Entertainment in Orlando
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John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center
The John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center is a sprawling combination of buildings dedicated to preserving and performing the works of the old bard. Appropriately, the center is home to the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival (Sep-May), which is actually a performing group rather than an annual event, and has performances here and at the Lake Eola amphitheater.
Among the center's more notable features, the Darden Courtyard is a leafy yet minimalist spot in which to wander before heading inside for a show. But you'll have to pass through the lobby and the frighteningly large, life-size portrait of Queen Elizabeth - we swear her eyes followed us. There are two theaters: the 1…
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John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center
The John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, holds performances of Shakespeare stand-bys like Macbeth and As You Like It, as well as classic theater, two children’s shows a year, an annual theatrical premier, and holiday favorites – well, perhaps A Tuna Christmas isn’t a favorite, but it’s certainly an interesting holiday option.
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Wally’s Mills Ave Liquors
Everyone seems to find their way to Orlando’s favorite dive bar. It’s been around since the early ’50s, and while its peeling naked-women wallpaper could use some updating, it wouldn’t be Wally’s without it. Nothing flashy, nothing loud, just an Old Florida bar with a jukebox and cheap drinks. The adjacent store sells liquor, wine and beer.
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Maitland Art Center
Since 1938, this art center has provided classes and studio space to area artists, as well as galleries where they can display their work for the public. The facilities, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boast lovely gardens where live music, usually classical, is performed on an occasional basis.
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Orlando Youth Theater
Offering children’s theater performed by children, they stage everything from High School Musical to Les Misérables at the Studio Theater. It also has venues throughout the city. Check the website for information on special events (like monthly teen cabaret night), classes and audition schedules.
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Back Booth
A totally chilled venue where Belgian Hoogarten ales live in harmony with Pabst Blue Ribbon cans. 'A cross between a frat party dance floor and an English pub' doesn't begin to sum up the unusual decor here. You just have to be here to get it. In addition to theme nights and karaoke, bands with cool names play live and loud.
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Orlando Repertory Theater
The Orlando Repertory Theater offers theater for young audiences year-round. Local productions of national shows include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Year with Frog and Toad and Chronicles of Narnia.
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University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre
The University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre stages performances at the University of Central Florida and other area venues. The highly acclaimed Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, often called the best in Central Florida, also performs here.
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TD Waterhouse Centre
Hosts sporting events and concerts. It also holds two more major performing arts venues, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and the Civic Theater of Central Florida, both of which stage performances of opera, classical music and theater.
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Central Station Bar & NY Deli
With plenty of woodwork, brick walls and a small stage with sometimes unmiked drums, this reggae and rock venue smack in the center of downtown Orlando’s bar-crawling madness attracts folks looking for something gentle and raw.
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Mad Cow Theater
A model of quality local theater, this Orlando troupe earns rave reviews for its productions of classic and modern theater. Past performances include The Laramie Project and Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard.
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Tanqueray’s Bar & Grill
A former bank vault, this spot draws a more mature clientele, with folks just looking to hang out with friends over a beer. It has a smoky, low-key vibe, Guinness on tap and weekend bands, usually reggae or blues.
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:08
An insanely popular country bar - you have to stay on the mechanical bull for eight seconds, get it? There's no electric bull inside, but call to find out about upcoming rodeo events, which are staged outside.
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Goldman Theater
In the cultural corridor, it's a 120-seat venue that stages locally produced plays and musicals as well as hosting touring troupes. Also here is Studio B, a black box theater specializing in performance art.
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Scruffy Murphy's Irish Pub
It's small and smoky - just what you'd expect from a pretty darn authentic Irish pub in America. The hearty selection of native brews keeps the fun crowd lively enough to break out into song on occasion.
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Dragon Room
A Japanese inspired lounge with an indoor waterfall, low tables and sofas, paper lanterns and an unusual neon blue bar. A black-clad crowd sips sweet cocktails before converging on the tiny dance floor.
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Tabu
A mishmash of thumping hip-hop, dance and techno beats against three huge video walls and flashing lights. Expect masses of grooving bodies throwing back shots and clutching domestic beers.
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Chain of Lakes Park
The Cleveland Indians play at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, about 47 miles from downtown Orlando, near Cypress Gardens.
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Downtown Disney
Disney wouldn't dream of leaving you with non-Disney downtime, so it built Downtown Disney as a slightly overwhelming evening entertainment complex.
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Osceola County Stadium
The Houston Astros play at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay about $20.
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Kate O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
An Irish-style pub with live music Thursday to Saturday (no cover), lots of good beer on tap and standards like fish & chips on the menu.
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Howl at the Moon
The audience sings along at the rock-and-roll dueling piano show. It’s popular with tourists staying at the area’s many hotels.
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Will's Pub
Off the beaten path but worth it for the great live music and atmosphere refined to the tastes of Orlando's tattooed masses.
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Monkey Bar
A place Indiana Jones might nip into for a strong shot. It's known for its oversized martinis and people-watching balcony.
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Ybor’s Martini Bar
Removed from the high-energy clubbing mayhem, this bar hidden down an alley specializes in top-of-the-line martinis.
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