Head Over Heels

Posted on by Thor

Encore is presenting Head over Heels which is being performed at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL) from through June 13, 2021. This was my first sketch inside a theater since the pandemic began in March of 2020.

This was a dress rehearsal so the audience was very scarce. Performers who were vaccinated went without masks and the dancers always wore clear masks. Thankfully everyone in the audience wore masks.

This was a musical set in Arcadia which resembled a medieval utopia. I must say the costuming in this show by the late A.J. Garcia was stellar. A live band was on the upper level and and they were a bit overbearing at the start of the show. However this musical was a delight and the show started with a high energy dance number set to We Got The Beat. The songs are contemporary so if you liked the Moulin Rouge movie I bet you will have a fun time seeing this show.

The heart of the show is a love story between a sheep herder and a princess. The king denies the match and the herder only can get close to the princess dressed as a Amazon warrior. An oracle who was first a snake later appeared as an owl in fabulous drag. The kings anger and close minded view of his subjects and his family is eventually overpowered by love. This is a great show to run during Pride week since acceptance and discovering our true self are at the core of the show.

The actor playing the shepherd, Michael Angelini Jr.,did a hilarious job jumping back and forth between his male and female roles. Lillie Eliza Thomas was regal as the queen and Laurel Hatfield was heart warming as the plane princess Phiolclea. The bottom line is that this is a fun and exciting night of theater and for someone who once sketched shows every night this was a breath of fresh air. Tickets are $39.

 

Visual Fringe

Posted on by Thor

The Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest is January 9-12, 2020 inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center at Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.  I saw several Facebook posts about the Visual Fringe tent and had to head out to see it for myself. The Visual Fringe is headed up by the incomparable actress, Melanie Leon whose comedic prowess has livened up several of the shows I have sketched at Fringe and around town. In front of the Visual Fringe tent were about a dozen orange lawn chairs so that an audience could sit of they liked to watch all the at happening.  I was happy to sit in a chair (theater seat) and started sketching. Melanie and George Cudo were seated in front of me. She joked with me and made me feel very much welcome.

I sketched Warren Hart (Famous After Death) who was working on a bold robotic image painted on a board covered in newspaper clippings. I loved the Famous After Death tag an wish I had thought of it. Also working was Osha Awesome who was doing a mixed media piece with melted crayons. Famed beside her were several framed Yin and Yang symbols with rainbows of melted wax.

After sketching Famous After Death, I checked out his portfolio on the table. It was a thick book full of gorgeous bold poster imaged from movies and other themes. I heard that he produces the work in Illustrator but he also explained that the iPad and Procreate have changed the way he works. He is desperately hoping that Procreate eventually gets vector based features which means images created could be blown up to any size. Since I have fallen in love with the program as well, we had much in common. It was awesome to meet another artist who is embracing technology in their everyday creative process.

Tonight is the last night of the Fringe Winter Mini Fest. To see a show you need to buy a $3 Mini Fest Button. Show tickets are separate and prices vary. Some shows I had sketched before during the 2019 Fringe.

The remaining shows…

12:45am Staged Reading Series: Gertrude Stein’s Do Let Us Go Away, a play.

12:45am Staged Reading Series: Spider Queen.

2:15pm Winnie’s Roch Cauldron Cabaret.

2:30pm 90 Lies an Hour.

2:45pm The Myrtle Sisters – Out of Time.

4:00pm St Kilda

4:20pm Danny Darkly’s California Screaming.

4:30pm The Dissection of a Mixed Heritage Woman.

5:45pm Six Chick Flicks. (SOLD OUT)

6:15pm Eddie Poe.

6:15pm The Lightweight.

7:30pm How to Really, Really, Really Love a Woman.

8:00pm Larry.

8:00 My Left Tit.

9:15pm Becoming Magic Mike: An Action Adventure Comedy.

9:45pm Flori-DUH.

Phantasmagoria’s Christmas Carol

Posted on by Thor

 Phantasmagoria is proud to present One of the greatest and most enduring Ghost Stories ever told! Victorian Troupe Phantasmagoria returns to
the stage with its own unique adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic
holiday tale “A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas”.

This
critically acclaimed Victorian Performance Troupe will bring its
signature tapestry of movement, dance, puppetry, projections, music and
storytelling to the stage as one of the most famous Ghost Stories of all
times comes alive! A true tale of the Past, Present and Future – with
the glory of redemption!

