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Heroic Florida Drama Teacher to Get Special Tony Award

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NEW YORK (AP) — The special Tony Award that honors educators this year will go to a drama teacher who nurtured many of the student survivors of the Parkland school shooting. Photo: Today.com.

NEW YORK (AP) — The special Tony Award that honors educators this year will go to a drama teacher who picks her high school’s shows, builds the sets, hems the costumes — and nurtured many of the young people demanding change following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Melody Herzfeld, the one-woman drama department at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, will be presented with the award onstage June 10 at the Tony telecast.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Herzfeld told The Associated Press. “But I hope that this award will remind everyone of how vital and important arts education is to our kids. Drama, music, art, creative writing — that’s how you make good citizens.”

Herzfeld saved 65 lives by barricading students into a small classroom closet on Valentine’s Day when police say a former student went on a school rampage, killing 17 people.

She then later cheered as many of her pupils led the nationwide movement for gun reform, including organizing the March For Our Lives demonstration and the charity single “Shine.”

The annual honor bestowed by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University recognizes U.S. educators from kindergarten to 12th grade who have “demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession.”

The award includes a $10,000 prize and a pair of tickets to the Tony ceremony and gala. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon and other leaders from the theater industry selects the winner, based on candidates submitted by the public.

When Herzfeld was being considered for this year’s honor — the fourth — one Tony administration committee member commented: “Never has the drama department looked so cool.”

Original story published by the Associated Press. Read more here.

Entertainment

Viola Davis Leads Amazon Prime’s G20 to #1 Streaming Spot, Redefines Action Hero as U.S. President

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN NEWS)Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis has once again proven her star power and storytelling prowess in Amazon Prime Video’s newest blockbuster action-thriller G20, which has surged to become the platform’s most-watched movie since its release. Davis not only stars as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, but also served as a producer, helping bring this bold, global political thriller to life after seven years of development.

“This was a long road, but oh, so worth it!” Davis shared on Instagram, celebrating the film’s success. “@JuVeeProductions continues our mission to bring dynamic storytelling, characters, and actors that reflect the world—and, most importantly, to deliver a film that truly entertains.”

A GLOBAL CRISIS. A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LIKE NO OTHER.

In G20, President Danielle Sutton attends the G20 Summit in South Africa, but when a violent terrorist siege threatens the safety of world leaders and her own daughter, Sutton is thrust into a high-stakes survival mission. With communication lines cut and chaos unfolding, Sutton relies on her elite military background to outwit enemies and prevent a global catastrophe.

This isn’t your typical action flick—G20 is a pulse-pounding, character-driven political thriller that blends intense physical action with deep emotional gravitas. Davis’s portrayal brings raw humanity and strategic brilliance to the role, capturing a leader who is fearless, focused, and unshakably fierce.

BLACK-ISH REUNION, EMOTIONAL DEPTH

The film also features a compelling reunion of Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin, best known as father and daughter in the hit sitcom Black-ish. In G20, they portray family in a much darker, higher-stakes environment, and their chemistry adds warmth, urgency, and authenticity to the story’s emotional core.

DAVIS’S CAREER MOMENTUM CONTINUES

Following her groundbreaking performance as General Nanisca in The Woman King (2022), Davis has continued to evolve her creative reach:

  • Narrated Disney’s Candlelight Processional (2022)

  • Portrayed Dr. Volumnia Gaul in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

  • Voiced the villain in Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

  • Honored as a Barbie doll for International Women’s Day

  • Reprised her role as Amanda Waller in DC’s Creature Commandos animated series

“SEEING IT TO BELIEVE IT”: VIOLA’S MISSION FOR REPRESENTATION

To prepare for G20, Davis underwent intense physical training, but her purpose was clear.

“I did it to put every young Black girl in this story,” she explained.
“When you see it, you can believe it… So when you get the baton in your hand, that’s your new job—to pay it forward.”

G20 stars Viola Davis (Image via YouTube/Prime Video)

A MOVEMENT IN MOTION

G20 is more than a film—it’s a cultural statement. It proves that blockbuster action thrillers can be inclusive, thoughtful, and empowering while still delivering big on spectacle and suspense. Davis redefines the image of a global leader, showing the world that the face of power is diverse, capable, and here to stay.

Move over, Will Smith—Viola’s got the shades, the stance, and the state of emergency.

Once again, Viola Davis doesn’t just headline a movie—she leads a movement. And with G20 holding strong as Amazon Prime Video’s top-streamed film, the world is watching.

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Florida National News

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Tate McRae Brings Her ‘Miss Possessive’ Tour to Orlando’s Kia Center

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN News) – Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer Tate McRae is set to ignite the stage at Orlando’s Kia Center on September 13 and 14, 2025, with both performances commencing at 7:30 PM. These concerts are part of her highly anticipated Miss Possessive Tour, promoting her third studio album, So Close to What, released on February 21, 2025.

McRae’s journey from being the youngest finalist on So You Think You Can Dance at age 13 to becoming a multi-platinum artist is nothing short of remarkable. Her breakout single, “you broke me first”, paved the way for subsequent hits like “Greedy” and “Sports Car”, establishing her as a force in the pop industry.Orlando Theatre

Joining McRae on the tour is Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson, known for chart-toppers like “Lush Life” and “Ruin My Life”. Their collaboration promises an unforgettable evening of dynamic performances and catchy melodies.Live Nation

Tickets for the Orlando shows are available through Ticketmaster and the Kia Center’s official website. Given McRae’s rising popularity and the tour’s demand, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to ensure attendance.

For additional event details, including parking information and venue policies, visit the Kia Center’s event page.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Tate McRae’s electrifying performance and hear tracks from her latest album live in Orlando.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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Chris Brown Adds Orlando to ‘Breezy Bowl XX’ Tour – A Must-See Show for Florida Fans!

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Florida, get ready to double the excitement! After much anticipation, Chris Brown has just announced that he will bring his Breezy Bowl XX Tour to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM—a HUGE win for Orlando fans who were initially thinking they’d only have the Tampa date to look forward to. With the Tampa concert already set for August 2, 2025, Orlando now gets its own chance to experience one of R&B’s biggest superstars live in their backyard.

This added Orlando date has the entire state buzzing! Chris Brown is celebrating 20 years of musical brilliance, marking the anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album. As he brings his high-octane show to Camping World Stadium, fans will get the chance to groove to an epic mix of classic hits like “Look at Me Now,” “No Guidance,” and “Family Affair,” along with brand-new tracks from his latest album, 11:11. This concert isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of Chris Brown’s incredible career, and you definitely don’t want to miss it.

Plus, the show will feature special guests Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, who will add their own flair to this already star-studded event. The night promises to be a non-stop musical journey, blending R&B, hip-hop, and the kind of energy only Chris Brown can deliver.

For those who want to make their night extra special, there are VIP packages available that include:

  • Meet & Greet Package: Get an exclusive chance to meet Chris Brown, snap a photo, and receive signed memorabilia.

  • Mix & Mingle VIP Experience: Enjoy early entry, access to VIP areas, exclusive Breezy merch, and a photo booth to capture your memories.

Tickets for the Orlando show can be purchased at the Camping World Stadium box office or Ticketmaster.com. Don’t wait—these tickets are going to fly fast! Whether you’re planning to attend in Tampa or Orlando, the Breezy Bowl XX Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most exciting events of 2025.

Orlando, it’s your turn to witness Chris Brown’s legendary performance up close. Get ready for an unforgettable night—because the Breezy Bowl XX is coming to town!

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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