Kit Cleto

There’s nothing I like more as a theatre reviewer than experiencing a production completely fresh. And going into a theatre with no prior exposure to a piece is so rare for me these days that when I do have the chance, I jump on it. Such is the case for Opera del Sol’s production of DRACULA, the 2004 Frank Wildhorn musical that was critically panned on Broadway and received new life (cue undead pun) through rewrites in the years since. And in Opera del Sol’s creative and talented hands, the piece is given the chance to breathe and take shape in a bold, creatively inspired and powerfully sung production that is filled with thrills (and chills).

“What makes a monster and what makes a man?” These lyrics illustrate so well the essence of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, the soaring gothic musical based on the classic Victor Hugo novel and featuring music from the Disney film of the same name. This question sets the stage for an epic tale that is currently being vividly brought to life on the Osceola Arts stage. This production is beautifully imagined, magnificently sung and emotionally resonant – and serves as the perfect opener to Osceola Arts’ 63rd season.

The lush melodies of Frank Wilhorn underscore Bram Stoker’s literary masterwork in Opera del Sol’s production of Dracula, the Musical is coming to downtown Orlando this October. Learn more about the upcoming production here!

In the world of theatre, there are some shows that simply resonate on a different level. In my experience, this happens when the perfect cast comes together with visionary creatives at the perfect moment in time. And when these puzzle pieces all snap into place, it delivers a performance that just feels different, one that makes the audience feel like they are lucky to be in that moment together. If you have experienced this before, you know, it is truly magical. Typically, this has been, for me, a feeling primarily reserved for popular, highly acclaimed shows, usually on Broadway (but not always). On Thursday night – I experienced that same rush, those same chills, and that same rare feeling sitting in the audience for the first time at the historic Athens Theatre in Deland, Florida – witnessing their latest production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. As I sat there, I forgot that the amazingly talented cast were all volunteers – brought together by their love for the art and a passion for performance – and reveled as they delivered a stunning piece of musical theatre that was truly wonderous to behold.

Theater at St. Luke’s is welcoming back audiences for GUYS AND DOLLS, its first onstage production since 2019. Theatergoers will meet an all-star cast of gamblers, gangsters, and showgirls based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon. Under the neon lights of New York City and the charm of old Havana, this high-energy musical comedy has all the heart and hustle you'd expect from a nine-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production.

. Theatergoers will meet an all-star cast of gamblers, gangsters, and showgirls based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon. Under the neon lights of New York City and the charm of old Havana, this high-energy musical comedy has all the heart and hustle you'd expect from a nine-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production.

Settings for musicals range from the rather ordinary to the extraordinary. Audiences can be transported to the pre-war Austrian countryside or the magical world of Oz, or in the case of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Celebration Theatre Company’s latest production at Dr. Phillips Center, a county spelling bee. And though this may not sound like the most exciting of places to set a musical, this show is filled with quirky (but lovable) characters, a compelling story and great music – making for a fun couple hours of theatrical magic that is both touching and funny, and which also illustrates some of the challenges facing young people today – parental approval, pressure to excel, first crushes and the intense need to fit in.

Celebration Theatre Company continues its fifth season with Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn's Tony Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, running from April 30 - May 9, 2021 at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts' Alexis and Jim Pugh Theatre.

There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

We're heading into the final week of voting for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just a few weeks left to make your voice heard and submit your votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.

St. Luke's United Methodist Church presents Children of Eden, the story of a big family making mistakes, learning to forgive, and embracing new beginnings. The show, directed by Steve MacKinnon, features music by Grammy award-winning, Tony-nominated composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell).

Central Florida Community Arts is proud to present its seventh Broadway Concert Series production, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, February 8 & 9, 2018. With music and lyrics by Academy Award-winners Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, book by Peter Parnell, and based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film, this concert-style production is directed by Rob A. Lott, with music direction by Jacob Haines, assistant direction and visual design by Ashley Willsey, choreography by Barbara Hartwig, and is produced by Joshua Vickery through CFCArts.

The Garden Theatre (160 W Plant St.) is proud to present the classic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, showing September 8 - October 1, 2017. This musical kicks off the Garden's 10th Anniversary 2017- 2018 Season. Jesus Christ Superstar is presented by Bob and Dianna Duffy. The show is also sponsored by Outdoor Living Products and Toole's Ace Hardware. The 2017 - 2018 theatre series is sponsored by Evoyent, a Deloitte Network Company.

ThanksKilling The Musical is quickly being hailed as the must-see Fringe Show of 2017.  The cast is putting the final touches on this journey through blood, guts, laughs, drinking games, and more. Get to know them before the run below!

After critically acclaimed and sold out productions in Seattle, New York Columbus and Atlanta, ThanksKilling The Musical flies into Central Florida this spring. Get ready Orlando, Turkie is coming for you!

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E. Those 11 letters spell out 'spelling bee,' but in the Garden Theatre's production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, those 11 letters spell so much more than that. Based on a fictional spelling bee in the fictional Putnam County, this hilarious and heartfelt tale centers on six young spellers who made it through various rounds in their own school's spelling bee to compete at the illustrious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Along with the six adolescent kids are the three adults who run the bee. Each child is played by an adult and each of them have their own quirks, hardships, and goals which make this show an absolute delight. 

From December 1 to 18, the beloved tale of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' comes to life at the Athens Theatre in Deland. This particular telling of the story is a musical version with singing and dancing numbers. While I'm not sure I particularly enjoyed the musical version of the show, I can definitely say that the outstanding performances of the cast are well worth the cost of a ticket.