Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Final week to Oct. 31 – Phantasmagoria VII: ‘The Cards They Are Dealt’

Be very afraid. Phantasmagoria’s troupe of “Steampunk Survivors” are more dangerous than gypsy fortune-tellers, and they are joined by dancers, soldiers, puppeteers, and fire-breathers as they embark on new journeys through the dark tales of Poe, Lovecraft, Wilde, and M.R. James. For your Halloween season, trick or treat yourself to the all-new Phantasmagoria VII "The Cards They Are Dealt" at the Shakespeare Center. OMG – the Oct. 31 performance is the Troupe’s 100th mainstage show; not sure my heart could handle that one! And don’t say I didn’t warn you. For tickets, visit orlandoatplay.com

Oct. 21 to Nov. 6 – CFCArts’ ‘Metamorphoses’

A shallow pool serves as the primary scenic element of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the classical myths as recorded by the Roman poet Ovid (43 B.C. – 17 A.D.). “Metamorphoses” harkens back to the origins of theater using an ensemble of actors to retell ancient stories of gods and goddesses. Performed on Broadway and around the world, the CFCArts Theatre Program will present “Metamorphoses” in their black box theater at 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Call 407-937-1800, ext. 710, or visit cfcarts.com/metamorphoses

Oct. 21 to Nov. 6 – ‘Glass Menagerie’ at the Garden Theatre

“The Glass Menagerie” is the play that took its author – Tennessee Williams – from obscurity to fame. The man, who would eventually be considered by many to be America’s greatest playwright, based the play on his psychologically damaged mother, his “fragile” sister, and himself. Premiered in Chicago in 1944, the play moved to Broadway where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. In this production, directed by Beth Marshall, the autobiographical role of Tom will be played by Anthony Pyatt Jr. Call 407-877-4736 or visit BethMarshallPresents.com

Now to Nov. 13 – ‘Rock the Presidents’ at Orlando Rep

Orlando Rep’s new show is a high-octane musical spanning the history of the American presidency – from George Washington to Barack Obama – and looking ahead to the future. The presidents are brought to life through original songs including rock, hip-hop, blues, pop, jazz, reggae and country in a way for audiences of all ages to learn something about our nation’s history. The book and lyrics are by Dwayne Hartford. Parental age-appropriate note: Lincoln’s legacy and Kennedy’s assassination are included with songs that contain the words “pistol” and “bullets.” Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Now to Nov. 13 – ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ at Orlando Shakes

It’s more than coincidental that Orlando Shakes will present the “Jekyll/Hyde” story by Robert Louis Stevenson near All Hollow’s Eve. Frustrated by dull respectability in Victorian London, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion to unleash his inner bestial nature. The potion transforms Dr. Jekyll into the brutish Edward Hyde who lives the “high life” until Hyde's passions lead to murder. Fascinating and deviant, the play captivates audiences who experience the play’s moral lesson while watching the lead actor transform before them. For tickets, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Oct. 21 to Nov. 20 – ‘The God Game’ at Mad Cow

When running for political office in the U.S. of A, the public knows or can learn anything about a candidate from his/her workout routine to religious beliefs. So, what if your candidate is an atheist? Now, in the final weeks of the presidential election, playwright Suzanne Bradbeer poses this question in “The God Game” in performance at the Mad Cow Theatre. Bradbeer presents this test of American politics while exploring the limits of truth, ambition, and faith as her witty dialogue induces laughter and sadness. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Oct. 28, 29 & 30 – Orlando Ballet’s ‘Dracula’

The Orlando Ballet always has fun with Halloween, and choreographer Michael Pink’s celebrated ballet “Dracula” combines the horror of Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 story with dramatic choreography, theatrical sets, and a colorful score by Philip Feeney. This familiar story of seduction and transformation is on pointe and as expressive as a silent movie. Consider it an invitation you cannot refuse. Call 844-513-2014 or by visit drphillipscenter.org

Oct. 29 – Masterpiece Moments at Mead

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic dinners to Mead Botanical Garden to enjoy Performing Arts of Maitland’s premiere event “Masterpiece Moments at Mead,” at 1500 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Now in its fourth year, this free concert offers music of many styles in a beautiful outdoor setting. This family, community, and “date night” event presents the Baroque Chamber Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Maitland Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Winter Park and Lykes Insurance, call 321-303-1404 for more information.

Oct. 30 – ‘Magic Men Live’ at the Bob Carr

“Magic Men Live” invites ladies to let loose in a fun-filled environment for a night with thrilling production numbers and sexy choreography set to the hottest music. This sophisticated approach to ladies night offers an exciting cabaret show filled with comedy, sexy dancing, audience participation, and serious muscle. The experience is enhanced with state of the art lighting and sound to captivate women of all ages. Call 844-513-2014. Contains adult material (age 18 and up).

Nov. 1 to 6 – Broadway in Orlando – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

Hailed as “One of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, this dazzling adaptation is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens. Fifteen-year-old Christopher is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an outrageous discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov. 3 to 6 – PlayFest 2016 at Orlando Shakes – ‘The Pulse Tragedy’

PlayFest 2016 is dedicated to six new plays that explore issues surrounding the Pulse tragedy of June 12 including LGBTQ struggles and responses to hatred, discrimination against Hispanics, terrorism, mental health, gun violence and community responses to violence. Playwright Caridad Svich will offer a keynote address on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. called creating “After Orlando” (a collection of 60 3-minute plays) and “Global Theatre Initiatives.” Individual tickets are $10 with a PlayFest Package available. Call the box office at 407-447-1700, ext. 1, for the complete schedule.

Nov. 6 – Kristallnacht remembered at the Holocaust Memorial Education Center

This event recalls the day the Nazis destroyed Jewish communities across Europe. Each year the Holocaust Center sponsors a program in remembrance of Kristallnacht – the “Night of Broken Glass.” This year’s commemoration is a theater performance in which actors describe the journey of Teodora Verbitskya, and her experiences in Russia in the first half of the 20th century. Her artist-daughter Nadia Werbitzky has transformed her mother’s journal into a stunning exhibit. Tickets are free; reservations required. Call 407-628-0555 or visit holocaustedu.org

Nov. 7 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 (his ultimate dream!) Teamwork and faith are wonderful gifts to be shared in this story of elfin magic, and Harry Connick Jr. has written a wonderful score for the Happy Elf’s story. Experience it by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com