Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Thanksgiving Holidays

Today – Thanksgiving Day – Golden Corral to serve 20,000 free meals at Salvation Army

For the 24th year Orlando Golden Corral, with the generous support of other area businesses, will serve more than 20,000 free meals to the public on Thanksgiving Day at the Salvation Army at 440 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Beginning at 11 a.m., the dinner is a collaborative effort directed by Eric Holm, owner of Metro Corral Partners, who began his “give back” effort in 1992. The dinner began as a way to help the community and thank The Salvation Army, which had provided a Thanksgiving meal to the Holm family when he was a child. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to text “Helpings” to 41444

Nov. 25 to Jan. 8 – Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens

With a host of festive events, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens! Celebrate the season with the historic Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, special carillon concerts, winter garden tours, and the colorful poinsettia displays lining the River of Stone. Add in the decorating workshops and special nighttime carillon concerts with live choir and/or orchestra, and enjoy a touch of Christmas throughout the famous gardens. Call 863-676-1408 or visit boktowergardens.org for a complete schedule.

Nov. 26 – ‘Home for the Holidays’ with the Orlando Philharmonic

In what has become an annual family event, we are invited to ring in the holidays with the Orlando Philharmonic and Conductor Albert George Schram in a very special, two-performance-only holiday program. This season, the musicians are joined, for the first time, by the Celebration Ringers of First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, along with long-time friends The Holiday Singers and the Opera Orlando Youth Choir. These concerts are at the Bob Carr Theater at 2 and 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov. 26 – Greeting cards created in free arts demonstration

Using watercolors, hot wax, and rice paper, Nancy Larkin will demonstrate the batik method she uses to create greeting cards at the next Sanford Seminole Art Association meeting. A native Floridian and charter president of the Central Florida Watercolor Society, Ms. Larkin’s presentation will be offered on Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Seminole County library branch at 150 N. Palmetto Avenue in Sanford. Free and open to the public, call 407-951-5607 or visit SanfordSeminoleArt.com

Nov. 27 – Messiah Choral Society’s 44th annual free performance of the ‘Messiah’

The non-profit Messiah Choral Society is now in its 44th season of giving a free performance of Handel’s “The Messiah” at the Bob Carr Theater as a gift to the greater Orlando community. Considered the most magnificent masterwork of all time, the Messiah features the “Hallelujah Chorus” and a host of other glorious orchestrations. At this free performance, audience members are invited to bring non-perishable food items to benefit those served by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Call 321-285-6382 or visit messiahchoralsociety.org

Nov. 28 – ‘Nikola Tesla: Master of Lightning’ documentary film

Presenting the story of scientist and visionary inventor Nikola Tesla, who came to America in 1884 to work with Thomas Edison, this film shows how the two inventors fell out over Edison’s insistence on using direct current. Tesla, largely forgotten today, receives a tribute to his overlooked genius at the University Club of Winter Park at 841 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. Members get in free; for guests a $5 donation is requested. Call 407-644-6149.

Nov. 29 – ‘Women in Song’ series debuts at The Plaza Live

Speaking of the new “Women In Song” series, presented by the Orlando Philharmonic, Music Director Eric Jacobsen said, “From operatic to indie rock, these concerts feature some of the greatest talents of today.” The first concert is in the 200-seat Plaza Live Theater and will feature Ariadne Greif, performing songs by Schubert and Dvorak, as well as poetry by Walt Whitman underscored by the Orlando Philharmonic. Maestro Jacobsen will play the cello on several pieces in the 60-minute performance at 8 p.m. For tickets, please visit OrlandoPhil.org

Nov. 30 – Orlando’s own Fernando Varela

Fernando Varela was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving to Orlando at the age of 8. At 17 his impressive talent got him noticed by Grammy Award-winning singers and producers, with Josh Groban eventually asking Fernando to tour the world. Fernando went on to headline his own 50-date tour in 2014. Now signed with the world’s most prestigious classical record label, Deutsche Grammophon, Fernando will release his new album in early 2017. "Vivere" is a classical/pop/crossover album that showcases Fernando’s soaring vocals – the vocals that make Fernando one of the most captivating tenors in the world today. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

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

As an audience member you will love the moment when the rehearsal for 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 the Snowman,” 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

Dec. 1 – Shanghai Acrobats of the People's Republic of China

Experience feats of acrobatic skill, impeccably timed stunts, and beautiful costumes as the Shanghai Acrobats pay homage to China's rich cultural heritage. In this celebration of human accomplishment, trampoline artists and aerialists fly through the air while jugglers, contortionists, and martial artists demonstrate the dangerous precision of their skills. A multitude of extraordinary sets completes the stage picture to leave us breathless with what we see at every Shanghai Acrobats performance. At the Dr. Phillips Center at 8 p.m., call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec. 3 – Calling all Octo-Cadets!

The Octonauts are bringing their live stage show to the Dr. Phillips Center with “The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano” featuring songs led by Captain Barnacles and Lieutenant Kwazii along with animated projections on a massive on-stage screen. This new quest is perfect for all fans of the Disney series. Available for super-fans, The Octonaut Explorer Party Package, at $130 per ticket, includes special seating and an invitation to the Octopod Party after the show Call 888-805-8930 for those tickets. General admission starts at $29.50 at drphillipscenter.org or 844-513-2014.

Dec. 3 & 4 – Pianist Emanuel Ax with the Orlando Philharmonic at the Bob Carr

Seven-time Grammy winner and piano superstar Emanuel Ax will perform the beautiful Concerto No. 2 by Beethoven in two performances with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bob Carr Theater. Conducted by Eric Jacobsen, the program will include a world premiere by American composer Lisa Bielawa, Mozart’s dramatic Symphony No. 40 in G minor, and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture to complete this program of orchestral greatness. Please note: Due to road construction, give yourself extra time for parking at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Now to Dec. 4 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Cy Coleman Musical, ‘The Life’

Somewhat out of the norm for the Breakthrough Theatre, the musical “The Life” depicts the pay-for-play sex life around Times Square in the 1980s. For mature audiences only, scenes take place in topless bars, transvestite hang-outs, and with hookers working the streets. Directed and choreographed by Angela Cotto, please visit breakthroughtheatre.com or call 407-920-4034. 

Now to Dec. 11 – ‘A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration’

When Noel Coward reigned supreme, high society meant hats and gloves, and the brilliance of the English language. Now The Winter Park Playhouse invites you to “A Marvelous Party” in celebration of Noel Coward. As sparkling as a newly popped bottle of champagne, this party is a musical romp featuring 33 tunes and a bevy of anecdotes and musings by the incomparable Noël Coward. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

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 happiest elf at the North Pole. He is so happy that his constant exuberance wears others out. Still he believes if he can restore joy to the town of Bluesville, he will win a spot on Santa’s sleigh. Faith and teamwork are gifts to be shared in this story of elf magic, and Harry Connick. Jr. has written a wonderful score for the story. Experience the Orlando Rep’s holiday offering by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com

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