforkids.org

June 24 at 7:30 pm – The World Ballet Competition & Gala Performance
The Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center, with a stage perfect for ballet, has hosted The World Ballet Competition (WBC) and Gala every year since 2007. The Competition and Gala not only bring acclaim, and an economic boost, to Orlando, but offer cash awards among the highest of any international dance competition. The Gala that concludes the week-long competition is an extraordinary evening of talent including Winners from the week of competition and Guest Artists from around the world. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Visit worldballetcompetition.com 

June 24 & 25 – “PAW Patrol Live! – at the Dr. Phillips Center 
PAW Patrol is on a roll in their first-ever live tour! It's the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found.  PAW Patrol to the rescue!  Ryder summons Chase, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and the newest pup, Everest. Using each of their unique skills and teamwork, the pups make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Be a (VIP) Very Important Pup with premium seating, a gift, and access to a ‘Meet & Greet’ after the show!  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

June 27 at 7:30 pm – DIANA ROSS: In The Name Of Love Tour 
Diana Ross’ remarkable career, spanning five decades, has resulted in music history milestones from a performer who is one of the most iconic singers of all time. As lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross helped shape the sound of popular music. Her countless awards and love of the human spirit make her the most prominent woman in popular music history of the late 20th century. Join Ms. Ross to feel the magic at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

NOW to September 4 – Orlando Science Center’s “Identity: An Exhibition of You”
“Identity” at the Science Center is a 3-part interactive experience that explores our unique identities. In the age of the “selfie,” the new exhibit helps answer the question “How well do we know ourselves?”  By checking our physical (e.g. finger-prints), psychological (personality types) and social identities (our relationships), we learn how we are different, AND how much we are the same. Highly Recommended at 777 East Princeton Street in Orlando, call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators