Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now to 31 – Phantasmagoria VII: ‘The Cards They Are Dealt’

Be very afraid. Phantasmagoria’s troupe of “Steampunk Survivors” are more dangerous than gypsy fortune-tellers, and they are joined by dancers, soldiers, puppeteers, and fire-breathers as they embark on new journeys through the dark tales of Poe, Lovecraft, Wilde, and M.R. James. For your Halloween season, trick or treat yourself to the all-new Phantasmagoria VII "The Cards They Are Dealt" at the Shakespeare Center. OMG – the Oct. 31 performance is the Troupe’s 100th mainstage show; not sure my heart could handle that one! And don’t say I didn’t warn you. For tickets, visit orlandoatplay.com

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

Orlando Rep’s new show is a high-octane musical spanning the history of the American presidency – from George Washington to Barack Obama – and looking ahead to the future. The presidents are brought to life through original songs including rock, hip-hop, blues, pop, jazz, reggae and country in a way for audiences of all ages to learn something about our nation’s history. The book and lyrics are by Dwayne Hartford. Parental age-appropriate note: Lincoln’s legacy and Kennedy’s assassination 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

It’s more than coincidental that Orlando Shakes will present the “Jekyll/Hyde” story by Robert Louis Stevenson near All Hollow’s Eve. Frustrated by dull respectability in Victorian London, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion to unleash his inner bestial nature. The potion transforms Dr. Jekyll into the brutish Edward Hyde who lives the “high life” until Hyde's passions lead to murder. Fascinating and deviant, the play captivates audiences who experience the play’s moral lesson while watching the lead actor transform before them. For tickets, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Oct. 21 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 black box theater at 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Call 407-937-1800, ext. 710, or visit cfcarts.com/metamorphoses

Oct. 21 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 “fragile” sister, and himself. Premiered in Chicago in 1944, the play moved to Broadway where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. In this production, directed by Beth Marshall, the autobiographical role of Tom will be played by Anthony Pyatt Jr. Call 407-877-4736 or visit BethMarshallPresents.com

Oct. 21 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 work-out routine to religious beliefs. So, what if your candidate is an atheist? Now, in the final weeks of the presidential election, 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 as her witty dialogue induces laughter and sadness. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Oct. 22 – Orlando Philharmonic and ‘The Great American Songbook’

Audience favorite Albert George Schram conducts the Orlando Philharmonic as Christiane Noll and Doug LaBrecque supply the vocals from "The Great American Songbook.” Performing some of the most popular and enduring songs from the 1920s to the 1950s the audience is invited to luxuriate in classics by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Jerome Kern, and others. Performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. are at the Bob Carr Theater. Due to road construction, please give yourself extra time for parking. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Oct. 22 – Cows ‘n Cabs, where cowboys kick it up with cuisine grub and fine wines

4Rivers master chef John Rivers knows fundraisers. When he joined with David Larue of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits to create a new fundraiser they wanted the opposite of the tux and tie group. Switching to cowboy gear and cabernets, Rivers and Larue created the now-annual Cows ‘n Cabs returning for its sixth year on Oct. 22. Featuring cuisine from more than 20 of Florida’s top restaurants, the event benefits the Community Food and Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando. At Winter Park’s West Meadow, the admission is $110. Visit cowsncabs.com

Oct. 22 – Ballroom dance competition supports children in foster care

Community Based Care of Central Florida, the agency overseeing child welfare services in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, will host its annual Dance, Dream & Inspire Ballroom Fundraiser to benefit child victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Including foster care, adoption, mentoring and family empowerment, more than 3,000 children and their families are in CBCCF’s care – every day. It’s at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando and tickets are $23 to $125. Call 321-441-2322 or visit DanceDreamInspire.com

Oct. 25 – Central Florida American Guild of Organists Spooktacular

Organists sometimes play just for fun, and that is exactly what 11 organists will do as they present the annual free American Guild of Organists Halloween Spooktacular at the Chapel on the 18th floor of Lutheran Towers at 300 East Church Street in Orlando. And there’s more. Spirits tell me this year an extraordinary Halloween treat will be offered to a lucky organ student attending the concert. Visit cfago.org

Oct. 26 – Capital Grille invites us to ‘Year of the Steak’ at Second Harvest Food Bank

