That is the message that resonated with me when I had the chance to interview someone with a very recognizable voice if you’re a “Star Wars” fan.
Thanks for opening this email, I’m Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting the Stage newsletter.
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Happy February and Black History Month! If you don’t know already, here’s your heads up. It’s a busy weekend in Central Florida. There’s the U.S. Olympic marathon trials Saturday, Pro Bowl on Sunday, plus all of the exciting shows and events I’m going to tell you about below. Let’s get into it.
💬 First things first, MegaCon Orlando
I have some good news for “Star Wars” fans, there’s a great lineup of actors from the franchise at the Orange County Convention Center now through Sunday, including Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka in the animated movies and TV series. By the way, did you know she grew up in Orlando, and that helped launch her acting career? This was definitely one of my favorite interviews and one you don’t want to miss. She spoke about the behind the scenes of voice acting, growing up in Central Florida, and how Ahsoka taught her that kindness is not a weakness, it’s a power.
⚡ Of course, it’s not just Star Wars actors at MegaCon...
Whatever genre you’re into, there’s something for everyone. I also had the chance to talk with Sarah Natochenny, who voiced Ash Ketchum in Pokémon. She was so fun to talk to! She took over the role at just 18 years old in 2006. Funny enough, she almost missed her audition! See how she landed the iconic role, what it takes to voice anime (it requires a lot of multi-tasking), her favorite Pokémon, and how you can also find her on the stage and in films.
🚢 A show where a married couple gives each other a free pass on a cruise... what could go wrong?
You can see “Guilty Pleasures: An Unapologetic Comedy” now through Feb. 11 at Osceola Arts. It’s set on a luxury cruise and it follows a married couple, Larry and Jinx. They meet an elegant celebrity, which leads to a series of romantic entanglements and hilarious complications. The show is rated R for its bold take on marriage, infidelity, and a candid look at the complexities of love. Get this, people who attend the show Saturday will also get a chance to meet the playwright, Ken Levine! He’s known for being a writer on shows like “M*A*S*H,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” and so much more. He will even have a talk-back with the audience. I spoke with the show’s director and posted about how you can attend that special performance.
🎸 Here’s your chance to celebrate the iconic folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel
‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story’ is a concert-style show that follows their humble beginnings, how they became a success as one of the best-selling music groups in the ‘60s, and their dramatic split in 1970. It even includes Simon and Garfunkel’s famous reunion in 1981, where more than half a million fans watched them perform in New York’s Central Park. The show will be at the King Center in Melbourne Feb. 13-14. I posted ticket information and spoke with the singer who plays Garfunkel here.
🎙 The Grammys are this weekend! Have you ever wondered what’s inside the swag bag the celebs get?
Well we did! One of my favorite coworkers, Tiffany Browne, found out they call it a swag bag, but it’s more like a swag suitcase. The goal is for businesses to get their products in front of the presenters and performers. For example, one of the items in the $36,000 bag includes an Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner that can be controlled by an app on your phone. See what other cool gadgets and products are inside the bag here. The award show airs on CBS Sunday at 8 p.m.
🎨 You know how I mentioned it’s a busy weekend in Central Florida? That also includes this art festival
The 49th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will transform the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora into an open-air gallery Saturday and Sunday. Our digital intern, Cassandra Wilkins, posted all the information you need to know here.
🧘♀️ Raps and Yoga mats?
You’re probably wondering why this is in my newsletter, but music is art, and you can win free Drake and J.Cole concert tickets at this free yoga event! It sounds like a lot of fun. There will be two DJs doing live mixes, while two yoga instructors lead teams, battling it out to rap music. The event also makes yoga more accessible to those who might not know how beneficial it can be. I posted everything you need to know here.
🎶 What’s happening in show biz
🎤 Kat Williams second show at Addition Financial Arena - The comedian will be on UCF’S campus once again tonight at 8. The Emmy Award-winning performer is known for his guest role in “Atlanta” along with memorable characters in films like “Friday After Next,” “Norbit,” and “First Sunday.”
😂 Demetri Martin at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando - Remember his sketch comedy show on Comedy Central? I used to love his unique style! He has a show tonight at Universal’s City Walk starting at 8. Tickets range in price from $39 to $49.
🎧 DJ Pauly D at The Vanguard - Any Jersey Shore fans? The reality show star and DJ is performing tonight at 10.
👧 Youth Theater Production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at the Dr. Phillips Center - Follow the journey of Matilda, a young girl with an incredible imagination, who reminds us, no matter what we go through or how small we feel, we can still make the world a better place. The show runs through Sunday.
📅 Upcoming
📍 Florida’s Fourth Estate at Miller’s Ale House in Winter Park - On Feb. 9, you can catch our very own anchors, Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden, LIVE on a Friday night for free! They’ll record their podcast live, and sit down with legendary football coach Lou Holtz the Friday night before the Super Bowl.
🎵 Jefferson Starship at the Peabody Auditorium - The iconic band known for hits like “Somebody To Love” and “Jane” is coming to Daytona Beach Feb. 16. I had the chance to speak with the singer, Cathy Richardson. I’ll include that interview in my next newsletter.
Like I mentioned at the top of this newsletter, it’s Black History Month.
I’m working on a few stories right now, but if you know of someone who paved the way or they’re making an impact now in the theatre or art world, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at bsavage@wkmg.com.
I’ll see you in two weeks.
- Brooke 🎭