As the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague the local entertainment scene, the latest developments include more delays in programming, a push for funds to help local entertainers and the rebranding of a food-distribution program that has been feeding out-of-work artists for months.
Florida Theatrical Association announced Wednesday that its presentation of the unusually named musical “[title of show]” in concert — scheduled to open Sunday — would be postponed because a cast member had tested positive for COVID-19.
That follows word from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra that its popular annual outdoor concert at The Springs in Longwood wouldn’t return until April 2022. The extended postponement was made “after careful consideration of current conditions in Seminole County, FL, and in the interest of the well-being of attendees at this annual event,” the Philharmonic wrote in a statement.
The concert, titled “We Will Rock You! The Music of Journey & Queen” was originally scheduled for May 2020 — meaning it will have been postponed nearly two years. Ticket holders for the event will automatically be rescheduled for April 2, 2022, the orchestra said.
Meanwhile, the “[title of show]” presenter said tickets will be refunded, but the concert will be rescheduled for some time this spring.
Also returning this spring: Orlando Repertory Theatre’s “Pete the Cat,” a play for young audiences that had its run interrupted when the venue closed in March of 2020. The Rep said spring-break camps also would be back.
One reason the theater is able to resume programming: Its full-time staff is still working. That’s because of financial support through an end-of-the-year fundraising campaign that beat the theater’s goal, officials said, and grants such as a $25,000 award from Dr. Phillips Charities to help defray COVID-19’s effect on operating expenses.
“Their generosity of giving this past year was humbling, and we are grateful for their partnership,” wrote Orlando Rep executive director Chris Brown of the Dr. Phillips Charities grant.
The weekly food-distribution program at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in southwest Orlando is also counting on generosity to continue providing fresh produce and other grocery staples and meals to the nearly 8,000 entertainment-industry professionals who have lost their jobs at theme parks or other performance venues.
The program, formerly called Feed the Need, rebranded itself as Supporting HeArts in January and launched a major fundraising campaign at st.lukes.org/supportinghearts. So far, nearly $4,000 has been raised toward an online goal of $100,000.
From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each Tuesday, volunteers load boxes of food into a string of cars that stretches through the church parking lot.
Organizers think that the global appeal of Central Florida’s theme parks could bring in donations from those who have vacationed here and enjoyed the musicians, dancers, actors and other performers at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando.
“The performers and technical professionals who support the shows are what make every encounter at our venues magical,” wrote Yanette Moyano, a member of the church’s Supporting HeArts Development Committee. “We hope local residents, as well as people from around the world, remember how they felt watching live shows in Central Florida’s theme parks and entertainment venues.”
Added Steve Fessler, who helped found the program in the spring of 2020: “It is not about a handout; it is about celebrating them and providing some food to nourish them while they are temporarily down. They have fed our souls for so long that it is time that we, as a community, step up and give back to our arts and entertainment professionals in a meaningful way.”
Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more news of theater and other arts? Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/arts