Arts For Every Life – The New Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fl.
The Dr. Phillips Center is deemed a magnet for the creative spirit, and brings diverse talents of the world together underneath one roof in Central Florida. The performing arts center is named for philanthropist and citrus magnate Dr. Phillip Phillips (1874–1959), and is within walking distance of the house he and his wife, Della, owned on Lucerne Circle. Dr. P. Phillips hosted many concerts, bringing acclaimed musicians from all around the world to play on his front lawn for the entire Orlando community to enjoy!
What’s Inside?
Construction on the performing arts center started in 2011. Now, three years later, the first stage is complete. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Thursday, November 6, in downtown Orlando, honoring everyone who has made the dream a reality. The five-story building features two state-of-the-art-theaters: The 2731 seat Walt Disney Theater and the 304 seat Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater. The building also houses rehearsal rooms, banquet space and educational facilities. More than 3,000 guests can enjoy shows from Broadway, music, dance, comedy, festivals and a variety of other events. Even weddings have already been booked at the performing arts center. The Center also hosts the CNL Arts Plaza, School of Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. While the building looks complete, aside from surrounding construction on the outside, there is still much more to be done. Stage 2 will feature a third acoustical theater that is yet to be constructed.
What’s Showing?
If you’re into Broadway, you can plan on taking a trip to Orlando to see productions such as Anything Goes, I Love Lucy Live On Stage, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp will be hosting his Plain Spoken Tour starting in January 2015. For all of you jazz lovers, the center will be launching its first 2014-2015 JAZZ ROOTS -A Larry Rosen Jazz Series. Some of the shows include Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating Ray Charles and Pink Panther 50: Tribute to Henry Mancini. The JAZZ ROOTS series includes concerts and educational outreach programs that organically connect to local community groups, art centers, universities and local boards of education. Bill Maher and Diana Ross will also be in town in February.
