- March 28, 2024
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Forbes: Orlando is No. 1!
Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Buddy Dyer, “Our community has made strategic investments to fulfill our collective vision of making Orlando and all of Central Florida a world-class city. As we mark the opening of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, I believe we are that city,” he says. This has been a life-changing year for Central Floridians – from the installation of See Art Orlando, to the MLS franchise and the groundbreaking for a stadium, to SunRail, to the opening of a reconstructed Citrus Bowl and the Dr. Phillips Center. These projects not only enhance our quality of life, they bring economic opportunity to Central Floridians. This week – as we open our new Performing Arts Center – Forbes ranked Orlando the No. 1 city in the entire country for job growth at a rate more than double the next city. Once again, congratulations to Mayor Dyer and all who worked so hard to bring about this dream come true that is Orlando.
Now through Dec. 28 – ‘A Christmas Story’ at Orlando Rep
“A Christmas Story, The Musical” is the classic account of Ralphie Parker’s hilariously desperate quest to ensure that the most perfect gift ends up under his Christmas tree: a Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun! All the cherished moments are here – the Old Man’s leg lamp, the tongue-on-a-frozen-flagpole, the bunny suit, and the Santa slide. Ralphie’s dreams are all there on-stage for us to enjoy as a Tony-nominated Best Musical. Presented through Dec. 28 at Orlando Rep, call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com for tickets.
Nov. 13 to 24 – Breakthrough Theatre presents Jonathan Larson’s ‘Tick, Tick...Boom!’
Before “Rent,” there was “Tick, Tick...Boom!” an autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer and Tony Award–winning composer of “Rent.” The story of a composer and the sacrifices he makes to achieve his big break takes us with Mr. Larson from waiting tables to writing the great American musical. Set in 1990, this rock musical features Rob Guest and Krystal Gillette with the show directed by Wade Hair and musical direction by Justin Scarlat. In performance from Nov. 13 to 24, tickets are cash at the door with reservations at 407-920-4034. Visit breakthroughtheatre.com
Nov. 14 to 23 – The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art
Each year, the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees kicks off Central Florida’s holiday season by turning the Orlando Museum of Art into a wonderland of holiday elegance with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, and holiday vignettes – all for sale to benefit the museum. The prize drawings and Toyland Town activities are all part of this popular tradition benefiting OMArt’s children’s art education programs. An opening night festival gala called A Tartan Affaire will be held Nov. 14 beginning at 7 p.m. (black tie optional) including fine culinary creations, cocktails, and entertainment. Visit omart.org/programs
Nov. 14 to Jan. 11 – Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink
This holiday season the city of Winter Park will host its sixth annual Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Central Park from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11. It’s a little bit of winter inside the tent – no matter the temperature outside. Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association as they spread holiday cheer to skaters and spectators. Visit winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.
Nov. 14 to 16 – The 2014 Winter Park Concours d’ Elegance
The Winter Park Concours d’ Elegance – now in its 13th year – is a full weekend of activities including a Friday evening AeroPort Reception, a Saturday Tour d’ Elegance and a Sunday Concours on the fairways of the Winter Park Country Club. This season Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge Emeritus for Pebble Beach, will join the team of judges. Sunday’s Concours will display more than 160 of the world’s finest automobiles arranged by make and model, chronologically and by private collection for viewing interest. Ticket information is available at WinterParkConcours.com
Nov. 14 to Dec. 13 – ‘Isn’t it Romantic?’ A tribute to Rodgers & Hart
It may well be that the song-writing team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart is the greatest (and most prolific) team ever to bring their music to Broadway. Now the Winter Park Playhouse has created an original –world premiere – singing and dancing musical revue aptly titled “Isn’t it Romantic?” as a tribute to the legendary team. Featuring an assortment of the greatest love-songs ever written, including “My Funny Valentine,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Blue Moon” and more, call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org for tickets.
