Culture Worthy of your Calendar

With more than 60 of Central Florida’s finest restaurants offering three-course $30 dinners throughout the month of September, tourists and locals alike are invited to expand their palates — and their savings — during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. This annual celebration showcases Central Florida’s chefs in our ever-more-famous dining choices. The monthlong event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida with $1 from every meal donated to the organization.

From Sept. 1-30, guests may enjoy exceptional dining for an exceptional price at Orlando restaurants including Emeril’s Orlando, Morton’s Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Capital Grille and the brand new Napa at The Peabody. Also included are Chez Vincent, Luma on Park, Le Coq Au Vin, K Restaurant, The Boheme, Seasons 52 and Todd English’s bluezoo. Information about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month — including a complete list of participating restaurants — is available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

International Piano Competition

In a performance set for Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m., three finalists from the Second Florida International Piano Competition will join the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert in which each pianist will perform a concerto with the orchestra. Sept. 10 caps off an extraordinary seven-day event — from Sept. 5-11 — in which 22 pianists from around the world vie for prizes totaling $40,000. The finals, held on Sept. 10 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, will feature each finalist performing a concerto to determine the winner. The Orlando Philharmonic will perform with the finalists in an evening that concludes with the announcement of the winner. A Winners Encore Recital will take place on Sept. 11 at Trinity Preparatory School. For tickets to the finals, visit TicketMaster.com. For tickets to the beginning rounds, call 407-645-2525 or visit FloridaPiano.org

‘Sideways Stories’ at the Rep

Adapted for the stage by John Olive from Louis Sachar’s popular book series, this theatrical adaptation presents the best scenes from the “Wayside School” books. The Wayside School was accidentally constructed with 30 classrooms stacked on top of each other, including the mysterious 19th floor. From people turning into apples to talking pigtails, the students never know what to expect. “As a child, I loved stories that were both bizarre and a little creepy,” says director Michael Marinaccio. “Hopefully, audiences from 3 to 93 will find our Wayside School to be entertaining, exciting, amusing, spooky and full of heart.” The Orlando Repertory Theatre, kicks off the 2011-12 season with “Sideways Stories from Wayside School”, running from Sept. 8-Oct. 9. Sonny’s Family Night — a dinner show — is Sept. 24. Call 407-896-7365 or visit www.orlandorep.com

‘Twelve Angry Men’

Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park will present the Reginald Rose drama “Twelve Angry Men” from Sept. 2-19. This classic work of theater portrays a jury forced to consider its decision by the single dissenter who sows a seed of reasonable doubt. The judge instructs the jury to unanimously decide on a verdict of guilty or not guilty in a case where a young man may have murdered his father. The plot thickens as the jury is further instructed that a guilty verdict will be accompanied by a mandatory death sentence. In the jury room, the men’s varied personalities reveal hidden fears and submission with several jurors having personal reasons for discriminating against the witness. Directed by Sylvia Vicchiullo, the play will be performed at the Breakthrough Theatre at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-920-4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Who is Garrick?

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.