More Than Mickey

by Adele Woodyard

When you say “Orlando”, the simultaneous visuals from Walt Disney, Universal and SeaWorld theme parks make you think that Mickey and friends are what the city’s all about. So the Orlando press trip that featured culture several years ago, came as a pleasant surprise. Bach, Ballet, Opera, Shakespeare and plenty of Art, filled the immediate area to such an extent I realized here, culture was spelled with a capital C. Looking for something new for your Fine Arts fix? Culture now comes in packages, as well as in individual presentations. Save 20% and make it a true weekend getaway with participating hotels. http://www.visitorlandoarts.com

April 24-25: is a weekend getaway where 4 events and a 3-course lunch are wrapped up in a tidy package at $75 per person. You start with Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art Exhibition at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave. Winter Park. A docent led tour takes you through an exhibit on loan from Tallahassee’ss Museum of Florida History. Then it’s on to lunch at 30 Park South. (call 407-647-7277 for reservations).Tours run on the hour between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.
Next three events are in Loch Haven Park:
Orlando Museum of Art , 2416 N. Mills Ave. Open weekends, noon-4 p.m. Over 100 paintings and the black & white photography of the West Everglades by Clyde Butcher show Changing Landscapes, Changing Visions.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. Open Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A comprehensive collection of early 20 century paintings and drawings are on display.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St. Open weekend 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Four floors of hands-on exhibits, a giant-screen film and a planetarium are under one roof.

May 1-2 weekend package is $85. Same as above except it begins Saturday, May 1 with a 3-course dinner at the Winter Garden Pizza Company (407-877-1930) followed by the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. Winter. Garden. Show starts 8 p.m. so give yourself plenty of time for dinner beforehand.
NOTE all packages: Your event and museum tickets, and meal certificate are held at will call at stated restaurant, for pick up

April 30-May 16: 8th Annual Cabaret Festival celebrating Mad Cow Theatre’s musical theatre. More than 40 evening and lunchtime performances in downtown Orlando. Tickets from $12-#28. 407-297-8788. http://www.orlandocabaret.com

May 1: 20th Annual Concert Under the Stars features the Imperial Symphony Orchestra at Bok Tower Gardens. $10 adult, $3 ages 5-12, under 5 Free.863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org