- March 28, 2024
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Today – Dec. 1 – The Morse Museum’s ‘Christmas in the Park’ Window Lighting
Today at 6:15 p.m., a signal will be given to turn on the Morse Museum window lights – which look particularly magical in the Park – and Winter Park’s holiday season begins. The Museum lights up nine of its Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. Christmas in the Park is a way for the museum to share their rare Tiffany collection with the public, and in this, its 38th year, the event is still free. Eight of the leaded-glass windows have religious themes, and the ninth – Tiffany Studios’ Christmas Eve window, c. 1902, with Father Christmas holding the Christ child, will also be on view. The event is free in Winter Park’s Central Park today.
Today – Dec. 1 – Shanghai Acrobats of the People's Republic of China
Feats of acrobatic skill, impeccably timed stunts, and beautiful costumes are some of the ways the Shanghai Acrobats pay homage to China's rich cultural heritage. In this celebration of human accomplishment trampoline artists and aerialists fly through the air while jugglers, contortionists, and martial artists demonstrate the dangerous precision of their skills. A multitude of extraordinary sets completes the picture leaving us breathless at every Shanghai Acrobats performance. At the Dr. Phillips Center at 8 p.m., call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. – Calling all Octo-Cadets!
The Octonauts are bringing their live stage show to the Dr. Phillips Center with “The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano” featuring songs led by Captain Barnacles and Lieutenant Kwazii along with animated projections on a massive on-stage screen. This new quest is perfect for all fans of the Disney series. Available for super-fans, The Octonaut Explorer Party Package, at $130 per ticket, includes special seating and an invitation to the Octopod Party after the show (call 888-805-8930). General admission starts at $29.50. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844-513-2014.
Dec. 3 & 4 – Pianist Emanuel Ax with the Orlando Philharmonic at the Bob Carr
Seven-time Grammy winner and piano superstar Emanuel Ax will perform the beautiful Concerto No. 2 by Beethoven in two performances with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bob Carr Theater. Conducted by Eric Jacobsen, the program will include a world premiere by American composer Lisa Bielawa, Mozart’s dramatic Symphony No. 40 in G minor, and Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture” to complete this program of orchestral greatness. Please note: due to road construction, give yourself extra time for parking at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org
Dec. 3 & 4 – Cultural Fusion presents ‘Christmas is ‘Comin' Uptown’
Written by Phillip Rose and Peter Udell, and loosely based on Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” “Comin’ Uptown” brings to life all the same characters of Charles Dickens most famous story. But this time Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, are endowed with some urban ‘soul.’ Set in Harlem in the early ’70s, this re-visited Christmas classic is ready to become a special part of your family’s holiday joy. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Dec. 6 – Josh Garrick’s ‘A VERY Classical Christmas’ opening reception
Hosted by the Downtown Arts District Orlando at Bloomingdale’s at the Mall of Millenia, the public is invited to the free opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. of “A VERY Classical Christmas,” featuring the artwork of Orlando’s own Josh Garrick on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Located on the third floor showroom, Bloomingdale’s supports the arts by allowing viewers to conceptualize owning the artists' work in their homes with a percentage of all art sales donated to the Downtown Arts District. Support the Downtown Arts District, enjoy wine and lite bites, and celebrate “A VERY Classical Christmas!”
