Contents|November 2023

Features

6 JOSH RECOMMENDS

Unless otherwise indicated, visit drphillipscenter.org/events for tickets to these must-see art performances recommended by community member Josh Garrick.

8 BUILDING HOMES FOR HEROES

Building Homes for Heroes® is dedicated to bringing renewed hope to our nation’s injured veterans. Meet Master Sergeant George Vera and discover how the organization has impacted his life.

20 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

We’re shining a light on four remarkable organizations through the lens of the dedicated leaders behind their missions.

26 CENTRAL FLORIDA LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE’S GIVING GUIDE

From charities that focus on helping children to animal care, we hope this guide will inspire you to reach out and help those in need.

32 BONNET CREEK & ORLANDO VINELAND PREMIUM OUTLETS: THE STAYCATION DUO

Are you long overdue for a mini vacation? We have you covered with this luxury staycation guide for best friends or couples.

38 2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TO MAKE SHOPPING A BREEZE

The holidays are here, and it’s time to decide on the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Happy shopping!

46 DUCATI SANFORD

Learn more about the Ducati Sanford Dealership as they were recently recognized as “Best Ducati Dealership in North & South America” at the Ducati global conference in Italy.

Web Life

Go to CentralFloridaLifestyle.com to see what’s happening near you!

By Josh Garrick

The Rollins College Theater Dept Presents METAMORPHOSES – The Myths of Ovid

November 3 to November 18

Metamorphoses is contemporary theater at its most imaginative. Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman has created a new way to look at the gods of ancient Greece. Along the way, we realize this ‘experience’ relates to the creation of theater over 2000 years ago. Call 407.646.2145 or visit boxoffice@rollins.edu

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Emanuel Ax and The Rite of Spring

Eric Jacobsen, conductor

November 4 and November 5 in Steinmetz Hall.

In all its classic elegance, the remarkable Emanuel Ax contrasts Mozart’s stately piano concerto No. 25 with Stravinsky’s super-work. You have no choice but to abandon yourself to the electrifying rhythms of the Rite of Spring — a thrilling cerebral-visceral experience.

Winter Park Playhouse Presents “A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett”

November 10 to December 16

Ring in the holidays with an evening of Tony Bennett songs! Featuring 18 classic holiday tunes plus the hits that made Bennett famous, like “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Good Life, and Tony’s signature “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Orlando Family Stage Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

November 13 to December 23

First Grader Junie B. Jones is superexcited about her school’s upcoming “Secret Santa” gift exchange, but tattletale May is ruining all the fun. When Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she has the perfect plan to teach her ‘frenemy’ a lesson! OR will the joyful Christmas spirit interfere? Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandofamilystage.com

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Chris Tucker “The Legend Tour”

November 15 at 8 p.m.

The Award-winning Super-Star actor, producer, comedian and CEO of his own company, Chris Tucker, will make the Central Florida season a little brighter – and a lot more controversial – when he brings his act to the Dr. Phillips Center.

Central Florida Community Arts Presents “Symphonic Disney”

November 17 and November 18 in Steinmetz Hall

Celebrating 100 years of Disney magic, Florida’s LARGEST symphony orchestra will celebrate the genius of Disney’s greatest music. This fantastic concert will present a lifetime of favorite musical experiences for the whole family, featuring musical happiness from Broadway, movies, animation and theme parks.

The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden Presents

“Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale”

November 24 to December 23

The Ballards welcome family and friends into their Appalachian mountain home to celebrate Christmas Day. Amid the Great Depression, they have no gifts to exchange, but instead, they share their love of Appalachian hymns and carols. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

The Morse Museum Presents “Christmas In the Park” with the Bach Festival Choir

November 30 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

For 45 years, the Morse Museum has launched the holiday season when the museum lights its Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. The event, FREE to the public, begins at 6:15 p.m. when the beauty of the windows, combined with the Choir, presents a truly unique event for the whole family. Visit morsemuseum.org

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents

“Home for the Holidays”

November 25 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Steinmetz Hall

Experience a lively new, re-imagined “Home for the Holidays” under the baton of Conductor Mauricio Céspedes-Rivero filled with music and surprises for the holidays – a perfect way to ring in your holiday season with friends and family, holiday favorites and some holiday surprises. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Messiah Choral Society Presents

Handel’s Messiah

November 26 in Steinmetz Hall

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents

A Christmas Carol – 2023

Handel’s Messiah is a free event – seating is on a firstcome basis. Considered one of the most magnificent masterworks of all time, the Messiah features the “Hallelujah Chorus” and a host of other glorious orchestrations. The Messiah Choral Society celebrates 51 years of presenting Florida with the FREE performance of this masterwork, accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists and conducted by music director John Sinclair. Ticket information at messiahchoralsociety.org

By Charles Dickens

| Adapted by Jim Helsinger

November 29 to December 4

One of Orlando’s favorite holiday traditions finds the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greeting each Christmas with a “bah humbug” – UNTIL he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Witness the heartwarming story of Orlando Shakes’ holiday tradition in a magical spectacle for the whole family. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

The Orlando Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

December 3 to December 19 at the Dr. Phillips Center Orlando Ballet’s enchanting annual favorite, The Nutcracker, is extra special this year as the Orlando Ballet presents a spectacular NEW production of the beloved story of a Godfather’s Christmas gift of a toy nutcracker that comes to life and transports Clara to a world of wonder. Patrons will follow a magical journey to a sugarplum world of fantasy and fun, complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, Snowland and Mother Ginger.