Entertainment
Justin Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow Tour Lights Up Downtown Orlando
Published
2 years agoon
Orlando, FL (FNN) – The energy in downtown Orlando was off the charts last Saturday, November 9, as Justin Timberlake brought his Forget Tomorrow Tour to a sold-out crowd at the Kia Center. Despite the convergence of three major events in the city that evening—soccer, the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), and the Timberlake faithful—the streets were packed early with fans eager to catch the pop superstar in action. And this crowd was undeniably electric from start to finish.
Fans had already begun gathering hours before doors opened, anticipating the night of non-stop hits and unforgettable performances. DJ Rhymes had the crowd in a full-blown frenzy by the time he took the stage promptly at 8:00 PM. From old-school classics like “California Love” and “Return of the Mack” to modern-day bangers like Jay-Z’s “Gimme That”, the playlist catered to a truly diverse crowd. The audience was on its feet as they sang along to everything from ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” to Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control”, Beyoncé’s “Uh Oh”, and iconic yet catchy dance song “Macarena”.
By 9:00 the crowd—so hyped by the DJ set—barely noticed that it was time for Timberlake to take the stage. But when the DJ ended his set and the lights dimmed there was no mistaking it: the “Man of the Hour” was about to make his grand entrance.
Let The Show Begin
Opening the show with a cinematic edge, Justin Timberlake’s intro was nothing short of captivating. The stage was dark, with a vintage TV flickering on-screen. Timberlake, sitting in front of it, was watching a grainy clip of Ed McMahon from the old Star Search days. As the screen flashed the lyrics, “You gon’ be a star, they say”, the audience was instantly taken back to Timberlake’s roots—and just how far he’s come since those early days.
When the lights finally exploded, there he was: Justin Timberlake, emerging from the stage amid dramatic visuals, flanked by his incredible Tennessee Kids band. Clad in black with crisp white sneakers, Timberlake was every bit the showman fans expected. The energy was immediate—and the crowd was hooked from the first note.
The Ultimate One-Man Show
It’s clear Justin Timberlake is a master of his craft. With a band that was as tight as ever, and backup dancers who kept the crowd moving, the set was a flawless blend of old school hits and new favorites. The energy was high-octane for much of the night, but it was the slower ballads—like a stunning rendition of “My Love”—that truly showcased Timberlake’s versatility and vocal range. A full-on guitar solo from Aaron and a saxophone solo from Leon sent the crowd into a frenzy, and it was clear this wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-on musical journey.
Timberlake’s connection to the audience was palpable. He took time to share the personal significance of Orlando in his career, joking that he probably knew half the crowd from his days on the Mickey Mouse Club. That hometown vibe infused the night with a sense of nostalgia, making the concert feel more like a homecoming than just another stop on the tour. Fans held up signs, cheering on their local hero, and Timberlake’s warm, down-to-earth demeanor only made the experience that much more special.
Hits, Surprises, and Big Moments
About 30 minutes into the set, Timberlake slowed things down with “Cry Me a River”, reigniting the crowd’s energy and sparking a massive sing-along. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, “Senorita”, saw Timberlake at the keyboard, proving that he still has the chops to make every note shine. The centerpiece of the night, however, was the massive floating jumbo screen—an awe-inspiring visual element that twisted and turned, displaying larger-than-life graphics and images of Justin, making the entire show feel like a living, breathing masterpiece.
In a true moment of fan interaction, Timberlake descended from the main stage to a smaller, center stage, where he made lucky audience members feel like part of the show. Fans screamed, and Timberlake, ever the professional, made eye contact and some handshakes with those lucky enough to be close enough to feel the magic.
A Night to Remember
Timberlake’s setlist was a perfect mix of upbeat dance tracks and soulful ballads. As he ran through classics like “Suit & Tie” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”, the crowd was more than just spectators—they were part of the performance. Whether it was Timberlake’s seamless transitions from R&B to rock or the bluesy vibe he brought to the table, every genre felt like it was given a place in the show.
As the night drew to a close, Timberlake wrapped up the concert with hits like “Selfish”, “Dance, Dance, Dance”, and “Dance With Me”, leaving the crowd with sore feet, full hearts, and an unforgettable experience. And in the crowd, former bandmate Joey Fatone was spotted enjoying the show, a subtle reminder of Timberlake’s incredible journey from *NSYNC to solo stardom.
