Your preview of the many cultural offerings coming to Greater Orlando this fall.

Autumn is one of the best times to experience live music, a local theater production or a new art exhibit. So, to help you take advantage of all the cultural happenings Orlando has to offer, we put together a selection of some of the shows you won’t want to miss this fall.

PERFORMING ARTS

Central Florida Community Arts | Orlando | CFCArts.com | 407-937-1800

Now through Sept. 22
Next to Normal
A Pulitzer-prize winning drama, this play shares the life of a typical American family coping with crisis, mental health and staying together.
Venue: CFCArts Black Box Theatre. Showtimes: Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: $15-$25.

Oct. 11–Nov. 3
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Set in Victorian-era England, this Stephen Sondheim musical follows the exploits of a murderous barber seeking revenge.
Venue: CFCArts Black Box Theatre. Showtimes: Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: $15-$25.

Nov. 22–Dec. 15
A Christmas Story
Based on the motion picture, this stage play tells the story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker as he spends the winter dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift.
Venue: CFCArts Black Box Theatre. Showtimes: Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: $15-$25.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | Orlando | DrPhillipsCenter.org | 844-513-2014

Sept. 5–8
Bonnie and Clyde
The infamous crime couple’s story is retold in this Tony-nominated play staged by the local Celebration Theatre Company.
Venue: Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater. Showtimes: Thurs.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Admission: tickets from $35.

Sept. 14
Casa de Mexico Gala: Day of the Dead Festival
A celebration of Mexican culture with mariachi music, Ballet Mexico Folklorico of Guadalajara and traditional dance performances.
Venue: Walt Disney Theater. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $20.

Sept. 11–21
Seasons the Musical
A story of love filled with humor and realism, this original musical was created by two Orlando-based writers and tells of two couples who reconnect at a high school reunion.
Venue: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Showtimes: Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m. Admission: tickets from $30.

Sept. 22
This Is My Brave: Orlando
Local performers share their personal stories about mental health through spoken word, poetry, comedy and more.
Venue: Walt Disney Theater. Showtime: 3 p.m. Admission: $20.

Oct. 22–27
Les Misérables
One of the most well-known musicals of all time is brought to the stage in this touring Broadway production.
Venue: Walt Disney Theater. Showtimes: Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Admission: tickets start at $44.50.

Oct. 31–Nov. 3
Orlando Ballet Presents Vampire’s Ball
Returning by popular demand, this dance performance is spooky fun.
Venue: The Walt Disney Theater. Showtimes: Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: tickets start at $24.

Nov. 12–17
Escape to Margaritaville
Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s beloved songs, this touring Broadway musical comedy is a must-see for all Parrotheads.
Venue: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Showtimes: Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Admission: TBD

Dec. 3–8
The Play That Goes Wrong
Winning awards in London and on Broadway, this murder mystery comedy is full of mishaps and madcap characters.
Venue: Walt Disney Theater. Showtimes: Tues.-Fri.8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Admission: TBD

Dec. 20–21
Opera Orlando Presents All is Calm
Celebrate the holiday season with the Florida premiere of this remarkable true story that will be performed a cappella.
Venue: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Showtimes: Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: Various ticket packages available.

Garden Theatre | Winter Garden | GardenTheatre.org | 407-877-4736

Oct. 11–27
Deathtrap
This dark comedy thriller follows a playwright who would kill for the opportunity to publish another hit play.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $20-$32.

Aug. 23–Sept. 15
Ragtime The Musical
Filled with historical figures and set in New York City, this musical portrays life for three distinct groups in America at the turn of the 20th century.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $25-$37.

Nov. 22–Dec. 22
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas
Charles Dickens’ classic ghost tale of one sleepless night when the spirits reveal cruel realities along with a chance to change is brought to the stage.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $25-$37.

Mad Cow Theatre | Downtown | MadCowTheatre.com | 407-297-8788

Sept. 18–Oct. 13
Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen’s novel is adapted to the stage in this lively comedy-of-manners production.
Venue: The Harriett Theatre. Showtimes: Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$42.

Oct. 23–Nov. 17
Boesman and Lena
This play follows the struggles of two refugees wandering the South African wastelands.
Venue: The Zehngebot-Stonerock Theatre. Showtimes: Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: $15-$42.

Orlando Repertory Theatre | Orlando | OrlandoRep.com | 407-896-7365

Sept. 3–29
Tuck Everlasting
The best-selling children’s novel exploring immortality comes alive onstage.
Venue: Edyth Bush Theatre. Showtimes: Saturdays and Sundays 2 and 5:30 p.m. Admission: $15-$35.

