Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now – ‘Wicked’ – For Three Weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center

Broadway’s “Wicked,” one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time, continues to break box office records around the world … and in Orlando! Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” tells the story of two girls in the Land of Oz. One, born with green skin is smart and misunderstood; the other is ambitious and popular. How one becomes the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ and the other becomes ‘Glinda the Good’ makes for one great Broadway musical. In performance for three very highly recommended weeks at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Today – Jan. 12 to 16 – Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey’s Circus

Ladies and gentlemen, be amazed at the Circus XTREME at Orlando’s Amway Center. High-wire wizards, strongmen, trick riders, daredevils, contortionists, a human cannonball, a cast and crew of more than 300, and a menagerie of amazing animals provide two hours of thrilling entertainment. The party starts an hour before the show at the all access pre-show, which is free with each ticket purchase. Visit Ringling.com, amwaycenter.com, Ticketmaster locations, or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.

Jan. 13 to April 20 – The Dinos are Coming! The Dinos are Coming!

There’s a bit of “Jurassic Park” at Leu Gardens as we discover what life was like millions of years ago thanks to the artistry of Guy Darrough, who creates dinosaur figures that look just as the real ones did when they ruled the Earth. Your family can experience these creatures up-close-and-personal as the ‘Dinos’ may be found throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens. Known for their scientific authenticity, they range in size from 14 inches to 33 feet. A free, self-guided ‘DinoHunt Guide’ is available for paleontologists of all ages to find these ‘fearful lizards’ in the gardens. Visit leugardens.org

Jan. 13 to 16 – Otronicon at the Orlando Science Center

Otronicon will celebrate its 12th year as the premiere technology event in Orlando, inviting guests to experience state-of-the-art gaming and simulation technologies including military and medical simulators not typically available to the public. Also, interact with industry leaders about STEM careers, experience the future of gaming design, attend workshops, and witness the fusion of art and technology. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with a separate age 21-and-up-event, Science Night Live on Jan. 14 from 8 to 11:30 p.m., call 407-514-2000 or visit otronicon.org

Jan. 14 – Engelbert Humperdink at the Dr. Phillips Center

Engelbert Humperdink’s unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe. He has recorded everything – ballads, movie themes, disco, rock, and gospel in a career spanning 50 years. Mr. Humperkink has sold over 140 million records, including 64 gold albums, 35 platinum, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His music transcends time, but it’s the man himself who inspires emotions that explain his life-long success. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. – The Annie Moses Band at Dr. Phillips Center

The Annie Moses Band has entertained audiences on PBS and on stages from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry. With their blend of folk and classical music, this ensemble of singers, songwriters, and musicians offers music-making for roots enthusiasts to classical connoisseurs. On this tour, the band performs the world’s greatest love songs in one incredible night of music. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 14 & 15 – The 40th Annual Scottish Highland Games

Originating in the Scottish Highlands during the 11th Century, Highland Games have long been an audience-favorite spectacle. Experience the history and culture of these centuries old traditions through Highland athletics, archery, dance, piping & drumming, Border Collies, food, whiskey tasting and that very special Gaelic spirit. The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida, founded in 1976, hosts the annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs. No reservations required. Visit flascot.com

Jan. 16 – The Orlando Philharmonic goes to the birds

Maestro Eric Jacobsen says of his brother Colin: “I wouldn’t be a musician without my brother. He is one of the great violinists and composers of our time. I can’t wait to share his artistry with Orlando!” The Orlando Philharmonic welcomes Colin to the Philharmonic family to perform Beethoven’s virtuosic concerto, as well as Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending,” and Colin’s arrangement of a traditional Persian song, “Ascending Bird.” With Eric Jacobsen conducting, the orchestra will bring the aviary world to life in Respighi’s colorful Gli Uccelli at their new home at The Plaza Live. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan. 20 – Opening – The Wyeths and American Artists in Maine

As a child, paintings by the Wyeth family constituted my first understanding of the difference between photography, photo-realism, and “realistic” fine art. The spring exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art will honor the Wyeth family, the 100th Anniversary of Andrew Wyeth’s birth, and “American Artists in Maine.” Drawn from the collection at the Farnsworth Art Museum, the exhibit has an extensive collection of American painters and Art from three generations of the Wyeth family. An entrance fee of $10 includes a first-look at the exhibit and a lecture by Michael Komanecky, Chief Curator at the Farnsworth. Call 407-896-4231 ext. 230 or visit OMART.org

Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 – “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” at the Winter Park Playhouse

Written and created by Roger Bean, this song-fest takes place at a bachelorette party where best friends share their thoughts about love, marriage and the dating game. Featuring hits from the 1960s including "My Boy Lollipop," "I Will Follow Him," "Hey There Lonely Boy," and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" this musical comedy reaffirms that true friendship is the key to everlasting love. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Jan. 20 to Feb. 19 - Picasso, Einstein and Steve Martin Walk Into the Mad Cow Theatre…

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” comic-genius-playwright Steve Martin’s first full-length play, takes place in 1904 at a Paris bar, ‘Le Lapin Agile’ (the nimble rabbit), a popular hangout for artists. The play explores creativity, physics, and one-night stands, as worlds (and words) collide in this fictional meeting between Pablo Picasso (on the verge of creating Cubism) and Albert Einstein (about to publish his Theory of Relativity). With Steve Martin’s offbeat humor, the 20th Century is born through the eyes of a funny man. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. – The Orlando Philharmonic presents Brahms’ third symphony

With Eric Jacobsen conducting, the Orlando Philharmonic honors American composer John Adams with performances of two of his best-known works. The first half of this celebratory program also includes the first Orlando Philharmonic performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. The second half of the program features 18-year old American pianist Carmen Knoll, presented by Genius of Youth sponsors, Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Dreifus, performing Rachmaninoff’s spectacular Third Piano Concerto. At the Bob Carr Theater, call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LoUm_r7It8 John Adams’ ‘Short Ride in a Fast Machine’

Now to Feb. 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare

Years of success and planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia. Vivienne’s memories of her mother and the decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century Alzheimer's creation “myth” about a white egret who protects forest animals as they lose their memories. Steve Yockey’s new play “Blackberry Winter” is a moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human work being presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now to Feb. 4 – Lillian Verkins paints big at Lake Eustis Museum

Large canvas painter Lillian Verkins has received over 20 juried awards, among which are two “Best of Show” and four first place awards. In 2016 Lillian was the first place winner in the prestigious “Genius of Women” exhibit presented by Women in the Arts Inc. Born in Bosnia, Lillian’s family immigrated to the U.S. in 1964. Today, Lillian’s large canvases are filled with big, lush brushstrokes that are both “personal and therapeutic” for the artist. Ms. Verkins’ exhibit, “Atmospheres” is on view through Feb. 4 at the Lake Eustis Museum at 1 W. Orange Ave. in Eustis. Visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org or call 352-483-2900.