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RAPID FIRE 20Q: BLAST OFF AS JHPENTERTAINMENT GOES BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ‘ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS’; Staged Reading Wednesday, September 2 at Darkhorse Theater

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After two decades of covering theatre, one of the things I continue to enjoy most is getting the opportunity to discover and champion brand-new works—especially when they come from the creative mind of someone I’ve gotten to know over the years through Nashville’s theatre community. That makes Maya Riley’s Afrofuturist play, Alex and the Afronauts particularly exciting to follow. Having debuted an excerpt during last month’s 9th annual Kindling Arts Festival’s New Play Platter, it’s now time to hear the full story. At 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 2, playwright Maya Riley and director Jon Royal will present Alex and the Afronauts’s first-ever full staged reading at Darkhorse Theater as part of this year’s Shades of Black Theatre Festival. As the playwright, director and cast readied for the staged reading, JHPEntertainment had a chance to pose a few questions to Riley, Royal and actors Raven Buntyn and Andre Mason for our latest in our recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS DIRECTOR, CAST MEMBERS & PLAYWRIGHT

RAPID FIRE WITH ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS DIRECTOR JON ROYAL

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You directed the excerpt of Alex and the Afronauts presented at Kindling Arts Festival. What was it about Maya’s writing and this particular story that made you want to climb aboard and help bring it to life by way of the full staged reading?

JON ROYAL: I told this to the cast, and I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen, if you catch me at any random moment during the day, I’m consistently daydreaming about Black people in space, particularly from a sci-fi lens. I’m down for any story like this like four flat tires.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having now worked with Maya on both the festival excerpt and this staged reading, what have you discovered about her as a playwright? What is particularly rewarding about collaborating with her at this early stage in the process?

JON ROYAL: I like vibing with Maya on the sci fi and audio aspects of inspiration for this world. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for a process where I can geek out with collaborators about stories like The Expanse, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica [and creatives like] Sun Ra and Octavia Butler. Elements of all of those things are here, and Maya an I enthusiastically discussed a wide range of space interpretations in art, during both processes.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This story deals with some enormous ideas—race, class disparity, exploitation, power and the question of who gets to decide what happens to a community’s future. The script reveals that both Wallace and Harper face oppression, but their reaction to it and their attitudes of dealing with it and going forward differ greatly. How key to the overall story is this?

JON ROYAL: I think they’re all dealing with Blackness as a continuum, and oppression is only a part of that. If Blackness through time is a cosmic river, then everybody’s boat isn’t going to put in at the same place. As a Black audience member, I’m searching to find the moments when they actually link up, and that’s where the delicious tension comes from.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Directing a staged reading presents a very different set of challenges from directing a fully realized production. Without the completed sets, costumes, props, blocking and visual world you would ultimately have at your disposal, how do you and the actors bring out enough theatricality for the audience to imagine the world of Alex and the Afronauts?

JON ROYAL: You work with what you have. The focus is on the words, with the expectation that this is only a part of this piece’s journey, as it will hopefully be produced in many more ways. This is an evolutionary step, and it will be fully rendered in the context of honoring these words before we have other elements.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Since you’ve already had the experience of directing a portion of this piece at Kindling, what are you most excited about getting to do differently—or explore more deeply—now that you’re presenting the full work, and how might this reading help point the way toward a future production?

JON ROYAL: Without a doubt, it’s gotta be that this is the full arc of the story. This is a larger cast that’s adding their unique talents so that we can go deeper into the lives of the characters and this thrilling story!!

RAPID FIRE WITH RAVEN BUNTYN, HARPER IN ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Harper is introduced in the middle of an escalating crisis, but it quickly becomes clear that her emotional baggage is every bit as significant as the technical problem facing the crew. What initially drew you to Harper, and what do you find most compelling about her?

RAVEN BUNTYN: I can relate to Harper in a lot of ways. I understand what it is like to be in the throes of grief and how the resulting anger and hurt can cloud your judgement. That’s why I feel so connected to her. She’s authentic, even if she’s wrong in a lot of ways. It’s real and raw and not pretty, but neither is true healing. And sometimes that clouded judgement can lead us to make harmful choices, but with patience and empathy, we always find our way back to ourselves.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Harper carries the grief of losing her brother Kiante while also wrestling with his final message and the responsibility he seems to have left behind. How did you approach portraying someone whose grief is tangled up with anger, guilt, fear and the need to keep moving?

RAVEN BUNTYN: My approach to Harper is a deeply personal one. It’s not hard to tap into those emotions when I’ve had to sit in them myself. It’s a heavy task to allow yourself the space to have your feelings, without letting it paralyze you from moving forward. Even if that forward movement feels like trekking through quick sand. I’ve had to learn how not to allow my past to hold me back, just like Harper. It can be hard to learn how to move forward with what feels like a hole in your heart. But if we don’t, we stay stuck.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Harper and Wallace have very different ideas about what survival means and whether returning to the people they left behind is actually an option. What do you think Harper sees that Wallace may not—and what do you think Wallace sees that Harper may be unwilling to confront?

RAVEN BUNTYN: I think Wallace and Harper both have valid points in their approach to the resistance. I think Harper understands the importance of letting the people have a say in what they’re getting themselves into. But Wallace, however, understands that there are always casualties in war, and those casualties don’t mean the war is over. And it would be dishonorable to those lost to give up on the mission. And I think because Harper is grieving her brother, it’s hard for her to see the bigger picture.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This is a new character in a new play, so you’re essentially helping create Harper from the ground up. What has that process been like, and how much room has Maya given you to discover the character through rehearsal?

RAVEN BUNTYN: The process of discovering Harper has been beautiful and explorative. We often want to play characters who are very likable, and Harper does some things in the story that aren’t very likable. She can be selfish at times and let her fear get in the way of the bigger picture, and I find her so human for these reasons. It’s helped me accept myself and my humanity in deeper ways, which, in turn, makes my portrayal of Harper feel more authentic. Maya has opened the floor for us to really explore who these characters are and it’s such a cool, collaborative environment.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When (and I’m saying WHEN, because it Will) Alex and the Afronauts eventually becomes a fully mounted production, would you jump at the opportunity to return and continue developing Harper?

RAVEN BUNTYN: Absolutely, I would love to continue developing Harper. I’m honored to even be a part of her journey now. And if it’s meant for me to continue her portrayal, I’ll always be available for it!

RAPID FIRE WITH ANDRE MASON, WALLACE IN ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wallace is carrying the enormous responsibility of leading this group while simultaneously carrying the scars of everything that happened aboard the ship. What was your first reaction to Wallace, and what makes him such an interesting character to play?

