Florida Culture for the Week of January 21 by Josh Garrick

Jan 23 to March 16 – OTHELLO at the Shakespeare Center

A ‘thriller’ of jealousy, passion, and revenge, Othello has been called Shakespeare's most treacherous play. “The play’s examination of race, jealousy and passion are just as poignant today as they were when he wrote it,” says Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. Othello begins previews on January 23 and runs through March 16. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

January 24 to Feb 16 – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra

The Winter Park Playhouse offers a tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Featuring 56 of his most celebrated songs, sung by four of Central Florida’s finest voices, Laura Hodos, Kevin Kelly, Melissa Minyard and Christopher Alan Norton join Christopher Leavy on piano to perform Sinatra's greatest tunes. Call 407-645-0145 or visitwinterparkplayhouse.org

January 24 to February 24 – Dr. Dolittle and a 10th Anniversary

The Orlando Repertory Theater (the REP) presents The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle from Jan 24 to Feb 24. Presented with all of Dr. Dolittle's animal friends portrayed by actors with puppets – we follow Tommy Stubbins as he meets Dr. Dolittle and his animal friends. In this adventure, they travel from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the bottom of the sea in search of the Great Glass Snail. Call 407.896.8365 or visitorlandorep.com

January 25 to Feb 17 – Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Neil Simon’s laugh-out-loud- comedy’ comes roaring back with Mad Cow Theatre’s new production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor. The playwright’s semi-autobiographical memories (circa 1953) provide a peek at the “Max Prince Show” as a group of writers work through each other’s neuroses to create television’s classic comedy moments. On-stage at Mad Cow’s NEW Theatre space at 54 West Church Street in Orlando, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407.297.8788 x1

Jan 25, 26, and 27 – WINTERFEST with the Daytona Beach Symphony Society

Each January, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society brings together a mix of classical music talent in a celebration called Winterfest. This season’s line-up offers Rossini's Barber of Seville in a fully staged production including orchestra on January 25 at 7 pm. Then, two classical musicians, whose hilarious shows combine comedy with classical music, take the stage as Igudesman & Joo present A Little Nightmare Music on January 26 at 7 pm. The China National Symphony Orchestra concludes Winterfest on Sunday, January 27 at 3 pm. All performances are at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach. Call 386-253-2901

Jan 26 and 27 -- Violinist Sarah Chang with the Orlando Philharmonic

Recognized as one of the world’s great violinists since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8, Sarah Chang has performed internationally with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors in a career spanning more than two decades. In 2006, Ms. Chang was honored as one of 20 Top Women by Newsweek Magazine. On January 26 at 8 pm and January 27 at 3 pm, Ms. Chang will perform with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony and the Barber Violin Concerto at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

Jan 26, 2013 to Jan 26, 2014 – Universal Orlando Resort at the History Center

In an unprecedented collaboration, Universal Orlando Resort and the Orange County History Center will present A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort, in which visitors get an exclusive look at the months of work that goes into bringing the theme park's annual events to life. Opening with Mardi Gras, the exhibition will change prior to each Universal season including Halloween Horror Nights, Summer Lagoon Show and parade, and finally The Macy's Holiday Parade. Call 407.836.8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Jan 31 at 7:30 pm – The Price is RIGHT – LIVE!

Marking their 40th year on television, America’s #1 game show, The Price is Right, is touring the country and will be at The Peabody in Daytona Beach on January 31st.  This touring show has the same excitement, games, cash and even more audience interaction. Some audience members win right from their seat, and all contestants are chosen from the audience. The chosen ones are given the chance to "come on down" to win appliances, vacations and even new cars. The Peabody Auditorium is at 600 Auditorium Boulevard in Daytona Beach. Call 386-671-3460 or visit PeabodyAuditorium.org.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators