BWW Interview: Rockin' SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE with TheatreWorks Florida's Scott A. CookAugust 28, 2015TheatreWorks Florida is known throughout the Orlando theater scene for putting on hit productions like Legally Blonde in 2012, Sweeney Todd in 2014, and Nunsense in 2013. If you've seen any of those shows you know that the quality of theater is best in the business. This year, TheatreWorks Florida was awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and United Arts of Central Florida. These grants will support their community outreach program TheatreCares, which brings full-quality productions to education locations that may not otherwise be able to experience live theater.
BWW Reviews: Explores DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP? at Theatre UCFJune 30, 2015There is nothing more unnerving than growing up as the odd one. We all remember the weird kid in school, but what ever happen to that person? Although this show was written in the late 70s, there are themes that remain relevant throughout the decades. Young adults will always question what they are taught. For better or worse the students of DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES… are united by their common Catholic school bond.
BWW Reviews: Going Back in Time with I LOVE LUCY LIVE at Dr. Phillips CenterJune 25, 2015I LOVE LUCY - LIVE ON STAGE is probably best suited for audiences that already consider themselves Lucy fans. While those who aren't necessarily fans will likely still enjoy the show, I don't think that they will appreciate this production nearly as much as if they grew up with Lucy and Desi coming into their living rooms once a week.
BWW Reviews: Hopping into Summer with THE FROG AND THE PRINCESS at Orlando ShakesJune 22, 2015If you're looking for the perfect summertime family activity that does not involve standing in the blazing sun, then Orlando Shakes' THE FROG AND THE PRINCESS is exactly what you're looking for. This super silly show encourages giggling out loud and lots of audience participation, which young audience members will find fun and entertaining. While the story may be about a princess, young princes will also love this production.
Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theater Picks - OrlandoJune 1, 2015So it's felt like Summer in Orlando since February, but Summer officially starts on June 21st. While most theater seasons are over, there is still a lot to see around Orlando. Here are our Summer Orlando theater picks.
BWW Reviews: An Enchanting Evening with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Dr. Phillips CenterMay 13, 2015The French fairy tale made famous by Walt Disney Pictures in 1991 comes to life on the Dr. Phillips Center stage. Disney fans and musical theater fans alike enjoy the enchanting story, award-winning music and lighthearted humor. What better city to see BEAUTY AND THE BEAST than in Orlando home of the "Happiest Place on Earth'?
BWW Reviews: A Whole New Digital Neverland with Garden Theatre's PETER PANMay 4, 2015The classic musical PETER PAN flies into the 21st century with digitally mapped scenery in the Garden Theatre's final production of the season. PETER PAN is the perfect show for the Garden Theatre's technological endeavor because it is a familiar story to many audiences and has some good opportunities to showcase the animation. While some may consider the use of technology a risk, this show integrates it in a way that enhances the audience experience.
BWW Reviews: Heading Back to School with SeaWorld Orlando's SEA LION HIGHApril 20, 2015While the Orlando theater culture continues to grow, it's obvious that when you think of Orlando you really think of our world-class theme park entertainment. SEA LION HIGH is SeaWorld Orlando's newest Sea Lion and Otter show and it does not fail to entertain and educate all at the same time.
BWW Reviews: A Juicy Afternoon with JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH at Orlando ShakesMarch 23, 2015When you think of great children stories involving fruit there's a lot of apples and bananas, but there is only one peach. The final show in Orlando Shakes' Children's Series is the Roald Dahl classic JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Perfect for elementary school students on spring break, this adaptation is a fun and entertaining for the family.
BWW Interviews: John P. Keller in Capturing HENRY V at Orlando ShakesMarch 18, 2015In Orlando Shakespeare's final Classic Repertory Series, we meet the young ruler HENRY V in his quest for respect and ownership of France. Orlando Shakes veteran, John P. Keller, plays Henry and he took a moment out of his busy schedule to discuss his involvement in the show and other projects.
BWW Interviews: Gabe Friedman of Athens Theatre's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWNMarch 12, 2015Currently playing at the Athens Theatre in DeLand is the classic musical YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. Based off the comic strip made famous by Charles M. Schulz, the musical revolves around Charlie Brown and his group of friends. Here is a moment with Gabe Friedman, who plays Charlie Brown, to chat about his involvement in this show.
BWW Review: Plotting with the MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at Orlando ShakesFebruary 10, 2015To some audience members THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR may not be the most familiar of Shakespeare's comedies, but after seeing this production it now stands in my top three. Orlando Shakespeare always does a great job keeping the material fresh and accessible to all audiences. THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR is a natural fit for the Shakes interpretation, which sets the play in the late 1950s in a shiny suburb of America.
BWW Reviews: The American Favorite TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Orlando ShakesFebruary 3, 2015Everyone has read Harper Lee's classic American novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, which explains the sold out crowds flocking to see Orlando Shakespeare's live adaptation. It is a luxurious production that ships audience right into 1930s southern life. As with all great stories the ones that leave a lasting impact are those that are timeless and speak to all generations.
BWW Reviews: A Spooky Adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Orlando ShakesDecember 11, 2014It's the holiday season again and while it seems A CHRISTMAS CAROL is performed every year there are always variations that set each production apart. This year Orlando Shakes' Jim Helsinger adapted the classic Dickens tale bringing a fresh take on a well known story.
BWW Reviews: The World Premiere of CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE at the Garden TheatreDecember 9, 2014The Garden Theatre hosts the world premiere of CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE, written by Orlando's own Rob Winn Anderson. The show features an original plot and brand new music. CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE is a great start to the holiday season and a wonderful way to support a growing Orlando theater community.