CHAFFIN'S BARN

Rapid Fire Q&A with 2019 Clash of the Playwrights winner Jenny Wallace and cast members Jenny Norris and Curtis Reed; Wallace’s original farce, ‘Schooled’ debuts at Chaffin’s Thursday and Friday, January 23 & 24

January 23, 2020 by Jonathan

As the venerable theatre has done since 2017, Chaffin’s Barn held their annual Clash of the Playwrights competition midway through last year and announced Jenny Wallace’s Schooled as the 2019 winner. Part of the prize being a full-scale production on-stage at The Barn. Directed by Joy Tilley-Perryman, Wallace’s winning play, Schooled, a comedy farce, centers ‘round high school Principal Ramonda Clark as she juggles a typical day overseeing summer school with the nonstop visitors to her office. Cast in the lead Jenny Norris, a favorite amongst Chaffin’s patrons. Alongside Norris is Curtis Reed—another fan favorite at Chaffin’s—cast as not one, but two fellow faculty members, Yanis, the vaguely foreign science teacher and Crawford Broderick, the eclectic drama teacher.

Not only is the aforementioned Perryman directing, she also appears as three separate characters within the show. Adam Burnett also plays a myriad of characters and Daniel Devault appears as the Dean of Students. Rounding out the cast are Mileah Milstead, Daniel Keith Bissell, Annie Magan, Reyna Troi, and Mike Scott cast as several students, janitors, Parents, delivery guys and more. Aside from his role as the dean, Daniel DeVault is also the show’s lighting director. Other behind-the-scenes assists are courtesy stage manager, Addison Oelze and technical director, Robin Lawshe.

Having grown up with a Mom who was the assistant librarian at my high school, Schooled seems like it might hit a bit too close to home for me not to enlist playwright Wallace and co-stars Norris and Reed for yet another addition of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire Q&A.

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RAPID FIRE WITH SCHOOLED PLAYWRIGHT, JENNY WALLACE

JHP: How did you come to enter Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s Clash of the Playwrights?

JENNY WALLACE: I had wanted to submit a play to Clash of the Playwrights in previous years, but I wasn’t paying close enough attention and missed the deadline two years in a row. This year I had my act together (as much as it can be) and submitted my script, although Schooled is not the script I was going to submit previously.

JHP: How did you find out you had won this year’s competition?

JENNY WALLACE: I think I was on vacation in Florida late in the summer when I got a text from Joy Tilley Perryman telling me I had won.

JHP: Where did the idea for Schooled come from?

JENNY WALLACE: When I teach playwriting to my students, I have them write short plays (5-7 pages) and insist that their plays be set in a school. Every time I teach the unit I vary my instructions just a bit. Each time they write a play I write my own play alongside them, following my own instructions. (To see if they make sense lol.) Some of the vignettes in Schooledwere born from this process, others have some roots in my own personal experience as an educator, and some of them are brand new. At the same time that I was putting the script together, I had the phrase “strong woman” rolling around in my head and it bothered me. That phrase implies that all women aren’t strong. All of the women I know are strong, their strengths just manifest themselves in different ways. So, I decided to make the story about a capable, confident woman just trying to do her job. But Ramonda, the high school principal and protagonist of the play, isn’t perfect. She tries to be all things to all people in her work life, but her relationships with her family sometimes suffer for it. I hope that the audience—especially women—will see some of themselves in her.

JHP: Having appeared in shows at Chaffin’s yourself, how does it feel to know your show is in such capable hands with director Joy Tilley Perryman and her cast?

JENNY WALLACE: I did my first show at Chaffin’s in 1994, and Joy came to the barn shortly thereafter. So, I have known her for a really long time! I am so excited that she is directing the play. She knows both the Barn “style” and my sense of humor, and I think she will marry the two well. The cast also contains quite a few of my friends, actors whom I have worked with, and who’s work I admire. As an actor myself, I tried to write characters that actors would be excited about playing. Joy has put together a fantastic cast and I can’t wait to see the show!

RAPID FIRE WITH SCHOOLED STAR, JENNY NORRIS

“Schooled” star Jenny Norris as Ramonda Clark

JHP: You’re cast in the lead role of Ramonda Clark in Schooled. What can you tell me about her?

JENNY NORRIS: She is like a lot of working moms. Dedicated to her work and the lives of the students she interacts with but sometimes has difficulty juggling it with her family life. She is fair and caring, hardworking and kind. Deep down she is a little jealous of the drama teacher though.

JHP: Many of your co-stars appear in multiple roles within the show. How chaotic does it get remembering who’s playing whom?

JENNY NORRIS: It was at first for sure! And so many people come in and out of my office there were plenty of times when I had no idea what scene was about to happen and just stared blankly at them. But I work with the best of the best and they were always good at saving me when they would see the terror in my eyes!

JHP: What’s your favorite part of bringing a character to the stage from a new work, as opposed to playing a more well-known role with which the audience is already familiar?

JENNY NORRIS: Supporting new works is very important to me so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it. And while I love bringing any character to life with my own version, starting from scratch really gives a unique freedom that I don’t get too often. It’s been fun to take hints from the text and my interactions with the characters my co actors have created to make a real person I feel people will relate to and sympathize with.

RAPID FIRE WITH SCHOOLED CO-STAR, CURTIS REED

JHP: Is there a certain added sense of pride in being part of Schooled, considering you know the playwright?

CURTIS REED: The first show I ever did at Chaffin’s Barn was with Jenny Wallace. I have done several shows with her since. I have a special place in my heart for her and I love the fact that I get to be a part of the inaugural performance of her original play. It’s quite funny, and as someone who has taught in some capacity since the age of 17, I FULLY relate to what happens to the main character in this piece.

JHP: You’ve touched on this a little, but, how exciting is it to be part of a new play as it makes its Chaffin’s Barn debut?

CURTIS REED: VERY! No one has interpreted these characters yet so you get to be the pioneer in a way and trailblaze with how people will see these characters for the first time. You even get the chance to create something so iconic, that the writer might go back and add ad-libbed lines or nuances you created for the character into the script, so it is forever there.

JHP: What can you tell me about the characters you play in Schooled?

CURIS REED: I am definitely a large part of the funny in this show, thanks to how my characters are written by Jenny Wallace. I play Yanis, the indeterminately foreign science teacher who thinks it’s in his best interest to warn the principal that the videos he is watching are of an educational nature….. I don’t want to give too much away. Then I play the very eccentric and out there drama teacher (Typecasting?) where I get to sing at the top of my lungs and be wild and crazy. It’s very freeing and what we have created on stage is sure to please. Of course, having Jenny Norris as your scene partner just makes everything that much easier to experiment and play around.

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Chaffin’s is presenting the World Premiere of Schooled with a matinee performance Thursday, January 23 and an evening performance on Friday, January 24. The Thursday Matinee is a free performance to all industry people. CLICK HERE or Call 615.664.9977 for reservations, ticket prices and more information.

Next up at Chaffin’s is The Barn Dating Game, a live, local twist on the classic TV gameshow on stage for one night only on Saturday, February 1. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. Then, from February 6-29 Chaffin’s will present Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, a musical featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

If you’ve enjoyed this edition of Rapid Fire, CLICK HERE to check out previous conversations. Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Theatre Review: With ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ on stage at Chaffin’s Barn thru November 30, forecast for the magic stage is all-singin’, all-dancin’ with a deluge of talent

November 15, 2019 by Jonathan

If you read my column with any regularity, you know in addition to my love of musical theatre, I also have a penchant for classic Hollywood musical movies, so you can imagine my excitement when I learned Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre was presenting their take on the stage adaptation of Singin’ in the Rain. That’s right…two of my obsessions…1950s musical movies and and all-out tune-filled stage extravaganza rolled into one.

Having seen a simply lovely production of the show in nearby Cannon County at the beginning of this year, and even though Singin’ in the Rain is one of my all-time favorite musicals, second only to the stage adaptation of the seasonal favorite, White Christmas, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect of Chaffin’s take, but from the first notes of the show’s familar Arthur Freed/Nocio Herb Brown-penned overture, as skillfully executed by Chaffin’s musical director and keyboardist, Rollie Mains, woodwinds by Raymond Ridley, Neal Johnson on bass and drummer Dan Kozlowski, any slight trepidations were quickly laid to rest.

The stage version, like the original 1952 feature film, with screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green tells the story of late-1920s silent film superstars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, who have been built up in the press, and by their studio, as romantic leads on…and off…the screen. Truth be told, they ‘caaaaan’t stan’ each other. There’s also Lockwood’s best bud, and frequent piano accompanist who plays the silent films musical soundtracks for the studio recordings, Cosmo Brown. He’s less than enchanted by Lamont and her diva-like ways and seems to always be looking out for his buddy’s romantic future. Further complications ensue with the advent of talking pictures. Not so much a problem for smooth and swarthy Lockwood, but for Betty Boop-voiced Lamont, that’s another story altogether. Enter young, inexperienced chorine, Kathy Selden, having just arrived in Hollywood from the legitimate stage, Selden is biding her time in the chorus until her big break. After a dismal preview of Lockwood and Lamont’s first talkie, The Dueling Cavalier, during which the audience laughs at Lamont’s fingernails on a chalkboard voice, Selden’s big break comes when Lockwood and Brown cook up a scheme to have Selden record her voice and dub it over Lina’s screech.

Fans of the film know it featured an all-star cast of Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Jean Hagen and Debbie Reynolds, so you can image those being some pretty big dancing shoes to fill. To her credit, director Jenny Norris has packed Chaffin’s Singin’ with quite the who’s who of actors, most of whom are familiar to Chaffin’s patrons.

Matt Moran as Don Lockwood in Chaffin’s “Singin’ in the Rain”
(all photos by Michael Scott Evans/Courtesy Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre)

Starring as Don Lockwood, the Gene Kelly role, for those familiar, is Matt Moran, most recently seen on Chaffin’s stage as the less-than-charming Glenn Gulia in The Wedding Singer. While I absolutely love Gene Kelly, especially in Singin’ in the Rain, I have to tell you, from Moran’s first entrance as Don Lockwood, I couldn’t help but notice, his matinee-idol looks and his overall command of the stage. Sorry, Gene, but Matt just might be my new favorite Don Lockwood. With a show full of wonderful tunes and numerous Lockwood-centric moments, Moran constantly shines like the star he’s play. While Moran’s bio indicates he made his stage debut at age eight, I’ve only recently come to know his work, so I knew holding his own against Curtis Reed as Cosmo Brown, Don’s best friend and former performing partner…the Donald O’Connor role in the film…would be a challenge. Spoiler Alert: Moran keeps up the pace and is the perfect compliment to his talented second-banana.

Speaking of Reed, not only is he a great comedic sidekick, and a uber-talented hoofer, he’s also the show’s choreographer. When I first saw the stage adaptation not long after its Broadway debut in the mid-80s, iconic choreographer Twyla Tharp had lovingly crafted dance sequences that paid homage to the original film moves by Kelly himself. Reed, as talented a choreographer as he is a dancer has done what might otherwise seem impossible, finding his own moves nestled smartly between the two, and I applaud that.

Jenna Pryor as Lina Lamont With Kelsey Brodeur as Kathy Selden) in Chaffin’s “Singin’ in the Rain”

Cast as Lina Lamont is Jenna Pryor, one of my theatre crushes, having starred in a variety of local theatre productions ranging from Disney princess, Belle in Beauty and The Beast, to Leslie in American Idiot. Heck, on Chaffin’s stage alone, she’s been seen in a couple of Southern Fried productions, as well as Freaky Friday and Mamma Mia. Sporting a platinum blonde Harlow-eque wig and some form-fitting dangerous curves ahead costumes, courtesy the show’s costumer, Tammie Whited, Pryor perfectly transforms herself into the quintessential not-so-dumb-blonde and I’m here for it. I’m just gonna be honest, I couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear from her first line on.

Rounding out the major players is Kelsey Brodeur as Kathy Selden. The native Atlantan, former New Yorker and recent Music City resident might be a relative newcomer to Chaffin’s, having appropriately made her Barn Dinner Theatre debut as Star to Be in their recent spectacular production of Annie, but Brodeur has appeared in a number of regional productions in and around the Syracuse area where she studied musical theatre and I’m here to tell you, she’s definitely one to watch. As Kathy, Brodeur finds the sweetness of Reynold’s girl-next-door, coupled with just enough sass and smarts to find what she wants and go for it.

From the show’s opening sequence, Fit as a Fiddle, which establishes the longterm friendship of Lockwood and Brown by way of ‘home movies’ projected on screens the roll down from the two corners of the stage to the mid-show literal show-stopping title tune and on to its all-in reprise at the final, Singin’ in the Rain is jam-packed with marvelous musical moments.

Among my personal favorites in Chaffin’s production, first there’s You Stepped Out of a Dream, performed by Moran’s Don Lockwood, complete with beautiful harmonies courtesy an ‘only in a musical’ seemingly impromptu street chorus of passers by. Let’s be honest. Who wouldn’t swoon to a croon from this guy?

Kelsey Brodeur, Matt Moran (and Jenna Pryor) in Chaffin’s “Singin’ in the Rain”

Then there’s my absolute favorite number in the entire show…no, not THAT one…I’m talking about Kathy’s infectious musical entrance, All I Do is Dream of You. It’s sweet, it’s cute, it’s ironic, since she and Don aren’t exactly chummy at this point and with Brodeur’s lovely voice, a kick line of gorgeous ensemble members and Reed’s dynamic choreography, it’s perfect.

Next on the highlight reel is Reed’s guffaw-inducing comic song and dance, Make ‘Em Laugh. Due to the confines of the space, Reed accepts the challenges and reigns victorious in a number filled with slapstick pratfalls, a great tune and some fancy footwork.

With a first act that’s nearly 90-minutes in length (as my sweet mother can attest, it flies by thanks to the fabulousness of the music, the saccharine storyline and the dedication and talent of the cast) there’s one great sequence after another. Beautiful Girls, features Daniel Bissell surrounded by…well…beautiful girls, including ensemble members, and three of my theatre crushes, Christina Candilora, Jenny Norris and Christen Heilman, in an homage to Busby Berkeley and Florenz Ziegfeld.

You Are My Lucky Star, another fan favorite, which ironically wasn’t written for the film, but rather first appeared in Broadway Melody of 1936, is among Brodeur’s most glorious vocal moments. I love that the stage musical restores the intro to the song and Brodeur’s sweet intonations fit it perfectly.

Speaking of perfect, You Were Meant For Me, in which Moran’s Don takes Brodeur’s Kathy behind-the-scenes of the movie studio, is just that…prefect. During this number, our romantic leads trip the light fantastic to more of choreographer Reed’s fancy footwork. With the aide of a large fan, fog machine, some mood-enhancing lighting, a ladder and some movie magic imagination, the relatively empty lot transforms into a balcony scene of love to rival that or Romeo and Juliet…at their happiest. Of course this scene, nor any other could come off as perfectly were it not for the real behind-the-scenes work of properties manager, Joy Tilley Perryman, technical director, Robin Lawshe, lighting designer, Daniel DeVault, audio engineer, Kaitlin Barnett and video courtesy Russ Sturgeon Productions/RSVP. On that subject, in addition to the aforementioned ‘home movies’ seen at the top of the show, RSVP’s handiwork is also seen throughout the production as the audience is treated to several Lockwood and Lamont moving pictures of both the silent and talking varieties, to much delight.

Back to the musical highlights…Reed and Moran team up for Moses Supposes, with Bissell as their straight man during a tongue-twisting, toe-tapping, tap-tastic musical delight, then Reed and Moran are joined by Brodeur for yet another of my favorite musical moments from the piece as they do a little spectacular couchography whilst singing Good Morning. Yes, it’s still my go-to wake-up alarm song.

Matt Moran, Kelsey Brodeur and Curtis Reed in Chaffin’s “Singin’ in the Rain’

This brings us to THE legendary, iconic, stupendous moment of the show…That’s right…Act 1 concludes with the title tune, Singin in the Rain. When I posted on social media that I was attending the show last weekend, a friend, who had seen the original touring production with me back in the late-80s/early 90s, who also just so happens to be a theatre professor/actor and talented director in his own right, commented asking “Does it Rain?” to which I responded, “Does it EVER”.

As if Chaffin’s magic stage weren’t awe-inspiring enough, during the pinnacle moment of this number, thanks to some creative handiwork from Chaffn’s beloved former owner, John Chaffin himself, it not only rains it pours! As Moran’s Lockwood sings the show’s most familiar tune, it rains along all four sides of the square stage. Shoot, director Norris, during her welcoming remarks gave a little warning to audience members seated along the four sides of the magic stage that they might get a little damp, giving a whole new meaning to immersive theatre. Moran amps up the vibe even more by playfully kicking and dancing in the rain, causing it to splash towards those seated nearby, but just like a kid stomping in puddles, no one minded getting a little damp, especially considering the shower of talents they were witnessing. As the song’s lyrics say, “Come on with the rain, I’ve a smile on my face!” True Confession: I was so moved by the spectacle of it all that my eyes might have rained a little too. When the lights came up, my Mom looked at me and asked if my allergies were bothering me. A little embarrassed at just how much I love a great live musical that moves me to tears, I simply nodded yes.

Following intermission, the music continues, but it’s plot that takes center stage as Lina finally clues in to Don, Cosmo and Kathy’s plan to dub her voice. While the second half of the show has it’s share of pleasing musical moments, Kathy’s Would You, Don’s Would You response and Don, Cosmo and company’s Broadway Melody (including the aforementioned mod dance sequence), it’s Pryor as Lina for What’s Wrong with Me that pretty much steals the second act. While Lina is predominately played strictly for laughs with her helium voice, couple with a decidedly east coast, street-wise vernacular, What’s Wrong With Me actually makes the audience feel just a little compassion for the show’s blonde baddie. Just when you’re feeling sorry for Lina, it’s back to laughing at her, thanks to the inclusion of a bit of what I’m naming skip-ography. Again….when Pryor’s Lina is on stage, I can’t stop laughing.

As is the case with any Hollywood musical worth its salt, by play’s end, everything’s tied up in a nice package just in time for the boy to get the girl as they reprise You Are My Lucky Star and the entire ensemble descends upon the stage for one final encore of the title tune.

Kudos to director Norris, choreographer Reed and everyone at Chaffin’s. Time after time, show after show I marvel at how the company seamlessly navigates what is a relatively small, albeit magic stage—yes, it still descends from the ceiling and I’ll never get over the awe of that feat alone.

The fantastic leads, with noteworthy assists from the entire cast—including Greg Frey as movie mogul RF Simpson, Nick Spencer as Rosco Dexter, Daniel Bissell as Production Tenor, Gabe Atchley as Rod, the always brilliant Katie Bruno doing double-duty as both Dora Baileyand Miss Dinsmore, Gabe Atchley as Rod and ensemble members: Seth Brown, Christina Candilora, Christen Heilman, Josh Innocalla, Benny Jones, Bethanie Lyon, Brooke Mihalek and Emmy Peurta—coupled with Reed’s double-duty as choreographer and co-star, all helmed by Norris, who not only director, but also appears on-stage as Zelda Zanders, it’s all a marvel.

Just before curtain on the night I attended, Norris, a veteran of the stage and a favorite at Chaffin’s, informed me that this show marked her directorial debut. With her winks to the gorgeousness of the original film and Reed’s choreo that includes everything from nods to the lush hyper-produced spectacles of the aforementioned Berkley and Ziegfeld, to the inevitable modern dance sequence that’s included in just about every mid-century musical, Chaffin’s Barn’s Singin’ in the Rain is just about as perfect a stage musical extravaganza as you’re likely to see outside of Broadway itself.

Oh, and don’t forget…while I mostly refer to the venue as Chaffin’s Barn, their full name is Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre! Ever since the change in ownership, the dinner aspect has vastly improved, offering patrons who choose the dinner and show tix the choice of either a huge variety of buffet items, or the option to order from their equally delicious ‘a la carte menu.

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s Singin’ in the Rain continues on the mainstage with shows through November 30. CLICK HERE or call 615.646.9977 for reservations.

Thursday matinees begin at 12 noon (doors at 11a.m.), while Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30p.m. (doors at 5:30). Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. (with doors at noon for lunch service.

Thursday matinee tickets are $19 for show only or $27.50 for show and a Box Lunch. (Wednesday matinee will also offer the Box Lunch option). Evening show tickets are $13 for children 12 and under, $20 for youth/students and $35 for adults. Living up to their Barn Dinner Theatre name, Chaffin’s also offers a full buffet option or a la carte menu items for their evening and Sunday lunch matinee performances. Chaffin’s delicious buffet, featuring a choice of entrees (including a veggie option), and a number of side items is available for an additional (but completely worth it) $15.95, while the ‘a la carte menu items (also quite tastily) range in price from $6.95 to $10.95, plus there’s a wide array of desert options to choose from $2.50 to $5.00. CLICK HERE to check out the menu.

While Singin’ in the Rain continues through November 30, A Tuna Christmas begins at Chaffin’s Backstage with shows November 29-December 21, CLICK HERE for tickets or more info. Following Singin’ in the Rain, Chaffin’s will present Sanders Family Christmas on the Mainstage from December 5-21. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. As they always do during the holidays, Chaffin’s will also present a show specifically aimed towards the younger audience as they present Jingle All The Way with Friday and Saturday shows from December 6-21. This special holiday treat is only $10 a person with kiddies two and under admitted FREE. Call the box office at the number above for details or to purchase tickets.

To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Rapid Fire 20 Q with the director and cast of ‘Annie’; at Chaffin’s Barn July 11-August 3

July 11, 2019 by Jonathan

For nearly 100 years, popular culture has had a soft spot for the precocious yet lovable curly-headed orphan girl known simply as Annie. From her 1924 debut as cartoonist Harold Gray’s main character and the star of her own Broadway show, which premiered in 1977, on to 1982’s beloved film adaptation featuring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnette, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters and even popular, abeit less successful redos in 1995, 1999 and 2011, Annie and her wide-eyed optimism remains a positive and uplifting reminder that the sun will in fact come out tomorrow. Well, lucky for Nashville theatre audiences, they don’t have to wait for tomorrow as Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s Annie opens today, July 11 and runs through August 3.

