Josh Garrick: February preview

Feb. 1 – Spend the night with Billy Crystal

Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer and director Billy Crystal brings the first show of his American tour to the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 1 to 4 – Tables Extraordinaire – Thirty tables of creative wonder

It’s a form of art exhibit as members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Maitland present 30 tablescapes of amazing creativity. On display to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, you’ll tour the tables, before visiting the Mediterranean Café for real, handmade-by-mama Greek food. Trust me – you’ll love it. At 1217 Trinity Woods Lane in Maitland, call 407-331-4687 or visit tables-extraordinaire.com

Feb. 1 to 28 – Month-long celebration of the Morse Museum

I’m sure the Morse Museum will set some kind of record for generosity in February. To commemorate the Morse Museum’s 75th anniversary, entrance to this gem of a museum will be free throughout the month. In addition, the Museum will debut a new audio tour, and we are invited to a free celebration party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. Visit morsemuseum.org

Feb. 1 to April 1 – The Central Florida Watercolor Society’s annual Members Exhibit

The CFWS is proud of its heritage of being open to anyone interested in watercolor, regardless of expertise. The organization’s annual Members Exhibit will be held at the SoBo Gallery at 127 S. Boyd St. in Winter Garden, featuring recent works by CFWS members. The opening at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 includes an awards ceremony and is open to the public. Visit centralfloridawatercolor.org

Feb. 2, 3, & 5 – ‘The Elixir of Love’ – Opera with the Orlando Philharmonic

Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with Donizetti’s romantic comedy opera “L’elisir d’amore” in which the romantic Nemorino purchases a love potion to get the Lady Adina to fall in love with him. Will the potion work? Director Mary Birnbaum brings the Orlando Philharmonic, under Maestro Eric Jacobsen, on-stage in this specially designed version of “L’elisir d’amore,” for its home on The Plaza Live stage. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Feb. 3 – The Boston Pops play The Beatles

Fifty years ago, four lads from Liverpool changed the course of music forever. Now hear the music of The Beatles in breathtaking symphonic orchestrations performed by "America's Orchestra" – the Boston Pops conducted by Keith Lockhart. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 3 to 26 – Garden Theatre presents ‘The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Tony Award-winner Kenny Howard will direct the Tony and Drama Desk Award winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” for the Garden Theatre. This whimsically humorous musical presents six pubescent young people who candidly disclose private stories from their home lives. Played by adults, the “tweens” spell their way through a series of off-the-wall words grounded in the knowledge that the losers get a juice box. Call 407-877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

Feb. 4 – The one and only Lily Tomlin at the Dr. Phillips Center

America's foremost comedienne brings her seven Emmys; two Tony Awards; a Drama Desk Award; an Outer Critic’s Circle Award; a CableAce Award; a Grammy; two Peabody Awards; a Mark Twain Award; and (in 2014), the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. And through it all – she is still one very funny lady. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 4 – Trash 2 Trends – an evening of recycled fashion

Trash-2-Trends is a Keep Orlando Beautiful fundraiser that brings Orlando’s fashion designers and local artists together with the environmental community “to promote sustainability” by asking designers to create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. It’s held at SeaWorld’s Ports of Call. Visit eventbrite.com/e/2017-trash-2-trends-recycled for tickets or contact [email protected]

Feb. 5 – Shen Yun – Experience a divine culture at the Dr. Phillips Center

Chinese culture has 5,000 years of folktales, which are now told through the magical world of Shen Yun’s dance. Known for its incredible flips, spins and elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world. In Shen Yun’s 2017 tour, its heroes – a monk, a general, and a monkey – fly to the heavens and dive into the sea in action-filled stories that embody the wisdom and virtues of ancient China. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 6 – The Foley Awards at the Parliament House

On Feb. 6 the Parliament House Footlight Theatre will host the first-ever Foley Awards named for Charles “Chuckles” Foley, who for over 30 years served as the tech director and “voice” of the Theatre. He passed away in 2016, but his spirit of dedication will remain in the annual awards show. With performances by Carla DelVillaggio as Barbra Streisand, Michelle Knight, Sarah Lee Dobbs, Vox Audio, and the cast of “Naked Boys Singing,” a cocktail reception will follow. For tickets, visit phouse.ticketleap.com.

