How to Celebrate Spooky Season at Dr. Phillips Center
There’s something spooky brewing in downtown Orlando...
Dr. Phillips Center brings the Halloween spirit to life with ghostly vibes and a selection of spine-tingling shows and events. This season, the celebration has expanded to the Della Phillips Lobby where a collection of larger-than-life skeletons guard the grand staircase. (Keep an eye out, you may be being watched as you walk into Steinmetz Hall or sip cocktails outside Judson’s Live. Don’t look now!) The eerie atmosphere is also enhanced with mood lighting that casts sinister shadows at the venue entrances.
And the arts center’s haunting lineup will be sure to give you goosebumps...
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical – October 31, November 3, 8 & 9 | Jim Pugh Theater
Eleven, Mike and the rest of the Hawkins gang reunite in the parody of the popular sci-fi Netflix series. The musical will feature an all-local cast and poke fun at the show’s storyline and 80s tropes. There will be big hair, puppets and dancing monsters. Come watch the kids attempt to defeat an inter-dimensional creature...all set to music!
This is another great show if you’re not quite ready for something spooky-scary. The show promises funny gags, heavy synth, cheap effects and overdramatic plot to keep you entertained. Fans of the Netflix show will enjoy the inside jokes and references to the series. Anyone new to the series will surely be entertained too!
Halloween Upside Down Dance Party featuring DJ BMF (18+) – October 31 | Judson’s Live
For the first time, Dr. Phillips Center will host a Halloween party inside its newest venue, Judson’s Live. The 80s themed party features local legend DJ BMF as he spins iconic hits, deep cuts and music videos from the 80’s. Guests will be able to show off their creative skills with our costume contest featuring the cast of Stranger Sings. And, what’s a party without snacks? Special cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the night too.
Guests who attend Stranger Sings! the Parody Musical are invited to purchase an add-on ticket to the party. It’s also open to anyone not attending the show and looking for a place to celebrate on Halloween night. The dark and cozy space is the perfect setting for frights and fun!
Rocky Horror Picture Show 49th Anniversary Spectacular Tour with Barry Bostwick (18+) – October 4 | Steinmetz Hall
You may be familiar with the traditions developed around this cult-favorite movie musical. Shadow actors play out the movie in front of the screen with impressive detail while viewers shout phrases or throw objects during specific scenes. The film fanatics can (and usually do) dress up for the occasion, making it a fully immersive experience. Guests can attend a special screening at Dr. Phillips Center featuring Barry Bostwick, the original Brad Majors, as part of the shadow cast. To lean into the experience, participants will receive prop bags containing some of the traditional objects like glow sticks to toss at the screen.
This is the perfect group activity for Rocky Horror Picture Show veterans and newbies alike. (Be sure to take advantage of our group rates if you plan on bringing your friends!) Get your tickets now and join in the chaotic fun. We can hardly stand the antici.....pation!
Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret (18+ & Family-Friendly Performances) – October 17–19, 25-26 | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! The witchy Disney movie is nostalgic for 90s kids and catching on for younger generations with the making of the sequel. The new cabaret is a spin-off of the original story with a diverse cast of live rock singers and dancers. Featuring Bette Midler Tribute Artist, Jennica McCleary, the witches will rise once again to tell their backstory with parodies and cover songs from many decades and genres.
This show is a great choice for groups hoping for a little less fright and a lot more fun! Nostalgic Millennials who grew up watching Bette Midler tear up “I Put a Spell on You” will especially appreciate the cabaret. Specific performances of the rock cabaret are family-friendly and open to all ages.
Macbeth (Opera Orlando) – October 25 & 27 | Steinmetz Hall
Shakespeare’s notorious play is so haunting that it has inspired a host of theater superstitions over the centuries. Actors refuse to say the play’s name inside theaters and often refer to it as the “Scottish Play,” to avoid bringing bad luck to their cast. Opera Orlando’s production uses the music of Verdi to tell the ruthless tale through powerful compositions.
The sinister history of the play alone makes it a great choice to see during this time of year. The operatic interpretation conducted by Mark Sforzini and led by international baritone Norman Garrett will enhance the powerful themes even further. Opera lovers, Shakespeare buffs, and fans of the macabre should consider attending this show.
Phantasmagoria XV: Grim and Grimmer Tales – October 10–12, | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
The variety show described as “visually addicting” by Maryland Theatre Guide, returns to Orlando for another season of spooks. Actors, dancers, aerialists and puppeteers join to tell stories through performance and visual art. This year, the troupe will bring to life poetry and stories by notoriously haunting writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Henry James and Sheridan Le Fanu.
For anyone in search of a delightfully dark variety show, Grim and Grimmer Tales is a must-see. This performance will be most enjoyed by those who appreciate the haunting side of Halloween. It’s a little creepy, a little chilling and very visually stunning!
Stay tuned...the holidays are just around the corner.
The spooky season kicks off the beginning of the holiday season at Dr. Phillips Center. The arts center has planned a full lineup of holiday shows and events for guests to enjoy. And there’s so much more seasonal fun to experience! Be sure to stop by and get your pictures with the stunning display of live Christmas trees and decorations. The arts center is the perfect setting to experience the magic of the season.
Connect with us on social media to see more holiday happenings and share your memories by using the hashtag #HolidaysatDPC.
Check out the full guide to the Dr. Phillips Center holiday shows and stay tuned for holiday updates throughout the season.