Do you remember the days of going to Blockbuster and checking out a movie?
Hey, I’m News 6 producer Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.
I remember going to Blockbuster with my mom. When things started switching to DVDs, I would pick out movies for our 4-hour car rides from Ft. Lauderdale to see my grandpa in Tampa. I would watch them on my portable DVD player!
Anyways, thank you for reading about my memory.
Now let’s take a look at what’s going on. ⤵
🎥 Central Florida Fair brings back Blockbuster vibes with walk-in time capsule
The Central Florida Fair is returning for its 114th year and among the number of experiences, you can re-live the days of going to a Blockbuster and picking out a movie.
The fair returned this week and runs until March 8.
I heard from the fair’s CEO, and he told me an interesting fact: The Fair organization was established in 1910, but it took two years off during World War II when the property was used to house U.S. Army troops.
Along with the Blockbuster experience, the fair also offers a number of entertainment including circus acts, a battle of the bands, and robots battling it out!
I posted everything you need to know.
🌹Eeek!!! Who’s excited for the next round of touring Broadway shows?
Just in case you haven’t seen it, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts released its Broadway show lineup for the 2026-27 season.
It begins in September.
Among the 10 shows, the return of “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” “Jersey Boys” and “The Sound of Music.” Digital Journalist Brenda Argueta put together what to expect.
Don’t forget, there are still plenty of shows coming up over the next few months.
🎤 Speaking of, the next touring Broadway show, “Hell’s Kitchen,” from Alicia Keys is coming to Orlando
The show draws inspiration from Alicia Keys’ life in New York in the 1990s, her music and community.
“Hell’s Kitchen” follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl trying to find her place in the world. During her journey, you meet the music mentor who changes her life, her family, and the neighborhood that helps her grow.
“Hell’s Kitchen” will be inside Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts March 3–8. I posted ticket info.
🎶 What’s happening in showbiz:
💗 Tonight: “The Odd Couple” at The Flagler Playhouse
💮 Tonight - March 22: “Steel Magnolias” at Athens Theatre in DeLand
🪽 Now - March 8: “Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika” at Theater West End in Sanford
🏴☠️ Now - March 15: “Lilly and the Pirates The Musical” at Orlando Family Stage
🫠 March 6-15: “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Ritz Theater in Sanford
➡️ March 6 - April 12: “The Prince of Egypt” at Titusville Playhouse
💮 March 12-29: “Steel Magnolias” at Ocala Civic Theatre
🎙️ March 13: Barry Manilow at Kia Center in downtown Orlando
⚡ March 13-29: “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Eustis State Theatre
🍅 March 20-22: “Something Rotten” from Little Radical Theatrics at Dr. Phillips Center
🌹 March 20 - April 12: “Guys and Dolls” at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora
🐞 March 27 - April 12: “My Fair Lady” at Daytona 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