September 17-October 12

By Samuel and Bella Spewack; Music and lyrics by Cole Porter

Love, comedy and confusion thrive behind the scenes of a Broadway-bound musical version of The Taming of the Shrew in Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece. Quarrelling couples swat and swoon as they navigate through the satiric, witty, and sensual score featuring such classics as “Too Darn Hot,” “So in Love” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare!” Featuring local singing talent Michael Andrew.

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

October 12
Beach Blanket Brunch from 10 AM - 1 PM at The Beacon. Kick off Pride right at the official Pride Brunch benefiting the Human Rights Campaign! HRC throws it back retro style paying homage to 1950s beach movies, where it was all fun in the sun, and bring you an entertainment-filled event featuring themed singers, performers and activities benefiting your favorite organization.

It all happens directly before the big parade. Tickets $65 per person or $120 per couple. Get info and tickets here.

October 12
After a smashing success in 2007, COME OUT WITH PRIDE returns this October to Orlando with more thrills, talent and reasons to be Proud!

Click here to keep up with all the information.

October 12
The world-famous concert organist and international television personality Miss Diane Bish, First Lady of the Organ, is coming to Orlando to perform for you!

Clad in a custom sequined dress (with train) and gold heels, she is the one and only Diva of the pipe organ!
She gracefully commands 5 manual keyboards, a 6th for the feet, as well as 100's of stops, couplers, expression pedals, and toe studs.

First Presbyterian Church (Downtown Orlando),106 E. Church St., Sunday, October 12th at 4pm
Free Parking across the street in the county garage at the corner of Rosalind & Jackson.

This is a classical organ recital (not a church service) and promises to be an entertaining, fiery performance!

For tickets and details go to http://homepage.mac.com/cf_ago/cf_ago/calendar/08-09/Bish/index.html. Proceeds benefit the educational and cultural community-outreach programs of the non-profit local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

October 15-November 16

By Tennessee Williams

In this American classic, a young son longs to escape his mother’s badgering while he worries about the future of his lame, shy sister. A wonder of poetry, William’s seminal work draws us into a floating state of memory, failed expectations, love, hope and heartrending desolation. The Glass Menagerie glitters and reflects with a haunting delicateness that will fix your gaze and move you to tears.

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

October 16
11th Annual Miss OBTA Pageant Fundraiser at Parliament House Footlight Theater. Doors at 7:00 / Show at 8:00. Admission $10 at the door.

Outrageously Fun ! Nothing else like it ! Arrive early - house is always packed - standing room only.

100% of the proceeds donated to the Genesis Community Program. Genesis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the children and families in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood. Celebrity Judges - Daisy Lynum (Orlando City Commissioner), Moira (Real Radio 104.1 Philips Phile), and Miss Sammy

Contact: Jeff Horn at 407-999-9059 or email JDHorlando@aol.com

November 14 - 16 - 18
Orlando Opera presents Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi
Set in 15th century Spain, Verdi’s Il Trovatore is a story of a conflict between passionate love and fanatical hatred. Both the nobleman Count di Luna and the handsome gypsy troubadour Manrico love Leonora. Manrico has been raised by the old gypsy Azucena, demented by having committed infanticide and by having seen her mother burned as a witch by the Count’s family. Her revenge leads to tragedy for all. Featuring a wealth of familiar solos, duets, and choruses including the famous “Anvil Chorus”, Il Trovatore remains one of America’s most performed operas.

CLICK HERE for more information and tickets.

December 3-December 28

It’s one year after A Christmas Carol and Scrooge has returned to his miserly ways. He’s putting the Ghosts of Christmas on trial for kidnapping and assault! This hilarious twisted tale of Christmas was a giant hit during its world premiere and hailed by Elizabeth Maupin of the Orlando Sentinel as “gleeful, exhilarating, delightful, splendidly Christmasy.” Don’t miss it!

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

December 13-14
Twisted Tinsel: Holidays From A New Angle
In OGC's not-so-traditional holiday show, enjoy songs of the season you know and love, alongside some new favorites, all presented with a spin only OGC can provide.
Dec. 13, 2008, 7:35 p.m. & Dec. 14, 2008, 4:35 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.

January 21-February 15

This sprightly and hilarious battle of wits features university colleagues Dr. Faustus (a man of appetites), versus Martin Luther (a man of faith), and their struggle for the soul of young Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (a youth struggling not only with his beliefs but also with his tennis game!). Come hear the story behind the story of Hamlet in a highly entertaining and humorous exploration of reason versus faith. Featuring Eric Hissom and Jim Helsinger.

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

January 23-February 1
PLAYFEST! THE HARRIETT LAKE FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS

PlayFest has grown into a 10-day celebration of new play readings, workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses from nationally recognized playwrights. Many of our readings have returned as full productions, including Opus, Around the World in 80 Days, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, Robinson Crusoe, and Crime and Punishment. PlayFest…it’s what’s next!

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

February 20 - 22 - 24
Orlando Opera presents La Cenerentola by Gioacchino Rossini.
In Rossini’s version of the classic fairytale Cinderella (La Cenerentola), the step-mother is a step-father and the fairy godmother an emissary of the handsome leading man. Our stage director, Garnett Bruce, sets the story in Hollywood during the Great Depression, where a director (“handsome leading man”) is searching for beauty, truth, and honesty in his next star. Come see the innocent Cinderella vanquish all against a backdrop of the 1930’s soundstage—including a gun-slinging western and Busby Berkeley production numbers.

CLICK HERE for more information and tickets.

March 11-April 25

The Bard’s comic genius reigns as sparkling couples engage in a war of wits. Beatrice and Benedick are ranked among Shakespeare’s most dazzling characters, and almost before we know it we are caught up in their merry war over love that leads to marriage. Full of deliberate confusions and mistaken identities, this brilliant comedy sparkles with quick repartee and the bright Mediterranean sunshine of Italy.

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

March 18-April 26

A mysteriously melancholy rich man, a dashing young lover in need of cash, a moneylender with reasons to seek revenge, and a witty young woman with a knack for disguise. These are the elements of Shakespeare's sparkling and troubling tragicomedy. A thought-provoking mixture of comedy, steely-eyed satire, compassion, poetry, and the perpetual struggle between mercy and justice has intrigued audiences for four centuries.

For details, visit: OrlandoShakes.org or contact the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

CLICK HERE for more information and tickets.

April 4-5
That '80s Show
Big hair and shoulder pads -- fashion we'd like to forget, but songs we remember and adore. Join OGC as we present a look back at the decade that brought us Madonna, Michael Jackson and more!
April 4, 2009, 7:35 p.m. & April 5, 2009, 4:35 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.

June 20-21
Oz & Beyond: The Music of Harold Arlen
You may know the work of Harold Arlen from the music of The Wizard of Oz — "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and the like. But did you know he also composed such classics as "It's Only a Paper Moon" and "That Old Black Magic"?
June 20, 2009, 7:35 p.m.; June 21, 2009, 4:35 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.