Earlier this week, with the show’s opening only a day away, I had the opportunity to chat with the show’s director, a few of the adult co-stars and both you actresses who’re playing Annie for my latest Rapid Fire 20 Q interview. That’s right, because of the rigors of this tune and dance-filled show, Chaffin’s is working with two youth casts. What follows are my conversations with Ava Rivera and Elle Wesley—the two Annies; Joy Tilley Perryman, the shows director; Galen Fott, who plays Daddy Warbucks; Jenny Norris, who’s appearing as Miss Hannigan and Curtis LeMoine, cast as Rooster.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH CAST AND CREW OF CHAFFIN’S ANNIE

RAPID FIRE WITH CHAFFIN’S ANNIE STAR, AVA RIVERA

JHP: How excited are you to be playing Annie at Chaffins?

AVA RIVERA: I am so thankful to God and Chaffin’s for the opportunity to play my dream role of Annie! This theatre is well known so this is a very big deal for me. I love working with everyone there especially my new friend Elle Wesley. I hope I can someday perform at Chaffin’s in the future!

JHP: What’s it been like working with Rufus, the dog who’s playing Annie’s canine pal, Sandy?

AVA RIVERA: Rufus is one of the sweetest and cutest dogs in the world. We worked real hard together to be a great team. I’ll let you in on a secret, He is the real star of this show!

RAPID FIRE WITH CHAFFIN’S ANNIE STAR, ELLE WESLEY

JHP: What’s the best part of being Annie at Chaffin’s?

ELLE WESLEY: That’s difficult because there are so many fun things! If I had to choose it would be all the friends I have made and the new people I have met. I will always remember the connections I have made with the orphans, Sandy the dog, all the servants, Grace, Warbucks, EVERYONE! That’s the best thing about being Annie – you get to connect with EVERYONE in the cast at some point in the show. We really have fun together and it shows on stage. The smiles and laughter are all very real. It’s a great cast and I feel really blessed to be a part of it!

JHP: Hard Knock Life is one of my favorite Annie moments. Are you enjoying working with the show’s choreographer, Miss Lauri Dismuke and the other orphans during this sequence?

ELLE WESLEY: Oh yes! It’s one of my favorite moments too! I have made such good friends with the orphans especially the ones I have to hate like Pepper, July, and Duffy. And I LOVE Miss Lauri! She is so helpful and encouraging to all of us. She worked really hard with us to make sure that song was really fun for the audience to watch. There are a lot of twist and turns and tricks that are really cool. It’s one of the best parts of the show.

RAPID FIRE WITH CHAFFIN’S ANNIE DIRECTOR, JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN

JHP: With two young actresses playing Annie and two separate youth cast as the orphans, what has the rehearsal process been like?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: We started with the orphans and the Annies a week before the adult cast came on board. We called that week Annie Camp and we had a blast. It really helped make the process so streamlined. On the day of the table read, the orphans were ready to blow away the adult cast with Hard Knock Life!

JHP: If memory serves me, I believe Annie was last mounted at Chaffin’s in 2011. What is it about the show that makes it a classic crowd-pleaser time and time again?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: It is such an optimistic show. It is a feel good story and a rags to riches tale. See also, cute kids! And adorable dogs!

JHP: Which leads perfectly to my next question…They say to never work with kids or animals in show business, yet here you are directing a show about a girl and her dog. How’s that working out for you?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: It is actually going great. I get along well with both those groups, kids and dogs, so here we are.

JHP: As the director, is there a particular scene that you’ve put your particular spin on that you’re especially proud of, or think ‘THIS is MY Annie’ while watching from the sidelines?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I think I do have a distinctive style when it comes to comedy, so there are a couple of scenes, that definitely have my fingerprints all over them, but I am going to let you watch and pick them out!

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE’S DADDY WARLOCKS, GALEN FOTT

JHP: A few days ago, on your social media, you posted your transformation to the clean-shaven, bald-headed Daddy Warbucks. I commented on your post that I had just been talking about you and the role. Kudos to you for going all in on the physical look. Nothing I hate more than someone playing Warbucks with a head full of hair. Is this physical transformation the most extreme you’ve gone through for a character?

GALEN FOTT: The only thing that comes close was going to the opposite extreme. About 30 years ago, right after doing my only other show at the Barn (The 1940’s Radio Hour), I played the Hairy Man in Wiley and the Hairy Man at Nashville Children’s Theatre. Scot Copeland helped me design my wonderful makeup, which included fake full beard, fake bushy mustache, fake long straggly hair, fake eyebrows, and fake nose. I was a shaggy sight! Yet underneath it all — for the show’s final moment when the Hairy Man loses his hair — I had to wear a bald cap, making for an extremely hot performance. Actually shaving for Daddy Warbucks is a much cooler option!

JHP: Because of the dual casts, you are working with two Annies. Let’s play a little word association. In a single word, how would you describe each of your pint-sized leading ladies?

GALEN FOTT: Now, that’s tough. Both these girls are so wonderful, it’s going to be necessary for everyone to attend the show twice so they can see them both. But they do have their unique qualities, and while both girls embody both of these words, if you’re going to pin me down I’ll go with:

Ava — spunky

Elle — determined

JHP: Of course Annie isn’t your only on-stage love in the show. There’s also Grace, Daddy Warbucks’ faithful assistant. Natalie Rankin is playing Grace. What’s she like as a scene partner?

GALEN FOTT: Natalie is spunky, yet determined. No wait, sorry, that’s Annie…ah, Natalie! She is completely amazing. I just saw her in Street Theatre Company‘s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, playing a character as far from Grace Farrell in Annie as you could possibly get. She’s totally believable and compelling in both roles. Natalie wasn’t as familiar with Annie as I was, from having listened to the cast album since I was 13 (and desperately wishing it was called Andy instead). So it’s been illuminating for me to work with Natalie in reexamining the slightly sketchy Warbucks/Grace relationship from a more contemporary viewpoint.

JHP: What’s Daddy Warbucks’ most redeeming quality?

GALEN FOTT: I’d say “open-mindedness”. He’s initially reluctant to have Annie spend the Christmas holidays — he was anticipating a boy orphan — but he quickly grows to love her. A Republican himself, Warbucks is at first resistant to F.D.R. and his policies, but he’s willing to reconsider and work together for the betterment of the country. Single-mindedly committed for decades to making money, he’s still able to reexamine his life and find a place for loving relationships with Annie and Grace. Who knows…maybe one day he’ll reconsider that hairstyle!

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE’S MISS HANNIGAN, JENNY NORRIS

JHP: Last time I attended a show at Chaffin’s, you shared with me your slight apprehension of playing the baddie, Miss Hannigan in Annie. Have you since embraced the villainy?

JENNY NORRIS: Well my nervousness was more based upon the typical portrayal of Miss Hannigan being outside much of what I’ve had the opportunity to play thus far in my career. I wanted to create my own version of Miss Hannigan that served the story but also stayed true to the parts of her I discovered within my own understanding to how this woman ended up cynical, desperate, and unkind, without doing an impersonation of the great portrayals that came before me. I hoped to create a real person, not a caricature and I hope I have done that, villainy and all.

JHP: Do you find yourself going out of your way to be sweet to the young cast members when not on stage camping it up as Miss Hannigan?

JENNY NORRIS: They are easy to be sweet to as they work really hard and are great kids. I think to some extent, I’ve stayed a little more distant bc I want their characters to feel some nervousness onstage in our scenes. I want them to see Miss Hannigan when they see me, not Jenny, even though I would like to give em a big hug when we leave the stage and I have just screamed at them.

JHP: Is Miss Hannigan simply misunderstood? Is there a heart in there somewhere?

JENNY NORRIS: I feel she was raised to believe the way you get ahead in life is to lie, steal, and cheat. She is a romantic that hopes to find love but has been used and tossed away her whole life and that has further solidified her belief that she has to be out for number 1, always. At some point she winds up in charge of all these orphans and its a constant power struggle. In her mind, them versus her. She IS the villain: cruel, selfish, cynical. But there are reasons why she ended up there.

JHP: Of course the optimistic anthemic Tomorrow is the show’s most recognizable number, but the show has several memorable musical moments. Miss Hannigan’s Act 1 number, Little Girls is my personal favorite from the entire show. What can you tell me about working with the show’s musical director, Rollie Mains?

JENNY NORRIS: I love working with Rollie! He is so talented and always attacks everything from the perspective of telling the story first and foremost. He gives you the freedom to develop your character and sing your songs in a manner that fits that character you have created. He gives you important things to consider and guidance when needed, but the lead-way to feel uninhibited in your creativity. But trust me, he will reel you back on in if you get too far out there!

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE’S ROOSTER, CURTIS LEMON

JHP: Rooster is a scamp and a con-artist. Basically the polar opposite of you. What’s it like to play such a rascal?

CURTIS LEMOINE: I love playing the bad guy, especially if there is a comedic aspect to the character! Believe it or not, I have played several notable villains, or villains-by-proxy: Lord Farquaad, LeFou, Joey and now Rooster. Rooster is particularly ruthless though. While Miss Hannigan is looked upon as the main villain, Rooster is the one who decides to do away with Annie while Miss Hannigan shows a moment of remorse.

JHP: As Rooster, your paired on-stage with Christina Candelora, who plays Lily St. Regis. You’re both among my theatre crushes. What’s among the perks of sharing stage time with her?

CURTIS LEMOINE: Christina is a joy to work with! She is not afraid to make bold choices and is a great scene partner to try gags with and physical comedy with. Not to mention, she is an absolute bombshell so I’m quite flattered to be her onstage squeeze!

JHP: Rooster and Lily’s big number is Easy Street. You two share it with Miss Hannigan. How would you categorize this epic musical moment, as presented by you three?

CURTIS LEMOINE: As a kid, watching all the animated Disney films, I was always enamored by the songs that all the villains got to sing. You can argue if you’d like but quite honestly, I think the villains always got some of the best songs in those movies. This is no different. I look at it as a chance for the three of us to have our big show-stopping Disney villain number. And we aim to please! The staging, the choreography, and the added harmonies we have worked out with Rollie Mains are spot on and we cannot wait to share it with a live audience.

JHP: Anyone who knows you, or has had the pleasure of seeing you spark the stage dancing as if your life depended on it in recent shows like Chaffin’s Kiss Me, Kate and Studio Tenn’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, likely knows you’re a skilled dancer and choreographer. On the subject of choreography, Lauri Dismuke is helming that aspect of the show. Can you sneak peek any choreo moments to watch out for in Annie?

CURTIS LEMOINE: I am so impressed with both casts of Orphans that we have! Both Hard Knock Life and Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile are definite numbers to watch out for because those kids are working it! The ensemble in this show is fairly new to The Barn but we have some fabulous movers in this cast and Hooverville is definitely a number that is quirky, filled with character, and is super fun to watch. And of course, we have a lot of my favorite style of dance in this show….. TAP!

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Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s Annie runs through August 3 with performances Thursday-Sunday. Thursday matinees begin at 12 noon (doors at 11a.m.), while Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30p.m. (doors at 5:30). There will be a 2 p.m. (doors at noon) Sunday matinee on July 21. The Thursday, July 25 noon matinee will featuring signing for the hearing impaired, and there will be a Wednesday matinee on July 31 at noon (doors at 11a.m.).

