Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through Nov. 10 – ‘Dracula’ by Shakespeare and Co.

Long before “True Blood,” “Dracula,” the original prince of darkness, reigned over the world of the undead. Now Orlando Shakes invites us to experience the celebrated gothic thriller in a one-man tour-de-force that uses Bram Stoker’s original text of journal entries and newspaper clippings for an evening of bloody thrills. “Dracula’s” inventive theatricality is working its sorcery through Nov. 10. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Oct. 10 – Singer Marc Broussard and Full Sail release concert video

Singer Marc Broussard, in collaboration with that cauldron of creativity – Full Sail University, today releases “Marc Broussard LIVE from Full Sail University,” the artist’s first live concert video. Coming on the heels of Broussard’s latest album, the film documents Broussard’s live performance shot on location at Full Sail on Valentine’s Day 2013. With more than an hour of live recordings, featuring 14 tracks, Broussard’s unique sound is described as “Bayou Soul.” Visit marcbroussard.com and fullsail.edu

Oct. 11 to 31 – ‘Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen’

The fourth installment of what has become an annual Halloween celebration, this year titled “Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen,” will storm the Shakespeare Center beginning this weekend and running through Oct. 31. With new stories and large-scale puppetry interacting with live actors, dancers, and haunted storytelling, this theatrical pays homage to Poe, Dickens and other literary masters who dabbled in the dark. Under the direction of John DiDonna, Kevin Becker and Seth Kubersky; choreography by Mila Makarova and Dion Smith; fight direction by Bill Warriner; and original music by Tod Kimbro and Les Caulfield, this is a Halloween treat created by the finest talents in Central Florida. Call 407-328-9005 or credit card orders online at redchairproject.com

Oct. 12 – Orlando Philharmonic and the Orlando Gay Chorus

On Oct. 12, the Orlando Philharmonic will open its Pops series with a concert titled “An American Salute” featuring the Orlando Gay Chorus and conductor Albert Schram. With all the fervor of American patriotism, the program includes “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” With performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Chorus “changes hearts through music,” serving as goodwill ambassadors on behalf of the LGBT community. The performances are set for the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Oct. 12 – Festival Singers of Florida to premiere new work

The Festival Singers of Florida will present the Florida premiere of “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest at Winter Park Presbyterian Church on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Called “peaceful yet exciting, rhythmically strong yet completely comforting,” the Festival Singers will premiere the chamber version of the work, which will have its New York premiere at Carnegie Hall in 2014. Call 407-647-1467 or visit winterparkpc.org

Oct. 12 and 13 – Winter Park Autumn Art Festival

The ever-popular Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively. Held annually on the second weekend in October, this sidewalk art-show presents visual arts in all media, live entertainment, children's activities and the opportunity to purchase artworks from your fellow Floridians! Held in beautiful Central Park, along Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, the Festival is free and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Oct. 13 – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra to open 57th season

The four orchestras that comprise the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra are a major source of pride for Central Florida. The orchestras include: Overture Strings, for performers age 7 to 14; Prelude for ages 9 to 15; Philharmonia, featuring 11 to 18 year olds; and Symphonic, a pre-professional group ages 13 to 20. All four orchestras will present works from composers Verdi, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky on Oct. 13. The program will also feature Faure’s “Elegie for Cello and Orchestra” with cellist David Bjella. If you’ve never experienced one of their concerts, prepare yourself for a level of professionalism that will give you a whole new appreciation of your favorite music. The concert begins at 4 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Bob Carr PAC. Visit fsyo.org

Oct. 13 to 19 – Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week

Returning for its seventh season, Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week is a celebration of fashion and design and a weeklong tribute to Central Florida’s greatest (and most stylish) philanthropist – Harriett Lake. For seven days, Winter Park offers trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets and the big fashion runway show. Plan your outfit for Oct. 19, when we will mingle with Florida’s fashion elite in the tent in Central Park. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Visit parkavenuefashionweek.com

Oct. 18 to Nov. 17 – ‘Venus in Fur’ at the Mad Cow

In this sexy comedy – direct from Broadway – Mad Cow Theatre introduces us to Vanda, an unusual young actress who arrives to audition for the lead in playwright Thomas’ adaptation of the erotic novel, “Venus in Fur.” During the audition, Thomas finds himself heading into dangerous territory as this battle-of-the-sexes asks the audience, “Does Art imitate Life?” Written by comic mastermind David Ives, this new play will keep you guessing until its comic climax. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

And looking ahead …

Oct. 29 to Nov. 10 – ‘The Book of Mormon’ knocks on Orlando’s door

Having won the best musical Tony Award, New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League Award, and the Grammy for Best Musical, one might think this musical has announced the Rapture … if it weren’t for the blasphemy! “The Book of Mormon” features a book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the animated series, “South Park.” It’s still difficult to get tickets on Broadway, and now we can get our tickets right here in Orlando for performances at the Bob Carr. Get yours at Ticketmaster.com, Broadway box office at 100 South Eola Drive, the Amway Center Box Office, or by calling 1-800-982-2787.