Dickens’ wonderful tableau will come to
life with Phantasmagoria’s own unique aesthetic and performance style in
a brand new adaptation of the classic work. Last year’s performances
SOLD OUT fast so get your tickets now! A show good for ALL ages!

The dress rehearsal I sketched had all the bravado I have come to expect from a Phantasmagoria performance. Jacob Marley was presented as a skeleton puppet wrapped in chains. A unique head harness linked the skeleton’s head movements to the movements of the handler’s head. The ghost of Christmas past was a floating blue head with a streamer. The ghost of Christmas yet to come was the largest and most menacing enshrouded in a dark hood. with bony fingers. John DiDonna as Ebeneezer Scrooge brought plenty of energy to the part which he has performed for years. He steps into the crotchety old mans skin with ease.

Only one show date remains, Dec 15, 2018 at 8pm
John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803). Ticket prices are…

Student/Senior/Military: $15.00 regular / $40.00 VIP

Adult: $25.00 regular / $30.00 VIP

(VIP
includes early entry to pick seating, Christmas beverage (no alcohol),
Take home souvenir, and POST show performance including Poetry, Dance,
song, Magic and more!

The Shift

Posted on by Thor

 I went to a tech rehearsal for The Shift at the Mandell Theater in the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803). Larissa Humiston the founder of Emotions Dance was in the lighting booth helping set the lighting cues. I thought I was just sketching an Emotions Dance Company rehearsal but I got to experience so much more.

 The Shift is an annual production that showcases work from professional companies and up and coming choreographers in the Central Florida area. The goal of The Shift is to showcase new works to the Central Florida Community in the spirit of collaboration and exploration of dance as an art form.

The first dance consisted of a troupe of female dancers in black Flamenco dresses with white polka dot frill.  They all moved in graceful synchronous movements and I struggled just to catch one or two dancers. When they spun, their dresses billowed out. During their second run through a small army of young dancers filled the theater seats. They quickly got into costumes and soon where on stage. Some dancers were as young as 5 years old up to maybe 18 years old. They performed to music with a tribal beat and the youngest of them gyrated with stunning athleticism. The choreographer was in the front row to encourage them to push themselves.

Four dancers in black suits and black fedoras danced with Bob Fosse exaggeration to a Michael Jackson song. Their faces were hidden behind the brim of the hat and to begin their chests heaved as if to the sound of their own heart beats. One dancer in particular seemed to have that extra polish that caused me to pause and just watch. None of the acts were in order, each dance company took to the stage when they arrived and then they would file out. It was an exciting and energetic evening that proved that Orlando will keep Dancing.

Showcasing work from the following professional companies and individuals:

Aretuza’s Ballerina Project

Florida Dance Theatre

Emotions Dance Inc

Ellie Vie Co

Crawford Jazz Project

Marshall Ellis Dance

Still Moving Dance

Vincent Sanrocco Dance

Inez Patricia School of Dance

Tori Sarau

CG and Dancers

Thomas Wilkins

The final performance of The Shift is tonight, Saturday September 15, 2018 at 7:30pm in the Mandell Theater in the Orlando Shakes (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803).

Tickets which are available at the door are

General Admission- $20

Students/Seniors (65+)- $15

Weekend Top 6 Picks for September 15 and 16, 2018

Posted on by Thor

Saturday September 15, 2018

8am to 1pm Free. Parramore Farmers Market. The east side of the Orlando City Stadium, across from City View. Purchase quality, fresh and healthy food grown in your own
neighborhood by local farmers, including Fleet Farming, Growing Orlando,
and other community growers.

1pm to 3pm Free. Vet Voices: 1st Highlights Presentation.  TheatreWorks Florida 8 W Palmetto St, Davenport, Florida 33837. TheatreWorks Florida and the veterans of “Vet Voices” proudly invite you
to a FREE public presentation of inspirational theatrical work created
entirely by the vets themselves during their first 10-week session of
workshops. Come share stories of the men and women who protect our
country every day in an impromptu studio setting. Support… Connect…
Engage.

Please support the incredible veterans of Vet Voices as they share their
military experiences in an eye-opening theatrical forum. This event is
open to the Public and we encourage families to attend.

Questions to Mark Graham: vetvoices@theatreworksfl.org or 203.952.8760.

We hope to see you at the theatre!

