Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through March 16 – ‘Othello’ at the Shakespeare Center

A thriller of jealousy, passion and revenge, “Othello” has been called Shakespeare’s most treacherous play. “The play’s examination of race, jealousy and passion are just as poignant today as they were when he wrote it,” says Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. “Othello” begins previews on Jan. 23 and runs through March 16. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through Feb. 16 – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra

The Winter Park Playhouse offers a tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century in “My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.” Featuring 56 of his most celebrated songs, sung by four of Central Florida’s finest voices – Laura Hodos, Kevin Kelly, Melissa Minyard and Christopher Alan Norton – join Christopher Leavy on piano to perform Sinatra’s greatest tunes. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now through Feb. 24 – Dr. Dolittle and a 10th Anniversary

The Orlando Repertory Theater (the REP) presents “The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle” from Jan. 24 to Feb. 24. Presented with all of Dr. Dolittle’s animal friends portrayed by actors with puppets – we follow Tommy Stubbins as he meets Dr. Dolittle and his animal friends. In this adventure, they travel from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the bottom of the sea in search of the Great Glass Snail. Call 407-896-8365 or visit orlandorep.com

Jan. 25 to Feb. 17 – ‘Laughter on the 23rd Floor’

Neil Simon’s laugh-out-loud-comedy comes roaring back with Mad Cow Theatre’s new production of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” The playwright’s semi-autobiographical memories (circa 1953) provide a peek at the “Max Prince Show” as a group of writers work through each other’s neuroses to create television’s classic comedy moments. On-stage at Mad Cow’s new theatre space at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407-297-8788, extension 1.

Jan. 25, 26 and 27 – Winterfest with the Daytona Beach Symphony Society

Each January, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society brings together a mix of classical music talent in a celebration called Winterfest. This season’s line-up offers Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” in a fully staged production including orchestra on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Then, two classical musicians, whose hilarious shows combine comedy with classical music, take the stage as Igudesman & Joo present “A Little Nightmare Music” on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. The China National Symphony Orchestra concludes Winterfest on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m. All performances are at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach. Call 386-253-2901.

Jan. 26 and 27 — Violinist Sarah Chang with the Orlando Philharmonic

Recognized as one of the world’s great violinists since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8, Sarah Chang has performed internationally with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors in a career spanning more than two decades. In 2006, Newsweek Magazine honored Ms. Chang as one of its 20 Top Women. On Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 3 p.m., Ms. Chang will perform with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and the Barber Violin Concerto at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

Jan. 26, 2013 to Jan. 26, 2014 – Universal Orlando Resort at the History Center

In an unprecedented collaboration, Universal Orlando Resort and the Orange County History Center will present “A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort,” in which visitors get an exclusive look at the months of work that goes into bringing the theme park’s annual events to life. Opening with Mardi Gras, the exhibition will change prior to each Universal season including Halloween Horror Nights, Summer Lagoon Show and parade, and finally The Macy’s Holiday Parade. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. – ‘The Price is Right’ – live!

Marking its 40th year on television, America’s No. 1 game show, “The Price is Right,” is touring the country and will be at The Peabody in Daytona Beach on Jan. 31. This touring show has the same excitement, games, cash and even more audience interaction. Some audience members win right from their seat, and all contestants are chosen from the audience. The chosen ones are given the chance to “come on down” to win appliances, vacations, and even new cars. The Peabody Auditorium is at 600 Auditorium Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Call 386-671-3460 or visit PeabodyAuditorium.org

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.