Matthew Palm
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Matt Palm writes about theater, dance, classical music, visual art and other arts and cultural happenings for the Orlando Sentinel.
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Articles by Matthew Palm
In ‘Blithe Spirit,’ an unhappy haunting leads to hijinks | Review
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How Opera Orlando is centering Japan in ‘Butterfly,’ plus more opera news
Opera Orlando is focused on honoring Japanese culture in its production of "Madame Butterfly," plus OperaX and Laffont competition news. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Roll call: A round of applause for these artsy achievers
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Central Florida arts news from Rollins Museum of Art, Bach Festival Society, Orlando Gay Chorus, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom and more. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Roll call: A round of applause for these artsy achievers
Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel Wed, September 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT 6 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Today's column is all about name-dropping as we present a roundup of people making news on the Central Florida arts scene. Let's dive in, with a round of applause for all. • Leslie Anderson: The executive director of Rollins Museum of Art, has been accepted into the Association of Art Museum Directors.
At Disney Springs, a new film gets up close with the capybara
Sharon Walia visited Central Florida's Gatorland and Showcase of Citrus during her worldwide travels to explore the appeal of capybaras. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Free programs bring thousands to Dr. Phillips Center each year
In October, 300 Central Floridians will attend the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” as guests of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts , where the touring show will be staged. They'll be brought to the downtown Orlando arts center, attend a pre-show reception and leave with a “swag bag” of goodies - at no expense to them. It's all part of a “community givebacks” program that has helped tens of thousands have cultural experiences since the Dr. Phillips Center opened in 2014.
Free programs bring thousands to Dr. Phillips Center each year
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Community Givebacks and programs for students, stroke survivors and veterans are all growing bigger each year. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
New partners: Open Scene finds home at A&H Museums of Maitland
The Art & History Museums of Maitland will have a new cultural partner making its home on the museums' historic campus. Open Scene, which brings international artists to Central Florida and programs a Latin American arts festival each year, will partner with the Maitland museums through a new three-year residency.
New partners: Open Scene finds home at A&H Museums of Maitland
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Adam Graham's turning 40 and he's scared - of a theatrical ‘Rabbit'
Some people pamper themselves on their milestone birthdays. Others do something daring, like skydiving. Adam Graham is leaving his feet on the ground, but will still do something that scares him: The Orlando actor-writer-director-producer will present a performance of “White Rabbit Red Rabbit.” What’s so scary about an actor putting on a show? Well, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” is no ordinary play.
Adam Graham’s turning 40 and he’s scared — of a theatrical ‘Rabbit’
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Osceola County to invest $5 million in arts and cultural facilities
Osceola County will spend $5 million to strengthen its arts and cultural organizations, a move that could help Osceola Arts with its major renovation. Along with the investment comes a new partnership with United Arts of Central Florida , which will manage the county's new cultural facilities grant program. “Thankfully, they see the arts as being not only a quality-of-life component for Osceola County, but also as important to the economy,” said Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts.
Osceola County to invest $5 million in arts and cultural facilities
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... United Arts will run a grants program that will distribute funding to eligible Osceola County cultural organizations in a new program. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
New Orlando Arts Alliance seeks to bring artists, organizations together
Will Rogers wants to see more collaboration among Orlando’s artists and cultural organizations. So he’s doing something about it. Rogers is working to get the Orlando Arts Alliance off the ground: The first event presented by the fledgling organization will mix visual art and music in a Sept.
New Orlando Arts Alliance seeks to bring artists, organizations together
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Will Rogers is the force behind an organization he hopes can foster collaboration in the region's arts sector. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Arts, cultural events in Central Florida help mark 9-11 with ‘collective memory'
As the nation reflects on Friday's 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, arts and cultural organizations are using their power to create connections that help with the solemn commemoration. “I think it's really important,” said Emily Bourmas-Fry, executive director of the Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park, on how the arts sector can contribute to the somber observance.
