Culture for Your Calendar 05.19.17

Through May 28 
‘Into the Woods’
When Winter Garden’s Garden Theatre pulls together the community to present its annual musical, it always does it up right. This year features the overly clever words and music of Stephen Sondheim, as familiar characters journey into those Grimm woods. Their adventures won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score of a Musical while causing you to think twice about getting what you wish for. This is not your grandmother’s fairy tale, but it is a great evening in the theater. Call (407) 877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org.

Through June 11
‘Murder for Two’
Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious musical/murder mystery with a twist. One actor plays the investigator, and the other plays 13 suspects — while both play the piano. With book, music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, it would be a crime to miss this musically crazy blend of comedy and madcap mystery. Takes place at the Winter Park Playhouse. Call (407) 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

May 19 
Edyth Bush Institute Leadership Panel 
The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership’s third annual Leadership Panel, “Reposition Yourself: A Discussion for Current and Emerging Non-Profit Leaders” will offer insights on becoming a leader in your organization, “positioning yourself” and ways to inspire staff and donors alike. The event is free and begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Bush Science Center at Rollins College. Panelists include leaders from Lighthouse, Habitat for Humanity, Nemours, Zebra Coalition and the Early Learning Coalition. Margaret Linnane will moderate.

May 20 
‘The Gilded Age’
It’s roaring 1920s glamour and Gatsby-esque revelry in one unforgettable party as the 1-year-old wunderkind Opera Orlando makes this year’s gala one of the great events of 2017. Hosted by legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, the party begins with opera stars from across the globe. Event also includes a silent auction, a live auction, wondrous dinner, “guests” from the Roaring 20s and a tribute to Guest of Honor John Ruggieri, who has worked diligently to ensure the future of opera in Central Florida. At the Dr. Phillips Center; tickets are $250 with Black Tie/Roaring 20s attire suggested. Call (407) 512-1900 or visit operaorlando.org/tickets.

May 21 
‘Baroque & Beyond’
Some of the world’s most beautiful music will be performed by Performing Arts of Maitland’s Baroque Chamber Orchestra at 4 p.m. at the Venue on the Lake — Maitland Civic Center. The concert will feature Bach’s Organ Fugue in G minor, Vivaldi’s Concerto Ripieno and Telemann’s Concerto Polonois. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call (321) 303-1404 or visit PAMaitland.org.

May 23 
Prelude to 25 
Prelude to 25 is a fundraiser presented by the Walt Disney World Resort with a goal to raise $100,000 to support the Orlando Philharmonic’s 25th anniversary season. The orchestra presents more than 125 performances each year. Already, $78,000 has been committed from sponsors and donors, with the remainder to be realized through ticket sales and donations. At 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. For tickets, call (407) 896-6700, Ext. 224.

May 25 
Joy Wallace Dickinson
In a morning designed to be “informational and fun,” join “Florida Flashback” writer Joy Wallace Dickinson for a look at the folks who owned Leu Gardens over the years. Learn how the owners reflected Orlando’s history since the days of the wild frontier from the lady who has written hundreds of features about Florida’s colorful history. At 10 a.m. at Leu Gardens. Call (407) 246.2620 or visit leugardens.org.

May 26 
Gary Owen’s ‘Diverse’ Comedy 
Gary Owen is one of America’s most beloved comedians, having been proclaimed by Ebony Magazine as Black America’s “Favorite White Comedian.” At 8 p.m. at The Plaza LIVE. For tickets, visit plazaliveorlando.org/event/1438782.

May 28
Todd Rundgren 
As a songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, software developer and inter-active artist, Todd Rundgren has made a lasting impact on all of popular music. Rundgren began performing as a teenager, but it was 1972’s seminal “Something/Anything?” — on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocals and acted as his own producer — that prompted the press to call him “Rock’s Wunderkind.” For millions, he defined the term “progressive rock,” producing albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meatloaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad and Hall and Oates. As recently as 2016, Rundgren produced the world’s first full-length concert shot with Virtual Reality 360-degree cameras. At 8 p.m. at The Plaza LIVE. For tickets, visit plazaliveorlando.org/event/1456195.