Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Tonight – Halloween – ‘Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen’

There could be no better way to spend Halloween than with the fourth installment of the annual Halloween celebration – this year titled “Phantasmagoria IV – Hell Hath Risen” — the best version so far. With the best script, the finest acting and inspired choreography, this homage to Poe, Dickens, and other literary masters is under the inspired direction of John DiDonna, Kevin Becker and Seth Kubersky; with choreography by Mila Makarova and Dion Smith. Call 407-328-9005.

Now through Nov. 4 – Breakthrough Theatre enters ‘The Twilight Zone’

The Breakthrough Theatre’s Halloween offering is four episodes from the classic series “The Twilight Zone” through Nov. 4. The episodes include “Night Call”; “The Lonely” (written by Rod Serling); “Shadow Play”; and “The Living Doll.” The terror is up-close and personal at the Breakthrough Theatre at 419 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. For reservations, call 407-920-4034.

Now through Nov. 10 – ‘Dracula’ by Shakespeare and Company

Orlando Shakes invites us to experience the celebrated gothic thriller “Dracula” in a brilliantly acted one-man tour-de-force featuring John P. Keller portraying a dozen characters that can change instantly with the addition of a pair of glasses or a hat. Using Bram Stoker’s original text to create an intense performance of bloody thrills, Dracula’s inventive theatricality works its dark sorcery through Nov. 10. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through Nov. 10 – ‘The Book of Mormon’ knocks on Orlando’s door

Having won the best musical Tony Award, NY Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League Award, and the Grammy for best musical, one might think this musical will bring us the ‘Rapture’ … if it weren’t for the blasphemy! “The Book of Mormon” features a book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, the creators of “South Park.” It’s still difficult to get tickets on Broadway, and now we can get our tickets right here in Orlando for performances at the Bob Carr. Get yours at Ticketmaster.com, the Broadway box office at 100 S. Eola Drive, the Amway Center Box Office, or by calling 1-800-982-2787.

Nov. 2 – ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ dances into Florida

“So You Think You Can Dance,” the 11-time Emmy Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance, is celebrating its landmark 10th season. As part of the celebration, the season’s Top 10 finalists are dancing across America showing off their most popular routines as well as original pieces created for the tour. Tickets are available at Hard Rock Live for Nov. 2. Call 407-351-5483.

Nov. 1 and 2 – ‘After These Messages...’ Music that made television history

If you remember that “Diamonds are forever” or understand the connection between a pint-sized Darth Vader and a Volkswagen, then this concert by Central Florida Community Arts is for you. Called “After These Messages,” the concert features history-making music from television commercials with performances on Nov. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Downtown Baptist Church at 120 E. Pine St. in Orlando. Tickets are $10, and those age16 and younger are admitted free. Purchase tickets online at cfcarts.com or at the door.

Nov. 2 – Party like a Caveman at the Science Center

Our favorite gala evening returns when we ‘party like a caveman’ at the Orlando Science Center’s Neanderthal Ball on Nov. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. Filled with fun, this gala is also an upscale dining experience featuring gourmet food from Cave Inn BBQ, Puff ‘n Stuff, Darden’s fine wines, Orlando Brewing, and Maxine’s on Shine. Examine real fossils, carve out your mark in the silent auction, and applaud the latest in prehistoric fashion in the Harriett Lake Caveman Couture Contest. Harriett Lake, Central Florida’s philanthropist extraordinaire, not only sponsors the contest, she judges it. Proceeds benefit Orlando Science Center’s youth education programs. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org/neanderthalball

Nov. 2 and 3 – The Woman’s Club Antiques Show & Sale

More than 25 professional antique dealers will feature items including jewelry, collectibles, china, art, and more (entrance $5) as the Woman’s Club of Winter Park works to preserve their historic building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Their Antiques Show & Sale will be held Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419 S. Interlachen Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-644-2237 or visit womansclubofwinterpark.com

Nov. 4, 5 and 6 – We love the circus

The all new, 2013 edition of the World’s Largest Circus Under the Big Top, continues the age-old tradition of entertaining American families when the Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars opens in Ocala on Nov. 4 and runs through Nov. 6. Hosted by the Ocala Shrine Club, patrons will see Hugo, the 2-year-old baby elephant; motorcycles in the Globe of Death; Vicenta Pages with her six tigers; and the Human Cannonball shot 90 feet out of the world’s largest cannon. Call 888-332-5200 or visit gotothecircus.com

Nov. 5 to April 13 – The Holy Art of Imperial Russia in Winter Park

The Polasek Museum will present an extraordinary collection of Russian icons in an exhibit that explores sacred works from the 17th to early 20th centuries, the period in which Russia ‘opened up’ to Western influences. More than 50 images, including painted panels, carved items and pieces cast in brass and silver will be on view. For Orthodox Russians, icons were seen as ‘guardians’ with special powers. From the collection of Gary Hollingsworth, an art restorer who has collected religious art for the last 30 years, the exhibit runs through April 13. Visit Polasek.org

Nov. 6 – Jewish National Fund honors Mayor Buddy Dyer

The Jewish National Fund will host its annual Tree of Life Award Dinner at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on Nov. 6, this year honoring Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. The prestigious award is given in recognition of outstanding community involvement, dedication to American-Israeli friendship, and devotion to peace. Orlando native Buddy Dyer has served Orlando’s residents since 2003, and says, “The mission of JNF shares my vision in bringing life and prosperity to communities and regions that need support.” To RSVP, call 800-211-1502, email [email protected] or visit jnf.org

Current – Welcome National Airlines

Congratulations all around as we join with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in welcoming National Airlines to its brand-new national headquarters in Orlando. A ribbon cutting on Oct. 30 celebrated the official opening. National, a company with more than 250 employees, “thrives on opportunities to accept challenges that push their skills to the limit,” and has handled missions from military urgency to disaster emergencies for companies from General Motors to FEMA. Visit nationalairlines.aero