Politics
‘Hamilton’ arrives at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, boosting downtown Orlando
Orlando — young, scrappy and hungry — is not throwing away its shot.
The national tour of “Hamilton” has arrived at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a nearly three-week run. Single tickets are currently on sale for the show, which plays in downtown Orlando through Oct. 18.
“We’re fortunate to have a world-class performing arts center here in Orlando that allows us to host so many great Broadway shows. But there is something special about hosting Hamilton, which remains enduringly popular,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told Florida Politics. “This is the musical’s third appearance at the Dr. Phillips Center, but residents are still excited to experience it.”
The power of “Hamilton” is strong enough to make SunRail trains operate longer — at least temporarily.
Just for the show, SunRail is operating an 11 p.m. train on weeknights to help theatergoers get back home. The Florida Department of Transportation did not respond to a request for comment on how much it will cost or what ridership it expects for the special service.
SunRail stops at Church Street Station, a short walk away from the theater.
“We’re grateful for opportunities like SunRail that make it easier for people to come experience Broadway in Orlando, whether they’re local audiences or visitors traveling to the area,” said Dr. Phillips Center CEO Kathy Ramsberger.
Arriving guests stop to snap pictures outside the theater’s grand windows decorated with the “Hamilton” logo.
To get into the spirit are the spirits. Dr. Phillips Center’s “Hamilton”-themed cocktails include a ‘”Rebel Spirit” bourbon cocktail and a gin drink called ‘”The King’s Garden,” complete with white peony tea.
“Our specialty cocktails and themed offerings give guests another opportunity to immerse themselves in each production while creating memorable experiences throughout their visit,” said Jenna Rogers, senior director of events and food/beverage at Dr. Phillips Center.
Outside in downtown Orlando, “Hamilton” could boost local bars and restaurants as patrons visit before the show, said economist Matthew Rousu, the Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business and Associate Provost of Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania.
Downtown Orlando’s Hotel Beauden — formerly known as the Grand Bohemian — is among those getting a bump. “Productions at the Dr. Phillips Center, particularly major Broadway shows like ‘Hamilton,’ have a positive effect on business at Hotel Beauden, with a considerable dinner crowd at Libra and increased activity at Bar Libra,” the establishment’s owners said.
Meanwhile, the “Hamilton” cast and crew staying at local hotels also helps Orlando’s economy, Rousu said.
The bigger statewide economic impact story is more complicated because, for example, if out-of-towners from Tampa traveled to Orlando, it’s more of a net wash since those Tampa residents might have spent their money back home if they hadn’t been in Orlando, Rousu said.
What is clear: Dr. Phillips Center has certainly left its mark since opening over a decade ago across the street from City Hall.
Last fiscal year, the theater generated $227.6 million in economic impact, which will only continue with “Hamilton” this month and “Wicked” returning for nearly four weeks in January.
“‘Hamilton’ is one of the most popular shows of all time,” Rousu said, recalling the mania 11 years ago when the show opened with pricey Broadway tickets and an instant fandom. Fueling the show’s popularity was its movie release on Disney+ in time for the July 4 holiday in 2020, when most people were stuck at home during COVID.
Even today, “tours are still selling out,” said Rousu, who noted that “Hamilton” led Broadway gross sales last week.
The story of Hamilton’s legacy, his complicated personal life and the fight for American independence resonated deeply during a recent show in Orlando, as some guests left teary-eyed.
“Hamilton remains a great showcase of the power of the arts to help us reflect on America’s past and also highlight the diversity that makes our nation stronger today,” Dyer said.
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