BWW Reviews: BIG RIVER from Tennessee Repertory Theatre
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 23, 2010
But three other individuals are perhaps most responsible for the overall delight that is Tennessee Rep's 25th Anniversary season production: director Rene Dunshee Copeland, whose imaginative work helps to re-invent this musical on a basis that is at once more intimate while, somehow, is on a grander scale; music director Paul Carrol Binkley, whose concept for performing the work's music gives it the ideal down-home feel that only a band of expert Nashville players can give it; and design genius Gary Hoff, who transforms Johnson's black box space into something we've never seen in that venue before - the proscenium theatre you've only seen in your mind's eye - and who, in so doing, elevates Nashville theatrical design beyond its previous limits, fashioning it into something of opulently epic proportions.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 23, 2010
But three other individuals are perhaps most responsible for the overall delight that is Tennessee Rep's 25th Anniversary season production: director Rene Dunshee Copeland, whose imaginative work helps to re-invent this musical on a basis that is at once more intimate while, somehow, is on a grander scale; music director Paul Carrol Binkley, whose concept for performing the work's music gives it the ideal down-home feel that only a band of expert Nashville players can give it; and design genius Gary Hoff, who transforms Johnson's black box space into something we've never seen in that venue before - the proscenium theatre you've only seen in your mind's eye - and who, in so doing, elevates Nashville theatrical design beyond its previous limits, fashioning it into something of opulently epic proportions.
BWW Reviews: ACT 1's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 23, 2010
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Edward Albee's scathing evisceration of marriage and indictment of suburban morality - is brought to the Nashville stage once again in a superbly acted and confidently directed production from Artists Cooperative Theatre 1 (ACT 1). First staged by ACT 1 in its 1989-90 season in a critically-lauded staging directed by Peg Allen and headed by a cast that included A. Sean O'Connell, it is revived now as part of the company's 20th anniversary season, once again proving the power of Albee's exquisitely created words and plot and the frankly horrifying characters whose lives play out onstage.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 23, 2010
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Edward Albee's scathing evisceration of marriage and indictment of suburban morality - is brought to the Nashville stage once again in a superbly acted and confidently directed production from Artists Cooperative Theatre 1 (ACT 1). First staged by ACT 1 in its 1989-90 season in a critically-lauded staging directed by Peg Allen and headed by a cast that included A. Sean O'Connell, it is revived now as part of the company's 20th anniversary season, once again proving the power of Albee's exquisitely created words and plot and the frankly horrifying characters whose lives play out onstage.
TPAC Presents THE COLOR PURPLE 3/23-3/28
by BWW News Desk - March 23, 2010
The producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, is proud to announce that the Tennessee Performing Arts Center will host the national touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, March 23-28, 2010.
by BWW News Desk - March 23, 2010
The producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, is proud to announce that the Tennessee Performing Arts Center will host the national touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, March 23-28, 2010.
BWW Reviews: FRANKLY, MY DEAR at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 22, 2010
It's 1939 and producer David O. Selznick (played by Derek Whittaker) finds himself under the gun: He only has seven days to fashion a shooting script for his epic film version of Margaret Mitchell's worldwide bestseller. Virtually every writer of note (including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald) has submitted a treatment of the novel only to have Selznick - whose reputation as a controlling perfectionist remains intact in this play - reject every one of them
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 22, 2010
It's 1939 and producer David O. Selznick (played by Derek Whittaker) finds himself under the gun: He only has seven days to fashion a shooting script for his epic film version of Margaret Mitchell's worldwide bestseller. Virtually every writer of note (including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald) has submitted a treatment of the novel only to have Selznick - whose reputation as a controlling perfectionist remains intact in this play - reject every one of them
Melinda Doolittle to Headline Benefit Concert for Boiler Room Theatre
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 21, 2010
Boiler Room Theatre alumna and American Idol Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle returns to Franklin for a one-night-only concert event with all proceeds going to the Boiler Room Theatre on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in Liberty Hall at The Factory. Acclaimed contemporary gospel performers Point of Grace will share the stage for the fundraising concert for Williamson County's only professional theatre company.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 21, 2010
Boiler Room Theatre alumna and American Idol Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle returns to Franklin for a one-night-only concert event with all proceeds going to the Boiler Room Theatre on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in Liberty Hall at The Factory. Acclaimed contemporary gospel performers Point of Grace will share the stage for the fundraising concert for Williamson County's only professional theatre company.
