😍 There are some exciting shows on the horizon!

Things appear to be ramping up in our local theatre and arts scene.

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

This week, I’ve had the chance to hear from some really great and passionate actors. They want you to see what they’ve been working on! I appreciate all of the talent and unique experiences Central Florida has to offer.

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

✨ See ‘Bright Star’ at this historic Central Florida theatre

Starting next weekend, not only can you see a show that actors say is rarely performed, but also inside a theatre with more than 100 years of history.

The performance is coming from the Bay Street Players, a group of actors who first formed in 1974 to clean up the vacant State Theatre and bring live performances back to Eustis.

The musical is about love and redemption, set in the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. It centers around literary editor Alice Murphy. When she meets a young soldier who returned home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice then sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds transforms both of their lives.

The show runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 14. I posted ticket information and heard from some of the actors in the show.

🦁 New take on ‘The Jungle Book’ returns to downtown Orlando

A little more than a year later, “The Jungle Book” from Modern Theatricals is returning to the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando.

This story strays away from what you’d expect.

In this sequel expanding on the world of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, Shere Khan the Tiger and Mora the Peacock will take center stage.

The show highlights the power of determination, forgiveness and acceptance. It runs Sept. 4 through Sept. 6.

I had the chance to chat with Helen Tom, who plays Mora the Peacock, and Donald Spencer, the show’s director. See my full interview with them here.

🎸 Orlando Rocks Country! concert to support Texas Flood Relief

The House of Blues Orlando will be alive with music, heart and community spirit next month as Orlando Rocks Country! takes center stage.

The Sept. 5 event brings together some incredible country talent, including Dallas Tyler, Eli Mosley, Noah Hunton and Orlando’s own Patrick Gibson.

Traffic Safety Expert Trooper Steve Montiero spoke with Gibson ahead of his big show. Trooper Steve will also be emceeing the event! See their interview and get info on the concert.

🎶 What’s happening in showbiz:

💃 Tonight: “All Shook Up” dinner and dance fundraiser at Daytona Playhouse

🔍 Now - Sunday: “Clue: The Musical” at Titusville Playhouse

🖖 Saturday - Sunday: Creation Entertainment’s Trek to Orlando Star Trek convention

🎤 Sunday: The Weeknd at Camping World Stadium

✍ Aug. 27 - Sept. 21: “Anna in the Tropics” at Orlando Shakes

🔹 Aug 29-31: Disney on Ice at Kia Center in Orlando

➡ Sept.11-28: “Into the Woods” at Ocala Civic Theatre

🎸 Sept. 12 - 28: “School of Rock” at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

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