Thursday matinee tickets are $19 for show only or $27.50 for show and a Box Lunch. (Wednesday matinee will also offer the Box Lunch option). Evening show tickets are $13 for children 12 and under, $20 for youth/students and $35 for adults. Living up to their Barn Dinner Theatre name, Chaffin’s also offers a full buffet option or a la carte menu items for their evening and Sunday lunch matinee performances. Chaffin’s delicious buffet, featuring a choice of entrees (including a veggie option), and a number of side items is available for an additional (but completely worth it) $15.95, while the a la carte menu items (also quite tastily) range in price from $6.95 to $10.95, plus there’s a wide array of desert options to choose from $2.50 to $5.00. CLICK HERE to check out the menu. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets or call 615.646.9977 to make reservations with the box office. To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Theatre Review: Neil Simon’s ‘God’s Favorite’ provides retro laughs and surprising thoughtfulness; at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre thru June 22

June 7, 2019 by Jonathan

John Mauldin, Scott Stewart (center) and Jenny Wallace lead the hilarious cast of Neil Simon’s “God’s Favorite” at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre thru June 22. (photo courtesy Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre)

God’s Favorite, now onstage at Chaffin’s Barn thru June 22 may not be as widely known as legendary playwright Neil Simon’s other works like The Odd Couple or his somewhat autobiographical Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound, but when presented by one of Nashville’s favorite theatre companies, especially when under the direction of Joy Tilley Perryman and featuring several Music City favorites among the cast, rest assured the laughs are heaven-sent.

With a plot that heavily borrows from THE Good Book’s story of Job, God’s Favorite swaps the biblical leading man’s name from Job to Joe, Joe Benjamin at that, perhaps a wink to the $100 bill, for you see, Joe is a wealthy cardboard box magnate who’s trust in God and love of his family has showered him with success and happiness.

Set in the 1970s, complete with a perfectly retro wardrobe courtesy Miriam Creighton and a simplistic but groovy set, lighting and overall look from Perryman’s technical team including stage manager Catherine Forman, sound engineer Stephen Platea, lighting designer Austin Olive, set construction by Robin Lawshe and production assistance from Delaying Rizer, the play begins at the stroke of midnight when a mysterious stranger arrives at Joe’s home and reveals that he is indeed God’s Favorite, but that his trust in the lord will be tested unless he renounces him.

While this may not read like the stuff of which a Neil Simon comedy is made, you just have to have a little faith in Perryman and company to deliver the goods. Resplendent with seventies references including nods to The Exorcist, Robert Redford, a hilarious bit of schtick involving a rotary phone and such, the script may seem dated at times, but Perryman takes full advantage, even having her sound guy play a bit of The Exorcist theme between scenes just when things start to go awry for Joe and family.

Leading the cast is John Mauldin, who in the last few years has indeed become a Chaffin’s favorite. As Joe, Mauldin is the perfect embodiment of the ‘everyman’. Jolly and pleased with his happy life, Mauldin’s Joe brings to mind Archie Bunker…if Archie were ever in a great mood. Even when tested with the loss of his business, plagued with aches and pains and the destruction of his home, Maudlin’s Joe keeps his positivity, an aspect I suspect the actor himself maintains in his real life.

Cast opposite Mauldin is yet another Barn Dinner favorite, Jenny Wallace as Joe’s wife, Rose. Having made her Chaffin’s debut three decades ago, Wallace has appeared in some three dozen plays at The Barn. As Rose, Wallace at first seems the typical well-bred, well-off woman, first appearing oblivious to any and all slightly uncomfortable situations around her, but as Joe’s faith is tested, Wallace’s Rose seems to have a bit of a metamorphosis as she comes to also value the importance of familial love over material belongings.

Speaking of familiar love, The Benjamin’s are blessed with three young offspring. Returning for his third and most significant role to date at Chaffin’s is Elijah Wallace as David Benjamin, the family’s eldest son and a bit of a seemingly lost cause. Having enjoyed Wallace in his campily flamboyant portrayal as Charles Nelson Reilly in The Barn’s The Game Show Show during the holiday season, I was happy to see him take on this role. Though peppered with easy-target drunk jokes and pratfalls, the role of David provides some of the show’s most poignant moments and Wallace handles the range of his character with ease and conviction.

Marking his debut performance at The Barn is Ben Woods as Ben Benjamin. Most of Wood’s on-stage time is shared Annika Burley as Sarah Benjamin, Ben’s twin sister. You’d never know these two weren’t longstanding members of the Chaffin’s family, as they fit easily into the comfortable, fun atmosphere. At the top of the show there’s a running gag of young Sarah repeating every line spoken by her father and brother. Under the direction of a less-confident director, this scene—heck, this entire play—could easily play a bit droll and reaching for obvious laughs, but with Perryman at the helm, it’s truly charming and unexpectedly though-provoking.

Speaking of Perryman, in addition to directing, she also appears in the show, playing Mady, one of The Benjamins’ servants. Like Mauldin and Wallace and Wood and Burley, Perryman is also paired with a recurring scene partner throughout the show in the form of yet another Chaffin’s favorite, Charlie Winton as Morris, The Benjamin’s butler. Perryman and Winton are relegated to brief scenes, but as seasoned performers, they make the most of their time on stage and are always a delight.

Rounding out the cast is Scott Stewart as Sidney Lipton, the aforementioned mysterious guest who…Spoiler Alert…is actually a messenger from God…or maybe Satan…I”m still not 100% clear on that. Nonetheless, Stewart, yes, another Barn favorite, is an absolute joy to watch. It’s funny that I mentioned Charles Nelson Reilly earlier in this review…interesting because Reilly created the role of Sidney Lipton in the original 1974 Broadway production of God’s Favorite. For Scott’s Sidney, he goes the nebbish nerdy route, and he does so perfectly, affecting his normally commanding voice to come across a bit more uncertain and nervous. But you gotta love when Sidney is pushed and needs to be a bit more assertive, Stewart belts out a booming line or two that are divine indeed.

As is typical for a Neil Simon play, the jokes come at you at lightning speed, one-liner after one-liner, typically served with a heavy dose of sarcasm and wit, but it’s the not-so-hidden message behind the laughs, the message of faith and family that makes this little charmer worth the watch.

While the plot is outrageous at times and the resolution a bit unbelievable and ever-so neatly packaged within the show’s two-hour run-time, as presented by director Perryman and stars Mauldin, Stewart and company, God’s Favorite will surely be a favorite amongst Chaffin’s patrons.

God’s Favorite continues at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre with shows through June 22. Showtimes are Thursdays at 12 noon, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30p.m. and a Sunday, June 16 matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price from $13 for Children 12 and under and $20 for Youth/Student tickets to $35 for Adults. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Being Nashville oldest continuing dinner theatre, Chaffin’s also offers a few dining options in addition to the show ticket pricing. As always, there’s the buffet option, or patrons can also choose items from an a la carte dinner menu with a full range of starters, small plates and desserts. CLICK HERE to check out the menu.

Up next at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre will be the family favorite, Annie, on the MainStage from July 11-August 3. CLICK HERE for tickets or for more information. To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Rapid Fire Q & A with cast of Chaffin’s Barn’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate’: final performances this weekend

March 8, 2019 by Jonathan

Martha Wilkinson and Matthew Carlton in Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s “Kiss Me, Kate”

Directed by Everett Tarlton, this weekend marks the final two chances for audiences to see Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s wonderfully riotous romp that is Kiss Me, Kate. Full to the brim with Cole Porter tunes, Kiss Me, Kate tells the tale of a diva film actress returning to the stage in a musical stage adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew that just so happens to co-star and be directed by the actress’s ex. Chaffin’s own grande dame of the theatre, Martha Wilkinson stars as the diva with Matthew Carlton playing opposite her as her estranged ex husband.

Since I posted my review of the show opening weekend, it seems appropriate that I mark the end of the play’s run by sharing my latest Rapid Fire Q&A.

Busily juggling starring in their current production and seamlessly moving into directing the debut of their next production, Dan Zimmerle’s biblical musical, Esther, Wilkinson kicked things off with bit of interesting insights concerning returning to a role she debuted on the very same stage some years ago. The conversations continue as I chat with her then and now co-star, Matthew Carlton, as well as Mallory Mundy, Caleb Pless and Timothy Fudge.

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RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH CAST OF CHAFFIN’S BARN DINNER THEATRE’S KISS ME, KATE

RAPID FIRE WITH KISS ME, KATE’S MARTHA WILKINSON

JHP: I understand this production of Kiss Me, Kate might conjure a bit of a déjà vu for you and your co-star Matthew Carlton?

MARTHA WILKINSON: Yes, Matt and I played Lilli/Kate and Fred/Petruchio in 1993 at Chaffin’s under Rene Copeland’s direction. We were too young then but, it’s magical to return to this show with him again.

RAPID FIRE WITH KISS ME, KATE’S MATTHEW CARLTON

JHP: What’s it like revisiting Fred Graham and Petruchio all these years later?

MATTHEW CARLTON: When we did it before, I don’t think I was old enough to relate to the complicated past the characters shared both personally and professionally in the storyline. Now, I understand more fully what a life on the stage can bring and I feel very cozy in Fred’s skin.

JHP: What are you enjoying most about playing opposite Martha in Kiss Me, Kate?

MATTHEW CARLTON: Martha is a true one of a kind performer. Having a close friendship on and off stage for so long, makes working together a joy. We have a pure trust and ease together and hopefully the audience will catch that vibe and be a partner in the fun that we share playing together.

JHP: As Fred, you are not only directing the show within the show, but also starring in it as Petruchio. What’s the best aspect of playing what is essentially dual roles?

MATHEW CARLTON: The writers of this classic show have done all the work and the parallel character traits of Fred & Petruchio are drawn beautifully in the script. It’s a challenging role for sure, with a broad range to cover, but great writing always makes an actor’s job easier.

JHP: Of course you’ve got plenty of actual Shakespearean experience having been seen in a number of Nashville Shakespeare Festival productions over the years. Why does Shakespeare still seem to intimidate some audiences and what about Kiss Me, Kate helps to bridge that gap?

MATTHEW CARLTON: Some folks may have the impression that Shakespeare is too “highfalootin” for the average person but he wrote plays that all the audience members, no matter their status or station, could appreciate and relate to. KMK‘s parallel backstage storyline echoes the relationship and personalities of the main characters in Shrew and illustrates the timelessness of the Bard’s understanding of human nature.

RAPID FIRE WITH KISS ME, KATE’S MALLORY MUNDY

JHP: You’re playing Lois Lane. What’s up with that character name? Do you think Cole Porter was a comic book nerd? After all, the OTHER Lois Lane made her debut in comic book form a full decade before Kiss Me, Kate premiered.

MALLORY MUNDY: Gosh, that’s such a tough call to make. If I wanted to overthink it (which I have a nature for doing), I could guess that maybe it was Porter’s humorous way of nodding at the comic book character. It is my limited understanding that in the comic book, Lois Lane is a more conservative career woman, whereas in this show, she’s far from conservative. One might say she is a career woman, but the type of career and means of establishing that career are contrary to the comic’s Lane.

JHP: Some have said the play and especially its source material are misogynistic. What do you think?

