Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through Dec. 9 – Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Company’

Amidst the holiday shows there are four performances left of the musical “Company” – the show that made Stephen Sondheim a theatre icon and changed Broadway musicals forever. Congrats to Artistic Director Nicholas Murphy as he directs his first musical and for creating Cornerstone, a new theater company here in Central Florida. Special mention goes to Janae Riha as “Amy,” and to Angel Allen as “Joanne.” The production is presented at the Shakespeare Theater complex in Orlando. Visit cornerstonetheatrecompany.com

Dec. 6 – Orlando Museum of Art’s Art Under $200

Deck your walls with art – each piece sold for less than $200 - during 1st Thursday’s Art Under $200 - 'Tis the Season event on Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. With original works for sale, this art holiday sale is perfect for collectors and gift givers of every sort. Enjoy live jazz by The Dave Capp Project and savor Orchid Thai's culinary fare. Handcrafted beers and wine will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 (free for OMA Members), with free parking. Call 407-896-4231, extension 260, or visit OMArt.org

Dec. 6-23 – PB&J Theatre Factory in the Spirit of the Season

PB&J Theatre Factory has packed the entire holiday season into one evening in the comedy “Sleigh.” First, a young woman brings her beau home to meet her family while a pair of shopkeepers redefines “rivalry.” Finally, three determined mail carriers fight the elements (and each other) to make a delivery. “Sleigh” is a family show suitable for all ages, and will be presented from Dec. 6 to 23 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater at 812 E. Rollins St. Call 407-722-7037 or visit pbjtheatrefactory.com

Dec. 7 – Hannibal Square event benefits Orlando Philharmonic

Winter Park’s Hannibal Square Merchants Association will present Hannibal Square Holiday, a food and wine celebration benefiting the Orlando Philharmonic on Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hannibal Square merchants and restaurants, including Chez Vincent, Mi Tomatina, and Tolla’s (each of which has received excellent reviews in these pages), and others, will provide food and wine on New England Avenue while musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic provide seasonal music. Tickets may be purchased at HannibalSquare.com/HolidayEvent or at participating locations.

Dec. 8 – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra holiday benefit

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will once again collaborate with WMKG Local 6 to present a holiday benefit concert in support of the Salvation Army at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. Hosted by WKMG news anchors, and featuring all four FSYO orchestras, the concert presents the sounds of the season and a visit from a very special ho-ho-holiday guest at the Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Admission is free, while a donation to the Salvation Army is suggested. Visit fsyo.org

Dec. 9 – ‘Drop and Shop’ at the History Center

What a concept! Leave your kids at the History Center (in downtown Orlando) while you do your holiday shopping. Children will enjoy an afternoon making crafts, creating gifts and ornaments, exploring holiday traditions, enjoying holiday snacks, and visiting with a very special guest on Dec. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. Staffed by Museum chaperones, the only catch is that you are required to come back to the Museum and pick them up. Contact 407-836-8580 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Dec. 8 and 9 – Lakeridge Winery Wine & Chocolate Festival

Talk about the invitation of the season! Lakeridge Winery will host a Wine & Chocolate Festival on Dec. 8 and 9 featuring live music, an arts & craft show, and award-winning Lakeridge wines. The musical lineup includes two bands each day along with solo performances in the hospitality cellar. Wine tastings, co-sponsored by Godiva, will include a sample of Godiva chocolates inside the production facility, where guests have the opportunity to see the fermentation tanks up-close. Call 352-394-8627 or visitlakeridgewinery.com

Dec. 10 – Bach’s Coffee House with Maestro Christopher Wilkins

Bach’s Coffee House, presented by the Orlando Philharmonic, offers music from the famous chamber music concerts Bach hosted at Zimmermann’s Coffeehouse in Leipzig, Germany. There audiences came to know Bach as an entertainer and inventive programmer – in sharp contrast to Bach’s ‘day-job’ at St. Thomas’ Church. At Zimmermann’s, Bach created more than 500 two-hour programs, and led performances of his own Brandenburg concerti. This program includes Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos No. 1 and 5, an excerpt from his “Coffee Cantata,” as well as works by Telemann and Vivaldi beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec 10 at the Shakespeare Center; 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando. Visit orlandophil.org