Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Nov. 28 – Today – A happy Thanksgiving Day for all

More than 25,000 meals will be served today at the Salvation Army at 440 W. Colonial Drive as Golden Corral offers its 21st annual Helpings from the Heart Thanksgiving Dinner. For 21 years Eric Holm, president of Metro Corral Partners, has given back to the community, serving free Thanksgiving Day meals at the Salvation Army. All are invited for the free meals, which begin at 11 a.m. and are served through 5 p.m. Please pass along this information to any who may need it, and should you wish to volunteer, please call 407-423-8581.

Now through Dec. 29 — ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ at Orlando Rep

That shiny red nose leads the way to the Orlando Repertory Theater (the REP) as the characters and songs from the classic television special remind us that being different can be a very good thing. In addition, the REP will hold a Holiday Family Gala on Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. featuring a decorate-your-cupcake station, a free photo-booth, an angel tree, prize drawings, and a meet-and-greet with Santa, followed by a private performance of “Rudolph.” Call 407-896-7365.

Nov. 30 – ‘Home for the Holidays’ with the Orlando Philharmonic

For two performances only, the Orlando Philharmonic will present their annual “Home for the Holidays” concert featuring The Holiday Singers, Florida Opera Children’s Chorus, dancers, bagpipers, aerialist Amanda Cariotto – and the orchestra on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. “Home for the Holidays” will include seasonal favorites like “The Little Drummer Boy,” along with classical selections and a special performance of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a food item to help restock the Second Harvest Food Bank. Performances are at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

Dec. 3 to 8 – ‘Flashdance – The Musical’

“Flashdance – The Musical,” the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that “defined a generation,” will be presented at the Bob Carr PAC from Dec. 3 through 8. With electrifying dance at its core, “Flashdance” is the story of Alex Owens, a steel mill worker by day and a bar dancer by night, with dreams of becoming a professional performer. Thirty years ago the film was a worldwide cultural phenomenon, with a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. Now, in addition to those original hits, 16 new songs have been written for the stage. For tickets, visit OrlandoBroadway.com or call 407-704-6116.

Dec. 3 – The 20th Anniversary of APARTMENT E

Frankie Messina, the talented Maestro behind APT E, will celebrate 20 years of everything we love about Orlando as he does what he does best – bringing talented and diverse people together for pure connecting. Frankie promises to celebrate APT E's 20th anniversary with surprises galore, and it’s free to get in. Frankie offers, “No pretense, no games – bring 20 friends, your talent, your passions, and your love for Orlando” to the Peacock Room beginning at 8 p.m. at 1321 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. Visit apartmente.com

Dec. 3 – Free lecture at Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Dr. Gary Vikan, medieval arts scholar and former director of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, will speak about his celebrated tenure at that Museum on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Dr. Vikan is credited with transforming the Walters Museum; renovating two buildings, re-installing (and acquiring) important collections, and raising millions of dollars for improvements and endowments. Dr. Vikan will share his story of challenges and successes at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum on the Rollins College Campus in Winter Park. Call 407-646-2526 or visit cfam.rollins.edu

Dec. 4 to 29 – ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater invites Florida audiences to share the holiday cheer of Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Performed as a 1940s radio broadcast, “Wonderful Life” runs from Dec. 4 through 29. Inspired by the beloved Frank Capra film, “Wonderful Life” includes an ensemble of five actors who bring to life a dozen characters in the style of a radio broadcast complete with commercial jingles. Now we can fall in love all over again with George Bailey and the angel who saves his life on Christmas Eve. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Dec. 5 – Christmas in the Park – in Winter Park

Of all the magical nights of our holiday season, Dec. 5 stands out as the 35th time the Morse Museum will present its free Christmas in the Park event. Beginning at precisely 6:15 p.m., the Museum’s Tiffany windows are turned on as thousands of people gather in Central Park for a unique celebration of art and music. The Museum will ‘exhibit’ nine illuminated Tiffany windows as the 160-voice Bach Festival Choir presents a joyous Holiday concert and children search among the illuminated windows for the one in which ‘Father Christmas’ holds the Christ child. Call 407-645-5311 or visit Morsemuseum.org

Dec. 5 – 1st Thursdays: Art Under $200

‘Tis the Season at the Orlando Museum of Art where the 1st Thursday Art Party, under the leadership of arts patron Ed Herbst, introduces new and established artists to those partiers who know they can find wonderful and original art for bargain prices. That is especially true for the 1st Thursday in December where all of the art shown is priced less than $200. Think holiday gifts, think original art, think support for the artists in Central Florida, and think how much sense that makes for everyone this holiday season. Call 407-896-4231 or visit Omart.org

Dec. 6 to Jan. 5 – ‘The Light in the Piazza’ at Mad Cow Theater

Set in Rome in 1953, “The Light in the Piazza” is the story of a young American tourist, traveling with her mother, who meets and falls in love with a young Italian. The mother opposes the affair for reasons that become apparent as the musical unfolds. With music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rodgers, “Light in the Piazza” won six Tony Awards in 2005. Presented by Mad Cow Theater from Dec. 6 to Jan. 5, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407-297-8788.