“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 17, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

ONE NIGHT ONLY 
In the Artist’s Studio with Romero Britto
May 18 beginning at 6 pm 
This year, “In the Artist’s Studio” will honor Romero Britto, in the visiting artist program presented by the Downtown Arts District at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The program will be moderated by TV personality Marc McEwen of CBS This Morning and WKMG-TV, Local 6. Brazilian-born and ‘Miami-made,’ Britto is internationally loved and renowned for his vibrant colors and bold patterns that reflect his happily optimistic view of the world. Britto has created a visual language of hope – easy to relate to and inspiring to millions. The evening will include a silent auction, entertainment, and an interview with Mr. Britto. Original works will be for sale in the Gallery. Visit itas2019.eventbrite.com or call 407-648-7060.

Direct from Broadway -- Anastasia 
FINAL WEEKEND -- NOW to May 19 
Inspired by several beloved films, the romantic new musical, Anastasia is here!! The costumes and sets (created by Tony Award winners) vie with each other to see which can elicit the more “WOWs” in this spectacular new show that transports us from the fall of the Russian Empire to the jazz-fueled euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. A brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past in what Time Out New York calls, “a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery.” It’s all that and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Noye’s Fludde from Opera Orlando
May 18 at 7:30 pm & May 19 at 2 pm at St. Johns Lutheran 
Catch “Opera Orlando on the Town” as it features the charm of the Opera’s Youth Company in Benjamin Britten's miracle play Noye's Fludde. Experience an opera created for young voices in this immersive re-telling of the story of Noah's Ark through incredible singing and orchestrations and stunning pageantry. The performance runs for sixty minutes with tickets at $25 for adults and $10 for 18 and under. St. John’s Lutheran is at 1600 S. Orlando Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.512.1900 or visit operaorland.org 

The Orlando Gay Chorus presents “Anything Goes – Taking Our Shot at Broadway”
May 18 at 7:30 & May 19 at 4:30 pm at Plaza Live Theatre 
Every Gay Chorus LOVES Broadway and for the Orlando Gay Chorus’ Spring Concert it will continue that tradition with “Anything Goes – OGC Does Broadway.” From Cole Porter to Lin-Manuel Miranda (and a healthy dose of Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim), the Chorus will deliver show-stopping musical numbers everyone loves alongside ballads and comedy numbers including memorable music from Broadway’s greatest gay composers and their ‘straight allies.’ Tickets are $25 and $30. Call 407.451.1162 or visit orlandogaychorus.org 

It’s Turtle Power Time at the Orlando Science Center 
Presented by Nemours Children's Health 
May 25 to September 2
The Orlando Science Center is calling all Ninjas as Nickelodeon’s Mutant Ninja Turtles show off their Underground Lair. It’s a museum exhibit featuring the four heroic ninjas – who are looking for team-mates to train alongside the Turtles and Master Splinter in their Under-ground Lair. Along the way, young ones discover the importance of teamwork, creative thinking, and training as they are then asked to put their skills and training to the test in the Streets of NYC. Don't miss the live show “Enter the Dojo” on-stage, inside the 5000-square-foot exhibit hall. Visit osc.org/visit or call 407.514.2000

Annual (28th) Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
NOW to May 27
The oldest, non-juried Arts-fest in the United States, the Orlando International Fringe Festival, (aka Orlando Fringe), is a celebration of theater, art and music. Fringe encompasses hundreds of shows, (mostly in spaces around Loch Haven Park) as well as free experiences like the Visual Fringe, Live Music, and “Kids Fringe” shows as well as food vendors and a Beer Tent. To see one of the 130-plus shows, guests first purchase a re-usable $10 festival button – and then -- ticketed shows are $0 to $12 with the button. True to Fringe roots, all acts remain uncensored, exposing patrons to performances from “mild to wild.” Visit orlandofringe.org

“Enchanted Fairy Doors” at Leu Gardens 
June 1 to Sept 30
Back by popular demand -- if your kids have reached the age when bedtime story-time has become a series of ‘sophisticated questions,’ a visit to Leu Gardens is in order as this ‘exhibit’ of 15 “Fairy Doors” has found its way to the Gardens. Located at 1920 N. Forest Ave in Orlando, the beautiful 50-acre gardens (where the fairies live) will inspire your child’s imagination about mythical forests and secret gardens. Just find the ‘enchanted’ doors and let your child’s creativity do the rest. Admission is $10 adult, $5 child (ages 4 to 17). Leu Gardens’ Members and children 3 and younger are FREE. Visit LeuGardens.org or call 407.246.2620

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Applause Awards
June 1 at 7 pm 
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the “Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Applause Awards” celebrates high school teachers and students involved in musical theater. The event features outstanding performances from participating schools while showcasing the leading musical theater programs and encouraging all schools to continue improving their programs. To participate, schools register their musical theater production to be reviewed by a team of adjudicators who provide valuable feedback. The top contenders are then invited to the Dr. Phillips Center to take part in an awards showcase that recognizes the winning musical theater productions, students and educators. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Billy Elliot: The Musical 
NOW to June 2 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden 
Featuring a score by music-legend Elton John, this Broadway musical is based on the hit film, “Billy Elliot,” with every member of this large cast turning in a superb performance. 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 miners’ strike of 1984. 11-year old Billy exchanges the boxing ring for ballet class, challenging every long-held belief of his hometown. Along the way, Billy discovers his passion for dance can unite his family, inspire his community, and change lives. Please note, the production contains mature themes. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736 

“Heartbeats” at the Winter Park Playhouse
NOW to June 9 
With Book, Music and Lyrics by Amanda McBroom, this Central Florida Premiere is a beautiful and comedic musical about a woman’s journey as she grows up, grows older and finds happiness along the way. Filled with tremendous humor and insight, this new musical illuminates the age-old conundrum known as “self-discovery.” Featuring 20 songs by Amanda McBroom, including her super-hit song, “The Rose,” call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

“Snow White” presented by Orlando Shakespeare
June 13 to July 28
“Snow White,” adapted by the always funny Brandon Roberts, comes to life onstage in a comic telling of the classic story of love, envy, and magic. Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, the wicked queen banishes Snow White to the woods where “Snow” must rely on her courage and wit to outsmart the evil queen. Director of Education Anne Hering says. “This adaptation brings a fun and new take on Snow White while honoring its core message about love and courage. Also, join the cast for some interactive pre-show fun called, “Shake Out the Sillies” 15 minutes prior to each performance. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700 ext. 1

And Coming Up … tickets on sale NOW 

Maitland Symphony Orchestra from Performing Arts of Maitland
June 2 at the Maitland Presbyterian Church 
Call 321.303.1404 or visit pamaitland.org 

ONCE at the Mad Cow Theatre 
June 7 to 16
Call 407.297.8788 or visit MadCowTheatre.com 

A Chorus Line presented by the Celebration Theatre Company
July 3 to 6 at the Dr. Phillips Center
Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Flashdance: The Musical at the Garden Theatre 
July 5 to 28 
Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

Comedian Tim Allen 
August 2 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Incubus – “20 Years of Make Yourself and Beyond” 
November 29 at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.573.2014. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators