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FALL GUIDE 2008 - PERFORMING ARTS

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:00 am

Puppets were big last year. The efforts of talented enthusiasts and puppetry professionals aligned with the Orlando Puppet Festival (produced by Heather Henson's IBEX Puppetry) to stir a popular movement that's still waxing.

Didn't know about the puppet phenomena? You probably will after the fourth annual Orlando Puppet Festival (Nov. 7-9 at Mad Cow Theatre; www.orlandopuppetfestival.com). With stars like Henson -— Muppets creator Jim Henson's daughter — and Jamie Donmoyer in the mix, expect an event that will further inspire and galvanize a new wave of puppeteers.

Heather Henson's not the only one excited by the upcoming Jim Henson's Fantastic World at the Orange County Regional History Center (Feb. 6-May 3, 2009; www.thehistorycenter.org). It's a coup for Orlando's puppet corps, with an extensive display of his contributions that express "Henson's ‘visual thinking' through more than 100 works of art, photographs, documents, puppets, movie props, and other 3-D objects, as well as original video productions, including excerpts from his early career and experimental films."

For her part, Donmoyer has her fingers in all aspects of puppetry around Orlando: the City of Orlando Puppetroupe (www.cityoforlando.net), geared toward kids and community outreach; the Central Florida Puppet Guild, which nurtures and educates aspiring puppet-heads with guest speakers and programs (www.puppetguild.com); and her own company, Am-Jam Productions (www.am-jamproductions.com), which brings puppet shows to parties of any kind. She's also a teacher, consultant and performer.

Oct. 16 is the opening date for the puppet art exhibit at the Gallery at Avalon Island curated by Anna McCambridge (who was behind the "Beyond Geppetto" 1st Thursday at Orlando Museum of Art earlier this year). Avalon Island is a fitting locale considering that the film portion of the Orlando Puppet Festival (Heather Henson's specialty) has partnered with the Orlando Film Festival, and all of the puppet-related screenings will take place upstairs in the former DMAC screening room. Such collaborations, says Donmoyer, are what's feeding the frenzy.

— Lindy T. Shepherd

Orchestra/Chorus

Oct. 4

Orlando Gay Chorus' Starry, Starry Night Tony-award winner Linda Lavin (of the TV sitcom Alice) sings to the accompaniment of jazz pianist Billy Stritch at this fundraiser featuring a silent auction. 8 pm Saturday. The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; $50-$75; (407) 841-7464.

Oct. 5

UCF Orchestra: Latin American Music Concert 4 pm; University High School, 11550 Lokanotosa Trail; free; (407) 823-1173.

Oct. 12

Bach Festival Society presents pianist Helene Grimaud 3 pm; Rollins College, Tiedtke Concert Hall, Winter Park; $30-$40; (407) 646-1517.

The Orlando Chorale and the Orlando Chamber Singers: Faure's Requiem 3 pm; First United Methodist Church — Orlando, 142 E. Jackson St.; $5-$20; (407) 849-6080.

Oct. 13

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: Schubertiade 7 pm; Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St.; $28-$39; (407) 447-1700.

Oct. 17

World Music Series: Music of China 7:30 pm; Rollins College, Tiedtke Concert Hall, Winter Park; free; (407) 646-1517.

Oct. 18

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: Fly Me to the Moon 2 pm, 8 pm; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $13-$65; (407) 849-2020.

Oct. 19

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Opener 4 pm; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $8-$30; (407) 849-2020.

The Rhythms of Music and Life, The Gottlieb Duo, Organist Dr. William Picher 2 pm; National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave.; $9; (407) 239-6600.

Oct. 25-26

Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra: Haydn's "Mass in Time of War" 7:30 pm; Rollins College, Knowles Memorial Chapel, Winter Park; $20-$55; (407) 646-2000.

Oct. 30

Emerald String Quartet Noon; The Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 N. Magnolia Ave.; free; (407) 849-0680.

Nov. 1

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: Lincoln's Year 8 pm; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $13-$65; (407) 849-2020.

UCF International Piano Series: Kenny Drew Jr. 8 pm; University of Central Florida Rehearsal Hall; $10-$20; (407) 823-2869.

