Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Today – Nov. 17 – Laura Hodos cabaret at the Winter Park Playhouse

Another “feel-like-you’re-in-New York” entertainment option at The Winter Park Playhouse is their Cabaret Series where the charming Laura Hodos is the featured cabaret performer for November. A three-time Carbonell Award nominee, Laura is thrilled to be the first performer to create a solo cabaret show for Walt Disney World. Tickets are $20 with reservations strongly recommended. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov. 18 & 20 – Donizetti’s ‘Don Pasquale’ by Opera Orlando

Opera Orlando’s first full season opens with “Don Pasquale,” a delightful comedy with the clever subhead "Pride and Foolishness." This comedy from the 19th century features Metropolitan Opera singer Peter Strummer and Dennis Jesse as Malatesta. David Margulis and Bridgette Gan play the young lovers. Laughter mixed with the beauty of bel canto from opera's golden age is a great way to begin a series. Call 844-513-2014.

Nov. 18 to Dec. 18 – George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ at Mad Cow Theatre

Yes – this is the George Bernard Shaw play that gave us “My Fair Lady” – this time performed as Shaw wrote it. Without the songs, we get to more clearly see Shaw’s observations on the British class system, gender stereotypes, and middle-class morality. Shaw’s most popular play – that gave us Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle – is an entertaining holiday treat from the elves at Mad Cow Theatre. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Nov. 19 & 20 – Arcadian Broad’s ‘Beauty & the Beast’

Presented by the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, the Orlando Ballet's “Beauty & the Beast” is a re-interpretation of the classic tale, illustrating the power of love through inventive choreography and a cast of mythic characters. With original music composed by Orlando’s own Arcadian Broad, young Broad literally made history as he created both the music and the choreography for this highly recommended new ballet. Call 407-877-4736. The Garden Theatre is at 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden.

Nov. 20 – Singer Holly Sahmel in free program at Casa Feliz

Local singer and educator Holly Sahmel returns to the Casa, joined by several friends, to sing and pay tribute to some of the most influential female artists of yesteryear. With a bachelor’s in voice from the University of Central Florida, Sahmel teaches voice and piano, serves as an adjudicator for vocal festivals, and was recently a featured soloist in CFCArts' “Night on the Red Carpet.” The Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum is at 656 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. Visit casafeliz.us

Now to Nov. 20 – The world premiere of ‘Grimmly Ever After’

Central Florida Vocal Arts invites us to the world premiere of a new operetta that explores the dark side of the fairy-tale forest in “Grimmly Ever After.” Betrayal, prophecies and love are twisted together in this operatic fairytale, featuring Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and the Evil Queen. Written by Nishaa Carson, Cristyn Schroder and Justin Morrison, this world premiere begins today. Call 863-510-7236 or visit cflvocalarts.com

Now to Nov. 20 – The 30th annual Festival of Trees presented by Council of 101

This annual event transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a holiday wonderland filled with sparkling trees and fantasy décor for visitors of all ages. Activities include musical performances and special programs for children with the trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gifts available for purchase. This delightful event allows the joy of the season to become a way to support the Orlando Museum of Art. Call 407-896-4231, ext. 254, or email [email protected]

Now to Nov. 20 – ‘The God Game’ at Mad Cow

We can all be quite sure that when running for political office in the U.S., the public knows anything about a candidate from his/her work routine to religious beliefs. So, what if your candidate is an atheist? Playwright Suzanne Bradbeer poses this question in “The God Game” in performance at the Mad Cow Theatre. For tickets to this outrageously timely exploration of out-there politics, call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Nov. 22 – Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Dylan at Dr. Phillips Center

For 50 years, Bob Dylan has challenged and mystified fans and critics by selling millions of records as the ‘poet laureate’ of rock. Without explaining his enigmatic songwriting, Dylan has now been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, a surprise as Dylan is the first musician in history to be so honored. This choice has set off a firestorm of opinion from those who see the choice as a natural extension of literature to others who ask if song writing should be so considered. You may decide on Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. when Bob Dylan and his band come to the Dr. Phillips Center. My guess is that Dylan will present his performance as he chooses … without even mentioning his unprecedented honor. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Now to Dec. 4 – Breakthrough Theatre presents Cy Coleman musical ‘The Life’

Presenting a musical somewhat out of the norm for the Breakthrough Theatre, “The Life” depicts the pay-for-play sex life around Times Square in the 1980s. For mature audiences only, scenes take place in topless bars, transvestite hangouts, and with hookers working the streets. Directed and choreographed by Angela Cotto, please visit breakthroughtheatre.com or call 407-920-4034.

Now to Dec. 11 – ‘A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration’

When Noel Coward reigned supreme, high society meant hats and gloves, and the brilliance of the English language. Now The Winter Park Playhouse invites you to “A Marvelous Party” in celebration of Noel Coward. As sparkling as a newly popped bottle of champagne, this party is a musical romp featuring 33 tunes and a bevy of anecdotes and musings by the incomparable Noël Coward. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now to Dec. 18 – Harry Connick Jr.’s ‘The Happy Elf’ at Orlando Rep

From the Grammy-winning musician, this joyous new musical is about the happiest elf at the North Pole. He is so happy that his constant exuberance wears others out. Still he believes if he can restore joy to the town of Bluesville, he will win a spot on Santa’s sleigh. Faith and teamwork are gifts to be shared in this story of elf magic, and Harry Connick Jr. has written a wonderful score for the story. Experience it by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com