Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva News

Annie, the irrepressible orphan of newspaper comics-fame who has been delighting audiences onstage since the 1970s, makes her return to Nashville's Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre this summer, running July 28-September 3, in a new production of Annie directed by Martha Wilkinson, with music direction by Jaclyn Brown and choreography by Bakari King.

There is so much energy, enthusiasm and heart found in Street Theatre Company's Hairspray that it's certain to keep your spirits buoyed for a long time after leaving the theater. Brought to the stage by a competent creative team and a huge cast of committed performers, the Scott Wittman-Marc Shaiman musical - featuring a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan based on John Waters' wholly original film - Hairspray is great big fun, featuring some lovable characters and one of the most infectious musical theatre scores around.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has announced plans for REPaloud, the popular play reading series which highlights contemporary plays.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has announced plans for REPaloud, the popular play reading series which highlights contemporary plays.

'There are no small parts, only small actors,' goes the old theatrical saw that's tossed about willy-nilly to encourage budding thespians to take on roles they suspect might be beneath them and their lofty stature. But, of course, there's much truth to be found in the axiom and you will certainly see it brought to life in the efforts of the members of many acting ensembles, particularly those considered among the best in Nashville's 2010 theater season:

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has announced plans for REPaloud, the popular play reading series which highlights contemporary plays.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has extended its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

Nashville theater audiences owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tennessee Repertory Theatre's creative team - led by producing artistic director Rene Dunshee Copeland, scenic and properties designer Gary Hoff, costume designer Trish Clark, lighting designer Phillip Franck and technical director Tyler Axt - for the exceptional production of To Kill A Mockingbird, now onstage at TPAC's Andrew Johnson Theatre, extended through October 30.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has extended its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

A revival of a much-earlier production during ACT 1's first 20 seasons, which was also directed by Seay, the cast featured some returning favorites including Riley Bryant, Caroline Davis, Douglas Goodman and Jordan Keller. The presence of these Nashville stage veterans made the production all the more appealing and, when supplemented by a talented group of newcomers, ensured that audiences would walk away humming a sprightly tune while contemplating the horrors of World War I. Who knew mustard gas could be so darn much fun?