😱 Are you interested in a thriller night?

I hope you are, because you can listen to some great Michael Jackson hits this weekend and get your Broadway fix.

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

The shows going on right now have to deal with some well-known celebs.

Let’s take a look. ⤵

✨“MJ The Musical” will knock you off of your feet

He’s considered one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, the musical based on Michael Jackson’s life is in Orlando.

“MJ the Musical” focuses on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

I had the chance to see it earlier this week with my mom. We watched the “This is it” movie years ago together, so it was especially fitting for us to see the musical! We were completely blown away by the performances, costumes, and set movements.

Anchor Lisa Bell was there too. See her review here.

She also spoke with Erik Hamilton, who plays young Michael in the show. He has severe hearing loss, which makes his performance even remarkable. His portrayal of Michael Jackson was spot on.

On March 13, there will also be a special dance workshop you can take. I posted the details to the show and workshop here.

🖥 Workin' nine to five, what a way to make a livin'!

It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it. ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ is performing right now at Osceola Arts.

The musical based on the 1980 film follows three female co-workers pushed to the boiling point by their egotistical boss. When they give their workplace a dream makeover, their adventures lead to empowerment, friendship, and maybe some romance.

The show runs through next weekend. I heard from some of the people behind the show. Check it out.

🖼 Take a look at the Florida landscape paintings at the Orange County Convention Center

The next time you go to one of the many big conventions we have here in Central Florida, see if you can spot some beautiful paintings of Florida landscapes.

The Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs is partnering with the Orange County Convention Center to present the Highwaymen Collection.

Who are the Florida Highwaymen? Their story is inspiring and important to Florida’s Black history. See how their paintings went from $5 a piece, to costing thousands of dollars.

🎬 Will Central Florida become the new Hollywood?

Florida was once a cost-effective destination for movie and TV productions, but the state’s film industry began to decline after lawmakers eliminated financial incentives for out-of-state filmmakers in 2016.

While Central Florida’s film scene has struggled to recover, some local officials are working to revive the industry and bring new productions to the area.

One notable figure who could make a difference is S. Leigh Savidge, a co-executive producer for the Oscar-nominated film, Straight Outta Compton.

News 6’s Laverne McGee spoke to him while he was in Orlando to explore whether the city can become the location for his next film.

🌉 “Brooklyn’s Bridge” musical makes its world premier

A new musical making its world premiere at the Dr. Phillips Center just wrapped up this week, but I’m hoping we see more of it in the future.

It’s setting the record straight on how the Brooklyn Bridge was built and finally giving credit where credit is due.

“Brooklyn’s Bridge” is inspired by the extraordinary life of Emily Roebling, wife of Brooklyn Bridge Chief Engineer, Washington Roebling.

Her husband got sick while working on the bridge, and for 11 years, Emily took over the project, visiting the worksite, delivering plans and handling both engineering and political issues, until the bridge was completed in 1883. Lisa Bell heard from the cast of the show and what it means to them to tell this untold story.

I visited the Brooklyn Bridge in high school and I had no idea the large part a woman played in getting it built. It is honestly so inspiring.

🎶 What’s happening in show biz

🎸 Tonight: Alan Jackson at Kia Center in downtown Orlando

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

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

🍴 March 16 - April 20: “Waitress” at Titusville Playhouse in Titusville

🤘 March 20: Deftones at Kia Center in downtown Orlando

🚂 March 20 - April 6: “Murder On the Orient Express” at Ocala Civic Theatre

🎠 March 21-23: “Carousel” from Little Radical Theatrics at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando

👢 March 21-30: “Kinky Boots” at Cocoa Village Playhouse in Cocoa

🌟 March 21 - April 6: “Seussical The Musical” at The State Theatre of Eustis

🧺 March 21 – April 13: “Honky Tonk Laundry” at The IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora

🎙 March 21: Andy Grammer at Hard Rock Live Orlando

🎤 March 22: Tyler, The Creator at Kia Center in downtown Orlando

➡ March 22-23: “Hadestown” at The Sharon in The Villages

💅 March 28-31: “Mean Girls” at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando and Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach

🍅 March 28 - April 13: ″Something Rotten!" at Daytona Playhouse in Daytona Beach

🤠 April 4: Rascal Flats at Kia Center in downtown Orlando

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