Entertainment

What Now? Facing Life Without the Entertainment World

Published

6 years ago

March 16, 2020

A sign announcing the suspension of all Broadway shows is posted on a door at the Minskoff Theatre, where "The Lion King" had been playing, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

NEW YORK (AP) — Overheard as the entertainment world stalled in response to the coronavirus outbreak: “What are we gonna do now, read books?”

That’s exactly what Pamela Milam will be doing, and lots of them.

Milam is a selection reader for the Women’s National Book Association, a nonprofit established in 1917 to support, well, reading. She and her colleagues began a marathon this month to make it through as many as 100 books each as they help develop the organization’s annual Great Group Reads list for National Reading Group Month in October.

She’s also an avid theater goer. She lives in the heart of Times Square and goes to the theater about once a week, but when Broadway and many other entertainments canceled, cut back seating or postponed performances last week, Milam knew exactly how she’d fill the extra time.

“I’m happy snug on my couch. I’ll do my best to make the most of that,” she said.

Many concert tours, awards shows, festivals, museums, sporting events and more have shut down to help “flatten the curve” as the virus spreads around the globe. Bans on big and medium-size gatherings are proliferating, prompting more people to hunker down at home.

“We’re catching up on our reading. I just started `Love in the Time of Cholera.′ It seemed appropriate,” said Beverly Pfeiffer in Silver Spring, Maryland, of the Gabriel Garcia Marquez classic that, spoiler alert, doesn’t actually involve cholera.

Other people are working more, especially now that they’re doing it from home.

Some have upped their kitchen game by taking on fussy recipes and baking projects.

One company that offers online courses has seen a huge jump in business, as has another that sells digital photo scanning services.

Interior designer Genevieve Gorder, co-host of the Netflix series “Stay Here,” asked followers on Instagram to share home improvement goals that had been lingering at the bottom of to-do lists. Cleaning blinds, a basement sort-out and deck repairs are now on front burners.

Nicole Schaefer in Portland, Oregon, is usually out doing something. Now, she almost feels guilty about all the free time. Almost.

“I feel like now I have time to relax, if that makes sense. With my evenings freed up, I’m learning to make my own macarons. I’m making a present for my boyfriend. I’m knitting. I’m exercising as long as I want to. There’s so many things to do without concerts and plays and shows to go to,” she said.

There’s binge-watching galore, of course, and devotees of opera and art are being treated to special live streams and virtual tours. Museums have joined a social media movement started by the Museum of the City of New York to offer art and other imagery using the hashtag #MuseumMomentofZen.

Melanie Musson isn’t focused on any of that, and social distancing shouldn’t be a problem. She and her husband, along with their four children, love to spend time in the mountains surrounding their Belgrade, Montana, home.

“I have so many plans that I’m actually looking forward to being forced out of social gatherings,” she said. “We plan to spend time outdoors camping, hiking and fishing. The sunshine and exercise will help us be as healthy as we can be.”

While Musson and others head outdoors, some folks who are shunning or shut out of their exercise classes are working out new routines at home.

Linda Johnson Mandell in Los Angeles is going another route with her giant white Labradoodle, Frankie Feldman. The 5-year-old fur ball is a therapy dog who routinely visits patients at care centers. With new restrictions, those visits are on hold.

“So instead we’re staying home, brushing up on obedience, and I’m teaching him some new tricks to amuse folks when the quarantines are lifted,” Mandell said.

Cynthia Shaw in Brooklyn is a classical pianist and piano teacher who regularly gathers with students and friends who play for each other. Since many in their group of eight or so are older, including some in their 80s, they’re giving up their monthly home gatherings for now, but played Sunday using a video conferencing platform instead.

“Some of the older members had a hard time figuring it out, but they did,” she said. “I had my computer set up next to the piano. I played the first movement of a Beethoven sonata. People played Chopin. There was some Gershwin. I think we’ll do it again.”

Elsewhere, the TV binge is definitely on with some new gems on offer.

The Walt Disney Co. will release “Frozen 2” on Disney-Plus several months early to give families cooped up by the coronavirus a welcome distraction, and give its streaming service a boost.

For documentary lovers, Netflix is rolling out new features and series from acclaimed creators, including “The Innocence Files” by Liz Garbus, Alex Gibney and Roger Ross Williams; “Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich” by Lisa Bryant and Joe Berlinger; and “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet.”

“We subscribe to nearly every streaming service, or so it seems. I’m hoping to find some gold in there,” said Julie Crislip in Pennington, New Jersey.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover.

Psychotherapist Jeff Larsen in San Diego has a plan, for himself and his clients.

“It’s all about slowing down,” he said. “So absolutely pick up that book that’s been gathering dust, watch that movie or binge-watch that TV show that you haven’t had time to watch. Most importantly, it’s the mindset that we, as humans, need to have going into this time period. It’s always a good thing when we can slow down and simplify our lives.”

Up Next

AMC Theaters to Limit Attendance to 50 People per Showing

Don't Miss

Tour, festival cancellations ramp up due to virus outbreak

Click to comment

Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

Doors open at 5 p.m.
Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
Admission is free
Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.

Entertainment

USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant

Published

2 weeks ago

June 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.

Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy

Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.

Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.

“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”

Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production

As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.

Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.

“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”

Production Scheduled for October 2026

Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.

Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.

Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com

For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.

Central Florida News

FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree

Published

1 month ago

May 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.

Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.

Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.

Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.

“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”

Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.

“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”

Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.

“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.