Boiler Room Holds Auditions for BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, 3/21
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2010
An open call will be held at the theatre (230 Franklin Rd., Bldg Six, Franklin) for Neil Simon's comedy 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' on March 21 at 2 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2010
An open call will be held at the theatre (230 Franklin Rd., Bldg Six, Franklin) for Neil Simon's comedy 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' on March 21 at 2 p.m.
Patrick Waller Stars in BIG RIVER for Tennessee Rep's 25th Anniversary Season
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
The musical version of Mark Twain's classic tale sweeps audiences down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, which provides a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
The musical version of Mark Twain's classic tale sweeps audiences down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, which provides a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
Bethlehem Players Stages World Premiere of SOUTHERN FRIED FUNERAL for 3/12-3/20 Run
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
Nashville's playwriting duo of Nate Eppler and J. Dietz Osborne, who scored with Filthy Rich at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre last fall, have yet another world premiere production bowing this week. The pair's Southern Fried Funeral takes the stage at Franklin's Bethlehem United Methodist Church's Performing Arts Center on Friday night, continuing through March 20.
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
Nashville's playwriting duo of Nate Eppler and J. Dietz Osborne, who scored with Filthy Rich at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre last fall, have yet another world premiere production bowing this week. The pair's Southern Fried Funeral takes the stage at Franklin's Bethlehem United Methodist Church's Performing Arts Center on Friday night, continuing through March 20.
Tennessee Rep Presents BIG RIVER 3/20-4/10
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
Tennessee Repertory Theatre will present Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with music and lyrics by Nashville legend Roger Miller. Like Tennessee Rep, Big River-winner of seven Tony Awards--celebrates its 25th anniversary this season. Big River runs March 20 - April 10 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2010
Tennessee Repertory Theatre will present Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with music and lyrics by Nashville legend Roger Miller. Like Tennessee Rep, Big River-winner of seven Tony Awards--celebrates its 25th anniversary this season. Big River runs March 20 - April 10 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts Announces Upcoming Events Thru June 15
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2010
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts has announced its upcoming events through June 15, 2010.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2010
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts has announced its upcoming events through June 15, 2010.
ACT 1's 20th Anniversary Season Continues with WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 19, 2010
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. at Darkhorse Theatre, 4610 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville. For reservations, call (615) 726-2281, and for further informatin about ACT 1, visit the company's website at www.act1online.com.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 19, 2010
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. at Darkhorse Theatre, 4610 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville. For reservations, call (615) 726-2281, and for further informatin about ACT 1, visit the company's website at www.act1online.com.
THE FANTASTICKS Set for Boiler Room Theatre, 3/19-4/17
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2010
The Boiler Room Theatre (in The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Bldg Six, Franklin) continues its 10th Anniversary season with the romantic and charming musical 'The Fantasticks.'
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2010
The Boiler Room Theatre (in The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Bldg Six, Franklin) continues its 10th Anniversary season with the romantic and charming musical 'The Fantasticks.'
BWW Reviews: Nashville Children's Theatre's MISS NELSON IS MISSING!
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
You know you have a hit musical on your hands when audience members leave the theatre humming the songs they just heard. But you know you have a mega-hit musical onstage when those audience members are of the six-, seven-, or eight-year-old variety and they are singing the show's songs and dancing their way out the door. Well, that's exactly what Nashville Children's Theatre is experiencing with their current production of Miss Nelson Is Missing, the high-spirited adaptation of the 1977 book by Harry Allard, updated to 2010 and featuring terrific performances by six talented actors.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
You know you have a hit musical on your hands when audience members leave the theatre humming the songs they just heard. But you know you have a mega-hit musical onstage when those audience members are of the six-, seven-, or eight-year-old variety and they are singing the show's songs and dancing their way out the door. Well, that's exactly what Nashville Children's Theatre is experiencing with their current production of Miss Nelson Is Missing, the high-spirited adaptation of the 1977 book by Harry Allard, updated to 2010 and featuring terrific performances by six talented actors.
Circle Players Stages TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Looby Theatre, 3/26-4/10
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
Circle Players presents the production Friday, March 26, through Saturday, April 10, at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre. The script closely follows Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
Circle Players presents the production Friday, March 26, through Saturday, April 10, at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre. The script closely follows Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
BWW Interviews: Starina Johnson, A Life in the Theatre
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
If Starina Johnson is a little slow in returning your phone calls this week, give her a break! This week, she finds herself in hell - of a sort - as she and her co-stars prepare for the opening night of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the third offering in ACT 1's (Artists Cooperative Theatre 1) 20th anniversary season. Opening Friday night, March 29, and continuing through Saturday, April 3, at Darkhorse Theatre, Virginia Woolf features Johnson in the role of Honey, as she shares the stage with First Night Award-winning actress Melissa Bedinger Hade as Martha, real estate wiz and local TV personality Ed Amatrudo as George and Matthew Scott Baxter as Nick.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 18, 2010
If Starina Johnson is a little slow in returning your phone calls this week, give her a break! This week, she finds herself in hell - of a sort - as she and her co-stars prepare for the opening night of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the third offering in ACT 1's (Artists Cooperative Theatre 1) 20th anniversary season. Opening Friday night, March 29, and continuing through Saturday, April 3, at Darkhorse Theatre, Virginia Woolf features Johnson in the role of Honey, as she shares the stage with First Night Award-winning actress Melissa Bedinger Hade as Martha, real estate wiz and local TV personality Ed Amatrudo as George and Matthew Scott Baxter as Nick.
Blend Studio Presents Photovoice: Visual Studies of Social Life 4/3-24
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 18, 2010
'Photovoice' is a collaborative project created by students in the course 'Seeing Social Life' at Vanderbilt University, under the supervision of Professor Laura Carpenter.
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 18, 2010
'Photovoice' is a collaborative project created by students in the course 'Seeing Social Life' at Vanderbilt University, under the supervision of Professor Laura Carpenter.
BWW Reviews: Bethlehem Players' SOUTHERN FRIED FUNERAL
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 16, 2010
Clearly, Osborne and Eppler are writing about the people, places and things they have known from birth (in fact, on opening night, Osborne's family members from Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee were on hand to witness the world premiere of the play, thus his pedigree is assured) and they display an impressive knowledge of what constitutes proper funeral etiquette and the peculiarly Southern way of life and death in all its 'Jesus Called...And Dewey Answered' glory.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 16, 2010
Clearly, Osborne and Eppler are writing about the people, places and things they have known from birth (in fact, on opening night, Osborne's family members from Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee were on hand to witness the world premiere of the play, thus his pedigree is assured) and they display an impressive knowledge of what constitutes proper funeral etiquette and the peculiarly Southern way of life and death in all its 'Jesus Called...And Dewey Answered' glory.
Roxy Regional Theatre Brings OF MICE AND MEN To The Stage
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 15, 2010
The classic John Steinbeck tale of two drifters in search of work in Depression-era California, OF MICE AND MEN, opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on March 26 at 8pm, for a limited run.
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 15, 2010
The classic John Steinbeck tale of two drifters in search of work in Depression-era California, OF MICE AND MEN, opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on March 26 at 8pm, for a limited run.
Sonn, McCarthy and Sevier head cast of Boiler Room's THE FANTASTICKS
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 15, 2010
Laura Thomas Sonn and Ciaran McCarthy lead the cast as Luisa and Matt, the star-crossed lovers in Boiler Room Theatre's production of The Fantasticks, opening Friday, March 19 and running through Saturday, April 17, at the theatre located in The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Building Six. Will Sevier stars as El Gallo.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 15, 2010
Laura Thomas Sonn and Ciaran McCarthy lead the cast as Luisa and Matt, the star-crossed lovers in Boiler Room Theatre's production of The Fantasticks, opening Friday, March 19 and running through Saturday, April 17, at the theatre located in The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Building Six. Will Sevier stars as El Gallo.
Patrick Waller Stars in BIG RIVER for Tennessee Rep's 25th Anniversary Season
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
The musical version of Mark Twain's classic tale sweeps audiences down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, which provides a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
The musical version of Mark Twain's classic tale sweeps audiences down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, which provides a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
ACT 1's 20th Anniversary Season Continues with WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. at Darkhorse Theatre, 4610 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville. For reservations, call (615) 726-2281, and for further informatin about ACT 1, visit the company's website at www.act1online.com.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. at Darkhorse Theatre, 4610 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville. For reservations, call (615) 726-2281, and for further informatin about ACT 1, visit the company's website at www.act1online.com.
CAKE OR DEATH Closes at Encore Theatre 3/14
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Nashville playwrights Elizabeth Hayes and Anne-Geri Fann have written Cake or Death, 'a modern-day farce that is a witty, rollicking, Hitchcockian, roller-coaster of a ride and fun to the last crumb,' and slated for its world premiere production at Encore Theatre Company in Mount Juliet. The show plays its final performance on March 14.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Nashville playwrights Elizabeth Hayes and Anne-Geri Fann have written Cake or Death, 'a modern-day farce that is a witty, rollicking, Hitchcockian, roller-coaster of a ride and fun to the last crumb,' and slated for its world premiere production at Encore Theatre Company in Mount Juliet. The show plays its final performance on March 14.
SECRETS OF A SOCCER MOM Ends 3/14 at TWTP
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Secrets of a Soccer Mom is set at a soccer field on a crisp autumn day, where three women talk on the sidelines while waiting their turn to play in the annual youth soccer league mothers vs. sons game. There's a little gossip, a little strategy - should they play all out or let their sons win? - and a lot of laughs, courtesy of Kathleen Clark's dialogue.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Secrets of a Soccer Mom is set at a soccer field on a crisp autumn day, where three women talk on the sidelines while waiting their turn to play in the annual youth soccer league mothers vs. sons game. There's a little gossip, a little strategy - should they play all out or let their sons win? - and a lot of laughs, courtesy of Kathleen Clark's dialogue.
Amun Ra Theatre's THE BLUEST EYE Runs Thru 3/14
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Diamond's play tells a story of a group of black girls known to Claudia MacTreer (played by ART regular Alicia Haymer in a starring role) in the fall of 1941, 'the year the marigolds didn't bloom.' Claudia comes to believe the marigolds didn't bloom because of the life and tragic events of her best friend, Pecola Breedlove (portrayed by Demetria Granberry, in her professional acting debut). Pecola, who is subjected to mocking because of both her dark skin and a suspected incestuous relationship with her father, spends her time longing for blue eyes, which to a dark-skinned black girl coming of age in a turbulent racial era, represent beauty and self-worth.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 14, 2010
Diamond's play tells a story of a group of black girls known to Claudia MacTreer (played by ART regular Alicia Haymer in a starring role) in the fall of 1941, 'the year the marigolds didn't bloom.' Claudia comes to believe the marigolds didn't bloom because of the life and tragic events of her best friend, Pecola Breedlove (portrayed by Demetria Granberry, in her professional acting debut). Pecola, who is subjected to mocking because of both her dark skin and a suspected incestuous relationship with her father, spends her time longing for blue eyes, which to a dark-skinned black girl coming of age in a turbulent racial era, represent beauty and self-worth.
Osborne-helmed 'Blithe Spirit' Closes at Chaffin's Barn, 3/13
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 13, 2010
Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, the big comedy hit of last season on Broadway in a revival starring Angela Lansbury as the wacky medium Madame Arcati, comes to the stage of Nashville's Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre in a new production directed by J. Dietz Osborne and starring Martha Manning in the role that won Lansbury her latest Tony Award. Opening Thursday, February 11, Blithe Spirit runs at Chaffin's Barn, the city's premiere dinner theatre that was voted one of Nashville's Top 10 Tourist Destinations, through March 13.
by Jeffrey Ellis - March 13, 2010
Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, the big comedy hit of last season on Broadway in a revival starring Angela Lansbury as the wacky medium Madame Arcati, comes to the stage of Nashville's Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre in a new production directed by J. Dietz Osborne and starring Martha Manning in the role that won Lansbury her latest Tony Award. Opening Thursday, February 11, Blithe Spirit runs at Chaffin's Barn, the city's premiere dinner theatre that was voted one of Nashville's Top 10 Tourist Destinations, through March 13.
Videos
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Sherlock
TPAC (5/1 - 5/3) | |
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The Royale (CBT)
The Jenny Boyd Theatre (3/26 - 3/26) | |
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Happy Birthday Dolly!
Tennessee Brew Works (1/24 - 1/24) | |
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Back to the Future: The Musical
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (3/17 - 3/22) | |
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BIRDIE
OZ Arts (1/30 - 1/31) | |
|
& Juliet
Historic Tennessee Theatre (8/4 - 8/9) | |
|
The Way Way West in Concert
The Center for Contemplative Justice (1/30 - 1/30) | |
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