David Compton News

'There are no small parts, only small actors,' goes the old theatrical saw that's tossed about willy-nilly to encourage budding thespians to take on roles they suspect might be beneath them and their lofty stature. But, of course, there's much truth to be found in the axiom and you will certainly see it brought to life in the efforts of the members of many acting ensembles, particularly those considered among the best in Nashville's 2010 theater season:

Lydia Bushfield's 1940s musical revue, I'll Be Seeing You, opens the 2011 season at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre this week, running January 6 through February 5. Directed by David Compton, the cast features Melodie Madden Adams, Nancy Allen and Jennifer Richmond as three World War II-era factory workers who discover their shared love of music during workday breaks from contributing to the war effort.

Lydia Bushfield's 1940s musical revue, I'll Be Seeing You, opens the 2011 season at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre this week, running January 6 through February 5. Directed by David Compton, the cast features Melodie Madden Adams, Nancy Allen and Jennifer Richmond as three World War II-era factory workers who discover their shared love of music during workday breaks from contributing to the war effort.

This holiday season, Tennessee Repertory Theatre will once again present the holiday cult classic A Christmas Story adapted by Phillip Grecian and based on the motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark.

Theater-goers in Nashville have a new holiday tradition to embrace this season with Tennessee Repertory Theatre's wonderfully staged and acted revival of last season's critically acclaimed stage adaptation of A Christmas Story. Adapted by Philip Grecian and based on the iconic 1983 movie script by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, all the beloved characters and their wacky situations (yep, that famous fishnet-stocking-clad lamp aka 'a major award' is onstage) are brought to life - and, rest assured, you'll have even more fun than you would hunkered down in front of the TV.

This holiday season, Tennessee Repertory Theatre will once again present the holiday cult classic A Christmas Story adapted by Phillip Grecian and based on the motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has extended its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee.

This holiday season, Tennessee Repertory Theatre will once again present the holiday cult classic A Christmas Story adapted by Phillip Grecian and based on the motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

Nashville theater audiences owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tennessee Repertory Theatre's creative team - led by producing artistic director Rene Dunshee Copeland, scenic and properties designer Gary Hoff, costume designer Trish Clark, lighting designer Phillip Franck and technical director Tyler Axt - for the exceptional production of To Kill A Mockingbird, now onstage at TPAC's Andrew Johnson Theatre, extended through October 30.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre has extended its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

A cast of more than 125 performers took to the stage of the Troutt Theatre at Belmont University to fete the eight members of the 2010 Class of First Night Honorees in a production that featured the best of the best of Nashville theater and included a surprise appearance by Joseph Mahowald, winner of a 1989 First Night Award, now playing the role of Franklin Hart Jr. in the national tour of 9 to 5: The Musical, which opened in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, September 21.

Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler have quickly gained a reputation as Nashville's most accomplished playwriting team and, thanks to their latest effort - the winkingly titled Rear Widow, now onstage at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre - the talented duo have scored their biggest success to date. Rear Widow is a fast-paced and completely entertaining salute to the film noir genre, brought winningly and charmingly to life by director Lauren Shouse and her superb cast of actors (which includes Martha Wilkinson, Jennifer Richmond and B.J. Rowell in addition to the two playwrights themselves).

As Nashville's summer theater season continues to heat up, anticipation continues to grow for September's First Night Nashville Theatre Honors, the revival of the Music City theater gala that will benefit Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and sponsored by Macy's and BroadwayWorld.com. Set for Sunday, September 19, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre, First Night 2010 will honor eight individuals for their sustained and continued commitment to theater in Nashville.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre will kick off its 26th season with its production of To Kill a Mockingbird adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird runs October 2 - 23 at TPAC's Johnson Theater.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre recently announced plans for REPaloud, the popular play reading series which highlights contemporary plays. The first staged reading of the 2010-11 season will be Richard Greenberg's Take Me Out, winner of the 2003 Tony Award for Best Play. REPaloud will take place on August 27-28 at 7:00 pm atTennessee Rep's Rehearsal Hall (NPT Studio A, 161 Rains Avenue).

Tennessee Repertory Theatre recently announced plans for REPaloud, the popular play reading series which highlights contemporary plays. The first staged reading of the 2010-11 season will be Richard Greenberg's Take Me Out, winner of the 2003 Tony Award for Best Play. REPaloud will take place on August 27-28 at 7:00 pm atTennessee Rep's Rehearsal Hall (NPT Studio A, 161 Rains Avenue).

First Night season in Nashville kicked into high gear on Monday night, August 16, as some of Nashville's best-loved actors released their 'inner Tyra' during the First Night Fashion Extravaganza at Macy's Green Hills. Some of the season's hottest Red Carpet Fashions were featured in the fashion show in advance of The First Night Nashville Theatre Honors, slated for Sunday, September 19, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre.

First Night season in Nashville kicked into high gear on Monday night, August 16, as some of Nashville's best-loved actors showed off their 'inner Tyra' during the First Night Fashion Extravaganza at Macy's Green Hills. Some of the season's hottest Red Carpet Fashions were featured in the fashion show in advance of The First Night Nashville Theatre Honors, slated for Sunday, September 19, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre.