BWW Review: Theater Bug's SHOWMANCE is The Timeless Musical for Theater People of All Ages
by Jeffrey Ellis - August 01, 2019
Cori Anne Laemmel continues to do amazing things at The Theater Bug a?' whether it's creating new and compelling art, engaging in revealing collaborations with other creative individuals, or, more importantly, providing a safe space for a new generation of young theater artists eager to transform their own lives through self-expression a?' and there is absolutely no reason to believe that she's anywhere near a stopping point. And, because of her sincere endeavors to give back in much the same way her own life has been enriched by theater, Nashville directors may rest assured that the bench of skilled and capable actors willing (yearning!) to take to the stage for years to come is indeed very deep.
by Jeffrey Ellis - August 01, 2019
Cori Anne Laemmel continues to do amazing things at The Theater Bug a?' whether it's creating new and compelling art, engaging in revealing collaborations with other creative individuals, or, more importantly, providing a safe space for a new generation of young theater artists eager to transform their own lives through self-expression a?' and there is absolutely no reason to believe that she's anywhere near a stopping point. And, because of her sincere endeavors to give back in much the same way her own life has been enriched by theater, Nashville directors may rest assured that the bench of skilled and capable actors willing (yearning!) to take to the stage for years to come is indeed very deep.
Home-Run Hit Musical DAMN YANKEES to Play The Roxy Regional Theatre
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2019
Clarksville's oldest professional theatre is hitting it out of the park to close Season 36 of live entertainment on the corner of Franklin and First.
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2019
Clarksville's oldest professional theatre is hitting it out of the park to close Season 36 of live entertainment on the corner of Franklin and First.
BWW Review: Rachel Agee's Noteworthy Directorial Debut with Actors Bridge's KODACHROME
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 24, 2019
Life, as we know it, happens all around us in an amazing cavalcade of events that at once might seem inconsequential yet their importance becomes evident with time and experience. That's the message of Kodachrome, Adam Szymkowicz's lovely and elegiac play now onstage at the Actors Bridge Studio through July 28, in a warmly sentimental and sweet, yet unmistakably moving and impactful, production under the direction of Rachel Agee, who makes her professional directorial debut in the process.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 24, 2019
Life, as we know it, happens all around us in an amazing cavalcade of events that at once might seem inconsequential yet their importance becomes evident with time and experience. That's the message of Kodachrome, Adam Szymkowicz's lovely and elegiac play now onstage at the Actors Bridge Studio through July 28, in a warmly sentimental and sweet, yet unmistakably moving and impactful, production under the direction of Rachel Agee, who makes her professional directorial debut in the process.
BWW Review: Imaginations Soar in Pipeline-Collective's Staging of Keith Bunin's THE WORLD OVER
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 23, 2019
Once upon a time, there was a country that only existed for one brief day and there was a man named Adam, who was determined to return to his long-lost homeland who held the key to its ephemeral history. Adam's tale a?" filled with adventure and intrigue, with larger than life-sized characters and one epic quest after another a?" provides the basis for Keith Bunin's imaginative fantasy that deftly blends comedy and drama in The World Over, now onstage through July 27 in a fanciful production (the company's ninth) from Pipeline-Collective.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 23, 2019
Once upon a time, there was a country that only existed for one brief day and there was a man named Adam, who was determined to return to his long-lost homeland who held the key to its ephemeral history. Adam's tale a?" filled with adventure and intrigue, with larger than life-sized characters and one epic quest after another a?" provides the basis for Keith Bunin's imaginative fantasy that deftly blends comedy and drama in The World Over, now onstage through July 27 in a fanciful production (the company's ninth) from Pipeline-Collective.
BWW Review: ANNIE Is Looking Swell and Spiffy in Sparkling Chaffin's Barn Revival
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 22, 2019
If there is a more perfect pooch to portray Annie's Sandy than Rufus Stewart, then his humans should produce said canine for an upcoming production of the beloved Broadway musical post-haste. Until such time as that occurs, we are simply going to claim Rufus as the quintessential canine co-star for any number of red-headed moppets singing about "Tomorrow" while palling around with FDR, Frances Perkins, Harold Ickes and others of their political ilk.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 22, 2019
If there is a more perfect pooch to portray Annie's Sandy than Rufus Stewart, then his humans should produce said canine for an upcoming production of the beloved Broadway musical post-haste. Until such time as that occurs, we are simply going to claim Rufus as the quintessential canine co-star for any number of red-headed moppets singing about "Tomorrow" while palling around with FDR, Frances Perkins, Harold Ickes and others of their political ilk.
