Emily Davis News

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.

Disney's Newsies will claim Nashville as their own hometown with a weeklong run at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center beginning Tuesday, Osborne and Eppler's Southern Fried Nuptials takes the stage in Woodbury, and local favorite Geoff Davin unveils his latest theatrical creation - Adamenses Huckster…and there's plenty of theater continuing this week to keep you occupied all week long!

It's the official kick-off to summer, what with the Memorial Day Weekend upon us already - seriously, where did the time go? - and while we're certain your calendar is filled with cookouts, fireworks (we don't save all the sparklers for July 4th do we?) and swimming (if it warms up enough here in frosty Tennessee, where it's in the 50s as I type). But being the theatrical fanatic that we (using either the editorial "we" or the royal "we"…just take your pick) are, we would like to humbly suggest you make your way to the theater in the next few days to get some artistic inspiration.

It's been a busy spring in Tennessee and as we head into summer, you can rest assured that things are only going to get busier - and more interesting. Our advice? Hydrate yourself (drink plenty of water before heading out), dress comfortably (but tasteful) and head out for a night at the theater. You'll be inspired, entertained and possibly even transported to some far-away world of wonder and imagination. 

The weekend is upon us, which means you have just a few hours to figure out a game plan so you don't miss out on all the fun that's happening all around you. We've got the goods on theatrical events this weekend, to save wear and tear on your brain, and we can offer some sound advice: Just do as we say and everything will be fine. Resistance is futile.

The Center for the Arts presents the musical Bonnie and Clyde May 15 - 31, 2015. Frank Wildhorn's electrifying story of love, adventure and the crimes that captured the attention of the country is fearless in its betrayal of the reckless young lovers.

There always seems to be so much to do in Nashville, from a creative and theatrical standpoint, we're often asked for recommendations of what's not to be missed on our calendar. Well, have no fear, gentle readers, we're at your service, at the ready to tell you of the shows you really should see this week and in the coming weeks…

New York City–Art Miami New York, a new modern and contemporary art fair produced by the ownership team of Art Miami, will take place at Pier 94 from May 14 through May 17 during Frieze Week and Spring Auctions. Extending the distinctive Art Miami brand to New York, the fair will feature compelling works of art from 100 international galleries representing nearly 1,200 artists, including modern and post-war masters as well as emergent talent and mid-career cutting–edge artists. The inaugural edition will also present an array of dynamic projects produced in collaboration with Art Miami New York exhibitors and cultural partners.

The Center for the Arts presents the musical Bonnie and Clyde May 15 - 31, 2015. Frank Wildhorn's electrifying story of love, adventure and the crimes that captured the attention of the country is fearless in its betrayal of the reckless young lovers.

Frank Abagnale Jr. can be anything he dreams when he grows up… if he doesn't get caught first! The University of Southern Maine (USM) Department of Theatre and School of Music will present the Maine premiere of the musical 'Catch Me If You Can,' tonight, March 13-22, in Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus.

Frank Abagnale Jr. can be anything he dreams when he grows up… if he doesn't get caught first! The University of Southern Maine (USM) Department of Theatre and School of Music will present the Maine premiere of the musical "Catch Me If You Can," March 13-22, in Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus.

New York's home for the Classics announces its inaugural exploration of what modern language brings to timeless stories. With 12 days of readings and discussions, The Pearl's Resident Acting Company and three contemporary playwrights will investigate the power of language, the fortitude of classic stories, and the tricky role of the adapter in tackling these often-told tales.

Award-winning writer and director Tina Satter, along with her company Half Straddle, re-imagine and re-invigorate cult pop and literary tropes in an effort to trouble and question language and identity. As company member Jess Barbagallo has written, 'Characters in Tina's plays are often on the precipice of a subversive self-discovery, and articulate a sad but liberating and intrinsically queer value: that the self is perhaps never to be discovered, but always to be made.' In Satter's meticulous landscapes, both actors and characters playfully embrace fluidity, feminine agency and subversion. Critics have marveled at Satter's theatricality. Ben Brantley in The New York Times called her work, 'enchanting,' and, 'so very refreshing' while Helen Shaw in Time Out New York declared, 'Satter's Half Straddle company is launching a particularly coordinated goal-line drive to a new feminist form.'

Eight-time Tony Award-winner 'Spring Awakening,' the provocative musical celebration of teen rebellion and discovery, takes the stage for four exhilarating performances next month at the University of Southern Maine (USM) School of Music.

On Sunday, October 5th, Tina Satter and Obie Award-winning theater company Half Straddle will host a benefit gala at The Kitchen to support the company's upcoming world premiere of ANCIENT LIVES (Jan. 2015 at The Kitchen). The party runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, October 5, at The Kitchen, 12 West 19th Street (b/w 10 and 11 Ave.) Kimberly Clark, Bushwick's drag queen DJ with the mostess, emcees and plays throughout the evening.

Eight-time Tony Award-winner 'Spring Awakening,' the provocative musical celebration of teen rebellion and discovery, takes the stage for four exhilarating performances next month at the University of Southern Maine (USM) School of Music.

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head 'Under the Sea' as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. today, August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head "Under the Sea" as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head 'Under the Sea' as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. General admission tickets are $10 regular admission and $8 for active military families and seniors. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended and may be purchased securely on-line at www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com. All shows take place at Columbia Children's Theatre on the second floor of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive in beautiful Forest Acres.

The PEN World Voices Festival is an annual, week-long festival of international literature founded by Salman Rushdie and Paul Auster. This year, the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center will host readings of nine seminal plays from five continents by some of the world's most important and exciting dramatists at their PEN World Voices: International Play Festival.