Last month, Opera Orlando and the Interactive Academy of Performing Arts announced a partnership to provide live interactive online opera classes to kids across America. The first 10-week series starts March 19, and will culminate in virtual concerts to be live-streamed on May 19. Robin Jensen, Opera Orlando's music & education director, will lead the lessons. Auditions are required to interact with the instructor; visit operaorlando.org for details.
Central Florida Community Arts got some good financial news recently. The grass-roots performing arts group has moved up to the United Arts Large Budget Category, making them eligible for larger grants. And the Universal Orlando Foundation has donated $144,700 to CFCArts, allowing them to expand their educational offerings and outreach offerings.
Garden Theatre, which celebrates its 10th anniversary March 3 with a gala performance by Joel Grey, unveiled its 2018/2019 slate of shows in late January. The season begins in August with the classic musical Gypsy, followed by a stage adaptation of Hitchcock's The Birds in October and A Christmas Story over the holidays. 2019 starts with Matthew Lopez's drag comedy The Legend of Georgia McBride and continues with Broadway hits 1984 (in March) and Billy Elliot (April-May). Finally, Flashdance will fill the theater's new summer musical slot in July.
NOW PLAYING The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, through Feb. 18 at Mad Cow Theatre ... Babes in Hollywood, through Feb. 24 at Winter Park Playhouse ... The Lieutenant of Inishmore, through Feb. 25 at Garden Theatre ... Flora & Ulysses, through Feb. 25 at the Orlando Rep ... Shakespeare in Love, through March 25 at Orlando Shakes.
UPCOMING The Lion King, Feb. 14-March 11 at the Dr. Phillips Center ... Silent Sky, Feb. 16-March 18 at Mad Cow Theatre ... The Bigot, Feb. 17-25 at Orlando Shakes ... Twelfth Night, Feb. 21-March 23 at Orlando Shakes ... Ghost & Funeral Party, Feb. 22-25 at ME Theatre ... Boy Gets Girl, Feb. 22-March 4 at UCF ... La Dama del Alba, Feb. 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center ... Steel Magnolias, Feb. 23-March 11 at CFCArts ... Opera Orlando presents Noche de Zarzuela, March 4 at Osceola Performing Arts Center ... Fab Fringe Fundraiser featuring Josephine, March 5 at the Plaza Live.
