Orlando is buzzing with a contagious energy over the resurgence in our performing arts community, thanks to the recent grand debut of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Because of this, I thought it would be worthwhile to check out a few of our top venues and events for those wishing to add some depth and variety to their Central Florida vacations.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Downtown Orlando had the honor of opening the brand-new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in grand fashion this month. I was lucky enough to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which kicked off a weekend of exciting tours and fun-filled events, like a free Sheryl Crow concert.
Why is this such a big deal? Quite simply, a project of this scope is unique to our area. The Center is home to two performance theaters, a community theater, an outdoor plaza and performance space, and, even, an educational programming space.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Upon entering this stunning building, visitors can see how much love and dedication went into making it a reality – it’s actually a dream that’s taken 25 years to achieve. I got to experience the Della Grand Lobby, the Devos Family Room (named after Orlando Magic owner Rich Devos), and the Kessler Lobby first. The Devos Family Room has incredible views of Downtown Orlando and the CNL Arts Plaza. Both the Della Grand and Kessler Lobbies are equally beautiful and can also be used for private events.
Next, I explored the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a multi-purpose theater that seats over 300 and features a colorful ceiling that will no doubt catch your eye. The Walt Disney Theater was last and was definitely the space that everyone was talking about the most. With a capacity of approximately 2,700, it’s definitely the biggest theater at Dr. Phillips and will be host to Broadway shows, rock concerts, and even galas and conferences – with its tiered seating, there isn’t a bad view to be had.
The Dr. Phillips Center is now showcasing the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Opera, and the Orlando Philharmonic, and comedians, musicians, and Broadway shows are already selling tickets for upcoming performances. Examples include Jerry Seinfeld on January 17, Disney’s Newsies from January 27 through February 1, Alton Brown on February 7, Bill Maher on February 8, John Mellencamp on March 22, Idina Mezel on July 25, and the list goes on and on.
Visit the official website | Google Maps
Mad Cow Theatre
Mad Cow Theatre purposefully makes art that aims to fuel conversation and leaves you thinking well after you’ve returned home. Having started in 1997 as a two-show project in Maitland, Florida, they are now located on the second floor of 54 West Church Street in downtown Orlando.
While their theater is small, it is the intimate nature of their stage that allows the audience to get the full experience. I saw a performance of Hair here earlier this year and had such an amazing time – this company truly knows how to engage an audience and have you right there with them.
Mad Cow Theatre: celebrating theatre, the word and the actor, in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Mad Cow is also host to the Orlando Cabaret Festival, which has been attracting the world’s best cabaret talent for 12 years. The festival features both lunchtime and evening shows, with a different lineup each day. That means on any one night of the festival, you could see as many as three amazingly different acts.
Ticket prices for the Mad Cow Theatre vary pending the show and time you select.
Visit the official website | Google Maps
Orlando Fringe Festival
What is the Fringe Festival? I’m glad you asked! It’s a 14-day arts festival held in downtown Orlando that’s devoted to the concept of being 100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible, and has 100% of the proceeds going right back to the artists who put on the show. 2015 will mark 25 years of the Fringe Festival being “Orlando’s most unique cultural experience,” a claim which is hard to debate – it is the longest-running Fringe Festival in the United States, after all.
This video is from 2013, but does a great job giving an overview of the event:
The festival also has a visual arts component called – you guessed it! – Visual Fringe. Similar to the theater portion, these visual pieces of art are uncensored and unjuried, with all the money made going right back to the artists.
Lumineux – Voci Modern Dance at the Orlando Fringe Festival. Photo by Matthew Simantov.
The 2015 event will be held May 14 through 27, and if you’re interested in going, you might want to check out these tips and facts. Entry to each show does require the purchase of a $9.00 button (which helps support the festival), as well as tickets to each individual performance (with prices set by the companies that are performing).
Visit the official website | Google Maps
SAK Comedy Lab
If tickling your funny bone is what you’re after, then don’t miss Orlando’s SAK Comedy Lab, just off of Orange Avenue. SAK has been with us since 1991 and comes complete with a professional ensemble of improv actors.
Each show offers a wide variety of hilarity, as the performers take audience suggestions and mold them into characters, scenes, and songs on the spot. Think Whose Line Is It Anyway? meets the real world. This is also where actors like Wayne Brady got their start, as well as many writers for shows like Saturday Night Live, Scrubs, The Office, and 30 Rock.
SAK Comedy Lab.
Having had a number of friends performing as part of the company over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to attend many evenings at the Comedy Lab, and I have to say it’s always a fantastic night out. You never know what will happen – each show is profoundly different, not to mention absolutely hilarious.
(Fun fact: SAK actually produced, performed, and managed the live comedy in the UK and Italy Pavilions at Epcot for seven years. Also, you can take classes at SAK University to learn the art of improvisation.)
Tickets range in price from $7.00 to $15.00, depending on the night and show you attend (and whether you can snag any discounts, such as military, Florida resident, hospitality industry, and student).
Visit the official website | Google Maps
With so much to do at our theme parks, it’s easy to not realize just how much more our city has to offer. I sincerely hope my recommendations give you enough inspiration to go beyond the parks and experience the local venues and events that define us even more.
I should also mention that when I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy performances at the venues mentioned above (most notably Mad Cow Theatre), I couldn’t help but notice that many of these performers are also working within our theme parks. It’s truly mind-blowing to “recognize” someone I’ve seen perform in the Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo – The Musical. Each performing arts experience is unique and will showcase the high caliber of talent that you can find right here in Orlando!
Stop by the OI Blog archive for more articles on what there’s to do around Orlando.
Or you can add to our list of performance hotspots in the OI Forums.