Florida Culture for the Week of September 7, 2015 by Josh Garrick

Current:  Kids from the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida became Honorary ‘Mouseketeers’ at the Amway Center on the Opening Night of 100 Years of Disney On Ice on September 4.

Gifts, dinner, a visit from Mickey himself, and VIP seats for their first-ever ice show gave them a ‘magical’ experience they will never forget.

FINAL WEEK to Sept 13 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche

It’s 1956 at the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein’s Annual Quiche Breakfast, but the breakfast is upended when the Society’s matriarchs confront the ‘revelation’ that an atom bomb may be falling on THEIR city. Fears are confronted as the ladies stay firm in their commitment to “respect the egg.”  This cult hit won the 2012 NYC International Fringe Festival with a mix of silliness and social observations. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Sept 9 to Oct 11 – Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at Orlando Shakespeare

With a book and lyrics by Eric Idle (YES, the Monty Python guy), Mr. Idle “found his Grail” as his musical version travelled to Broadway where it WON 3 Tony Awards – including BEST MUSICAL!  Now Orlando Shakes is bringing SPAMALOT, lovingly ripped off from the classic Monty Python film, to Orlando complete with Knights “who run away,” flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and a bevy of musical numbers that elevate silliness to an art form. IF you’ve ever followed my recommendation, THIS is the “must-see” event of the season, so buy your tickets now. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

Photo by Landon St. Gordon featuring Davis Gaines, Brad DePlanche, and Dee Roscioli.

Sept 10 to 28 – Musical Totally Electric at The Abbey

Totally Electric is a new show that takes us on a flash-back to the 1980s, and the high school choir – ‘The Sensations' last weeks of high school. ‘The Sensations’ find respect through their musical group, while being bullied by the West Lake "in crowd.”  In a surprise casting twist, Totally Electric stars (the real) Miss America winner Ericka Dunlap as a ‘Sensation’ giving us the fun of watching ‘Miss A’ transform on-stage from bullied to Beauty. Totally Electric will be presented at The Abbey in downtown Orlando.  Visit TicketWeb.com or AbbeyOrlando.com

Sept 10 & 11 – "Guys and Dolls" by Central Florida Community Arts  

It’s New York City in the 1950s, and all the gamblers in town are depending on Nathan Detroit to set up this week’s Crap Game while also seducing local missionary Sarah Brown to accept a date with him. Central Florida Community Arts will present a concert version of Guys and Dolls as its 2015 Summer Broadway production. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, featuring classic hits including Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat and Luck Be A Lady, Guys and Dolls will be presented at Northland Church at 7:30 pm on September 10 and 11. Tickets are $10. Visit cfcarts.com/guys-and-dolls for tickets. 

Sept 10 to 18 – Winter Park Chamber (of Commerce) Week 2015 

Invite your friends and clients to discover how active the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is as 'Chamber Week' kicks off with the popular Winter Park Sip, Shop & Stroll event on September 10. This evening on the town features wine, hors d'oeuvres and a preview of the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menu items at 31 local merchants, and a visit inside the Winter Park History Museum. Tickets are $25. The other highlight of Chamber Week is the inaugural Winter Park Outlook luncheon at The Alfond Inn. (See Sept 17). Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

Sept 11 to 20 – Central Florida Premiere of Women Playing Hamlet

The Southern Winds Theatre reminds us that in Shakespeare's day men played all of the women's roles. The funny and thought provoking new play Women Playing Hamlet turns that idea around as we follow Jessica (who auditions for the role of Ophelia), but ends up playing Hamlet. Comedy ensues as the cast of 4 ladies plays 19 different roles – including ALL the men’s roles. The cast includes Chloe McElroy, Avis Marie Barnes, Danielle Miller, and Marylin McGinnis. Presented at the Venue at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando, call 407.341.3495 or visit southernwindstheatre.com. 

Sept 11 to Oct 10 – Swing back to the ‘50s with The Marvelous Wonderettes 

Loaded with hit songs from the 1950’s and 60’s, this musical comedy by Roger Bean, is set at Springfield High’s Senior Prom in 1958. We meet four teens with dreams as big as their crinoline skirts in this musical trip down memory lane including Lollipop, It’s My Party, Dream Lover, You Don’t Own Me and many more. Featuring Playhouse favorite Kate Zaloumes, Winter Park Playhouse Artistic Director Roy Alan will direct and choreograph.  Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Photo: (l to rt) Kate Zaloumes, Caitlin Doak, Sandia Ahlers, Lindsay Nantz    credit: Vincent Gerace  

Sept 12 & 13 – Do-It-Yourselfers’ Maker Faire at the Orlando Science Center 

The ultimate ‘show and tell,’ Maker Faire Orlando will take place at the Orlando Science Center on September 12 and 13. This community-based learning event inspires through do-it-yourself science and technology; workshops; panels; and exhibits. This year is bigger than ever with Maker Faire on every floor of the Science Center, in Loch Haven Park and at the Orlando Museum of Art. Featuring more than 250 one-of-a- kind creations, the Makers come from all ages and backgrounds – from techies to crafters to scientists to garage tinkerers, each with a passion for innovation. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org or MakerFaireOrlando.com. 

Sept 13 – Comedy Legend Martin Lawrence at the Dr. Phillips Center

Martin Lawrence is “Live Doin’ Time,” and he’s coming to the Dr. Phillips Center. The comedic legend and actor first found his way to the legendary Improv and won a performance spot on Star Search. He was chosen to host the groundbreaking Def Comedy Jam on HBO and soon had his own show Martin on Fox TV from 1992 to 1997 -- an enormous success. Many of his films have been blockbusters at the box office, including Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House. Lawrence is LIVE on-stage on September 13 at 8 pm.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept 16 – … But Robert Bowden DID Promise Us a Rose Garden!!!

As if it has ever been possible to ‘simply’ grow a rose, the stout-hearted Winter Park Garden Club will present Executive Director of Harry P. Leu Gardens Robert Bowden in a talk entitled ‘Rose Gardening Simplified.’  Certainly the rose gardens at Leu Gardens are magnificent, so we will learn how to create and maintain a lush rose garden from a gentleman with decades of experience. The Public is invited to Mr. Bowden’s talk, which will begin at 10 am on September 16 at the Winter Park Garden Club at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Call 407.644.5770

Sept 16 – Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee to Speak at Rollins 

2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee will speak on “Leading Change Through Activism” at the Alfond Sports Center at Rollins College on September 16 beginning at 7.30 pm. Gbowee’s has been plying her own form of non-violent activism, first in Liberia and most recently in North Korea by joining women marching for unity. A Distinguished Fellow in Social Justice at Barnard College, Gbowee travels internationally advocating for human rights, peace and security. Visit rollins.edu/rollins-winter-park-institute or call 407.691.1706

Sept 16 & 17 – Laura Hodos’ Life Upon the Wicked Stage!

The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series continues with the exceptionally talented songstress Laura Hodos debuting her new solo cabaret, Life Upon the Wicked Stage on September 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm. A tribute to the music of Academy Award winner Jerome Kern, best known for his musical Showboat, the evening will be filled with time-honored musical standards. Music Director Christopher Leavy will accompany on the piano. Tickets are $20, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.  Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept 17 – The Inaugural Winter Park Outlook

Keeping the community informed is paramount to our hard-working Chamber of Commerce, so on September 17 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, the inaugural Winter Park Outlook will feature an in-depth conversation on Winter Park, examining the projects and initiatives that impact our lives. Attendees will hear from local experts in business, health, education and government in a panel discussion moderated by Dick Batchelor at the Alfond Inn. Please make your reservations by calling 407.644.8281 or visiting winterpark.org

Sept 17 – Meet the Farmer: Dennis Stoltzfoos

In an effort to ‘strengthen’ our local food system, the Audubon Park Exchange (APEX) invites us to the first of their “Meet the Farmer” series on September 17 at 6 pm. Introducing Florida’s most holistic farmers, the evening will include a Mix & Mingle, the presentation, and Q & A.  Dennis Stolzfoos, of Full Circle Farms, was raised Amish in Lancaster, PA on his family’s farm. He then spent 15 years in alternative healing, returning to farming to produce “The most nutrient dense foods possible.” Based in North Florida, their mission is to bring REAL foods direct from the farm to feed our cells, heal sickness, and provide the next generation with vibrant health. Visit eastendmkt.com/events or fullcirclerealfoods.com 

Sept 17 – Painter Chad Pollpeter Opens at The City Arts Factory 

Popular local painter Chad Pollpeter will present his newest paintings at Redefine Gallery in The City Arts Factory. Titled “Saltimbanques,” the paintings depict a series of circus performers including tightrope walkers, trapeze artists, acrobats, etc with each painting depicting a different act completed in a variety of monochromatic color schemes. The Public is invited to the Opening on September 17 from 6 to 10 pm. Redefine Gallery is located within the City Arts Factory on the corner of Orange Ave and Pine Street in downtown Orlando. Call 407.257.2540 or visit chadpollpeter.net

Sept 17 – Best of Downtown Orlando Photo Contest 

While attending Chad Pollpeter’s Opening (see above), the same building – the City Arts Factory – will also host The Best of Downtown Orlando Photo Contest presented by the Downtown Development Board. After receiving more than 900 submissions, the DDB reserved two galleries at CityArts Factory to showcase at least one photo per photographer. The Best in Category, Best in Show and People's Choice photo winners will be announced at the event. With two distinctly different art openings in the same building – at the same time – please ‘double’ your viewing pleasure at the City Arts Factory on September 17 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Visit facebook.com/events/1675346206022544

