February 2023 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Into the Woods

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has announced that the hugely acclaimed and much beloved Grammy-winning Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning triumph, Into the Woods, will go on sale for single tickets Friday, February 17.

The direct-from-Broadway production will play a series of select engagements across the U.S. in 2023, including seven performances in Walt Disney Theater. Starring Montego Glover as The Witch, Stephanie J. Block as The Baker’s Wife, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker, and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf reprising their Broadway roles, the strictly limited engagement will run from June 6 to June 11 presented by Dr. Phillips Center.

As one of only ten cities in the country selected to present this direct-from-Broadway production, the downtown Orlando arts center is excited to welcome Into the Woods and its incredible company to Walt Disney Theater, bringing four Broadway stars to Central Florida.

Into the Woods, which became the first Broadway hit of the 2022/2023 season after its sold-out run at New York City Center Encores!, is directed by Lear deBessonet, with music supervision by Rob Berman, and choreographed by Lorin Latarro. This production is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Sondheim.

The company will include Cole Thompson as Jack, Katy Geraghty as Little Red Ridinghood, Diane Phelan as Cinderella, Nancy Opel as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Jason Forbach as Rapunzel’s Prince, Aymee Garcia as Jack’s Mother, David Patrick Kelly as The Narrator, Josh Breckbenridge as Cinderella’s Father, Felicia Curry as Cinderella’s Mother/Grandmother/Giant’s Wife, Ta’Nika Gibson as Lucinda, Brooke Ishibashi as Florinda, Kennedy Kanagawa as Milky White, Jim Stanek as the Steward, and Alysia Velez as Rapunzel with Erica Durham, Ellie Fishman, Marya Grandy, Paul Kreppel, Eddie Lopez, Ximone Rose, and Sam Simahk as understudies.

Into the Woods first premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Book. It has since been produced worldwide and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2014. This production marks its first time on Broadway in more than 20 years.

Indigo Bluegrass BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo

The second annual Indigo Bluegrass BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) will take place on February 11, 2023.

The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at the OCIC, with parking at Cassia Community Center, 29245 Florida Highway 44 in Eustis.

The country casual event will allow guests to get outside and enjoy the sounds of the popular Lake County group, Blackwater Creek Bluegrass Band.

A delicious selection of barbecue favorites will also be served by OakWood Smokehouse & Grill.

During the event, beer will be provided by Wayne Densch, Inc., and wine will also be available.

“This event was so much fun last year that we knew we had to do it again,” said Dr. James Bogan, the director of the OCIC. “It allows guests to get away from everything for a day of great food, great music, and great company. Plus, we couldn’t do the work we do every day without this support. Attendees can help save a species.”

Proceeds from the event support the OCIC’s mission to re-introduce the eastern indigo snake—a threatened species native to the longleaf pine ecosystems of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida that has been affected by habitat loss. The OCIC also works to reintroduce the striped newt.

The OCIC is the only captive breeding facility for the eastern indigo snake with the sole purpose of releasing the offspring into regions where the population has been extirpated.

The group has released more than 300 snakes at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs, Ravines Preserve in Bristol and Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest.

Attendees are asked to park at the Cassia Community Center and will be shuttled to the event site. The sponsor for the event is Publix Super Market Charities.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two and are available here.

Museum of Illusions Orlando presents Life in Neon

Get ready to glow! Museum of Illusions Orlando is throwing its first party of 2023, and you’re invited to grab a drink and trick your senses all night long.

On February 17, the Museum of Illusions Orlando will host Life in Neon, a nighttime event where guests can explore the museum’s mind-bending exhibits and party under neon lights.

The party will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. and promises colorful fun with body paint, live EDM DJs, and a cash bar provided by ICON Park.

With live music, delicious drinks and unique picture opportunities, Life in Neon is the perfect date night for the weekend following Valentine’s Day.

Dazzling décor and colorful lighting will provide an exciting new take on the museum’s fan-favorite exhibits.

From LED light-up balloons in the Infinity Room to the addition of a sparkling disco ball in the Head on a Plate exhibit, guests will find fun, new decorations at every turn.

There will also be glowsticks and other props for guests as they experience the optical illusions and photo ops.

“We love to welcome guests to our world of illusions every day and Life in Neon is an exciting way to experience Museum of Illusions like never before,” said Dayna Alcott, general manager of Museum of Illusions Orlando. “The body paint and neon lights will create fun photo opportunities all of our guests are sure to love!”

Admission to the party is $29.99 per ticket and guests must be 21+ to attend.

Museum of Illusions Orlando isn’t your average museum. You won’t find “do not touch” signs, get shushed by curators, or have to follow around tour guides – Instead, it encourages guests to get a hands-on experience and explore all the wonders of the mind through more than 50 engaging exhibits.

To learn more about Museum of Illusions Orlando or to book tickets, visit https://moiorlando.com/.

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

Get ready to rock with the Garden Rocks Concert Series – returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March!

There’s nothing like ending your day at EPCOT with a concert that, BTW, is included with your theme park admission featuring internationally recognized artists performing Friday-Monday and showcasing local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup is filled with talent from returning favorites like The Pointer Sisters, Simple Plan, and the Plain White T’s, along with fresh talent like legacy guitarist AJ Croce and GRAMMY award-winning Switchfoot.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
March 5-6 – Daughtry
March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
March 24-25 – Berlin
March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
April 3 – TBD
April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
June 9-10 – The Spinners
June 11-12 – The Commodores
June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
June 23-26 – Simple Plan
June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Beginning February 9, guests can secure their spot for these rockin’ performances with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Check out FreshEPCOT.com.

Just a reminder, to experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

Universal Mardi Gras 2023: Menu Highlights

Universal Mardi Gras 2023 is a global celebration with food offerings representing 17 different countries across 70 unique menu items.

With so much to choose from, let’s look at a roundup of some of the top bites you can enjoy at Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval!

Universal Mardi Gras 2023: Top Bites

Mofongo Trio Flight

Inspired by Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, this iconic dish is presented in three delectable servings.

The base for each is a traditional mix of smashed green plantains, bacon, garlic, and chicharrones and topped three different ways: traditional, shrimp criolla, and crispy chicken chicharron with mayo ketchup drizzle.

Pav Bhaji – Vegetarian

Pav Bhaji with mardi gras mask behind Universal Mardi Gras 2023

Pav Bhaji, pronounced pav baa-jee, is a popular Indian street food that is a thick vegetable stew with a medley of veggies and spices, including potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, ginger, and garlic with a buttery-toasted Hawaiian roll on the side.

Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada

The Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada is a light and refreshing Mexican dish that features citrus-blend marinated shrimp topped with avocado crema, chopped jalapeño (not spicy), cotija cheese, shaved red onion, and micro cilantro on a crispy blue tortilla.

Dirty Cauliflower Rice – Vegan

A vegan twist on the traditional New Orleans staple, this comfort food is a blend of cauliflower rice, black-eyed peas, meatless sausage crumbles, the holy trinity mix of celery, onions, green bell peppers, and authentic Cajun spices.

Rod Polse

The Rod Polse is a Danish red, skin-on hot dog is topped with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, crispy onions, and fresh dill and served on a toasted top-split bun.

Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding – Vegan

Indonesian Purple Rice with mango and coconut Mardi Gras 2023 Universal Mardi Gras 2023

The Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding, a.k.a. Bubur Ketan Hitam, is a vegan dish made with purple long-grain rice, sweetened condensed coconut milk, diced mango, and shaved coconut.

Vegan Churros

When creating new menu items, the chefs at Universal Orlando Resort find inspiration everywhere, including suggestions from Passholders, guests and Team Members.

The vegan churros are a direct result of listening to guests’ dietary needs and desire to enjoy this sought-after treat.

These pint-sized churros are coated in cinnamon sugar and come with two dipping sauces: chocolate and coconut agave nectar.

Brigadeiros (pronounced bri-ga-DAY-ros)

Trio of Brigadeiros on white dish Mardi Gras 2023

Brigadeiros are small bites of confectionary heaven made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter that are then rolled in either hazelnuts, chocolate sprinkles, or Mardi Gras color sprinkles.

Liège Waffle

The Liège Waffle, from Belgium, features a fluffy waffle, fresh strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream.

Even More Places to Sample Mardi Gras Eats

Paella Mardi Gras 2023 Universal Mardi Gras 2023

The Mardi Gras flavors go beyond Universal Studios Florida’s gates, allowing even more guests to experience the International Flavors of Carnaval.

In Universal CityWalk, themed kiosks will feature Tastes of the Mediterranean (Greece and France, and Belgium — the Liège Waffle is fantastic!), Tastes of the Islands, and the Best of New Orleans.

Near the Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests can revel in authentic New Orleans cuisine, including shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and King Cake.

And next door at Universal’s Volcano Bay, Muffuletta Long Board Pizza is on deck.

Sweet Savings

Can’t make up your mind? The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card is a great way to enjoy more items for less.

It’s available for purchase at the food kiosks in Universal Studios Florida and can be used at any food and beverage location in all three theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Premier and Preferred Passholder standard food discounts apply.

Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World

Celebrate Soulfully during Black History Month at the Walt Disney World Resort with a variety of experiences to celebrate, educate and honor Black heritage and culture throughout the resort.

With the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T in full swing, you’ll have the chance to meet two of the Black artists featured in this year’s festival lineup.

From February 3-5, Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, founders of CreativeSoul Photography, will be at The American Adventure pavilion to showcase their reimagined visions of classic Disney princesses through dolls, costumes, and photographic prints.

And for the first time ever, a gallery exhibit will feature life-sized dresses and natural hair-styled wigs seen in their photographic prints.

Black Broadway performers will be featured during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on various dates between Feb 4 – 19. They include:

L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
Michael James Scott (Aladdin)

The already colorful and diverse Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression will receive two new additions by Black artists, and they will both paint their work live during Black History Month.

Ernest Shaw and Nneka Jones will join the likes of Everett Spruill and David Anthony Geary.

By the end of February, you will be able to celebrate the work of four Black artists on the Art Walk, showcasing the ongoing commitment to diversity and representation at Walt Disney World.

If you visit Disney Springs often, you may be familiar with the smooth sounds of Motown experienced through live entertainment on Monday nights.

Black music will take center stage this February, with Black musicians featured on all three main Disney Springs stages on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park continues to highlight Black culture through a variety of music and art found throughout the park.

Move to the beats of the Congo with the Tam Tam Drummers, let loose with the Caribbean Street party music of Viva Gaia, then take home authentic imported African art, clothing, crafts, instruments, and toys created by African artisans available at Mombasa Marketplace.

At the Conservation Station, uncover the secrets of how Disney’s first Black animator, Floyd Norman, brought favorite characters to life using real-life animals as inspiration

Be sure to stop and take in some of the fun with Magic Shots across the property featuring Princess Tiana in her element at Tiana’s place, selfies with Penny and friends from The Proud Family, and more.

Explore existing, returning, and brand-new Food & Beverage offerings across Walt Disney World for Black History Month.

And new this year, each Food & Beverage location will now highlight the cast inspirations of dishes with photos and storytelling.

Some new items debuting for February include:

Shrimp & Grits featuring spicy shrimp, corn grits with bacon jam, and crispy radish at Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Tiana’s Mardi Gras Shake features a cinnamon vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras King Cake Doughnut served at Hollywood Scoops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Gumbo with chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings offered at ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pineapple Mule cocktail with Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint available at Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Soulful Sunday Dinner at The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa featuring a dinner plate of barbeque chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and house-made cornbread
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Frites featuring Sweet n’ Hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aioli, and fries are available at The Daily Poutine at Disney Springs.

All these items and more are found in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.

I hope you enjoy all the ways to “Celebrate Soulfully” at Walt Disney World for Black History Month and throughout the year.