Observations while out and about

COMMENTARY

The calendar might say spring is still a few weeks away, but the arts season is in full bloom. I know I’ve spent far more nights out on the town lately than at home. Here are just a few of the places I’ve visited recently and some of what I’ve experienced.

The Morse celebrated its 75th anniversary in February with a free champagne reception and open house. It warmed my heart to see children throughout the Winter Park museum — not drinking champagne, of course — but otherwise engaging with their parents. One father was explaining the importance of glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany while his son gaped at the majesty of the Tiffany Chapel. (I still get that amazed look on my face, too.)

Also thrilling was the ebullience of the event. Winter Park residents know what a gem they have in the Morse, and that pride and joy created a sea of beaming faces. Here’s to 75 more years of the Morse’s special kind of beauty.

When the fire alarm sounded during a February concert at the downtown Orlando venue’s Walt Disney Theater, I wondered if I would be trampled in a stampede. But the center staff and volunteer ushers handled the situation with the utmost calm and professionalism.

The nearly 2,700 patrons also deserve praise for their orderly evacuation of the theater. In the lobby, ushers kept theatergoers exiting as efficiently as possible by routing people to the shortest lines. Well done, all. When a play’s start time is 11 p.m., I take notice. During the run of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” produced by Beth Marshall Presents for the Winter Garden venue, two performances were scheduled for night owls.

Those particular shows offered an adults-only version of the quirky Broadway musical, one in which the jokes could leave you blushing. I like that the Garden programs for different audiences. During the holiday season, its production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” included activities for children and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Presumably, that show drew a different crowd than the raucous partyers at the late-night “Spelling Bee.” And that’s just fine.

Not every show is to every taste — and the folks sitting next to me at “Spelling Bee” proved that by leaving at the intermission. But with the Garden’s mission of serving its community, it’s a smart move to program shows for everyone from 5 to 105.

I was a little nervous about my first visit to the theater in south Orlando. I dislike trying to find new places after dark, especially in relatively unfamiliar parts of town. So kudos to this organization for lining the road with signs to direct theatergoers into its parking lot (and there was plenty of parking, too). It was a helpful — and welcoming — touch that made the evening less nerveracking and left me in a better frame of mind to enjoy the troupe’s fine production of “Tape,” playing through Sunday.

See you at the next arts event.