ANDRE MASON: Initially, when I was reading for Wallace the first thing that came to mind was: “Man, this brother is a piece of work.” He wants to help his people; however, he has this “It’s my way or the highway” mindset. To be a leader, one has to not just be authoritative, but willing to listen to others, especially when found in the rather precarious position our intrepid afronauts find themselves in. To me, he is the phrase “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” personified. And I think that is partially why I enjoy being given the chance to portray him. Because sure, at times, he can come off as the other antagonist in this show, but at the end of the day, the brother is deeply unhealed, and had things gone his way, to his specific plan, well, the show would have had quite a different outcome. To me from a moral standpoint, when we first meet him, Wallace is neither black nor white, but rather a shade of gray. A shade of gray that got slightly darker with every injustice he encountered aboard that ship. And for me, morally gray characters are always fun to play as.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wallace’s anger comes from a very specific history of exploitation. He reminds Harper that they built the ship while others enjoyed the privileges of being aboard it, and that he—a licensed pilot—was reduced to working as a janitor. What do you think Wallace’s experience says about race, class, and who is considered valuable in this world?

ANDRE MASON: Sadly, this experience is all too common for people of color. It’s not a secret that in this country people of color have to work twice as hard to get half as far as non-POCs. Imagine: doing everything he did on Earth, helping not only to build but to maintain that ship, only to be regarded as the guy who empties the trash bins. It’s not exactly an ideal or just situation is it? What happens to him happens to far too many POCs, and of course it can take a toll on one’s view of self, as well as their view of the world around them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wallace is absolutely determined not to turn back, even when Harper questions whether they are on a survival mission or a suicide mission. Do you see his determination as courage, stubbornness, leadership—or some complicated combination of all three?

ANDRE MASON: It’s definitely a sort of stew of the 3. On the one hand, I do not doubt that he truly believes that anywhere has to be better than being under the Armada. To him, death is stagnation, and allowing themselves to be subjugated is another form of death. In the face of what essentially appears to be a space army, Wallace helps to steal one of their ships in order to save the people who are regarded as lesser within the Armada’s main vessel. It takes some degree of courage/confidence in ones own actions to stage what is essentially a mutiny and steal a ship from a larger entity that can most definitely kill them all. On the other hand, he isn’t exactly the most diplomatic or democratic leader. He doesn’t consider his fellow crew mates’ insights, feeling as if he knows what is right for them all and should not be questioned on his strategies. I will also say I think there’s a little bit of ego in that stew I mentioned earlier, just off the interactions Wallace has with his crew mates, especially in his conversations with Harper.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There can be something wonderfully freeing about a staged reading because you’re not dealing with costumes, elaborate sets, props or all the physical machinery of a full production. Does that more stripped-down environment allow you to concentrate differently on Wallace and the words Maya has written?

ANDRE MASON: Truthfully, this is a new experience for me with regards to a stage reading, but I will say it definitely feels like I can direct all my attention on developing the character within the parameters given by our playwright in this story. I can focus a little more on the story itself and how we can tell the story through our words and emotions in the moment.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Finally, there’s something especially exciting about audiences getting only one opportunity to experience this particular version of Alex and the Afronauts. What does the exclusivity of a one-night-only staged reading mean to you, and what are you hoping audiences take away from this first full journey with Wallace and the Afronauts?

ANDRE MASON: For me, it’s bittersweet I can’t lie. Because on the one hand, a one-night-only reading makes this whole experience feel like something special. Like, we are about to perform what is basically the proto-version of this show, and I have loved every moment of the process thus far. On the other hand, I am a little bummed out that this is a one-night-only thing because I want as many people as possible to see this show because it is that good, in my opinion. I think the biggest thing I want the people to take away from this show, from my perspective, is trust. Its not likely that any of us will find ourselves in a situation where we are in space dealing with a space army on top of other issues that for the sake of spoilers I will not mention, however, we can find ourselves in a position where we are working with others in a precarious setting or scenario, and the only real way to come out of the scenario stronger is having trust in your fellow man/woman who is currently in the metaphorical trenches with you. Wallace can be so set in his ways, and I feel as if had he been a little more diplomatic, a lot of what happens in the show won’t have to come to pass… but then again, if he weren’t the stubborn semi-egotistical man that he is, well, we wouldn’t have a show would we? Or at least, it’d be a very different story that unfolds.

RAPID FIRE WITH MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY, PLAYWRIGHT OF ALEX AND THE AFRONAUTS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Take us back to the beginning. What was the original concept or spark for Alex and the Afronauts, and how has that initial idea evolved into the play we’re seeing today?

MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY: Well, this play has taken quite a pivot over the course of 12 months. But this latest version was heavily inspired by a lot of Afrofuturist art. Music by Digable Planets and Sun Ra. Poetry by Douglas Kearney and Nikki Giovanni. Paintings and sculptures by Mikel Elam and Wangechi Mutu. So much of the Black experience is defined by the past. All the artists I mentioned are exploring the future. The alternatives to this current path we walk. I wanted to join in that exploration. This play, like many Afrofuturist works, is a daydream. A fantasy, embracing the unknown. Because change begins with dreaming a better life. And then you have to leap, step out on faith, to make the dream reality. That’s the golden nugget of this play.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What has the writing process looked like from that first concept to this point? How long has Alex and the Afronauts been taking shape, and were there particular moments when you realized the piece had become something substantially different from where you started?

MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY: It’s actually pretty wild. This play has taken so many different shapes over the course of this year. I started writing it in summer 2025, and it was a sci-fi take on a kitchen play. A story about two lovers trying to reconcile a failing relationship. But the world that I created around these two characters kept nagging at me. It brought up so many questions for me, so I decided to start answering those questions and ended up with an entirely different piece. The joy of writing…haha. But the two lovers who were originally at the center of the play have remained throughout every iteration.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Audiences first encountered an excerpt of the work at last month’s Kindling Arts Festival as part of the New Play Platter. What was it like to hear and see a portion of this world in front of an audience for the first time, and what did that experience reveal to you about the piece?

MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY: It’s always exhilarating to have an audience! I was revitalized by the experience. That was the first time any of my written work had been fully staged. A milestone for sure. Getting audience feedback is truly the final piece of any theatrical project/process. I needed to know what people loved, what they were confused about, what they talked about on the car ride home. I learned a lot. The characters and relationships were working, the mystery was working, but there were some world-building things I needed to flesh out. So I worked to tackle that. And I had to write Act II, because everyone was curious to see what happened next. A good place to be for sure.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Moving from that excerpt to a complete staged reading is a significant next step for a new play. What have you discovered or changed between the Kindling presentation and this reading, and what are you hoping to glean from hearing the full piece in front of an audience?

MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY: Well, I just wrote basically all of Act II in less than a month, so that was wild. I’m discovering things about the world of the play and the characters in it every single day. I go to bed thinking one thing about them, then wake up the next morning with new ideas. After the first read-thru last week, I gave the cast about 40 pages of rewrites. That’s the gig for new works, I suppose. I’m definitely not done tinkering. Having a full staged reading is just a pit stop on the journey to deepening this work. It’s just part of the process. I’ve looked at the script almost every day for the past 3 months. I can’t keep up with how many versions there have been. So seeing what lands with an audience will be incredibly beneficial. I’ve been zoomed into the piece for so long, I need their help to zoom back out and see it as a whole. I can’t wait to hear what people think!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alex and the Afronauts uses a futuristic space journey to examine very recognizable issues of race, class, inequality, exploitation, power and who gets access to resources. After this reading, what do you hope to learn about the play—and what do you hope the next chapter of its journey might be?

MAYA ANTOINETTE RILEY: I’m particularly interested in the paranormal aspect of the play. I won’t spoil it, but I think it’ll get people talking. It asks a very specific question of the audience, one that forces you to interrogate your ideas progress, legacy, and belief. It’s a very meaningful concept for me, and I wonder if others will feel similarly about it. I hope to someday mount a full production. It’s so rare to see Black Sci-fi get produced in any medium — film, television, theater, etc. I want to see Black people in space, having rich and compelling lives, searching for truth and new possibilities. So, I hope this journey can lead me there.

With Alex and the Afronauts, the journey is very much still in progress—and that may be the most exciting part. From a play that began as something entirely different, through months of rewrites, a first glimpse at Kindling Arts Festival and now a complete staged reading as part of Shades of Black Theatre Festival, Maya Antoinette Riley’s work continues to evolve with every step. And as Riley and her collaborators make clear, the audience isn’t simply there to watch that evolution—they’re part of it.

That makes Wednesday, September 2, at Darkhorse Theatre a particularly special opportunity. For one night only, Nashville audiences can experience the full Alex and the Afronauts while it is still in its developmental stage, hear where the story has traveled and help provide the feedback that could influence where it goes next. Because sometimes the most exciting theatre isn’t the show that’s already finished. It’s the one that’s just beginning to find its way.

The 2026 Shades of Black Theatre Festival officially kicks off with an Opening Mixer Monday August 31 thru Sunday, September 27 with nearly a dozen works presented throughout the month. The festival will include  staged readings, full length plays, dance show, films, workshops, and other special events. CLICK HERE for a full list of the festival’s offerings. The Opening Mixer is free and open to the public. Alex and the Afronauts’ staged reading is free as well, but a suggested donation of $10 would be appreciated. Admission varies for the remaining festival events. All events of Shades of Black Theatre Festival will take place at Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, unless otherwise specified via the link above.

To keep up with Maya Riley and follow what’s next for her as well as for Alex and the Afronauts, CLICK HERE.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music, arts and more, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

‘Die, Mommie, Die!’: 20 Questions, Four Suspects & One Very Dysfunctional Family

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Playhouse 615 is getting ready to serve up a deliciously twisted dose of murder, mayhem, familial dysfunction and theatrical camp as they present Charles Busch’s Die, Mommie, Die! co-directed by Daniel Vincent and Diane Bearden and onstage August 28-September 13. Before the curtain rises, JHPEntertainment put four members of the cast—Christian Swann, Zach McMasters, Deborah Seidel and Veronika Electronika—on the hot seat for a Rapid Fire 20Q covering their characters, their scene partners and the bizarre brilliance that is noir camp theatre.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST MEMBERS OF PLAYHOUSE 615’s DIE,MOMMIE, DIE!

RAPID FIRE WITH CHRISTIAN SWANN, DIE, MOMMIE, DIE!’s EDITH SUSSMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Edith Sussman is at the center of a family situation that makes the average dysfunctional household look positively well-adjusted. What was your first reaction when you got your hands on this script?

CHRISTIAN SWANN: I was completely enamored with it. The show’s so “out there” that you can’t help but wonder how people will react. The whole time I was reading through the script, I was thinking, “This line will get a big gasp,” or “The audience will go wild right here, absolutely bonkers.” And I was so excited to be playing Edith. The play is, among other things, a very screwed-up take on an Ancient Greek tragedy, so playing Edith is kind of like playing Electra, only much groovier.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re working with co-directors Diane Bearden and Daniel Vincent, with Daniel also stepping onto the stage as Edith’s father, Sol. What’s it like having one of your directors essentially say, “Okay, now I’m going to get into character and play along with you all”?

CHRISTIAN SWANN: It’s great! It’s a little surreal at times when you turn away from the directors’ table for a second and suddenly one of them is with you on stage, playing with your hair and talking about lepers and toilets and all this crazy stuff. But there’s a camaraderie to it too, like having your commanding officer with you in the trenches. I’ve never been to war, but I imagine it’s pretty much the same as community theater.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Without giving away any of the deliciously dark details, and using only one word each, how would you describe Edith’s relationship with the other members of the Sussman family?

CHRISTIAN SWANN: Including honorary family members, something like:

Angela – Obliterate

Sol – Yum

Lance – Yuck

Bootsie – Obstacle

Tony – Swampy

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There’s a fine line between camp and schlock. What’s the biggest challenge of playing Edith without overplaying Edith?

CHRISTIAN SWANN: The thing about Edith is she’s completely ridiculous. She’s this screaming, histrionic mess whose dialogue is about fifty percent exclamation marks. But she’s got these big emotions—sorrow, passion, rage—that make her act the way she does. And since Edith’s such a huge source of conflict in the play, if the audience can’t see those emotions then the show loses that sense of tension. So the challenge for me was to find those emotions in a way that gets through to the audience. Edith’s reactions had to be ridiculous, but her feelings had to be real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take away from watching Edith—and this wonderfully twisted family—unravel?

CHRISTIAN SWANN: I hope they laugh, of course. The show’s a comedy after all. But I love so much about this show’s particular brand of humor is that it offers the audience a break from any notion of “morality” and “good taste,” so I hope the audience is able to put those ideas to the side and enjoy being bad for a couple hours.

