"Josh Recommends” for the Week of October 20, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

“LANDMARK” CONGRATULATIONS – On October 18 members and friends of the Orlando Ballet donned pink construction helmets and took one more giant leap to becoming a world class company with the groundbreaking for “Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre.” Before her passing this summer, longtime Orlando Ballet supporter Harriett Lake made a “landmark” contribution of $5 million to accelerate the building timeline of the Centre. Grateful for her unparalleled support over the years, Orlando Ballet is honored to build a home bearing the name of one of Orlando’s great philanthropists. The Centre will be a world-class facility that will reunite the company, school and offices under one roof while offering enhanced rehearsal spaces, expand class offerings, and operate cost efficiently. Both Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs were in attendance. The building – overlooking a beautiful lake – will add one more significant Arts Space to the Museums and performance spaces in Orlando’s beautiful Loch Haven Park. Should you wish to join in helping to build this new space, visit orlandoballet.org

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Ballet Mayor at Groundbreaking

Coming Soon …

Opera Orlando’s “Steampunk” Tales of Hoffman
Oct 24 to 30 at the Dr. Phillips Center
The first of Opera Orlando's Mainstage productions will be presented in the intimate Pugh Theater and feature the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Offenbach's most famous work interweaves four stories from the author E. T. A. Hoffmann, (who is the opera’s lead character). Making their Opera Orlando debuts, Metropolitan Opera tenor Won Whi Choi sings the title role, with Cuban-born soprano Laura León singing all four female heroines. The magic and fantasy of each story is created within a ‘Steampunk’ landscape of smoke and mirrors, and we are invited to show our Halloween spirit and come in ‘Steampunk’ costume to the October 30 performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org or operaorlando.org 

BOB DYLAN and His Band
Oct 26 at 8 pm
The iconic singer-songwriter, author, and artist Bob Dylan has been one of the most influential figures in popular culture for more than five decades. Dylan has sold more than 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Along with that success, Dylan has received eleven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award, and a Pulitzer Prize. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Premium packages are available for this show. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

 The 9th Annual Disney Food & Wine Classic
Oct 26 & 27 beginning at 5:30 pm (both days)
Visit the ‘causeway’ between the Swan and Dolphin Hotels for a day (or weekend), to sample wines from around the world and savor culinary artistry from pastries to pasta. It’s a “foodie’s” dream weekend when the Disney Food & Wine Classic offers this wine and food taster’s heaven AND eleven educational seminars to help you impress your friends with your knowledge of wines, cocktails, beer, pasta-making, cheese pairing or the fine art of sushi and sake. (seminars begin at 4:30 pm). Event tickets are available for $127 (with optional Beer Garden upgrade for an additional $28). Guests may reserve online at swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com

The Mann Family Tour: “Us Against the World”
Oct 27 at 7 pm
Grammy Award-Winning Platinum Recording Artist Tamela Mann and NAACP Image Award-Winning Comedian David Mann bring their family experience “with something for everyone” to the Bob Carr Theater. Featuring David, Tamela, son David Jr, and daughter Tia, it’s an evening of music, comedy and family entertainment. Including new music by Gospel’s leading lady, Tamela Mann and a unique sit-down with David and Tamela where they’ll share from their new book, “Us Against The World: Our Secrets To Love, Marriage & Family,” call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

 The Eroica Trio at Rollins College
Oct 28 at 3 pm
Made up of Erika Nickrenz, piano; Sara Parkins, violin; and Sara Sant'Ambrogio, cello; the Eroica Trio is among the most sought after in the world. The Grammy nominated Eroica Trio thrills audiences with their technical virtuosity, enthusiasm and elegance. The New York Times wrote, “There is an edge of the seat intensity to every note they produce". Having won the prestigious Naumburg Award, the trio maintains a demanding concert schedule while releasing eight acclaimed recordings for Angel/EMI classics Records. Shattering the age-old gender barrier, their unique history goes back to childhood at “music camp” leading to a lifelong bond between the three women. Call 407.646.2182 or visit bachfestivalflorida.org