Nov. 15 – Grand Opening Gala of the new Dr. Phillips Center
In a one-night-only performance called “Broadway & Beyond,” the Walt Disney Theater will open the new Dr. Phillips Center. The 90-minute show will feature performances from stars including Norm Lewis, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”; soprano Deborah Voigt; Latin superstar Ektor Rivera; The Broadway Kids; jazz singer Jane Monheit; and an orchestra made up of members of the Orlando Philharmonic. Tickets at $250, $175 and $125 include the performance and after-party including a champagne toast and dancing under the stars to Michael Andrew’s Big Band. Call 844-513-2014, visit drphillipscenter.org or visit the new box office at 155 E. Anderson St. in Orlando.
Nov. 15 to Jan. 4 – ICE! featuring ‘The Nutcracker’ at Gaylord Palms
Of the many ways to experience the magic of “The Nutcracker” this season, the ICE! Experience at Gaylord Palms brings us Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four very interactive slides. Favorite scenes from the ballet, the beloved Tchaikovsky music, and ice-carving artists from Harbin, China, will be at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee from Nov. 15 to Jan. 4. New this season, adults 21 and over may 'chill out' at On The Blocks — the exclusive bar at ICE! Call 407-586-2000 or visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com
Nov. 18 – James Taylor and his All-Star Band at the Amway Center
The legendary James Taylor promises “an intimate and memorable night” as he and his All-Star Band come to the Amway Center on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. Over the course of his celebrated songwriting career, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for his classics from “Sweet Baby James” in 1970 to “October Road” in 2002. He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and now we get to experience the legend at the Amway Center. Tickets at amwaycenter.com, charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 or at Ticketmaster.com
Nov. 20 – ‘Georgia On My Mind’ celebrating the music of Ray Charles
The new jazz series at the Dr. Phillips PAC kicks off Nov. 20 with a concert celebrating the music of Ray Charles, an American treasure who transcended racism and cultural upheavals to spread his blues, jazz, and country sound around the world. From the Georgia State Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Ray Charles won every major award, including the Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Celebrating his music is a cast of award-winning performers. Call 844-513-2014.
Nov. 20 – Grand opening of Artegon Marketplace Orlando
A 1 million-square-foot shopping attraction and artisan marketplace is set to open Nov. 20 on Orlando’s International Drive. Re-developed from the former Festival Bay Mall and creating more than 675 new jobs, Artegon Marketplace supports local craftspeople and entrepreneurs, and houses Florida’s largest indoor artisan marketplace. There are more than 160 spaces featuring unique art, one-of-a-kind boutiques, handcrafted items and farm-direct food offerings from some of Florida’s finest craftspeople. Visit ArtegonOrlando.com
Nov. 20 to Dec. 12 – Artists/Registry Exhibit at CityArts Factory
With an opening reception on Third Thursday – Nov. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. – the public is invited to the CityArts Factory at 29 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando for the Artists/Registry’s Annual Members’ Exhibit. More than 80 works by local and international artists, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture, will be on display and available for purchase. Exhibition Judge Beverlee Ahlin will award the more than $1,200 in prize money. Call Jeffrey Shonkwiler at 407-312-0708 or visit ArtistsRegistry.com
Nov. 21 – Russian State Symphony Orchestra visits Daytona Beach
The Daytona Beach Symphony Society, celebrating its 63rd season at the Peabody Auditorium, will open its new season on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Valeri Polyansky leads the Orchestra on this special night as world-renowned pianist Vladimir Feltsman performs Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece Piano Concerto No. 2. The all-Russian program includes Tchaikovsky’s “Slavonic March” and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. I’ve heard this Orchestra, and this one-night-only performance receives the highest recommendation. For tickets, call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org
Nov. 21 to 30 – American Sand Sculpting Championship
Fort Myers Beach is home to the 28th American Sand Sculpting Championship with sculptors from three continents including world class master sand sculptors, a state championship contest, amateur contest, chain saw art, a kid’s activity area and more than 60 vendors. From Nov. 21 to 30, visitors will see 30 works of sophisticated sand art on display created from over 1,000 tons of sand. Presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, call 239-454-7500 or visit sandsculptingfmb.com