Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now 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 who come together in 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,” you’ll have the time of your life at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. There are only four performances left.


Now to April 3 – Dirty Dancing’s ‘Time of Her Life’ Prom Dress Drive

I love this idea. The Dr. Phillips Center, the Abracadabra Foundation and the cast of “Dirty Dancing” are collecting good-condition gowns/dresses to be given to Central Florida’s economically-challenged, young high school women so they can have the “time of their lives” at their upcoming prom. Donors receive a tax exemption and a special ‘thank you’ from the cast of “Dirty Dancing.” Drop off dresses at the Dr. Phillips box office during box office hours or as early as 90 minutes prior to each performance of “Dirty Dancing.” For more, please visit drphillipscenter.org or abracadabrafoundation.com

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


I admit it. “Heathers the Musical” is one of my guilty pleasures. 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, kinky love, comedy and some great songs with the anguish of high school bullying. Call 407-920-4034 to RSVP to pay cash at the door

Now to April 24 – Women in the Arts celebrates the winners

The impressive Women in the Arts annual exhibit and competition is on display at the Orlando Public Library (downtown) free and open to the public. On Saturday, March 26, a meet the artist reception was held with Director Maria Guerrero introducing the panel of judges who had chosen first through sixth place ribbons. Lillian Verkins, no stranger to blue ribbons having won several at the Orlando Museum of Art, was announced as the first place, blue ribbon winner. Congratulations to Lillian and all the artists. The free exhibit remains through April 24. Visit womeninthearts.org/art-competition

Now 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 plays 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 April 1 at 6:45 p.m. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

March 31 – Eureka! When art and science collide … and discuss 


Brad Biggs’ annual Group Art exhibit, currently a “hit” at the City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando, features art inspired by science and created by professional artists, along with advanced students from Lake Highland Prep. On March 31 at 6 p.m., 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

Trust me. No April Fool’s here. The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 30th annual Bacchus Bash – their large 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, and money raised comes from top-end restaurants showing off gourmet food samples and mixed drink concoctions that run from an affordable $2 to $5 each. Call 407-313-5000.

April 1, 3 & 5 – ‘The Magic Flute’ – Mozart’s opera entertainment

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 “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.” In three performances 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 emerging Florida artists

The Henao Contemporary Center will present “Emerging Waves,” an exhibition of works by seven Florida artists: John Baker, Michael Covello, Osvaldo Yero Dominguez, Diego Inkusual, Jacoub Reyes, Jordan Senarens, and Jonathan Yubi. From a finalist in the 2015 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art to a new way of viewing photography, the unique works exemplify how artists ‘speak’ to their viewers. An opening reception – public invited – is set for Friday, April 1, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Henao Center at 5601 N. Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Call 407-272-0317 or visit henaocenter.com

April 2 – The fifth annual Fort Pierce Oyster Festival


One of the wonderful things about where we live is our proximity to shoreline all around our beautiful state … and shoreline means fresh seafood. The Sea-Life Habitat Improvement Project will present the annual Fort Pierce Oyster Fest on April 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the waterfront with wonderful oysters, seafood, live music, arts, crafts, science symposiums, a children's area, the Great Coconut Float Race and loads of family fun. These terrific folks save the oyster shells for the St. Lucie Oyster Reefing efforts in the Indian River Lagoon so – “eat more oysters and save our shoreline.” Visit ftpierceoysterfest.com

April 2 – Spencers: Theatre of Illusion

Spencer’s 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 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 at 2 and 7 p.m. on April 2, Spencer will be in the community, visiting hospitals and schools with his ‘Healing of Magic Workshops.’ Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

April 3 – Central Florida Watercolor Society presents Vladislav Yeliseyev

The Central Florida Watercolor Society will offer a sample of their up-coming workshop by the award-winning artist and instructor Vladislav Yeliseyev. Classically trained, Yeliseyev is founder of the Renaissance School of Art in Sarasota. An exhibiting member of the American and Florida Watercolor Societies, his work is shown in galleries in Sarasota and Venice. The demo is open to the public with a $10 charge to non-members in the Marvel Building at 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland on April 3 at 1:30 p.m. Visit centralfloridawatercolor.org

April 4 to May 15 – ‘Junie B. Jones – The Musical’ at Orlando Rep

Back with an all-new show, its Junie B’s first day of first grade and several things have changed for Ms. Junie B. Her friend Lucille does not want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly lunch-lady and a ‘Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal’ and you understand the level of first grade excitement. (Production length is one hour.) Visit orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365.

April 5 – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual State of the City Address

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites the Central Florida community to his 2016 State of the City Address at 10:30 a.m. on April 5. That would be the mayor whose foresight gave us the highest ranked arena in the nation, a big-time renovation of the Citrus Bowl, a giant sculpture walk around Lake Eola, Orlando’s own soccer league, and the crown jewel of a Performing Arts Center so successful that it served more guests than any predictions foretold – all before being honored nationally for his service to the arts. His Honor’s State of the City Address gives Mayor Dyer the opportunity to share the city’s current and future plans. It gives us a chance to say thank you to the greatest mayor in the world at Orlando City Hall. Visit cityoforlando.net.

April 7 to May 7 – Elephant and Piggie's ‘We are in a Play!’

Based on his much celebrated children’s books, Mo Willems has created a new musical for BFF friends Elephant and Piggie, who sing and dance their way through the mystery and suspense of life’s fundamental questions. Can you share ice cream? Can two friends play with one toy? Fortunately songs get sung and questions get answered – with audience participation. Arrive with your young ones one half hour before the show and join cast members to ‘Shake Out The Sillies.’ Good idea! That pre-show shaking can mean more enjoyment for the whole family, right, mom? At the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

April 9 – ‘Jill’s Cashbox’ in free concert at Dr. Phillips Center

The first free spring Florida Blue Concert at 5 p.m. on April 9 features Jill’s Cashbox, a six-piece band with a deep love of country music. Sharing its members’ mutual love for telling the stories of their lives through music, their rock/country performances have inspired a devoted fan base over the past five years. “Jill’s Cashbox is an absolutely fantastic live ensemble,” cheers Today & Tonight Magazine, “…returning to what the root of country music is…’story tellin’ and painting a picture about life down South, good lovin’ country music that’s good for the soul!” The concert is free – no tickets required.

April 11 – Symphony Story Time – ‘The Tortoise & The Hare’

In a new program for children presented by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, pre-school through second graders are invited to Symphony Story Time, a new series of short orchestral concerts based on children’s stories including “The Tortoise & the Hare.” These interactive concerts feature actors, narrators, and orchestra musicians who invite parents and children to arrive 30 minutes early to The Plaza Live Theatre at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando for activities such as an “instrument petting zoo” where children can touch (and play) real instruments. Schools and groups call 407-896-6700, ext. 232. Regular admission is $9. The April 11 shows are at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org