BWW Reviews: ACT 1's DOG SEES GOD
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 06, 2015
With an experienced hand guiding a production, you can rest assured that any show - no matter its theatrical lineage or how often it has been revived - will be filled with flashes of creativity and imagination. Case in point: director Jim Manning's mounting of Bert V. Royal's Dog Sees God, now onstage at Nashville's Darkhorse Theater as the season-ending production from ACT 1, the company predicated on presenting theater classics for contemporary audiences.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 06, 2015
With an experienced hand guiding a production, you can rest assured that any show - no matter its theatrical lineage or how often it has been revived - will be filled with flashes of creativity and imagination. Case in point: director Jim Manning's mounting of Bert V. Royal's Dog Sees God, now onstage at Nashville's Darkhorse Theater as the season-ending production from ACT 1, the company predicated on presenting theater classics for contemporary audiences.
BWW Reviews: The Keeton's GUYS AND DOLLS
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Is there anything more magical or more transformative than live theater? Honestly, I can't think of anything which can take you from the depths of despair to the fanciful heights of imagination so quickly - and there certainly is no art form in which things can change so capriciously or quicker, either for good or bad.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Is there anything more magical or more transformative than live theater? Honestly, I can't think of anything which can take you from the depths of despair to the fanciful heights of imagination so quickly - and there certainly is no art form in which things can change so capriciously or quicker, either for good or bad.
BWW Reviews: A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
That will also explain my rapturous response to the performance of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, a dramatized tribute to the country music superstar that opened at Dickson's Gaslight Dinner Theater on Thursday, June 4, running for a much-too-short two weekends at what was once known as The Renaissance Center.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
That will also explain my rapturous response to the performance of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, a dramatized tribute to the country music superstar that opened at Dickson's Gaslight Dinner Theater on Thursday, June 4, running for a much-too-short two weekends at what was once known as The Renaissance Center.
CIRCLE PLAYERS Reveals 2015-16 Season Opening with AMERICAN IDIOT
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Circle Players will kick-off its 2015-2016 season with the regional premiere of the Bradley Moore-directed rock musical American Idiot, running in August at Tennessee State University's Performing Arts Center.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Circle Players will kick-off its 2015-2016 season with the regional premiere of the Bradley Moore-directed rock musical American Idiot, running in August at Tennessee State University's Performing Arts Center.
CRITICS' CHOICE: To The Theater Post-Haste
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
It's another busy weekend of new shows opening and many others continuing to delight audiences, with ACT 1's Dog Sees God and Street Theatre Company's Dogfight both opening tonight, while two shows that opened yesterday will continue to treat audiences to some especially wonderful music. Plus, there's a whole slate of shows being performed at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse, a revival of Osborne & Epplers' Southern Fried Nuptials down in Woodbury at the Arts Center of Cannon County, and John Chaffin's Cliffhanger enters its final weekend at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre. Go to the theater, young man (and woman) and let yourself be transported to a whole new world of magic and enchantment!
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
It's another busy weekend of new shows opening and many others continuing to delight audiences, with ACT 1's Dog Sees God and Street Theatre Company's Dogfight both opening tonight, while two shows that opened yesterday will continue to treat audiences to some especially wonderful music. Plus, there's a whole slate of shows being performed at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse, a revival of Osborne & Epplers' Southern Fried Nuptials down in Woodbury at the Arts Center of Cannon County, and John Chaffin's Cliffhanger enters its final weekend at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre. Go to the theater, young man (and woman) and let yourself be transported to a whole new world of magic and enchantment!
THE FRIDAY FIVE: DOGFIGHT's Audrey Johnson & Jens Jacobson
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, we introduce two actors from Street Theatre Company's production of Dogfight - one of the most eagerly anticipated new musicals we've heard about in the past 25-plus years of covering Nashville/Tennessee theatre - and, judging from their answers to our five questions and our new 'bonus round' question, Audrey Johnson and Jens Jacobson are two names we think you'll be talking about in the coming months
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 05, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, we introduce two actors from Street Theatre Company's production of Dogfight - one of the most eagerly anticipated new musicals we've heard about in the past 25-plus years of covering Nashville/Tennessee theatre - and, judging from their answers to our five questions and our new 'bonus round' question, Audrey Johnson and Jens Jacobson are two names we think you'll be talking about in the coming months
Upcoming Auditions in Nashville and Tennessee 6/4/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Directors and producers in the Nashville region are seeking actors for upcoming productions of American Idiot, August: Osage County, The Last Five Years, Heathers the Musical and The Music Man. We've gathered the details together here to make your planning easier. This is planned as a regular feature and we invite you to send your audition announcements to Jeffrey Ellis, senior contributing editor, at jeffreyellis37215@att.net for inclusion in this column.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Directors and producers in the Nashville region are seeking actors for upcoming productions of American Idiot, August: Osage County, The Last Five Years, Heathers the Musical and The Music Man. We've gathered the details together here to make your planning easier. This is planned as a regular feature and we invite you to send your audition announcements to Jeffrey Ellis, senior contributing editor, at jeffreyellis37215@att.net for inclusion in this column.
THE FRIDAY FIVE (on Thursday!): Dog Sees God's Thurman, Heinz, Hamilton & Howie
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, in a special edition of The Friday Five (on Thursday), we introduce you to four young actors who will have you in stitches even before you see them in ACT 1's season-ending production of Dog Sees God.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, in a special edition of The Friday Five (on Thursday), we introduce you to four young actors who will have you in stitches even before you see them in ACT 1's season-ending production of Dog Sees God.
IDOL Runner-Up Clark Beckham Surprises Musical Theater Campers
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
After making millions of fans on TV this year, Clark Beckham, Sumner County's very own 2015 American Idol runner up, surprised participants in Actors Point Theatre Company's musical theater day camp to offer some pointers on stage performance Wednesday.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
After making millions of fans on TV this year, Clark Beckham, Sumner County's very own 2015 American Idol runner up, surprised participants in Actors Point Theatre Company's musical theater day camp to offer some pointers on stage performance Wednesday.
BWW Interviews: A Sneak Peak of DOGFIGHT at Street Theatre Company
by Cara Richardson - June 04, 2015
Cathy Street, artistic director of Street Theatre Company, and Taylor Kelly, one of the actors in this production of Dogfight, took some time out of their schedules to answer some questions for us about this amazing production. Kelly is a new addition to the Nashville theatre community, having moved to Nashville right before rehearsals started on this production.
by Cara Richardson - June 04, 2015
Cathy Street, artistic director of Street Theatre Company, and Taylor Kelly, one of the actors in this production of Dogfight, took some time out of their schedules to answer some questions for us about this amazing production. Kelly is a new addition to the Nashville theatre community, having moved to Nashville right before rehearsals started on this production.
GUYS & DOLLS Opens at The Keeton Theatre Tonight
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Jenny Norris Light plays Sarah Brown, with Michael Maupins as Sky Masterson, Hallie Long as Miss Adelaide and Brian Best as Nathan Detroit in The Larry Keeton Theatre's eagerly anticipated production of the classic Broadway music Guys and Dolls. Directed by Ginger Newman (who doubles as musical director as well), with choreography and staging by Cary Street, the musical that introduced the theatrical standards 'Bushel and a Peck,' 'Adelaide's Lament' and 'Luck Be A Lady Tonight' to Broadway audiences runs at the Keeton Theatre tonight, June 4, through June 20.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 04, 2015
Jenny Norris Light plays Sarah Brown, with Michael Maupins as Sky Masterson, Hallie Long as Miss Adelaide and Brian Best as Nathan Detroit in The Larry Keeton Theatre's eagerly anticipated production of the classic Broadway music Guys and Dolls. Directed by Ginger Newman (who doubles as musical director as well), with choreography and staging by Cary Street, the musical that introduced the theatrical standards 'Bushel and a Peck,' 'Adelaide's Lament' and 'Luck Be A Lady Tonight' to Broadway audiences runs at the Keeton Theatre tonight, June 4, through June 20.
THE FRIDAY FIVE (on Wednesday): PATSY CLINE's Simmons and LeMoine-Reed
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 03, 2015
Today, in a special edition of The Friday Five (on Wednesday), we introduce two actors from The Gaslight Dinner Theatre's upcoming production of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline: Linda Sue Simmons (my favorite Miss Chattanooga of all time) and Curtis LeMoine-Reed. Directed by Greg Frey, the musical - filled with some of Patsy Cline's best-loved hits that will transport you back to her starry heyday in the 1960s - opens Thursday afternoon at The Renaissance Center in Dickson.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 03, 2015
Today, in a special edition of The Friday Five (on Wednesday), we introduce two actors from The Gaslight Dinner Theatre's upcoming production of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline: Linda Sue Simmons (my favorite Miss Chattanooga of all time) and Curtis LeMoine-Reed. Directed by Greg Frey, the musical - filled with some of Patsy Cline's best-loved hits that will transport you back to her starry heyday in the 1960s - opens Thursday afternoon at The Renaissance Center in Dickson.
CRITICS' CHOICE: Go Theater-Hopping This Week
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 02, 2015
No matter what the calendar says, we're in early summer already - insofar as theater in Tennessee is concerned, at least - and there are four new shows opening this week that should command your attention. Along with a number of shows that are continuing their runs (like John Chaffin's Cliffhanger at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre), you have plenty of diverse and intriguing onstage offerings to keep you in the relative, air-conditioned comfort of a darkened theater. We've done the necessary research, made the calls to the people-in-the-know and have included the dates, the phone numbers and the websites to make it as easy as possible for you to buy tickets and go show some support for the arts while indulging in the magic of live theater…
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 02, 2015
No matter what the calendar says, we're in early summer already - insofar as theater in Tennessee is concerned, at least - and there are four new shows opening this week that should command your attention. Along with a number of shows that are continuing their runs (like John Chaffin's Cliffhanger at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre), you have plenty of diverse and intriguing onstage offerings to keep you in the relative, air-conditioned comfort of a darkened theater. We've done the necessary research, made the calls to the people-in-the-know and have included the dates, the phone numbers and the websites to make it as easy as possible for you to buy tickets and go show some support for the arts while indulging in the magic of live theater…
Nashville's 6/1/15 Theater Calendar
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 01, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 01, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
BWW Reviews: Geoff Davin's REPENTANT PROSTITUTE Debuts
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 30, 2015
For, make no bones about it: The First Church of Mary, The Repentant Prostitute's Fifth Annual Benefit Concert, Revival and Pot Luck Dinner (or “Prostitute's Picnic,” as it was called by director Martha Wilkinson in her pre-show welcome to the congregants gathered at BLDG Nashville for opening night) deserves bigger audiences, more vociferous acclaim and a life far beyond the walls of the intimate venue in which it was first introduced to the public-at large.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 30, 2015
For, make no bones about it: The First Church of Mary, The Repentant Prostitute's Fifth Annual Benefit Concert, Revival and Pot Luck Dinner (or “Prostitute's Picnic,” as it was called by director Martha Wilkinson in her pre-show welcome to the congregants gathered at BLDG Nashville for opening night) deserves bigger audiences, more vociferous acclaim and a life far beyond the walls of the intimate venue in which it was first introduced to the public-at large.
Street Theatre Holds Auditions Today for ClassAct Dramatics Youth Show BIG BAD MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2015
Street Theatre Company will be holding auditions for the ClassAct Dramatics youth production, BIG BAD MUSICAL, for ages 7 to 15 today, May 30, 10-2pm at Tulip Street United Methodist Church in East Nashville.
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2015
Street Theatre Company will be holding auditions for the ClassAct Dramatics youth production, BIG BAD MUSICAL, for ages 7 to 15 today, May 30, 10-2pm at Tulip Street United Methodist Church in East Nashville.
MARY POPPINS Begins 6/12 at Cumberland County Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2015
Mary Poppins is set to fly over the rooftops of London and into the Cumberland County Playhouse June 12 to August 16! This high-flying family musical features delightful songs from the classic Disney film including the Academy Award-winning 'Chim Chim Cher-ee,' 'A Spoonful of Sugar,' 'Step in Time' and 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' Winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers. Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious nanny who magically appears at the Banks household in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael Banks. Adventure abounds as she whisks them away to meet dancing chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and an array of colorful characters. Ms. Hackmann will return to the Playhouse stage as Mary Poppins and Mr. Delaney will play Bert.
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2015
Mary Poppins is set to fly over the rooftops of London and into the Cumberland County Playhouse June 12 to August 16! This high-flying family musical features delightful songs from the classic Disney film including the Academy Award-winning 'Chim Chim Cher-ee,' 'A Spoonful of Sugar,' 'Step in Time' and 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' Winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers. Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious nanny who magically appears at the Banks household in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael Banks. Adventure abounds as she whisks them away to meet dancing chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and an array of colorful characters. Ms. Hackmann will return to the Playhouse stage as Mary Poppins and Mr. Delaney will play Bert.
BWW Reviews: Circle's 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
No matter how well you know a show - how easily you can recall plot points or parrot dialogue - it's sometime good to revisit a musical even if you've seen it countless times. Oftentimes it rekindles your love for a show or, hell, it just reminds you how much fun you have every time you see a new revival. So, kudos to director Josh Waldrep and his merry band of mischief makers who bring The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the stage to conclude Circle Players' 65th season.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
No matter how well you know a show - how easily you can recall plot points or parrot dialogue - it's sometime good to revisit a musical even if you've seen it countless times. Oftentimes it rekindles your love for a show or, hell, it just reminds you how much fun you have every time you see a new revival. So, kudos to director Josh Waldrep and his merry band of mischief makers who bring The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the stage to conclude Circle Players' 65th season.
CRITICS' CHOICE: The Weekend's Best Bets
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
The weekend is upon us and that means that tonight is opening night for a couple of new shows (with performances continuing through the weekend) and closing performances of several others, including Newsies (at TPAC), Circle Players' The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the farewell production of GroundWorks Theatre's Starlite Waltz. Meanwhile, John Chaffin's Cliffhanger continues at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre and Cumberland County Playhouse continues its 50th anniversary season with a whole slate of terrific shows.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
The weekend is upon us and that means that tonight is opening night for a couple of new shows (with performances continuing through the weekend) and closing performances of several others, including Newsies (at TPAC), Circle Players' The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the farewell production of GroundWorks Theatre's Starlite Waltz. Meanwhile, John Chaffin's Cliffhanger continues at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre and Cumberland County Playhouse continues its 50th anniversary season with a whole slate of terrific shows.
Geoff Davin's THE FIRST CHURCH OF MARY... Premieres Today
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
Subtitled 'a play about Faith, Narcissism, & Red Velvet Cake,' The First Church of Mary (which is how we will refer to it hereafter) allows Davin to don a wig and heels - 'yet again,' according to the show's press release - to play his newest creation Adamenses Huckster, the protagonist of his 'new play (with mus
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 29, 2015
Subtitled 'a play about Faith, Narcissism, & Red Velvet Cake,' The First Church of Mary (which is how we will refer to it hereafter) allows Davin to don a wig and heels - 'yet again,' according to the show's press release - to play his newest creation Adamenses Huckster, the protagonist of his 'new play (with mus
GUYS & DOLLS Opens at The Keeton Theatre 6/4
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 28, 2015
Jenny Norris Light plays Sarah Brown, with Michael Maupins as Sky Masterson, Hallie Long as Miss Adelaide and Brian Best as Nathan Detroit in The Larry Keeton Theatre's eagerly anticipated production of the classic Broadway music Guys and Dolls. Directed by Ginger Newman (who doubles as musical director as well), with choreography and staging by Cary Street, the musical that introduced the theatrical standards "Bushel and a Peck," "Adelaide's Lament" and "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" to Broadway audiences runs at the Keeton Theatre June 4-20.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 28, 2015
Jenny Norris Light plays Sarah Brown, with Michael Maupins as Sky Masterson, Hallie Long as Miss Adelaide and Brian Best as Nathan Detroit in The Larry Keeton Theatre's eagerly anticipated production of the classic Broadway music Guys and Dolls. Directed by Ginger Newman (who doubles as musical director as well), with choreography and staging by Cary Street, the musical that introduced the theatrical standards "Bushel and a Peck," "Adelaide's Lament" and "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" to Broadway audiences runs at the Keeton Theatre June 4-20.
THE FRIDAY FIVE (on Thursday): Fossee and Chambers
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 28, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five on Thursday: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, our spotlight focuses on Rosemary Fossee and Megan Murphy Chambers, two of the powerhouse talents slated to appear in the world premiere of Geoff Davin's original show The First Church of Mary, The Repentant Prostitute's FIFTH ANNUAL Benefit Concert, Revival, and Pot Luck Dinner, directed by nine-time First Night Award winner Martha Wilkinson and starring Davin, Fossee, Chambers, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva and Brooke Leigh Davis (the latter two recently took part in Friday Five festivities, leading to today's subjects Fossee and Chambers).
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 28, 2015
Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five on Thursday: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. Today, our spotlight focuses on Rosemary Fossee and Megan Murphy Chambers, two of the powerhouse talents slated to appear in the world premiere of Geoff Davin's original show The First Church of Mary, The Repentant Prostitute's FIFTH ANNUAL Benefit Concert, Revival, and Pot Luck Dinner, directed by nine-time First Night Award winner Martha Wilkinson and starring Davin, Fossee, Chambers, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva and Brooke Leigh Davis (the latter two recently took part in Friday Five festivities, leading to today's subjects Fossee and Chambers).
BWW Reviews: NEWSIES Chock Full of Amazing Dancers at TPAC
by Cara Richardson - May 27, 2015
It often seems today that life is fraught with apathy and complacency and Newsies becomes a great conversation starter for young and old alike. This musical essentially becomes what the original newsboys strike of 1899 was: a call to action.
by Cara Richardson - May 27, 2015
It often seems today that life is fraught with apathy and complacency and Newsies becomes a great conversation starter for young and old alike. This musical essentially becomes what the original newsboys strike of 1899 was: a call to action.
BWW Reviews: Verge Theater's THE NINA VARIATIONS
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 27, 2015
You don't have to be a devotee of Chekhov - you don't even have to be a fan of live theater necessarily - but it clearly helps if you are in the audience for Verge Theater Company's production of Steven Dietz's The Nina Variations, which is sometimes whimsical and oftentimes dramatic in the rich tradition of Russian literature.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 27, 2015
You don't have to be a devotee of Chekhov - you don't even have to be a fan of live theater necessarily - but it clearly helps if you are in the audience for Verge Theater Company's production of Steven Dietz's The Nina Variations, which is sometimes whimsical and oftentimes dramatic in the rich tradition of Russian literature.
BWW Reviews: NEWSIES' National Tour Lands in Music City
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 27, 2015
Christopher Gattelli's superb choreography - spirited and athletic, amazingly theatrical and awe-inspiring - may be reason enough to see Disney's Newsies, the show now ensconced at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall through Sunday, where it's entertaining audiences and eliciting some of the loudest responses we've ever heard in that cavernous space.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 27, 2015
Christopher Gattelli's superb choreography - spirited and athletic, amazingly theatrical and awe-inspiring - may be reason enough to see Disney's Newsies, the show now ensconced at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall through Sunday, where it's entertaining audiences and eliciting some of the loudest responses we've ever heard in that cavernous space.
Videos
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Swan Lake
TPAC (2/27 - 3/1) | |
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Sherlock
TPAC (5/1 - 5/3) | |
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Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age & Mannequin Pussy at Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium (8/15 - 8/15) | |
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King Hedley II
Chattanooga Theatre Centre (1/23 - 2/8) | |
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Mama Mia!
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (3/12 - 3/29)
PHOTOS
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Les Miserables
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (1/20 - 1/25) | |
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Some Like It Hot
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (4/21 - 4/26) | |
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