TINTYPES Begins Tonight at Theatre Memphis

Tintypes, a timeless musical romp set between the turn of the 20th century and the onset of World War I, is a musical journey takes the audience through an exciting and tumultuous period of American history. The rousing score features songs by George M. Cohen, John Philip Sousa, Scott Joplin and Victor Herbert, among others. A wonderful blend of songs ... patriotic, romantic, ragtime and popular... brings to life the Great American Songbook. Tintypes will have two performance runs, tonight, November 7 - 22, 2014 and January 8 - 18, 2015.

Conceived by Mary Kyte, Mel Marvin and Gary Pearle with musical and vocal arrangements by Mel Marvin and orchestration and vocal arrangements by John McKinney, Tintypes tells of a time when change and patriotism went hand in hand. Using archetypal characters as a vehicle to perform some of the best known songs of the time, the larger than life personas take on a universal meaning to celebrate the change and progression of America.

According to director Kell Christie, "Tintypes is a celebration of America in all her glorious diversity. Immigrants, vaudeville performers, robber barons, socialists, warriors, cowboys, and activists are all represented in this musical that features compelling arrangements of classic turn of the century favorites." She continues, "It's interesting how each generation manages to have the same discussions about equality, class differences, immigration, even as we find different ways to have these debates. All points of view are necessary, vital, even, to a thriving democracy."

Cast members include Courtney Church Tucker as Anna Held, Justin Willingham as Charlie Chaplin, Jessica Spencer as Emma Goldman, Annie Strong as Savannah and Joe Lackie as Teddy Roosevelt. Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch delights in a production like Tintypes. "When the message is so positive and the performers are so talented it just makes for great entertainment," she says. "This is truly an All-American standout."