🎉 Celebrating one year of my emails about shows

Did you know I have officially been sending out this newsletter under my name for one year now?!

Hey, I’m News 6 producer Brooke Savage, the writer behind this Setting The Stage newsletter.

For some history, my former colleague, Sam Dunne, started and created this newsletter, but when she left, I took over.

It is incredible to see how far this opportunity has taken me. I get to ask actors and entertainers things I’ve always been curious about!

I mean, I’ve had the chance to meet Nick Carter, Kel Mitchell, Taylor Dayne, RJ Mitte, and Marlon Wayans... just to name a few. 😉

I sincerely appreciate you supporting my newsletter and video podcast.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s happening in show biz. ⤵

👧 An actor from “Stranger Things” is starring in “Junie B. Jones in BOO… and I Mean It!” at this local theatre

Who doesn’t love “Stranger Things” and Junie B. Jones?! Chelsea Talmadge, known for her role as high schooler Carol Perkins in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” is going back to first grade. The actor first honed her acting skills as a young performer at Orlando Family Stage and now she’s returning to show off her comedy skills. This is the world premiere of “Junie B. Jones in BOO… and I Mean It!” too. I talked to Chelsea about her experience on “Stranger Things,” growing up in Central Florida, and what it means to be back. You can see that interview and information about the show here.

📚 Touring Broadway production of “The Book of Mormon” is here!

Orlandooooo! Orlando, I love you! Orlando! A pair of mismatched missionaries are in Central Florida to spread the Good Word. “The Book of Mormon” is from the creators of TV’s “South Park,” Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with playwright Robert Lopez, who’s also known for his work with the show “Avenue Q.” The musical comedy follows two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They attempt to preach their faith to people in Uganda, but quickly learn locals have a lack of interest in the faith, because they’re more concerned about more pressing issues like HIV/AIDS, famine, and a violent warlord. I had the chance to see the show at the Dr. Phillips Center earlier this week. I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It was definitely the best show I’ve been introduced to since I saw “Hamilton.” Let’s just say, I’ll be spending a lot of time looking up “The Book of Mormon” soundtrack. Anchor Lisa Bell also saw the show. She posted her review and I put together a web story about ticket information.

🎤 Elle King performs at House of Blues tonight

Elle King is bringing her “Baby Daddy’s Weekend” Tour to Central Florida. The singer, musician, and songwriter’s music is mostly influenced by country, rock, and blues. Doors for her concert at House of Blues in Disney Springs open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. The concert is general admission standing. I posted the link to ticket information, plus, I had the chance to chat with her about her show!

➡ “Dear Evan Hansen” coming to two local theatres

“Dear Evan Hansen” is bringing its show exploring our complex, interconnected, and social-media-filled lives to Melbourne’s King Center Oct. 29-30, before heading to The Sharon in The Villages Nov. 6-7. Click here for all of the info you need to know.

🛹 Tony Hawk is coming to Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is set to have a first-of-its-kind event, where skateboarding icon Tony Hawk will be part of a town hall discussion moderated by renowned photographer J. Grant Brittain. The museum has a new exhibit called “PUSH” that features ‘80s skateboarding photography from Brittain. It captures the spirit and evolution of skate culture and pays homage to the art of skateboarding. Brittain captured photos of 11-year-old Hawk and was instrumental in documenting the formative years of the legendary skateboarder’s career. See how you can attend the intimate event here. Seating is limited!

🎶 What’s happening in show biz

💇‍♂️ Now - Sunday: “Sweeney Todd” at The Henegar in downtown Melbourne

👻 Now - Oct. 31: Happy Frights and Haunting Nights at Leu Gardens in Orlando

💀 Tomorrow: The Anti-Gala: A Celebration of Unconventional Culture at Orlando Museum of Art

👑 Tomorrow - Nov. 17th: “Anastasia” at Titusville Playhouse

💃 Sunday: CFEA’s KUUMBA Talent Showcase at Fringe ArtSpace in downtown Orlando

🤘 Nov. 1: Rise Against at House of Blues in Disney Springs

🧙‍♂️ Nov. 2: WZRD Presents: A Wimsical Musical Night of Fun w/ Dream Quaffle, How Airplanes Fly, Hawthorn and Holly, and The Blibbering Humdingers at Conduit on Aloma Ave.

🌱 Nov. 8 -24: “Little Shop of Horrors” at The State Theatre of Eustis

🎙 Nov 9: Justin Timberlake at Kia Center in downtown 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.

Also, let me know if there’s any local theatres you want me to cover more often.

I’ll send ya another email in two weeks!

- 🎭 Brooke