MALLORY MUNDY: Hahaha. Sure, there’s definitely some misogynistic substance in there, but it is most specifically in the source material. I’m probably the worst person to comment on this because, while I do not agree with misogynistic ideals, I am a big proponent of understanding the time and place of a story. There are some cringe-worthy lines within the play, HOWEVER, I think we have done a really tasteful job of presenting the material in a way that absolutely does not celebrate those prejudices toward women. As far as Cole Porter’s script, some might argue that Lois is a celebration of a woman’s sexual freedom. And, if paying attention, one will see that the end of the play is fighting against the ideals seen in The Taming of the Shrew.

JHP: Like your co-stars, you play dual roles, first as the actress Lois Lane and also as Bianca, the character she plays in Shrew. What are the best traits of Lois/Bianca?

MALLORY MUNDY: Lois is such a fun role because she is the ‘ditzy,’ sexy role that is so typical is classic musicals (especially Cole Porter’s). The thing about Lois, though, is that she isn’t the idiot that she could easily be perceived to be. She’s actually very clever, very determined, but uneducated and inexperienced in common experiences.

The best thing about Bianca, for me, is the fact that she’s played by a nightclub performer who has no idea what she is doing as an actress.

JHP: What’s most fun about playing opposite Martha?

MALLORY MUNDY: Jonathan, how am I supposed to choose one?? Martha is the essence of delightful. She’s playful, witty, smart, strong, talented, dynamic, one of the funniest people I have ever known. The weekend I moved to Nashville as a Belmont student, my (now) brother-in-law was playing bass in the band for Johnny Guitar at The Barn. Martha was the first leading lady I saw in a professional show in Nashville. Her strong, quick-witted, brilliantly talented performance wooed me, especially as an aspiring theatre actress myself. I have looked up to her ever since. Watching Martha in rehearsals is like getting paid to take a master class in acting. This isn’t the first show I’ve gotten to do with Martha, but it is the first time I’ve gotten to play the other leading lady with her, and it’s much like a dream come true!

RAPID FIRE WITH KISS ME, KATE’S CALEB PLESS

JHP: Tell me about Bill Calhoun?

CALEB PLESS: Bill is the suave, take chances kind of guy. A heavy gambler always getting involved in things he shouldn’t. He’s paired with Lois and Mr. Fred Graham has given them this new opportunity to preform with him in his big Shakespeare show. However, Bill May cause more trouble than Fred was expecting!

JHP: While Everett Tarlton and Curtis Lemoine are the show’s dance captain and assistant choreographer, your character is a dancer and you, yourself have a background in dance. What’s your favorite choreo moment in the show?

CALEB PLESS: Both Everett and Curtis are such great dancers and choreographers and I’ve had a blast getting to perform everything that they have created. It’s hard to pick a favorite moment but I think I would have to say the end of Another Opening. This song starts the whole show and comes out with such high energy that really sets the whole tone of the performance. There’s something so magical and powerful about seeing the whole cast dancing in sync!

JHP: Bill has an affinity for gambling. In a game of five cars stud with your co-stars, who’d win and why?

CALEB PLESS: While my character is a gambler we definitely don’t have that in common. I have a very telling face! However, I feel that I could probably use that to my advantage and no one would expect that from me. I’d be the underdog that could possibly come out on top!

JHP: Is this your first Chaffin’s show? AND….Bill is dating Lois, meaning you get to share the stage with one of my theatre crushes, Mallory. Are you enjoying playing her love interest?

CALEB PLESS: Yes, this is my first show at Chaffin’s barn and also my first show in my home city of Nashville! I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Mallory is the best! Such a talented performer and wonderful person on stage and off. She is always open to discussing and working through acting moments and is not afraid to try new things on stage. So happy to be sharing the stage with her!

RAPID FIRE WITH KISS ME, KATE’S TIMOTHY FUDGE

JHP: As Harry Trevor, you have mostly Shakespearean dialogue as your character plays Baptista in Shrew, the play within the play . What about the Shakespearean dialogue do you enjoy most?

TIM FUDGE: I’m having fun with the Shakespearean text. In my career as a musical theatre actor I have taken workshops in Shakespearean acting and have auditioned for many Shakespearean productions, but this is the first time I’ve had the chance to perform it. I love researching the meaning of words and phrases to make sure I am clear in what I’m wanting the audience to understand.

JHP: As Baptista, you’re Kate and Bianca’s father. Of course Martha plays Kate and Mallory plays Bianca. Tell me about sharing scenes with these two.

TIM FUDGE: They are both such amazing performers! I have music directed Mallory before, but this is my first time sharing the stage with her and she is a joy to work with. Martha and I have worked together for 30 years (of course, she was just a child actress at the time!), so we have a long history from which to pull. I always love sharing the stage with her!! It is wonderful to feel so safe and secure onstage with these two consummate actresses.

JHP: With a character like Harry, there’s not much exposition. What backstory might you you concoct to get into character?

TIM FUDGE: Yes, we are given very little background on Harry, but I love thinking of him as an actor very much like myself. He’s worked in the theatre his whole adult life with no great financial success, but he is doing what he loves and that’s all that matters to him.

JHP: What about this production, with this company, appealed to you as an actor?

TIM FUDGE: Well, I’ve worked at the Barn off and on for 30 years – as an actor, a waiter, and mostly as a music director – and now under the new ownership, they can offer Equity contracts. I haven’t been able to be onstage here in many years due to my union status, so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to perform here again. As far as Kiss Me, Kate goes, I’ve never even seen it before so it’s a new show to me! That’s always fun!!

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Whether, like Tim, Kiss Me, Kate is a new show for you, or an old favorite, you have two final chances to see this great production at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre with closing performances Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Show tickets are $13 for Children 12 and Under, $20 for Youth and Students and $35 for Adults. As the venue’s name indicates, Chaffin’s also offers a full a la carte menu with items ranging from starters and an all-you-can eat soup and salad bar to meat and side entrees and small plate and sandwich options. CLICK HERE for tickets or call 615.646.9977.

As mentioned above, following Kiss Me, Kate, Chaffin’s will debut Esther,an all-new musical based on the Bible’s beautiful Queen Esther by Dan Zimmerle. Directed by Wilkinson, with choreography by Tarlton, this limited run premiere will take to Chaffin’s main stage March 21, 23, 24 & 28. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Rapid Fire 20 Q with cast and crew of ‘The Game Show Show’; Backstage at Chaffin’s through December 22

December 7, 2018 by Jonathan

In addition to Chaffin’s Barn’s main stage theatre space, where they’re currently presenting Elf: The Musical, Nashville’s oldest-continuing dinner theatre also features a second on-site venue, Backstage at The Barn. Currently on backstage is The Game Show Show: Holiday Edition. As the title suggests, it’s all about the fun of TV game shows. Presented in three acts, The Game Show Show sends up everything from Match Game (’77 to be exact), Judge Judy, To Tell The Truth and even includes a bit of audience participation in a friendly physical competition segment reminiscent of Double Dare…all with a timely holiday slant. If you read my column or follow me on social media with any regularity, you know I’m more than a little obsessed with anything 70s and/or TV, so I knew I just had to chat with members of The Game Show Show’s cast and crew for the latest installment in my recurring interview segment, Rapid Fire 20 Q. In the spirit of game shows (or perhaps because math isn’t my strong suit and I wanted to chat with all seven cast members) there’s actually a Bonus Question, so it’s technically Rapid Fire 21 Q.

RAPID FIRE 21 Q WITH CAST AND CREW OF THE GAME SHOW SHOW

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s “The Game Show Show” cast members Joy Tilley Perryman, Gerold Oliver and Charlie Winton

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN

JHP: You’re directing as well as appearing in The Game Show Show, right? What can audiences expect to see from you?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I wear lots of hats in this show, I am even in the stage manager’s booth at times.

JHP: In preparing for this show, did you do any research by watching old game show clips on YouTube or the Game Show Network?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I grew up on game shows, so I didn’t have to do a ton of research, but I did enjoy watching old Match Game clips on YouTube.

JHP: Who’s your all-time favorite TV game show host?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: Monty Hall

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S JOHN MAULDIN

JHP: I understand you’re stage managing The Game Show Show. The show consists of three acts, the first—a sort of mash-up of Judge Judy and To Tell The Truth, the second—a homage to Match Game ’77 and the third—Reindeer Games…which of these three is your favorite, and why?

JOHN MAULDIN: Yes, I’m stage managing the show but I make an appearance as a special Holiday icon in To Tell the Truth, so since I get to work on stage with this fun cast I would say this is my favorite. However, Match Game will always have a special place in my heart because I watched it a lot as a kid so there is a major kick of nostalgia during that for me. Reindeer Games is also great because it is just pure fun and so audience-centric that there is a great energy throughout the theatre. All 3 make for a fun night out!

JHP: What exactly do you suppose reindeer games are, and why wouldn’t they let poor Rudolph play?

JOHN MAULDIN: I imagine there to be a lot games of tag played by the reindeer, maybe some hide and seek, and there is probably a killer game of capture the flag. I guess there is the fear of the different and unusual from the other reindeer that prevents Rudolph joining in their games. I mean we know that it all works out well in the end. Our diversity is our strength, it’s true. Everyone has something special about them to offer the world and when given the chance they can shine!!

JHP: If you were playing Match Game ’77 and were going for the final match, would you choose Charles Nelson Reilly, Brett Somers or Fannie Flagg?

JOHN MAULDIN: Charles Nelson Reilly hands down. He was just so iconic and identifiable with the show. I don’t know if we would have matched but I’m sure it would have been hilarious regardless.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S CHARLIE WINTON

JHP: As host of the second act of The Game Show Show, I hear you’re channeling a bit of classic Match Game host, Gene Rayburn. What’s one trait of Rayburn’s that audiences can look forward to seeing in your portrayal?

CHARLIE WINTON: Gene was a charming man and always seemed to be having a great time, I am striving for that in my performance.

JHP: You’re also hosting the third act, Reindeer Games, which is full-on audience participation. Should audience members be the least bit hesitant of volunteering to play?

CHARLIE WINTON: I think anyone that likes to have fun and laugh would enjoy playing our reindeer games!

JHP: Like their main stage shows, Backstage at Chaffin’s also features the delicious prime rib buffet with more sides and options than Santa’s sleigh-full of presents. What’s one item on the buffet you could live off of?

CHARLIE WINTON: Prime rib is my favorite! Add a little horseradish sauce…. yum!

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S MEGAN DEWALD

JHP: I hear your Match Game character is a bit like Mary Ann Mobley. TV nerd that I am, of course I know who she was, but you’re way too young to have ever seen her in anything, except maybe a rerun of her late-90s appearance on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (told you I was a TV nerd)…in the spirit of this all-game show themed Rapid Fire…Tell the Truth…did you have to look her up to figure out how to approach this character?

MEGAN DEWALD: I absolutely had to look her up, and when I did, I was blown away by her beauty and her precise diction, although in my research I discovered she tended to drop the ending “k” in words like “think”. She’s been a blast to emulate.

JHP: You’re also playing Vixen, the Gift Exchange Host. What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received that you either re-gifted or returned? (It’s ok, you can tell me…hardly anyone reads these interviews anyway)

MEGAN DEWALD: My Mimi, bless her heart, gifts me an overpriced plastic bracelet every year. They look like they have been made from colored newspaper and dipped in clear coat, then embellished with tarnished studs. Totally not my style, and they are so large that they fall off my wrists. I have a small hoard of them in my jewelry box that I regift occasionally. I don’t have the heart to tell her that I hate them because it’s the thought that counts. Don’t rat me out!

