Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Tonight – March 17 – Eureka! The moment when art and science collide

Art cognoscenti know to watch for Brad Biggs’ annual Group Art Exhibit opening, this year on March 17 at the City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando. “The Thrill of Discovery” prevails in art-works inspired by geology, entomology, astronomy, chemistry, biology and more. Biggs is known for intriguingly themed exhibits that engage the eye and the mind in equal measure. Works by professional artists, along with advanced students from Lake Highland Prep, will be on display. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. CityArts Factory is at 29 S. Orange Ave. Call 407-450-2255 or email [email protected]

Final week – through March 27 – Shakespearean repertory with ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Pericles’

Orlando’s Shakespeare Theater is thrillingly in the middle of its annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final play “The Tempest,” now in repertory with a fun-filled production of “The Adventures of Pericles,” a modern verse translation of the play by Ellen McLaughlin. The two plays have curious similarities (think pirates and maidens in distress). The audience is invited to arrive 30 minutes before each performance when an actor will lead the audience through a discussion of the plays (time well-spent). Highly recommended. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now to April 24 – Women in the Arts celebrates the ‘Genius of Women’

The annual Women in the Arts Exhibit and Competition, this year dubbed Celebrating the Genius of Women is at the Orlando Public Library – free and open to the public. Recently the finalists were announced, and we are invited to the library to vote for our choice. At 3:30 p.m. on March 26, a meet-the-artist reception will be held at the Library, and the winners will be announced. Be sure to check out the finalist works by treasured friend Lillian Verkins who may be small in stature but who creates big works from her big heart. Congrats to all entrants and winners. Visit womeninthearts.org/art-competition

March 18 to April 17 – Epic Eugene O’Neill at Mad Cow Theatre

The masterwork of one of America’s iconic playwrights, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” fuses tragic drama, psychological autobiography, and self-hating poetry into one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Family patriarch James Tyrone has acquired a small fortune from a one-famous-role acting career, but he “acts” at life by denying the reality of his wife’s drug addiction, his eldest son’s alcoholism, and his youngest son’s imminent death. As in classic Greek tragedy, one single day sees this soul-devouring drama scoff at the very-American pursuit of wealth while ripping off the masks of propriety that allow us to act as if all is well for this “successful” American family. Highly recommended. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

March 18 to April 3 – ‘The Whale’ (and we ain’t talkin’ Moby Dick)

In this multi-award-winning play by Samuel Hunter, a 600-pound recluse hides away while eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a vicious, sharp-tongued, unhappy teenager. In this big-hearted drama, we witness the story of a man's last chance at redemption. Produced by Beth Marshall Presents at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407-877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

March 18 to April 23 – Winter Park Playhouse produces Jerry Herman’s ‘Showtune!’

The much-loved Jerry Herman’s hit Broadway shows will sing and dance their way onto the Winter Park Playhouse stage with “Showtune!,” an internationally popular musical revue of Jerry Herman’s music and lyrics. Recipient of the 2009 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the theater, Jerry Herman wrote the hit Broadway musicals “Hello Dolly!,” “Mame,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “Mack and Mabel,” and more. Michael Edwards will direct, Roy Alan will choreograph and Chris Leavy will music direct. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

March 18, 19 & 20 – Orlando Ballet presents audience-favorite ‘Don Quixote’ ballet

The Orlando Ballet will perform the scenic production of the world’s most vibrant ballet – “Don Quixote,” originally created for the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. Performed to live music by the Orlando Philharmonic, the Orchestra will be conducted by Kansas City Ballet Music Director Ramona Pansegrau, one of the world’s finest ballet conductors. ABT Ballet Master Susan Jones is staging the production based on the 1869 original by Marius Petipa and the 1900 version by Alexander Gorsky. Adiarys Almeida will dance the prima role of Kitri, partnered by Arcadian Broad. The attention lavished on this production is because, second only to “Swan Lake,” a company’s production of “Don Quixote” is the ballet by which companies are judged. Highly recommended. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 19 – Chef John Rivers’ Low-Country Boil

Glory Hallelujah! On March 19, Winter Park neighborhood restaurant The COOP welcomes spring with its first-ever Low-Country Boil. Inspired by a classic Southern recipe, celebrity chef John Rivers and chef de cuisine Whitney Miller will offer their version of this one-pot-dish, which includes a glorious mix of peel-and-eat seafood, corn and potatoes. Samples of Orlando Brewing Company’s most popular beers are included in the $16.99 per-person price. There will be live entertainment, and guests will dine picnic-style on the patio. To RSVP, visit facebook.com/events/1709486692622292/