Music City Confidential: Where Nashville Theater Stands Now
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 21, 2019
Nashville theater has always been progressive. There have always been people and companies focused on the cutting edge, delivering productions that challenge and compel their audiences to think and to consider where they are now and where they will go in the future, and there is no question that such forward-thinking creative types will continue to wield influence in the theater community for as long as theater is to be created here, there and everywhere.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 21, 2019
Nashville theater has always been progressive. There have always been people and companies focused on the cutting edge, delivering productions that challenge and compel their audiences to think and to consider where they are now and where they will go in the future, and there is no question that such forward-thinking creative types will continue to wield influence in the theater community for as long as theater is to be created here, there and everywhere.
Kyle Dillingham To Debut As Guest Artist On Grand Ole Opry 7/24
by BWW News Desk - July 18, 2019
Americana and bluegrass fiddling phenom Kyle Dillinghamis thrilled to announce he will be making his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday, July 24. Dillingham, joined by his band Horseshoe Road, will give a two song performance, and introduced to the stage by Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame members, the Oak Ridge Boys.
by BWW News Desk - July 18, 2019
Americana and bluegrass fiddling phenom Kyle Dillinghamis thrilled to announce he will be making his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday, July 24. Dillingham, joined by his band Horseshoe Road, will give a two song performance, and introduced to the stage by Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame members, the Oak Ridge Boys.
Stassi Schroeder Takes Her Hit Podcast STRAIGHT UP WITH STASSI On the Road
by Sarah Hookey - July 17, 2019
Everyone's favorite authority on basic, Stassi Schroeder, is taking her hit podcast Straight Up With Stassi on the road for the first time ever. The 18 date run of North America kicks off on October 2nd in Nashville, Tennessee.
by Sarah Hookey - July 17, 2019
Everyone's favorite authority on basic, Stassi Schroeder, is taking her hit podcast Straight Up With Stassi on the road for the first time ever. The 18 date run of North America kicks off on October 2nd in Nashville, Tennessee.
HIP HOP SUMMIT To Be Hosted In Chattanooga This Saturday
by BWW News Desk - July 15, 2019
Tha Milk Drop and Leeker Magazine are hosting Chattanooga's first hip-hop summit this Saturday, July 20th, at the Edney Innovation Building. The event is free and will feature workshops to help artists improve their craft. The Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit will begin at 11:00AM EST and end at 3:00PM EST.
by BWW News Desk - July 15, 2019
Tha Milk Drop and Leeker Magazine are hosting Chattanooga's first hip-hop summit this Saturday, July 20th, at the Edney Innovation Building. The event is free and will feature workshops to help artists improve their craft. The Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit will begin at 11:00AM EST and end at 3:00PM EST.
The L.A. Party Dolls Announces Performance in Nashville
by Sarah Hookey - July 11, 2019
The L.A. Party Dolls will bring their multi-media retro tribute show 'GIRLPOWER!' to Nashville for the first time with a matinee show and an evening show on Aug. 17 (Saturday) at World Music Nashville.
by Sarah Hookey - July 11, 2019
The L.A. Party Dolls will bring their multi-media retro tribute show 'GIRLPOWER!' to Nashville for the first time with a matinee show and an evening show on Aug. 17 (Saturday) at World Music Nashville.
Hudson Valley To Perform LIVE On TODAY IN NASHVILLE
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2019
Nashville based band, Hudson Valley, will be making their television debut on Today In Nashville on Thursday, July 11th at 11am CST on WSM-TV Channel 4.
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2019
Nashville based band, Hudson Valley, will be making their television debut on Today In Nashville on Thursday, July 11th at 11am CST on WSM-TV Channel 4.
