Josh Garrick: Culture for your Calendar

Opening tonight – until July 31 – Double forces present ‘The Student Prince’

The double forces of Central Florida Vocal Arts and the Orlando Light Opera will join to bring operetta back to the stage with a production of “The Student Prince.” A perfect blend of opera and musical theater, “The Student Prince” is one of the most beloved operettas of all time. Acclaimed tenor Daniel Gerdes will play the Prince and Marina Jurica will play Kathie in the operetta to be performed at the jewel box Annie Russell Theater on the Rollins College campus. Tickets are available at central-florida-vocal-arts.ticketleap.com/the-student-prince/

July 29 & Aug. 26 – Free MoviEola Film Series

The free outdoor movie series in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park begins at 6 p.m. on chosen Fridays with activities and music from Mix 105.1. Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and the whole family to enjoy free movies including July 29: “Jurassic World,” and Aug. 26: “Minions.” You’ll want to arrive early to secure your spot. The movie begins promptly at 8:15 p.m. Call 407-246-4484 or visit cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola

July 30 – Russian Ballet Orlando presents ‘Swan Lake’

The Dr. Phillips Center welcomes back the local company Russian Ballet Orlando and its charming production of “Swan Lake.” Under the spell of an evil magician, Odette and other young ladies are swans by day and women by night. Odette must find someone to promise undying love for her so the spell can be broken. The production includes magic, romance, an evil sorcerer, the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, and beautiful swans dancing on pointe. Presented by a non-profit pre-professional ballet company based in Orlando, Russian Ballet Orlando is the bridge from student to professional performer. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now through summer – The puzzling Mindbender Mansion at Orlando Science Center

Visitors to the Mindbender Mansion at the Orlando Science Center are greeted by Mr. E., Master Brainteaser, who explains how to gather hidden clues and secret passwords. Perfect for the whole family, visitors find tabletop brainteasers they can solve on their own and larger group challenges including the Feeding Frenzy-Kitchen, a Flying Machine, Spelling-Hopscotch (with letter squares that light up), and the Amazing Maze. There are 40 brainteasers and five full-body-and-mind activities in the exhibit. Complete the tasks and your young ones can add their portraits to the “Wall of Fame.” Visit osc.org

Now through Aug. 7 – Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ at Orlando Rep

The Rep goes under the sea with the full Broadway version of this classic musical. Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen and one of the most beloved animated films of all time, the mermaid Ariel sees Prince Eric and wants to be “part of (his) world.” Making a bargain with a witch, Ariel becomes human, but loses something precious. This love story features a brilliant score including “She’s In Love,” “Kiss the Girl,” and more. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Now to Aug. 14 – ‘Pop Art Prints’ at Mennello Museum of American Art

In 1962 New York Art dealer Leo Castelli first showed pop art in his gallery, and it was immediately embraced by the audience who responded to its bright colors and commentaries made on the culture of the time. Printmaking was an ideal medium for the Pop artists, with the benefit that print editions made the work affordable to a larger audience. “Pop Art Prints” at the Mennello presents 37 prints from the Smithsonian Museum’s permanent collection. The Mennello is at 900 East Princeton Street in Orlando. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Now through Aug. 21 – Winter Park Playhouse Presents Musical ‘I Love My Wife’

The Tony award-winning Broadway musical “I Love My Wife” is set in New Jersey during the 1970s’ sexual revolution with the comedy revolving around two suburban couples attempting to spice up their sex lives but not quite moving beyond the picket fence. The top-notch cast of singer-actors includes Heather Alexander, Natalie Cordone, Michael Colavolpe, and Shawn Kilgore with comedy veteran Michael Edwards directing. Recommended for mature audiences. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Aug. 3 – Maxwell at the Dr. Phillips Center

Maxwell redefined classic soul in 1996 when he released his critically acclaimed debut album “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite” that earned Grammy nominations, double platinum status and RIAA gold for the single, “Ascension.” To date, Maxwell has achieved 13 gold and platinum certifications from the RIAA, and Maxwell’s new album, “blackSUMMERS’night” was released just days ago along with the generous news that ticket purchasers to his Aug. 3 concert at the Dr. Phillips Center (who provide a valid email address), will receive a copy of the album. Get your tickets – and album – by calling 844-513-2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org

Aug. 5 to 28 – ‘The Big Meal’ at the Mad Cow Theatre

“The Big Meal” is a big-hearted play that spans nearly 80 years in 90 minutes, while telling the extraordinary story of an ordinary family. Somewhere in America, Sam and Nicole meet. Sparks fly, and so begins Dan LeFranc’s expansive new play that tells of five generations of a modern family. The Mad Cow Theatre is on the second floor at 54 W. Church Street in Downtown Orlando. Recommended. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Aug. 6 – ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest’

The acclaimed “Symphony of the Goddesses” returns to the Dr. Phillips Center with new inclusions from “A Link Between Worlds” and new game-play imagery. Those new to “Symphony” will also have the opportunity to experience the beautifully orchestrated four-movement symphonic work from last season which chronicles fan-favorite moments from the franchise's rich history, expertly timed with a larger-than-life video presentation. A special meet and greet package is available for this concert. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Aug. 8 – Duo Sole: Music and Dance – Tangos & Flamencos

In this smoldering concert with dance, Duo Solé (Alexander Stevens and Mauricio Céspedes, Principal Second Violin and Principal Viola) will “showcase some of the most beautiful Bolivian, Argentinean, and Spanish music ever written,” says Cespedes. “The first half of the program will showcase Bolivian music and Argentinean Tangos, with dancers Ernesto and Jenny Caballero from Alborea Dances. The second half showcases Spanish music, with Argentinean Tangos by Alberto and Selena Hoyos from Tango Orlando. The concert represents a diverse and talented community coming together to build something great.” Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

and Looking Ahead …

Aug. 27– Taste of the Nation – Orlando

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. Buy a ticket and help!