Laura Matula

Rapid Fire 20 Q with members of Studio Tenn’s ‘The Sinatra Legacy’; select tix remain to this weekend’s limited-run musical event

March 13, 2019 by Jonathan

Studio Tenn presents “The Sinatra Legacy” on stage at The Franklin Theatre March 13-17 (select production graphics and images by Tony Matula/MA2LA/courtesy Studio Tenn)

Season after season, Studio Tenn produces some of the best dramatic and musical theatre experiences around. For the past six years, in addition to more standard offerings, Studio Tenn has presented their Legacy Series, a limited-engagement celebration of icons in the world of music. This weekend, the company is once again including another installment in the mix of their theatrical season as they present The Sinatra Legacy: A Musical Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, on stage at The Franklin Theatre in nearby Downtown Franklin from March 13-17.

I often say Studio Tenn is as close to Broadway-quality as middle-Tennessee theatre-goers get without booking a vacation to New York City’s theatre district and the inclusion of their Legacy Series proves just that, featuring some of the most talented performers in Music City (or anywhere for that matter) and presenting them in an intimate setting as though a group of friend—albeit ridiculously talented friends—have gathered together to celebrate the musical heritage of one of the 20th Century’s most gifted performers.

Previous Studio Tenn Legacy Series offerings honoring Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and most recently, Glen Campbell, have been performed on the stages of the company’s usual home, Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin, as well as The Schermerhorn Symphony Center and The Ryman Auditorium. This weekend’s upcoming Sinatra Legacy marks the first time since heir inaugural Legacy show that Studio Tenn will once again set up shop at The Franklin Theatre, the beautifully restored historic movie house/live music venue that originally hosted the company’s Hank William Legacy debut back in 2013.

As is usually the case for Studio Tenn’s Legacy Series, the entire run of the show is nearly SOLD OUT, with just a handful of tickets remaining. That said, I was thrilled to get the chance to chat with members of the company for the latest in my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20 Q. Among the conversationalist for this edition, Matt Giraud, frequent Studio Tenn performer who gained notice during 2009’s Season 8 of American Idol for his smooth vocal skills,infectious smile and charming stage presence that landed him in the Top Five. Then I chat with Belmont alum, Maggie Richardson, singer/dancer/choreographer, returning to Studio Tenn, for the first time since having portrayed Dainty June in the company’s 2015 production of Gypsy. Next up is Jaimee Paul, an acclaimed vocalist who, when not providing backup for superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Wynona, has worked with noted producers David Foster and Michael Omartian. Rounding out this edition of Rapid Fire 20 Q is Nashville native, William Hall, who, after studying classical voice at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill has returned to his hometown to continue his education at Vanderbilt while pursuing music right here in Music City.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH CAST MEMBERS OF STUDIO TENN’S THE SINATRA LEGACY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO OL’ BLUE EYES

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SINATRA LEGACY’S MATT GIRAUD

JHP: From what I remember, Studio Tenn’s 2016 The Ray Legacy, celebrating the music of Ray Charles, marked your debut with the company and now you’re back for this year’s Sinatra Legacy. What is it about these Legacy shows that sets them apart from standard musical theatre?

MATT GIRAUD: Well, before these shows I hadn’t really acted since I was in elementary school and it was the perfect way to get my feet wet, being such a fan of musical theater and this company in general. I’ve learned so much working with them and am absolutely honored to be surrounded by such talented musicians and artists every day. These shows are so special because the quality that they put into them is unlike anything I’ve seen in a live show in Nashville. It’ll take you right back to the Rat Pack era and you’ll forget you live in the present day.

JHP: Some folks likely first took note of you from your time on American Idol. That season’s Top 5 theme was Rat Pack Standards, during which you performed your take on Sinatra’s version of My Funny Valentine. Any chance you’ll revisit the tune during this week’s Sinatra Legacy?

MATT GIRAUD: Ha! We will have to see! With Frank’s catalog there are countless numbers of tunes to pick from and I’m sure some we wish had time for just won’t make it in. Either way, we are definitely going to come out swinging Plus that song got me kicked off of Idol so I kind of hope we don’t! Haha.

