Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Construction is underway on the second phase of the Dr. Phillips Center, which will include the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall for unplugged performances ranging from rock to symphony and The Green Room, an area where performers and guests can gather for musical exploration, creative programming, recording and intimate performances.
As this exciting new addition comes to fruition, the 2017-2018 season will feature performances from special guests like Willie Nelson in October and Billy Crystal in February as well as concerts from local and national organization and artists throughout the year. Just as in seasons past, audiences are anticipating the arrival of popular musicals for the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando series. The schedule includes many shows that will likely sell out.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I: September 12-17, 2017
On Your Feet!: October 17-22, 2017
Love Never Dies: November 21-26, 2017
The Book of Mormon: December 12-17, 2017
School of Rock: December 26-31, 2017
Riverdance: January 26-28, 2018
Disney’s The Lion King: February 14 – March 11, 2018
Waitress: March 20-25, 2018
Something Rotten!: April 24-29, 2018
Rent: 20th Anniversary Tour: June 5-10, 2018
Orlando Ballet
Artistic Director Robert Hill has curated a season of full-length ballets, new works and non-traditional programs. The Orlando Ballet’s 2017-18 season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will feature a mix of classic masterpieces and bold, contemporary ballets including two world premieres.
Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts Schedule
Swan Lake: October 27-29, 2017
With live music by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
The Nutcracker: December 21-24, 2017
Romeo & Juliet: February 9-11, 2018
Arcadian Broad’s Beauty & the Beast Family Weekend: March 17-18, 2018
Contemporary Wonders: May 4-6
With live music featuring Sisaundra Lewis
The company also performs in other Central Florida venues, including The Abbey in downtown Orlando, and it has expanded its partnership with the Garden Theater in Winter Garden.
Garden Theatre Schedule
Swan Lake: Uncorked: Nov. 3, 2017
The Swan Princess: Nov. 4-5, 2017
Best of Broadway: Apr. 13-15, 2018
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center encourages kids to learn in a fun way through traveling exhibits and a variety of special events. It even hosts Sensory Sundays on select Sunday mornings, allowing guests to visit certain exhibit halls at quieter volume settings with more light and to enjoy a movie with softer volume and more ambient light in the theater.
As the current traveling exhibit, called Identity, wraps up on Sept. 4, the Orlando Science Center is preparing to welcome Playing with Light from Sept. 23 through Jan. 3. This special exhibition encourages visitors to explore the ways that science and physics create light, and it includes special experiences like sneaking past a laser light security block, stepping inside a giant kaleidoscope, “drawing” with infrared “paint,” and making a powerful telescope.
Other ways you can enjoy the Orlando Science Center this season include:
Science Night Live: Oct. 7, 2017 and Jan. 13, March 3 and June 2, 2018
Otronicon: Jan. 12-15, 2018
Science of Wine: April 28, 2018
Garden Theatre
The Garden Theatre is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2017-2018 season. Located in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden, its humble beginnings date back to 1935 when it was established as a single-screen cinema. It has grown into a performing arts center that features plays, concerts, movies, special events and more. In the past nine seasons, the audience has grown from 10,555 people to more than 73,000.
Here is a look at just some of what you can expect out of Garden Theatre’s 10th-anniversary season.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Sept. 8 –Oct. 1, 2017
The Odd Couple: Oct. 13-29, 2017
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Movie): Oct. 31, 2017
With prop bags, interactive entertainment and a costume contest
Annie: Nov. 25 – Dec. 23, 2017
Sandy Shugart in Concert: Jan. 13, 2018
The Lieutenant of Inishmore: Feb. 2-25, 2018
A Tennessee Walk: March 16-31, 2018
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Apr. 27 – May 27, 2018
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Located in Loch Haven Park, The REP is the only professional theatre for young audiences in the state. With a mission to enlighten, entertain and enrich children and adults with quality theatre experiences, the REP produces main-stage performances from professional actors and hosts students grades K-12 in its Youth Academy where they learn professional development in the arts.
Here’s what you will see on the main stage this season:
Disney’s Newsies: Sept. 8-16, 2017
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical: Oct. 23 – Nov. 19, 2017
Mr. Richard & the Pound Hounds: A Halloween Concert: Oct. 27-28, 2017
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical: Nov. 13 – Dec. 30, 2017
Pip Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show: Jan16-20, 2018
Flora & Ulysses: Jan 29 – Feb 25, 2018
Madagascar – A Musical Adventure: Feb. 26 – Apr. 8, 2018
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt: Apr. 9 – May 13, 2018
The Orlando area is full of artful experiences. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most visited art museums and botanical gardens for people of all ages.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
View the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (including his famous lamps), tour the galleries, or watch a lecture of film for free.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
View one of the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida that ranges from antiquity to contemporary and explore with your children in the education gallery.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Tour the gardens or the Leu House Museum, participate in a plant clinic or other educational experience, or visit during a special event like the monthly Movie Night.
Mead Botanical Garden
Rent a bed in the community garden, explore various plant collections and wander the butterfly gardens, or participate in a special event such as Woodstock Winter Park on Oct. 7.
Orlando Museum of Art
Take a docent-guided tour of the exhibits, participate in engaging learning programs that are designed for all ages, or register for a special art-themed event.
Skeletons: Museum of Osteology
Explore 40 exhibits featuring 500 real animal skeletons in clever poses with dioramas about the species.