Arts, cultural events in Central Florida help mark 9-11 with ‘collective memory’
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The arts aren't always for entertainment, as cultural organizations build community through plays, events and exhibits marking 9-11. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
With tour canceled, Ginger Minj surprises at Orlando Out Fest
The touring circuit's loss is Orlando's gain: Drag star Ginger Minj has added a surprise cabaret to the lineup of Orlando Out Fest , which runs Sept. 10-13. Orlando Out Fest, a celebration of queer artistry, is produced by Orlando Fringe and features a variety of shows, films and events at Savoy Orlando, The Center and the Renaissance Theatre. The schedule was released weeks ago without Ginger's participation. But on Sept.
With tour canceled, Ginger Minj surprises at Orlando Out Fest
The touring circuit’s loss is Orlando’s gain: Drag star Ginger Minj has added a surprise cabaret to the lineup of Orlando Out Fest, which runs Sept. 10-13. Orlando Out Fest, a celebration of queer artistry, is produced by Orlando Fringe and features a variety of shows, films and events at Savoy Orlando, The Center and the Renaissance Theatre. The schedule was released weeks ago without Ginger’s participation. But on Sept.
With tour canceled, Ginger Minj surprises at Orlando Out Fest
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The touring circuit’s loss is Orlando’s gain: Drag star Ginger Minj has added a surprise cabaret to the lineup of Orlando Out Fest, which runs Sept. 10-13. Orlando Out Fest, a celebration of queer artistry, is produced by Orlando Fringe and features a variety of shows, films and events at Savoy Orlando, The Center and the Renaissance Theatre. The schedule was released weeks ago without Ginger’s participation. But on Sept.
Critic's Pick: In ‘Eureka Day,' satire has big laughs, few answers | Review
Playwright Jonathan Spector's “Eureka Day” is meant to be a satirical comedy. But, in today's world, it could also be viewed as a tragedy. Onstage in a well-acted and highly entertaining Ensemble Company production, “Eureka Day” is the story of a well-meaning private school board that wants to hear everyone's point of view and consider everyone's feelings and give everyone space to be seen and heard.
Critic's Pick: In ‘Eureka Day,' satire has big laughs, few answers | Review
Playwright Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day” is meant to be a satirical comedy. But, in today’s world, it could also be viewed as a tragedy. Onstage in a well-acted and highly entertaining Ensemble Company production, “Eureka Day” is the story of a well-meaning private school board that wants to hear everyone’s point of view and consider everyone’s feelings and give everyone space to be seen and heard.
Critic’s Pick: In ‘Eureka Day,’ satire has big laughs, few answers | Review
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Thought-provoking Ensemble Company production in Oviedo is highly entertaining, very funny — and very unnerving Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Goofy Shakespeare romp serves both pratfalls and pitfalls | Review
Even the great William Shakespeare's plays have their ups and downs, as is pointed out in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” onstage at Theater West End in Sanford. It turns out “Complete Works” is a good mirror of Shakespeare's canon: It's very, very funny in places, a bit slow in others, puzzling at times (How could the writers ignore Lady M's “damn spot” scene, one of the best-known Shakespearean bits?).
Goofy Shakespeare romp serves both pratfalls and pitfalls | Review
Even the great William Shakespeare’s plays have their ups and downs, as is pointed out in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” onstage at Theater West End in Sanford. It turns out “Complete Works” is a good mirror of Shakespeare’s canon: It’s very, very funny in places, a bit slow in others, […] Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Extreme sports, quilts, the Beatles, Tupperware and José Andrés: A lot to learn this season Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: If you can’t toot your own horn when reaching 150 years, when can you? The Orlando Sentinel reached that milestone this year, and in a corner of its downtown venue, the Orange County Regional History Center is marking the occasion.
Orlando ‘Project Runway' contestant is eliminated
Orlando fashion designer Jeffrey Kelly Abess was eliminated from TV's “Project Runway” on Thursday night in the resolution the previous episode's cliffhanger that had left his fate hanging in the balance. Abess, a self-taught designer who lives in Davenport , had been eliminated Aug. 27 alongside fellow contestant Bryan Barrientos. But in a twist, celebrity mentor Christian Siriano announced he would “save” one of them and return his choice to the competition.
