Culture worthy of your calendar

“Hairspray”, the musical that inspired a motion picture and won eight Tony Awards on Broadway is coming to the Orlando Repertory Theatre, Central Florida’s professional theater for young audiences. The production features Youth Academy performers, many of whom are the “real age” of their characters. The story features Tracy Turnblad, a “pleasingly plump” teenager determined to dance on a local TV show. While following her 1960s dream, Tracy — staying true to herself — combats stereotypes and segregation. “‘Hairspray’ isn’t just about racial acceptance. It also tackles size and gender stereotypes, forcing us to look at others and confront our own prejudices,” Director Gary Cadwallader said. The show runs July 22-31 with a fundraising reception set for July 27 at 5:30 p.m. The Orlando Repertory Theatre is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Visit orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365.

Jacki Manna’s free show

The award-winning children’s entertainer and ventriloquist Jacki Manna will present “The Travels of Marco Polo” on July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Winter Park Library. The show is free and open to the public. “The Travels of Marco Polo” takes children on an adventure from Italy to China. Wonders from foreign lands come to life with Manna’s original characters in a show involving magic, ventriloquism and comedy. “Jacki was so skilled in her teaching and ventriloquism that the kids didn’t even know they were learning,” said Evelyn Malles, who attended a previous performance at the Winter Park Library. For information, contact Jacki Manna at 407-925-3527 or visit JackiManna.com

Summer serenades

The Orlando Philharmonic’s joyful Sounds of Summer Series continues with a true chamber music performance on July 25 at 7 p.m. The program features the Philharmonic’s woodwinds and horns in a selection of beautiful serenades. On the program is Mozart’s “Serenade No. 11 and 12”, featuring the diversity of the woodwind family. Each is made of different kinds of wood and uses different reeds. “Serenade No. 12” is nicknamed “Night Music,” referencing its minor key. Also on the program are the “Petite Symphonie” by Charles Gounod and the “Quintette Pour Instruments Á Vent” by Claude-Paul Taffanel. Musicians include Colleen Blagov, Jamie Strefeler, Sherwood Hawkins, Nikolay Blagov, Patrick Graham, Diane Bishop, Erin Robertson, Mark Fischer and Carolyn Blice. The performance is at the Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

Disney gives back to nonprofits

Thanks to the more than 228,000 hours donated by Walt Disney World VoluntEARS, the Walt Disney Company recently gave $686,950 to the Central Florida community. Cast members who volunteered their time earmarked the funds to local nonprofits. Top recipients include the American Cancer Society, Give Kids the World and the SPCA. Each year, Disney recognizes VoluntEARS who donate hours of service with contributions of up to $1,000 to the non-profit organization of their choice. Top honors went to Judy Hughes as 2010 VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney’s Theme Park Merchandise Team as the 2010 VoluntEAR Team of the Year. Both winners received $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice. In addition, 609 Disney VoluntEARS who each contributed more than 100 hours of service will also receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. The VSA is a presidential recognition program for Americans who volunteer a minimum of 100 hours during the year.