nashville

Co-written by Bel Stuart and Emily Dodson, SAYRE: An Original Musical About Spirited Women in the Athens of the South, will take to the stage at Playhouse 615 (11920 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122) beginning Friday, February 28 with shows through March 9. Earlier this week, as the playwrights and cast readied for opening night of this World Premiere production presented by Brand Spankin’ New Theatre, I had the chance to pose a few questions to Stuart and Dodson, as well as two members of the cast—Tameshia Martin and Mandy Moon, for my latest Rapid Fire 20Q. What follows are those conversations.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH PLAYWRIGHTS AND CAST MEMBERS OF SAYRE

RAPID FIRE WITH SAYRE CO-PLAYWRIGHT, BEL STUART

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What can you tell me about the plot of SAYRE?

BEL STUART: SAYRE follows a group of women inspired by the Muses of Greek Mythology during an Open Mic night at the fictional Athena’s, a woman owned metaphysical shop and cafe. Throughout the course of their evening we address women’s and civil rights currently and historically in Tennessee and the critical role Nashville played in those movements. By personifying these struggles we hope to bring a broader understanding to all the ways a woman’s work is never done. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In researching to chat with you all, I discovered there was a reason this show seemed familiar to me. While I didn’t get the chance to see it, it premiered back in 2019, right?  What prompted you to revisit this work and remount it with Brand Spakin’ New Theatre?

 BEL STUART: Emily and I wrote and produced that version in just four months in 2019! The first monologue was written on June 1st and we workshopped it at Centennial Black Box the last week of September with our original cast. The plan was to produce a larger scale version in 2020 as part of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote but the pandemic shut all theatres down. I pivoted to writing/producing a socially distanced filmed theatre piece titled THE MUMU MEMOIRS with Metro Arts and Thrive Funding. Life took over and the timing to pick it back up had just never seemed right until now. Robby, Abby and I performed together in SORDID LIVES directed by Erin Grace Bailey at Playhouse 615 last July. I had spoken to them all then about SAYRE and the regret of it never reaching its potential. Robby approached me to read the original script and produce it this year in conjunction with BSN. We met with Abby to direct and here we are! We all believe it is absolutely the right time and place for the message of this show. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of BSN and the company’s founder, Robert Coles serves as this production’s producer. What’s been the best aspect of having him onboard?

BEL STUART: I think Robby is a great supporter of theatre in this town and is helping to expand the scene with more original adaptations and writing. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As alluded above, the show was co-written by Emily Dodson, who I’ll also be chatting with about SAYRE, so I’m curious to know how you two met and what makes her a great fit as a co-writer?

BEL STUART: Emily and I met at Ladies Rock Camp just a few months prior to embarking on our whirlwind adventure of co-writing the original script in 2019. We realized we had some common threads with people in our lives initially but we operate very differently creatively speaking. We have found this to be a huge benefit as co-writers, however. At the core of what makes us work is our hearts. When you’re tackling the material we present in SAYRE, it is almost impossible to not get emotionally charged or overwhelmed. The stories we tell through these characters are all very much rooted in the women we have been and known in Nashville over the years. Having such a strong natural bond and trust has been the key to success both in our comprehension of our process and our true desire for collaboration with mutual respect and support. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to co-writing the script, you also serve as the show’s musical director. When creating the music for this show, was there a preconceived tone or vibe you wanted to convey or did it morph as you went along developing the story?

BEL STUART: These songs are all written by Emily and myself and they are quite diverse. Some were pieces floating around without a home and some were written specifically for SAYRE. The common thread is that they all were the perfect drivers in the storytelling of these characters. I grew up in and around the music business here and Emily has been a local now for most of her adult life. The songs are so important and it was critical that each character has their own voice. We hope that reflects in their performances. The music is mostly confessional and that takes on different tones through the women you meet in this show. 

RAPID FIRE WITH SAYRE’s MEMORY, TAMESHIA MARTIN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who is Memory to you?

TAMESHIA MARTIN: Memory is QUEEN MOTHER. She is the very reason that creation exists. She is a strong, fierce leader with a creative imagination that paints very vivid, detailed pictures of her life, as evidenced throughout the piece with her specific choice of vocabulary.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Right from the get you not only have a rather lengthy monologue that starts the show, but you also perform SAYRE’s first musical number. Is there a particular piece of dialogue or lyric that you feel perfectly represents Memory?

TAMESHIA MARTIN: In the initial monologue, Memory states: “I am the unlikely mother of multitudes. I am a mystery within myself. Let me define that simply for you. I am my own. And where this is madness, there is magic!” That has to be THE MOST POWERFUL set of lines in the entire show for Memory. She admits to being who she is, flaws and all, DIFFERENT, a PERFECT IMPERFECTION! In other words, she let’s this world know that although I am a bit rough around the edges with some bruising and scarring if you will, that does not define my character. I AM GREAT. I AM WORTHY. I AM A PIECE OF ART. MY PAST DOES NOT DEFINE ME. I AM MAGICAL! POINT! BLANK! PERIOD! And that is not up for discussion or negotiation. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: First monologue, first song…SAYRE also marks your first time to be part of a show mounted at Playhouse 615. What’s the experience been like thus far?

TAMESHIA MARTIN: This experience is very special to me. It has definitely challenged me in a great way, expanding my ability to character develop. I have played several characters throughout my career, but not one quite this robust and spicy! Thanks to Bel Stuart (one of the original authors of SAYRE and music director) and Abby Waddoups (the director of the show), for giving me free range to develop this character through my very on lens. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you weren’t playing Memory, is there another character in Sayre that you’d like to tackle?

TAMESHIA MARTIN: Definitely Memory’s daughter, Mel. She is definitely her mother’s child. She is a representation of leadership, fire and strength as well, but from a little softer perspective. Mel not only holds her own life together, but she keeps the doors of Athena’s open and running after her mother’s death to help all the other women “hold their lives together” as well, in a very private space where they all come to hash out all the CRAZY that life has thrown them. That is an example of a kind human that cares about others……that’s pretty special to me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Memory is the original owner of the cafe, so I want to ask you about the set design and the immersive aspect of the show. Of course your thoughts on this might change once the show opens and the audiences fills those bistro tables, but for now…how do you think having members of the audience right there in the midst of the action might affect the energy of your performance?

TAMESHIA MARTIN: It will only enhance the performance. The audience will feel like an integral part of the open mic night, and that is the very point of Athena’s existence, for everyone to feel welcomed, wanted, included, and in a safe space. Drawing the audience into my world is going to be magical for them and myself. They will definitely leave Athena’s better than they came.

RAPID FIRE WITH SAYRE’s ECHO, MANDY MOON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who is Echo?

MANDY MOON: Echo, in mythology, is an Oread, a mountain nymph. The story of ECHO comes from Hera removing her “voice” due to her suspicions of ECHO consorting with Zeus. Her punishment from Hera was that she could only repeat, or echo, the last words spoken to her. In Sayre, Echo is a late 70s rock goddess (think Stevie Nicks/Ann Wilson energy), who co-hosts with Era at Athena’s. She is a singer-songwriter and a part of the coffee house artist community. She is nurturing, loving, and peaceful, but also lost, but in a beautiful way as an artist. Echo is everyone’s voice in Sayre and shares the stage with the cast throughout the show as a seasoned musician supporting her friends and community.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Echo, as described in the character breakdown, is a singer/songwriter and host of the coffeehouse’s open mic night. As a singer/songwriter yourself in real life, the character seems to pretty much echo (pun fully intended) your own creative path. So I gotta ask, what are key similarities and differences in your on-stage persona in SAYRE and your own personality?

MANDY MOON: Sure. Haha yes, there was pure synchronicity when this part was offered to me in Sayre. I don’t think the production team knew I had experience hosting events, and open mics, and had done so in Nashville until after I accepted the role. Whether is was AAPI events, or events for charity or themed shows. That’s been a big part of my life as a musician and part of the Nashville music community. My real-world persona versus on-stage persona are close but far from each other. Echo and I are similar in how we see the world and want to be supportive of others and “hold space” in the best way for people to come as they are with their artistic expression. In my real-life persona, I do find myself much more sarcastic, dry, and unapologetic with how I show up as a woman and artist. It’s taken years to get here and find my voice. With Echo, while is an incredible musician, is still lost in that pursuit of who she is and how she shows up and speaks her truth. It brings me back to times when I questioned my values and who I was. I think Echo was the woman I was. We all were.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a singer/songwriter yourself, do you have a favorite musical moment in the show?

MANDY MOON: That’s so hard and without giving it away. 😉 I LOVE the sing-a-longs we do with our cast and hopefully at the show, with our audience! The end scene is extremely powerful and I don’t think Nashville is ready for this mic drop. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A quick peek at your show bio reveals you’ve been in Nashville for a decade now. What do you see as the biggest misconception when folks learn that you’re a singer/songwriter in Music City?

MANDY MOON: That I play country music. haha, I play a lot of soul, r&b, and jazz. But honestly, I consider myself a very genre-fluid songwriter. Letting go of what I need to sound like, or be, has given me absolute creative freedom to write more authentically. That also includes stepping into projects that stretch my comfort zone. I love Nashville for always continuing to challenge me. I’m incredibly grateful to Bel, Emily, and Abby for entrusting me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The show is directed by Abby Waddoups. What’s one aspect of Abby’s directing style that you appreciate as a performer?

MANDY MOON: Abby allows us to work very organically and fluidly with our characters’ stories. She is open to change and how we have developed with our role(s). With it being the 1st edition of this production, it’s given us as actors so much runway to develop these characters versus something that already exists. That also includes developing these songs from literally demo inception and arranging parts for each cast member. 

