And sometimes that means you have family in town and you’re looking for things to do together.
Hey, I’m News 6 producer, Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.
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For those who celebrate Easter, do you still decorate Easter eggs?
We do! Every year, my sweet mom hollows out the eggs and we dye them together with my husband. We even keep the decorated eggs from previous years. That’s why you see the growing collection in the picture above.
Alright, here’s some shows and exhibits you can check out. ⤵
🩰 Kilts and point shoes
St. Patrick’s Day has passed, but one group is continuing the celebration through dance. Point shoes and kilts are not a combination you’d expect to see in a performance, but when it comes to “Director’s Choice” presented by the Orlando Ballet, anything goes. News 6 anchor and insider guide, Crystal Moyer, spoke to the artistic director who described the performance as his version of Riverdance, an ode to his family heritage. The show started on Thursday and runs through Sunday at Dr. Phillips Center. Get an inside look and ticket information here. If you can’t see the article because you’re not an insider, it’s free to join.
✨ These shows wrap up this weekend
I know I already told you about “42nd Street” at Osceola Arts and “Vida” at Fringe ArtSpace in downtown Orlando in my last newsletter, but if you still haven’t seen these shows, it’s your last chance to catch them this weekend! “42nd Street” is set in New York in the 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression. It follows chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, and her rise to fame overnight. “Vida” takes you on an immersive and captivating musical journey celebrating the beauty of life.
🚺 Unstoppable XX: Art exhibit celebrates female pioneers
An art exhibit named after the female chromosome, XX, showcases the determination of women who have overcome challenges to pave the way for others. The exhibit can be found inside A Perfect Union Art Gallery in West Oaks Mall in Ocoee. The exhibit runs through April 6th. I spoke with two of the female artists being featured and the messages behind their artwork.
🎨 There’s a new mural in downtown Orlando
Imagine seeing your daughter on one of the largest murals ever painted for the city of Orlando. You can spot this mural from artists Peterson Guerrier, Jordan Justice, and Chris Jones at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard. It shows images of swans and a little girl with a crown on her head. The little girl is the daughter of Guerrier. I thought that was precious. She was even at the unveiling of the mural with city leaders. News 6 investigator Erik Sandoval was there and took the picture above. He posted all about the inspiration behind the mural, and why the artist chose his daughter to be on it.
🏡 It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
Actually, it will be a beautiful week. Next week launches a week of kindness right here in Central Florida. It honors Fred Rogers from the kids TV show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” There are several events on the agenda, including a walking tour, a clip screening and Q&A with cast members from the show, like Dan Newell who played Mr. McFeely, and a concert. I posted details on the events, heard from the producer behind them, and some history on Fred’s connection to Central Florida here.
🔦 Artist Spotlight: What’s it like to be a performer in Central Florida?
Ever gone to a restaurant or bar and see a performance and wonder what that singer does outside of that place? I caught up with Tabitha Morales Cruz. She performs at Cocktails and Screams every Wednesday night. She is a wedding event planner during the day, and leaves her nights and weekends for performing. She actually specifically moved to Central Florida for our entertainment industry. She had some great insight on what it takes to be a performing artist in Orlando. By the way, I’m trying something new! Are you an actor/singer/performer? Let me know and I can spotlight you too. Just send me an email at bsavage@wkmg.com.
💊 Speaking of getting insight from actors, I caught up with two of the actors from “Jagged Little Pill”
It was interesting to hear from them about what it’s like to be on tour and what all goes into a performance. By the way, they did this interview the morning after performing their hearts out the night before, and they had more performances that night and throughout the week. If you love Broadway shows, you’ll appreciate learning more about what they had to say. “Jagged Little Pill” may no longer be at Dr. Phillips Center, but here’s what’s coming up.
🎤 Before there was Taylor Swift, there was Taylor Dayne
I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to share this interview I did with Taylor Dayne ahead of the Uptown Art Expo in Altamonte Springs last week. I know the event has come and gone, but I feel as though fans would especially be interested in hearing about how she got her start in the late 80s, how she opened for Michael Jackson, her battle with colon cancer, and how she became a part of a bit from comedian Tig Notaro. Click here to check out that interview. If you missed her in Altamonte Springs, she’s coming back to Florida when she has a performance in Boca Raton on May 10 and 11.
🎶 What’s happening in show biz
🎫 Right now: Tickets for the Electric Daisy Carnival in Orlando on November 10,11, and 12 just went on sale!
🔠 Tonight and Tomorrow: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Garden Theatre in Winter Garden
🎙March 30th: Natalie Grant at SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival
👸 Now - April 7: “Diana: The Musical” at The Henegar in downtown Melbourne
😂 April 4: Kevin James at Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach
That’s a wrap for this week’s “Setting The Stage” newsletter.
I know, I know. This newsletter can get lengthy, but there’s always so much to do and see!
If you have any story ideas on the theatre and arts scene, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at bsavage@wkmg.com.
I’ll be back in your inbox in two weeks.