JHP: Speaking of The Rat Pack, if you had to name your squad, what would you call yourselves and why?

MATT GIRAUD: Probably The Ignance! Cause we’re all pretty ignant. (Slang for silly/over the top)

JHP: This year marks the first year the Legacy Series returns to The Franklin Theatre. What is it about that historic venue that lends itself perfectly to this type of musical event?

MATT GIRAUD: It will be my first time on stage at the lovely Franklin theater. It’s such an intimate beautiful room that really does have a timeless feel to it. I think it’s a perfect spot to transport each audience back in time for a smokin’ hot, classy, jazz-filled evening.

JHP: Sinatra’s music is timeless. Why do you suppose that is?

MATT GIRAUD: Taking the time to learn and truly live the lyrics to these songs has really shed new light on this music. Yes, some of these tunes were covered by many artists but Frank put a special kind of playful joy or deep sadness on these tunes. He could really break your heart if he wanted to with one song and make you want to dance to the next…just that easily. Listening to him taught me how to truly express these gorgeous lyrics. A reminder to really think about what I am singing to connect with the audience and take them with me emotionally rather than just sing a song. His delivery and the depth in his renditions will always make Frank truly timeless.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SINATRA LEGACY’S MAGGIE RICHARDSON

JHP: You just choreographed a local production of Singin’ in the Rain, which takes place in the 1930s and now you’re performing in Studio Tenn’s The Sinatra Legacy. Sinatra’s first big break came in the mid-30s thanks to a radio show audition. What is it about that time period that you think was so magical?

MAGGIE RICHARDSON: I love the glamour and romance of this time period. Movies and music were all about stepping into a totally different world. They were a form of escape and a creative outlet where people were given permission to dream. If you look at Frank’s early songs, the romance of the lyrics might actually make you sick (in the best way)!

JHP: Studio Tenn audiences might recognize you from your turn as Dainty June in their 2015 presentation of Gypsy. Is this your first time back with the company? How’s it been so far?

MAGGIE RICHARDSON: Yes! I am absolutely thrilled to be back, after doing theatre around the country and coming back to the Nashville area to raise my precious daughter. Studio Tenn always creates a safe and fun work environment, and they put on incredible shows. I feel SO blessed to be working at this amazing company with these incredible people.

JHP: If you could emulate one aspect of Sinatra’s swagger, what would it be?

MAGGIE RICHARDSON: He had a special way of connecting with the audience and people- a little glimmer of something different that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. I hope to embody and portray that zing.

JHP: I can’t talk Studio Tenn without mentioned one of my theatre crushes, Laura Matula. What’s it like to share the stage with her and the rest of the performers in The Sinatra Legacy?

MAGGIE RICHARDSON: Same! It is magical. I have been looking up to Laura for years, and this is our first time actually working together. I could go on about how much I have learned from her as a performer and as a person. She’s BRILLIANT. And I can’t even tell you how many times I have almost straight up exploded while listening to and watching my fellow cast members perform. They are just insane.

JHP: Speaking of Laura, she’s co-directing alongside Studio Tenn’s Interim Artistic Director, Benji Kern. With these two at the helm, I’m sure we’re in for some surprising takes on Sinatra classics. Can you reveal just a hint of a particular song to look out for?

MAGGIE RICHARDSON: Oh my goodness yes, they are a power team. I will say this…in this show, you’ll be taken on a moody journey and get caught up in moments that take you by surprise. You’ll get everything you came for, but SO much more than you knew you even wanted! My favorite (which is different every day) is Laura and Jaimee’s intimate version of the song Something Stupid.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SINATRA LEGACY’S JAIMEE PAUL

JHP: Is this your first time working with Studio Tenn?

JAIMEE PAUL: Yes…and I’m so excited about it!

JHP: What is it about The American Songbook style of music that appeals to you as a performer?

JAIMEE PAUL: The lyrics…the songs were so simply written, but yet said so much.

JHP: To put it into the modern vernacular, you could say that Sinatra and the Rat Pack were the original Squad Goals. What famous female singers would be your ideal squad?

JAIMEE PAUL: Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, and Tina Turner.

JHP: While The Rat Pack seemed quite the boys club, many influential and successful women were also associated with Sinatra and the rest. From Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall to Angie Dickinson and Marilyn Monroe. If you could chat with one of the Rat Pack women, who would it be and what might you ask?

JAIMEE PAUL: I would say Marilyn Monroe…I would ask her, “when you were a little girl, what did you want to do when you grew up?” I’d also love to ask Liza Minnelli, “What it was like growing up with Judy Garland as your mom?”

JHP: Oh, that’s right! Liza was indeed a member of The Rat Pack, touring with Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. after Dean Martin dropped out of the Ultimate Event Tour in the late 80s. Good Call! Is there one particular song in The Sinatra Legacy that you just can’t get enough of, whether it’s one you’re performing, or someone else?

JAIMEE PAUL: I absolutely LOVE, It Was A Very Good Year. Not only does John-Mark McGaha absolutely nail it, but I now want to add it to my show!

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SINATRA LEGACY’S WILLIAM HALL

JHP: Last year you were part of the audio team for Studio Tenn’s Glen Campbell Legacy and now you’re featured as one of the performers of The Sinatra Legacy. What’s the experience been?

WILLIAM HALL: It has been an absolute blast. I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing cast of singers and musicians. I feel like every rehearsal has been a masterclass in singing and performing, so I am just trying to soak it all in. I’ve been in love with this music since I was young and it’s such a pleasure to get to sing it.

JHP: One thing I love about Studio Tenn’s Legacy Series is that it always seems like a group of friends just hanging out and celebrating music. Is that a fair assessment?

WILLIAM HALL: Absolutely. I think that is one of the things that makes this Legacy process so unique; it’s all about the music. That perspective allows us to be casual and collaborative onstage and let the music speak for itself. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we really do enjoy watching each other perform.

JHP: The promo shoot for The Sinatra Legacy resulted in some fantastic shots of you and your co-stars.. Tony Matula totally captured that Sinatra vibe. What was working on that photo shoot like?

WILLIAM HALL: To be honest I was really nervous! I had never done any kind of photo shoot before. Tony was awesome to work with and I can’t thank him enough for being patient with me. He has an amazing vision and he knows how to make you feel comfortable and like yourself in a laid-back way. We were actually on the set of Always…Patsy Cline for the shoot which added a whole other dramatic element and made it feel more natural. Frank Sinatra had an incredible swagger and cool about him and Tony knew how to play off of those subtleties.

JHP: While The Sinatra Legacy centers on his music, Sinatra also enjoyed a hugely successful film career. What’s your favorite non-musical Sinatra movie?

WILLIAM HALL: From Here to Eternity. I love the behind the scenes story about the film helped pull Frank out of a career slump. It’s also the one that I am most familiar with. For some reason I imagine that Sinatra’s character, Maggio’s feistiness in the movie captured some of his own personality.

JHP: If you could pick a Sinatra career highlight to have witnessed in person—-from crooner to movie star to Vegas headliner to his later comeback—which would you choose?

WILLIAM HALL: I would say either Sinatra Live at the Sands in Vegas, or any of the Rat Pack performances at the Sands around 1965 or so. I have the Live at the Sands recording and I just love the energy of his voice live, the way he phrases things, and interacts with the band. As far as the Rat Pack goes, I love the way that they play off of each other. They always look like they are really having fun and they are masters of their craft.

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Speaking of masters of their craft really having fun, while most of The Sinatra Legacy‘s five-day run performances are indeed SOLD OUT, at the time of this article, single seat tickets remained for select shows, so say a prayer to the Rat Pack gods and CLICK HERE to try your luck. If you miss out on The Sinatra Legacy, fear not, Studio Tenn’s next musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage at Jamison Hall from May 17-June 2. As for their Legacy Series, I have it on great authority you will not be disappointed with next year’s offering. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information on Studio Tenn or follow them online at StudioTenn.com or on social media at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wanna check out previous Rapid Fire conversations? CLICK HERE. 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.

