Cole NeSmith sees “Rise & Shine” as a celebration of Central Florida by Central Florida. He’s the creator and director of the show, which highlights local performers as part of the opening festivities of Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
As the list of big names Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald, Lyle Lovett scheduled for the opening of Steinmetz Hall was revealed, Central Florida arts lovers noticed three conspicuous absences. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet and Opera Orlando the three local organizations who plan to use Steinmetz Hall the most aren’t headlining any of this month’s events as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its newest venue.
It does a fine arts critic’s ears good to hear an arena full of fans giving thunderous applause after an aria. And there was plenty of applause Sunday night as a packed crowd in Orlando’s Amway Center cheered the latest concert tour from Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Encore Presentation of Opera Orlando s CARMEN to be Presented on WUCF TV
Mezzo-soprano Briana Elyse Hunter headlines the production. She is joined by international tenor and recording artist Noah Stewart as the tragic Don José.by BWW News Desk
On the heels of sold-out, in-person performances of Opera Orlando s Creole Carmen, the Company is partnering with WUCF TV to broadcast its ENCORE! presentation of Bizet s fiery masterwork. This original take on Carmen, set in the politically tumultuous and culturally provocative reign of Papa Doc Duvalier in 1960s Haiti, is directed by Sara E. Widzer and conducted by Kelly Kuo, featuring musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, dancers from University of Florida, and the Opera Orlando Chorus and Youth Company.