Dia de los Muertos party gets bigger
Halloween is in the air around Central Florida, as a signature Orlando event expands to two locations.
The Downtown Arts District’s Dia de los Muertos and Monster Factory exhibit and block party returns for an eighth year on Thursday.
The original artwork inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday will be on view from 6-9 p.m. at CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Admission is free.
Meanwhile, the block party will be on Church Street this year, from 6-11 p.m. Suggested $5 admission includes live music, dance and theater performances — including a visit from the “Phantasmagoria” troupe — food vendors, face painting, a kids’ craft area and costume contest.
All proceeds benefit the Downtown Arts District, which runs programs such as the monthly Third Thursday Gallery Hop and Art Walk. “fancy dress” night, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
Spotlight Theatre is in the Lake Minnie Plaza at 4022 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford.
The Clermont Performing Arts Center will open its third season tonight with a gala featuring the Broadway Boys.
The group consists of men who have performed in Broadway shows such as “The Book of Mormon,” “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” “Kinky Boots,” “Fun Home,” “Once, “Rock of Ages” and more.
They take traditional show tunes — but then tweak them with elements of pop, funk, gospel and jazz.
On television, you might have seen them on “Today” or “America’s Got Talent.”
Pre-show entertainment begins at 7 with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Boys take the stage at 8. The center is at 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont, and tickets are $45-$55 at clermontpac.com.
If you can’t get enough singing, the center’s Cabaret Series kicks off Friday, with “Sarah-Lee Dobbs Sings the British Songbook.” The award-winning Orlando chanteuse will sing music by the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show’s at 8 p.m., and tickets are $26.
Then, on Oct. 23, the center presents “Les Miserables: Selected Songs in Concert” at 7 p.m. This touring show features the musical’s beloved songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home” and “On My Own.” Tickets are $42.43-$53.45.