Studio Tenn annual gala, ‘One Night Only’ at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium Friday, October 19

October 19, 2018 by Jonathan

On Friday, October 19, Studio Tenn will present their annual fundraising gala, One Night Only, this year dubbed—A Red Carpet Affair. An incredible night of entertainment, food and fun, including an always impressive silent auction, it’s truly one of my personal favorite social events of the season. This year’s party promises to continue the high-energy, stellar talent, Broadway-quality event for which the relatively young theatre company is known. Changing things up a bit, for the first time in the event’s brief but impressive history, Studio Tenn’s One Night Only will take place at War Memorial Auditorium in Downtown Nashville.

Co-charing the event this year are Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw, who I like to call Nashville’s bon vivant dynamic duo. When asked how they came to co-chair Studio Tenn’s One Night Only, Deal and Bradshaw revealed something very interesting, “Two friends asked if we would be interested in helping out Studio Tenn with their annual Gala, One Night Only as Co-Chairs for the 2018/2019 Season. We both quickly responded with, What’s Studio Tenn?”, they recalled with a grin. That said, apparently all it took was seeing one of Studio Tenn’s gorgeously produced shows earlier this year and they were in. “After seeing a fabulous production of the recent hit, Grease; meeting the talents of the brilliant crew whom make up Studio Tenn; and seeing and hearing those whom are fans of this incredible organization rave about this professional theatre troupe, it all made sense to say YES as Chairmen.”

Bradshaw and Deal also raved about DKates Catering, who’ll be providing the dinner for attendees who opt in for the full sit-down-dinner experience at the gala saying, “Danielle Kates of DKates Catering is doing the delicious food. We had a tasting of fourteen at our home alfresco on September 26. It was lovely. The evening was perfect.”

As for this year’s silent auction, attendees—and this who just like to take advantage of the opportunity to snag a fun and unique action item—have been given a sneak preview via the live online auction co-chaired by Lynne McAlister and Milton White. Having been friends with White for more years than either of us will admit, I reached out to him for his take on working with Bradshaw, Deal and McAlister in preparation of One Night Only. “I loved working with Bob, Jason and Lynne!”, he exclaimed. When asked for details about what the auction has to offer, White eagerly revealed, “This auction has a something for everyone—fabulous food and fashion as well as signed guitars and the chance to dine on the set of Beauty and the Beast!” (the company’s upcoming holiday offering). For a chance to bid on this and all the other items offered at the gala, CLICK HERE.

Speaking of Beauty and The Beast, Laura Matula, a member of the Studio Tenn family known to theatre-goers for her gorgeous vocal skills, having wowed audiences playing everyone from Grease’s Rizzo to The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch, confessed, “I absolutely cannot wait to sing the title song of Beauty and the Beast with my absolute favorite singer, John-Mark McGaha. I will for sure be living out all my Celine Dion childhood dreams and I couldn’t feel any luckier.”

Matula is just one of the many well-known performers who’ll be on stage during this year’s One Night Only. What’s more, she’s also the event’s Music Director/Supervisor. In the weeks leading up to it, she’s organized performers schedules, charted tunes, run rehearsals and coordinated musical equipment staging—a true musical Jill-of-all-trades.

When asked about the mind-blowing musical talent assembled for this year’s even, Matula gushed, “I am astounded by the amount of talent that can fit on one stage whenever I am involved with a Studio Tenn gala. This year’s One Night Only is no exception. We have Broadway performers, American Idols, songwriters and recording artists, Nashville based superstars, and more—phenomenal vocal talents all around plus the most stellar assortment of Nashville musicians: Matt Giraud, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Piper Jones, Melodie Madden Adams, John-Mark McGaha, Libby Black, Megan Murphy Chambers, Eden Espinosa, Bradley Gale, Marissa Rosen…and me, plus an extra special number from Jake Speck and Matt Logan!”

When asked about the change in venue for this year’s gala, Matula revealed, “This year will mark the largest assortment of talent onstage with 12 singers and 13 band members plus some special guests I canąt tell you about! Thank goodness we are at War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville so we can fit everyone on stage! I canąt wait for you to hear the sound of this group!”

I couldn’t chat with Matula without begging for a hint of what to expect. To that end, she teased, “The theme of the music this year is Songs from the Movies. This gave us such a wealth of incredible music to pull from and boy this set list is on fire! We have everything from James Bond to Barbra Streisand to songs from The Greatest Showman, The Bodyguard, Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, and more! It’s bigger and better than ever but with the same intimate feeling the singers on stage bring as members of the incredible Studio Tenn family of artists and entertainers.”

Something many fans, patrons and company members are thinking about is the recent news that Matt Logan, one of Studio Tenn’s co-founders will be leaving his position as Artistic Director, with One Night Only marking his final official event with the troupe. Matula addressed this by adding, “It will also be incredibly emotional as we share our endless love and gracious hearts with Matt Logan as he departs the Studio Tenn family. He is a storyteller and art maker and I am so grateful to be able to be a part of celebrating him for an incredible night.”

With that, I reached out to Logan for his take on the evening. “I’m so excited to hear our powerhouse vocalists. I think it is no secret that I am a huge fan of these Broadway and Tennessee stars. They are not only great friends but the best singers in the world”. He continued, “I know that many of our patrons love their talent but I do think that the patrons love seeing how much we love each other. We have a great community and we don’t take it for granted.”

Of his pending departure, Logan added, “The bittersweet element of my last night is in saying goodbye to a community that has blessed me so richly. do believe that every great chapter must come to an end. The timing is right for me to move on but Im gonna miss it terribly.”

Speaking of bittersweet, as alluded by Matula, Friday’s One Night Only will also feature an on-stage reunion between Logan and Studio Tenn’s other founding member, Jake Speck. Earlier this year, Speck left his position at the company when he accepted a job with a theatre company in Texas. Of the pair’s upcoming One Night Only re-teaming, Logan divulged, “Jake and I will do some talk and song. It’s nothing major, but it will be a final goodbye to the thing we created. We know Studio Tenn will carry on but this chapter will be at an end for us.” Thinking back on the journey that brought him to this point, Logan shared, “The funny thing is that we both were high school buddies growing up in Tennessee and then we were given the chance to bring back what we learned and effect the artistic landscape of Middle Tennessee. Even now, it is hard for me to wrap my brain around the enormous gift we were given. This evening will be a great moment to thank everyone who made Studio Tenn what it is.”

While the evening does mark the end of an era for Studio Tenn, rest assured the company is ready for what the future holds. Of their hopes for the evening, Bradshaw and Deal enthused, “We are honored and delighted to be a part of this event and hope they take back with them, like we did, that special moment that uniquely makes Studio Tenn…a 10!”

One Night Only will not only be chocked-full of jaw-dropping entertainment, festive music and great food, it will also remind attendees just how fabulous the company is as they continue their ninth season and look forward to their history-making tenth year. Select tickets for One Night Only are still available. Table Seating on the Main Floor includes drinks, a delicious dinner, silent auction access and an up-close and personal view of the evening’s entertainment. Tickets are $325.00. Mezzanine/Late Party tickets, which include pre-show libations, hors d’oeuvres, access to the silent auction and an amazing second story view of the evening’s entertainment are available for $95. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Up next for Studio Tenn, just in time for an enchanted holiday, they’re presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with performances December 7-30. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. Following Beauty and the Beast, Studio Tenn’s 2018/2019 Season continues with Tennessee William’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof from Friday, February 8 thru Sunday, February 17. That will be followed by this year’s Legacy Series entry, The Sinatra Legacy: A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, onstage at The Franklin Theatre, Thursday, March 14-Sunday, March 17. Studio Tenn will wrap their current season with Damn Yankees from Friday, May 17 until Sunday, June 2. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

Be sure to check out Studio Tenn online at StudioTenn.com or on social media at Facebook, 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.