Hot on the heels of announcing a new outdoor venue, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ biggest indoor theater reopens Thursday after seven months without a major public performance.
Josh Groban played a sold-out concert at the Walt Disney Theater in the downtown Orlando arts center on March 11. Although the center has been using its facilities for educational programs, it hasn’t hosted a major public performance since then — until this week.
Thursday, Orlando Ballet will present “The Sleeping Beauty,” and in light of the coronavirus pandemic, things will be a bit different than before. Among the advice: Bring a sweater, but leave cash home. Here’s what arts-center visitors need to know.
Question: Why should I bring a sweater?
Answer: The Dr. Phillips Center has updated its air-handling system to increase the fresh air brought into the building. In addition, the air will circulate throughout an entire performance “until everyone has left the building,” said spokeswoman Lorri Shaban. Previously, air movement was reduced or stopped during performances.
That means if you get chilly easily, bring something warm to wear: “It may be cooler in the theaters than it was before,” Shaban said.
Q: Why can’t I choose my own seat?
A: Ticket-buyers already have noticed that instead of purchasing a specific seat, they are paying for a certain seating zone. That’s so the Dr. Phillips staff can keep visitors separated. The Disney Theater will be filled to 35 percent capacity, every other row will be left empty, and three open seats will separate parties.
That all means you might not know exactly where you are sitting until shortly before the performance date. “It’s additional time our box office has to spend, but we are happy to do it,” Shaban said.
Q: What about congested lines?
A: Floor markings will keep those waiting for restrooms or bars 6 feet apart. At the end of a show, patrons will remain seated until an usher dismisses them; that will avoid clogging the walkways. Audience members will follow a designated exit route. Note that it might take longer to leave the building than before.
Q: What about touching?
A: Every effort has been made to eliminate shared contact. A new security system means officers won’t rummage through theatergoers’ bags. Cash will be accepted at the bars, but using a card or touchless system, such as Apple Pay, is recommended. Bar staff and valets will wear masks and gloves. Tickets will be digital.
Q: Are there any other safety requirements?
A: Guests will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must wear face masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. The center’s protocols were created with guidance from AdventHealth, Shaban said.
Q: Am I going to get a full show?
A: Yes — albeit a unique one, said Orlando Ballet executive director Cheryl Collins. Artistic director Robert Hill has reimagined “The Sleeping Beauty” through the eyes of the curse-laying fairy Carabosse (Disney renamed her Maleficent for its film). This allowed Hill to focus more on solo dancing, rather than partnering, and tighten the story into a one-act, 90-minute show. Magic 107.7 FM radio personality Chad Pitt will provide voice-over narration.
Q: Will I be able to see the expressions on the dancers’ faces?
A: Yes. The dancers will be mostly unmasked, though in a few instances — where they are unavoidably close to one another — masks will be part of their costumes, Collins said.
Q: So will the dancers be safe?
A: A strict backstage protocol will be followed, Collins said. Dancers will wear masks until the moment they go on stage. They will then don a fresh mask when they leave the stage. Backstage personnel has been reduced, and costumes have been simplified to eliminate assisted quick changes. “That’s usually a lot of hands moving close and really fast,” Collins said. “We wanted to avoid that.”
Q: What changes will I notice onstage?
A: In an era of social distancing, don’t expect the princess’ court to be crowded with background dancers. But there will be enough dancers to “still get the feel of the corps working together,” Collins said. “There are just fewer people physically on stage.”
Q: What does this mean for creativity?
A: The safety concerns inspired Hill to be creative in new ways, Collins said. The audience will relate to the dancers’ longing for connection and personal touch, she said. And Hill has some tricks in store.
“Robert likes to use humor when it makes sense, so there is a humorous twist,” she said. “I don’t want to give too much away.”
“Sleeping Beauty” runs Oct. 22-25 with tickets starting at $24. For more information, go to drphillipscenter.org.
Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more news of theater and other arts? Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/arts