Nov. 2

Festival of Orchestras presents the Kirov Orchestra 7 pm; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $30-$127; (407) 849-2020.

Nov. 7-8

Bach Festival Orchestra presents Mystical Arts of Tibet Multiphonics Concert 8 pm Friday; $30-$40; 11 am Saturday; $10-$15; Rollins College, Tiedtke Concert Hall, Winter Park; (407) 646-1517.

Nov. 8

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: Sunset & Symphony 6 pm; Historic Bok Sanctuary, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales; free-$20; (863) 676-1408.

Nov. 15

UCF Symphony Orchestra 7 pm; St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School, 2021 W. State Road 426, Oviedo; free; (407) 365-3408.

Nov. 23

Chamber Music Series: Ayako Yonetani 5 pm; Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park; $50; (407) 647-6294.

THEATER

Through Oct. 5

The Neverending Story Original puppets mix with child actors in adaptation by David S. Craig of the Michael Ende fantasy. 7 pm Friday, 2 pm, 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St.; $11-$17; (407) 896-7365.

Through Oct. 19

Gone Missing Michael Friedman directs musical documentary created by the Civilians acting troupe, who interviewed New Yorkers about things that disappear. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday, and 7:30 pm Oct. 6. Mad Cow Theatre, 105 S. Magnolia Ave.; $26-$28; (407) 297-8788.

Through Oct. 5

Crimes of the Heart A light and touching comedy by Beth Henley performed by community theater. 7:30 pm Thursday, 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora; $12-$20; (352) 383-4616.

Through Oct. 12

Kiss Me Kate Orlando Shakespeare Theater opens its season with this musical modernization of Taming of the Shrew, featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter. 7 pm Wednesday-Thursday, 8 pm Friday, 2 pm, 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Lowndes Shakespeare Center; $26-$37; (407) 447-1700.

Through Sept. 28

L'Ange Avec les Fleurs (The Angel With the Flowers) Beth Marshall—produced "junk melodrama," set in the 1940s and featuring stylized songs, dance, pantomime, puppetry and a big French bear — but not performed in the French language. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden; $18-$22; (407) 877-4736.

Through Oct. 11

Groucho: A Life in Revue Roy Alan stars as the ultimate one-liner in the stage play written by Groucho Marx's son Arthur Marx and Robert Fisher. 7:30 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park; $22-$32; (407) 645-0145.

Through Oct. 4

Two Men Trapped in Women's Bodies Wanzie and Doug reunite for the 10th anniversary of their original cross-dressing comedy penned by Michael Wanzie himself, who based his character on that of a late personal friend. 8 pm Saturday, Footlight Theater, The Parliament House; $12; (407) 425-7571.

Sept. 25-Oct. 5

Elegies The Orlando GLBT Theatre Festival presents William Finn's song cycle about friends lost. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm, 8 pm Sunday. Darden Adventure Theatre, Orlando Science Center; $20-$24; (321) 945-5986.

Jake's Women Students perform in Neil Simon comedy about a married man who can't stop thinking about other women. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. UCF Conservatory Theatre, Theatre Building, Main Campus; $10-$17; (407) 823-1500.

Sept. 26-Oct. 4

Doubt, a Parable Student production of the John Patrick Shanley drama about life in a Catholic school. 8 pm Wednesday-Saturday, 4 pm Sunday. Rollins College, Annie Russell Theatre, Winter Park; $17-$19; (407) 646-2145.

Sept. 26-Nov. 22

The Rock & the Rabbi The Florida-born, off-Broadway musical combines storytelling and odd instrumentation (acoustic guitars, bagpipes, accordion, fiddle, Irish and African drums) as it tells the story of the friendship between the apostle Peter and Jesus. 7:30 pm Friday, 3 pm, 7:30 pm Saturday. The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; $28-$38; (407) 228-1220.

Oct. 2-Oct. 26

Little Shop of Horrors The young actors and adults in the professional Gramercy Theatre Company perform the musical thriller about nerds, love and man-eating plants. 7:30 pm Thursday, 8 pm Friday, 2:30 pm, 8 pm Saturday, 3 pm, 6:30 pm Sunday. The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; $33-$38; (407) 228-1220.