Orlando ‘Project Runway’ contestant is eliminated
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Designer Jeffrey Kelly Abess said he was proud to represent Central Florida in TV's "Project Runway," but he was eliminated ina nail-biter. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Don't-miss music: ‘Candide,' St. Matthew Passion, Renee Fleming, Tony Danza and more
IN THE SPOTLIGHT ‘Show Boat' WHAT: Opera Orlando, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Bethune-Cookman University team to present Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's landmark musical in a semi-staged concert production. The creative leadership reunites members of the team who led the opera company's wildly successful production of "Treemonisha," including stage director Roberta Emerson and conductor Everett McCorvey, founder and music director of the American Spiritual Ensemble.
Dates for Immerse, ZoraFest, Highland Games, UCF Celebrates the Arts and more
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Disney on Ice - Spotlight Magic WHAT: The latest Disney on Ice spectacular boasts multiple firsts: The arrival of the Disney villains to the ice rink, for one. (Watch out, Mickey and pals!) On a cuddlier note, Stitch's girlfriend Angel also makes her North American debut, and pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De'Snake from “Zootopia 2” as they join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Dates for Immerse, ZoraFest, Highland Games, UCF Celebrates the Arts and more
WHAT: The latest Disney on Ice spectacular boasts multiple firsts: The arrival of the Disney villains to the ice rink, for one. (Watch out, Mickey and pals!) On a cuddlier note, Stitch’s girlfriend Angel also makes her North American debut, and pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De'Snake from “Zootopia 2” as they join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Dates for Immerse, ZoraFest, Highland Games, UCF Celebrates the Arts and more
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: The latest Disney on Ice spectacular boasts multiple firsts: The arrival of the Disney villains to the ice rink, for one. (Watch out, Mickey and pals!) On a cuddlier note, Stitch’s girlfriend Angel also makes her North American debut, and pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De’Snake from “Zootopia 2” as they join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Dr. Phillips Center settles lawsuit with CNL foundation over unpaid pledges
A lawsuit between the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and CNL Charitable Foundation that had millions of dollars at stake has been settled - with the details kept secret. An August circuit court filing disclosed that the arts center and foundation agreed to end the litigation over $3.35 million in unpaid pledges.
Dr. Phillips Center settles lawsuit with CNL foundation over unpaid pledges
Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window We and our 32 IAB TCF partners store and access information on your device for the following purposes: store and/or access information on a device, advertising and content measurement, audience research, and services development, personalised advertising, and personalised content.
Don’t-miss music: ‘Candide,’ St. Matthew Passion, Renee Fleming, Tony Danza and more
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: Opera Orlando, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Bethune-Cookman University team to present Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s landmark musical in a semi-staged concert production.
Orlando Fringe changes leadership, Mini-Fest venues
By Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. - The unusual tri-leadership structure at Orlando Fringe has come to an end, with Genevieve Bernard stepping down from her role. Since September 2024, the organization had eschewed the traditional executive director position in favor of three co-directors: Bernard, managing director Melissa Fritzinger and artistic director Tempestt Halstead.
Orlando Fringe changes leadership, Mini-Fest venues
ORLANDO, Fla. - The unusual tri-leadership structure at Orlando Fringe has come to an end, with Genevieve Bernard stepping down from her role. Since September 2024, the organization had eschewed the traditional executive director position in favor of three co-directors: Bernard, managing director Melissa Fritzinger and artistic director Tempestt Halstead.
Orlando Fringe changes leadership, Mini-Fest venues
ORLANDO, Fla. - The unusual tri-leadership structure at Orlando Fringe has come to an end, with Genevieve Bernard stepping down from her role. Since September 2024, the organization had eschewed the traditional executive director position in favor of three co-directors: Bernard, managing director Melissa Fritzinger and artistic director Tempestt Halstead.
