8 fun things to do this weekend in Lake County

More good stuff to enjoy this weekend from top-notch local theater, national headliners to festivals and the one-of-a-kind Oddities Marketplace. Get out and have fun in Lake County.

Also, if you are you hosting a fun event in Lake County and would like us to plug it in our weekend guide, email news@dailycommercial.com at least two weeks in advance for consideration.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

'Leading Ladies' take the stage at Icehouse Theatre

Need something lighthearted? The IceHouse Theatre opens Ken Ludwig’s 1950s-era comedy, "Leading Ladies," with performances Thursdays through Sundays through Feb. 18.

The show is rated PG-14 for grown up humor and situations and stars Joshua Keller, John Gracey, Marann Curtis, Adam Cornett, Virginia Parker, Natalie Bollinger, Jim Morrison and Nick Allison. Managing artistic director Darlin Barry directs with scenic design by Buddy Fales, lighting design by Philip Lupo, and costume design by Haley Kalmes and Barry. The IceHouse Theatre is located at 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. For tickets and info, visit icehousetheatre.com.

'The Last Five Years' by Bay Street Players

With a heartfelt score by three-time Tony Award-winning playwright Jason Robert Brown ("Parade," "Bridges of Madison County," "Songs for a New World"), "The Last Five Years" recalls Stephen Sondheim de facto opera-style. The play is almost entirely sung and features unique compositions, inspired by a variety of genres, and poetic lyrics that elicit an emotional connection with the protagonists and story.

The play centers on Cathy (Jessie Hoffman), a struggling actor, working backwards through the timeline, and Jamie (Christian Shaw), a literary prodigy, who begins his story at the onset of the relationship. The two narratives intersect on their wedding day before diverging again to arrive at the beginning — and end — of their five years together. Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan star in a movie adaptation.

The Arts Desk called "The Last Five Years" a "knockout" and a "two-handed tour-de-force" in a five-star review. See it at the historic State Theater in downtown Eustis, 109 N. Bay St. eustisstatetheatre.org.

The Florida Storytelling Festival spins yarns in Mount Dora

Sit a spell and listen to some good stories by the scenic backdrop of Lake Dora. The Florida Storytelling Festival offers a unique mix of workshops, concerts, youthful voices and an overall convivial sense of community at the Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora.

A variety of events from morning to late take place throughout the weekend. Featured orators include Connie Regan-Blake, who's people around the globe rapt with her powerful performances and workshops, and Tim Tingle, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the author of 20 books, novels and children’s illustrated books. Visit flstory.com for details.

FRIDAY

Meet Barney Fife's daughter

Attention fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Mayberry RFD": ”Tied up in Knotts” is a 90-minute multi-media experience that tells the story of Don Knotts’ career through the POV of his daughter Karen, who shares fond memories and stories about visiting the set of his shows and the cast members who were at times not at all like their TV characters. Takes place Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m., Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale. Visit the Opry's Facebook event page for details and updates.

SATURDAY

Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge

Firefighters unite to help people in need in an annual event organized by the Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle. The Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares fire departments have been participating in the effort since 2021.

If you'd like to take part, drop off donations of non-expired canned goods and dry foods or cash/check contributions at one of three local fire department locations: the Eustis FD Station 22 at 100 W. Norton Ave., Mount Dora; FD Station 34 at 1300 N. Donnelly St.; and Tavares FD Station 28 at 911 Gateway Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27. All donations go to the Lake Cares Food Pantry, and the nonprofit organization provides food and other necessities to its clients.

In 2022, the pantry served over 67,000 individuals and oversaw the weekly distribution of more than 25,000 pounds of food. The charity distributes food from their main pantry location in Mount Dora as well as seven additional sites throughout the county. For more information, visit lakecountyrotary.com.

Spanish Springs celebrates 30th anniversary with daylong fest

Cavort, dance, shop and listen to live music in one of the Villages' most picturesque quarters from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. Food and retail vendors, entertainers and live music on two stage keep the mood festive.

Market vendors include Olivia’s Tasty Giardiniera, European Breads, Sentimental Art and Uncle Phil’s Fudge.On the Del Mar Stage: Clark Barrios Band and Acoustic Blue perform. On the Gazebo Stage, check out Rocky & The Rollers, the Villages Twirlers & Drum Corps, the Villages Cheerleaders, Prime Time Twirlers Show Team, Sounds of Scotland and Uncle Bob’s Rock Show. Roving entertainment includes We Flip, Stilt Walkers and Scooter’s Photo Booth. Admission is free. Check out a full schedule for the event at villagesentertainment.com.

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap: 'It's now or never'

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, known for the big late 1960s hits "Young Girl," and "Lady Willpower," will headline the Orange Blossom Opry at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. Tickets cost $54-$69 and are limited. Says Washington Life magazine: "Gary Puckett has used a combination of resilience and, yes, his own later-discovered spiritual willpower to beat the odds and make his way back into the mainstream classic rock world." Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale. Visit the Opry's Facebook event page for details and updates.

SUNDAY

Oddities Marketplace takes over Lake County Fairgrounds

Don't let the Goth ephemera and dark humor put you off. The monthly Oddities Marketplace is upbeat and friendly and has become a popular event throughout central Florida, combining the spooky, the kitschy, the mysterious, the beautiful and the hilarious all at once. Vendors are vetted for all ages. Admission and parking are free, and vendor spots still available.

Stephanie and Matt Gray started the Oddities Marketplace a little more than 16 months ago, and since then they have expanded to offer three monthly markets in three different counties, including the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Allison Doty, an Inverness-based taxidermist and artist whose brand consists of mostly pet taxidermy, snakes, and, of course, oddities, has officially joined the Oddities Marketplace team as co-owner. "She is our missing link in further company growth!" said Matt Gray on Facebook, adding to expect new merch, mailing lists, vendor classes, weekend oddities conventions and more.

The County Oddities Marketplace happens Jan. 28, noon-5 p.m., at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Road 452, Eustis. Features 70-plus vendors hawking taxidermy and bone art, specimens, memorabilia, witchy items and more; live music and food. Call 352-875-4224 for more info.

A LOOK AHEAD

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken play 'The Sharon'

Former "American Idol" rivals Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are reuniting 20 years after their historic run on the second season of the Fox talent show. The pair will perform duets and solo renditions of crowd favorites including Aiken's cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Studdard's hit single "Sorry." Catch them at "the Sharon," aka the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, at 8 p.m on Wednesday, Jan. 31. 1051 Main St., The Villages. Details: thesharon.com.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Theater, concerts and festivals rule this weekend in Lake County