Oct. 3-Oct. 5

Fab Follies: Taylor Made Dreams The senior Fab Follies cast puts on their annual high-energy dancing and singing revue. 7 pm Friday, 3 pm Saturday-Sunday. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford; $15-$23; (407) 321-8111.

Oct. 3-Oct. 12

Our Town Faculty and students perform Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize—winning minimalist abstract drama about small-town characters circa the 1930s. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Seminole Community College, Fine Arts Theatre, Sanford; $8-$10; (407) 708-2040.

Oct. 3-Oct. 19

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Community theater production of the musical comedy based on a day in the life of the hard-luck Peanuts character. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Osceola Center for the Arts, 2411 E. Highway 192, Kissimmee; $12-$20; (407) 846-6257.

Oct. 3-Oct. 26

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe Jane Wagner penned this one-woman comedy for her life partner, Lily Tomlin, basing segments on many of the comedian's characters; it was a Broadway hit before the popular film adaptation. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 3 pm Sunday. Mad Cow Theatre, 105 S. Magnolia Ave.; $20-$22; (407) 297-8788.

Oct. 3-Nov. 1

To Kill a Mockingbird Frank Hilgenberg directs Christopher Sergel's adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize—winning novel about racism and tolerance in the deep South. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. Theatre Downtown, 2113 N. Orange Ave.; $15-$18; (407) 841-0083.

Oct. 4-Oct. 26

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) A community theater production of an off-Broadway comedy spoofing the classics. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday. The Sands Theater Center, The Cultural Arts Center, DeLand; $10-$18; (386) 736-7456.

Oct. 7-8

Saviors: A Modern Day Parable Reprisal of student-created production about a writer who can't find his words. 8 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, UCF Black Box Theater, Theatre Building, Main Campus; free; (407) 823-1500.

Oct. 9-Oct. 25

A Streetcar Named Desire The Greater Orlando Actors Theatre performs the Southern Gothic tragedy by Tennessee Williams about an aging belle on the slide who's living with her sister and dock-worker husband in steamy New Orleans. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday. Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, 1013 E. Colonial Drive; $18; (407) 872-8451.

Jesus Hopped the "A" Train The professional Empty Spaces Theatre Co. presents the Central Florida premiere of the 2002 drama by Stephen Adly Guirgis of New York about the relationship between two prisoners stuck behind bars at Rikers Island. 8:30 pm Friday-Saturday and Oct. 9, and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Mandell Theatre, 812 E. Rollins St.; $15-$22; (407) 328-9005.

Oct. 10-Oct. 11

The Witnesses Part Two in the musical trilogy The Rock & the Rabbi tells the story of the founding of the Christian church as seen through the eyes of Peter and Paul. 7:30 pm Friday, 3 pm, 7:30 pm Saturday. The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; $28-$38; (407) 228-1220.

Oct. 10-Nov. 9

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood Family-friendly, Python-esque retelling of the adventures of the mythic hero in green tights, written by Mary Lynn Dobson and performed by professionals. 7 pm Friday, 2 pm, 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St.; $11-$17; (407) 896-7365.

Oct. 15-Nov. 16

The Glass Menagerie Tennessee Williams' autobiographical drama depicts struggles with isolation and family, as it breaks down the dysfunction between an overbearing mother, an unstable daughter and a dutiful son. 7 pm Wednesday-Thursday, 8 pm Friday, 2 pm, 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St.; $26-$37; (407) 447-1700.

Oct. 17-Oct. 25

The Last Five Years This award-winning musical follows the relationship between a writer and an actress, told from both points of view, performed by Late Night Cabaret Productions. 11 pm Friday-Saturday. The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; $13; (407) 228-1220.

Oct. 17-Oct. 26

Anything Goes Valencia students and faculty put on the 1934 Cole Porter—scored mixed-up musical comedy of errors. 7:30 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Valencia East Campus Black Box Theater, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail; $6-$8; (407) 582-2900.

Oct. 21-Oct. 26

The Wizard of Oz SunTrust Broadway Across America series presents the glitzy traveling production of the classic dream about Dorothy's trip down the Yellow Brick Road. 8 pm Tuesday-Friday, 2 pm, 8 pm Saturday, 1 pm, 6:30 pm Sunday. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $35-$61; (407) 849-2020.

