Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar – Sept. 1, 2017

THROUGH SEPT. 10

‘THE AMISH PROJECT’

The Mad Cow Theater is founded on the belief that “Theater is a dynamic and powerful means of social understanding.” That belief is tested to the limit in Jessica Dickey’s “The Amish Project,” which begins with the headline, “Man Enters Amish School-house and Opens Fire.” Actress Trenell Mooring conveys the emotions of all these people — men, women, and murderer; one actress plays all the roles. What Ms. Mooring — performing all the roles — must be seen to be believed. Call (407) 297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com.

‘A CHORUS LINE’

I’ve seen some great productions on the “intimate” stage at the Breakthrough Theatre, and I am still in disbelief as to how Breakthrough handles the all- singing, all dancing “A Chorus Line.” I’ll keep it simple. “A Chorus Line” is among the greatest musicals of all time, and what Wade Hair and company have created is a small miracle. This up-close-and-personal performance is one powerhouse number after another, and the amazing cast gives you every note of the “Chorus Line” experience. As word gets out, this small theater will sell out at $12 to $20. Call (407) 920-4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com.

SEPT. 6 TO OCT. 8:

‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’


Having inspired audiences for decades, the Tony Award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha” opens the new season for Orlando Shakes, our brilliant Shakespeare company. From one of the greatest novels in Western literature, “Man of La Mancha” tells
of the aging Don Quixote as his flights of fancy transform his dungeon home into a magical landscape of epic battles, majestic lords and ladies and a “glorious quest.” Featuring Broadway leg- end Davis Gaines performing the classic, “The Impossible Dream,” the musical is a glorious affirmation of the strength of the human spirit. Call (407) 447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org.

SEPT. 1 AND 2

THE SUNBURST ‘IMPERSONATORS’
TALENT SHOWCASE


Imagine the fun of having Marilyn, Madonna, Elvis, Cher, Michael, Tina, Lucy, Lady Gaga, Bill Clinton and 100 other icons of the past and present gathered together in one ‘Celebrity’ Convention. That is exactly what you’ll see at the Sun- burst Convention of Celebrity Impersonators at 1 p.m. at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center at The Florida Mall in Orlando. This year, we may at- tend the talent showcases and have our picture taken with our favorite “celebs.” Tickets are $25 or $20 online by visiting SunburstConvention.com.

SEPT. 5 TO OCT. 22

DISNEY’S ‘NEWSIES THE MUSICAL’

The Orlando REP proudly announces the opening of its new season as the first theater in the southeastern United States to present the Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning “Newsies the Musical.” Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells of publishing guru Joseph Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers ... at the newsboys’ expense. Against all odds, one young leader rises up to help “the little guys” stand up and “seize the day.” For your thrilling dose of inspiration, call (407) 896- 7365 or visit orlandorep.com.

SEPT. 8 TO OCT. 1

‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’

When Rob Winn Anderson brings the community together to produce a big musical at the Garden Theatre — it’s a touch of Broadway in Winter Garden. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award- winning musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the brilliant rock opera that follows Christ during his last days on Earth with lyrics adapted from the Gospels. From Jesus’ meteoric rise to popularity to his crucifixion, this production is a moving testament to the humanity in all of us. Call (407) 877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org.

SEPT.10

BACH, BRITTEN,
BRAHMS & GAGA


Enjoy an afternoon concert by the always-unique Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Maitland as it performs selections including “Bach’s Branden- burg No 3,” “Britten’s Dynamic Simple Symphony,” “Brahms Hungarian (Gypsy) Dance No. 6” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (arranged in the style of a Bach fugue)! Admission is $10 at the door; performance begins at 4 p.m. at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave. Call (321) 303-1404 or visit pamaitland.org.  

THROUGH NOV. 13

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FEST
The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Fest is bigger than ever, with 35 “Global Market- place” food kiosks; the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” offering live music daily; “Center Happenings,” with culinary demos, seminars and book signings from celebrity chefs; beverage tastings by expert mixologists; signature break- fasts; and dancing and dining at the “Grand Tasting Events.” Of the booths around the World Showcase, I asked some in-the- know foodies, what is the one item not to be missed in 2017? The answer is a resounding sweet from the “Chocolate Studio” — the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel. Start your meal with dessert? It’s one Disney moment on which the whole family may agree. Visit epcotfoodfestival.com.