BroadwayRadio Special Episode Summary: Foster Cronin on Building Orlando’s Touring Season

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In a special episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamnini engages in an insightful conversation with Foster Cronin, Vice President of Programming and Education at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. The discussion delves into the intricacies of crafting Orlando’s upcoming 2025-2026 Broadway season, the nuances of the subscription process, and the exceptional features of the Dr. Phillips Center venue.

1. Overview of the Upcoming Broadway Season

Foster Cronin passionately outlines the exciting lineup of shows slated for the 2025-2026 season, highlighting both beloved classics and contemporary hits.

• Season Opener: The Wiz (September 30 - October 5)

• New Additions:

  • Water for Elephants (November 4-9): A Broadway adaptation featuring remarkable puppeteering and circus elements, based on the cherished novel.
  • The Outsiders (Tony Award for Best Musical 2024): Bringing the acclaimed Broadway production to Orlando, ensuring audiences receive the same high-quality performance.
  • Juliet (January 6-11): A vibrant reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet, adding a playful twist to the classic love story.

• Exclusive Florida Premiere:

  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (January 24 - February 21): The only Florida-based play in the current tour, offering a magical experience unique to the region.

• Additional Highlights:

  • Hell’s Kitchen (March 3-8): A musical centered on Alicia Keys’ life, featuring inspiring music and storytelling.
  • Kimberly Akimbo (April 14-19): The 2023 Tony Award-winning musical, promising an engaging theatrical experience.
  • The Notebook (May 12-17): Adapted from the beloved novel, catering to fans of poignant romantic narratives.

• Add-On Shows:

  • Hadestown (November 28-30): Returning for another run, perfect for family outings over Thanksgiving weekend.
  • Six (June 2-7): The sensational musical about Henry VIII’s wives, anticipated to sell out rapidly.

Notable Quote:

"Our Broadway season is incredibly popular, and we try to get as much Broadway as we possibly can and keep as many of the shows as we can here." — Foster Cronin [02:18]

2. Subscription Process and Platform Transition

Matt and Foster discuss recent changes in the subscription process, particularly the shift from the Ticketmaster platform to the Dr. Phillips Center’s proprietary system.

• Centralization of Ticketing: Moving to a single ticketing system simplifies the process, reducing potential issues associated with multiple platforms.

• Impact on Subscribers:

  • Auto-Renewals Disabled: For the current season, auto-renewals are not available, prompting subscribers to manually renew their memberships.
  • Extended Renewal Period: To accommodate loyal subscribers, the renewal window has been extended until Friday, July 18.

• Availability Assurance: Despite the platform change, seats remain available across all sections—Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony—ensuring that subscribers can still secure their preferred spots.

Notable Quotes:

"We made that switch over... we weren't for this first year able to do auto renewals." — Foster Cronin [04:56]

"So what it is great is that... there are seats available for each of the nights of the week and in each section of the orchestra, mezzanine and balcony." — Foster Cronin [04:56]

3. Managing Subscriptions and Customer Communication

The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies in managing subscriptions, especially during the transition period.

• Flexible Subscription Options: Subscribers can exchange seats, change performance dates, and adapt their subscriptions to fit their schedules, enhancing overall flexibility.

• Payment Plans: Recognizing the financial commitment, the Dr. Phillips Center offers installment plans, allowing payments to be spread out over the year in up to four installments.

• Communication Efforts: Proactive outreach ensures that both existing and prospective subscribers are informed about subscription availability and changes, emphasizing the importance of timely renewals.

Notable Quotes:

"Subscription allows for you to not only get the best deal for all of the shows, but it allows the most flexibility for that person." — Foster Cronin [10:39]

"It's the only subscription or it's the only ticket package right now... that can be on a payment plan." — Foster Cronin [11:15]

4. Dr. Phillips Center: A Premier Venue for the Arts

Foster Cronin provides an evocative description of the Dr. Phillips Center, underscoring its commitment to accessibility, customer service, and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Architectural Excellence: Designed to ensure every audience member feels connected to the performers, even from the most distant seats.

• Amenities:

  • Extensive Lobby: Opens an hour and a half before performances, featuring multiple food and beverage options.
  • Versatile Facilities: Includes Steinmetz Hall and Judson’s—a small jazz club offering intimate musical experiences.
  • Ample Parking: Strategically located near major highways with multiple garages within walking distance.

Notable Quotes:

"It's one of my favorite venues in the entire country... built in the way that we want to be accessible to everybody." — Foster Cronin [12:40]

"Even if you're all the way in the last seat of the balcony... you still feel like you're a part of the action and still welcome there." — Foster Cronin [12:40]

5. Planning Future Seasons

Looking beyond the immediate season, Foster Cronin discusses the strategic considerations involved in selecting shows for future years.

• Selective Touring: Recognizing the high costs and logistical challenges of touring, the Dr. Phillips Center carefully selects shows that resonate with the Orlando audience.

• Market Strength: The robust Broadway market in Florida ensures that chosen productions are both popular and well-received, fostering long-term success.

• Audience Engagement: Positive audience interactions and strong reception of current shows like Shucked influence future programming decisions.

Notable Quotes:

"What's been great... is how well shows are received here... it's just going to keep winning." — Foster Cronin [15:37]

"We are going to try and move mountains to make something like that happen." — Foster Cronin [09:23]

6. Memorable Moments and Personal Insights

Foster Cronin shares a heartfelt memory that underscores the center’s dedication to community engagement and the transformative power of theater.

• Hamilton Community Give-Back:
  • Hosted over 200 tickets for local community groups, including children experiencing Broadway for the first time.
  • Provided a comprehensive experience with pre-show lunches and engaging trivia sessions.
  • Foster describes the event as profoundly moving and a testament to the center’s mission.

Notable Quotes:

"They went and saw for their first Broadway show ever, they got to see HAMILTON in the Dr. Phillips Center." — Foster Cronin [17:48]

"I don't cry normally when stuff like that happens, but it was something so special." — Foster Cronin [17:48]

7. Final Remarks and Encouragement

As the episode concludes, Foster Cronin emphasizes the remaining availability of subscription seats and the vibrant future of Broadway at the Dr. Phillips Center.

• Subscription Urgency: With the renewal period closing on July 18, interested individuals are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their seats before single ticket sales commence.

• Availability Across All Sections: Assurance that seats are still available in all seating sections, challenging the notion that only premium or expensive seats remain.

• Future Growth: The center aims to expand its subscriber base, ensuring continued success and a thriving Broadway presence in Central Florida.

Notable Quotes:

"Everybody should understand we do still have seats left. It's a dynamite season." — Foster Cronin [20:55]

"Broadway will be alive and strong continuing on. And we hope that we can convert a number of subscribers to this and keep it growing." — Foster Cronin [20:55]

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a comprehensive look into the meticulous planning and passion driving Orlando’s thriving Broadway scene. Foster Cronin’s insights illuminate the dedication of the Dr. Phillips Center to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences, fostering community engagement, and ensuring accessibility for all theater enthusiasts. Subscribers and potential attendees alike are left with a compelling invitation to join in Orlando’s vibrant performing arts journey.