Josh Garrick: Culture for your Calendar

By Josh Garrick

April 15
The Orlando
Philharmonic in a
galaxy far, far away
Science fiction — or hyper-space? The Orlando Philharmonic will launch you into space from the comfort of your theater seat in this salute to sci-fi. Experience favorite moments from “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” with introductions from “Commander” Jonathan Frakes, of the Starship Enterprise. In two performances April 15 at the Bob Carr Theater, call (407) 770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

April 16
Easter sunrise
service at the Bok Tower Gardens
You and your family will feel close to heaven on Easter morning as guests are offered free admission to the magnificent Bok Tower Gardens. The sunrise service includes the choir of the Lake Wales Chorale, a carillon performance by Geert D’Hollander and an Easter message by Pastor Jeffrey Kantz, of First United Methodist Church. Breakfast served in the cafe following the service for an additional fee. Gates open at 6 a.m.; service begins at 7 a.m.; and free admission ends at 8 a.m. Visit boktowergardens.org.

April 16 and 17
Chris Rock — Total Blackout Tour 2017
Actor, director, producer and comic genius Chris Rock is praised by peers and critics alike as one of our generation’s great comedic voices. In two performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, he will create more memorable moments — live. Note: No cell phones or recording devices allowed inside the theater; VIP packages are available. Call (844) 513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

April 20
‘Theatrix! A Celebration of Art & Theatre’
Each year, independent Art Curator Brad Biggs comes up with a theme with which he tests the creativity of his friends and colleagues. “Theatrix!” addresses theatre productions and dramatic moments from the Greek tragedies to contemporary Broadway. Opening night, at City Arts in Downtown Orlando, is April 20. A second opening will be April 27 when John DiDonna’s Phantasmagoria will perform with the art as its backdrop. Both events are free. Call (407) 450-2255.

April 22
Bacon Bonanza
On April 22, the plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will be transformed into a Bacon Bonanza featuring more than 30 restaurants and food vendors creating bacon-inspired dishes. Live music, bacon beverages and 5,000 pounds of bacon will be there to cheer on the restaurants competing to win the coveted “Best of Bacon” award. Ya gotta love it. Call (844) 513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

April 22
Annual Wine
Women & Shoes
Second Harvest Food Bank’s seventh annual Wine Women & Shoes takes place on April 22 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Attendees will experience fantastic food, Napa Valley wines, shopping and a fashion show by designer Diana Simaan. Tickets are $125 or $185 per person, with 100% of the proceeds helping Second Harvest Food Bank eradicate hunger in our community. Experience how good shopping can feel when combined with charitable giving. Visit winewomenandshoes.com/orlando.

April 22
Direct from Broadway — Alton Brown’s
‘Eat Your Science’
Alton Brown’s foodie-science fans can expect new songs, multimedia and (potentially) dangerous demonstrations that bring together his talent for mixing science, music and food into entertainment. He promises, “This time, we’re going to play a game where you’ll see things I’ve never been allowed to do on TV.” Note for folks in the first few rows: Bring protective gear. Call (844) 513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

April 23
Ice Cream Social
It’s a celebration full of ice cream and sweets to benefit the families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities at Winter Park Civic Center. Guests enjoy ice cream creations, live entertainment, face painting, games, prizes, a silent auction and more. All this sweetness provides a home away from home for families who stay at Ronald McDonald Houses to be close to their critically ill children. Tickets on sale at Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando: $7 advance; $10 at door; children under 3 free. Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org.

Through April 16
Chekhov’s ‘Three
Sisters’ at Mad Cow
Yearning for their former lives preoccupies Masha, Irina, and Olga as boredom takes over their lives — far from Moscow. In this masterwork, Anton Chekhov paints a portrait of the eternal struggle to work, love, hope and live. Chekhov’s plays have helped create Mad Cow’s ensemble-based performance process, as seen in “The Cherry Orchard” The theater is at 54 W. Church St. in downtown Orlando. Call (407) 297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com.

Through April 24
‘Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.’
The Emmy Award-winning educational cartoon series is now a fun-for-all-ages musical. Tom, a young schoolteacher, is nervous about his first day of teaching. While watching TV, various characters emerge from the TV and show Tom how to win his students with imagination and music. At the Breakthrough Theatre. Call (407) 920-4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com.

Through April 30
Orlando Shakes’ Antony and Cleopatra
The victors of Rome’s civil war have divided the ancient world between themselves with Marc Antony traveling to Egypt to take up his rule. His impassioned affair with the irresistible Cleopatra ultimately pits Roman against Roman, thereby changing the face of the world forever. Featuring Michael Dorn, best known as Lt. Worf in “Star Trek,” as Antony. Call (407) 447-1700, Ext., or visit orlandoshakes.org.

Through May 6
‘Pinkalicious:
The Musical’
Based on the popular children’s book, “Pinkalicious” can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. Her indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with “pinkititis” in a musical sure to strike a chord among parents and picky eaters. “Pinkalicious is packed with great messages,” says Anne Hering, director of education at Orlando Shakes. “The audience learns important lessons about healthy eating habits as they go on a ‘pinktastic’ adventure.” Call (407) 447-1700, Ext. 1, or visit orlandoshakes.org.ff