RAPID FIRE WITH ZACH McMASTERS, DIE, MOMMIE, DIE!’s LANCE SUSSMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having made your stage debut last year in Playhouse 615’s The Haunting of Hill House, what drew you back to the company—and to Lance Sussman in particular?
ZACH MCMASTERS: I think anywhere you first try your hand at something creative always holds a special significance in your heart and mind. I also admire how Playhouse isn’t afraid to be a little transgressive with their show selection. When I first saw the 2026 lineup and noticed Die, Mommie, Die!, I knew I had to be involved. I first saw the film adaptation in 2007 and have never forgotten it, so when the opportunity came to audition, I knew I wanted to go for Lance. What I really love about this character is how multi-faceted he is. With Lance, there are many opportunities to take risks and just play. I’ve always been a silly goose, and Lance is a delightfully unhinged part for me to revel in!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Let’s address the elephant—or perhaps the synthetic hairpiece—in the room. That wig in the promotional photos… was that actually supposed to look convincing, or just another obvious comedic camp moment?
ZACH MCMASTERS: Funny you should ask. What we thought was a 60s-style wig turned out to be an old we crow that must’ve accidentally flown inside the theatre one rainy day, bumped its head, and fell into a box of props. I had no idea until it bit my scalp after filming my promo videos for Lance and few away in a fit of rage. I had to get a rabies shot! Suffice to say, we procured an actual wig that doesn’t bite, doesn’t wash me out like a ghost, and more closely matches his mother Angela’s hair color. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Um…Ok…anyway, next question…What have you discovered about Lance that you didn’t necessarily see coming when you first started working on the role?
ZACH MCMASTERS: I feel like I sort of misjudged Lance at first, kind of writing him off as a one-dimensional, soon-to-be-burnout with no future. I had no idea he would emerge as being so dynamic as I got to further explore his character. Even though he is constantly berated for his lack of intelligence throughout the play, Lance is a lot more clever than he seems. He is also a very sensitive young man, and I like to think of him as becoming a successful artist or performer once all the dust settles from the drama of these events. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This is only your second production with Playhouse 615. Does returning for a completely different kind of show feel different now that you’ve survived your first theatrical experience?
ZACH MCMASTERS: In many ways, it feels exactly the same, like picking right back up where you left off with a good friend. There’s also that same chaotic energy that makes the whole process feel so worthwhile when it all finally comes together, and I think I enjoy that the most. The major difference for me this go around is the amount of time I get to spend on stage instead of behind it. Lance has a lot more lines than Arthur Parker from Hill House, so it’s been great getting to discover myself more as a performer. It definitely helps that this show is absolutely hilarious, so memorizing a lot more dialogue hasn’t been as challenging as I anticipated.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Playhouse 615 has built quite the reputation for presenting…let’s say…slightly off-kilter shows from time to time. Is there anything in this uproarious camp classic that made you just shake your head when you first read the script?

ZACH MCMASTERS: Oh, absolutely. After our first read-through of the script, I thought, oh my, the things I have to say and do in this show… My parents can’t see this one! Aside from the outrageous dialogue, a few certain props and their particular uses had me absolutely cackling. Still do every time we rehearse! Oh, and I’ll never look at a Lazy Susan the same way again..

RAPID FIRE WITH DEBORAH SEIDEL, DIE, MOMMIE, DIE!’s BOOTSIE CARP

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As the Sussman’s loyal maid Bootsie Carp certainly knows a few secrets. What one secret you can share?
DEBORAH SEIDEL: Ooh, if I told, then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, would it?  Hmmm, I think I can safely say that one (or more) characters may be hiding a deep, dark secret.  But that’s for the audience to find out, not for me to tell!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re once again sharing the stage with Veronika Electronika, after previously playing opposite her in Playhouse 615’s Cinderella Christmas Panto. What’s it like coming back together for something that is…shall we say,…considerably less fairy-tale?
DEBORAH SEIDEL: Well, in Cinderella, my role as the evil stepmother actually had very little interaction with Veronika  Fairy Godmother until the end – when she turned my daughters and me into rabbits!  Thankfully, in this play no one becomes another species, though Veronika, this time in the role of Angela Arden, certainly likes to play mind games with me and the other characters in the play. In addition, the Christmas Panto had a lot more opportunities for improv, whereas now Veronika and I get to interact with each other as authentic (though somewhat whacky) characters in a more traditional format.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What has surprised you most about Bootsie as you’ve gotten deeper into rehearsals?
DEBORAH SEIDEL:  I honestly wasn’t quite sure how to approach Bootsie at first and knew I had to figure out what ultimately makes her tick.  As  rehearsals progressed, I think what surprised me most is how integral the role is to the story line, and how confident Bootsie is in her interactions with the family and Tony, Angela’s lover.  After working for this family for 25 years, she’s not afraid to confront any of them, make strong suggestions regarding their behaviors, and to let her personal (and political!) goals be known – loud and clear!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This show has a pretty outrageous tone. How do you keep yourself from cracking up when you’re supposed to be completely serious?
DEBORAH SEIDEL: It’s not easy, that’s for sure!  And we’re only in rehearsals, without audience feedback yet, so I imagine it will only become more difficult.  But the same rules apply to acting in any comedy, no matter how outrageous – hold for laughs, stay in character, focus, and if necessary, bite your (or your neighbor’s) lip!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With Diane Bearden and Daniel Vincent sharing directorial duties, what’s most challenging about their potentially differing approaches?
DEBORAH SEIDEL:  Luckily, they’ve been very much on the same page, so having co-directors has been a positive experience rather than a challenge. Diane handled most of the blocking, welcomed our suggestions, and was careful not to waste anyone’s time. When Diane was out of town for a bit, Daniel stepped in and continued that approach. They both wanted us to have fun in rehearsal while also knowing the basics: our lines, our blocking, and what motivates our characters to do such outrageous things. They encouraged us to make big, bold choices, knowing they could pull us back if needed.

RAPID FIRE WITH VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA, DIE, MOMMIE, DIE!’s ANGELA ARDEN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having seen you in a few prominent drag-related roles over the years, as well as many Veronika Electronika gigs, it seems there’s a bit of Veronika that inevitably seeps through, regardless of who you’re playing. What’s the most difficult part of suppressing your usual stage persona to allow Angela Arden to fully emerge?

VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA: I would say that Angela is first and foremost a lady. Always keeping up appearances and trying to maintain a balance of Wife, Mother and Star.  Whereas Veronika is just…a star!  So while portraying Angela I wanted to follow some advice that the playwright gave me himself, “Angela is a lady.”  So I try and remember that while I am delivering my lines, and not tout them out a drag queen might, but as the lady that Angela is would.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Angela is surrounded by some pretty formidable men in this story. What’s it like playing opposite your leading men, Wanderson Rezende and Daniel Vincent, and what have you discovered about your onstage dynamic?

VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA: Each of my love interests in this show are played by 2 amazing actors, and they each play completely different characters.  I think the casting was spot on! Daniel gives me a grounded, stern and comfortable man to bicker with while Wanderson has the energy and “spice” that one needs to have to play off of for the under the radar lover…I mean tennis coach!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I noticed there’s no crew credit for wardrobe or costuming in the program information. Does that mean Angela Arden’s wardrobe for the show is courtesy of Veronika Electronika?

VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA: You may see one or two elements from Veronika’s closet on stage, however you will see new fashions as well.  After 24 years in the drag industry my wardrobe is extensive and chuck full of fun and fabulous custom made creations… Why not put them to use in a production that takes place in tinsel town after all!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: And speaking of Veronika Electronika, I saw that your show bio includes your Venmo…. Is this a theatrical program bio or a not-so-subtle request for tips? Have you no shame?

VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA: As one of my muses has said “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap!”  So take it as you will…tips are greatly appreciated, Veronika Electronika Merch is also available!* (*There was more to this answer, including a link, but I’m not running a charity here, so Google Veronika Electronika at your own risk!;-)) 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Angela Arden is clearly not walking into this family drama without bringing some baggage of her own. What do you think audiences will find most surprising about her—and about Die, Mommie, Die! as a whole?

VERONIKA ELECTRONIKA: Angela, as an identical twin, was literally born with baggage!  Surprises lay around every corner, and just when you think you know what she is up to she may just make you rethink your life choices! The story of Die, Mommie, Die! is so outrageous, so over the top and so full of laughs It will be hard for our guests to not fall in love with any or all of us.  Dash to the front row if you can, it’s a real “splash zone” and where you will get the best “bang” for your buck!  The home of Angela Arden Sussman is a warm, welcoming, and lavish place to get all of your just desserts! 

And there you have it—20 questions, a few lies, a bit of chaos, and just plain campy outrageous fun…it’s the Sussman household way. One thing is certain: when the Sussman clan starts airing its dirty laundry onstage as Die, Mommie, Die! makes its way to Playhouse 615 at 11920 Lebanon Road, Mount Juliet, TN 37112, weekends August 28-September 13, you’ll definitely want to be there to watch it happen. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets (use the drop-down to select specific date/time). For more from Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music, arts and more, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

Theatre Review: Keeton’s ‘Come From Away’ Soars as a Powerful Reminder of Human Kindness in Times of Tragedy

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In a world that can sometimes feel painfully divided, The Keeton’s Come From Away arrives as a beautifully timed reminder that when everything else falls away, kindness can still bring us together. While Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Come From Away score is effective in the moment, it’s not exactly one of those musicals filled with earworms audiences are likely to be singing or rushing out to download on their Broadway playlists. That said, there are moments in musical theatre when a production becomes more than the sum of its songs, characters and choreography. The Keeton’s Come From Away is one of those productions.

Set in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of the 38 planes diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, leaving thousands of passengers unexpectedly stranded in a small community. But rather than focusing on the tragedy itself, the musical turns its attention toward what happened next: strangers opening their homes, sharing what little they had, forming unlikely friendships and discovering that compassion can flourish even in the darkest circumstances.

Under the direction of Susan Walsworth, with musical direction by Trey Lundquist, choreography by Mckenna Driver and set design/tech director courtesy Kevin Driver, The Keeton’s production captures that spirit with an ensemble that understands the show’s greatest strength is its collective heartbeat. Each of these creative, and the cast, come together to present a cohesive piece that presents the technical elements in a minimalist way. Effective, but never overpowering or competing with the strengths of the story and those tasked with bringing it to emotionally charged life.

With an obvious nod to the original Broadway run’s scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, for The Keeton’s production, Kevin Driver and his scenic team (Abby Waddoups, Donna Driver, Aras Alexander, Eric Bradley and Crystal Liles) construct a seemingly simple but successful set. The backdrop, a stripped-down horizontal slat wall that beautifully plays with Jesse Watts’ lighting design. Also reminiscent of the original set design, Keeton’s stage is flanked on either side by tall, thin but sturdy trees that extend out of sight above the action. Driver and company nicely represent the play’s locale with the added touch of downstage rock formations, giving just a hint of a rocky-shored island vibe. No need for elaborate set pieces or projections representing the various scene locations. Throughout the action of the piece, a chair can represent a seat on a plane, a place at a table, a passenger waiting for answers or simply another piece of the constantly shifting landscape. To that end, the choreography by Mckenna Driver works hand-in-hand with that concept, keeping the ensemble in perpetual motion and allowing the story to move with the same speed and urgency as the characters’ rapidly changing circumstances. Here, chairs become airplanes one moment, a bus headed to parts unknown the next, and then a crowded airport filled with weary strangers who somehow become fast friends. If you read my column with any regularity, you know I love a bit of chairography (blame Sweet Charity’s Shirley MacLaine or Janet Jackson if you want) and in Come From Away, chairography—a wonderfully inventive use of the simplest theatrical object to create an entire world—is key.

There may be twelve cast members, but the way Come From Away is presented, each cast member plays at least two roles: those of the displaced passengers and crew of the diverted planes and the townspeople of Gander, Newfoundland. At the center of the ensemble is Melissa Silengo, whose performance as Beverly Bass is nothing short of a powerhouse. Silengo brings an impressive combination of authority, vulnerability and warmth to the role of the pioneering female pilot. Her rendition of “Me and the Sky” is one of the production’s defining moments, taking Beverly from a young girl captivated by the possibility of flight through the challenges of becoming a pilot and ultimately into the extraordinary circumstances that put her leadership to the test. Silengo never plays Beverly simply as a heroic figure; she gives her humanity, making the character’s determination all the more affecting.

As for the passengers, Yolanda Treece’s Hannah, is equally heartbreaking. Her story, particularly as she waits desperately for word about her son, gives the production some of its most emotionally devastating moments. Treece allows Hannah’s grief to unfold with restraint rather than melodrama, making the quiet moments every bit as powerful as the big ones. When the characters gather in prayer, the scene becomes a poignant reminder that despite differences in religion, nationality and circumstance, there are some fears and hopes that belong to all of us.

Then there are the Kevins. Justin Tinker as Kevin J. and Jason Scott as Kevin T. provide some of the production’s most welcome humor while never losing sight of the humanity underneath it. Their relationship gives the audience permission to laugh amid the heavier material, and the chemistry between the two actors makes their banter particularly enjoyable. Their scenes are a reminder that even during extraordinary circumstances, people are still people—and sometimes humor is exactly how we survive the unbearable. Tinker gives Kevin J. a wonderfully complicated edge, while Scott brings Kevin T. an appealing warmth. Together, “the Kevins” are one of the production’s comedic bright spots. 

Another unexpected delight is the developing relationship between Ben Gregory’s Nick and Ashlie Welte-Lopez’s Diane. What begins almost as an accidental connection between two people caught in an extraordinary situation gradually becomes something genuinely sweet. Their relationship never feels forced; instead, it grows naturally out of conversation, curiosity and the simple comfort of having someone beside you when you suddenly find yourself very far from home. Gregory and Welte-Lopez find the tenderness in those moments, giving the audience one more reason to smile.

The rest of the ensemble fills Gander with an infectious sense of personality. Brian Best’s Claude, the Mayor of Gander, reveals grace and a bit of befuddlement under pressure (what’s up with those cargo pants though?). Stephanie Jackson’s Beulah is the take charge Gander resident who keeps things moving in a time of crisis, while finding time to slow down and offer friendship, in particular to Treece’s Hanna. Leslie King’s Bonnie shows that empathy extends beyond the people affected by tragedy. Her scene with unseen animals in the cargo holds end up being some of the show’s most emotionally charged moments. Jack Joiner’s Oz, the constable and other minor roles provide more humor and heart. Jayden Murphy’s Bob, a young man who’s uncertain about “collecting bbq grills’ from Gander residents’ yards to help feed the masses provides a bit of humor, but also examines prejudices. Claire Yancey’s Janice, newbie local reporter who’s thrown into the spotlight on her first day on the job, adds another layer of self-doubt were crisis is concerned. Each ensemble member, regardless of their role, contributes distinct—at times humorous and through-provoking pieces—to the community that ultimately becomes the emotional center of the story.

As the story unfolds and the actors switch from townsfolk to displaced temporary Ganderites and back again…multiple times, there comes an unexpected pleasure in watching the ensemble shift from one character to another. One actor may be a passenger in one scene and a Gander resident in the next, with a change of posture, voice, costume piece or simply a new chair position doing the work. It is an enormous theatrical challenge, and this cast embraces it, and carries it out with everything they’ve got.

From the all-in half narrative/half sung-through opening number, “Welcome to The Rock”—to the production’s lighter moments, whether the passengers discovering the peculiarities of Newfoundland life, the infamous “Screech-In”, or the increasingly chaotic attempts to accommodate thousands of unexpected guests, there are genuinely funny moments—without ever making light of the circumstances surrounding them.

And then there are the moments when the laughter suddenly stops. The production’s treatment of the passengers watching the news footage for the first time is devastating precisely because it doesn’t need to overplay the moment. Staged somberly by director Walsworth, the passengers face the audience looking just above them, watching unseen tv screens. The audience doesn’t need to hear audio or see a video loop of the harrowing moments American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines 175 crashed into the Twin Towers to know what these characters are seeing. Those of us old enough to remember, know what they don’t yet know. The silence carries the weight and the resulting tears that streamed down my face as I watched this scene during the show’s opening night prove we truly will never forget.

That emotional balance is one of the most difficult things about Come From Away, and The Keeton largely gets it right. The show can move from laughter to tears and back again without feeling manipulative because the characters have been allowed to become real people rather than symbols.

Walsworth’s direction keeps that humanity front and center. Her staging trusts the material, the actors and the audience. Trey Lundquist’s music direction is equally essential, giving the production the vocal drive required by a score that rarely sits still. The music propels the story forward, while the ensemble sound helps create the feeling that this is one giant story being told by many voices.

And ultimately, that is exactly what Come From Away is. It is a story about people. People who were scared. People who were grieving. People who were annoyed, confused, exhausted and occasionally overwhelmed. But also people who opened their doors. People who cooked meals. People who provided beds. People who drove strangers around town. People who listened. People who laughed together. People who, for a brief moment, stopped being strangers.

The Keeton’s Come From Away understands that the show’s greatest spectacle isn’t in constructing a realistic aircraft cabin. It’s not in unnecessarily perfect choreography or even the remarkable feat of telling dozens of stories with a relatively small ensemble. It’s the kindness. In a time when it can be easy to become cynical about humanity, Come From Away offers something refreshingly simple: proof that we still possess the capacity to care for one another.

The Keeton’s Come From Away is an affecting, spirited and beautifully assembled production that takes flight because its talented ensemble never loses sight of the human beings at the heart of this extraordinary story. With Susan Walsworth’s assured direction, Trey Lundquist’s vibrant musical leadership, Mckenna Driver’s understood simple movement and a cast that seamlessly transforms chairs into planes, buses, airports and gathering places as effectively as they bring their characters to life, this is a production that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there are still reasons to believe in each other. A beautiful reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t about what happened. They’re about what happened afterward.

The Keeton‘s Come From Away continues thru Sunday, August 30. CLICK HERE for tickets. For Friday and Saturday performances, doors are at 5:45pm with dinner service until 6:45 and show beginning at 7pm. Thursdays are show only with doors at 6:30pm and show at 7pm. For Sunday matinees, doors open at 12:45pm with meal service until 1:45pm and showtime at 2pm.

Next up following Come From Away, The Keeton presents John Patrick‘s wickedly funny mid-century comedy The Curious Savage on stage October 9-25. So you don’t miss out on upcoming shows at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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. In the meantime, #GoSeeTheShow!

BEFORE THE KEETON’S ‘COME FROM AWAY’ TAKES FLIGHT, A PRE-BOARDING RAPID FIRE 20Q

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The Keeton’s upcoming production of Come From Away (on stage August 14-30) brings the extraordinary true story of the 7,000 passengers who found themselves stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, following the events of September 11, 2001, to the stage in a celebration of compassion, community, resilience and kindness. For this JHPEntertainment Rapid Fire 20Q, we go behind the scenes with director Susan Walsworth and three members of the cast,–Melissa Silengo, Justin Tinker and Jason Scott–as they talk about returning to The Keeton, bringing real-life people to the stage, the unique challenges of Come From Away, aviation, friendship, finding the heart of a character and, ultimately, why this story continues to resonate.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR OF THE KEETON’s COME FROM AWAY

RAPID FIRE WITH COME FROM AWAY‘s BEVERLY, MELISSA SILENGO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve played everything from Maria in The Sound of Music to Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense. What excited you most about taking on Beverly, Annette, and your other roles in Come From Away?

MELISSA SILENGO: I generally enjoy playing characters who are based on real-life people, so I was especially excited to take on multiple real-life people in this show. Beverly Bass is an inspiring woman who made her way in a man’s world with dedication and her love of flying. Annette is an amalgamation of multiple real-life people, so I have enjoyed the freedom to make her my own and lean into the character description of her as “a school teacher… with an active fantasy life.” The range of characters that each actor plays is one of the things that makes this show such a joy to interpret and to watch.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After taking a few years away from the stage, what made this the perfect production to return with?

MELISSA SILENGO: The beautiful story and characters made this a great come-back production for me. The way the show is written makes it a challenge for everyone involved, and I have truly enjoyed dusting off many old skills and tricks of the trade to find my way through this process. The ensemble nature of the production and the people in our amazing cast and team have made this a very meaningful experience for me, and I am so thankful to be back in theatre.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As you mentioned, Beverly is based on a real person. Her story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. What has it meant to step into her shoes?

MELISSA SILENGO: Stepping into the shoes of Beverly Bass is a huge honor and responsibility. I hope she would agree that her role in the events surrounding September 11th in Gander, Newfoundland was to provide some reassurance for her passengers in a time of complete uncertainty. Her strength, clarity of purpose, passion for aviation, communication skills, and earnest concern for her passengers made her the perfect pilot to handle this type of emergency situation. I hope I can convey at least some of those qualities and give her story the respect it deserves.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve performed at several theaters across Middle Tennessee. What keeps bringing you back to The Keeton?

MELISSA SILENGO: The Keeton feels like my home theater, partly because it is close to my house, so that keeps me coming back. I am glad that people I have worked with over the years, like Donna and Kevin Driver, are still there continuing to keep the theater going. And one perk of doing shows at the Keeton is rehearsing on the same stage where you will perform. I have learned a lot performing at the Keeton over the years, and it feels nice to be back.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If someone has never seen Come From Away, what’s the one thing you’d tell them before the lights go down?

MELISSA SILENGO: Can I say two things? Come From Away is a telling of multiple stories at once, so be prepared for the actors to change characters quickly and frequently. But more importantly, be prepared to remember your own experience of 9/11 and connect it with the story of a small town community caring for people from around the world in a show of true human spirit.

RAPID FIRE WITH COME FROM AWAY‘s KEVIN T., JASON SCOTT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand that since your last Keeton production, you’ve become a flight instructor. Has that unique perspective made working on this show even more personal?

JASON SCOTT: Absolutely! This show is a perfect marriage of two of my biggest passions, and I couldn’t have asked for a better production to bring me back to the stage.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Kevin T. experiences one of the musical’s most moving emotional journeys. What have you discovered about him (and yourself) during rehearsals?

JASON SCOTT: It has been so interesting to play with the relative joy that Kevin tries to maintain even in the midst of such a tragic event. He refused to let the sadness consume him, and I’ve definitely found inspiration for myself in his story.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Between theater and aviation, storytelling and flying both require trust. Have you found any other surprising similarities between the two?

JASON SCOTT: I have long felt that my theatrical background was so useful in learning how to fly. There’s a lot of memorization involved, the ability to “improv” and react to things quickly, the ability to do the same sequence of “steps” on repeat, and so much more.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is there a particular musical number or scene that really resonates with you, whether your’s or one you witness by way of your fellow cast mates?

JASON SCOTT: Well I think the obvious answer is “Me and the Sky”, so I’m going to add a second one. I truly think one of the moments that will resonates with me, and with most people who were around when it happened, is seeing all the plane people witness the footage for the first time. I can’t help but imagine my own experience on that day and seeing and hearing about what happened for the first time myself.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I’m about to chat with Justin Tinker who plays your Kevin’s other half. Describe sharing the stage with Justin in three words…

JASON SCOTT: Safe, Emotional, FUN

RAPID FIRE WITH COME FROM AWAY’s KEVIN J., JUSTIN TINKER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re portraying both Kevin J. and Ali, two characters whose stories couldn’t be more different. What has been the biggest challenge of bringing both of them to life?

JUSTIN TINKER:  This is a great question. Of the two characters, I feel more personally connected to Kevin J. I think we share a similar sense of humor and sass, but my biggest challenge has been finding his heart. At first glance, many of his lines can come across as snappy or arrogant. But I keep reminding myself that Kevin T wouldn’t have been with Kevin J for five years if that was all there was to him. That has led me to ask, “What made Kevin T fall in love with Kevin J?” Finding the answer to that question has helped me approach him with more empathy and complexity.

Ali has been a very different experience because, in many ways, he is nothing like me. My goal has been to honor his culture while still bringing my own truth to the role. Since I’m not Egyptian, I was initially most concerned about getting the accent right. But beyond that, I realized I could connect to Ali through my own experiences. As a Black man in America, I’ve experienced moments where I’ve felt judged or treated as an outsider, and that emotional truth has helped me better understand Ali’s journey.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Aside from the multiple roles, How has this show challenged you in new ways?

JUSTIN TINKER: Being born on September 12, 2001, I don’t have any personal memories of 9/11, so I couldn’t draw from my own experience. That made finding an emotional connection to the story a challenge at first. Instead, I leaned on the real stories of the people who lived through it (my parents and most of my cast mate)and connected to the show’s universal themes of compassion, resilience, and community. This production has also been a vocal beast for me. Once we started doing full runs, it became a mental challenge to stay present in each moment while also thinking five steps ahead because of all the moving parts. Throughout the process, though, I’ve continued to surprise myself. I’ve always felt most confident in my dancing and acting, but this show has challenged me to grow as a vocalist. It’s helped me realize that singing is a strength of mine as well. I’m especially grateful to our director, Susan Walsworth, and our music director, Trey Lundquist, for believing in me and giving me the confidence to grow. Thanks to their guidance, I’ve discovered a new level of confidence in my voice, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Come From Away is known for its demanding dialects and lightning-fast character changes. Which aspect has required the most preparation?

JUSTIN TINKER: Oh it’s definitely the lighting fast character changes. I’m constantly checking the script to make sure I know where I am and who I’m playing at every moment. For the first time, I even created a track sheet (a spreadsheet that maps out every character I play, along with my costume changes and scene transitions). Because I switch between multiple characters, sometimes only a few lines apart, staying organized has become essential to keeping up with the pace of the show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Has there been a rehearsal moment that reminded you why this musical has resonated with audiences around the world?

JUSTIN TINKER: One moment that really stands out to me was our first full read-through after learning all of the music. I remember Trey telling us that even though the show wasn’t on its feet yet and our faces would probably be buried in our scripts, we should still be able to hear the emotion in the storytelling. As we performed the entire show for the first time, it felt like a light bulb went off. I remember thinking, “Oh yeah, we have the right people to tell this story.” Even without the staging, costumes, or choreography, the heart of the show was already there, and that was a really special moment to witness.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Finish this sentence: Audiences will leave Come From Away feeling __________.

JUSTIN TINKER: how important community is.

RAPID FIRE WITH COME FROM AWAY DIRECTOR SUSAN WALSWORTH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Come From Away has become one of the most beloved musicals of the last decade. How did you come to be directing it for The Keeton?

SUSAN WALSWORTH: It is an amazing story and Donna knew that my son Sevon was in it last summer and that I was very familiar with the show so when she asked me, I jumped at the chance.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve both directed and performed on The Keeton stage over the years. How has your experience as an actor shaped the way you approach directing?

SUSAN WALSWORTH: I believe that being an actor before becoming a director gives me a better perspective of things that work, and also things that don’t; That includes using the uniqueness of the Keeton stage, my rehearsal process, and communication with my cast.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The creators of Come From Away often say the show isn’t a 9/11 musical, but rather a 9/12 musical Do you agree with that assessment? If so, why (or why not)?

SUSAN WALSWORTH: I both agree and disagree, yes it is about the stories of the people of Gander and the plane people the days following 9/11 but we wouldn’t have these stories to tell if the horrible attacks hadn’t happened that day.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Come From Away relies on a seamless blend of storytelling and music. What’s it been like collaborating with music director Trey Lundquist to bring this incredible score to life?

