Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now to April 3 – ‘The Whale’ is XXXL in Winter Garden

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

Now 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

Now 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 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 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 25 to April 11 – ‘Heathers the Musical’ at Breakthrough Theater in Winter Park 


OK, I admit it. “Heathers the Musical” is one of my guilty secrets. Based on the 1988 film that made stars of Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, “Heathers the Musical” is the gossipy story of Veronica, a brainy teenager who experiments her way into the most powerful (and evil) clique at Westerberg High. This hilariously homicidal new musical mixes murder, a love story, comedy and some great songs with the anguish of high school bullying. With direction by Angela Cotto, Veronica is played by Elliana Rogers. Call 407-920-4034 to rsvp or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

March 26 – The 62nd annual Winter Park Easter Egg Hunt

Presented by the city of Winter Park, this family fun event provides as much excitement and laughs for adults as it does for the young ones. Children up to 10 years of age may begin lining up at 9:30 a.m. for the free hunt that begins at 10 a.m. Over 10,000 eggs will be placed throughout Central Park’s West Meadow, and children who come up empty-handed will enjoy special treats at the designated candy area. Everyone brings their own basket to the West Meadow of Winter Park’s Central Park. Call 407-599-3334 or visit cityofwinterpark.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 and 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 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.

March 30 to April 20 – The Sanford/Seminole Art Association annual Members Show

In downtown Sanford, at Gallery on First (211 E. First Street), the SSAA will present artwork in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, and photography. A reception will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, with free admission. In addition to works by SSAA members, the exhibit will also feature artwork by students from Seminole County middle schools. Call 407-951-5607 or visit SanfordSeminoleArt.com

March 30 – Free job fair from the Employment Council & Christian Help

We all know at least one or two friends still looking for employment. Please tell those friends about the Central Florida Employment Council CFEC/Christian Help Job Fair where 70 companies will attend with thousands of job openings and volunteers to assist you with your search. Prepare for face-to-face recruiting, hiring, a variety of industries, and openings on all levels. Professional business attire is required, and bring resumes (but no children) to the Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Admission and parking are free to all. Questions? Call 407-834-4022.

March 30 to May 1 – ‘Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike’

Playwright Christopher Durang won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play for this quirky play, and fortunately you do not have to be familiar with the Chekhov play to enjoy this one. References abound, however, as Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in a rural farmhouse. Suddenly their movie-star sister Masha drops in for a surprise visit with her 20-something boy-toy, and the weekend takes on a mix of Chekhovian sensibilities and modern awkwardness that gives us “three siblings and one hot mess.” A free opening night party and pre-show chat is set for 6:45 p.m. on April 1. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

March 31 – An evening with A Gift For Music

Proceeds will support A Gift For Music's tuition-free music instruction for students in need as musicians and concerned friends join on March 31 for an evening of great music, wine and hors d'oeuvres at the home of Judy and David Albertson in Winter Park. Music will be performed by Eric Jacobsen, music director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and internationally acclaimed cellist; Dr. Mauricio Céspedes, principal violist of the Orlando Philharmonic; and Dr. Ayako Yonetani, professor of violin at UCF. The requested donation is $75. Visit AGiftForMusic.org

March 31 – ‘Eureka! The Moment Art and Science Collide’ … and discuss


Brad Biggs’ annual Group Art exhibit, currently at the City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, features artworks inspired by science by professional artists, along with advanced students from Lake Highland Prep. On March 31 Biggs has invited retired Lockheed scientist Ben Hirchenfang, research scientist Jill Smith, and SSC professor Jay Spalding to share their expertise and the relations they see between art and science. The evening is free and the public is invited to the CityArts Factory at 29 S Orange Ave. Call 407-450-2255 or email [email protected]

April 1 – The Bacchus Bash for the CFHLA

No April fools here. The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 30th annual Bacchus Bash – their largest fundraiser of the year – will be held at Orlando Premium Outlets at 8200 Vineland Ave. in Orlando. Having raised over $120,000 last season, CFHLA was able to distribute scholarships and grants to 29 hospitality students and five schools in Central Florida. Admission is free; money raised comes from top-end restaurants showing off gourmet food samples and mixed drink concoctions that run from $2 to $5 each. Call 407-313-5000.

April 1, 3 & 5 – Orlando Philharmonic presents Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’

Begin with music by Mozart conducted by “Maestro Magic” Eric Jacobsen; toss in a host of human, animal, and magical characters; add a hero on a quest and a soprano singing the “sounds of music;” and you have some idea of the fun Mozart created in “Die Zauberflöte.” Today, of course, “The Magic Flute” is considered high opera, but Mozart considered it a form of for-the-public musical comedy created to deliver that all-important message, “Love conquers all.” Performances are at 8 p.m. on April 1; at 2 p.m. on April 3; at 7 p.m. on April 5 at the Orlando Philharmonic’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org for tickets.

April 1 to 30 – ‘Emerging Waves:’ A proper introduction to eight Florida artists

The Henao Contemporary Center will present “Emerging Waves,” an exhibition of works by eight Florida artists: John Baker, Michael Covello, NiceGuy Darrell, Osvaldo Yero Dominguez, Diego Inkusual, Jacoub Reyes, Jordan Senarens, and Jonathan Yubi. From a finalist in the 2015 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art to large-scale illustrations based on children’s dreams and fears, the unique works exemplify how artists speak to their viewers in varying ways and with wildly divergent materials. An opening reception – public invited – is set for 6 p.m. on April 1 at the Henao Center at 5601 N. Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Call 407-272-0317 or visit henaocenter.com

April 2 – ‘Spencers: Theatre of Illusion’

“Spencers: Theatre of Illusion” features extraordinary magician Kevin Spencer and his wife Cindy in a family-friendly show that combines storytelling, illusion, stage magic and audience participation. The Spencers’ appearance last year delighted audiences at the Dr. Phillips Center, and they’ve been invited back to amaze us once again with a program suitable for age 4 and above. Kevin Spencer is a pioneer in using magic for therapeutic purposes, and in the week prior to the two performances, Kevin Spencer will be in the community, visiting hospitals and schools with his “Healing of Magic Workshops.” Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org