Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now to Nov. 11 – ‘Race’ – A courtroom drama

Fresh from Broadway, David Mamet’s controversial courtroom drama “Race” makes its Orlando debut at the Orlando Shakespeare Center in performance through Nov. 11. “Race” begins as a crime mystery, with two attorneys deciding if they want to represent a wealthy white man accused of assaulting a black woman. As the lawyers struggle to find the truth, their own prejudices are exposed. In signature Mamet style, the play pushes buttons, exposing the dark side of racial politics in the American justice system. “Race” contains profanity and racial epithets, and is recommended for adult audiences. The Shakespeare Center is located at Loch Haven Park. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Oct. 13 to April 7 – Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination

This is such a perfect fit for the Orlando Science Center; I can’t wait for the opening. “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination” is a 10,000-square-foot exhibit that explores the technologies depicted in the Star Wars films, the real science behind that technology, and the research that will someday lead to real-life versions of the technologies seen in the films. This must-see exhibit is also the first to display costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies. The exhibit includes hands-on components, including two engineering design labs where visitors can build and test their own speeders and robots. Call 407-514-2112 or visit osc.org

Oct. 13 – Art & History Museums – Maitland Honor the Orlando Magic

Each season the Orange & White Gala is held to benefit The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H). This is especially true now that we @@see@@ all the wonderful renovations and improvements to the museums that have taken place over the past two years. This year the Gala is called the Orange & White (& Blue) Gala, as A&H will honor the Orlando Magic on Oct. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. Corporate tables are available. For tickets, call Devin Dominguez at 407-539-2181, extension 262, or visit ArtandHistory.org

Oct. 15 – The annual Taste of Maitland

It’s the perfect time of year for a stroll around Lake Lily as 40 local restaurants present their finest culinary delights at the Taste of Maitland 2012. Advance tickets are $20 and day-of tickets are $25 at Lake Lily Park. New this year: your friends may buy a table package that includes a linen covered table with eight chairs that not only provides you with all the samplings you can eat, but puts you up close to the live entertainment. Table packages are $299. Call 407-644-0741 or visit maitlandchamber.com

Oct. 18 to Nov. 18 – Chasing George Washington

Originally produced at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., “Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure” is a charming new musical for young audiences. In a tour of the White House, three youngsters accidentally knock George Washington out of his portrait, turning their tour into a living history lesson and an unexpected adventure. As they try to get the nation’s first president back into his painting, the kids encounter other famous White House residents, including Abraham Lincoln and Jackie Kennedy. Together, they learn that the White House isn’t just an historic building — it’s also a home. Chasing will be performed at the Orlando Repertory Theater in Loch Haven Park. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Oct. 18 to Nov. 9 – Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory

CityArts Factory presents the third Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory exhibit opening Third Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 10 p.m. The simultaneous exhibitions feature the work of local artists in the theme of The Day of the Dead and Halloween – including three haunting murals. Pine Street will be closed for live music provided by Tacatantan Records, a Dia de los Muertos procession with sugar skulls and puppets, and a zombie flash mob will get down to “Thriller.” Guests are invited to come in costume with face painting available for a small fee. All artwork is available for purchase and will be on view through Nov. 9. CityArts Factory is at 29 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Visit orlandoslice.com

Oct. 19, 20 and 21 – The Vampires are Havin’ a Ball!

The Orlando Ballet Company invites us to the ”Vampire’s Ball,” a back-by-popular-demand evening of vampires, ghouls (and sexy dancing) with tongue-in-cheek references to existing classical ballets and old-time vampire movies. Just in time for Halloween, and with a musical score ranging from Bach to Adele, these creatures of the night come to life on Oct. 19, 20 and 21. The haunting performance is a brilliant full-length ballet with choreography by Orlando Ballet’s own Artistic Director Robert Hill. Grip your seat as you are glamoured into craving more at the Bob Carr PAC. Visit OrlandoBallet.org