Sept. 30–Nov. 10
How I Became a Pirate
In this musical that’s made for family viewing, a band of comical pirates tries to find the perfect spot to bury treasure.
Showtimes: Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission: TBD

Nov. 11–Dec. 29
Miracle in Bedford Falls The Musical
Based on the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, this musical follows banker George Bailey as he spends Christmas Eve viewing an alternate reality where he doesn’t exist.
Showtimes: Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission: TBD

Orlando Shakes | Orlando | OrlandoShakes.org | 407-447-1700

Sept. 4–Oct. 6
Evita
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this Tony Award-winning musical chronicles Eva Perón’s meteoric rise.
Venue: Margeson Theater. Showtimes: Various. Admission: $35-$72.

Oct. 9–Nov. 24
Macbeth
Shakespeare’s play of blind ambition and prophesied tragedy is performed in an intimate setting.
Venue: Goldman Theater. Showtimes: Various. Admission: $30-$59.

Dec. 4–29
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this romantic comedy focuses on middle sister Mary as she hopes for independence and possibly love.
Venue: Margeson Theater. Showtimes: Various. Admission: $30-$55.

Rollins College | Winter Park | Rollins.edu | 407-646-2145

Sept. 27–Oct. 5
The Humans
A Pulitzer Prize finalist, and winner of the 2016 Best Play Tony Award, this dramedy revolves around a fraught family reunion.
Venue: Annie Russell Theatre. Showtimes: Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Admission: $20.

University of Central Florida | Orlando | UCF.edu | 407-823-1500

Sept. 26–Oct. 6
Sweat
A group of factory workers faces interpersonal struggles when their livelihoods become threatened in this 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Venue: Black Box. Showtimes: Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: general $20, students and UCF faculty $10.

Oct. 17–27
A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder
With farcical antics and witty dialogue, this Tony Award-winning musical sees low-born Monty Navarro attempting dastardly deeds in pursuit of a position in high society.
Venue: Main Stage. Showtimes: Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: general $20, students and UCF faculty $10.

Nov. 14–24
Water by the Spoonful
A heartfelt meditation on hope and family, this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama follows a veteran recovering from war and an online community of recovering addicts.
Venue: Black Box. Showtimes: Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: general $20, students and UCF faculty $10.

Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center | Sanford | WDPAC.com | 407-321-8111

Sept. 20–29
Footloose The Musical
Adapted from the 1980s movie, this musical production of teenage rebellion and dancing repression will have plenty of fancy footwork.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $20-$27.

The Winter Park Playhouse | Winter Park | WinterParkPlayhouse.org | 407-645-0145

Sept. 19–Oct. 13
Desperate Measures: A Musical Comedy Gone Wild
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, this musical comedy features eclectic characters, high jinks and wildly fun musical numbers.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $20-$45.

Nov. 15–Dec. 15
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Snoopy, Linus, Sally and all of your favorite Peanuts characters appear in this heartwarming musical comedy.
Showtimes: Various. Admission: $20-$45.

MUSIC

Central Florida Community Arts | Orlando | CFCArts.com | 407-937-1800

Sept. 6–7
My Favorite Things: A Night of Rodgers and Hammerstein
The CFCArts Community Choir presents songs and moments from some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most memorable scores.
Venue: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Showtimes: Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door, children ages 12 and under are free.

Oct. 25–26
A Hero’s Journey
The CFCArts Symphony Orchestra will take audience members along for an adventure with sweeping scores and heroic music.
Venue: Calvary Orlando. Showtimes: Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7 p.m. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door, priority seating $25, children 12 and under are free.

Nov. 8
Leading Ladies: Encores
The CFCArts Women’s Chorale returns for another exciting night of music and stories with iconic songs like “Memory” from Cats and “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
Venue: Calvary Orlando Showtimes: 6:30 and 8:15 p.m. Admission: $10 Advance, $15 at the door, children 12 and under free

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | Orlando | DrPhillipsCenter.org | 844-513-2014

Oct. 2–25
The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center
The jazz band launches its third season with special guest Nikki Yanofsky.
Venue: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Showtimes: Thurs. and Fri. 8 p.m. Admission: TBD

Dec. 28–29
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert
Relive the magic of Harry Potter with a live performance of Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.
Venue: Walt Disney Theater. Showtimes: Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: Starting at $55.50.

Orlando Repertory Theatre | Orlando | OrlandoREP.com | 407-896-7365

Oct. 26
Mr. Richards & the Pound Hounds: A Halloween Concert
This kid-friendly concert will have plenty of sing-alongs and Halloween fun.
Showtime: 1 p.m. Admission: TBD

Orlando Philharmonic | Orlando | OrlandoPhil.org | 407-770-0071

Sept. 28
Opening Night With Branford And Boléro
The Philharmonic takes on Richard Strauss’ tone poem Don Juan and Ravel’s bold and powerful Boléro.
Venue: Bob Carr Theater. Showtime: Sat. 8 p.m. Admission: $27-$90.