March 19 – Art portraits by Phyllis Taylor at Beardall Senior Center

Having shown her talent at the Orlando Museum of Art’s recent 1st Thursday event and in the current Osceola Arts Center exhibit, “Celebrating Black Artists,” the largely self-taught Phyllis Taylor will present a demonstration on how her painted portraits are so expressive of the subject and unique in creation. Presented by the Artists League of Orange County, the free event will be at the Beardall Senior Center on Delaney Avenue in Orlando. Call 407-644-0069 or find Phyllis Taylor on Facebook.

March 19 – Bring your ‘Kinky Boots’ to the Sanford Art Walk

Hopefully the recent production of “Kinky Boots” at the Dr. Phillips Center left some boots behind, because they will be perfect for the Art Walk in Sanford on March 19. Drag queens will rule in Sanford with the theme “art is a drag.” Along with original art, Sanford will host a “Drag Queen Guide” at each venue, including Sanford’s own Ashley Satine and Orlando’s Miss Sammy. Visit nine Art Walk locations including the Sanford Welcome Center featuring artist Dlynn Roll; Gallery on First, complete with a Selfie Station; and Jeanine Taylor Folk Art’s paintings by Theresa Disney. And with all those drag queens, of course there is an after-party.

March 19 to 22 — Florida Association of Nonprofits presents the Sunshine Certificate Intensive

Non-profit professionals, supporters, donors and activists will gather at the Doubletree Hotel in East Orlando to participate in the Florida Association of Nonprofits’ Sunshine Certificate Intensive Program. The training system shares best practices, professional skills and most-recent information regarding legislation affecting charities throughout the state. The event features acclaimed storyteller Bob Allen of Ideas Inc. and fundraising strategist Bob Kovacevich of Avatar Company and the “Art of the Ask.” All are welcome. Contact Marina Pavlov-Marchner at [email protected] or call 305-557-1764.

March 19 & 26 – Kevin Kelly’s cabaret at Parliament House

Just look at the adorable smile in that picture. That is a picture of a born entertainer, who happens to have an incredible voice and sense of humor to match. Local favorite Kevin Kelly brings his new cabaret to the Footlight Theatre for two performances only. With the great title, "They Said There'd Be Cake," is cabaret showcases an attempt at navigating a single man's calendar in a partnered world (which is ironic, because Mr. Kelly just entered into a relationship). Totally reliable – I read it on Facebook! The P-House Footlight Theatre is at 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Tickets at phouse.ticketleap.com

March 23 & 24 – Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents ‘STOMP’

A combination of percussion, movement that verges on dance, and visual comedy, “STOMP” is a unique theatrical production. This contemporary rhythmic event, using household and industrial objects as musical instruments, will ask you to re-think all your basic assumptions about dance and percussion instruments. Prepare yourself for loud and aggressive, because that is how these performers perform. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 25, 26 & 27 – Morse Museum’s free Easter weekend open house

The Morse Museum, home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, hosts several open houses throughout the year. Admission is free on these days, offering guests the opportunity to tour the galleries at no charge. The entire Easter weekend is a free open house with hours from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 25, including live music by classical guitarist Josh Englert from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Good Friday; from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26; and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday, March 27. Yes – admission is free.

March 26 – ‘Maestro Magic’ Eric Jacobsen conducts musical majesty

Music Director Eric Jacobsen returns for this majestic finale to the Orlando Philharmonic’s Classics Series in a program celebrating the new versatility of the Orchestra with Wagnerian grandeur, Spanish flair, and a “gallery” of musical reflections. The program will include Wagner’s “Overture to Tannhäuser,” a world premiere work, Ravel’s “Alborada del Gracioso” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Highly recommended. Presented in the Bob Carr Theater, call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

March 29 to April 3 – The classic ‘Dirty Dancing’ live

Nobody puts you in the corner if you get your tickets to “Dirty Dancing” on-stage – an unprecedented live experience, exploding with music, passion, romance and sensational dancing. Already seen by millions, this smash hit musical tells the story of two young lovers from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Do You Love Me?” and “I’ve Had The Time of My Life,” this theatrical sensation will give you the time of your life at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.