Mark Graham – Associate Director, Vet Voices Scott A. Cook – TWF Artistic Producer

7:30pm to 9:30pm General Admission- $20 Students/Seniors (65+)- $15 The Shift. John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Mandell Theater (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803). The Shift is an annual production that showcases work from professional
companies and up and coming choreographers in the Central Florida area.
The goal of The Shift is to showcase new works to the Central Florida
Community in the spirit of collaboration and exploration of dance as an
art form.
Doors open at 7 and show is at 7:30pm.Tickets available at the door.

 

Sunday September 16, 2018 

Noon to 2pm Free. Orlando Flea by the Daily City. Celine Orlando 22 S. Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801.

The Orlando Flea is Sunday September 16th 12pm-4pm at the event space
Celine Orlando at 22 S. Magnolia Ave. It will feature a tightly curated
collection of local and regional artisans, designers and makers along
with live music, a full bar and local bites.

The Orlando Flea
wants to create a community around supporting and celebrating our
region’s creative small business owners. There’s an inspiration and
energy that comes from talking with and just being around creative
people doing what they love. The Orlando Flea wants to be a hub for that
energy and experience.

The Orlando Flea is the latest project of
The Daily City, creators of The Daily City’s Food Truck Bazaar, The
Daily City Cardboard Art Festival, and Big Box of Orlando (Orlando’s
first pop up shop!). The Daily City began in 2007 and is Orlando’s
longest running hyper local indie news site.

Since The Daily City publicly announced The Orlando Flea on March 1st 2018 it amassed over 500 fans at www.instagram.com/theorlandoflea and 130+ members in the Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/331443710710233/).

Vendors: Go to the facebook group to apply. Thanks!

5pm to 7pm Tickets: $250, $200, $150. 30th Anniversary Season Gala. John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803.  You’re invited to attend an evening of exceptional food, live
entertainment, and memorable conversation as we celebrate Orlando
Shakespeare Theater’s 30th Anniversary Season.

Book your tickets today and you will be among the select few to see a
one-night-only cabaret created by In the Heights performers. The Season
Gala also features an extensive variety of auction items and experiences
that you won’t want to miss. Our thrilling live auction will feature an
incredible vacation experience at the Walt Disney World Resort, a
dinner party for 100 from Arthur’s Catering, and a luxurious staycation
at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

7pm to 9pm Free but get a beer. Stephan Mikes at the Imperial. The Imperial at Washburn Imports 1800 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32804. Contemporary Sitarist and composer Stephan Mikes plays internationally influenced tunes with Tablaji Riad Abdulsalam, Swara means truth!

The Luckiest People at the Shakes

Posted on by Thor

The Luckiest People written by Meridith Friedman will rip your heart out. Oscar Hoffman (J.D.Sutton) and his son Richard (David Lane) enter Oscar’s retirement in an assisted living facility along with David’s partner David (Alexander Mrazek.) David is carrying what I presumed to be ashes. They had just returned from a funeral burring Oscar’s wife. Oscar finds himself alone in the world and he is cantankerous and angry. Richard is blindsided when his father demands to leave his
assisted living facility.

With his sister Laura (Suzanne O’Donnell) living in Shanghai, and his plans to soon to become a first time father with his partner, he is less
than thrilled at the prospect of housing his–to put it mildly–difficult
father. Accusations begin to fly and defenses are drawn, spiraling
father and son, brother and sister, and spouses into a heated game of
finger pointing with unintended consequences.

When Richard has second thoughts about adopting a child with his partner, their relationship is strained to the point of breaking. David knows he wants to raise a child but suddenly Richard is faced with having to possibly care for his father. He also discovers that his sister Laura is planning to meet an old boy friend behind her husband’s back. She yearns to be with someone who knew her before life set so many demands on her. This contemporary and wryly humorous play touchingly explores the
middle years of life when competing priorities from children, spouses,
and parents create challenges and self-examination.

I laughed, I cried, I sketched. Seemingly comedic at first, the play delved deep into this family’s relationships, demands, and blunt trauma.  The injuries of childhood surface and the injustice of being treated like a child as an elder become a driving theme. “You are lucky to have somewhere to runaway to. Someone to run to.” Everyone had hidden scars and no one seemed particularly lucky to me. This is the first play in a
trilogy about the Hoffman family.