Nov. 25
Bach & Beyond
Soloist Bridget Kibbey performs a harp concerto by Brazilian composer João Luiz Rezende and more.
Venue: The Plaza Live. Showtime: 7 p.m. Admission: TBD

Nov. 30
Home for the Holidays
The Holiday Singers and the Opera Orlando Youth Chorus team up with the Philharmonic for a festive holiday concert tradition.
Venue: The Plaza Live. Showtimes: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission: TBD

Rollins College | Winter Park | BachFestivalFlorida.org | 407-646-2182

Sept. 26
Insights & Sounds: Handel’s Heroines and Heroes
Handel’s charming and majestic oratorios are performed by the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra.
Venue: Knowles Memorial Chapel. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$45.

Oct. 20
Sergei Babayan, piano
The accomplished pianist and Cleveland Institute of Music artist-in-residence performs.
Venue: Tiedtke Concert Hall. Showtime: 3 p.m. Admission: $25-$69.

Oct. 26–27
Haydn’s The Creation
The Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra perform one of Haydn’s greatest oratorios.
Venue: Knowles Memorial Chapel. Showtimes: Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Admission: $25-69.

Nov. 14
Insights & Sounds: Bach’s Moravian Music Heritage
The Bach Festival Society celebrates the music of the Moravians, who greatly influenced the music of young America.
Venue: Tiedtke Concert Hall. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$45.

University of Central Florida | Orlando | UCF.edu | 407-823-1500

Oct. 18
Guest Artist Recital: Frederic Voorn, piano
The Amsterdam-based concert pianist and composer performs.
Venue: Auditorium Rehearsal Hall. Showtime: 5:30 p.m. Admission: free.

Nov. 3
Guest Artist Recital: The Kraken Quartet, percussion
Using percussion and electronics, this Austin-based group known for its genre-crossing music puts on an energetic show.
Venue: Auditorium Rehearsal Hall. Showtime: 7 p.m. Admission: free.

Nov. 16–17
UCF Opera Scenes Performance
The University of Central Florida’s opera group presents scenes from famous operas.
Venue: Visual Arts Building Auditorium. Showtimes: Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m. Admission: general $20, students $10.

Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center | Sanford | WDPAC.com | 407-321-8111

Oct. 6
Symphonic Underground’s Dancing Mad: Tribute to Final Fantasy VI
The 25-piece orchestra presents music inspired by video games along with a tribute to the Final Fantasy VI video game.
Showtime: 5 p.m. Admission: $18-$25.

Nov. 16
Swingin’ with the Big Band
Bennett Harmon and The Orlando Big Band bring the ’40s to life with the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and more.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $23-$30

Dec. 15
Orlando Big Band’s A Swingtime Christmas
The band performs Christmas favorites with selections from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Showtime: 3 p.m. Admission: $23-$30.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens | Winter Park | Polasek.org | 407-647-6294

Sept. 3–Dec. 1
Tongue in Cheek: Humorous Sculpture
Venture into the surreal, fantastic, ironic and satirical world created by this colorful sculpture exhibit.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission: general $10, college students $8, students K-12 are $3, seniors $8.

Crealdé School of Art | Winter Park | Crealde.org | 407-671-1886

Sept. 27–Jan. 11
It’s Only Human: The Figure as Art
This juried exhibition showcases the human figure in all its forms through paint, sculpture, photography, clay and more.
Venue: Showalter Hughes Community Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission: free.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art | Winter Park | MorseMuseum.org | 407-645-5311

Opens Oct. 15
Stories from the Archives—Louis Comfort Tiffany and His Studios
This exhibition showcases the museum’s expansive collection of archival materials from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s businesses, project studies and personal life.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission: general $6, seniors $6, students $1, free for children under 12.

Opens Oct. 15
Rare and Remarkable—Art Pottery of Louis Comfort Tiffany
This collection of works gives a comprehensive look at the rare pottery of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission: general $6, seniors $6, students $1, free for children under 12 years old.

The Mennello Museum of American Art | Orlando | MennelloMuseum.org | 407-246-4278

Sept. 20–Jan. 12
Edward Steichen: In Exaltation of Flowers
Edward Steichen’s portraits of early 1920s cultural luminaries in intimate black-and-white photography and seven stunning large-scale, gold-leaf mural paintings are presented in partnership with the Orlando Museum of Art.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. noon-4:30 p.m. Admission: general $5, seniors $4, children and students $1, free for children under 6 years.