Gimme an A: ‘Arcadia,’ ‘Addams Family,’ ‘Anne Frank,’ ‘Avenue Q’ onstage this season Original
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: As the world mourns Dolly Parton, the big-hearted singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist who died Aug. 25, we have her songs to remember her by. One of her theatrical projects was writing the score to the stage adaptation of “9 to 5,” the 1980 comedy movie in which she starred with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Two theaters have scheduled the musical, which depicts how three fed-up female office workers show their misogynistic supervisor who’s really the boss.
Orlando Fringe changes leadership, Mini-Fest venues
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Orlando Fringe has ended its three-director leadership model and announced a new venue for its Winter Mini-Fest. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Tea parties, hidden Florida, Black legacy, American road trip create a season of art Original
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: Hansen Mulford has been a fixture on the Central Florida art scene for decades, most notably serving as curator of Orlando Museum of Art. He retired in March 2023 after 42 years of service there, and now his art gets a turn in the spotlight. This exhibition features Mulford’s studio work and offers a rare look into his personal artistic vision.
Fairy tales, the Phantom and (of course) nutcrackers galore in dance season
WHAT: Andrew Lloyd Webber and flamenco aren’t two words that I would have put together, but storytelling is universal - and full of surprises. Alboreá Dance Company, based in Altamonte Springs, is drawing from the composer’s music and the rhythmic dance form to put a new spin on Gaston Leroux's classic novel, “The Phantom of the Opera,” famously turned into a musical with Lloyd Webber’s melodramatic score.
Fairy tales, the Phantom and (of course) nutcrackers galore in dance season
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: Andrew Lloyd Webber and flamenco aren’t two words that I would have put together, but storytelling is universal — and full of surprises. Alboreá Dance Company, based in Altamonte Springs, is drawing from the composer’s music and the rhythmic dance form to put a new spin on Gaston Leroux’s classic novel, “The Phantom of the Opera,” famously turned into a musical with Lloyd Webber’s melodramatic score.
‘The Ring,’ ‘The Room,’ John Cusack and ‘Nosferatu’ star in film season Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: The undead live again in not one but two showings of the silent-film classic, accompanied by live music. Released in 1922, “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” It follows a vampire who preys on another man’s wife and brings the plague to their Transylvanian town. When Stoker’s widow won a copyright-infringement lawsuit, all copies of the film were supposed to be destroyed.
Garden Theatre leaders hear concerns, promise action
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... About 20 Central Floridians interested in the future of the Winter Garden theater turned out for a listening session on Monday night. Already have an account? Log In This article is only available to subscribers
Garden Theatre leaders hear concerns, promise action
In a community forum marked by cordiality and candor on Monday night, the new operators of the Garden Theatre on Plant in Winter Garden heard from community members about past hurts and promised to chart an inclusive way forward. "We want to listen, we want to learn, then we will act," said Dennis Morgan, a co-owner of DNA Productions, which was chosen by the city of Winter Garden this year to operate the theater.
Barry Manilow, Journey, Jonas Brothers and the biggest concerts of the season Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT: Barry Manilow stopped in Orlando in 2023 to celebrate 50 years of singing and hitmaking, reflecting on a long and accomplished career inside a packed Kia Center. He was set to return in January of this year — until doctors spotted a cancerous spot on his left lung. Now cancer-free, Manilow has faced ups and downs in his recovery process but plans to return to Orlando for one last farewell concert in early 2027.
Arts Season Preview 2026-27: A challenge for you Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Here we are, at the start of another arts season, and I have a challenge for you. Yes, dear reader, I’m talking to you. There was a time when people wanted to be stimulated both emotionally and intellectually by the arts: To see plays and paintings and sculptures that made them think about new ideas.
Critic's Pick: To feel real community, fly to ‘Come From Away' | Review
Above all, “Come From Away” is about community. A small community of Canadians whose hearts are bigger than their resources. A worldwide community that discovers common humanity by really looking at one another. A community of strangers that ends up as friends. That beautiful spirit is the essence of “Come From Away,” the hit Broadway musical about the plight of airline passengers stranded in remote Gander, Newfoundland, in the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
Critic’s Pick: To feel real community, fly to ‘Come From Away’ | Review
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