Executive chef of Capital Grille Michael LaDuke will present a magnificent five-course menu celebrating the "Year of the Steak" at Second Harvest Food Bank with proceeds benefitting Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program. The program provides the formerly unemployed with skills to obtain a position in food service. Capital Grille, known for comfortable elegance, serves nationally renowned dry-aged steaks, and for this event, Chef Michael brings that renown to the Community Kitchen to raise funds for a great cause. Tickets are $125. Call 407-514-1048 or email [email protected] 

Oct. 28, 29 & 30 – Orlando Ballet’s ‘Dracula’

The Orlando Ballet always has fun with Halloween, and choreographer Michael Pink’s celebrated ballet “Dracula” combines the horror of Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 story with dramatic choreography, theatrical sets, and a colorful score by Philip Feeney. This familiar story of seduction and transformation is on pointe and as expressive as a silent movie. Consider it an invitation you cannot refuse. Call 844-513-2014 or by visit drphillipscenter.org

Oct. 29 – “Masterpiece Moments at Mead”

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic dinners to Mead Botanical Garden to enjoy Performing Arts of Maitland’s premiere event “Masterpiece Moments at Mead,” at 1500 S. Denning Dr. in Winter Park. Now in its 4th year, this free concert offers music of many styles in a beautiful outdoor setting. This family, community, and “date night” event presents the Baroque Chamber Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Maitland Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Winter Park and Lykes Insurance, call 321-303-1404 for more information.  

Oct. 30 – Magic Men Live at the Bob Carr

“Magic Men Live” invites ladies to let loose in a fun-filled environment for a night with thrilling production numbers and sexy choreography set to the hottest music. This sophisticated approach to ladies night offers an exciting cabaret show filled with comedy, sexy dancing, audience participation, and serious muscle. The experience is enhanced with state of the art lighting and sound to captivate women of all ages. Call 844-513-2014. Contains adult material (age 18 and up).

In spite of Matthew …

Garth Brooks – Hurricane Matthew may have pushed us around some, but it was Garth Brooks who captivated the hearts of his adoring fans at Orlando’s Amway Center. Ensuring guest safety, two of Garth Brooks’ four shows (Oct 6 & 7) were rescheduled, condensing the 4-day schedule into two days. “King Garth” stepped on to the stage and delivered four legendary concerts that blew Matthew further out into the Atlantic. Following an 18-year absence from Orlando, the number one-selling solo artist in U.S. history overtook three Amway Center top spots including highest paid single-show attendance, highest paid multi-show attendance and highest grossing concession sales. Brooks also moved into place as the second highest grossing concert at Amway Center. That, Mr. Brooks, is “Orlando Strong.”

Dr. Phillips Philanthropy – On Oct. 14 Chicago’s Second City Comedy Troupe came to the Dr. Phillips Center to celebrate 55 years of satire with a show of comedy sketches and improvs about Orlando. Not only were we treated to la crème de la crème of contemporary comedy, but we were able to see real philanthropy in action. The two-performance event was sponsored by Kathie and Bill Hohns, and it happened that Oct. 14 was Bill Hohns’ birthday. The Hohns are among the finest of philanthropists. They don’t just give money; they involve themselves in how that money can make lives better. Kathie and Bill designated that their support of Second City should include a week of workshops from the Troupe with 19 fortunate young people from Central Florida – and then those 19 Central Floridians earned the amazing experience of using what they learned with some “on-stage time” to wonderful applause. After thank yous all round, and a beautiful seven-part-harmony “Happy Birthday” sung to Bill, Kathy Ramsberger stepped up to remind the students, their mothers and fathers, and the Hohns that this kind of giving allows our beautiful Dr. Phillips Center to live up to its motto of, “Art for All People.” Happy birthday Bill Hohns, and THANK YOU for showing us “how it’s done.”

Horatio Alger Association – Oct. 15 was another extraordinary evening at the Doctor Phillips Center as “Amour-Three Voices from Broadway to the Stars” introduced many of us to three of the most beautiful voices we ever heard perform live. Mario Frangoulis, George Perris, Deborah Myers and our own Orlando Philharmonic led by Eric Jacobsen presented a performance filmed live for broadcast on PBS. The evening was created by the Horatio Alger Association; a scholarship organization which Host Harvey Massey announced had raised $250,000 for Central Florida students. Hosts Clarence Otis, Jr. and James Seneff, Jr. added that the Association awards 2000 scholarships annually, and a total of $125 million has been awarded since 1984. Should you wish to donate, please visit horatioalger.org