Orange County Regional History Center | Downtown | TheHistoryCenter.org | 407-836-8500

Now through Sept. 22
Love Speaks: Artistic Responses to the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy
This exhibit encompasses a wide range of media and styles and reflects the emotions in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.  Admission: $6-$10.

Sept. 21–Jan. 19
The Accidental Historian Exhibit
Featuring drawings by artist Ralph Bagley and Urban Sketchers Orlando, poetry by Orlando’s poet laureate Susan Lilley, audiovisual work by food blogger Ricky Ly, historic images by photographer T.P. Robinson and more, this exhibit is a documentation of Central Florida’s history.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: $6-$10.

Orlando Museum of Art | Orlando | OMArt.org | 407-896-4231

Now through Oct. 27
Modus Operandi: Photographs from the Collection of BNY Mellon
From the ghostly exposures of Walead Beshty’s Transparencies, created by security equipment in airports, to the elaborately orchestrated performance projects of Alex Prager, this photography exhibition speaks to the heart of contemporary art practice.
Venue: Carl and Gini Weyand Gallery. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. Admission: general $15, children and students $5, free for children under 3 years old.

Now through Oct. 27
Jon Napoles: Devil City
Inspired by artist Raymond Pettibon and the Punk/DIY (Do-It-Yourself) art movement of the late 1970s, Napoles appropriates imagery from bathroom stalls and bar culture, mining his personal narrative as subject matter for his work. Venue: Martha DeNeen Cotten Gallery.
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. Admission: general $15, children and students $5, free for children under 3 years old.

Now through Oct. 27
Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards
This touring exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive presentation of Coretta Scott King illustrator award winners and honorees who have been recognized for their work championing the African American experience in children’s literature. Venue: Mr. and Mrs. Chelsey G. Magruder Gallery II.
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. Admission: general $15, children and students $5, free for children under 3 years old.

Rollins College Cornell Fine Arts Museum | Winter Park | Rollins.edu | 407-646-2526

Now through Dec. 29
The Place as Metaphor: Collection Conversations
From the literal to the symbolic, this exhibit illustrates the notion of place through a selection of artistic pieces from the museum’s permanent collection.
Hours: Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Now through Sept. 6, 2020
Pushing the Envelope: Mail Art from the Archives of American Art
This exhibit examines how mail art—a form of artistic practice where artists send small scale works through the postal service—worked across divergent cultural circumstances.
Hours: Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Sept. 21–Dec. 29
African American Art in the 20th Century
This exhibition presents nearly 50 paintings and sculptures by 32 African American artists who came to prominence during the period bracketed by the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement.
Hours: Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Sept. 21–Dec. 29
Ut Pictura Poesis: Walt Whitman and the Poetry of Art
Examining the impact of Whitman’s work on American life and culture, this collection explores the impact of the poet’s work on a select group of contemporary artists.
Hours: Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Sept. 21–Dec. 29
At Lesiure: Images of Repose from the Permanent Collection
This selection from the museum’s permanent collection features works that depict interior scenes and leisurely activities in private settings at home and in nature, all by European and American artists from the 17th to the early 20th century.
Hours: Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. Admission: free.

SNAP! Orlando | Orlando | SnapOrlando.com | 407-286-2185

Now through Sept. 28
Le Salon 2019
This annual showcase of international and regional artists features an array of mediums, styles and artistic subjects with works from Roger Ballen, Shawn Theodore, Casper Faassen and more.
Venue: Snap! Space Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: free.

Sept. 13–Jan. 11
SNAP! Florida Showcase 2019
This community exhibition features the work of Florida photographers and artists including pieces from Crummy Gummy, Ericka Sobrack, Zane Grant and more.
Venue: Snap! Downtown Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: free.

UCF Art Gallery | Orlando | UCF.edu | 407-823-5470

Now through Sept. 13
2019 Faculty Exhibition
The faculty of the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design put their work on display including ceramics, drawing, digital art, mixed media, painting and more.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Sept. 26–Nov. 1
Coalesce curated by Erika Hirugami
This group exhibition gives a voice to individuals who have hybrid intersectionalities originating from Latin America’s rich cultural heritage.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: free.

Valencia College | Orlando | ValenciaCollege.edu | 407-582-2268

Sept. 5–Oct. 4
Trent Tomengo: Portraits of Life, Living, & Love
Through gothic stained-glass stylized paintings, Central Florida artist Trent Tomengo presents his powerful portraits of various individuals including some regional historical figures. Venue: Anita S. Wooten Gallery. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: free.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s September 2019 issue.