2016 Live Noel Production Produced By First Baptist Church of Longwood Review

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Longwood, FL – The First Baptist Church of Longwood produces a free live nativity production every year on the first and second weekends of the month of December. This was a great opportunity to see a unique presentation of birth of Jesus along with music and live drama. Many people brought their entire family out to see this free live Christmas entertainment and teaching moments. All faiths were welcome to attend.

Driving to the First Baptist Church of Longwood is located at 891 State Road 434 East, Longwood, FL 32750. The church is located in between State 17-92 and Warren Ave on State Road 434. There was plenty of free parking available.

Once you arrive and walk to the main building one was greeted by a village citizen that welcome attendees by says Shalom to all people before entering the building. Upon entering the building one will receive one gold coin to give to the guard in costume. Then one proceeds to the sanctuary to find a seat before the production starts. There is plenty of seating in the main sanctuary. The church ask the attendees to silence all cell phones and to refrain from shooting any video recording and or flash photography.

The production lasts about thirty to forty-five minutes. At the end of the production, the Rev. Eric Scholten, of First Baptist Church of Longwood, speaks for a minutes on stage about his church. Next, the audience is escorted to the village for an interactive opportunity to see what it was like back in these biblical times.

This interactive village market is a chance to get an up and close and personal what it would was like to live in these ages. Many people of today forget that they did not have the luxuries back then. Many attendees will have a chance to see how they made fresh baked bread in an old style bakery. One could even smell the fresh bread while it is baking. Next, they had a leather workshop. A master leather tech along with his assistant re-enacts how leather goods were made. Besides the leather goods they had fresh fruits and vegetable market stand. A lady at the fresh fruits and vegetable stand explains about her stand. Next, there is a clothing text style booth. One can see how they made and sewed many articles of clothing. Some children had an opportunity to take home a handmade doll with them. Another booth was the metal works stand. This stand had copper candle stands, platters, cooking utensils, and many other items too. Attendees asked many questions to the village citizens who were working.

After viewing the village, there is free hot coca and cookies for everyone to enjoy. The church produces this production every year for recruitment of new members to attend their church. No one is obligated to attend any church service. Overall, I highly recommend this venue to anyone who would like to be entertainment and seeing this great learning opportunity.

This year the production was held inside in the main sanctuary. For other reasons, normally the production would have been outside on the lawn in front of State Road 434. The entire Noel production is produced and directed by members at First Baptist Church of Longwood. For more information about the church go to www.fbclongwood.org . A photo slide of this year’s Noel production is located in the Holidays section on www.otownfun.com .

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2016 – Introducing the Orlando Waves Professional Basketball Team

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Kissimmee, FL — Are you tired of the same old NBA Orlando Magic games? Now you have a better choice to come and watch our newest home team. This is not the same old ABA league your folks grew up with. These players have more heart and hustle without the heavy pockets and personal egos.

The Orlando Waves are Orlando’s newest professional basketball team in the Central Florida area. Orlando Waves starts its inaugural Season on November 5th 2016. This team was created with the intention to bring family oriented, sporting events and entertainment to the Central Florida area, while also bringing awareness to brands, local charities and foundations in need. In addition, to the Orlando Waves providing professional sports and entertainment on the court, these athletes will be directly involved in community development programs and activities. The team is excited to be apart of the Central Florida area and they are looking forward to making Waves with the community.

Experience a game for yourself and bring the family along too. Ticket prices are reasonable. Your family should not have break the bank to watch good quality professional basketball. Adult ticket prices start at just $10.00 with group ticket rates available too.

Spectators get close to the action compared to the other professional basketball leagues. At the end of the games, fans are able to interact with players and coaches. This is something that the NBA does do. It is worth it to come down and see our new professional basketball team today!

For a complete season schedule please visit

http://www.orlandowaves.com/schedule/

All home games are played at Kissimmee Civic Center, which is just a quick drive from Orlando. There is plenty of parking at the civic center and in the Downtown Kissimmee area. For more information visit http://www.experiencekissimmee.com/kissimmee-sports/facilities/kissimmee-civic-center/#54D87eVY2G4FUqLr.97

Photo below is from the  Orange County Sheriff’s Office vs. Orlando Waves Basketball Game on September 17, 2016

 

Dining Review at The Orlando Titanic Gala Dinner

Written by: Nathan Wertheimer

Orlando, FL – If you are looking for a unique dinning experience then the Titanic Gala Dinner Experience is what you need. Many Titanic movie fans at heart will love this entertainment and dinner experience. Before heading over to the Titanic Gala Dinner it is recommended to dress casually in a nice shirt and pants. Plus, bring a jacket because some of the exhibits have very cold rooms.

Once you arrive on the property of the Titanic The Experience. This attraction is located in what used to be a strip mall and at former Racing Rock Museum attraction. There is plenty of free parking in the front and back of the building. Crowds tend to line up before the doors even open.

When you enter the door of the building, you will be greeted by nice lady dressed in a black and white Boarding Stewardess in the Lobby which is the Purser’s Deck. The dinner gala is by reservation only. Guests are then given a boarding pass along with your dinning table number. Don’t forget to save this card. I will explain later in this dinning review.

After getting your boarding pass which is your ticket into this attraction. Next, the Executive Director of the White Star Line will then greet you. Then, you will have an opportunity for a family photo taken on the front bow of the Titanic in the lobby with out any of the actors. These photos are available to purchase at the end of your night. While waiting in the lobby and guest are welcome to the Captain’s cocktail party with cheese and crackers appetizer. Also, there is a cash bar for beverages and liquor. Plus, guests will interact with the Titanic crew and guests.

The Titanic crew and guests are professional actors. It is encouraged to play along with their skit. The old man guest will ask you where you’re from. I told him I’m from nowhere. Then he asked what class are you? Marked on my boarding pass in the back is listed a name of a male/female of a real Titanic guest, class, and other information. I told him I was a third class passenger just to be funny and he ran away with poking fun at me in a good way. Please be aware you might be picked on. This is all in good fun.

Another character you will meet Margaret “Molly” Brown who is known as the damsel. She is quite flirtatious with the guys. Ask her to kiss your guy on the cheek. She will do it in a photo. She is very talkative. You never know what see will say next.

Once all the guest have arrived, they are then spilt up into two groups to see the first half of the Titanic Experience which consists of the ship building room, recovered artifacts of many different ship items. While going thru the first part of the museum, guests have another photo opportunity see the wooden Grand Staircase Room. These photos are available to purchase at the end of your night. Photography and video is not permitted in the attraction and during the Gala dinning show. You are permitted to take photos in the lobby and gift shop only.

When the dinning room is ready, the Stewardess call out assigned table numbers. There are a total of nine or ten tables in the Dinning Room consisting of ten people per table. Walking into the dinning room you will feel like you are on a cruise ship. Everyone is served the same dinner unless you make a special request ahead of time.

The first course dinner is served with the mixed green salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Also, on the table is an artisan cheese and olive plate. Don’t forget the mixed Vienna dinner rolls with butter. Some of the rolls are plain or have garlic seasoned.

After the first course then the main course is served. The main course consists of a fillet of beef with mushroom Dem-glaze along with a chicken breast with Lyonniase sauce on the plate. Also, on the plate is a serving of green beans and Rosemary roasted potatoes on the side. The beef tips were the best out of the meal. While guests eat their diner, the crew and guests of the Titanic entertain them. Don’t be surprised if you see a little drama-taking place. Plus, the Captain of the Titanic walks around the Dinning Room interacting with the guests.

The third course consists of a champagne toast to the retiring Captain Edward John Smith. He will give a few words about his retirement. And the final course is the desert, which consist of a white chocolate mousse with raspberry drizzle in an edible chocolate cup. Note some food items may change without notice.

After dinner, guest can see the second part of the Titanic Museum which consist of the cargo bay area, the Boiler Room, the ship’s bridge, the deck, a Memorial Room, the Ice Burg, and finally, the gift shop. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet and greet again with the Titanic crew and guests. Ask any last questions before you depart.

After concluding your night, the gift shop has a lot of wonderful merchandise to take home with you. Some of these items cannot be found in retail stores. Some of the items on shelve are glassware, apparel, postcards, artwork, kids toys, and novelties items. If you forget to buy a Titanic souvenir there is an online gift shop to with a limited number of items. Go to www.thetitanicstore.com .

I highly recommend this dinning experience to locals and tourist alike. It is worth the value of what you get for your money. This tour not recommended for children eight and under. This attraction combines a museum with a gala dinning experience. Guests will come away with historical information along with memories of the Titanic.

The Titanic Gala Dinner is only offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year. The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is located on 7324 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. See ticket prices and other information on-line at http://www.premierexhibitions.com/exhibitions/3/41/titanic-artifact-exhibition/titanic-artifact-exhibition-orlando

2016 Shen Yen Play Preview

What: The Chinese people bring their traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun Play to a live stage. Furthermore, Chinese Communist Party does not support the performance arts of Shen Yun. You have the opportunity to see this dying Chinese play. This production has been seen around the world. You will be amazed by the beauty and musical experience. The show depicts—through classical Chinese dance—the violence perpetrated against Falun Gong practitioners and their peaceful resistance.

China’s 5,000 years of uninterrupted history has yielded an endless treasure trove of legends, myths, and literary classics. These stories come to life in vivid detail through Shen Yun’s awe-inspiring performances.

Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra breathes new life into themes and musical styles from ancient times. From the elegant and soothing music of imperial courts to lively folk melodies, Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra captures the spirit of five millennia of Chinese civilization in a way never heard before. Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra seamlessly combines the distinct sounds of Chinese instruments with the foundation of a powerful Western orchestra.

When: Shen Yun will only perform two shows in Orlando on February 9th and 10^th, 2016, @ 7:30pm.

Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC)

How: The Chinese has brought their theater production to the United States and shown around the world for people to learn and be entertained everywhere.

Why: For thousands of years, China was known as the Divine Land.  But under 60 years of communist rule, authentic Chinese culture, including traditional arts, have been almost lost. That is why you cannot see a performance like Shen Yun in China today.

Who: Shen Yun is entirely non-profit based in New York. Its artists have come from around the world to revive this glorious heritage.  Since its establishment in 2006, the company has become a global sensation, performing for over a million audience members across five continents around the world.

So mark your calendar and bring your family out to this event. For more information and ticket prices on this event go to: www.shenyen.com

Image Courtesy from Shen Yun

Review: Marina Jurica performed the “Weather Cabaret”

Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park, FL — On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, It was the third and final performance for the “Weather Cabaret” featuring Marina Jurica, a WFTV Meteorologist and actress/singer. Roughly about forty theatergoers and a few of Jurica’s closest coworkers showed up to see her live on stage. Even Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry, and Anchor/Reporter Carla Ray, from WFTV were even in attendance too.

The Cabaret Series was performed in the lobby of the Winter Park Playhouse where there is plenty of space to enjoy this musical performance. If you have never been to the Winter Park Playhouse you don’t know what you’re missing. This is a quaint place to watch live musical theater. Ticket prices are very reasonable. Plus, there is plenty of parking on the street in the evening show.

To set the Weather Cabaret mood, Jurica came out on stage in front of the lobby window with a gentleman playing the piano in the background. The musical songs were divided up into four seasons such as Fall, Winter, Springs, and Summer. Between songs she gave the audience a perspective of why she picked the song she was singing. Jurcia hit many high tunes with voice and was very entertaining to watch and listen.

One of the audience favorite song was “Let it rain, let it rain” and even the audience got a chance to sing along with Jurica. At the end of the Cabaret everyone gave her a standing ovation for her performance. Jurica will be back on stage in the near future. Stay tuned for more information.

The Weather Cabaret ran through select days in the month of October/November 2015 at Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Avenue Suite C, Winter Park, FL 32789, Ticket prices vary, Call 407-645-0145 or visit http://www.winterparkplayhouse.org

The Winter Park Playhouse is featuring Marina Jurica

Photo Courtesy from The Winter Park Playhouse

Come out to on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at 7:30pm to see Marina Jurica, a Meteorologist from WFTV, take the stage in a Cabaret Series. If you have not see seen Marina before you are missing out a great Central Floridian star. She has been in many productions in the Central Florida area. Now is your chance to see her live and in person. Get your tickets online or at the door. Tickets are just $20.00 for general admission. Doors open at 6:30pm. The Winter Park Playhouse is located in the heart of the City of Winter Park. For more information go to this link below.

https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=57990