ORLANDO | Longtime performer and theatrical producer, Robert Crane came to Orlando and gained followings through his work directing and producing shows such as “F*cking Men,” “The Gay 90’s Musical” and “Miss Gulch Returns” for the Orlando Fringe Festival. Crane is also a former Walt Disney World cast member.
Crane saw a need in the Orlando theatrical community for rehearsal and performance space that was truly affordable and set out to fill that void. Along with his team of volunteer “angels,” he has created the White Elephant Theater in a former church at 1123 W. Fairbanks Ave.
“Our focus is not only on companies and artists that can’t afford a place, but we are totally inclusive. We are focused on a strong sense of diversity, with those who are underserved and disenfranchised, especially the LGBTQ+ community,” Crane says.
The theater will be complete with a stage, tech booth, theatrical sound and lighting, dressing room and a lobby bar.
The White Elephant Theater will celebrate its grand opening with a gala and fundraiser entitled “PARADE” June 12 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. With a ticket, the event will include live piano music, complimentary light bites, a cash bar, raffle, silent auction and a variety show.
Tickets for the event are $30 in advance or $50 at the door and are available for purchase here.
Attendees are encouraged to wear celebratory clothing, “from cocktail attire to evening wear, from sequins to feathers and everything in between – fun and festive attire is what is called for.”
Performances during the variety show will include Julian Bond, Matthew Lincoln-Bugg, Sarah Lee Dobbs, Christopher Leavy, Brett McMahon, Burt Rodriguez, select members of Orlando Gay Chorus, Sincerely Three and the stand-up comedy act of Rauce Padgett. The event will be emceed by Michael Wanzie.
Many of Orlando’s notable theaters and producers have donated pairs of tickets to future shows at the White Elephant Theater for a grand raffle prize for the event. The combined total value of this ticket bundle grand prize currently is over $1,000 due to the generosity of Orlando Shakes, Theatre West End, The Ensemble Company in Residence at Penguin Point, SAK Comedy Lab, Winter Park Playhouse, Breakthrough Theatre, Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Shows and the Sonnentag Theater at the Ice House.
100% of raffle proceed will be divided evenly between White Elephant Theatre Productions Inc. and Greater Orlando Performing Arts Relief, or GOPAR, both of which are registered not-for-profit organizations.
“The future of the theater will showcase anything and everything. We don’t want to place any limits on the type of production this place holds,” Crane says. “We’ve had discussions with Central Florida Vocal Arts and single gay producers that want to do their shows here.
He said that audiences should look forward to cabaret performances and interactive experiences from the local arts and theater communities to be seen at the White Elephant.
“The thing we are most excited about overall is bringing this space to the arts community so they can bring forth their art for everyone,” Crane said.
