Dr. Phillips Center to Host Opera Orlando's THE MAGIC FLUTE and More This October

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will treat its guests with five shows this Halloween season, including theater, ballet and opera performances.

Perfectly ushering in the arts center's spooky season was a show that had guests hearing heartbeats. From October 6 to 8, Victorian Horror Troupe Phantasmagoria brought to life the tales and poetry of the 'master of macabre,' Edgar Allan Poe, with Phantasmagoria XIII: Poe, Through the Tales Darkly. Through evocative storytelling, Phantastical dance, explosive stage combat, puppetry, projections and original music, the critically acclaimed troupe entertained guests with the sheer terror of "The Tell-Tale Heart," the haunted stirrings of "The Raven," the grim tolling of "The Bells" and the bittersweet grieving of "Anabelle Lee" along with a selection of Poe's other terrifying stories and poems.

On October 15 and 16, Ballet Tessera's adaptation of Washington Irving's classic 1820 tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, will have guests holding on to their heads as they experience America's first bone-chilling ghost story. This supernatural tale of seduction, manipulation, suspense and superstition follows an unsuspecting hero as he faces treacherous witches, confronts his forbidden love and, of course, the deadly Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

Orlando Ballet resurrects one of the most classic Halloween horror stories that might have guests stopping to buy garlic on their way home. From October 20 to 23, Pulse-quickening theatrics will take center stage in this heart-pounding story of seduction and sacrifice, Michael Pink's Dracula, the gothic horror story based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel. Dracula's eerie world is brought to spine-tingling life with expressive movement, thrilling music, dramatic setting, lighting and romantic costuming.

Opera del Sol invites guests to a night(mare) at the opera on October 28 and 29 to experience an adaptation of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel is more grim than Grimm and more creepy than classic. This twist to the beloved classic results in a horrifying tale that will leave guests wondering if everyone lives "happily ever after" after all.

Opera Orlando's performances of The Magic Flute on October 28 and 30 will prove that the Halloween season is not just spooky but also magical. This enchanting and whimsical fairy tale about gods and heroes will transport guests to a mythical realm where a prince is pursued by a terrifying dragon, rescued by three ominous women and tasked with rescuing the daughter of an awe-inspiring sorceress from the clutches of an "evil" high priest. The story follows the prince on a hero's journey through a treacherous brave new world, accompanied by a new friend, a magic flute and magic bells. The show, sung in German with English dialogue and supertitles, combines opera, music, dance and puppetry to tell this fantastical tale. The story unfolds in frames like an anime adventure manga (Japanese-style graphic novel); therefore, Opera Orlando encourages guests to take part in the concept by dressing in cosplay costumes (omitting masks as they are not allowed in the arts center).

Upcoming show and event details:

Ballet Tessera Presents

in Association with The Skyra Foundation

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

October 15 & 16, 2022 | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater | 7 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Orlando Ballet Presents

Michael Pink's Dracula

October 20-23, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Opera del Sol Presents

Hansel & Gretel

October 28 & 29, 2022 | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater | 8 p.m.

Opera Orlando Presents

The Magic Flute

October 28 & 30, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.

For more information on the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the shows and events it offers, visit drphillipscenter.org.

About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in downtown Orlando. The 698,312-square-foot venue includes three theaters: the 2,711-seat Walt Disney Theater, an amplified theater used for touring Broadway shows, concerts and other performances, as well as private events; the 296-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a community theater ideal for regional arts groups; and the new 1,464-1,770-seat Steinmetz Hall, which transforms in shape, seating and sound to accommodate a variety of art forms and events. In addition, the AdventHealth School of Arts offers semester classes, summer camps and pre-professional productions; and spaces like the DeVos Family Room and Rooftop Terrace are popular for weddings and other large private or corporate events. Out front, the 3-acre lawn includes Seneff Arts Plaza, where the community enjoyed live entertainment during the pandemic at the arts center's award-winning Frontyard Festival, supported by AdventHealth. Opening in Fall 2022, a dynamic music room called Judson's will offer cabaret-style seating for intimate, live entertainment. The Dr. Phillips Center is supported by the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida, and generous donors and sponsors. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.