Florida Culture for the Week of February 3, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

Orlando Philharmonic Pops Series Presents “Cirque de la Symphonie”
TODAY -- February 3 at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
Conducted by Yaniv Segal, “Cirque de la Symphonie” returns to Central Florida with an all-new program of awe-inspiring physical feats of power and beauty. Paired with music from block-buster movies including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Batman, Titanic and more, this thrill-ride of a concert includes acrobats, jugglers and aerial flyers soaring high above the heads of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Call 407.770.0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org 

“The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at the Garden Theatre 
NOW to Feb 25 
Called “Appallingly entertaining” by The New York Times, “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” is a “gruesome comedy” about an Irish terrorist and his precious black cat. After his cat is found dead, the heartbroken hit-man’s brutal carnage makes for an outrageous, blood-drenched ‘comedy’ that explores the violence engulfing our world. This ‘dark’ comedy contains adult language and violence unsuitable for younger audiences, while offering adult audiences something new to experience. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

“Flora & Ulysses” at Orlando Rep 
NOW to Feb 25
Flora is a self-described young cynic, so she is not surprised when a squirrel named Ulysses gets sucked up into a super-vacuum-cleaner and pops out as a superhero – who can fly – and write poetry! “Children of ALL ages,” have much to learn from Flora and Ulysses as they navigate matters of the heart in this 2014 Newbery Medal-winning adventure from Kate DiCamillo. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

The Maitland Stage Band in a FREE Concert 
Feb 4 at 4 pm 
Enjoy big band sounds under the direction of Trombonist Jimmy Foy as the Maitland Stage Band returns to the Rotary Plaza outdoor stage. The program, called “Battle of the Tenors,” features the trumpets playing jazz, Sinatra and more. The Concert begins at 4 pm (to get you home before the Super Bowl game). Performing Arts of Maitland sponsors the Concert with their partner, the Maitland Art Center at 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. The event is FREE – NO tickets required. 321-303-1404 

Rufus Wainwright
February 7 & 8 at 8 pm 
Rufus Wainwright is internationally recognized as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of our generation. The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has shared his unique performance style with Elton John, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys and others, on seven studio albums, three DVDs, and three live albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Rufus Does Judy” at Carnegie Hall. Join Rufus at the Dr. Phillips Center by calling 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org

“Shakespeare in Love” – LIVE 
Feb 7 to March 25
“Shakespeare in Love” is the stage play drawn from the 1998 Best Picture and Best Actress Academy Award winning movie depicting a love affair between Viola de Lesseps and William Shakespeare. Young ‘Will’ is late finishing his play – a comedy called “Romeo and Ethel.” With characters drawn from history, back-stage antics collide with on-stage drama as Will and Viola’s forbidden love inspires Shakespeare’s masterpiece – the most romantic tragedy ever written. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Central Florida Community Arts
Feb 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm 
Based on the 1831 novel by Victor Hugo and the 1996 film of the same name, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" bursts into life onstage, framed by the music and lyrics of Academy Award-winners Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. This vibrant musical takes a hard look at humankind and the dark truths we share at Northland Church in Longwood. Tickets start at $10 at CFCArts.com or by calling 407.937.1800. 

Donna Dowless: The Heart Artist Shares the Love 
Feb 9 to March 12 
Because it’s open to the Public, you may join the hundreds of fans and art-lovers who will be at the Grand Bohemian to congratulate the Great Lady of the painted heart at the Opening Reception for Heart and Soul Episode 14, a painting exhibit produced by Orlando’s Queen of Hearts AND Ambassador of Love -- Donna Dowless. Ms. Donna never ceases to amaze, and this is always one of the great Art exhibits and social events of the season. Highly Recommended, call 407.581.4801 or visit grandbohemiangallery.com

Orlando Ballet presents “Romeo and Juliet”
Feb 9 & 10 at 8 pm and Feb 11 at 2 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center 
As if in league with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater – the most romantic tragedy ever written is brought to life in yet another art form. This time Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill adapts the world’s most beloved love story to ballet. Set to Prokofiev’s passionate score, this ballet is an unforgettable marriage of dance, music, and drama – the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the one you love. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

The LION KING
February 14 to March 11 
Twenty years ago, The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and then went on to earn more than 70 major awards in New York and London alone. Seen by more than 90 Million people, The Lion King’s amazing success exceeds that of any Broadway show in history. The music, by Elton John and Tim Rice, comes from the animated film, and is now a part of our “Circle of Life.” Tickets starting at $35 may be purchased at drphillipscenter.org or by calling 844.513.2014 

The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center presents “Jazz for Lovers”
February 16 & 17 at 8 pm 
After sold-out performances, The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center invites us back for a Valentine’s evening of love songs from the most romantic artists of all time: Sinatra, Ella and Ellington. Sultry tunes set the mood for a dreamy way to spend the Valentine’s weekend with your loved one … right here in Orlando. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The Orlando Philharmonic presents “Bernstein and the New World”
Feb 17 at 8 pm at the Bob Carr Theater
Join Conductor Eric Jacobsen as the Orlando Philharmonic celebrates the 100th Birthday of one of America’s great composers – Leonard Bernstein. The evening begins with the Overture to “West Side Story,” after which the Sharks and the Jets make way for one of today’s most gifted pianists – Orli Shaham – in a performance of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 2. The evening concludes with one of the most popular of all symphonies – Symphony No. 9, also known as “New World,” because Dvorák wrote it during his time in the United States in the 1890s. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

Leonard Bernstein by Jack Mitchell via Wikipedia

Dr. Phillips Center presents “Dancing with the Stars: Live!”
Feb 18 at the Bob Carr Theater
TV’s hottest show is back on tour across America this winter in “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” giving fans of the show the opportunity to see the best ballroom dancers in the business perform LIVE in their hometowns. This all-new production showcases ballroom and contemporary dances from ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” including sizzling group numbers, steamy duets, and over-the-top original works. Note: There are VIP packages available for this performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators