Culture worthy of your calendar

Artist/architect Richard Reep's timely exhibit

When Susan Loden booked an exhibit by Winter Park artist and architect Richard Reep to open on May 13, neither curator nor artist could have foreseen the tragic irony which makes this exhibit the most 'timely' art exhibit of the season. Through painting, drawing, and assemblage, Reep's art evolves from his Nostradamus-like fascination with our urban future. The often bleak changes, due to technology, climate, and economic shifts, have led the artist to see abandoned oil rigs as tomorrow's cities. Urban Intrigue; Richard Reep at Lake Eustis Museum of Art may be viewed now through June 6, with an artist's talk and reception scheduled for May 16 from 1-3 p.m. Call 352-483-2900 or visit www.LakeEustisMuseumofArt.org for more details.

Winter Garden gets behind "Joseph"

This is the final weekend for the Winter Garden Theater's first self-produced musical – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This early Lloyd Webber musical features community participation in a cast of "hometown Winter Garden talent" that is 'professional' in every sense of the word. The staging and costumes are wonderfully inventive and the leads, played by David Coalter (Joseph) and Patte dePova (Narrator) are first rate. This is a not-to-be-missed beginning for the Garden Theatre as they embark on their own productions – fun for the whole family and truly worthy of our support. For more information, visit gardentheatre.org or call 407-877-4736.

Spring awakens at the Bob Carr

Having swept the Tony Awards (with 8 wins including Best Musical) in the 2007 season,

Broadway's most controversial new musical in years is coming to Orlando. Set in 19th century Germany, Spring Awakening tells the story of teenage self-discovery and sexuality as seen through the characters of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, the musical celebrates the complex journey from youth to adulthood. Spring Awakening will play May 18-23 at the Bob Carr. Prepare yourself, the New York Times said, "Broadway may never be the same." Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations. Online purchases can be made at www.OrlandoBroadway.com; to charge-by-phone call 1-800-982-2787.

The Orlando Museum of Art (for children)

Each summer the Orlando Museum of Art presents a family-friendly exhibit that is both entertaining and educational. This year the work of New York Times author and illustrator, Mo Willems will be featured from May 22 through August 29. Knuffle Funny: The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems will exhibit Willems' sketches and drawings of quirky characters and even quirkier story lines. Willems is known for his award-winning picture books "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" and "Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale". Original sketches from these books and others will be presented. The winner of six Emmy Awards for his work on Sesame Street, Willems also served as head writer for Cartoon Network's #1 rated show Codename: Kids Next Door. The creator of over 100 short films and TV shows, Willems' stories have appeared on MTV and HBO. For the full schedule of "play-dates" and storybook 'tours' for family members of all ages (some need advance registration), call 407-896-4231 x258 or visit www.omart.org.

Snap! festival celebrates photography

Snap! is Orlando's newest festival, set to showcase the work of photographers – from the internationally famous to the emerging talent. Presented by the Lucie Foundation, exhibits will be presented in a dozen art galleries, cafes, and boutiques in Downtown Orlando. While Snap! will exhibit the work of more than 30 artists, the longest-running exhibit, to be held at the Gallery at Avalon Island, is "Hello From Florida: Photographs of the Sunshine State," curated by Jennifer O'Malley. That exhibit may be viewed from May 20 to June 11 with an opening reception on May 20, from 6-10 p.m. Hello from Florida presents the work of 14 photographers, each capturing a personal view of Florida's history, culture and/or sunshine. Opening night will showcase a series of documentary films in the Gallery's upstairs theater. The Gallery at Avalon Island is on the corner of Pine Street and Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando. For the full SNAP! schedule, visit snaporlando.com.