The Luckiest People runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

Tickets are $25 to $50

John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803

The remaining show dates are:

Thursday, April 12, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Friday, April 13, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 14, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 15, 2018 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 19, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Friday, April 20, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 21, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 22, 2018 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 26, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Friday, April 27, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 28, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 29, 2018 – 2:00 PM

Weekend Top 6 Picks for March 3rd and 4th.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday March 3, 2018

10 AM to 5 PM Free. Windermere Art Affair. 520 Main Street Downtown Windermere FL.

Multi-cultural food and entertainment. Wine/cheese and craft beer face painting and balloonist for the kids and pet friendly. The Downtown Business Committee (DBC) of the Town of Windermere is
hosting the 3rd Annual Windermere Art Affair in Town Square, Downtown
Windermere. This wonderful event will be open to the public, targeting
residents of Orlando and surrounding cities, towns and suburbs. This
provides a unique opportunity to reach out to attendees from all walks
of life, especially the affluent segment of Central Florida.
 This
elite event will showcase renowned fine art artists, including the
Highwaymen, Alana O’Hern and Father Valdemar—just to name a
few—surrounded by music, food and performing arts in a festive
atmosphere. 

This is a judged event, and the judging will begin at 11:30am and be
completed by 2pm. At 2pm we will announce, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Best of Show,
and three Honorable Mentions.

3PM to 5 PM Free. Workshop on Sexual Harassment and Abuse. Orlando Shakespeare Theater at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Laura T. Fisher, a founder of the Chicago
Theatre Standards #NotInOurHouse, will give a presentation on preventing
sexual harassment and abuse to the Orlando arts community.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF, Theatre UCF,
Mad Cow Theatre, and Orlando Repertory Theatre (Theatres) will present
two sessions of a workshop with Ms. Laura T. Fisher, a founder of the
Chicago Theatre Standards (CTS). Workshops will be held at Loch Haven
Park on Friday, March 2,2018 and at the University of Central Florida
campus on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

In
January 2015, a Chicago actor,after hearing an account of repeated
incidents of sexual harassment at a theatre company, made a Facebook post
that decried such acts with the rallying cry, “NOT IN OUR HOUSE.”
Hundreds of responses revealed that the problem was well-known, but no
one felt safe enough to speak out. By March 2015, a code of conduct was
underway. Co-ordinated by Chicago actor Laura T. Fisher, a small group of
theatre companies and artists created the CTS.

 In
an effort to find solutions and guidelines for prevention, the Theatres
invited Ms. Fisher to present a workshop on the CTS, which have been
adopted by numerous theaters across the nation, and to address potential
issues in the theatre community.

All
members of the Central Florida arts community are invited to attend
either of the free sessions. Ms. Fisher will go through the document
contents, take questions and offer feedback, all with an eye toward
uniting rather than dividing productions, theatres, and communities.
The presentation is designed to speak to members of the theatre community
including union and non-union actors, designers, directors,theatre
teachers and professors, students, technicians, staff,
administrators,board members, and anyone connected to the theatre
community. However, the Standards are adaptable for similar disciplines
including dance, music, opera, and film.

In presenting
the work of #NotInOurHouse and the resultant CTS, Fisher conveys
the priorities of the document: to provide communication pathways to
prevent and respond to unsafe practices and inappropriate behavior, to
produce a win-win strategy for producers, performers, board members, and
audience, to enter into self-regulation in a spirit of mentoring rather
than “outing,” to “call in”rather than “call out,” and to strengthen
environments where employees are not discarded for mistakes or
misunderstandings, nor do they fear reprisal for reporting harassment or
abuse.

“Like
the rest of the nation,Central Florida’s theatre community has been
grappling with the truth that people of all genders have experienced
trauma and pain from sexual harassment,abuse, and intimidation,” states
UCF’s Cynthia White, director of Boy Gets Girl.

 “While
this is not solely a women’sissue, women have been disproportionately
hurt physically, emotionally, and financially.” Mitzi Maxwell, executive
director of Mad Cow Theater, adds. “Everyoneis asking how to change our
culture, and everyday there is a new story. We can start with our own
houses, in our community, and these workshop sessions are a beginning. We
encourage artists and administrators to join the conversation.All are
welcome.”

6 PM to Midnight. $25. Nude Nite Tampa. America’s Largest Nude Art Exhibition is more than an art show.
It is an annual art and entertainment event showing over 200 juried art
works for sale, world class body painters, national burlesque acts,
interactive installations, performance art, cirque performers and a cast
of strolling characters both in costume and out..

Sunday March 4, 2018

10 AM to noon. Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation Class. University, 5200 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811. The Method of Heartfu lness A simple and practical way to experience the heart’s unlimited resources. http://heartfulness.org

Noon to 1 PM Free. Yoga. Lake Eola Park. Lawn near the red gazebo.