BWW Review: Kenley Smith's MAIDENS Heralds Auspicious Beginnings for Tennessee Playwrights Studio
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 07, 2019
Although an over-arching consideration of evil is perhaps difficult to comprehend even three-quarters of a century after the end of World War II and beyond the scope of a stage-bound drama, playwright Kenley Smith nonetheless focuses his attention on the intertwined stories of two such villains as those captured in those wartime photos to great effect and maximum impact in Maidens, an original work given its world premiere production by Tennessee Playwrights Studio at Nashville's Darkhorse Theatre. Onstage through July 13, Maidens is as disturbing and provocative as its subject matter would indicate, brought to life with bravery and commitment by a seven-person cast under the direction of the playwright himself.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 07, 2019
Although an over-arching consideration of evil is perhaps difficult to comprehend even three-quarters of a century after the end of World War II and beyond the scope of a stage-bound drama, playwright Kenley Smith nonetheless focuses his attention on the intertwined stories of two such villains as those captured in those wartime photos to great effect and maximum impact in Maidens, an original work given its world premiere production by Tennessee Playwrights Studio at Nashville's Darkhorse Theatre. Onstage through July 13, Maidens is as disturbing and provocative as its subject matter would indicate, brought to life with bravery and commitment by a seven-person cast under the direction of the playwright himself.
Taylon Hope Secures Ongoing Performance Dates With Wildhorse Saloon
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
West Jefferson, NC Country music songwriter and performing artist, Taylon Hope, has checked off another of her dreams since relocating to Nashville to pursue her career in Country music. Hope announced earlier this month via social media she would be playing at the world-famous Wildhorse Saloon on historic 2nd Ave North in Nashville, TN and has secured ongoing dates.
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
West Jefferson, NC Country music songwriter and performing artist, Taylon Hope, has checked off another of her dreams since relocating to Nashville to pursue her career in Country music. Hope announced earlier this month via social media she would be playing at the world-famous Wildhorse Saloon on historic 2nd Ave North in Nashville, TN and has secured ongoing dates.
BWW Review: Fascinating MATILDA Brings Her Magic to Cumberland County Playhouse Through August 18
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 02, 2019
Now, through August 18, audiences at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse have the opportunity to fall in love with Matilda and her ragtag and inspiring band of schoolmates as they take on an adventure that is certain to delight and to engage. Directed by Jess Griffin and featuring a cast of fresh and energetic performers who bring Matilda The Musical to glorious life onstage, CCP has another resounding hit to its credit, which might be quite unlike anything that's come before it and heralds even more technical and design innovation that sets the company apart from all others in the region.
by Jeffrey Ellis - July 02, 2019
Now, through August 18, audiences at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse have the opportunity to fall in love with Matilda and her ragtag and inspiring band of schoolmates as they take on an adventure that is certain to delight and to engage. Directed by Jess Griffin and featuring a cast of fresh and energetic performers who bring Matilda The Musical to glorious life onstage, CCP has another resounding hit to its credit, which might be quite unlike anything that's come before it and heralds even more technical and design innovation that sets the company apart from all others in the region.
Nutty Comedy CHARLEY'S AUNT Plays The Roxy Regional Theatre This Month
by BWW News Desk - July 01, 2019
Fans of Oscar Wilde's comedies and the British sitcom Fawlty Towers -- and those who simply love to laugh -- will not want to miss the latest entertainment offering coming to the corner of Franklin and First in Historic Downtown Clarksville.
by BWW News Desk - July 01, 2019
Fans of Oscar Wilde's comedies and the British sitcom Fawlty Towers -- and those who simply love to laugh -- will not want to miss the latest entertainment offering coming to the corner of Franklin and First in Historic Downtown Clarksville.
Joan Jett-Gibson Announces World Premiere Of New JOAN JETT ES 339
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2019
By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, Gibson, the legitimate leader in professional instruments proudly presents the Joan Jett ES-339 in Wine Red. Calling on nearly two years of touring research and development with Joan, the signature Joan Jett ES-339 guitar premieres as Gibson approaches the next era of shaping sound for past, present and future generations. See Authorized Gibson Dealers for information and visit: www.gibson.com.
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2019
By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, Gibson, the legitimate leader in professional instruments proudly presents the Joan Jett ES-339 in Wine Red. Calling on nearly two years of touring research and development with Joan, the signature Joan Jett ES-339 guitar premieres as Gibson approaches the next era of shaping sound for past, present and future generations. See Authorized Gibson Dealers for information and visit: www.gibson.com.
BWW Review: Roxy Regional Theatre's HAIR Will Knock Your Clothes Off, Thanks to Kinzer and Bowie
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 28, 2019
Any directors planning new productions of Hair - wherever they may be all over this colorful country in which we live - might be advised to follow the lead of Clarksville's Roxy Regional Theatre and cast Mike Kinzer and Ryan Bowie as Berger and Claude, a pair of actorscharacters who together define the term "sheer perfection." Backed up by an ensemble of passionate, totally committed actors who bring "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" to life, Kinzer and Bowie are ideally suited to their roles and the production in which they star is by far the best we've seen at the Roxy in many a moon.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 28, 2019
Any directors planning new productions of Hair - wherever they may be all over this colorful country in which we live - might be advised to follow the lead of Clarksville's Roxy Regional Theatre and cast Mike Kinzer and Ryan Bowie as Berger and Claude, a pair of actorscharacters who together define the term "sheer perfection." Backed up by an ensemble of passionate, totally committed actors who bring "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" to life, Kinzer and Bowie are ideally suited to their roles and the production in which they star is by far the best we've seen at the Roxy in many a moon.
BWW Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Proves Just as Vital and Engaging in 2019 as When it Debuted in 1964
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 26, 2019
Fiddler on the Roof first debuted on Broadway in 1964 and in the intervening 55 years, it's become a beloved standard in the Broadway musical canon, being revived many times and performed on stages all over the world in productions both professional and amateur. The heartwarming tale of the world-weary dairyman Tevye, his long-suffering wife Golde, their five(!) daughters and their suitors and all of the other inhabitants of the Russian village of Anatevka has been delighting audiences ever since that initial mounting and rather than growing old and rather precious over time, Fiddler on the Roof instead has become even more relevant, particularly in the current socio-political climate in which immigrants have become political pawns and in which change is constant.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 26, 2019
Fiddler on the Roof first debuted on Broadway in 1964 and in the intervening 55 years, it's become a beloved standard in the Broadway musical canon, being revived many times and performed on stages all over the world in productions both professional and amateur. The heartwarming tale of the world-weary dairyman Tevye, his long-suffering wife Golde, their five(!) daughters and their suitors and all of the other inhabitants of the Russian village of Anatevka has been delighting audiences ever since that initial mounting and rather than growing old and rather precious over time, Fiddler on the Roof instead has become even more relevant, particularly in the current socio-political climate in which immigrants have become political pawns and in which change is constant.
The Theater Bug Presents SHOWMANCE
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2019
Theater Bug presents Showmance, book and lyrics by Cori Anne Laemmel and music by Cori Anne Laemmel and Eric Fritsch. This production of Showmance will feature two brand new, never heard before songs by Cori Anne Laemmel and Laura Matula. Showmance is directed by Cori Anne Laemmel with Music Direction by Laura Matula and Choreography by Bakari Jamal King. Rounding out our creative team are Nashville favorites Matt Logan (Set Design), Melodie Madden Adams (Costume Design) and Tyson Laemmel (Technical Direction).
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2019
Theater Bug presents Showmance, book and lyrics by Cori Anne Laemmel and music by Cori Anne Laemmel and Eric Fritsch. This production of Showmance will feature two brand new, never heard before songs by Cori Anne Laemmel and Laura Matula. Showmance is directed by Cori Anne Laemmel with Music Direction by Laura Matula and Choreography by Bakari Jamal King. Rounding out our creative team are Nashville favorites Matt Logan (Set Design), Melodie Madden Adams (Costume Design) and Tyson Laemmel (Technical Direction).
BWW Review: Holliday, Rankin Shine in Street Theatre Company's HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 24, 2019
Blake Holliday's jaw-dropping performance as "international song stylist" Hedwig Schmidt is reason enough to book your tickets as soon as possible to witness the actor's transformation in a 90+ minute production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch now ensconced at Nashville's Street Theatre Company through July 6. But there's another performance which is just an impressive and just as awe-inspiring from Natalie Rankin, who transforms into Itzhak, the "husband" of Hedwig whose hangdog expression and considerable stage presence clearly rivals that of the show's eponymous star.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 24, 2019
Blake Holliday's jaw-dropping performance as "international song stylist" Hedwig Schmidt is reason enough to book your tickets as soon as possible to witness the actor's transformation in a 90+ minute production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch now ensconced at Nashville's Street Theatre Company through July 6. But there's another performance which is just an impressive and just as awe-inspiring from Natalie Rankin, who transforms into Itzhak, the "husband" of Hedwig whose hangdog expression and considerable stage presence clearly rivals that of the show's eponymous star.
BWW Review: Murfreesboro Little Theatre's Heartfelt FUN HOME is Gone Too Soon
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 23, 2019
It should come as no surprise that Fun Home, therefore, that the aforementioned Broadway hit featuring music by Jeanine Tesori, with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron based upon Bechdel's graphic novel, is one of my favorite works in the canon of contemporary American Musical Theater. What some readers might find surprising, however, is that I fell absolutely and deeply in love with the show once over, thanks to a production from, of all places, Murfreesboro Little Theatre, where the show completes its much-too-brief run today with its 2 p.m. matinee.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 23, 2019
It should come as no surprise that Fun Home, therefore, that the aforementioned Broadway hit featuring music by Jeanine Tesori, with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron based upon Bechdel's graphic novel, is one of my favorite works in the canon of contemporary American Musical Theater. What some readers might find surprising, however, is that I fell absolutely and deeply in love with the show once over, thanks to a production from, of all places, Murfreesboro Little Theatre, where the show completes its much-too-brief run today with its 2 p.m. matinee.
BWW Review: GOD'S FAVORITE at Chaffin's Barn is Funny, Irreverent and Sincere
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 21, 2019
American playwright Neil Simon's prolific and wide-ranging contributions to theater range from the sublime (The Odd Couple and Rumors) to the ridiculous (Fools), with God's Favorite - now onstage through tomorrow - falling somewhere in the middle. While it's not one of the master craftsman's best scripts, it nonetheless is certain to provoke thought and when performed by a talented cast of actors, like it is in its current iteration at The Barn, it is certain to entertain and to evoke an emotional response.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 21, 2019
American playwright Neil Simon's prolific and wide-ranging contributions to theater range from the sublime (The Odd Couple and Rumors) to the ridiculous (Fools), with God's Favorite - now onstage through tomorrow - falling somewhere in the middle. While it's not one of the master craftsman's best scripts, it nonetheless is certain to provoke thought and when performed by a talented cast of actors, like it is in its current iteration at The Barn, it is certain to entertain and to evoke an emotional response.
Nashville Story Garden Presents DANCE NATION
by BWW News Desk - June 20, 2019
DANCE NATION (2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist) by Clare Barron will receive its first production outside of New York and London by Nashville Story Garden at Nashville Children's Theatre's Scot Copeland Studio (25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210) June 22-29th.
by BWW News Desk - June 20, 2019
DANCE NATION (2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist) by Clare Barron will receive its first production outside of New York and London by Nashville Story Garden at Nashville Children's Theatre's Scot Copeland Studio (25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210) June 22-29th.
Roxy Regional Theatre's Theotherspace Celebrates Larger-Than-Life Texas Governor In ANN
by BWW News Desk - June 17, 2019
'Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.' Borrowing a phrase from cartoonist Bob Thaves to argue for more women in positions of power, feisty politician Ann Richards came to national attention when she delivered the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.
by BWW News Desk - June 17, 2019
'Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.' Borrowing a phrase from cartoonist Bob Thaves to argue for more women in positions of power, feisty politician Ann Richards came to national attention when she delivered the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.
BWW Review: Verge Theater Scores Another Hit With Post-Apocalyptic MR. BURNS...
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 12, 2019
Over coffee, on the morning after seeing Verge Theater Company's production of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play - the dark comedy by Anne Washburn, directed by Nashville theater veteran Amanda Card - last weekend, a friend allowed as how he had heard of the play, but had no idea what it was about, asking me for a brief synopsis: "It's about a group of five people in a post-apocalyptic society, presumably brought about by nuclear events across the country, if not the world, who entertain one another with detailed stories based upon episodes from The Simpson," I answered.
by Jeffrey Ellis - June 12, 2019
Over coffee, on the morning after seeing Verge Theater Company's production of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play - the dark comedy by Anne Washburn, directed by Nashville theater veteran Amanda Card - last weekend, a friend allowed as how he had heard of the play, but had no idea what it was about, asking me for a brief synopsis: "It's about a group of five people in a post-apocalyptic society, presumably brought about by nuclear events across the country, if not the world, who entertain one another with detailed stories based upon episodes from The Simpson," I answered.
Videos
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Back to the Future: The Musical
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (3/17 - 3/22) | |
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The 39 Steps
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (1/23 - 2/8) | |
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Les Miserables at Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (1/21 - 1/23) | |
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BIRDIE
OZ Arts (1/30 - 1/31) | |
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Swan Lake
TPAC (2/27 - 3/1) | |
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The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity)
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (6/2 - 6/7) | |
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Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age & Mannequin Pussy at Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium (8/15 - 8/15) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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