An unforgettable night at the theater is as close as downtown Orlando. You can experience The Residency Festival in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Talk about an awesome date night!
The Residency Festival
Six nights, October 3 – 8, 2023
Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center
The Residency Festival, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s most impressive artists as you’ve never seen them before. Six nights of spectacular entertainment, a lifetime of memories.
Featured Shows
The Royal Philharmonic’s performances will feature collaborations with:
● Birmingham Royal Ballet – Tuesday, October 3, 2023
● Beck – Wednesday, October 4, 2023
● Harry Connick Jr. – Thursday, October 5, 2023
● Diana Ross – Friday, October 6, 2023
● Broadway Royalty featuring Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell – Saturday, October 7, 2023
● Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Bach Festival Choir – Sunday, October 8, 2023
The Residency Festival, featuring the return of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and a cross-section of the world’s most impressive artists creating six one-of-a-kind concert experiences. The success of the Center’s sold-out Grand Celebration which marked the opening of Steinmetz Hall led to the creation of The Residency Festival.
Returning to conduct the Royal Philharmonic is Edwin Outwater. Michael Tilson Thomas called Outwater “One of the most innovative conductors on the scene today.” The Festival will now be an annual event. The Dr. Phillips Center is the only performing arts center in North America with such a residency.
Read on if you want to learn more about the shows coming to the Dr. Phillips Center in early October 2023.
If you're looking for tips for attending a show, we've sprinkled in a few. But first, let's discover these incredible performances.
The Residency Festival Show Descriptions
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Patron The late Queen
President HRH the former Prince of Wales
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Paul Murphy
An Evening of Music & Dance
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.
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Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the world’s greatest dance companies, a powerhouse in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Under the leadership of Carlos Acosta, the company pushes the art form into electrifying new directions. Made possible by a level of artistry, creativity, and technical excellence that creates demand for the Company’s performances around the world.
This performance brings together Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Philharmonic in a North American premier of their Royal Albert Hall performances that are cherished by London audiences.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is supported by Stanley & Judith Sandefur, Clancey & Susan Bounds, and I-Drive Improvement District / Sibille Pritchard.
Beck
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.
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Beck's singular career has seen him explore all genres and eras of music, blurring boundaries and blazing a path into the future while foraging through the past. Having amassed a kaleidoscopic catalog of gold and platinum albums that consistently straddle the mainstream and avant-garde, the eight-time Grammy winner will make his debut performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on October 4.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see and hear Beck as never before, as the Dr. Phillips Center hosts a very special evening of unique arrangements of familiar favorites and seldom-heard deep cuts from a master of perpetual reinvention.
Harry Connick Jr.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Thursday, October 5, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 8:00 p.m.
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Harry Connick, Jr. is the definition of a multi-talented star exemplifying excellence across multiple platforms in the entertainment world. He has had notable triumphs as an actor and television personality, but the foundation of his art remains his music and his legendary live performances. He has received Grammy and Emmy Awards, Tony nominations and has sold millions of records around the world.
Now, fall in love with Harry’s musical virtuoso as he joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for one special evening of big symphonic sounds and classics from his remarkable career.
A Legacy Evening with Diana Ross
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday, October 6, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 8:00 p.m.
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Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure who has changed the course of music history. Ms. Ross’ unprecedented career has made her the most successful recording artist and entertainer of all time.
Ms. Ross has received The Kennedy Center Honors, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Highest Honor, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, in addition to an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Song Writers Hall of Fame, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Hero Award, NAACP Entertainer Award, Billboards Female Entertainer of the Century Award, among others.
If music moves you, Diana Ross and the Royal Philharmonic is an evening you will never forget.
Broadway Royalty
Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 8:00 p.m.
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An evening bringing together Broadway’s Royalty, Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing their greatest hits from Broadway and other standards.
Their careers would be a dream come true for any aspiring Broadway actress or actor. Sutton Foster has performed in 11 Broadway shows including two Tony Award-winning performances in Anything Goes and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Sutton recently starred with Hugh Jackman in The Music Man shattering box office records. Her television credits include Bun Heads, Gilmore Girls, The Good Wife, Sesame Street, to name a few. New York Times called Brian Stokes Mitchell ‘the last leading man’ in recognition of his Tony Award-winning performance in Kiss Me Kate, as well as starring roles Man of La Mancha, Rag Time, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and more. Stokes, as he prefers to be called, has extensive screen credits including a seven-year stint on Trapper John, MB, forty years of memorable performances on PBS Great Performances to Fraizer.
Each of these artists with the Royal Philharmonic would be a memorable evening. Together, this is a not to be missed concert for Broadway lovers and anyone who loves great singing.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bach Festival Choir
Dr. John V. Sinclair, Artistic Director
Part of The Great Orchestra Series
Sunday, October 8, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.
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Returning by popular demand, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in an evening of the most beautiful and passionate music composed for orchestra and chorus.
A portion of the program is dedicated to works performed by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the coronation of HM King Charles III, including the world premiere of the orchestration of Tarik O’Regan’s Coronation Agnus Dei.
Other featured works include Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, and Handel and the Royal Philharmonic performing thrilling opera overtures. Bach Festival Society performances are treasured by Central Florida audiences and across North America through their performances on PBS. Join us for an evening that will fill Steinmetz Hall with breathtakingly beautiful sound.
The Great Orchestra Series is supported by PNC Bank, Chuck & Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Jody & Bill Orosz, Anil & Chitra Deshpande, Judy & David Albertson, and other generous donors.
Where is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Located?
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S. Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, directly across from City Hall.
It's easily accessible from both I-4 and the 408, and located within walking distance of several downtown restaurants. The remarkable architecture of the arts center makes it an icon within Downtown Orlando.
Dr. Phillips Center Snacks
If you don't have time to go out to eat before the show, feel free to grab beer, wine, soft drinks, and prepackaged snacks like trail mix, gummi bears, and chocolate-covered pretzels at one of the theater concession kiosks. There is one on every floor, each with the same selection.
Important tip: Plan on arriving about 45 to 60 minutes before the show starts so you're not stressed and don't miss the start of the show. Date night The Residency Festival is a special occasion that should not be rushed.
Plus, you can take your drink and snacks into the theater with you! Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
