🔮 A transformation is about to happen...

In just a few hours, an exciting, immersive 3-day event will be taking over downtown Orlando.

Hey, I’m News 6 producer Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.

Not only is there a big event downtown, but there’s a lot of shows to see!

Let’s take a look at what’s going on. ⤵

✨ IMMERSE returns to downtown Orlando tonight

Creative City Project’s IMMERSE is back with live performances, “creative encounters” and more. The 3-day event kicks off tonight. Some of the headline performers include Blue Man Group, Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, and award-winning Broadway star and recording artist Michael James Scott.

I had a chance to chat with Michael and Cole NeSmith, the founder of Creative City Project. Apparently they are childhood friends! They shared what to expect from IMMERSE, and Digital Journalist Brenda Argueta put together an awesome guide. Check that all out here.

🌎 Broadway Musical “Come From Away” is coming to two Central Florida theatres

A musical based on the days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks is coming to two Central Florida theatres.

“Come From Away” tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them.

The show will be at Melbourne’s King Center tonight and then at Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on Monday.

Kaitlyn Jackson plays Beverly and a few other characters in the show. During my chat with her, I could tell she was very passionate about the show and she shared how it’s unlike any other musical.

🎤 Ormond Beach, live entertainment is coming soon!

Earlier this week, we took our newscasts live from Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar in Ormond Beach. It’s all part of our ‘Hits the Road’ series, where we come to your neighborhood, and listen to your stories and concerns.

I had the chance to talk to the new owners of 31 Supper Club in the downtown area. They’re Grammy nominees and have performed around the world. Dana Kamide and Sharon Aguilar Kamide shared how they plan to bring more entertainment to the coast.

🍓 The Strawberry Festival starts next week

I know this is technically a little bit outside of our area, but have you ever been to the Florida Strawberry Festival? It returns to Plant City starting next Thursday.

Live performances like Boyz II Men, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys, and Nelly will be at the 11-day event.

There will also be rides, attractions, and of course, fresh strawberries. Our digital intern, Leah Sudhir, put together all of the info you need to know here.

🎶 What’s happening in show biz

🎙 Now - Feb. 23: “Jersey Boys” at Titusville Playhouse

✒ Now - Feb. 23: “Daddy Long legs” at Ocala Civic Theatre

🎩 Now - March 2: “Cabaret” at Orlando Shakes

🌉 Tonight - March 6: “Brooklyn’s Bridge” at Dr. Phillips Center in Downtown Orlando

🐉 Now - March 9: “Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical” at Orlando Family Stage

➡ Now - March 2: “Next to Normal: at Theater West End in Sanford

👰 Tonight - March 2: “One Slight Hitch” at Daytona Playhouse

🎸 Tomorrow: Sanford Porchfest

🎤 Feb. 27: Paul Anka at The Sharon in The Villages

📞 Feb 28 - March 16: “9-5: The Musical” at Osceola Arts

🙃 Feb. 28 - March 9: “Freaky Friday the Musical” at The Ritz Theater in Sanford

That’s a wrap for this week’s “Setting The Stage” newsletter.

If you have any story ideas on the theatre and arts scene, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at bsavage@wkmg.com.

Also, let me know if there are any local theatres you want me to cover more often.

- 🎭 Brooke