How’s it going? It may feel like shows are slowing down right now, but I’m learning that’s actually not the case.
Thank you for opening my email, I’m News 6 producer Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.
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The picture above is from “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Have you ever seen it? I’m always impressed by the acrobatics, fire dancing and singing.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening at some Central Florida theatres and on the big screen.
🎶 Little shop, little shop of horrors....
Please tell me you heard the song in your head when you just read that line. Downtown Winter Garden is known for having beautiful plants and flowers everywhere, but at Garden Theatre, you can expect to see a blood-thirsty plant with a rather large appetite. “Little Shop of Horrors” is kicking off Garden Theatre’s 17th season. It just started last week and it runs through July 28. See what to expect.
🌹 You can see a tale as old as time at this historic theatre
Here’s your opportunity to see Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at a theatre that’s more than 100 years old. As if seeing a show isn’t enough, just getting to sit inside the Athens Theatre is impressive. The historic theatre with Italian Renaissance architecture was first designed in 1921. I had the chance to hear from the artistic director at the theatre and the show’s director/choreographer. They shared what all goes into putting on a production. Plus, there’s a costume contest where you could win free tickets to a show! Click here for the details.
🪕 Have you seen the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree show at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
I’m not going to lie, I love the cute little animatronic shows at Disney. On occasion, I’ll pop by The Carousel of Progress, The Hall of Presidents and, of course, The Country Bear Musical Jamboree. The new show just opened on Wednesday with a whole new lineup of songs! I’m sure you’ll miss the fan favorites from the past, but I am excited to see what the new show looks like. I’m so jealous of my co-worker, Haley! She’s behind our theme parks newsletter and got a sneak peak.
🌕 The Kennedy Space Center is being featured in a movie in theatres now!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex played set to the movie “Fly Me to the Moon.” It’s a rom-com, drama about characters played by Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum surrounding the high-stakes space race and NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Many artifacts from Apollo missions are used in the film, including the Astrovan used to transport astronauts to the launch pad in the 1960s. New 6 anchor and insider guide, Crystal Moyer, got an inside look. Not an insider? It’s free to join. Our insiders get access to all sorts of contests, like the chance to win free tickets to KSC! Enter to win daily through July 28.
🎬 Speaking of movies filmed here, the teaser trailer is out for a movie starring Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt gets into a Formula One racecar in the first teaser trailer for “F1.” Pitt stars as a veteran driver pulled out of retirement to work with a Formula 1 team and its young driver. Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem and Damson Idris also star in the movie. You may notice some familiar places in the film, like the Daytona International Speedway. Pitt shot some of the racing scenes in January during the Rolex 24. Some Daytona Beach businesses are also in the movie. What do you recognize? Click here to watch the trailer.
🎶 What’s happening in show biz
🎹 Tonight: Broadway Rave featuring show tunes at The Beacham in Orlando
😂 Tonight and Tomorrow: Tracy Morgan at Orlando Funny Bone
🎤 Tomorrow: Janet Jackson and Nelly at Kia Center in Orlando
🎪 Now - Aug. 14: Venardos Circus Orlando at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort
~ 📅Upcoming 🗓 ~
🐠 July 26: “Finding Nemo: The Musical” A cast reunion benefit concert at Theatre South Playhouse in Orlando
🎙 July 26: Donny Osmond at the King Center in Melbourne
🔴 July 26 - Aug. 18: “Tootsie” at Titusville Playhouse
🎭 July 27: “Monday The Disability Musical” at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando
⚡ July 30: Missy Elliott featuring Ciara & Busta Rhymes, and special guest Timbaland at Kia Center in Orlando
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.
I’ll be back in your inbox in two weeks.
- 🎭 Brooke