WFTV gets behind-the-scenes look at new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center

DR. PHILLIPS, Fla. — On the same day Channel 9 got a sneak preview of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, a deal was announced that will help bring big Broadway shows to Orlando.

WFTV's Lori Brown got a behind-the-scenes look Friday of the ongoing construction of the new center.

"If you were to come two weeks ago, you could barely see through to the theater because of the scaffolding," said project superintendent Ben Manning.

The discord between the center and Orlando's longtime Broadway presenter have also lifted, Brown learned.

"The thing I believe in with my business career is win-win," said board chair Jim Pugh. "We were able to deal with 25 issues. Some of them were financial, some were collaborative."

The Dr. Phillips Center board of directors had voted to negotiate directly with touring Broadway shows, cutting out the partners such as Broadway Across America, who brought Orlando "Wicked" and "The Lion King."

Some critics worried that would put the center and public tax dollars invested in it at risk.

"It was what they wanted and what we wanted. I guess everyone would have been happier if it had just taken a day, but that is not how things always work in business or in life," said Miles Wilkin of Broadway Across America.

"When the acoustic hall is complete, you'll be able to hear the sound of a paperclip drop from the back row," said Manning.

WFTV