Feb. 7 to 12 – Broadway in Orlando presents ‘A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder’

According to this 2014 Tony-Award-Winning-Musical, “Getting away with murder can be so much fun,” and there’s no better proof than the knock ‘em dead show that earned unanimous raves and the 2014 Tony Award for best musical – “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.” What a relief to know there is such a highly rewarded guide for us novices. This new musical will have you dying with laughter! (I couldn’t resist.) Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 8 to March 26 – ‘The Great Gatsby’ on stage

Taking on another work of the world’s great literature, our Shakespeare Theatre will stage “The Great Gatsby,” drawn from what is arguably America’s greatest novel. Played in movies by Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio, one understands the regard for this book in libraries and in Hollywood. Exploring themes of love, morality, identity, and the (corruption of) the American dream, this work is highly recommended. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Feb. 10 – Artist Donna Dowless, Ambassador of Love

The Grand Bohemian Gallery will present their annual “HeArt & Soul” exhibit featuring ‘Heart-Artist’ Donna Dowless’s mixed media works and Canadian artist Amber Higgins’ stellar glass jewelry designs. Each year thousands of fans celebrate the arrival of Valentine’s Day with Orlando’s ‘Ambassador of Love’ – Donna Dowless as this heavenly being makes us all better humans for having shared her creations. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m., the Gallery is at 325 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Call 407-581-4801 or visit heartartist.com

Feb. 14 – Dionne Warwick on Valentine’s Day

One of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time, Dionne Warwick will make this Orlando’s greatest Valentine's Day ever. Her winning partnership with Burt Bacharach and Hal David helped her become one of the world's greatest hit-makers, which has seen her chart over 50 singles, win five Grammys and sell 100 million records. Proceeds from this legendary concert will benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 15 – Upright Citizens Brigade - Touring Company

The Touring Company brings the best improv comedians from the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade Theatres to new audiences around the country. Home to many of the biggest stars in comedy today, from TV shows like “Broad City” and “Saturday Night Live,” to performers on “The Daily Show” and “Inside Amy Schumer,” this not-to-be-missed evening takes its comedy so seriously there will be no late seating for this show (for real) (be on time). Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 15 – OUC Speakers at Dr. Phillips Center presents Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra, author of 80 books in 43 languages, is creating a roadmap to “higher health” based on the latest findings in both mainstream and alternative medicine. How does our consciousness enhance our capacity for total wellbeing (physical, emotional, spiritual, social, financial and ecological)? Chopra addresses this question along with ways to experience higher consciousness and healing. A special VIP package is offered for this event. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 16 – Dr. Phillips Center presents an evening with the Piano Guys

The Piano Guys do things to a piano that would make Mozart sit up and take notice. They’re an Internet sensation thanks to their self-made music videos, but it’s their blend of classical music with pop that brought them to their major label debut album on Sony Music Masterworks in 2012. I can’t wait to see them live. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 17 – ‘Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live’ (from Australia!)

This ‘playdate’ was 65 million years in the making. “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live” guides your family on a tour through pre-historic Australia where you’ll interact with an eye-popping collection of realistic dinosaurs. This life-like theatrical performance is brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, so you won’t want to miss a minute of this entertaining and educational live show from Sydney, Australia. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 24 to 26 – ‘Godspell’ presented by Encore! Cast Performing Arts

Prepare ye for the tale of love based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. “Godspell” was the first major musical offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin”). It’s performed by Encore! Cast Performing Arts, a community-minded group of Disney cast singers, dancers and musicians who share their passion for music while donating the proceeds from each performance to a local charity. Who better to bring Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love to life. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 25 – Orlando Ballet: A Tribute to Harriett, Best of Broadway

The “Angel of the Ballet,” Harriett Lake, will be honored in a one-night-only show, featuring her favorite show tunes from Broadway, old and new. The dancers of the Orlando Ballet company will be choreographing new works and performing alongside Artistic Director Robert Hill for this “best of Broadway” dance performance. Call 844-513-2014 or visit orlandoballet.org

Feb. 26 – Dr. Phillips Center presents Terry Fator

“America’s Got Talent” winner Terry Fator recently celebrated his seventh award-winning year at The Mirage, where he brings a hilarious cast of characters to life. With comedic banter and vocal impressions of musical superstars such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks, "Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment" is a one-of-a-kind experience. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 27 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at Dr. Phillips Center

When the world’s most popular modern dance company comes to the Dr. Phillips Center, it is sure to be an event that will inspire. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” has performed for over 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries, celebrating the African-American cultural experience. This performance will include the Ailey signature work “Revelations,” which continues to move audiences around the world. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 1 to 4 – Foodstock Orlando to celebrate Florida’s agriculture and hospitality

In a series of restaurant events, exhibits, food and live music, Foodstock Orlando will benefit the Grand Tour Foundation which provides scholarships and grants to hospitality, restaurant and tourism students. The events begin March 1 with “Foodstock at Church Street District;” then on March 2 “Foodstock at I-Drive 360;” then on March 3 “Foodstock at Pointe Orlando;” followed by the fun and final evening on March 4 for “Foodstock Festival at Tinker Field.” For tickets visit, Foodstockorlando.com