Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through Aug. 18 – Breakthrough Theatre presents Sondheim’s ‘Company’

Sophisticated, sarcastic, and New-York-City-cynical to the extreme, Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” not only turned the composer into the Broadway composer of the late 20th century, but it is the trailblazer of the dark-but-funny modern musical comedies. On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state, only to have his married friends explain their views of taking on a spouse. Breakthrough Theatre is at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-920-4034.

Tonight – Aug. 7 – 1st Thursday means ‘equality’ at OMA

Orlando’s original art party is the award-winning 1st Thursdays presented by the Orlando Museum of Art’s volunteer group. Beginning at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, OMA showcases new artwork (for sale), live music and tastings from area restaurants. Aug. 7 presents “Art in EQUALITY,” acknowledging that true equality in gender, race and sexual orientation is paramount to a well-rounded community. Artists will showcase diversity and equality in their art, and guests may vote on their choice for artist prizes. Also on that evening, OMA will partner with Echo Interaction to present the My OMA Guide app, which allows museum patrons to use the app – with their personal phone – as a walking tour guide. Call 407-896-4231 or visit omart.org

Tonight – Aug. 7 – Crosby, Stills & Nash – and Young at the Bob Carr

While each of the trio's constituents was either the front man or principal songwriter in a popular '60s group, none of them could have foreseen that their artistic (and commercial) triumphs as a threesome would eclipse any of their previous efforts. Nor would any of them have considered harmonizing together as Crosby, Stills & Nash more than 40 years later. CSN was a super-group when they played Woodstock in 1969, but Bethel was only the beginning for CSN, whose unique rock hymns defined a generation. Their voices set a new standard for the anti-establishment pop ballad. Now these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are back – promoting CSNY: 1974, a CD/DVD box of their best music – on a summer tour. They’ll be at the Bob Carr on Aug. 7. Visit crosbystillsnash.com

Aug. 8 – Good Morning Winter Park

Good Morning Winter Park is the popular, monthly breakfast gathering where residents and community leaders interact for insights on timely topics and networking. Free and open to the public, the meeting on Aug. 8 begins at 7:45 a.m. with a complimentary continental breakfast. At 8:15 a.m. Denise Weathers will speak to the group about affordable housing, the role of the Community Land Trust, access to affordable homeownership and historic preservation. At the Winter Park Welcome Center, call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

Aug. 8 to Sept. 5 – ‘Radiance: A Solo Exhibit by Monte Olinger’ at Jai Gallery

Jai Gallery will present a solo exhibition exploring the work of painter-designer Monte Olinger, who was recently named "one of the most influential designers shaping Central Florida" by Orlando Business Journal. Olinger calls himself a storyteller who finds inspiration in both the cultural and natural worlds, the inner child in all of us and his personal challenges coping with a lifelong disability. Fifteen of his works will be shown at the opening set for Aug. 8 beginning at 6 p.m. at Jai Gallery at 47 E. Robinson St. in Orlando. Please RSVP to the director by contacting [email protected] or by calling 407-921-0693.

Aug. 8 to Sept. 7 – ‘The History Boys’ at Mad Cow

“The History Boys,” set in Northern England in the 1980s, explores the anarchy of adolescence and the very purpose of education. It’s also shot through with Alan Bennett’s wit and humanity. The play premiered in London in 2004, going on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Play and the Tony Award for Best Play. The play follows a group of students preparing for exams under the guidance of three teachers with distinctly contrasting styles. “The History Boys” will be performed at the Mad Cow Theatre from Aug. 8 to Sept. 7. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Aug. 9 – Taste of the Nation – Orlando

On Aug. 9 at 6:45 p.m., Taste of the Nation brings together the area's top chefs who donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in Central Florida. Along with extraordinary food, guests sample select wines while enjoying auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit tasteofthenation.org/orlando and/or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste. We can all buy a ticket and help.

Aug. 14 – Sneak Peak at Park Avenue Fashion Week 2014

Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Florida’s fashion elite in a toast to Harriett Lake on Aug. 14 beginning at 6 p.m. Harriett’s Happy Hour offers a sneak peak at Park Avenue Fashion Week 2014 with cocktails, couture and photos with Harriett and her signature hats. Now in its eighth season, Park Avenue Fashion Week offers trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, and VIP parties. The grand finale is a runway show in Central Park set for Nov. 1. Tickets may be purchased at winterpark.org. “That is all.”

And planning ahead …

Aug. 16 to Nov. 30 – “Frankly my Dear...”

The Orange County History Center will host “Gone With the Wind: Reel to Real,” an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of one of the most popular films ever made. The exhibit will include original costumes and artifacts of the film from the collection of James Tumblin, former head of Universal Studios’ makeup department. Tumblin started his collection in 1962 when he purchased a dress that was about to be thrown away only to learn later the dress had been worn by actress Vivien Leigh. Tumblin’s collection now includes more than 300,000 items. The exhibit runs from Aug. 16 to Nov. 30 at the History Center. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org