Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Nov. 5 – The Neanderthal Ball at the Orlando Science Center

Celebrate our evolution! It’s a night of Neanderthal revelry at the most fun gala this side of the Stone Age. The Orlando Science Center’s Neanderthal Ball offers a blend of cocktail party with prehistoric mixer. Guests show off their latest Stone Age chic at the Caveman Couture Contest, enjoy food from Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, dance to live music from Running with Scissors, and claim dominance over silent auction packages with a cocktail provided by Tito’s Vodka. Your support enables the Science Center to provide educational programs to learners of all ages regardless of income or background. The event begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $150 per person or $265 per couple.

Now to Nov. 5 – Calling all fashionistas! Fashion on the Avenue and at the Alfond

The celebration of our local fashion and design community transforms Winter Park into a fashionista’s paradise with over 50 trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, sales and parties hosted by Park Avenue merchants. It all culminates on Nov. 5 at Fashion Night Out (5 to 9 p.m.) with fashion shows in participating stores (tickets $25). Fashion Night Out is followed by Fashion at the Alfond (9 p.m. to midnight) where attendees enjoy a showcase of Emerging Designer winners with each designer revealing selections from their latest collections. The Alfond event includes food, drinks, music and dancing. Tickets for Fashion at the Alfond include admission to Fashion Night Out at $75. Call 407-644-8281.

Now to Nov. 6 – Broadway in Orlando – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

Hailed as “One of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, this dazzling adaptation of the best-selling novel is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens. Fifteen-year-old Christopher is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an outrageous discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now to Nov. 6 – PlayFest 2016 at Orlando Shakes – ‘The Pulse Tragedy’

PlayFest 2016 is dedicated to six new plays that explore issues surrounding the Pulse tragedy of June 12 including LGBTQ struggles and responses to hatred, discrimination against Hispanics, terrorism, mental health, gun violence, and community responses to violence. Playwright Caridad Svich will offer a keynote address on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. called “Creating ‘After Orlando’ (a collection of 60 three-minute plays) and Global Theatre Initiatives.” Individual tickets are $10 with a PlayFest Package available. Call the box office at 407-447-1700, ext. 1, for the complete schedule.

Now to Nov. 6 – CFCArts’ ‘Metamorphoses’

A shallow pool serves as the primary scenic element of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the classical myths as recorded by the Roman poet Ovid (43 BC – 17 AD). ‘Metamorphoses’ harkens back to the origins of theater using an ensemble of actors to retell ancient stories of gods and goddesses. Performed on Broadway and around the world, the CFCArts Theatre Program will present “Metamorphoses” in their Blackbox Theatre at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Call 407-937-1800 ext. 710 or visit cfcarts.com/metamorphoses

Now to Nov. 6 – ‘Glass Menagerie’ at the Garden Theatre

“The Glass Menagerie” is the play that took its author, Tennessee Williams, from obscurity to fame. The man who would eventually be considered by many to be America’s greatest playwright, based the play on his psychologically damaged mother, his sister, and himself. Premiered in Chicago in 1944, the play moved to Broadway where it won the Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. Call 407-877-4736 or visit BethMarshallPresents.com

Nov. 6 – Kristallnacht remembered at the Holocaust Memorial Education Center

This event recalls the day the Nazis destroyed Jewish communities across Europe. Each year the Holocaust Center sponsors a program in remembrance of Kristallnacht – the “Night of Broken Glass.” This year’s commemoration is a theater performance in which actors describe the journey of Teodora Verbitskya, and her experiences in Russia in the first half of the 20th century. Her artist-daughter Nadia Werbitzky has transformed her mother’s journal into a stunning exhibit. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Call 407-628-0555 or visit holocaustedu.org

Nov. 7 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 (his ultimate dream!) Teamwork and faith are wonderful gifts to be shared in this story of elfin magic, and Harry Connick Jr. has written a wonderful score for the Happy Elf’s story. Experience it by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com

Nov. 10 – The Annie Moses Band: The Art of the Love Song

The Annie Moses Band has entertained audiences in record numbers of airings on PBS and on stages as diverse as Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. With their blend of folk and classical music, the Annie Moses Band is an ensemble of songwriters, singers, and musicians whose showmanship offers music-making for roots enthusiasts to classical connoisseurs, and from jazz aficionados to bluegrass buffs. On this tour, the band performs the world’s greatest love songs in one incredible night of music. The show begins at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov. 10 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 sketches, anecdotes and musings by the incomparable Noel Coward. You are invited to the party of the year! RSVP by calling 407-645-0145 or visiting winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov. 11 to 13 – The Maitland Rotary Art Under the Stars Festival

Beginning in 1976, the Rotary Club of Maitland has consistently produced the only art festival in Florida with nighttime hours. With original, juried art surrounding beautiful Lake Lily, families and friends enjoy the lights that enhance an evening of art buying. Food and drink vendors are on-hand as live entertainment from two stages is provided by Performing Arts of Maitland. The 40th season’s poster artist is the enormously talented Ed Myers who will be on-hand to sign your poster. Call 407-777-8515 or visit maitlandrotaryartfestival.com

Nov. 11 to 20 – The world premiere of ‘Grimmly Ever After’

The intrepid voices at Central Florida Vocal Arts invite us to the world premiere of a contemporary operetta that explores “the dark side of the fairy-tale forest” in “Grimmly Ever After.” Betrayal, unfulfilled prophesies and – of course – love, are twisted together in this operatic fairytale, featuring Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel & Gretel and the Evil Queen. With the music of Lawrence & Fain, Schubert and Humperdinck, and written by Nishaa Carson, Cristyn Schroder and Justin Morrison, this world premiere is directed by Frank Siano. Call 863-510-7236 or visit cflvocalarts.com

Now to Nov. 13 – ‘Rock the Presidents’ at Orlando Rep

Orlando Rep’s new history show is a rock, hip-hop, blues, pop, jazz, reggae, and country musical spanning the history of the American presidency – from Washington to Obama. The presidents are brought to life through songs including a way for audiences of all ages to learn something about our nation’s history. Age-appropriate note: Lincoln and Kennedy’s assassinations are included with songs that contain the words “pistol” and “bullets.” Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Now to Nov. 13 – ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ at Orlando Shakes

The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s Halloween presentation is the Jekyll/Hyde story by Robert Louis Stevenson. Frustrated by dull respectability in Victorian London, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that transforms Dr. Jekyll into the brutish Edward Hyde. Hyde’s immoral ‘high life,’ leads to murder. Fascinating and deviant, the play captivates audiences who experience the lead actor transform before them. For tickets, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now to Nov. 20 – ‘The God Game’ at Mad Cow

When running for political office in the U.S. of A, the public knows or can learn anything about a candidate from his/her workout routine to religious beliefs. So – what if your candidate is an atheist? Playwright Suzanne Bradbeer poses this question in “The God Game” in performance at the Mad Cow Theatre. Bradbeer presents this test of American politics while exploring the limits of truth, ambition, and faith. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com