Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through Oct. 12 – ‘Les Miserables’ at Orlando Shakespeare

In this not-to-be-missed event, Orlando’s Shakespeare Theater takes on one of the greatest Broadway blockbusters of all time as they open their season with “Les Miserables.” Since their “flash-mob” performance at Millenia Mall was picked up by national TV, the video has gone viral and the box office has exploded – meaning you need to call and get your tickets. This is one of the great cultural events of the entire season. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. Call now.

Sept. 12 to 15 – Breakthrough Theatre presents ‘Betty’s Summer Vacation’

In the very dark comedy by Christopher Durang called “Betty's Summer Vacation,” we witness a vacation you would not wish on your worst enemy. Death, destruction, and possible serial killers are found by poor Betty at her longed-for seaside retreat. Directed by Wade Hair for one weekend only – Sept. 12 to 15 – this play is for mature audiences only. Betty, portrayed by Lori Babson Jessup, is at the Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park. Purchase tickets online at breakthroughtheatre.com or call 407-920-4034.

Sept. 12 to Oct. 4 – ‘They’re Playing Our Song’ at Winter Park Playhouse

The award-winning Broadway musical “They’re Playing Our Song” boasts a book by Neil Simon with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager. Inspired by the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, this witty show features real-life husband and wife Playhouse founders Roy Alan and Heather Alexander in the starring roles. In performance through Oct. 4, call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept. 12 to 17 – Orlando’s Maryah Sullivan to vie for National Youth of the Year

This week, Orlando’s Maryah Sullivan travels to Washington DC to vie for the title of National Youth of the Year. With experiences including a star-studded gala, photo shoots at historical monuments, and a congressional breakfast, Maryah will compete for the title and a $50,000 scholarship. Early on, Maryah took on a leadership role at home while also excelling at school and at her Boys & Girls Club. She was National Honor Society President, Senior Class Secretary, Keystone President, and Captain of the Girls Track and Field Club. She is passionate about childhood education, and will spread the message – “knowledge is power” should she win the title. We wish her great success.

Sept. 13 and 14 – Maker Faire Orlando at the Orlando Science Center

Maker Faire, to be held at the Orlando Science Center on Sept. 13 and 14, is a family-friendly celebration featuring do-it-yourself science and technology, art, rockets, robots, crafts, music, and more. One part pop-culture and one part experiential marketing, the individuals behind the exhibits are known as makers, and they range from tech-enthusiasts to scientists to garage tinkerers. Representing all ages and backgrounds, the makers all share a love for innovation. Visit makerfaireorlando.com and/or osc.org

Sept. 13 and 14 – The School of Rock on stage

On Sept. 13 and 14, young Florida musicians will rock out on-stage as the students of the Oviedo School of Rock show what rock n' roll is all about. Fifty students – ages 8 to 18 – will perform on Sept. 13 at BB King’s Blues Club on International Drive. The schedule includes a Tribute to Green Day at 1 p.m. and a Tribute to Dave Grohl at 2 p.m. Then, on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Will’s Pub at 1042 N. Mills Ave., the young performers will present a Tribute to Modern Alternative Rock at 2 p.m. and a Tribute to Dave Grohl at 4 p.m. Visit oviedo.schoolofrock.com or call 407-706-3900.

Sept. 14 – Mennello Museum’s Free Family Day

A Free Family Day is offered on the second Sunday of each month at the jewel-box Mennello Museum in Loch Haven Park featuring a hands-on Make-and-Take craft table where young artists create works of art and then take them home for family viewing. The craft table is open from noon to 2:30 p.m., and docents are available to give mini-tours of the museum’s permanent collection of Earl Cunningham throughout the galleries until 4:30 p.m. Visit mennellomuseum.com or call 407-246-4278.

Sept. 14 – The art (and music) of Chip Weston at the University Club

Artist Chip Weston will do double-duty at his art reception beginning at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the University Club of Winter Park. Chip's art will be on the walls, and Chip will perform with The Gazebros Band at the reception. In the past, Chip served with the Peace Corps, played rhythm guitar with several bands, opened an art studio, served as director of Economic and Cultural Development for Winter Park, as adjunct professor at Rollins College, and as a course director at Full Sail University. The public is invited to the reception. Call 407-629-2125 or visit uclubwp.org

Sept. 14 – Side by Side: A Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme Tribute

Two of Orlando’s finest singing-actors – Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore – will bring their vocal talents to their new comedy-concert Side By Side: A Tribute to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme at Christ Church Unity on Holden Avenue on Sept.14 at 7 p.m. This amazingly talented duo have been performing together for the past two years, most recently as featured soloists with the Orlando Philharmonic – and always to audience acclaim. Visit CordoneandKilgore.com

Sept. 16 to 21 – The 2014 Global Peace Film Festival

In a unique Festival that inspires film-makers and film-goers to leave the world a more peaceful place, the Global Peace Film Festival will be presented from September 16 through September 21 in Orlando and Winter Park. Two of the 45 films in this year’s Festival are from local talent. Sept. 16 offers a free screening of CinemAbility at Rollins College at 8:30 p.m. with director Jenni Gold in attendance. On Sept. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Public Library, a documentary by Orlando producers Sheri and Mark Dixon called “Every Three Seconds,” explores the world of extreme poverty. Dates, times and descriptions of each of the 45 films may be seen at peacefilmfest.org

Sept. 17 to 21 – Cirque du Soleil presents ‘Varekai’

From a group of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has grown into a company with 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Cirque will bring “Varekai” to the Amway Center from Sept. 17 to 21. At the summit of a volcano is a world called “Varekai.” Parachuted into a magical forest populated by fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in a place of “pure possibility.” Visit cirquedusoleil.com. For tickets, visit amwaycenter.com, Ticketmaster.com, or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.

Sept. 17 to Jan. 4 – ‘Fractured Narratives’ at Rollins’ Cornell Fine Art Museum

At a time when many artists take on the role of cultural commentators, there are those who take on social or political content while avoiding didactic expression. By allowing each viewer’s critical eye to become the final ingredient, the process of viewing is elevated to a form of seeking. “Fractured Narratives” considers this approach in the new exhibit at the Cornell Museum on the campus of Rollins College. Entrance is free. Call 407-646-2526 or visit rollins.edu/cfam

Sept. 18 to Oct. 11 - Donna Dowless presents “Dresses: Objects of Art”

An opening reception will be held for “Dresses: Objects of Art,” an exhibit produced by artist Donna Dowless, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed-media works. Featured artists include Cindy Anderson, Donna Dowless, Meridith Olinger, Cheryl Bogdanowitsch, Lynn Whipple, Donne Bitner, Todd K. Fox, Robin Maria Pedrero, Fritz Stinebaugh, Lindsay Agnew, Wilson Romero, Linda Saracino, and Mary K. Shaw, each evoking their distinctive statements as artists. “Dresses” will open Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. with the public invited to the Gallery at Avalon Island. Visit galleryatavalonisland.com or call 407-257-2415.

Sept. 20 – Headdress Ball XXV! A benefit for the Hope and Help Center

Headdress Ball is proud to be Orlando’s “most outrageous black tie event” – a monumental “who’s who” filled with lively entertainment, food, drinks and visual masterpieces. This is the 25th annual Headdress with the event having evolved into a no-holds-barred Vegas production – all to help the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, whose mission is to save lives by treating and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. An impressive 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to client services at Hope and Help. For tickets, call 407-645-2577 or visit headdressball.org