 Leopoldo Wallis and Maria Ramos at Mills Gallery
Nov 1 to Dec 27 with FREE Public Opening on Nov 1
At 88-years-young Venezuelan artist Leopoldo Wallis will present his first exhibit in the United States. Having immigrated to the U.S. Wallis’ unique pointillist work has been described as a celebration of color, light and visual space that challenges those who try to impose limits on the Artistic Community. Mr. Wallis will be joined by the Puerto Rican Artist Maria Ramos whose work is known for showing the true and brutal side of her island's history. Together these two dynamic artists bring a colorful vision to Mills Gallery at 1650 Mills Ave. Visit thegalleryatmillspark.com

 … and On-going …
FINAL WEEK -- “Those Hitchcock Birds” ARE BACK !!
NOW to Oct 28
“The Birds” is a truly scary look at societal collapse. Conor McPherson’s adaptation of “The Birds” uses Daphne du Maurier’s short story (the same source as the Hitchcock thriller), following two strangers taking refuge from attacking birds. Diane and Nat learn to live together as they hide from the attacking birds, but tensions mount when another survivor enters the house and disrupts their already strained relationship. Cudos to the stage crew for lighting and sound that will make you look to the skies as you go to your car. At the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 x0 or visit gardentheatre.org.

Osceola Arts’ Hispanic Heritage Month Juried Art Show
NOW to Nov 2 -- Osceola Arts in Kissimmee pays tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month in its 10th Annual Hispanic Juried Art Show. This vibrant (and eclectic) exhibit is on display at the Center with works created by 75 Artists living and creating art in Central Florida. Representing Florida’s diverse Hispanic community, all art exhibits at Osceola Arts are free and open to the public. Visit osceolaarts.org 

PHANTASMAGORIA 2018
NOW to Nov 3
Created by John Didonna, Seminole County Artist of the Year for 2018, this critically acclaimed theatre troupe, Phantasmagoria, shows up each October with their horror-based, (but charismatic) form of theatrical story-telling – overlaid with ‘Steampunk’ style. If you’ve lived in Central Florida in the past nine years and NOT yet seen Phantasmagoria – THIS is the year for you to ‘experience’ the troupe. As you can see, they’re EVERYWHERE !!
Oct 20 & 21 -- Steampunk Industrial Show – Mount Dora
Oct 26 -- Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center – Sanford
Oct 27 – Reilly Arts Center – Ocala
Oct 26 to 28 -- “Spooky Empire Experience” – Orange County Convention Center
Oct 30 & 31 – The Higgins House “Phantasmagoria Experience” – Sanford
Nov 3 – Athens Theatre – DeLand
Performances range from a full-evening of theatre at the Shakespeare Center to “hauntings” at libraries and museums. Full evenings are ticketed events while many shorter appearances are FREE. Visit phantasmagoriaorlando.com for the theater or event nearest you. 

“Young Frankenstein” at the CFCArts ‘Black-box’ Theatre
NOW to Nov 4
With music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, this stage adaptation of the 1974 cult classic movie by the same name, features the ‘grandson’ of the infamous Victor Frankenstein -- Frederick Frankenstein and his sidekick, Igor. As Frederick works to create his own monster, “Young Frankenstein” is a comic spin-off of the classic novel. Full of songs and surprises, you’ll leave this show laughing and singing your own version of “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” And if the weather is just right, you may even witness a miracle! Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800. 

“Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook” at Orlando REP
NOW to Nov 4
Junie B. Jones returns to Orlando REP in an all-new show – this one dealing with HONESTY. Apparently someone has stolen Junie B.’s mittens, but then Junie B. finds an awesome pen, so it’s okay to keep it, right? AND there’s a handsome new boy in class who Junie is determined to impress. Junie B. struggles with the issue of honesty in this hilarious and heartfelt story based on the best-selling book by Barbara Park. Call 407 896 7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

 “The Mystery of Irma Vep” at Orlando Shakespeare
NOW to Nov 18
This fall-out-of-your-seat-laughing comedy was a vehicle for playwright Charles Ludlam to ‘prove’ that a hilarious murder-mystery could be played on a tiny stage with two actors (who are also quick-change artists). Now Orlando Shakes is presenting this “Gothic horror” with actor Chris Crawford playing FOUR characters while his fellow thespian Brad DePlanche also plays FOUR roles. Throw in werewolves and the resurrection of an Egyptian princess in Gothic England as you laugh along with this deliriously melodramatic comedy. Directed by Jim Helsinger (who never misses a comic possibility), call 407.447.1700 x1 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators