The Plaza Live, venue operated by the Orlando Philharmonic
“The Plaza Live, an Orlando event venue that came under state scrutiny for hosting an all-age drag queen performance in December, could lose its ability to sell alcohol, according to a complaint filed Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation,” writes Amanda Rabines in Friday’s (2/4) Orlando Sentinel (FL). “The agency claimed The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, which oversees the venue, had a responsibility to make sure no minors were in attendance at the Dec. 28 show, but failed and violated Florida statute in the process.… The investigation into the venue followed threats from the governor’s office to enact penalties if the plaza on Bumby Avenue allowed minors to see ‘A Drag Queen Christmas,’ a show that featured holiday musical numbers and entertainers of all genders. The complaint alleged the show included ‘simulated sex acts.’… Gov. Ron DeSantis’ press secretary Bryan Griffin said the venue ‘violated Florida statutes’… The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation’s board of directors said The Plaza Live has hosted drag performances for eight consecutive years and described the venue to be a ‘welcoming and inclusive establishment that operates in good faith and compliance with all applicable laws.… We have just been made aware of this administrative complaint and are working with our legal team to evaluate and respond appropriately.’ ”
Two recent Symphony articles report on how orchestras are working with drag artists: “Pops in Flux” and “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Artistic Planning” .