7 PM to 9 PM Donation based. Fundraiser  and Sneak Peek: Female 12th Night. Roque  Pub   3076  Curry Ford Road  Orlando,  FL 32806.

Shakespeare in Love at the Shakes.

Posted on by Thor

Shakespeare in Love is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. It was adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. I was just familiar with the movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. In Shakespeare’s day only men were allowed to perform on the theater stage. However Viola De Lesseps was in love with the bards poetic words. She knew how to breath life into his words better than any man, so she dressed as a man named Thomas Kent to audition for a part in his latest play which was being written for the queen (Anne Hering.) Shakespeare (John Keller) was drawn to her performance in the audition but she ran away when he wanted to see her without a hat. Shakespeare follows Kent to Viola’s house and leaves a note with the nurse, asking Thomas Kent to begin rehearsals at the Rose. Shakespeare sneaks into Viola’s garden, finding her on her balcony,
where they briefly confess their mutual attraction to each other before
he is discovered by her nurse and flees.
Inspired by Viola, Shakespeare writes quickly, completely transforming the play into what will become Romeo and Juliet.

Some of the biggest laughs come when “Thomas Kent” has difficulty kissing a man dressed as Juliet. She gives him a peck on the forehead instead. In an attempt to get the scene right Shakespeare himself steps in as Juliet and Romeo finally kisses with gusto. Thomas (Viola) pauses for a moment and then jumps up on the bard wrapping his legs around the playwright. The theater is shut down when Viola is discovered as a true woman. However another theater owner who saw the play in progress decides to allow the production to open in his theater. Viola can no longer perform as Romeo so she sits back stage. Shakespeare himself takes the part of Romeo. Then the actor playing Juliet looses his voice. It turns out that Viola knows every line, so she is thrust out on stage to perform as Juliet. The star crossed lovers perform the final scene which mirrors the fact that they can not stay together despite their love, because Viola is promised to a Lord Wessex (Duncan Bahr). She sails off with a man she doesn’t love looking back at the love of her life.

This romance tragedy is a reminder that sometimes love is not enough and that sometimes a couple is torn apart due to obligations and different life paths. It is a bitter sweet pill to swallow.

Shakespeare in Love runs through March 25th and shows are selling out fast.

Where: Orlando Shakespeare Center 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803.

Tickets are $25 to $50.

Ada and the Engine at Playfest.

Posted on by Thor

Prior to the rehearsal for Ada and the Engine all the actors sat at a conference table in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater with director David Lee for a Skype video conference with the playwright Lauren Gunderson. Lauren, who lives in San Francisco has been writing plays for years and recently has been getting rave reviews. David pointed out that she has resisted the pull of both LA and NYC. There were technical glitches getting the Skype conference started, having to do with audio and it was finally resolved by ignoring the digital tech and using an analog phone.

Each actor in turn got to ask Lauren a question about the play that they had been rehearsing. Lauren reminded us that a story should involve not just the conflict of separation or failed relationships, but also the revelations and excitement that comes from true discovery. The play is about Ada, a young strong willed and very intelligent woman who had a mind for mathematics at a time when women were only known for their abilities to win a man and raise children. Her mother, Lady Byron, had every intention of seeing that she followed the norms of the day. However when Ada meets mathematician Charles Babbage, they discover a true affinity in the power of numbers and the possibility of an analytical computing machine that could solve extremely complicated mathematical problems. Their excited revelations are the basis of the first computers that used punch cards to store data. Ada’s vision of the future of this machine even went on to imagine a machine that could compose music. She envisions a whole new world where art and information converge. A
world she might not live to see.

Although it is clear that Ada and Charles are soul mates, they never become involved since she was so much younger than he was. She ends up marrying a Mr. Lovelace who is handsome and a good dancer, but his vision of her responsibilities certainly limited her future in math and science.

This was a story of love,
friendship, and dreams of the future. It is refreshing and exciting to see a play in which two geniuses inspire each other. In an age where pop culture only celebrates sports figures and celebrities, this play celebrates inspiration and ingenuity, which should always be at the heart of the American Dream.

Playfest offers seven new plays over two weekends.

Tickets for “Ada and the Engine”

By Lauren Gunderson are $10

John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center

812 E Rollins St, Orlando, Florida 32803

Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 8 p.m.

PLAYFEST SPECIAL EVENTS

PlayFest Party!

Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Buffet dinner provided by Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Buffet dinner provided by Spoleto – My Italian Kitchen.

Join the featured PlayFest 2017 playwrights and actors for an
exclusive PlayFest Party inside the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare
Center. Tickets ($12) for the PlayFest Party can be added onto your
PlayFest 2017 tickets online at www.orlandoshakes.org,
by phone at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, or in person at the John and Rita
Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street). Only 60 slots per
PlayFest Party available.

Phantasmagoria VIII “The Chains of Fire” at the Shakes.

Posted on by Thor

Phantasmagoria
Orlando and DiDonna Productions is proud to present the eighth all new installment in their critically acclaimed “Whimsically Macabre”
Halloween Celebration at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center
(812 E. Rollins St, Orlando, Florida 32803). 

The brand new PHANTASMAGORIA VIII “Chains of Fire” thunders on to the Mandell Theater with all new stories of
terror! Live performers, “Phantastical” dance, explosive stage combat,
large scale puppetry, aerial performance, and haunting storytelling
combine to create a tapestry of macabre and whimsical horror!

Phantasmagoria’s evocative troupe of storytellers, dancers, and
chorus embark on their newest, and perhaps darkest journeys yet ,
through literary tales of terror, and horrific folk stories, legends,
and myths. Enter with us into dark tales from the likes of Edgar Allan
Poe, H.G. Wells, Robert Browning, Lord Byron, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman
among many others – all to set the tone for a truly Phantasmagorical
Halloween season!

I went to a dress rehearsal which had a fairly clean run thru of the show. Using the iPad meant I could see what I was working on throughout the performance. I am really enjoying the ability to zoom in when sketching performers. The digital sketchbook is becoming my preferred medium when sketching in a dark theater. This was indeed a darker and more sinister show. Strangulation and death haunted the cast though most every story. Once they begin a tale it must be told to completion. The hitch is that they live the tale intimately to the point of near death. The cast seems immortal however having told the stories for centuries. 

One of my favorite moments came after the run thru. John DiDonna was giving a note on how to dramatically stage a strangulation. He said, “Here allow me to show you by strangling my wife.” He grabbed Dion Leonhard DiDonna by the neck and arched her backwards as he leaned over her. Being a ballerina, she made even the gruesome moment look graceful.

After the run thru, the cast did a whimsical and comically relaxed rendition of the story, “Captain Murderer”. The cast ran out into the audience often getting face to face with the audience as they told the tale with absolute delight. They are at their best when mixing the macabre with the whimsical.
 

Special VIP Experience – Arrive by 7:20 on Select Nights

New this year, the VIP show will occur BEFORE the main stage show on select nights only
(Fri/Sat nights and Halloween) as they introduce their “Phantasticaly
Phantabulous Sideshow Extravaganza!” Specialty acts, special guests, and
appearances by members of the Phantasmagoria troupe weave together to
start the evening off in the best and darkest of ways! This year all VIP
seating can be RESERVED (for the first time) upon coming to the door to
ensure prime seating for all our VIP guests. At the end of the show,
the VIP audience member will also be treated to a final encore
especially designed for them! VIP also includes a glass of wine or soft
drink, a take home gift and more!

Information and Ticketing can be found beginning in September on the website or on their Facebook page.
 

WHO:
Phantasmagoria/DiDonna Productions
WHAT:
Phantasmagoria VIII “The Chains of Fire”
WHEN:
Oct 13th – Nov 4th 2017
All evening performances at 8:00pm (Box opens at 7:00pm/
VIP Show experience at 7:20 / VIP Theater Entrance at 7:50 followed by General Admission seating)
Oct 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27. 28. 29. 30. 31, Nov 3, 4
Special MONDAY Performance on October 30th @ 9:00pm only
NOTE: VIP Show Experience only available Friday/Saturday nights and Halloween MUST arrive early for 7:20-ish start
General Admission and Student/Senior/Military available on all nights.
WHERE:
The Mandell Theatre, John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center – Loch Haven Park, Orlando, FL
PARKING:
Lot on site, additional lots and street parking in close proximity
TICKETS:
Student/Senior/Military Admission – $15.00 / General admission – $25.00
Student/Senior/Military VIP Admission – $30.00 / General VIP Admission – $40.00

(VIP Admission includes Pre Reserved Seating, VIP SideShow performance,
wine or soft drink, a take home surprise, and more! – Available only
Friday/Saturday and Halloween nights)
TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
WILL CALL/CASH ONLY AT DOOR reserve by calling our hotline at 407-476-5121

(Leave name/number/date of performance and number in party – you will
be called back only if there is a problem with your reservation)
CREDIT CARD PREPURCHASE