“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 5, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

Orlando Ballet Hits a Triple-Play Home-Run in “Contemporary Wonders” 
TODAY -- May 5 at 8 pm and TOMORROW May 6 at 2 pm 
The Orlando Ballet is bringing down the house with its three new works in today’s “Contemporary Wonders” program. Opening with a stately premiere by choreographer Jessica Lang, which is followed by the “Tea Party” scene as our own Arcadian Broad choreographs AND composes “Mad Hatter’s Wonderland.” THEN the fireworks hit as the third new work is a “remember-as-long-as-you-live-collaboration” choreography by Robert Hill with live vocals performed by Sisaundra Lewis that had me crying from its sheer brilliance and the audience on its feet screaming “Brava.” I have felt the emotion in my soul at performances of Swan Lake, but the seamless mix of the Orlando Ballet dancers performing with the sheer joy of KNOWING they were performing to real greatness as Sisaundra’s voice filled the Dr. Phillips Center with a voice as great as any of the biggest stars who have graced that stage. I was crying from the over-powering joy of the event – and then – Lady Sisaundra launched into the anthem – “Never Enough” from the “Greatest Showman.” The sheer emotion had me literally trembling to the point that my seat will have to be re-enforced before TODAY’S performance. There are tickets available for both performances – PLEASE do NOT MISS this incredible Orlando Ballet performance. Starting at an affordable $19, YOUR tickets may be purchased TODAY by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting drphillipscenter.org

The Orlando Philharmonic’s 25th Anniversary Concert with cellist Yo-Yo Ma
May 8 at 8 pm 
Talking about performance “wonders,” the event of the year happens this Tuesday as famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma comes to Orlando (for the first time) to celebrate the Orlando Philharmonic’s 25th Anniversary. Ma will be joined by Colin Jacobsen, (who happens to be Maestro Eric Jacobsen’s brother). Ma and Colin Jacobsen will take on the Brahms’ Double Concerto as conducted by Eric Jacobsen (and how cool is that?) The Brahms Double is rarely performed, because it requires two Master string performers. (We have three when you count our Maestro who also happens to be a world-renowned cellist). While Yo-Yo Ma may not have performed in Orlando, you KNOW his name thanks to his 18 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom among a host of other honors. At the time of writing, there were a few tickets available priced from $150 to $300. In performance at the Bob Carr Theater at 401 W. Livingston Street, call 407.896.6700 or visit Orlandophil.org

Tim Totten – Back by Popular Demand at Casa Feliz 
May 8 at 6:30 pm 
Timothy Totten is a master storyteller, who has studied the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright for more than 25 years, visiting more than 250 Wright-designed buildings across the United States. This time Totten focuses on Wright’s extensive work in Florida, while weaving a tale of love, adultery, and the Emperor of Japan to illustrate the genius and the foibles of the man the American Institute of Architects has called “The Greatest American Architect.” This FREE talk will be held at Casa Feliz at 656 N. Park Ave in Winter Park. Please RSVP by calling 407.628.8200. 

“A World Without Hate” Dinner Honoring Jeffrey Miller & Ted Haines 
May 10 at 5:30 pm 
It’s a personal joy to recommend attending the Holocaust Memorial Center’s annual ‘Dinner of Tribute’ as they honor Jeffrey Miller and Ted Maines – long-time partners who have BOTH been involved in innumerable Arts and Charities that have made Orlando the City it is today. Support of this event funds critical programs including “UpStanders: The Stand Up To Bullying” program along with the Center’s season of exhibits and programs. At the Rosen Plaza at 9700 International Drive in Orlando, for tickets call 407.628.0555 or visit holocaustedu.networkforgood.com

CFC Arts presents Icons: A Salute to the Kings and Queens of Music
May 10 & 11 at 7:30 pm 
From Elvis to Michael Jackson and from Gloria Estefan to Madonna, the 300 member CFCArts Community Choir & Big Band can’t wait to present Icons: A Salute to the Kings and Queens of Music. Including selections from those oh-so-famous singing Artists who have become music royalty to people from all generations, this concert will ‘rock the house’ and create a dance in the aisles, feel-good time for the entire family. In performance at Northland Church at 530 Dog Track Road in Longwood, this concert offers assigned seating. Tickets are $10, $15, and $25 prior to the night of the show online or by calling 407-937-1800 x 710.

