Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now to Jan. 29 – ‘Wicked’ – at the Dr. Phillips Center

Broadway’s “Wicked,” one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time, continues to break box office records around the world … and in Orlando! Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” tells the story of two girls in the Land of Oz. How one becomes the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ and the other becomes ‘Glinda the Good’ makes for one great Broadway musical. This performance is very highly recommended. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now to Feb. 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare

Years of planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia, and Vivienne’s decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century ‘myth’ about a White Egret who protects forest animals as they lose their memories. Steve Yockey’s new play “Blackberry Winter” is a moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human work being presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now to Feb. 18 – ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love?’ at the Winter Park Playhouse

Written and created by Roger Bean, this songfest takes place at a bachelorette party where best friends share their thoughts about love, marriage and the dating game. Featuring hits from the 1960’s including "My Boy Lollipop," "I Will Follow Him," "Hey There Lonely Boy," and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" this musical comedy reaffirms that true friendship is the key to everlasting love. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now to Feb. 19 - Picasso, Einstein and Steve Martin walk into the Mad Cow Theatre…

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” comic-genius-playwright Steve Martin’s first full-length play, takes place in 1904 in a Paris bar and popular hangout for artists. The play explores creativity, physics, and one-night stands, as worlds (and words) collide in this fictional meeting between Pablo Picasso (on the verge of creating Cubism) and Albert Einstein (about to publish his Theory of Relativity). With Steve Martin’s offbeat humor, the 20th century is born through the eyes of a funny man. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Now to April 20 – The dinos are here! The dinos are here!

There’s a bit of “Jurassic Park” at Leu Gardens as we discover what life was like millions of years ago thanks to the artistry of Guy Darrough, who creates dinosaur figures that look just as the real ones did when they ruled the Earth. Your family can experience these creatures up-close-and-personal as the dinos may be found throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens. A free, self-guided DinoHunt Guide is available for paleontologists of all ages. Visit leugardens.org

Jan. 20 – Opening – The Wyeths and ‘American Artists in Maine’

As a child, paintings by the Wyeth family constituted my first understanding of the difference between photography, photo-realism, and ‘realistic’ fine art. In a new exhibit the Orlando Museum of Art will honor the Wyeth family, the 100th anniversary of Andrew Wyeth’s birth, and “American Artists in Maine” drawn from the collection at the Farnsworth Art Museum. An entrance fee of $10 includes a first look at the exhibit and a lecture by Michael Komanecky, chief curator at the Farnsworth. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Call 407-896-4231, ext. 230, or visit OMART.org

Jan. 21 – Orlando Philharmonic honors American composer John Adams

With Eric Jacobsen conducting, the Orlando Philharmonic honors American composer John Adams with performances of two of his best-known works. The first half of this celebratory program also includes the first Orlando Philharmonic performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3.

Colton Peltier, a brilliant young pianist studying at Juilliard, will make his Orlando Philharmonic debut, playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. At the Bob Carr Theater at 8 p.m., call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan. 23 – Battle of the big bands – Glenn Miller vs. Tommy Dorsey orchestras

The Lake Mary High School Auditorium will time-travel its audience to “The Battle of the Big Bands” between the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In the tradition of the big band battles from the ’30s and ’40s, the two bands take the stage in a back-and-forth competition that showcases jazz, swing, and favorite standards. The clear winner is the audience. Tickets start at $30 online at brownpapertickets.com/event/2627175 or call 321-441-9135, ext. 2, for group sales. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 – ‘In the Mood’… for the big band sound

This nostalgic ride to the music of the 1940s begins aboard the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” straight to “Tuxedo Junction.” “In The Mood” is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrews Sisters and all the big band greats. Complete with period costumes and choreography, the show celebrates the brassy, patriotic music of the World War II era performed by a 13-piece band and six singer-dancers. In two performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Carr Theater, call 844-513-2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 27 – Zora Neale Hurston: A theatrical biography at the Dr. Phillips Center

Direct from New York City “Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography” is a revival of the award-winning New York production of the Laurence Holder play. Elizabeth Van Dyke stars in the production directed by Woodie King Jr. with this performance serving as a benefit for Eatonville’s “ZORA Festival.” Celebrating Hurston's 125th birthday, the annual festival is produced by the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 31 – Dr. Phillips Center presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

The original ‘Jersey Boy,’ Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles including “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night,” and “Grease.” His songs have anchored iconic movies, and over 200 artists have done cover versions of his work. Back by popular demand, his sold out show last year paid tribute to a unique voice that is still going strong for the audiences who love him. The Jan. 31 show begins at 7:30 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

And looking ahead …

Feb. 1 to 4 – Tables Extraordinaire at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Over four special days – from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – this unique event showcases 30 creatively exquisite table settings while offering handmade-with-love Greek culinary delights for lunch, dinner or take-out. You can also bid on auction items, purchase internationally acclaimed artwork, and attend a fabulous gala dinner. The gala and silent auction cap off a marvelous fun-raising weekend benefiting the Florida Hospital Transplant Institute, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. For tickets or information, visit Tables-Extraordinaire.com

Feb. 4 – The 25th annual Chef’s Gala supporting United Way

The funds raised at this exemplary fundraiser support United Way’s much needed work in education, income, and health programs that serve thousands of Central Floridians in need. Recognized as a premiere food and wine-pairing event, Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala features exquisite cuisine from more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs, along with fine wines, live music and a silent auction. Hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, 2017’s participating restaurants include Artist Point, K Restaurant, STK Orlando at Disney Springs and Todd English’s bluezoo among many others. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $275 (individual) and $500 (couples). Call 407-835-0900 or message [email protected]