What Justin Timberlake proved once again on his Forget Tomorrow Tour is that he’s not just a pop icon—he’s a musical force of nature. With his undeniable charm, impressive vocal range, and ability to connect with fans, Timberlake remains one of the best performers in the game. Orlando, you were lucky to have him back, and if this tour is coming to a city near you, don’t wait—Get your tickets now. This is one concert experience you’ll regret missing.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
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Entertainment
‘SPAMALOT’ Joins Dr. Phillips Center’s 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando Season
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 10, 2026
Tony Award-winning musical will play Walt Disney Theater Nov. 3-5, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando season with the addition of SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, scheduled for Nov. 3-5, 2026, at Walt Disney Theater.
Inspired by the classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT brings Monty Python’s distinctly British humor to the stage through a comedic adventure following King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail.
The production comes to Orlando following a celebrated 2023 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.
Monty Python Comedy Comes to Orlando
Described as “lovingly ripped” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical features British royalty, flying cows, dancing girls, shrubbery and the Lady of the Lake.
The 14-time Tony Award-nominated musical features well-known numbers including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This” and “Find Your Grail.”
SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, with music by John Du Prez and Idle.
Cast Announced for Orlando Production
The cast features Major Attaway, whose credits include Aladdin, as King Arthur; Sean Bell (Harmony) as Sir Robin; Chris Collins-Pisano (Forbidden Broadway) as Sir Lancelot; Ellis C. Dawson III (Hamilton) as Sir Bedevere; Leo Roberts (Les Misérables) as Sir Galahad; Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake; Blake Segal (Mary Poppins) as Patsy; and Steven Telsey (The Book of Mormon) as the Historian and Prince Herbert.
The company also includes Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ and Meridien Terrell.
Creative Team
The production’s creative team includes scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designer Cory Pattak, sound designers Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, and wig designer Tom Watson.
John Bell serves as music supervisor, with Jonathan Gorst as musical director and conductor.
Derek Kolluri is associate director, Michael Fatica is associate choreographer and casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. RCI Theatricals serves as general manager, and Jeffrey Finn is the producer.
Tickets on Sale Now
Single tickets for SPAMALOT are on sale now through Dr. Phillips Center.
Performances: Nov. 3-5, 2026
Venue: Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Orlando, Florida
Tickets and additional information are available through the Dr. Phillips Center website.
Central Florida News
Dr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs
Published
4 weeks agoon
July 30, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts generated $227.6 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,483 jobs and producing $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a newly released independent study by Tourism Economics.
The analysis, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company specializing in economic impact and tourism research, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated by the arts center’s operations, performances, visitors and related spending throughout Central Florida.
The findings underscore the Dr. Phillips Center’s role as both a premier performing arts destination and a major contributor to the region’s economy.
“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”
Economic Impact by the Numbers
According to the Tourism Economics report, the Dr. Phillips Center generated:
- $227.6 million in annual economic output
- 2,483 jobs supported across Central Florida
- $70.8 million in total labor income in Orange County
- $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue
- $73.1 million in off-site spending by event attendees, performers and production crews
- 61,600 hotel room nights generated annually
The study highlights the ripple effect created by visitors attending performances, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.
A Global Destination for Arts and Entertainment
Now in its 11th year, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, attracting visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
Since opening in 2014, the venue has hosted:
- More than 6.2 million guests
- More than 6,200 performances and events
- Programming presented 99% of the year
- Venue occupancy rates ranging from 82% to 97%
The center has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts destinations while helping position downtown Orlando as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.
Community Investment Beyond the Stage
In addition to its economic impact, the Dr. Phillips Center continues investing in arts education, community outreach and cultural programming throughout Central Florida.
According to the organization, it has:
- Served 935,920 students and community participants
- Supported and hosted 202 regional arts organizations
- Received support from 24,085 donors
- Benefited from $256 million in philanthropic contributions since its inception
Through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and touring productions, the center continues to expand access to the performing arts while strengthening the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
Looking Ahead
Eleven years after opening, the Dr. Phillips Center continues to demonstrate that investment in arts and culture produces measurable returns through tourism, employment, education and community engagement.
As Central Florida continues to grow, the independent analysis reinforces the performing arts center’s importance as both a cultural landmark and an economic engine for the region.
Additional information about the economic impact study is available through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Entertainment
Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31
Published
2 months agoon
July 6, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.
Special Kids Ticket Offer
Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.
The offer is valid for performances:
- Monday through Thursday
- Fridays at 5 p.m.
The promotion is not valid for:
- Saturday performances
- Sunday performances
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
New Orlando Production at ICON Park
Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.
The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.
Global Entertainment Phenomenon
Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.
The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.
Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