Oct. 23-Nov. 2

West Side Story The UCF theater department tackles the Leonard Bernstein—Stephen Sondheim—Arthur Laurents musical about gangs on the streets of New York. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. UCF Conservatory Theatre, Theatre Building, Main Campus; $10-$17; (407) 823-1500.

Oct. 24-Oct. 26

Parallel Lives A documentary chronicling the lives of a white professor and an African-American journalist during the Jim Crow era. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Seminole Community College, Fine Arts Theatre, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford; $8-$10; (407) 708-2040.

Oct. 25

MacBetty, The Mayor of Orange Avenue Readings Staged readings of both plays. The first, by John Goring, resets Macbeth in the Clinton White House, while the second, by Al Pergande, is a fairy tale about an antiques dealer fighting a conniving landlord. 1 pm Saturday. Orlando Public Library, 101 East Central Blvd.; free; (407) 835-7481.

Oct. 25-Nov. 23

If You Give a Moose a Muffin An exploration of the consequences of appeasement following up on If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, presented as part of the Darden Theater for Young Audiences series. 2 pm Saturday, 4:30 pm Sunday. Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St.; $9; (407) 447-1700.

Nov. 7-Nov. 9

Orlando Puppet Festival National and local artists highlight the versatility of puppets with shows, workshops and a gallery exhibit at the Gallery at Avalon Island. Various times Friday-Sunday. Mad Cow Theatre, 105 S. Magnolia Ave.; $5-$25; (407) 297-8788; orlandopuppetfestival.com.

Nov. 7-Nov. 16

The Nunsense Christmas Musical: Nuncrackers The Nunsense humor is blended with traditional holiday carols. 7:30 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford; $10-$23; (407) 321-8111.

Nov. 13-Nov. 23

Marisol The nightmarish possibilities of a war to save the universe are exposed in this comedy from Puerto Rican writer Jose Rivera. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. UCF Conservatory Theatre, Theatre Building, Main Campus; $10-$17; (407) 823-1500.

Nov. 14-Nov. 16

Hooray for Hollywood A cabaret saluting the madness and mayhem of old Tinseltown. 7:30 pm Friday, 2 pm, 7:30 pm Saturday-Sunday. Winter Park Playhouse, 711-B Orange Ave., Winter Park; $22-$32; (407) 645-0145.

Nov. 14-Nov. 22

They're Playing Our Song Neil Simon's musical comedy with music and lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager. 8 pm Wednesday-Saturday, 4 pm Sunday. Rollins College, Annie Russell Theatre, Winter Park; $17-$19; (407) 646-2145.

Nov. 14-Nov. 23

Hair The classic musical about the '60s political and cultural revolution and letting the sun shine. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Seminole Community College, Fine Arts Theatre, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford; $8-$10; (407) 708-2040.

I Do, I Do! Center Productions Broadway Series performs this musical following 50 years in a marriage, with music and lyrics by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt of The Fantasticks. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Osceola Center for the Arts, 2411 E. Highway 192, Kissimmee; $12-$20; (407) 846-6257.

In the Middle of Nowhere The community theater presents this drama about isolated people letting fear take over their lives. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday. The Sands Theater Center, The Cultural Arts Center, DeLand; $10-$18; (386) 736-7456.

Nov. 14-Dec. 7

It's a Wonderful Life Let your heart sing to the musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday, 7:30 pm Thursday. IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora; $12-$20; (352) 383-4616.

Nov. 20

Leslie Jordan: My Trip Down the Pink Carpet Actor "Beverly" Leslie Jordan performs his one-man show based on his autobiography of the same name, with a portion of the proceeds going to Orlando Youth Center. 8 pm Wednesday-Thursday. The Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail; $43; (407) 425-7571.

Nov. 24

Garrison Keillor WMFE sponsors this performance by the author, humorist and host of A Prairie Home Companion. Tickets are only available through WMFE: www.wmfe.org. 7:30 pm Monday. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $80-$380; (407) 849-2020.