Singing Royalty – Ms. Patti LaBelle
May 11 
Performing with classic grace and style Patti LaBelle belts out rhythm and blues, pop standards and spirituals with unique versatility. Between recording and touring, she has written five best-selling books, and starred in her own cooking specials. As a humanitarian, Ms. Patti is an advocate for adoption, foster care, Big Sisters, the United Negro College Fund, and as spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association. Having grown from choir member to lead vocalist for Labelle to a solo career she sees her growth as a blessing from God. “I need to sing,” she says. “I’ve got to get on that stage.” Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

OUC Speakers at Dr. Phillips Presents Bill Nye, the Science Guy
May 12 at 8 pm 
Whether you respect him as an Engineer, Comedian, Author or Inventor, audiences everywhere revere this kindly Renaissance man’s blend of humor, curiosity and devotion to solving the world’s complex challenges through science. Best known for his Emmy-winning “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” he brings his love of science and his sense of humor to every appearance, explaining complex issues and inspiring audiences of all ages to improve our world. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Accidental Music Festival Marathon
May 12 from 1 pm to 10 pm 
Held this year at the SoDo Shopping Center on South Orange Avenue in Orlando, the “Accidental Music Festival Marathon” celebrates the emergence of Orlando as a home for contemporary classical and creative music. Featuring 18 ensembles and soloists performing a day-long concert of music by LIVING composers, the event showcases new music. Family-friendly events will be offered during the day, including acoustic and electronic instrument ‘petting zoos’ where kids of all ages can test instruments and learn about making electronic music. Co-presented by Timucua Arts Foundation and SoDo District, for tickets visit eventbrite.com 

The 6th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Awards
May 16 at 8 am (that’s 8 AM) 
Awards are presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in working and advocating for the lives of the Orlando LGBT community as The Center hosts one of Orlando's most anticipated LGBT events, The Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Awards. This year the event will be held at Dubsdread Catering at 549 West Par Street in Orlando. 2018's award recipients are:
• Champion of Equality - Carlos Guillermo Smith, State Representative
• LGBT Ally – Chief John Mina, Orlando Police Department
• LGBT Trailblazer – Blue Star, Performer and activist
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Sam Singhaus (Miss Sammy), Performer and activist
Tickets at Eventbrite – $45.

RDV Sportsplex to Host Inaugural “Movers and Shakers” Event
May 17 at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd in Orlando
The RDV Sportsplex will create its first group fitness and cocktail social benefitting the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the charity. A food sampling (from 8 pm to 9:30 pm) will mirror a tasting event, including cuisine by the Tap Room, Season’s 52 and Sam Snead’s Grill while the main event features group fitness options for attendees including Yoga, Fight, Training for Warriors, Cardio Tennis, Aqua Fit and a Zumba Dance Party. Workout attire is required with registration online for tickets at $55. “Movers and Shakers” is an RDV Sportsplex signature event as hosted in other cities, but is new to Orlando. For tickets, visit rdvmoversshakers.com. 

On-going … 

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad Mad Mad Mad Treasure Hunt at Orlando Rep 
NOW to May 13
In the latest from Orlando Rep, “Judy Moody” is known for her ‘flights of fancy,’ but a (for-real) adventure on a treasure-island begins when the Moody family drops anchor on Artichoke Island. ‘Welcomed’ to the island by a (for-real) PIRATE -- Scurvy Sam, Judy Moody and her brother Stink begin an adventure with clues, codes, and puzzles in a race against the clock and other treasure-hunters. To create this 60-minute adventure, Orlando REP teamed up with six other Theatres for Young Audiences around the country to commission the new play by Allison Gregory based on the books by Megan McDonald. Ask about ‘Special Performances’ on April 14, 21, 22, and 23 when you call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Garden Theatre 
NOW to May 27 
Based on the Victor Hugo novel, with magnificent music from the Disney film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, this epic musical finds the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral longing to escape his captivity by the religious hypocrite Archdeacon Frollo. During his one night of ‘freedom,’ he is treated cruelly by the people of Paris until a beautiful gypsy comes to his rescue. Her beauty and spirit captivate the bell-ringer, the lecherous Archdeacon and the Captain of the Guard. In the end all three must deal with the complex emotions she evokes. At the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators