Student’s costume creation is onstage and Broadway-bound

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/23 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

A Winter Park High School senior could see the whimsical holiday costume she designed as part of her theater studies on Broadway one day. And for the rest of the Christmas season, her design will be part of the Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance show at...

Game-themed pop-up bar, Citrus Bowl Lodge, debuts Friday for Bowl Week

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/23 6:00A Amy Drew Thompson

A milestone moment in college football history has inspired an inception-like celebration in Orlando s Thornton Park neighborhood. Debuting Friday at 4 p.m., the Citrus Bowl Lodge, what may be the nation s first bowl-themed bar, is popping up...

Cruises, an epic bike ride and more: Central Florida Explorer’s 2025 year in review

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 10:00P Patrick Connolly

When thinking back on the year past, it s hard to know exactly how to begin reflecting on another 52 weeks of memories, stories and adventures. Perhaps the year can be measured by the number of...

Katherine Page named associate curator at Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

The newest staff addition at Orlando Museum of Art comes from right across the street. Katherine Page will leave the Mennello Museum of American Art and move across Loch Haven Park to OMA as its new associate curator. The position had been vacant...

Barry Manilow to have surgery for early-stage lung cancer and postpones January concerts

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 5:50A Associated Press

Barry Manilow will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday. Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks,...

Tanqueray’s to close: Downtown music mainstay opened in 1989

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 5:00A Amy Drew Thompson

Opening in 1989, Tanqueray s Bar & Grille, a bastion of downtown Orlando s downtown scene, will close on New Year s Eve due to city regulations and a lease non-renewal. The city has not been kind to the local bars in the downtown entertainment...

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ dies at 74

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 4:19A Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Chris Rea, the singer and songwriter best known for the hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at 74, his family said Monday. FILE Chris Rea arrives at the Odeon Leicester Square for...

SeaWorld announces death of 50-year-old killer whale Katina

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 2:50A Richard Tribou

SeaWorld Orlando officials announced the death Sunday of a 50-year-old killer whale named Katina. Her health had begun to significantly decline as she entered her geriatric years, the theme park posted on its social media. Over the last several...

How, where and when to see Disney Parks’ televised Christmas parade

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/21 11:06P Dewayne Bevil

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will be televised Dec. 25, and it will feature performances from all four Walt Disney World theme parks and other attractions. Viewers will see Lady A...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Critic’s Picks

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/21 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Central Florida theaters, large and small, flourished with creativity during 2025. Throughout December, I’ve been saluting achievements in the various branches of the theatrical arts with a series of...

Plant Doctor: Grow tea in your garden that you can brew and drink, too

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/19 11:00P Tom MacCubbin

Question : We have seen ads for tea plants. Can tea be raised locally? Answer : Tiny little tea leaves with winter blooms can be cultivated in Central Florida and more-northern Florida landscapes. Tea...

Sloth World plans quiet existence on bustling I-Drive

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/18 11:06P Dewayne Bevil

Sloth World is rapidly approaching a grand opening on Orlando’s International Drive, its executives say. The 7,500-square-foot facility will be home to more than 40 sloths living in a rainforest-inspired setting. And while it will operate near...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Top productions

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/18 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Theater in Central Florida during 2025 ran the gamut from big musicals like “Once” to intimate plays such as Birds of North America. Here then is a list of productions, presented alphabetically, that...

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/17 6:04A Associated Press

By JAKE COYLE, AP Film Writer In a seismic shift for one of television’s marquee events,  the Academy Awards  will depart ABC and begin streaming on YouTube beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday....

Orlando Holiday Events: 30 Family-Friendly Things to Do (Dec 19–28)

Orlando Family Fun Magazine 12/17 5:02A Karl Moranette

Looking for fun family things to do in Orlando between December 19 and December 28? These Orlando Holiday Events are... The post Orlando Holiday Events: 30 Family-Friendly Things to Do (Dec 19–28) appeared first on Orlando Family Fun Magazine .