Dec. 8 & 9 – CFCArts Community Choir presents the ‘Stories of Christmas’
In a show that shares family traditions, childhood memories, personal stories and more through our favorite Christmas songs, join the 300-voice CFCArts Community Choir and members of the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra for their rendition of “The Stories of Christmas.” This year, the show incorporates the retelling of the Christmas story through traditional Christmas hymns. Performances will take place at Northland Church in Longwood at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, $15, $25 and $50. Call 407-937-1800, ext. 710, or visit cfcommunityarts.com
Dec. 8 to 11 – The Orlando Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’
The Orlando Ballet's enchanting favorite, “The Nutcracker,” returns to the Dr. Phillips Center. The gift of a toy nutcracker from her godfather transports Clara on a magical journey to a world of fantasy and fun complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and a host of dancing toys. For the very young, you may also consider the one-hour family performance version of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Dec. 9 & 11 – One-man presentation of ‘A Christmas Carol’
Written and performed by David McElroy, Southern Winds Theater presents Mr. McElroy’s one-man presentation of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted for the stage with McElroy performing all 37 characters. In this tour-de-force, McElroy brings to life all the characters of the Dickens’ classic from Tiny Tim to the Three Ghosts. This solo interpretation, with music, is for both adults and children (7 and up) at the Blue Bamboo Center at 1905 Kentucky Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-341-3495 or visit bluebambooartcenter.com/shows
Dec. 10 & 11 – Lakeridge Winery’s annual Chocolate Festival
Wine and chocolate is the theme for this very special event at this holiday time of year. Visit with local artists and crafters as they display their work; enjoy live music by incredible bands on the vineyard’s outdoor stage throughout the weekend; and taste Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of foods available for purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and tastings. A $2 donation to benefit The Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute is requested to enter the festival grounds. Visit lakeridgewinery.com
Dec. 11 – Maitland Symphony presents free holiday concert – ‘A Russian Christmas!’
Under the direction of Artistic Director Eric Mendez, the Maitland Symphony Orchestra will present their free holiday concert with an emphasis on Russian music. Called “A Russian Christmas!” “The Nutcracker” will be performed along with many other holiday favorites. Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell and MSO Founder Margaret Patten will co-emcee the free event at 7:30 p.m. at the Maitland Presbyterian Church at 341 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Call 321-303-1404.
Dec. 12 – Sandler, Schneider, Spade, & Swardson live in Orlando
Live comedy fans, “Saturday Night Live” fans, and anyone who wants to spend an evening with the funniest people on Earth need to order their tickets for “Here Comes the Funny Tour” featuring Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson, Rob Schneider and a special surprise guest on-stage live at the Bob Carr Theater for one performance only on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Now catch your breath and call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org for an evening with Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson, Rob Schneider and a special surprise guest!
Dec. 13 to 18 – Broadway in Orlando presents ‘An American in Paris’
“An American in Paris” is the new hit musical about an American solider, a mysterious French girl and a very special European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. Acclaimed director-choreographer and Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheldon brings the romance of Paris into perfect harmony with Tony Award-winning orchestrations of works by George and Ira Gershwin in this four-time Tony Award-winning production that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-2015 Broadway season. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Now to Dec. 11 – ‘A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration’
When Noel Coward reigned supreme, high society meant hats and gloves, and the brilliance of the English language. Now the Winter Park Playhouse invites you to “A Marvelous Party” in celebration of Noel Coward. As sparkling as a newly popped bottle of champagne, this party is a musical romp featuring 33 tunes and a bevy of anecdotes and musings by the incomparable Noël Coward. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org
Now to Dec. 18 – Harry Connick Jr.’s ‘The Happy Elf’ at Orlando Rep
From the Grammy-winning musician, this joyous new musical is about the happiest elf at the North Pole. He is so happy that his constant exuberance wears others out. Still he believes if he can restore joy to the town of Bluesville, he will win a spot on Santa’s sleigh. Faith and teamwork are gifts to be shared in this story of elf magic, and Harry Connick Jr. has written a wonderful score for the story. Experience the Orlando Rep’s holiday offering by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting orlandorep.com
Now to Dec. 18 – George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ at the Mad Cow Theatre
Yes – this is the George Bernard Shaw play that gave us “My Fair Lady” – this time performed as Shaw wrote it. Without the songs, we get to more clearly see Shaw’s observations on the British class system, gender stereotypes, and middle-class morality. Shaw’s most popular play – that gave us Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle – is an entertaining holiday treat from the elves at Mad Cow Theatre. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com
Now to Dec. 30 – Orlando Shakes’ ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’
As an audience member you will love the moment when the rehearsal for ‘yet another’ production of "A Christmas Carol" devolves into an irreverent look at all of our favorite holiday classics including “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, and more! Three actors (with the help of Santa) take a tongue-in-cheek look at everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in the funniest satire you may ever experience – in any season. I love this show and recommend it highly. At Orlando Shakes, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org