I’ve noticed the theatre scene gets a little quiet over the summer, probably because people go on vacation. It looks like the shows are coming back though!
Hey, I’m News 6 producer Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.
Let’s check out what’s going on. ⤵
🪄 Into the woods to grandmother’s house!
A Tony Award-winning musical starring the voice behind Disney’s Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” is performing at Dr. Phillips Center.
The beloved musical from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine brings together classic fairy tales, including “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Rapunzel.”
The production is self-produced by the Dr. Phillips Center and it stars Tony Award Nominee and Disney Legend, Jodi Benson, as The Witch, alongside a cast of local performers and creative team. Our News 6 Insiders even had a chance to chat with her before the show!
The musical is inside Steinmetz Hall through Sunday. I posted the details here.
🎤Orlando Vocal Collective debuts intimate concert experience
One of the most popular performances at Creative City Project’s annual IMMERSE festival has its own show.
The Orlando Vocal Collective is bringing an intimate concert experience through expanded vocal arrangements, thrilling harmonies, and world-class lead vocals.
The show will feature an ensemble of 11 singers and a four-piece band. They will reimagine beloved songs from the iconic sounds of Janet Jackson and Earth, Wind & Fire to Beyoncé and Michael Jackson.
Chris Keough, the founder of Orlando Vocal Collective, gave me a behind the scenes perspective on what to expect. The show runs at a venue in the heart of downtown Orlando Aug. 6-8. Tickets are $38 per person.
🎭 A Reminder of the Broadway shows to come...
I know I had this in my last newsletter, but I just wanted to give you a friendly reminder of what you have to look forward to. I put together the Broadway shows coming to Orlando, The Villages, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne.
Dr. Phillips Center: Hamilton, Sept. 29 - Oct. 18
The Sharon: The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration, Oct. 30
Peabody Auditorium: The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise, Nov. 24
King Center: Mrs. Doubtfire, Dec. 1–2
🎶 What’s happening in showbiz:
👑 Now - Sunday: “Diana: The Musical” at Theater West End in Sanford
✝️ Now - Sunday: “Sister Act” at Athens Theatre in DeLand
🎉 Now - Aug. 9: “All Shook Up” at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora
🔵 Now - Aug. 30: “Dear Evan Hansen” at Titusville Playhouse
🏡Aug. 6-9: “Next to Normal” at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando
🚛 Aug 8-9: Monster Jam Freestyle Mania at Kia Center in Orlando
🍇Aug 12: The Wiggles at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
⚡Aug. 14 - Sept. 6: “Grease“ at Henegar Performing Arts Center in downtown Melbourne
🖼️ Aug. 20: Free Admission to Orlando Museum of Art
😂 Aug 21-23: Marlon Wayans at Funny Bone Comedy Club Orlando
✈️ Aug. 26 - Sept. 27: “Come From Away” at Orlando Shakes
🎙️Aug. 28-29: Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm at House of Blues in Disney Springs
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