🌎We all come from away.... - Florida News Beep

“When the world turns upside down, the best thing we can do is turn right along with it.”

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

Let’s check out what’s going on. ⤵

✈️ See ‘Come From Away’ at this Orlando theater

Cast of “Come From Away” at Orlando Shakes. (Tony Firriolo)

A musical based on the days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks is performing in Orlando.

“Come From Away” tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, that welcomed them.

The musical at Orlando Shakes also gives back to Orlando firefighters.

Friday night’s performance will include a special conversation with Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Rhodes, who helped his friends at FDNY following the terrorist attacks.

The show runs through Sept. 27. I had the chance to chat with Meka King, who plays Hannah, and Christina Sivrich, who plays Beulah, in the show.

See our full conversation and ticket information.

Meka King and Christina Sivrich on Setting The Stage (wkmg)💮 Central Florida theatre opens new season with ‘Steel Magnolias’Cast of ‘Steel Magnolias’ Performing at Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach. (Chris Ikner)

Surfside Playhouse has been a cornerstone of Cocoa Beach for decades, and now, the beloved community theater is stepping boldly into a new chapter.

The season opens Friday with Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias.” It runs through Sept. 27.

Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin Parish, the play follows a group of women as they share far more than hairstyles. Friendships are forged, secrets are revealed, and life’s greatest joys and heartbreaks are faced together with humor, honesty, and remarkable strength.

I had the chance to hear from the new artistic director about all of the changes and new shows coming to Surfside Playhouse.

🎨 New exhibits coming to Orlando Museum of Art!

Gleason Waite Romer, Parrot Jungle. Private Collection, courtesy of the Boca Raton Museum of Art (Gleason Waite Romer, Parrot Jungle)

Leaders with the Orlando Museum of Art are announcing the new exhibits that will be on display throughout September and into early 2027.

The lineup features original artwork behind a two-time Caldecott Medalist’s beloved picture books, nostalgic souvenirs from Florida’s mid-century tourism boom, and a look at the untamed landscapes and wildlife of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

I posted everything you need to know.

🎭 In case you missed it… “Spamalot” is coming to Orlando!

The cast of the North American Tour of SPAMALOT. (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando added another show to its Broadway lineup!

“Spamalot” will be in town Nov. 3-5.

It brings the distinctly British wit and comedic genius of Monty Python to life in a hysterical story of adventure, romance, and King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail.

In the meantime, here’s a reminder of the next 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 – Sept. 13: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Cocoa Village Playhouse

🎹Now – Sept. 20: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” at Daytona Playhouse

🕯️Now – Sept. 20: “Rent” at Ocala Civic Theatre

🎭Now – Sept. 21: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare at Theater West End in Sanford

💸Friday – Sept. 27: “Rent” at Eustis State Theatre

🔮Friday – Oct. 4: “Blithe Spirit” at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora