Those are lyrics to a song from a band that’s coming to Central Florida, though, to be fair, Wednesday was Valentine’s Day. 😊
Hi again! This is Brooke Savage, the writer behind this “Setting The Stage” newsletter.
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In honor of V-day, I just want to thank you for subscribing! It means so much to me, and honestly, I love sharing what’s going on in the theatre and arts scene. Not only am I learning a lot, but I also get to tell other people’s stories.
For my first time doing this newsletter, I actually have some breaking news! The Dr. Phillips Center just announced its 2024/2025 lineup of shows! They include “The Lion King,” “The Book of Mormon,” and “Mean Girls.” Click here to see the full list of what’s to come.
Now let’s get into what’s happening in the more-near future.
🚀 Jefferson Starship landing in Daytona Beach
The iconic band known for hits like “Somebody To Love” and “Jane” is coming to the Peabody Auditorium tonight at 7:30. Believe it or not, the band has been around for 50 years and they have gone through several personnel and lineup changes. I had the chance to speak with the singer, Cathy Richardson. She joined in 2008 and told me all about how that happened, what it’s like being on tour, and her favorite part of performing. Check out that interview and ticket information here.
🎶 It’s hard to say what it is I see in you - Sister Hazel performing at Lake Mary event
This weekend, “Celebrate! Lake Mary” is returning to Oval Park. The free event features live bands, craft drinks, food trucks, a family fun zone and more. Tomorrow night, Sister Hazel will be headlining. Originating from Gainesville, the band first gained in popularity in 1997, with their hit song “All for You.” I had a very interesting conversation with the band’s drummer, Mark Trojanowski. He told me how he got into drumming, what it takes to have such a demanding role, and how the band was named after missionary, Sister Hazel Williams.
🎹 Musical based on Orlando’s ‘Queen of Versailles’ Jackie Siegel coming this summer
The musical will explore how Siegel and her billionaire husband, David “The Timeshare King” Siegel, set out to build the largest private home in America in Orlando, a $100 million house inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. The couple’s plans were dashed by the recession of 2008 and later they lost a teenage daughter to an overdose. Producers say the musical “explores the true cost of fame, fortune and family.” They hope it can make it to Broadway after its Boston try-out at Emerson Colonial Theatre from July 16 to Aug. 18. It will star Kristen Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham as the Siegels. Click here to learn more about the show.
🎟 Tickets to see Justin Timberlake in Orlando now on sale
JT is coming to the Kia Center on Nov. 9, and the concert will feature songs from his new upcoming album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” Tickets just went on sale to the general public yesterday. Click here for the details.
♥ Need a great date night idea?
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts recently opened up its new music venue, Judson’s Live. Several of my co-workers had a chance to check it out, and they tell me it’s great for a night out, especially with your significant other. It’s located in the center’s newest wing, behind Steinmetz Hall. The atmosphere comes with a full bar, food service, and live music. Some nights are already selling out. News 6′s Erik Sandoval posted the link to the upcoming performances here.
🎶 What’s happening in show biz
🎪 Feb. 16 - Feb. 26: Cirque de Paris in DeLand - Europe’s most famous circus family is offering an immersive experience. Based in rich circus traditions from France, the 90-minute show includes aerialists, jugglers, tightwire dancers, clowns and more.
🕺 Feb. 16 - March 10: All Shook Up at Garden Theatre in Winter Garden - A jukebox musical based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and other works. Based in 1955, a guitar-playing young man shakes things up in a town that prohibits loud music, tight pants etc. It features hits from Elvis Presley including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
✨ Feb. 20 and 21: The Cher Show at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in The Villages - Cher fans have a chance to check out a musical celebrating the life of the pop icon. This glamorous Tony Award-winning show will have 35 songs spanning six decades, and it’s packed with so much Cher, it takes three women to play her: the young girl starting out, the glamorous pop star, and the icon.
💃 Feb. 20 - March 3: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando - Based on the movie with the same name that came out in 2001, the show takes place in the early 1900s and follows bohemian writer, Christian. He visits the Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris and falls in love with the club’s cabaret star, Satine. Student artists can also win free tickets to the show. Today is the last day for submissions.
👩🦰 Feb. 20: Annie The Musical at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach - The musical is set during the Great Depression in 1933 and it follows Annie, an orphan living in New York City. She believes her parents are still out there and yearns to find them. To improve his public image, billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, invites her to live in his home. While Annie gets used to living in the mansion, the two end up forming an unexpected bond.
📅 Upcoming
🤘 Feb. 26: Disturbed at the Kia Center
🎧 March 5: Olivia Rodrigo at the Kia Center
🎤 March 9: Marc Anthony at the Kia Center
That’s a wrap for this week’s “Setting The Stage” newsletter. As you can see, there’s a lot going on!
This weekend is also the Daytona 500. The race is completely sold out, and you can expect Pitbull, DJ Khaled, and The Rock to be there.
If you have an artist, performer, or show you’d like me to feature, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at bsavage@wkmg.com.
I’ll be back in your inbox in two weeks!
- Brooke 🎭