Nov. 25

Nunsense Sally Struthers stars in this touring Broadway comedy about nuns raising money for burials. 7:30 pm Tuesday. Lakeland Center, 700 W. Lemon St., Lakeland; $45-$65; (941) 834-8111.

Dec. 2-Dec. 7

Avenue Q SunTrust Broadway Across America series presents an adult parody of beloved children's show Sesame Street. 8 pm Tuesday-Friday, 2 pm, 8 pm Saturday, 1 pm, 6:30 pm Sunday. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $25-$66; (407) 849-2020.

OPERA

Nov. 14-Nov. 18

Il Trovatore Maestro Anton Coppola returns to helm the music for this Giuseppe Verdi story about rivals for a woman's hand and the consequences of a mad gypsy's ravings. 8 pm Friday, 2 pm Sunday, 7:30 pm Tuesday. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $25-$110; (407) 849-2020.

DANCE

Sept. 27

A Tribute to Alvin Ailey Dancers and laypeople alike are invited to this learning program consisting of a presentation of the famous choreographer's works followed by a forum on his artistic philosophies. 7 pm-8:30 pm Saturday. The Center for Contemporary Dance, 3580 Aloma Ave., Winter Park; free; (407) 695-8366.

Oct. 10-Oct. 12

Don Quixote The Orlando Ballet presents this interpretation of Cervantes' novel about the Man of La Mancha. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre; $76-$330; (407) 849-2020.

Oct. 11

Evening of Dance Dance performances by a variety of groups from Central Florida. 7 pm-8 pm Saturday. Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park; free; (876) 827-4604.

Oct. 17-Oct. 26

Happenstance Dance Concert A variety of local choreographers and dancers take the stage for a show spanning ages and genres. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Harwood-Watson Dance Studio and Art Gallery, 820A Lake Baldwin Lane; $10-$15; (407) 228-0005.

Nov. 7-Nov. 9

Voci Dance Presents The dance company celebrates its ninth season with choreography and performances by world-class guests. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden; $14-$18; (407) 877-4736.

COMEDY

Sept. 26

Nick Swardson The comic is the youngest person to ever have a Comedy Central special. 7 pm Friday. Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk; $28.50; (407) 351-5483.

Sept. 26-Sept. 27

Shawn Wayans and Bruce Fine One of the Wayans brothers of Scary Movie/White Chicks fame performs with Fine of Comics Unleashed and Last Comic Standing. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. Orlando Roadhouse Comedy Grill, 1870 State Road 436, Winter Park; $25; (407) 679-1222.

Oct. 3-Oct. 4

Hypnotist Mike Harvey The 38-year veteran of the spinning coin presents a clean show. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. Orlando Roadhouse Comedy Grill, 1870 State Road 436, Winter Park; $15; (407) 679-1222.

Oct. 10-Oct. 11

Billy West The voice of Ren, Stimpy, Fry from Futurama and a host of others does impressions. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. Orlando Roadhouse Comedy Grill, 1870 State Road 436, Winter Park; $15; (407) 679-1222.

Oct. 17-Oct. 18

Bruce Baum As seen on America's Funniest People. 8 pm Saturday. Orlando Roadhouse Comedy Grill, 1870 State Road 436, Winter Park; $15; (407) 679-1222.

Nov. 14-15

Larry the Cable Guy The comedian takes his "Git 'r Done" routine on the road. 7 pm, 9:30 pm Friday, Lakeland Center, 700 W. Lemon St., Lakeland; $44.25; (941) 834-8111. 5 pm, 8 pm Saturday, King Center for Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne; $42.25; (321) 242-2219.

Tommy Blaze Former writer for Eddie Murphy struts his own material. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. Orlando Roadhouse Comedy Grill, 1870 State Road 436, Winter Park; $15; (407) 679-1222.

Dec. 4

Carlos Mencia The no-nonsense star of Comedy Central's Mind of Mencia isn't happy until he insults everyone. 8 pm Thursday. Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach; $42; (904) 258-3169.

Dec. 12

Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity The best-selling ventriloquist/comedian brings his puppetry. 7 pm Friday. Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Highway 192, Kissimmee; $42.50; (321) 697-3333.

FALL GUIDE 2008 - Table of contents

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