Culture Worthy of your Calendar

The intensity of youth explodes in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, the most enduring love story of all time, performed from Jan. 25 to March 17 at the Orlando Shakespeare FestivalOrlando Shakes promises that “Romeo and Juliet” has never been so captivating, or so dangerous, as in this new production. Running in ‘rotating repertory’ with “Cymbeline” — the same actors in different plays on different nights — is how Shakespeare’s company did it 400 years ago. A magical fairy tale, “Cymbeline” features one of Shakespeare's most resourceful female characters, Imogen, who defies her father King Cymbeline by secretly marrying the poor, but worthy Posthumus. “Cymbeline”, complete with love, laughter, betrayal and redemption, is performed from Feb. 8 to March 18. Curiously, the plots of both plays hinge on a sleeping potion — used in very different ways. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Honoring Roberto Clemente

“Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t do it, you are wasting your time on this earth.” — Roberto Clemente

"Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente"

developed by the Smithsonian Latino Center, the Clemente family and the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, is a bilingual exhibition honoring the achievements of a man who was more than a great baseball player. This ‘tribute’ exhibit takes visitors on a journey into sports history and ethnic pride, while honoring Clemente for his profound commitment to helping others. It runs from Jan. 21 through March 18 at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

‘I Love You Because’

The Winter Park Playhouse will present the Central Florida Premiere of the musical “I Love You Because”, a hit with New York audiences who loved its contemporary score and its very funny love story. Directed and choreographed by the multi-talented Playhouse Director Roy Alan, the cast includes Belinda Johnson, Todd Allen Long, Todd Mummert, Christopher Norton, Lulu Picart and Kate Zaloumes.

"This is the perfect show for our Valentine’s Day slot! It's a modern-day telling of Jane Austin's

‘Pride and Prejudice’

, with a wonderfully sweet and witty take on contemporary dating," Musical Director Christopher Leavy said. “I Love You Because” will run from Jan. 20 to Feb. 11. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

'Pinkalicious’: the musical

With a not-at-all-subtle message about nutrition (we are what we eat), the lead character of the musical

"Pinkalicious"

— named Pinkalicious Pinkerton — loves pink so much that she wants everything in her life to be pink. After over-indulging in pink cupcakes, she awakens the next morning – pink! Afflicted with ‘pinkititis,’ she must eat green, healthy foods to return to normal. But one person’s ‘normal’ is another person’s main course, so the question remains… Can she resist all those pink desserts and candies? Directed by Steve MacKinnon, Sarah Daniels will star as Pinkalicious in the new production running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 19 at the very kid-friendly Orlando Repertory Theater. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com. The Orlando Repertory Theatre is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.

‘The Wall that Heals’

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is bringing “The Wall that Heals”, a traveling half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to downtown Orlando through Jan. 22. The traveling museum will be at the northeast corner of

Lake Eola Park

1. We are invited to visit the seven-day exhibit to remember loved ones, bring photos of friends or loved ones who perished in Vietnam, share experiences with others and learn more about the Vietnam War era. Since 1996, “The Wall that Heals” has visited more than 350 cities throughout the U.S. The Wall also features a mobile museum, including pictures and stories of the men and women who served in Vietnam, as well as displays chronicling the history of the war. Visit vvmf.org

Greek monuments in exhibit

Should you find yourself near the Atlantic coast on Friday, Jan. 20, I invite you to an exhibit of my photography of ancient Greek monuments called

“No Stone Unturned”

I’m pleased to be among the first artists to exhibit at the beautiful new EGAD! Art Lab at 1405 Highland Ave. in Melbourne. My images document the ongoing reconstruction of the iconic Parthenon in Athens, Greece, as I’ve been privileged to be the only American allowed by the Greek Ephorate of Antiquities to photograph this hallowed building from the roof and scaffolding during the rebuilding. Several of the images are printed with a unique, new process in which the image is printed directly onto aluminum. The opening reception is Friday, Jan. 20, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., which is preceded by a Dinner with the Artist at 5:30 p.m. on the night of the opening. The opening is free, but reservations are required for the dinner. Call 321-258-2119 to reserve for the dinner. In addition, a free Art Talk is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at the gallery. EGAD! Art Lab, located in the Historic Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, is curated by Derek Gores. Visit EGADartlab.com or call 321-258-2119.