5 August events to see as cultural scene heats up
August used to be a slow time on the Central Florida cultural scene, what with the hazy, humid days lulling us all into a state of lethargy. Not anymore.
Major theaters such as Orlando Shakes and Winter Park Playhouse are already starting their seasons; my calendar shows five big play openings the weekend of Aug. 4 alone.
And the month is dotted with special events, such as the Ritz Theater’s centennial celebration. “A Century of Curtain Calls: 100th Birthday Party” will take place Aug. 2, 100 years to the day of the Sanford venue’s first opening night. Featuring food from nearby Hollerbach’s German Restaurant, drinks and a Publix cake, it’s a real Central Florida celebration. Festivities start at 5:30, with performances honoring the theater’s artistic legacy starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10; go to ritztheatersanford.com for more information — including details on the next night’s “Sound of Music” singalong.
Meanwhile, here are five Orlando events to fill your August datebook.
Summer Play Festival: Aug. 2-6. Breakthrough Theatre presents seven original plays by local companies at its Winter Park venue.
One, “The Mysterious Life of Amy Thomson McKean,” was seen at Orlando Fringe, where it won critics’ acclaim. It tells the story of a female composer whose voice was silenced and deals with issues of sexism and mental health. Karen Shriner, a Voices of Liberty singer, stars as Amy, with live music provided by Julian Bond.
Shifting gears, “The Devil’s Coda” is brandnew horror that explores generational trauma. In the play, when a troubled young woman discovers a supernatural piano, she investigates its sinister connection to her family’s past in order to survive her abusive mother. “Think of mixing the cinematic intensity of ‘The Exorcist’ with a blend of Grand Guignol horror and American realist dialogue,” the producers say in their show description.
Other plays include a series of woman-centric monologues; a sketch-comedy piece full of Florida and pop-culture references; an original musical about making tough decisions; a poetic gender-bending show drawn from mythology; and a look at an eclectic bunch of former superheroes now down on their luck.
For more information, including show times and tickets ($10-$15), go to breakthroughtheatre.com.
Leigh Shannon’s ‘Illusions in Revue’: Aug. 5. The entertainer celebrates 14 years of drag and impersonation performances at Hamburger Mary’s in downtown Orlando with a special performance. Shannon will host the festivities as Bette Midler and promises giveaways and prizes for audience members. Doors open at 7 for an 8 p.m. show; call 321-3190600 for reservations, patrons must be 18.
Summer Shorts: Aug. 11-20. Playwrights’ Round Table presents its annual warmweather program of short, original plays. The eight plays each run only about 10-15 minutes, creating a smorgasbord of themes and ideas. “Summer Shorts” takes place at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center; go to theprt.com for tickets ($10$20) and more information. Art After Dark: Aug. 12. The Downtown Art District’s “Soiree for Young Professionals” returns from 7-10 p.m. at CityArts Orlando. The evening’s festivities include interactive art experiences, tunes by DJ Lindsey Leigh, a musical performance by Jayo, live painting by Darby and more. Also look for tarot readings, henna work and a silent auction. Grab a $50 early-bird ticket through Aug. 5 at aad2023. eventbrite.com (price goes up to $60 afterward) — the tickets include food and drink. The event is limited to 200 and is for patrons 21 and older.
Play-in-a-Day: Aug. 26. Finally, Play-in-a-Day returns with a changing of the guard. This will be the last installment produced by Beth Marshall Presents; Marshall relocated to Colorado this year, and Clark Levi is taking the reins as producer.
The event also has a new location — Fringe ArtSpace at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando — but retains the familiar format. Teams of actors, directors, writers and stage managers have 24 hours to create a play around an assigned theme. The short plays are then performed before an audience and judged, with prizes being awarded.
Seven teams will compete this year, including one comprised of members and alumni of Marshall’s Top Teens program. This is the last year Play-in-a-Day will benefit that scholarship program, in which Levi participated — creating a full-circle moment.
Voci Dance will participate in Play-in-a-Day, as will a team of improv comics, and a silent auction offers the chance to win prizes. Rob Ward’s flamboyant alter ego P. Sparkle is the host. Tickets ($20, $25 VIP) are on sale at orlandofringe.thundertix. com.