The glorious Grand Opening of Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center has welcomed us all to once again share the joys of LIVE performance. With that in mind I’m dedicating my ‘Spring Recommendations’ to acknowledge ALL of Central Florida’s varied performance spaces. Read on — there are shows at each of our favorite venues, from the brand-new Steinmetz Hall to the magically adaptable theater at the Shakespeare Center. NOW is the time to reserve your tickets to become a part of it all …
Orlando Shakes
Much Ado About Nothing
March 9 – April 2, 2022
Including love and marriage, passions and jealousies, lies and deceit and laughter, this romantic comedy is Shakespeare at his sharp-tongued best. Enjoy the plots, sub-plots – and heroes and clowns – as (spoiler alert) – it all works out in the end. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700.
Dr. Phillips Center
America’s Wonders
March 18, 2022
America’s Wonders is a unique cinematic and musical celebration of our nation’s incomparable parks and cities. From the wonders of a sunrise over the Grand Canyon, to a walk through New York’s Times Square, this spectacular 3D cinematic journey features popular music and original compositions from our nation’s most talented composers. From “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to “New York, New York”, ” Concertgoers will thrill to orchestral selections aligned to the action in the film. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Winter Park Playhouse
The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On
March 18 – April 16, 2022
In this Off-Broadway Musical Comedy, ‘The Wonderettes’ are back for their 20th Anniversary High School Reunion, and we’re invited to the party as the ladies reminisce about love, life and changing times. Singing their way through 20 of the greatest ‘girl-group’ hits of the 60’s the nostalgic score is performed on yet another interesting stage that is small but powerful and always audience-friendly. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.
Dr. Phillips Center
Frankie VALLI
March 20, 2022
The original “Jersey Boy” himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has led to countless hit singles – and two Hit Broadway shows. He’s a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee with unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What A Night,” and of course, “GREASE,” and he still gets standing ovations on the concert stage from his generations of fans. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Dr. Phillips Center
ABBA the Concert
March 25, 2022
For sheer FUN – and happy memories – ABBA the Concert presents a celebration of one of the most iconic bands to ever grace the stage. The group plays all of ABBA’s chart topping hits like “Mamma Mia, “S.O.S”, “Waterloo”, “Money, Money, Money” and just watch what happens when the crowd hears the first chords of “Dancing Queen.” Come along and sing, dance and, have the time of your life. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Dr. Phillips Center
CATS
March 29 – April 3, 2022
The all-time, record-breaking musical spectacular CATS by Andrew Lloyd Webber has thrilled audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. One of Broadway’s longest running hits of all time, this production now adds new lighting and sound design to the beloved original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This is a ‘new’ Cats for a new generation of music theater lovers. Visit drphillipscenter.org.
Orlando Rep
Disney’s “Freaky Friday: the Musical”
April 1 – May 8, 2022
With two flexible stages, Orlando Rep will present Disney’s all-new musical, “Freaky Friday: The Musical.” In this ‘Mother-Daughter’ tribute, an over-organized mother and her ‘not-organized’ teen-age daughter magically swap bodies, and they have just one day to put things right. Spending that day ‘in each other’s shoes’ allows Katherine and Ellie to love and respect each other in ways they never could have imagined. For this newest production of Disney magic, visit orlandorep.com or call 407.896.7365.
Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips
The WARSAW PHILHARMONIC
April 2, 2022
The National Orchestra of Poland – the Warsaw Philharmonic has a rich history of performing with the greatest musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. As the 2nd international orchestra to perform in the acoustically superb Steinmetz Hall, the program will include the Overture to the Opera Paria, Chopin’s First Piano Concerto, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. Andrzej Boreyko, Music and Artistic Director will conduct, and Bruce Lio, winner of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition, will perform the Piano Concerto. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Garden Theater in Winter Garden
Disney’s BEAUTY and the BEAST
April 22 – May 22, 2022
As we continue our overview of Central Florida’s stages, there is no more “magical” stage than the one at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden. The town of Winter Garden is like a movie set of nostalgic America and a great setting for Disney’s very magical Beauty and the Beast. Great music, magical staging and a “happily ever after” couple complete with Prince Charming will be quite ‘at home’ in this theater. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org.
Orlando Ballet
The Great Gatsby
April 28 – May 1, 2022
The Orlando Ballet takes to Dr. Phillips’ Disney stage and time-travels us back to the glamour of the ‘Roaring Twenties.’ Interpreting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel in ballet, choreography is by Jorden Morris. Add cinematic sets, and original music by Carl Davis to experience the decadence of history’s most carefree decade – in dance. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Orlando Philharmonic
Carmina Burana
May 7-8, 2022
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Carl Orff’s intoxicating Carmina Burana is one of the greatest works ever written for orchestra, chorus, and soloists, and it is a perfect introduction to the acoustics of Steinmetz Hall. Beginning with the ‘hymn’ to the Goddess Fortuna, with its bold and primal rhythms, the music is earthy, rowdy, risqué – and breathtakingly beautiful. Plus, Mozart’s celebratory Symphony 35 and George Walker’s beautiful Lyric for Strings complete the program. Visit orlandophil.org or call 407.770.0071.
Dr. Phillips Center
Jesus Christ Superstar – the 50th Anniversary Production
June 7 – 12, 2022
In celebration of the musical’s 50th Anniversary, a magical new production of this all-time audience favorite — Jesus Christ Superstar – is being called a “Re-invention for a new Millennium.” Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, the iconic music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Superstar’s legendary score reflects the rock roots that defined a generation. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events.
Orange County Convention Center
World Ballet Competition at the Chapin Theater
June 18, 2022
Every summer in June, Orlando is honored to host the World Ballet Competition. In one week, young dancers from around the world compete for prizes and recognition of their youthful artistry. The week ends with a Gala that brings together the winners with guest performances by some of the world’s greatest dancers. This greatness occurs on the stage of the Linda Chapin Theater, a great stage for dance. Visit worldballetcompetition.com or call 407.849.4669.