RAPID FIRE WITH SAYRE CO-PLAYWRIGHT EMILY DODSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When I chatted with Bel, I asked her what makes you a great fit as a co-writer, so I’ll ask you the same of her?

EMILY DODSON: We balance each other.  There was an instant authenticity and vulnerability to our relationship that is rare and I think we both knew we had to create together. Bel continues to set a fire under my ass and push me to let go of my tendency towards perfectionism. Co-writing isn’t for everyone and it isn’t always a good fit, but it helps when you find someone who truly sees your artistic genius and encourages you to let it free.  I think we do this for each other.  There’s a lot of competitive energy in this industry, which tends to smother creativity.  Bel and I don’t have that.  We encourage each other to allow our light to shine fully, without restraint or a need to diminish due to jealousy. It’s refreshing and I wish there was more of it in this world. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I also noted that the show was first produced back in 2019. What do you recall of the creative process of co-writing SAYRE?

EMILY DODSON:  It helped that it happened so organically, as if it had to happen and we were just vessels. The process was a bullet train and we were along for the ride, fast tracked, no stopping, and intent on the destination. The words came from our souls, tumbling out like water being released after being dammed too long.  It was our stories, taken from our lives or those we deeply loved. We had to tell them, there was no other alternative, especially with what was happening in our world.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of that 2019 debut, you not only co-wrote the script, but you also originated the role of Melpomene, the owner of the cafe. In this production, Mel is played by Emma Reinbold. Did you offer any advice to Emma as she takes the reins of the role?

EMILY DODSON: Actually, no. I offered support if she needed it, but I wanted Mel to be hers to mold. As a playwright, I write the words and then relinquish them to the director and cast. The actress side of me also considers this to be off limits.  Every production should be at least slightly different because every actor brings a different perspective to the character, otherwise the performance becomes stale. Trying to reproduce someone else’s portrayal has a tendency to lead to canned line readings and forced emotional responses, taking the performer out of being in the moment.  My training at The Atlantic Theatre Company at NYU really emphasized the importance of this and it has stuck with me.  Part of the creative process is finding your own personal connection with the character, making them yours, and having real moments with your scene partners. That’s what makes good theatre.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having sadly missed that original production back in 2019, as I was preparing to chat with you all for this round of Rapid Fire 20Q, Robert Coles was kind enough to share with me the script. Before I even got into the story, I was immediately struck by the description of Athena’s the metaphysical coffee house that serves as the setting in which the action takes place. It’s described as “a welcoming older craftsman residence turned shop that encourages hours of conversations while surrounded by all manner of creative pursuit”. I think I spent a few hours in just such a place during my post-college years. While you’re originally from Virginia, you’ve called Nashville home for the past couple decades. So, I gotta ask…is Athena’s based on any real spot from Music City’s recent past?

EMILY DODSON: For me it’s a combo of places and times, during college it was mainly a coffee shop in the East Village of NYC called Alt Dot. I met many interesting folks there and it lent to a lot of good writing. When I moved to Nashville, I needed to find that space here. I stumbled across the original Bongo Java off of Belmont and it felt like home for me. I’ve been in East Nashville for most of my time in Nashville, not necessarily a coffee shop, but definitely a community vibe that nurtured me. During the creation of Sayre, we spent many an hour at High Garden (sadly lost to the tornado of 2020) and Retrograde.  I think all of them are represented in my version of Athena’s.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after a visit to Athena’s?

EMILY DODSON: That they are not alone in their experiences and feelings. Their power is still there and cannot be diminished or extinguished by someone else.  Your tribe is important. The most powerful thing you can do in life is to tell fear to go fuck itself because it will only keep you caged.  Take the leap, have the hard conversations, open your heart, let your genius shine, be bold and brave, and above all always remember that you….exactly as you are, with all your scars and bruises, are enough.  

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Brand Spankin’ New Theatre’s presentation of SAYRE opens Friday, February 28 and continues through Sunday, March 9 at Playhouse 615. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees beginning at 2:30pm. During the second week of the run, there is a Thursday evening 7:30pm performances in addition to the Friday thru Sunday schedule.

As the above conversations reveal, SAYRE is set in a coffeeshop. Adding an immersive aspect to the show, a limited number of bistro-style tables have been added to the seating configuration. Limited bistro seating for each performance is available for $40/ea with standard general admission seating priced at $25/ea. CLICK HERE for tickets. To keep up with the latest from BSN, CLICK HERE.

Next up at Playhouse 615 it’s Samuel D. Hunter’s The Whale directed by Bowd Beal and starring Playhouse 615’s own Joel Meriwether, with shows March 21-April 6. CLICK HERE for ticket info when it becomes available. For more on the show and to keep up with what’s next at Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

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