ORLANDO, Fla. – I will admit that my family and I have a newly discovered love for the local arts and theater scene.
For years, my work schedule has made it pretty difficult to take in a nightly show during the week, and with two young boys at home, our weekends are typically filled with kids’ sporting events or birthday parties.
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All that changed this fall, when my work schedule shifted to a “normal” 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. schedule for the first time in 24 years!
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Some family friends had two extra tickets to see “Funny Girl” on opening night back in December. I was able to take my mom and had no idea how my life was about to change for the better. It was my first Broadway in Orlando experience and needless to say, I was hooked.
Another friend had a spare ticket to see Moulin Rouge in February and, once again, Broadway in Orlando did not disappoint.
As someone who was often called “Tinker Bell” growing up, I knew I had to see Peter Pan. This show is magical. The animated set transports the audience into the sky all the way to Neverland.
While sitting in the audience, there are times you actually feel like you’re flying with the cast. The fact that the actor who portrays Peter Pan, Nolan Almeida, is just 17 years old will blow your mind. What a talent. Meanwhile, Tinker Bell is a ball of light fluttering around the stage throughout the performance. (I still don’t know how they did that!)
I was in awe of the musical performances, the dancing, and the entertaining set with plenty of humor sprinkled throughout. The show lasted about two hours and 30 minutes and I think my 10 and 7-year-old boys would love a matinee experience.
The Disney Musicals in Schools Program recently introduced a theater program in their elementary school and seeing a production like this would be the icing on the cake.
Bravo! Bravo!