Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Holiday Calendar

Now to Dec. 18 – Broadway in Orlando presents ‘An American in Paris’

“An American in Paris” is the new hit Broadway musical about an American solider, a mysterious French girl and Paris, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. Director-choreographer-Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheldon brings the romance of Paris into perfect harmony with Tony Award-winning orchestrations of works by George and Ira Gershwin in this four-time Tony Award-winning production that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-2015 Broadway season. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now to Dec. 23 – ‘Dickens by Candlelight’ at the Shakespeare Center

Feel like part of the production as actors speak beside you – or pour your tea – in my favorite re-telling of the Dickens’ classic. In the Robin Olson production, three actors portray dozens of characters as they move through and around the audience seated at treat-laden tables. John DiDonna, Morgan Russell, and Monica Tamborello portray all the roles, transforming themselves from character to character as “Dickens by Candlelight” returns to the Shakespeare Center. Ask about their special Dec. 15 opening night performance. For tickets, call 407-222-7669.

Dec. 17 – It’s tuba (and euphonium) Christmas time in Winter Park

Conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, (born on Christmas Day 1902), Merry Tuba Christmas concerts honor all great teachers who pass on high performance standards. Ironically, the music performed at the first Tuba Christmas (1974) was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder who died on Christmas Eve 1980. The free concert will take place at 1 p.m. at the Winter Park band shell stage in Central Park with Michael Garasi conducting. Gail Robertson will guest conduct. Call 407-970-2211.

Dec. 17 – Artist Josh Garrick book signing at Bloomingdale’s

Hosted by the Orlando Downtown Arts District and Bloomingdale’s at the Mall of Millenia, the public is invited to an artist’s book signing featuring the artwork of Orlando’s own Josh Garrick on the third floor showroom at Bloomingdale’s from 2 to 4 p.m. A percentage of all art sales will be donated to the Downtown Arts District. Play a form of “Art Treasure Hunt” and you could win an autographed copy of Josh Garrick’s book from his historic exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Greece. Call 407-415-9511 or visit Josh Garrick on Facebook.

Dec. 17 – ‘BAH’ (without the humbug) – A free holiday story at the Alfond

With a warm welcome from the beautiful Alfond Inn, at 5 p.m. children (and their guests) are invited to a holiday story-time including scenes from “A Christmas Carol” as told by Peter Travis with James Hartsfield on the piano. If the children are very good, hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, eggnog and warm cider may be on the menu. I’ve even heard the jolly “Old Man” himself has been known to chill at the Alfond. This event is offered as a free gift from the Alfond to children of the neighborhood.

Dec. 17 – Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band’s ‘Holidaze Concert’

In the spirit of the holidays, we are all invited to join the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band as they “don their gay apparel” to play holiday tunes to celebrate the season at 7 p.m. Orlando’s own LGBT+ Concert Band and Color Guard will present their winter concert “Holidaze” at the Orlando Repertory Theatre in Loch Haven Park. With the goal to “unite, serve and educate through music, entertainment and the arts,” the concert will also include “a sparkling silent auction.” Tickets are $10 at the door or online at CFSOF.com – kids 12 and under are free.

Dec. 17 & 18 – The Central Florida Ballet Nutcracker

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker is the “fun” Nutcracker. Taking a hint from local theme parks, Central Florida Ballet merged “The Nutcracker” fairytale with a touch of Cirque and a burst of pyrotechnics creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family. CFB's production was recognized as 'one of the top five productions in the nation' by CNN and has become known to many as the ‘pyrotechnic Nutcracker’ thanks to it's coverage in USA Today. In performance at the Orange County Convention Center, visit centralfloridaballet.com

Dec. 18 – Orlando Philharmonic presents free outdoor holiday concert

The Orlando Philharmonic will present the free, family-friendly Dr. Phillips Charities Outdoor Concert on Dec. 18 getting underway at noon in Winter Park’s Central Park. Pre-concert children’s activities include instrument try-out stations and Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds at 12:30 p.m. The Orlando Philharmonic, with Conductor Christopher Confessore, will take the stage at 1:30 p.m. to perform “Peter and the Wolf” and holiday favorites. The program honors the legacy of Della Phillips. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Dec. 18 – Opera Orlando presents ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’

Giancarlo Menotti's opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" tells the story of a crippled shepherd boy whose life changes forever when he sees an amazing star. Three kings, who are following the star, encounter Amahl and his mother and the result is both humorous and inspiring while delivering a message of how love can work miracles. Ola Rafalo stars as the Mother, Robin Jensen conducts, and Eric Pinder directs for this Opera Orlando production at the Dr. Phillips Center at 2 and 7 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec. 22 – ‘Get Your Jazz On’ at the Alfond

“Get Your Jazz On” as you enjoy unlimited wine, beer, spirits and seasonal cocktails as the Alfond’s chef serves roast chicken and his award-winning roast pig. (Vegetarian selections also available). With entertainment from The Dana Kamide Quartet, the evening takes place both indoors and out at the beautiful Alfond Inn, the profits from which serve the unique purpose of providing scholarships to students at Rollins College. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 per guest in advance online at Eventbrite.com, or $50 at the door.

Dec. 28 – A Drag Queen Christmas

Both naughty and nice contestants from “Rupaul's Drag Race” on Logo TV perform live on-stage in this “Fabulash Holiday Spectacular,” hosted by fan fave Thorgy Thor on the violin. “She” will be joined by Naomi Smalls, Milk, Trixie Mattel, Roxxxy Andrews, Tatianna, Pearl and Chi Chi DeVayne. Naughty or nice? Gimme a break. Some of these ladies were responsible for Santa creating the third “no way” list. Interestingly all ages are welcome to this event at The Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. Visit ticketfly.com

Final week — Now to Dec. 18 — Harry Connick Jr.’s ‘The Happy Elf’ at Orlando Rep

From the Grammy-winning musician, this joyous new musical is about the most irrepressibly happy elf at the North Pole. He is so happy that his exuberance gets in the way of toy production, but if he can restore joy to the town of Bluesville, he will win a spot on Santa’s sleigh team. Yay! Teamwork and great choreography are gifts to be shared in this musical with a wonderful score by Harry Connick Jr. Experience the Orlando Rep’s highly recommended holiday offering by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com

Final week — Now to Dec. 18 — George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ at the Mad Cow Theatre

Yes – this is the George Bernard Shaw play that gave us “My Fair Lady,” performed as Shaw wrote it. Without the songs, we get to clearly see Shaw’s observations on the British class system, gender stereotypes, and middle-class morality. Shaw’s most popular play gave us the characters Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle in this holiday treat from the elves at Mad Cow Theatre. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Now to Dec. 30 – Orlando Shakes’ ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

As an audience member you will love the moment when the performance of yet another production of "A Christmas Carol" devolves into an irreverent look at all of our favorite holiday classics including “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, and more! Three actors (with the help of Santa) take a tongue-in-cheek look at everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in the funniest satire you may ever experience in any season. I love this show and recommend it highly. At Orlando Shakes, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org