JHP: Who among your cast is most likely to get tickled by an audience member’s response and break out into uncontrollable laughter?

MEGAN DEWALD: Ha! It would definitely be me. I’m easily tickled, and I love to laugh. I tend to snort when I laugh, which makes others around me laugh, and their laughter makes me laugh harder. It’s a vicious cycle.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S GEROLD OLIVER

JHP: Tell me about your role(s) in The Game Show Show?

GEROLD OLIVER: I play a few different Characters. I play a caricature of Byrd (the bailiff) from Judge Judy in the first act, the late great poetic comic Nipsey Russell in the second act, and I play myself in act three!

JHP: From what I know, The Game Show Show is mostly improv. How much fun is that?

GEROLD OLIVER: One of my worst nightmares is breaking character on stage and laughing during a performance. I get to live my nightmare with some of the funniest people I’ve ever had the chance to perform with!

JHP: What is it about games shows that audience find so enticing?

GEROLD OLIVER: I’m sure it’s the prizes. There aren’t too many better feelings in the world that are more uplifting than walking in a place with nothing and walking out with something that you earned.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S KARI CALDWELL

JHP: I hear you’re parodying Judge Judy as Judge Trudy in Act 1’s To Tell the Truth sendup. While she’s not exactly a game show, she’s definitely a daytime TV icon. Which cast member should you never play To Tell the Truth with?

KARI CALDWELL: This is a tough one. All of my fellow cast mates are Naughty Little Liars. So, I guess I will have to go with Joy. I always take her so seriously she could probably pull the wool over my eyes.

JHP: I understand you also appear in the Match Game segment as a flamboyant character that might remind the audience of Joanne Worley. Full Disclosure…she’s one of my favorite game show panelist of all time, so I can’t wait to see your take on her. What’s the best part of channeling someone like her for a character?

KARI CALDWELL: I’m really old so I knew who Joannne Worley was without having to look her up but I still watched Match Game and tons of Laugh In snippets. She cracks me up. It has been a delight to play a big mouth goofball. I might have been type cast!

JHP: If you could produce a new TV game show, what would it be called and what would the premise be?

KARI CALDWELL: All contestants would wear a disguise on I Mustache You A Question and go into businesses and ask for a service they may or may not offer. The contestants are judged on their ability to carry out the charade with the people in the business and dedication to their disguise.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE GAME SHOW SHOW’S ELIJAH WALLACE

JHP: From what I know, you’re Match Game character is a parody of Charles Nelson Reilly. Which is sort of a conundrum because wasn’t Charles Nelson Reilly a bit of a parody of everything outrageous and over the top?

ELIJAH WALLACE: He really was quite a character. He did everything on the show from wear hats all the time to hide his baldness and not wearing socks or pants on stage to being flown in with a hawk in his hand and feathers in his mouth. He liked making a scene as most theater people do.

JHP: If you were a contestant on the old school Hollywood Squares and you could chose either Paul Lynde or Rose Marie for the win, which one would you choose? (Dear Reader, Go ahead, Google them if you need to….I’ll wait)

ELIJAH WALLACE: I think Paul Lynde since he played Mr Macafee in the movie, Bye Bye Birdie and he was just so quirky and fun which would match my style. I think we would have gotten along great!

JHP: I understand you also play Tiny Tim in the To Tell the Truth segment. Please tell me it’s not just the God Bless Us Everyone, but also the ukulele-playing, tulip-tiptoeing 60s singer. Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

ELIJAH WALLACE: It is wishful thinking unfortunately, but I don’t think the Tiny Tim that I am is quite traditional either. He has some nice surprises up his bedraggled sleeves! You’ll have to come see the show to fully understand what I mean!

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From my conversations with the cast, it’s evident it will be a fun time, indeed, so, dare I say it…Come on Down! as The Game Show Show continues Backstage at Chaffin’s Barn through Saturday, December 22. Evening performances are Thursdays-Sundays, December 6 thru 22 at 7:30 p.m. Remaining matinee tickets are available Thursday, December 6 at 12noon, Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, December 12 & 13 at 12noon, Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, December 20 at 12noon. Thursday Matinee Show Only tickets are $19. (Patrons can also bring their own sack lunch, with drink options available for purchase. Thursday Matinee and Box Lunch tickets are $27.50. Box Lunch service begins at 11 a.m with Thursday matinees beginning at 12noon. Sunday Matinee and Evening Performance Only tickets are $35/adults or $16/children 12 and under. Dinner and Show—which includes the aforementioned delectable full prime rib buffet—tickets are $60/adults or $30/youth/students. Sunday buffet service begins at 12noon until 1:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 2 p.m. Dinner service for evening performances begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. curtain. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets, or for more information.

To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Theatre Review: Don’t be a Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins! Go see Sparklejollytwinklejingley Chase Miller’s performance as Buddy in ‘Elf: The Musical’ at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre thru December 22.

November 23, 2018 by Jonathan

Chase Miller lights up the holidays at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre as Buddy in “Elf: The Musical” (photos by Michael Scott Evans/courtesy Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre)

Dear Santa, I have a confession to make. I’ve never seen Will Farrell’s 2003 holiday hit, Elf in its entirety. Confession Number 2: After seeing Chase Miller in Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s current production of Elf: The Musical, based up on the film, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin with book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, I fully realize that just might make me a Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins.

One final confession. I’ve never been a huge fan of Farrell. After seeing Chase Miller starring in Chaffin’s Elf, I am fully convinced there’s no way in the world Farrell’s performance could hold a candle to Chase Miller’s. As I mentioned when I interviewed Miller and his fellow cast mates for a recent installment in my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20 Q, with his perfect comedic timing, unabashed joy and contagious optimism, Miller was obviously born to play this part.

From the moment Miller literally and figuratively leaps upon the stage, his portrayal of Buddy warms the heart with laughter, as he sets out on his journey from the North Pole to Manhattan in search of his father. As Santa himself—fabulously, slightly caustically played by Brian Russell—reveals in clever, albeit thinly-plotted exposition…when Buddy was an infant, he crawled in to Santa’s sack, but went unnoticed until Santa returned to the North Pole where Buddy was adopted as one of Santa’s elves. After 30 years of thinking he was just a very tall elf, Buddy overhears the truth…that he’s human. He then sets out on his journey to find his real father.

As mentioned previously, I’ve not seen the entire movie, but I’ve seen enough clips and random scenes over the years as the film enjoys annual holiday airings to know that Miller’s Buddy isn’t simply a mimic of Farrell. To me, Farrell’s films frequently suffer the same fate of most Saturday Night Live skits….they just don’t know when to stop. Fortunately, Miller doesn’t have that problem. Miller’s wide-eyed childlike approach to the character is entertaining from first bounding onstage to his last hug. An actor of lesser skill could easily get lost in the role, reducing it to foolishness, but Miller’s Buddy is infectiously enthusiastic in his dream of forging a relationship with his father, so much so that he not only elicits uproarious laughter along his journey, but a genuinely sweet moment or two.

You just gotta love this show from the get. Costumer Miriam Creighton has done a splendid job of designing and constructing jolly holiday attire. Adding a bit of humor to the elven magic, ensemble members portraying elves walk on their knees—which are fitted with elf shoes, of course. Add to that Everett Tarlton’s clever choreography, Martha Wilkinson’s direction and Rollie Mains’ as music director, and you’ve got the makings of a Christmas musical guaranteed to deliver the holiday goodies.

Speaking of Tarlton’s choreography, show opener, Christmastown’s uplifting positivity perfectly mirror’s Buddy’s persona. The elf-ography in that number indeed made my belly jiggle like a bowl full of jelly. Sparklejollytwinklejingley’s frenetic fun as Buddy tries to convince some jaded department store elves to take pride in their work, continues the Christmas mood perfectly. On that note, Katie Gant’s lighting design indeed shines the light on the festive fun as the set glistens like any given Main Street across the country during the holiday season.

Act 2’s Fosse-esque Nobody Cares About Santa featuring a few less-than enthusiastic Santas including Austin Olive, David Ridley, Christian Redden and Tarlton, becomes a jazz-hot surprisingly sultry Santa sequence. That leads into an equally seductive Never Fall in Love featuring Christina Candelora lamenting love in the saddest/sexiest Christmas number since Rosemary Clooney’s White Christmas torch song, Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me—and that’s quite a feat, considering she’s singing about falling in love with an elf.

Gotta also mention Tarlton’s set design. Spoiler Alert: When the Christmas tree lowered from Chaffin’s loft (YES, the fabulous mechanical stage that lowers from above is BACK), my Mom leaned over and whispered, “that the kind of tree everybody needs”. It always amazes me with relatively limited performance space, Chaffin’s somehow manages to utilize every inch of stage, packing fully, gorgeously choreographed numbers from large casts who frequently, seamlessly, move set pieces to and fro in equally choreographed moves, so much so that the audience is barely aware. Just another example of the well-oiled machine that is Chaffin’s.

As per usual for Chaffin’s productions, the cast is top-notch. Grey Frey, a favorite at Chaffin’s, plays Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s Dad, and he does so with a perfect balance of businessman agitation and overwhelmed family man. The aforementioned Candelora is Jovie, a less-than-jovial department store elf, who soon becomes the object of Buddy’s affection. A fan pf Candelora’s for a few years, any chance to see her on stage is a joy indeed. Jessica Holtan, making her Chaffin’s debut, plays Emily, Buddy’s human step-mom. She’s perfect as the put-upon wife, who still sees a bit of practical magic in believing in the spirit of the holiday. Seth Barrett, who recently appeared as Les in Chaffin’s Newsies, plays Michael, Buddy’s younger brother who, thanks to his workaholic dad, doesn’t exactly believe in Santa. His scenes with Miller as his older brother ring true to those of us who look up to our older siblings no matter how different we may be from them.

Another notable cast member is Vicki White as Deb, Mr. Hobb’s busy-body secretary, who initially finds Buddy In The Way, but soon warms to him like a cup of hot coco on a frosty morn.

The aforementioned Russell not only plays Santa, but also Mr. Greenway—Buddy’s father’s Scrooge-like boss. Russell’s Santa is played with a decidedly curmudgeonly wink to dry-witted Bob Newhart, who played Papa Elf in the film, also gets the chance to totally turn up the crankiness in the dual role of Mr. Greenway. When I spoke with Russell for my recent all-Elf Rapid Fire 20 Q, we chatted about the fact that Russell’s involvement in Elf marks a bit of a homecoming for the actor, who got his professional theatrical start at The Barn Dinner Theatre nearly forty years back. While Chaffin’s patrons may also recognize Russell for frequently working as one of the waitstaff during the dinner portion of the shows, and Nashville theatre patrons certainly recognize him from productions all across Nashville, it’s been nearly 20 years since Russell has been seen on stage in a Chaffin’s production.

Heck, the entire ensemble, including Christen Heilman, Cassie Donegan, Matthew Hayes Hunter, Melissa Silengo, Jenny Norris, Colin Bevis, Myka Pacheco and Gabe Pacheco, is fabulous. Whether playing elves, harried shoppers or over-worked office drones, each member of the cast approaches their various roles with enough minute attention to detail, movement and expression to garner their own attention from the audience from time to time.

Predictable? Sure. Adorable? Undeniably. Infectiously fun and certain to get you in the mood for the holidays? Absolutely. Elf: The Musical continues through Saturday, December 22. As the venue’s name would imply, in addition to the show itself, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre also offers a delicious buffet-style dinner along with the show. Throughout the run, Elf will be presented Thursdays at 12noon and 7:30p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 7p.m. Additional showtimes include matinee performances on Wednesday, November 28, December 5 & 12 at 12noon, and Sunday, December 9 & 16 at 2p.m. Tickets for Evening performances and Sunday matinees include the full buffet dinner option with Dinner and Show tickets priced at $60 for Adults & $30 for Youth and Students or Show Only tickets available for $35 for adults & $16 for Children 12 and Under. Matinee tickets are available with the option of a Box Lunch for $27.50, or show only for $19.00. For Wednesday and Thursday matinee performances, Doors Open at 11a.m. for Box Lunch patrons, with the show beginning at 12noon. For Sunday matinees, Doors Open at 12noon with buffet service until 1:30p.m. and showtime at 2p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, Doors Open at 5p.m. with dinner service from 5:30p.m.-7p.m and Curtain at 7:30p.m.

Fair Warning: Chaffin’s Christmas shows inevitably ALWAYS SELL OUT, so get your tickets today. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 615.646.9977 (ext. 2) or 1.800.282.2276. You can also CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online.

The holiday fun keeps coming at Chaffins with The Game Show Show: Holiday Edition in their Backstage Theatre space, with weekend performances November 23-December 22. CLICK HERE for more information.

To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Rapid Fire 20 Q with cast of Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s ‘Elf: The Musical’; on stage thru December 22

November 17, 2018 by Jonathan

Earlier this weekend, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre opened their production of Elf: The Musical, thus christening the unofficial start of Nashville theatre community’s Christmas Season. In anticipation of opening weekend, I recently had a chance to chat with several members of Chaffin’s cast for my latest Rapid Fire 20 Q. Seeing as how the holidays are upon us, I’ve taken the liberty to not only include fun information about the show, the actors’ performances and such, but to also ask them about their own holiday traditions, memories and hopes.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH THE CAST OF CHAFFIN’S BARN’S ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

RAPID FIRE WITH CHASE MILLER, BUDDY HOBBS in ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

JHP: Alright, I just have to tell you, when I heard you had been cast as Buddy, I immediately thought…’genius casting’. Has playing Buddy become an unexpected dream role?

CHASE MILLER: Well first of all, thank you so much! That’s incredibly kind. I remember when the show opened on Broadway back in 2010 thinking what amazing fun it would be, and now it’s real life! Playing Buddy is most definitely a dream, not to mention a whole lot of fun. The antics…the unadulterated joy…He really is a gift.

JHP: What’s one aspect of Buddy that you’d like to incorporate more into your own personality?

CHASE MILLER: One of my favorite things about Buddy is his fresh set of eyes on the “real world.” Sure, that leads to some comic cases of misunderstanding now and then, but it also allows Buddy to approach every bit of the world with an open heart and an open mind, because he doesn’t know any better. With the world being what it is these days, it’s hard not to lose a little faith in humanity, but Buddy would never dream of it. He has an innate ability to hone in on the good in people, and that’s a great reminder for me to make sure I’m putting enough love and kindness out into the world, whether I expect to get it back or not.

JHP: What’s your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

CHASE MILLER: Christmas is always a source of amazing memories for me, but if I had to choose I think “Decorating Day” would be my favorite as a kid. Usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’d stay in our pajamas the whole day, blast Christmas tunes through the entire house, and we wouldn’t stop until everything was finished. Tree, lights, decor, the whole bit. Decorating for Christmas in my PJs is still one of my all-time favorite things.

JHP: The show is full of memorable scenes. What’s your favorite?

CHASE MILLER: Gosh, that’s a toughie… There are so many good ones! One that thoroughly tickles me though is when Buddy apologizes for shoving 11 cookies into the DVD player. I love playing through that scenario in my head. The thought of Buddy seeing the DVD player and 1. Assuming it was built for cookies, 2.Trying ten other times with ten other cookies, and 3. Even though the previous ten were a total bust, going in with that eleventh cookie. THAT’S the one to determine that maybe… just maybe… it wasn’t built for that. It makes me laugh every time I think about it.

RAPID FIRE WITH CHRISTINA CANDILORA, JOVIE in ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

JHP: You play Jovie. What can you tell me about her?

CHRISTINA CANDILORA: She’s a tough broad. A little depressed when it comes to Christmas. She’s hard on herself because she’s a bit jaded by men. Having been on her fair share of bad dates she’s weary about going on a date with a guy she might actually like. I think she’s got some

walls built up, thankfully buddy breaks those down.

JHP: How much fun are you having sharing the stage with Chase as Buddy?

CHRISTINA CANDILORA: I don’t think I can properly put into words how much fun I’m having with him! I have so much love and respect for him. He makes me laugh…all the time. He’s so perfect in this role. It’s an utter delight getting to bring these characters to life with him.

JHP: What’s one Christmas tradition you have with your own family that you love?

CHRISTINA CANDILORA: Christmas Eve dinner. I come from a big Italian Catholic family, so we do a thing called “The Feast of 12 Fishes”..all day long. We eat and drink and eat and drink some more! It’s a continuous amount of food with lots of laughs and love.

JHP: Chaffin’s Artistic Director, and the show’s director, Martha Wilkinson recently posted to social media that Everett Tarlton, the show’s choreographer, was quoted as saying the choreography is “very Fosse meets Sesame Street” why is that an accurate description?

CHRISTINA CANDILORA: Hah! I actually wasn’t there when that was said. However, I can see what he means by that. We are using a lot of imagination with this show. Everett’s choreo is always fierce, but it has fun child like feel added to it this time round. For example, Melissa Silengo and Everett become a puffin and a walrus at one point if that gives you an idea of the Sesame Street fun.

RAPID FIRE WITH SETH BENNETT, MICHAEL HOBBS in ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

JHP: Since holiday games are fun…Here’s a word game for you…How would you describe Michael in five words?

SETH BENNETT: If I was to describe Michael in five words they would be insightful, deprived, passionate, warmhearted, and honest.

JHP: Michael doesn’t believe in Santa. Tell me one reason why we should all believe in Santa.

SETH BENNETT: I think we should all believe in Santa because he inspires us to try and be kinder and more compassionate to others around us, which I think we could all use a little more of.

JHP: What makes Elf such a great holiday musical?

SETH BENNETT: Elf is such a great musical for the holidays because it is so lighthearted and warm. It is extremely humorous and even watching Buddy the Elf just makes people smile.

JHP: Do you prefer snow on Christmas or a bit of warmth and sunshine?

SETH BENNETT: Personally, I much prefer snow on Christmas rather than sunshine. Although I love being outdoors and in the sun, I feel like the snow just adds something special on Christmas. Also one of my favorite family memories involves playing in the snow, so it will always have a special place in my heart.

RAPID FIRE WITH GREG FREY, WALTER in ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

JHP: How would you describe Walter?

GREG FREY: I think, like so many men, Walter is just misunderstood. He’s the George Bailey, Bob Wallace, Luther Krank and other infamous Scrooge like characters that remind us that without hope and the child like ability to ‘believe’ humanity is lost. At his core he is a good guy and loves his family, but allowed himself to get trapped in the American dream and things that truly are not important!

JHP: Aside from Elf, of course, what’s your favorite Christmas movie?

GREG FREY: That’s a tough one with so many good one out there! Much depends on my mood and need for either nostalgia or a laugh. Let’s just say a Christmas season does not go by without me watching White Christmas or Christmas with the Kranks!

JHP: Peppermint bark or candy canes?

GREG FREY: For taste alone, probably Peppermint bark…. but Christmas memories usually win out with me, and candy canes are tried and true. Whether topping a tree, crushed and sprinkled on candy cane cookies, inserted in some coffee or a cup of hot chocolate (or just your mouth), candy canes are a winner!

JHP: As a kid, was there one Christmas toy you cherished above all the others?

GREG FREY: Fortunately, I don’t remember getting too many ‘duds’ as a kid. One gift that brought hours, days, years of enjoyment for me were roller skates. These were not the type you get when you rent some at the local roller rink (do those still exist?) but were metal frames that clamped around your toes and strapped around your ankle to what ever shoe you chose to wear. Primitive, yes, but oh so fun! We had a huge finished basement with tons of room for circling forever with our 45’s blasting away on my sister’s little portable record player! Memories like that, along with my own family treasures, keep the Christmas Spirit alive for me year round!

RAPID FIRE WITH BRIAN RUSSELL, SANTA CLAUS in ‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’

JHP: You’re playing Santa Claus as well as Fulton Greenway. How much fun is that?

BRIAN RUSSELL: Santa’s a hoot in this script. Yes, he’s sentimental; and yes, he’s jolly. but he’s also a college football fan with a taste for single malt cocoa, if ya know what I mean. Knowing this was the Bob Newhart Elf role adapted from the movie also makes playing the droll lines a whole lot easier. Besides, with my very tall and very mean Greenway, I get my daily karmic balance in spades.

JHP: In a recent Facebook post, you shared that you got your start as a professional actor at Chaffin’s nearly 38 years ago and that it’s been nearly two decades since you last appeared on stage at The Barn. What’s it like being back?

BRIAN RUSSELL: Now that we’re open, I’m guessing I’ll have a little more time to ponder this question for real. Since waiting tables there is also my one of my “Burger King” jobs, driving there and being in the building has not been all that much different (rehearsals tend to keep one hopping and not musing). I guess when the memories actually begin to hit me is when I’m viewing from an old actor’s eye the photos on the wall from our past shows, remembering the amazing times with great productions and great friends that I’ve had when I could work there, and feeling the loss of the beautiful friends and colleagues that have since passed. I started this vagabond life out there with a load of energy and a full head of hair, so the chance to come back is truly indescribable. And I am GRATEFUL!

JHP: A follow-up question in reference and reverence to your lengthy career on stage. Any advice for the new kids in the show?

BRIAN RUSSELL: Advice, eh….if this nutty, crazy business is your passion, if you can’t really see yourself doing anything BUT this as a career, follow that dream and do everything you can to accommodate that passion. Above all, don’t fear unemployment….heck, nothing in Nashville lasts more than 10 weeks, so being out of work is a given. Find your way to comfort and career fulfillment despite that pesky notion no work and make yourself as marketable as you can…..triple threats work A LOT!!!

JHP: Just between you and me…who among the cast is likely to wind up on the Naughty list?

BRIAN RUSSELL: Well, Martha natch. Thinking the band is probably on that list permanently as well….

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Elf: The Musical opened Thursday, November 15 and continues through Saturday, December 22. As Nashville’s longest-running Dinner Theatre, in addition to the show itself, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre also offers a delicious buffet-style dinner along with the show. Throughout the run, Elf will be presented Thursdays at 12noon and 7:30p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 7p.m. Additional showtimes include matinee performances on Wednesday, November 28, December 5 & 12 at 12noon, and Sunday, December 9 & 16 at 2p.m. Tickets for Evening performances and Sunday matinees include the full buffet dinner option with Dinner and Show tickets priced at $60 for Adults & $30 for Youth and Students or Show Only tickets available for $35 for adults & $16 for Children 12 and Under. Matinee tickets are available with the option of a Box Lunch for $27.50, or show only for $19.00. For Wednesday and Thursday matinee performances, Doors Open at 11a.m. for Box Lunch patrons, with the show beginning at 12noon. For Sunday matinees, Doors Open at 12noon with buffet service until 1:30p.m. and showtime at 2p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, Doors Open at 5p.m. with dinner service from 5:30p.m.-7p.m and Curtain at 7:30p.m.

In addition to Elf, Chaffin’s will also present a special children’s show, All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, with morning matinees at 11a.m. Fridays & Saturdays from December 7-22. CLICK HERE for tickets.

To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

Minnie Pearl musical debuts at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre; limited run continues through September 13

September 7, 2018 by Jonathan

Melissa Silengo as Cousin Minnie Pearl (photo by Michael Scott Evans/courtesy Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre)

For their Thursday, September 6 matinee, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre unveiled the World Premiere musical, Minnie Pearl: All the News from Grinder’s Switch”, penned by Belmont University Professor of Music Business, Dr. Don Cusic. Directed by Chaffin’s own Joy Perryman, the musical examines how Sarah Cannon came to create her beloved character, Cousin Minnie Pearl, a staple on both Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry and the long running CBS television series Hee Haw. From her first “HOWDEE” on WSM radio’s Opry broadcast in 1940, until her final appearance a half a century later, Cannon’s Minnie Pearl made her mark as one of our nation’s premiere female comedienne. Minnie Pearl: All the News from Grinder’s Switch continues it’s limited run through September 13.

Fresh off her return engagement as Mother Superior in Sister Act, Chaffin’s Artistic Director, Martha Wilkinson appears as Sarah Cannon as she reveals the genesis of Cousin Minnie. Melissa Silengo, who just closed her role as Katherine Plummer in Circle Players’ brilliant production of Disney’s Newsies, will play Cannon’s on-stage alter-ego, Minnie Pearl. Of her two leading ladies, Perryman said, “Both of these talented women are incredibly gifted in the same ways as Minnie Pearl. They both have the comedic chops to land a joke squarely on target and both sing like nobody’s business!” Of the duo’s musical talents (to which I too can attest), Perryman continued, “The duet that ends Act 1 might just prove to be the biggest showstopper this year”.

On playing Cousin Minnie, Silengo exclaimed, “I am so honored to have the chance to play such a well-loved Nashville legend”. Addressing the familiarity of the character, Silengo continued, “It seems everyone knows Minnie Pearl to some degree, even if it is only her price tag, and I am excited to get to know her from the inside out”. Noting more than a passing physical resemblance to Queen of Cornpone, she revealed, “A few times, people have said I reminded them of Minnie Pearl, and I always took it as a complement”. “Hopefully, I will remind people of her in the show”, noted the young Minnie co-star.

When asked about her involvement in the show itself, Silengo gushed, “I am so excited to do this show with a super-talented cast and Joy Tilley-Perryman directing at the Barn, where I know audiences will eat it up (along with the buffet). Joy knows comedy so well, especially the Southern variety, and I trust that she can help me craft my performance with the timing and whit that Minnie Pearl deserves.” Borrowing one of her character’s trademark phrases, Silengo concluded, “I’m just so proud to be here!”

As Silengo mentioned, Cannon’s Minnie Pearl was known for wearing a straw hat brimmed with flowers and a still-present price tag. Country comedy aficionados can quickly tell you that price tag read $1.98. Legend has it, Cannon simply forgot to take the tag off before wearing the hat onstage, but thanks to her quick-wit, she cleverly worked it into her routine and decided the tag would stay. While Cousin Minnie Pearl was known for the aforementioned straw hat (tag included), she also quickly developed a signature style that usually included a gingham print dresses, complete with frilly pantaloons, white stockings and black Mary Janes.

In addition to Wilkinson and Silengo, Minnie Pearl: All the News from Grinder’s Switch will also feature Minnie’s frequent comedy partner, Rod Brasfield. Brasfield, as played by Chaffin’s favorite, Everett Tarlton. For those not in the Opry know, Brasfield began his career in the 1920s, but gained national recognition when Grand Ole Opry founder, George Hay hired him to appear on the Opry in 1944. Four years later, divine intervention occurred when Brasfield was teamed with Cannon’s Cousin Minnie created a hilarious duo. Unlike other comedy duos of the day, where one member of the team usually played the straight man, setting up the laughs for the other, Minnie and Brasfield volleyed the jokes back and forth, delivering alternate punch-lines. The two continued to frequently appear together over the next decade until Brasfield’s untimely death in 1958.

When asked about Tarlton’s portrayal of Brasfield, director Perryman predicted, “He will prove to be a more than able partner to Melissa’s Minnie”. Perryman continued by warning, “She just has to make sure he doesn’t steal the show!”

Rounding out the cast of Minnie Pearl: All the News from Grinder’s Switch are Maggie Richardson, Curtis Lemoine, Loren Ferster and Chase Miller. Of the remainder of the cast, Perryman divulged, “We have a fantastic ensemble that will be assisting in every way”.

As the show’s title might indicate, the character of Minnie Pearl is front and center in Chaffin’s production, but it does indeed touch on the woman behind the comedy classic. That stands to reason because, of course Sarah Cannon, herself, was quite a remarkable woman. Having well-established her Minnie Pearl character as a beloved part of country music, Cannon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985, undergoing radical treatment, including a double mastectomy. Following this personal trial, Cannon became spokeswoman for the Nashville-based women’s hospital where she received her treatment. It was as Sarah Cannon, not her fictitious alter Minnie Pearl that she took on this task. The facility was later rechristened The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. The Sarah Cannon Research Facility is also housed in this location. As the result of a debilitating stroke in 1991, Cannon retired her Minnie Pearl character after fifty one years at The Grand Ole Opry. She passed away five years later, on March 4, 1996 but as Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s current production proves, her legacy and laughter live on.

Having already SOLD OUT yesterday’s matinee, as well as the show’s Friday, September 7 evening performance and Thursday, September 13’s matinee, you only have two remaining chances to see this show with limited tickets still available for Saturday, September 8’s 7:30 p.m. evening performance (doors open for dinner service at 5:30 p.m) or the Sunday, September 9’s 2 p.m. matinee (door open for lunch service at noon). Evening and Sunday tickets are $62 ($37 Show Only and $18 for Children 12 and under ). As an alternative to their truly delicious buffet dinner, which features prime rib, other meats and an array of vegetable, salad and side options, Chaffin’s recently added yet another dining options with their Small Plate a la carte menu featuring separate pricing per item. Group Rates are also available. CLICK HERE or call the box office at 1-800-282-2276 for tickets or more details.

Following Minnie Pearl: All the News from Grinder’s Switch, Chaffin’s will present Disney’s Newsies onstage September 20-October 27. CLICK HERE for tickets, as this one’s sure to be another popular show for Chaffin’s. To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.

With a newly remodeled facility and a remounting of last year’s heavenly production of ‘Sister Act: The Musical’, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre is a hard habit to break

August 9, 2018 by Jonathan

(l to r) Martha Wilkinson, Vicki White and Meggan Utech are back in the habit in a reworked production of “Sister Act: The Musical” onstage at a renovated Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre now thru August 25 (photo courtesy Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre)

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UPDATE: Last week, when this preview was first published, Chaffin’s had announced a Back to School BOGO special, unfortunately a power outage in the area prevented that from taking place. Just this morning—via email blast to patrons and supporters—another Buy One Get One Special was announced for their 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 16 performance. The first 30 patrons to call Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre’s reservation line (listed above) and mention the PROMO CODE: THIRTY can take advantage of this one-night-only BOGO Special for dinner and the show.

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Back in February, following a successful run of Disney’s Freaky Friday, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre temporarily closed up shop of some much-needed renovations to the half-century old facility. Just last weekend, the wait was over as Chaffin’s reopened to continue their 52nd Season with a re-staging of last year’s hugely popular production of Sister Act: The Musical. “We wanted to revive the show because people loved it so last year, and because we were sold out, some missed it,” said Chaffin’s Artistic Director, Martha Wilkinson. “It’s a great show to reopen with after renovations because the show is all about redevelopment, change, growth and love,” she continued.

Back in the habit for Chaffin’s rechristening is Meggan Utech as Deloris Van Cartier, the night club singer, who, after ratting out her gangster boyfriend for popping a cap in a street thug, is forced to go into witness protection as a nun.

Wilkinson also returns to her role as the no-nonsense Mother Superior who’s constantly butting heads with her new undercover charge. Longtime patrons of Chaffin’s no doubt recognize Wilkinson, who’s been a venerable part of The Barn family for three decades. In addition to being Chaffin’s Artistic Director, and co-starring as Mother Superior, Wilkinson is also at the helm of this production of Sister Act as the show’s director. Everett Tarlton is the show’s choreographer and returning once again as musical director for Sister Act is Kelsi Fulton.

Among those returning to the flock on-stage are: Devin Bowles as Curtis, Deloris’ aforementioned murderous beau, Gerold Oliver & Curtis Reed as Curtis’ bumbling henchmen, TJ and Joey, Vicki White as Sister Mary Lazarus, Jenny Norris as Michelle, David Arnold as the Monsignor and Braden Wahl as Ernie.

Of this iteration of Sister Act, Wilkinson exclaimed, “We’re having a blast!.” As for additions to the fold, Wilkinson continued, “There are some new cast members who are rocking it. Maggie Richardson as Sister Mary Robert is off the chain. Fantastic voice and energy, and she’s adorable.”

Other additions to the cast include: Megan Roberts as Sister Mary Patrick, Hallie Long as Sister Mary Bernice, Ang Madaline-Johnson as Sister Mary Martin of Tours, Jenny Wallace as Sister Mary Teresa, Everett Tarlton as Pablo, David Ridley as Sweaty Eddie, Christina Candilora as Tina and ensemble member, Andrew Neal.

A true testament to Chaffin’s storied history with Nashville Theatre, during opening weekend of Sister Act, there were Sold Out performances, with several upcoming performances already selling out as well. Of the reinvigorated interest in Chaffin’s and their newly remodeled facility, Wilkinson said, “We’re so very excited to continue the legacy!”

With that enthusiasm, there’s no doubt Sister Act is divine proof that Chaffin’s is back in the habit. Sister Act continues its run with performances through Saturday, August 25. Each week features Thursday matinee performances at noon (doors open at 11 a.m. with a Box Lunch option), Thursday-Saturday evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 for dinner service until 7 p.m.). There are also select Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (doors at noon, with lunch service until 1:30 p.m. Thursday matinee tickets are $28.50 with Box Lunch ($20 Show Only). Evening and Sunday tickets are $62 ($37 Show Only and $18 for Children 12 and under ). Chaffin’s also offers a Small Plate a la carte menu option with separate pricing per item. Group Rates are also available. CLICK HERE or call the box office at 1-800-282-2276 for tickets or more details.

Following Sister Act’s run through August 25, Chaffin’s will present Disney’s Newsies onstage September 20-October 27. CLICK HERE for tickets, as this one’s sure to be another popular show for Chaffin’s. To keep up with the latest from Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, find them online at ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com, ’like’ them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram, and Facebook.