The Lakewood Theatre to Present THE RYMAN DIARIES

Two former educators and local playwrights have collaborated to develop a Multi-Media Musical play chronicling the Life and times of historic Riverboat Captain Tom Ryman, builder of what we now know to be the Ryman Auditorium. The piece is uniquely told through the eyes of Tom Ryman's wife, Bettie Baugh circa ( 1847 -1926) The work is entitled "The Ryman Diaries". It is based from a book of the same title authored by Ms. Debbie Watts, a twenty-five year veteran of the Sumner County, Tennessee, School System. Ms. Watts interest in the Ryman's story date back to her student years working as a performer in the Opryland Theme Park singing as the female soloist in Roy Acuff's "Smokey Mountain Boys Band".

The work has been staged and directed by former University of Tennessee Engineer and Educator Tom Dolan. Mr. Dolan began his theatrical career as co-founder of the Lakewood Community Theatre in 1981, and has since written of, and portrayed numerous historical figures, including: Sam Clemons, Albert Schweitzer, Captain John Smith of the RMS Titanic, and Frank Gilbreth, father of Industrial Engineering . For the past eight years, Tom has toured the southern and eastern United States, performing for schools in "Aesop Fables"

The Ryman Diaries follows the life of Tom and Bettie Ryman, (portrayed by Mr. Dolan and Ms. Watts) from their early beginnings in the Civil War era through the remainder of their life. It is staged using film clips and period background music between scenes to facilitate the passage of time. Live music, composed by both Watts and Dolan, are performed on stage in support of their characters stories.

During its first year of production, the show and selected scenes from the show, have been performed in various areas and venues in Tennessee and Georgia, principally to provide for historical education in an entertaining format, hence: (Taking History to the Stage). The show, and elements thereof, are available in presentational lengths ranging from ~ 20 minutes up to a full two hour musical drama.

On Thursday June 23rd, the non-profit community theatre in Lakewood is opening the full theatrical version on its stage as a special addendum to their regular season. This summer fund raiser for the Theatre will receive all net profits from the run of the show

( June 23rd thru July 3rd ) Tickets for the show ( $12 for adults & $8, K - 12th grd students) can be attained through ticketsnashville.com or by reserving them by phone (615) 847-0934.

Additional information regarding The Ryman Diaries show this June, or for additional school, and private bookings, contact wattsd2@att.net, You may also contact the theatre by Googling The Lakewood Theatre Co. at 2211 Old Hickory Blvd. in Old Hickory, Tn. 37138