“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 19, 2019 By Josh Garrick

“Dreams Come True” -- A Disney Musical Theatre Revue by CFCArts Youth Theatre
TONIGHT and TOMORROW -- April 19 at 6:30 pm and April 20 at 11:00 am
Dreams DO Come True – especially in Central Florida -- as the Youth Theatre Groups from CFCArts say “Be Our Guest” to the wonderful world of Disney Theatricals! Young performers will re-create our favorite songs, scenes, and dances from classic Disney musicals including “Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,”  “Lion King,” “Newsies,” and “Frozen.”  This fun-for-the-whole-family-musical-revue will be presented at Trinity Prep at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park. Visit CFCArts.com or call 407.937.1800 

Direct from Broadway – “Dear Evan Hansen”
FINAL WEEKEND to April 21 at the Dr. Phillips Center
Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including BEST MUSICAL – and – the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, “Dear Evan Hansen” teeters precariously on an e-mail never meant to be seen and a lie never meant to be told. Young Evan Hansen thinks he is about to get the one thing he has always wanted – a chance to “fit in.” Called “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a profound musical about life and the way we live it. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. 

Mad Cow Theatre Presents “Top Girls”
FINAL WEEKEND to April 21
Women and power are back on the table in Caryl Churchill’s famously feminist feast about career-driven Marlene and her relationships in “Top Girls.” Caryl Churchill is prolific, dynamic and varied, and this contemporary classic, first performed in 1982, is most famous for its opening scene, featuring the main character attending a dinner party, accompanied by several women from history and folklore. The play strikes a chord today, in a world where women are still suffering due to gender inequality, albeit with exciting changes on the horizon. Visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 X 1. 

A “French Soiree” with the Orlando Philharmonic and Eric Jacobsen
April 27 at 8 pm
Ravel, Saint-Saens, Faure, Messiaen, Negron, and Bizet – How very, very French!  From the sublime ‘Daphnis et Chloé’ to the danger of LOVE in Bizet’s eponymous ‘Carmen’ Maestro Eric Jacobsen celebrates France and its composers who created some of the best-loved classical music of all time. Forever known as a cultural capital for its music, fashion, art, and cuisine, join the Orlando Philharmonic – with guest performer Jan Vogler and the UCF Chorus for a diverse and sophisticated evening of France’s enduring musical legacy. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

Shakespeare’s Richard II at Orlando Shakes
NOW to April 28
With our Shakespeare Company moving into the “Histories,” we find Mr. Shakespeare tackling themes of authoritarianism, greed, and the implications one person’s actions can have on an entire country. Director Eleanor Holdridge finds the play “filled with stunning poetry and some deep questions about what makes us human. We get to see the fall of a quixotic and capricious ruler and the rise of a steadfast person of honor.”  She hopes we see ourselves in the characters and our state as a nation.”  Hmmm – Ya think ??  Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

“Seussical – The Musical” at the Orlando Rep 
NOW to May 12
“Oh, the thinks you can think…” when “Seussical the Musical” bursts onto the stage at Orlando Rep in Loch Haven Park. This fantastical musical extravaganza by Tony Award-winning composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty features those beloved characters -- Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and a bunch of Whos in a musical journey exploring the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family. With the Cat in the Hat as our Master of Ceremonies, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Shakespeare Center
NOW to May 14
Our own international singing star – Michael Andrews – has created a new version of the classic fairy tale for the Shakespeare Company – and children of ALL ages who enjoy a great song and the lessons to be learned when a hero is determined to “reach new heights.” From the urban jungle to the peaceful countryside, Jack is known for his sense of adventure -- at least in his dreams. When our hero is called upon to rescue new friends, his bravery is put to the test. Among giants, mystery and magic, join Jack in this brand new musical in a land above the clouds!  For audiences of all ages, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. 

Arcadian Broad’s Wonderland: Mad Tales of the Hatter!
April 26 to 28
I can’t wait for Orlando Ballet’s highly anticipated ‘Mad’ season finale. In “Arcadian Broad’s Wonderland: Mad Tales of the Hatter,” our own “wunderkind” Arcadian Broad once again makes WORLD HISTORY by creating BOTH the musical score and the choreography for the World Premiere of a ballet and then DANCES the LEAD as well.  Arcadian did this a few years ago for the Ballet’s wonderful “Beauty and the Beast,” which makes this dance event even more amazing. We can be so very “ORLANDO PROUD” to have this World Premiere here at the Dr. Phillips Center. You want MORE?  “We got more” – the production has all-new sets and costumes!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! A sell out is expected early so visit drphillipscenter.org/events/ or call 844-513-2014. 

Billy Elliot: The Musical
April 26 to May 26 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden
Featuring an incredible score by music-legend Elton John, this Broadway musical is based on the hit film, “Billy Elliot.”  Anyone who has taken a ‘life-path’ different from that which one’s family approves will empathize with this story set in an English town during the devastating miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy chooses to exchange the boxing ring for ballet classes, challenging pretty much every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, he discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change several lives forever. Please note, the production contains mature themes and adult language. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736 

The World Ballet Competition & Gala Performance
April 27 at 7:30 pm
With a stage perfect for ballet, the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center has hosted The World Ballet Competition (WBC) and Gala IN ORLANDO every year since 2007. Bringing acclaim and an economic boost to Orlando, the Gala is an extraordinary evening of talent including Winners from the week of competition AND Guest Artists from around the world. I think of ballet dancers as the most highly trained “athletes” in the world, and each year the GALA proves that to be true. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit worldballetcompetition.com 

The Temptations and the Four Tops at the Dr. Phillips Center
April 30 at 7:30 pm
For more than fifty years, The Temptations and the Four Tops have propelled popular music with smash hits, and sold-out performances. Essential to the Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, it was Smokey Robinson’s “The Way You Do the things You Do” that turned the Temps into stars. The Four Tops had their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, which made them stars and their track record at Motown indispensable to any retrospective of the decade. Their commercial peak was highlighted by the romantic trilogy: “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” and “Bernadette” with each group following with an extraordinary run of ‘classics.’ Experience BOTH groups on one special evening.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org/events/

Orlando Museum of Art’s ‘Steampunk Revolution’ for One-Night-Only
May 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm
From 6 to 9 pm on the First Thursday of each month, Central Florida has an opportunity to discover local artists, with this month’s show calling upon Victorians, Vamps, Sky Captains, Secret Agents and more, who will share their art, artistry and artifacts from Steampunk Realms. With all forms of media encouraged, Steampunk is an art form that pushes one’s sense of creativity and invention in a world where make believe still exists and history can be re-imagined. With cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants available, call 407.896.4231 ext. 226 for more. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators