FAIRWINDS BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA – ORLANDO CELEBRATES FLORIDA THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Orlando, Fla. – Florida Theatrical Association, the non-profit presenter of FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando, will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on June 30, 2009. To help commemorate this milestone, FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando will be giving away season tickets to one lucky Broadway Enthusiast!
This season Florida Theatrical will bring six spectacular shows to Orlando for its FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando series featuring the triumphant return of The Phantom of The Opera, as well as productions of Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, The Color Purple, In the Heights, Xanadu and Spring Awakening. One lucky arts enthusiast will win two tickets to the opening night of each of the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando series shows!
Below are some favorite ‘Broadway Memories’ we’ve gathered from Orlando community leaders. Now, Florida Theatrical wants to hear from the arts enthusiasts in Orlando! What is your favorite Orlando Broadway memory? Has a Broadway show you saw at the Carr Performing Arts Centre inspired you? Was there a particular Florida Theatrical educational event such as a chat back that really sparked your interest in the arts? Or perhaps you heard an interview on a local radio station with a performer that brought new light to one of your favorite shows?
To enter, email your name, address, phone number and favorite Broadway memory in 100 words or less to FloridaTheatricalTurns20@floridatheatrical.org by August 11, 2009. A panel of judges will choose the top 10 Orlando Broadway memories and they will then be posted on the new and improved Florida Theatrical Association Web Site, FloridaTheatrical.org, to be voted on by the general public. Our winner will be announced on August 25, 2009 – the opening night of Grease. Only one entry per person. For complete details visit FloridaThearical.org.
Community Leaders and Members Reflect
on Florida Theatrical Association’s 20th Anniversary
“For me, it’s the opening night of Lion King. It took the tour nine years to get here – but it was and still is the largest and most spectacular production to ever come to Orlando. It sold out a six-week run in record time. The success of that show was a turning point for Broadway in Orlando and paved the way for other blockbusters to come to our City Beautiful!”
- Ron Legler
President & CEO Florida Theatrical Association
“The entire Central Florida community is fortunate to have 20 years of productions by the Florida Theatrical Association. Every time I attend a show I am impressed by the quality of the performance. In fact, I have had the opportunity to see many shows in New York City, and those here in Orlando are the same quality as those in New York. I particularly enjoyed the recent season that had both Spamalot and Wicked.”
- Buddy Dyer
Mayor of Orlando
“So often in our culture and throughout the world it’s Broadway shows that remind us to look at the bright side of life, AND, escape to another place. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone to a show at the Bob Carr and forgotten I’m in the middle of Downtown Orlando. The shows are incredible, and the stories are timeless. My favorite might just have to be Wicked! I’ve seen it on Broadway and it was just as juicy here in Orlando. Now that’s a show that was awe-inspiring to say the least. From the set and the costuming, to the incredible vocals, you leave the theater with a new perspective on life. There’s also been quite a few shows where after the curtain call at the end of the show, the performers educate the audience about Equity Fights Aids, and ask for donations. It really makes an impact when you see an entire cast support a cause, no matter what it might be. It brings people together. That’s what it’s all about.”
- Shanon Larimer
Executive Director Downtown Arts District
“My most inspiring memory of the last 20 years actually came from the most recent show Jersey Boys. Here were 4 guys that through luck or fate found each other. And even with all their character flaws and trips down the wrong roads of life, they were just the right ingredients to make some of the most memorable music ever. It reminded me of the phrase "better living through chemistry." It applies to my morning show and my family. Sometimes you're lucky enough to be with just the right people at just the right time. Maybe that's another reason why the show received multiple standing ovations. The show is about the 4 Seasons, but maybe it's also about us.”
- Scott McKenzie
Morning Host Mix 105.1 FM
“My favorite Broadway moment was seeing Les Miserables. Fantine’s song, “I Dreamed A Dream,” and Valjean’s “Bring Him Home,” are truly magical, as is the rest of the production. I think I could see it once a month.”
- Jim Pugh
Chairman , Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center and Epoch Properties, Inc.
“Without fail the Broadway Series remains consistent in its efforts to bring to Orlando only the crème de la crème of entertaining shows. One of the best “fringe benefits” of having such a large caliber of shows is the chance to actually have these shows in studio on Magic 107 FM on a regular basis to perform excerpts of each of these shows!”
- Dave Collins
Morning Host Magic 107 FM
“The #1 thing about FTA that is inspiring is that the organization continually gives back to the community financially, in-kind and more. Staff members are in constant support and patronage of other arts and theatrical events around Orlando, even with the busy schedule FTA has. FTA has been a sponsor of The Orlando Fringe volunteer efforts for over 10 years and we are honored to be in partnership with you guys! FTA has also fostered many of our community's young emerging artists and provided both educational and entertainment value to our young people.
As for the shows-RENT has been my personal favorite thru the years. However, the upcoming season I feel is a little more edgy than past years and this, I find inspiring as well.”
- Beth Marshall
Producing Artistic Director, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
“One of my most memorable FTA experiences was seeing the performance of Les Misérables. I had previously seen the performance in London and was thrilled to see it again in Orlando. The performance was exemplary. It was a total thrill to see the performance again. This demonstrates the significant role FTA plays in our arts community, allowing us to experience world-class performances right here in Orlando.”
- Sibille Hart Pritchard
President of the Orlando Ballet
FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America - Orlando is presented by Florida Theatrical Association, celebrating 20 years as a non-profit civic organization with a volunteer board of trustees established to ensure the continued presentation of quality touring Broadway productions and the promotion of arts education throughout the state of Florida. FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America - Orlando is given promotional support by WKMG Local 6 and Sprint. For more information, visit www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Orlando.
Broadway Across America: Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include WEST SIDE STORY, BLITHE SPIRIT, MINSKY’S, and the DeafWest production of PIPPIN. Broadway tours include DORA THE EXPLORER, FROST/NIXON, SPAMALOT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