 Best of Downtown Orlando Photo Contest  - Rescue Ready by Matt Davis

Sept 17 to 27 – The 2nd annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest 

A special opportunity to meet songwriters, hear their stories and enjoy a slice of paradise is offered as the 2nd Annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest begins along the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. An illustrious line-up of talent includes Kristian Bush (one half of the country duo Sugarland); Parmalee, a country/rock group famous for their No. 1 hit, Carolina; Jana Kramer, singer and actress on “One Tree Hill,” with her hit, Why Ya Wanna? Happily, the festival features mostly Free performances from more than 50 hit-makers who have written songs for top country artists including Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and Brad Paisley. Visit islandhopperfest.com for a full list of artists and performances

Sept 17 to 24 – 10th Anniversary ‘Fashion Week’ at the Mall at Millenia

Orlando’s Mall at Millenia will roll out the red carpet for their 10th Annual Fashion Week beginning September 17 and featuring 6 runway shows – most open to the public as well as the Mall’s philanthropic event, benefitting Runway To Hope. Highlights include Sept 17 at 6 pm – Neiman Marcus’ Fall Trend Report; Sept 18 at 7 pm – Emerging Designs by Sanford-Brown College Orlando; Sept 19 at 7:30 am – Bloomingdale’s Makeup Event; and Sept 20 from 9:30 am to 2 pm – the Fall Collection Brunch Benefit hosted by Laura Brown, Executive Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR.  Visit milleniafashionweek.com

Sept 18 to Oct 31 – Robin Maria Pedrero at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art 

The very popular Florida Artist Robin Maria Pedrero is an award winner with work in museums and in worldwide collections. A signature member of the Pastel Society of America, Ms. Pedrero was awarded Best Florida Artist 2012 by Baterbys Art Gallery. Her colorful paintings and sculptures of nature, gardens, skies, and cups of coffee invite our hearts to dwell and our minds to take residence. The Public is invited to meet this lovely lady at an Opening at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art on September 18 beginning at 6 pm. Call 352.483.2900 or visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org. 

Sept 19 – ‘I AM BRAVE: Orlando Women’s Success Seminar’ at The Abbey 

Women of Central Florida have the opportunity to hear from the area’s most influential women at the 2nd I AM BRAVE: Orlando Women’s Success Seminar on September 19 at The Abbey in Orlando. The bi-annual, full-day event will feature Keynote Speakers Business Consultant Jenn Lee, Body Language Expert Susan Constantine, Hispanic Chamber President Diana Bolivar, Miss Florida 2014 Courtney Shaw and Host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monica May. Tickets at $45 include all sessions, meet-and-greet, Q&A, and lunch. Visit IAmBraveOnline.com

Sept 19 – ‘Back to Live’ Elvis Tribute Show with Ted Torres Martin 

The award-winning entertainer and recipient of the 2014 “Heart of the King” Award Ted Torres Martin will bring his live stage production ‘Back to Live’ to the Athens Theater in Deland on September 19. The multi-media production takes audiences on a journey through the life of Elvis Presley in a first-of-its-kind musical performance. Featuring Presley’s greatest hits; film sequences; live performance and concert segments; Torres Martin works with backup singers and a live band in a show that has captivated audiences for over 12 years and named one of the ‘Top 5 Tributes’ in the world.  Call 386.736.1500 or visit backtolive.com or athensdeland.com

Sept 19 – Frankie Says, “Relax, Come Get Some ‘Badness”

This WILL BE an experience. Come watch an empty Art Gallery build into a “monster of color, light, sound, and more.” Compulsive Networker and Do-Gooder Bad Boy Frankie Messina has asked for every local Artist’s WORST piece of Art. There are no limits to the style (Ha Ha) of the Art. Current Galleries – at 116 East 1st Street in Sanford – is known for experimentation, and a Bad Art Show is always a fun show. Artists walk in with the Art; it gets hung, priced and sold that night. There will also be eclectic performances, live music, independent films, and more.  Contact Frankie Messina at apartmentefrankie[at]gmail.com 

Sept 19, 20, & 21 – The Nearly Final Almost Posthumous Play … etc etc etc 

Fresh from a sold-out run in Tampa, Osceola Arts will present ‘The Nearly Final Almost Posthumous Play of the Not-Quite-Dead Sutton McAllister’ in a brief, but laughter-filled run September 19 to 21 at the Osceola Center in Kissimmee, Florida. In the tradition of satirical British drawing room comedy, playwright Sutton McAllister suffers a stroke and nearly dies. Chock full of characters with ulterior motives, this new comedy will have you wondering who’s who, what’s what, and WHERE IS the not-quite-dead Sutton McAllister? For tickets and information, visit osceolaarts.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators