BWW Review: A SECOND HELPING at Cumberland County Playhouse
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
You might be surprised by this, but A Second Helping, the musical now onstage through the weekend at Cumberland County Playhouse' Adventure Theatre, has more in common with The Godfather, Part II than you might expect. Both of them, as sequels to the original material that spawned them, do something sequels usually are incapable of: They're better than their precursors.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
You might be surprised by this, but A Second Helping, the musical now onstage through the weekend at Cumberland County Playhouse' Adventure Theatre, has more in common with The Godfather, Part II than you might expect. Both of them, as sequels to the original material that spawned them, do something sequels usually are incapable of: They're better than their precursors.
High School Drama: Hillsboro High's ASHTON HARRIS
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
Winner of the 2016 Nashville High School Musical Theatre Award (which in 2017 became known as The Spotlight Awards) as best actor in a musical, Ashton Harris is yet another starring light in Kristin Moon and Will Butler's company of outstanding young actors at Hillsboro High School.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
Winner of the 2016 Nashville High School Musical Theatre Award (which in 2017 became known as The Spotlight Awards) as best actor in a musical, Ashton Harris is yet another starring light in Kristin Moon and Will Butler's company of outstanding young actors at Hillsboro High School.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 23, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Tuesday, May 23, 2017, and we are all so very lucky to be alive and to be engaged in the creation of live theater - in Tennessee, no less - with the ability to live life dramatically and to reflect on the world around us. And what a world it is: Last night, people in Nashville were exultant…the Nashville Predators won the Western Conference Playoffs to advance to the Stanley Cup Final of the National Hockey League!
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 23, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Tuesday, May 23, 2017, and we are all so very lucky to be alive and to be engaged in the creation of live theater - in Tennessee, no less - with the ability to live life dramatically and to reflect on the world around us. And what a world it is: Last night, people in Nashville were exultant…the Nashville Predators won the Western Conference Playoffs to advance to the Stanley Cup Final of the National Hockey League!
HGTV Lodge Boasts Star-Studded Lineup at 2017 CMA Music Festival in Nashville
by Caryn Robbins - May 23, 2017
The HGTV Lodge returns to the 2017 CMA Music Festival with country music's hottest stars taking the stage in the network's popular and unique venue.
by Caryn Robbins - May 23, 2017
The HGTV Lodge returns to the 2017 CMA Music Festival with country music's hottest stars taking the stage in the network's popular and unique venue.
BWW Review: Cumberland County Playhouse's Magnificent MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
Ross Griffin's dramatically flamboyant portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Cumberland County Playhouse's magnificent production of the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet would be reason enough to buy a ticket to see the fast-moving, tune-filled salute to one of music's most legendary nights that didn't end up with some star dying in a plane crash or surviving a car wreck.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
Ross Griffin's dramatically flamboyant portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Cumberland County Playhouse's magnificent production of the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet would be reason enough to buy a ticket to see the fast-moving, tune-filled salute to one of music's most legendary nights that didn't end up with some star dying in a plane crash or surviving a car wreck.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 22, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! According to my iPhone today is Monday, 22 May 2017 - the weekend, busy as it was, is over and we're left hankering for a few days off in order to relax and rejuvenate…which makes us ponder this musical question: What are your plans for next weekend? In our mind, of course, our mama is warning us that such queries are symptomatic of us 'wishing [our] life away,' as she would always admonish us to live in the now instead of trying to leap-frog over the next five days. So sayeth my beloved mama: 'Live life dramatically.' Therefore, a nap might have to suffice…
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! According to my iPhone today is Monday, 22 May 2017 - the weekend, busy as it was, is over and we're left hankering for a few days off in order to relax and rejuvenate…which makes us ponder this musical question: What are your plans for next weekend? In our mind, of course, our mama is warning us that such queries are symptomatic of us 'wishing [our] life away,' as she would always admonish us to live in the now instead of trying to leap-frog over the next five days. So sayeth my beloved mama: 'Live life dramatically.' Therefore, a nap might have to suffice…
Thank You, Places...Production Stage Manager CECILIA LIGHTHALL
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
Today, we introduce you to PSM Cecilia Lighthall, one of Tennessee's finest: My first SM assignment in college was Selkie. I had been an ASM before that. But, that was my first one as lead. My first professional show was Cabaret at Chaffin's Barn in 2004. My most recent show was Posterity with Nashville Repertory Theatre.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 22, 2017
Today, we introduce you to PSM Cecilia Lighthall, one of Tennessee's finest: My first SM assignment in college was Selkie. I had been an ASM before that. But, that was my first one as lead. My first professional show was Cabaret at Chaffin's Barn in 2004. My most recent show was Posterity with Nashville Repertory Theatre.
Utech, McGraw and Wilkinson Star in Chaffin's Barn's SISTER ACT
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
Meggan Utech and Gracie McGraw will make their Chaffin's Barn debuts this summer, joining Barn favorite Martha Wilkinson in Sister Act, the hilarious, five-time Tony Award-nominated musical, opening June 8 and running through July 22.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
Meggan Utech and Gracie McGraw will make their Chaffin's Barn debuts this summer, joining Barn favorite Martha Wilkinson in Sister Act, the hilarious, five-time Tony Award-nominated musical, opening June 8 and running through July 22.
High School Drama: Siegel High's Spotlight Award-nominated CALEB MITCHELL
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
The role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the Lynn Ahrens-Stephen Flaherty-Terrance McNally musical Ragtime is one coveted by actors of all ages - not the least of whom is Siegel High School student Caleb Mitchell, who took on the challenge of bringing the character to life in his school's production of the show earlier this spring. And for his efforts, Mitchell was one of three finalists for The Spotlight Award, the culmination of the 2016-17 Nashville High School Music Theatre Awards.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
The role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the Lynn Ahrens-Stephen Flaherty-Terrance McNally musical Ragtime is one coveted by actors of all ages - not the least of whom is Siegel High School student Caleb Mitchell, who took on the challenge of bringing the character to life in his school's production of the show earlier this spring. And for his efforts, Mitchell was one of three finalists for The Spotlight Award, the culmination of the 2016-17 Nashville High School Music Theatre Awards.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 19, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! Down in the right-hand corner of my computer screen, it tells me that its Friday, May 19 - which means that Memorial Day Weekend is just a week away! - how in the world did we make it from New Year's Day to Memorial Day in what seems to me to be like 15 minutes? When you figure that out, please give me a heads-up so I can better prepare for Christmas shopping! And that, of course, has me wondering what shows we'll be seeing during the next holiday season which, in turn, prompts me to ask the musical question: What's your favorite Christmas or holiday-themed stage offering?
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 19, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! Down in the right-hand corner of my computer screen, it tells me that its Friday, May 19 - which means that Memorial Day Weekend is just a week away! - how in the world did we make it from New Year's Day to Memorial Day in what seems to me to be like 15 minutes? When you figure that out, please give me a heads-up so I can better prepare for Christmas shopping! And that, of course, has me wondering what shows we'll be seeing during the next holiday season which, in turn, prompts me to ask the musical question: What's your favorite Christmas or holiday-themed stage offering?
High School Drama: Lipscomb Academy's Spotlight Award-Winning HATTY KING
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
It's been a big week for Lipscomb Academy's Hatty King - last Saturday night, she had the honor of performing on the stage of Andrew Jackson Hall at Tennessee Performing Arts Center and then was presented the Spotlight Award as best actress at the Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards - and her summer is shaping up to be even more than that…as she heads to New York City to spend a week working the best and brightest of Broadway stars and young aspiring musical theater actors from all over the country as they vie for top honors at The Jimmy Awards.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
It's been a big week for Lipscomb Academy's Hatty King - last Saturday night, she had the honor of performing on the stage of Andrew Jackson Hall at Tennessee Performing Arts Center and then was presented the Spotlight Award as best actress at the Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards - and her summer is shaping up to be even more than that…as she heads to New York City to spend a week working the best and brightest of Broadway stars and young aspiring musical theater actors from all over the country as they vie for top honors at The Jimmy Awards.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 18, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! Welcome to Thursday, May 18, 2017…It's #TheatreThursday! which begs the question: How do you propose to live life dramatically? And, while we're on the subject, what shows are on your agenda this weekend? Let us know what you plan to see and what led you to make your choice! We'll pass the word along to the powers-that-be!
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! Welcome to Thursday, May 18, 2017…It's #TheatreThursday! which begs the question: How do you propose to live life dramatically? And, while we're on the subject, what shows are on your agenda this weekend? Let us know what you plan to see and what led you to make your choice! We'll pass the word along to the powers-that-be!
Thank You, Places...Production Stage Manager SHANNON SPENCER
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
What's a stage manager? What do they do? What's their job? Seriously. Perhaps no job in the theater is as hard to define as that of a production stage manager and it's that blend of mystery, fear and total dependence that makes actors, directors, crew members, producers - you name it! - hold a really great stage manager in total awe and to revile someone who is (how do you say it, without offending anyone?) less than stellar in their position?
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2017
What's a stage manager? What do they do? What's their job? Seriously. Perhaps no job in the theater is as hard to define as that of a production stage manager and it's that blend of mystery, fear and total dependence that makes actors, directors, crew members, producers - you name it! - hold a really great stage manager in total awe and to revile someone who is (how do you say it, without offending anyone?) less than stellar in their position?
Garcia Prize for Best Novel Awarded
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2017
Novelist Michel Bruneau has been awarded The Garcia Memorial Prize for his newest novel, My Author is Dead. An annual award presented in conjunction with the national Reader Views Book Awards, The Garcia Memorial Prize is awarded to the best fiction book of the year.
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2017
Novelist Michel Bruneau has been awarded The Garcia Memorial Prize for his newest novel, My Author is Dead. An annual award presented in conjunction with the national Reader Views Book Awards, The Garcia Memorial Prize is awarded to the best fiction book of the year.
Cumberland County Playhouse Unveils 24th Year of SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
Smoke On the Mountain, the ever popular bluegrass/gospel musical, kicks off its 24th year at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse, on Friday, June 2, as director Weslie Webster welcomes two new members to the famed Sanders Family Singers.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
Smoke On the Mountain, the ever popular bluegrass/gospel musical, kicks off its 24th year at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse, on Friday, June 2, as director Weslie Webster welcomes two new members to the famed Sanders Family Singers.
High School Drama: Central Magnet's Spotlight Award-winning SEVON ASKEW
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
If the theater community had its own royal family and nobility, then it would make perfect sense that young Sevon Askew, recently awarded a Spotlight Award as best male soloist for his performance in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, would be a crown prince. The son of Susan Arnold Walsworth, who has appeared on numerous stages in the midstate, he's the nephew of David Arnold (perhaps best known for his portrayal of Shrek in the musical about the gentle green ogre - a role Sevon has played, as well) and Cat Arnold (who's currently onstage in ACT 1's Noises Off). Talent, it would seem, runs through certain families.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
If the theater community had its own royal family and nobility, then it would make perfect sense that young Sevon Askew, recently awarded a Spotlight Award as best male soloist for his performance in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, would be a crown prince. The son of Susan Arnold Walsworth, who has appeared on numerous stages in the midstate, he's the nephew of David Arnold (perhaps best known for his portrayal of Shrek in the musical about the gentle green ogre - a role Sevon has played, as well) and Cat Arnold (who's currently onstage in ACT 1's Noises Off). Talent, it would seem, runs through certain families.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 17, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's May 17, 2017, and summer - or a reasonable facsimile thereof - has arrived in Nashville, with temperatures already climbing toward the 90s! When prompts the musical question: What's on your agenda for the summer of 2017? Anything we should know about and, more importantly, write about?
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 17, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's May 17, 2017, and summer - or a reasonable facsimile thereof - has arrived in Nashville, with temperatures already climbing toward the 90s! When prompts the musical question: What's on your agenda for the summer of 2017? Anything we should know about and, more importantly, write about?
Lowry Directs REASONS TO BE PRETTY For Woven Theatre
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 16, 2017
Recent Belmont University graduate Sam Lowry directs the first show of Woven Theatre's second season - Neil LaBute's Reasons to Be Pretty - opening Thursday night, May 18, at Belmont's Little Theatre, and continuing through May 27.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 16, 2017
Recent Belmont University graduate Sam Lowry directs the first show of Woven Theatre's second season - Neil LaBute's Reasons to Be Pretty - opening Thursday night, May 18, at Belmont's Little Theatre, and continuing through May 27.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 16, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 16, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Tuesday, May 16, 2017, and while the whole worlds goes to hell in a handbasket, what with the latest news coming out of Washington about highly classified secrets being passed on to the Russians, Nashville theater companies are still striving to prevent people from finding out what shows they plan to do next season…
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 16, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Tuesday, May 16, 2017, and while the whole worlds goes to hell in a handbasket, what with the latest news coming out of Washington about highly classified secrets being passed on to the Russians, Nashville theater companies are still striving to prevent people from finding out what shows they plan to do next season…
Illusionist Adam Trent Comes to Harris Center
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2017
After a stint on Broadway in The Illusionists, the world's #1 magic show that shattered box office records during its 2014/2015 run, Adam Trent is now one of the most in-demand illusionists working today. The Folsom Lake Community Concert Association, FLCCA, is bringing him to the Harris Center for two shows on Sunday, May 28, at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. One of the original Broadway stars of The Illusionists, Trent has emerged to present a headline illusion show with a scale and mass appeal not seen since the touring days of David Copperfield. According to The New York Times, "Seeing is Disbelieving".
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2017
After a stint on Broadway in The Illusionists, the world's #1 magic show that shattered box office records during its 2014/2015 run, Adam Trent is now one of the most in-demand illusionists working today. The Folsom Lake Community Concert Association, FLCCA, is bringing him to the Harris Center for two shows on Sunday, May 28, at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. One of the original Broadway stars of The Illusionists, Trent has emerged to present a headline illusion show with a scale and mass appeal not seen since the touring days of David Copperfield. According to The New York Times, "Seeing is Disbelieving".
High School Drama: Davidson Academy's Spotlight Award-Winning ALEXANDRA CHOPSON
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
As the school year winds down, and students are scattered to the winds this summer, Davidson Academy's Alexandra Chopson closes out the year on a definite high: Last Saturday night, she was presented the Spotlight Award for best supporting actress in a musical at the Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards for her performance as Wednesday Addams in her school's production of The Addams Family.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
As the school year winds down, and students are scattered to the winds this summer, Davidson Academy's Alexandra Chopson closes out the year on a definite high: Last Saturday night, she was presented the Spotlight Award for best supporting actress in a musical at the Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards for her performance as Wednesday Addams in her school's production of The Addams Family.
Nashville's OZ Arts Center Reveals 2017-18 Season
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
OZ Arts Nashville, Music City's critically acclaimed and pioneering contemporary arts center, Monday announced its 2017-18 season, programmed by artistic director Lauren Snelling to include works that are described, by turns, as viscerally beautiful, death-defying, innovative and topical. Headlining the range of offerings is the December 1 appearance of the legendary American soprano Renee Fleming who will be starring in the 2018 Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
OZ Arts Nashville, Music City's critically acclaimed and pioneering contemporary arts center, Monday announced its 2017-18 season, programmed by artistic director Lauren Snelling to include works that are described, by turns, as viscerally beautiful, death-defying, innovative and topical. Headlining the range of offerings is the December 1 appearance of the legendary American soprano Renee Fleming who will be starring in the 2018 Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel.
Hatty King, Nathan Keffer Head to Jimmy Awards After Spotlight Award Wins
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
Hatty King of Lipscomb Academy in Nashville and Nathan Keffer of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood took home top honors at the 2017 Spotlight Awards - held Saturday night at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall - winning "Best Actress" and "Best Actor" awards respectively. The two travel to New York next month to compete nationally in the Jimmy Awards on June 26.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
Hatty King of Lipscomb Academy in Nashville and Nathan Keffer of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood took home top honors at the 2017 Spotlight Awards - held Saturday night at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall - winning "Best Actress" and "Best Actor" awards respectively. The two travel to New York next month to compete nationally in the Jimmy Awards on June 26.
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for May 15, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Monday, May 15, 2017, which begs the question: What's on your theatrical agenda this week? There's plenty to see and do, so we simply won't allow any excuses: Get thee to a darkened auditorium, settle into your seats and allow yourself to be transported and, in the process, transformed - all thanks to the magic of live theater!
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 15, 2017
GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! It's Monday, May 15, 2017, which begs the question: What's on your theatrical agenda this week? There's plenty to see and do, so we simply won't allow any excuses: Get thee to a darkened auditorium, settle into your seats and allow yourself to be transported and, in the process, transformed - all thanks to the magic of live theater!
BWW Review: Angels in England, or rather ACT 1's NOISES OFF
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 13, 2017
Make no mistake about it, Michael Frayn's Noises Off, is a rollicking, hilarious roller coaster ride of mirth and merriment – the quintessential British farce, replete with slamming doors, mistaken identities, sexual escapades and all the other necessary ingredients needed to create a memorable night at the theater. In the hands of director Bradley Moore and his uncommonly nimble crew of actors, it's as fun as ever, but we've come to the conclusion that perhaps we have reached critical mass in regard to Noises Off and that local theater companies might hold off on new productions of the show for, say, a decade or so.
by Jeffrey Ellis - May 13, 2017
Make no mistake about it, Michael Frayn's Noises Off, is a rollicking, hilarious roller coaster ride of mirth and merriment – the quintessential British farce, replete with slamming doors, mistaken identities, sexual escapades and all the other necessary ingredients needed to create a memorable night at the theater. In the hands of director Bradley Moore and his uncommonly nimble crew of actors, it's as fun as ever, but we've come to the conclusion that perhaps we have reached critical mass in regard to Noises Off and that local theater companies might hold off on new productions of the show for, say, a decade or so.
Videos
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Hamilton (Angelica Company)
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (6/16 - 6/28) | |
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Mama Mia!
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (3/12 - 3/29)
PHOTOS
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& Juliet
Historic Tennessee Theatre (8/4 - 8/9) | |
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The Way Way West in Concert
The Center for Contemplative Justice (1/30 - 1/30) | |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity)
SKyPAC (5/28 - 5/28) | |
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The 39 Steps
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (1/23 - 2/8) | |
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Jack Johnson at Ascend Amphitheater
Ascend Amphitheater (8/25 - 8/25) | |
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