SUSAN WALSWORTH: I met Trey during our first production meeting for the show and quickly realized that we both had the same vision for bringing this show to the stage. The vocals in the show are dynamic and have to tell the story and Trey has done an amazing job making this stellar cast sound absolutely incredible! Trey and I have developed a great working relationship and will remain friends once this process is complete. I hope I get to work with him again in the future.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences are still thinking about on the drive home after experiencing this production?

SUSAN WALSWORTH: I hope audiences walk away with the kindness in their hearts and feeling uplifted that there is hope for a brighter future even during a time of darkness.

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Alongside Melissa Silengo, Jason Scott and Justin Tinker, the cast of The Keeton‘s Come From Away is made of a who’s who of area talent including Brian Best, Leslie King, Stephanie Jackson, Jack Joiner, Ben Gregory, Ashlie Welte-Lopez, Clair Yancey, Jayden Murphy, Yolanda Treece and Tyler Samuel. The Show’s production team, helmed by director Susan Walsworth, includes music director Trey Lundquist, choreographer McKenna Driver and stage manager Kaleigh Ruiz.

The Keeton being the area’s only dinner theatre, there’s always a dinner option accompanying the show. For Come From Away, the pre-show in-flight meal will feature a dinner salad, pulled pork barbecue sandwich (a pre-0rdered substitute of grilled salmon is available for a slight up-charge), red skin potato salad, a side of mixed veggies and lemon bar for dessert.

The Keeton‘s Come From Away marks the opening of the company’s 2026/2027 season with performances Friday, August 17 thru Sunday, August 30. CLICK HERE for tickets. For Friday and Saturday performances, doors are at 5:45pm with dinner service until 6:45 and show beginning at 7pm. Thursdays are show only with doors at 6:30pm and show at 7pm. For Sunday matinees, doors open at 12:45pm with meal service until 1:45pm and showtime at 2pm.

The Keeton‘s Come From Away is ultimately a story about what can happen when strangers choose to care for one another in the face of unimaginable circumstances. With a director and cast who have clearly connected deeply with that message, The Keeton’s production promises to offer Nashville audiences not only an unforgettable musical experience, but also a timely reminder of the power of community. That sounds like a pretty perfect reason to let Come From Away take you on its journey.

Next up following Come From Away, The Keeton presents John Patrick‘s wickedly funny mid-century comedy The Curious Savage on stage October 9-25. So you don’t miss out on upcoming shows at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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. In the meantime, #GoSeeTheShow!

 

Arts Preview: Kindling Arts Festival Continues Through Sunday with a Weekend of Bold, Original Performances Across Nashville

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The Kindling Arts Festival: UTOPIAS kicked off Thursday evening and continues through Sunday, July 26, transforming venues across West Nashville into stages for world premiere theater, contemporary dance, opera, comedy, performance art and interactive experiences. Featuring 22 original performances and events created by more than 160 local artists, the festival has spent the past nine years building a reputation as one of Music City’s most exciting showcases for fearless creativity. If you missed opening night, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to experience one of Nashville’s most inventive celebrations of local artists.

Unlike festivals built around familiar titles, Kindling is all about discovery. It’s where audiences can experience brand-new musicals, see plays in development before they reach larger stages, witness immersive dance works and encounter performances that challenge expectations while celebrating the remarkable depth of Nashville’s artistic community.

This year’s theme, UTOPIAS, couldn’t be more fitting. In a recent press release Co-Founders and Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Jones and Jessika Malone explain the inspiration behind this year’s festival. “At a time when the arts are increasingly under attack through censorship, shrinking support, and political backlash, the act of imagining a better world is both radical and necessary.”

That spirit echoes throughout the weekend, with artists exploring hope, justice, belonging and the possibilities that emerge when creativity is allowed to flourish without limits. Jones and Malone continue by asking audiences, “What does it mean to create in the direction of a world that is not here yet? How might artists model new systems of belonging, justice, care, and joy?” Rather than offering easy answers, Kindling invites audiences to spend four days exploring those questions through storytelling, movement, music and shared experience.

If you’re deciding what to catch over the remainder of the festival, the six productions highlighted as this year’s Must Sees provide an excellent place to start. Musical theater fans should make time for Fairy Floss: A New Musical, a charming new work by Madeline Hicks featuring music by Kara McLeland. Inspired by the invention of cotton candy, the production blends romance, whimsy and history into what promises to be one of the festival’s sweetest offerings.

Found Movement Group’s Tea transforms the familiar Southern ritual of gathering over tea into an intimate blend of dance and theater celebrating hospitality, family traditions and human connection.

Dance enthusiasts will also want to experience Objects in the Mirror, where PYDANCE choreographers Emma Morrison, Becca Hoback and Asia Pyron present original contemporary works exploring identity, memory and transformation through movement.

Opera lovers shouldn’t miss Faith: A New Opera, composer Jeremy Smith’s ambitious new work combining Southern gospel traditions, Appalachian folk influences and classical opera in the story of a charismatic preacher whose growing influence comes at a cost.

For audiences looking for something delightfully unconventional, Off the Clock once again showcases Kindling’s adventurous spirit through original performance art created by Landry Butler, Grandmafun, Chris Strauss and Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva. Expect an evening filled with humor, experimentation and the unexpected.

Another annual festival favorite, New Play Platter, gives audiences a front-row seat to the creative process with excerpts from five new plays currently in development, offering an exciting glimpse at the future of Nashville theater.

Of course, one of Kindling’s greatest strengths is the joy of discovering productions that may not have been on your radar before arriving. This year’s lineup also includes Common Ground, an evening of dance celebrating community and collaboration; Milk Makes Me Sick But My Body Needs It, Hannah Dorfman’s deeply personal exploration of womanhood and healing; 30 Plays in 60 Minutes, an energetic collection of miniature plays inspired by the festival’s UTOPIAS theme; and See You in Hell, an unforgettable mix of burlesque, drag, clowning and spoken word.

Other highlights include The Wreck of the Manifest Destiny, Late Stage Elisabeth, Kintsugi: Art of Scars, Ruined Causes, Faulty Premise, Chisme Fantasmagórico, The Queerest Comedy Show, Dance Studio Sharings, Embodied Creativity, Community Frolic, Writer’s Gym, the Free Nashville Poetry Library Reading, Unscripted: Festival Remix and Sunday’s Festival Wrap Party, making it nearly impossible to see everything in a single weekend. But you’ll have a blast trying.

That remarkable variety is exactly what has made Kindling such an important part of Nashville’s arts landscape. Every performance represents a different artistic voice, encouraging audiences to step outside their comfort zones and experience work they might never encounter in a traditional theater season.

The festival is equally committed to supporting artists behind the scenes. Kindling operates using a fee-free model that removes many of the financial barriers independent artists often face, covering essentials such as venue rentals, technical support and marketing so creators can focus on making their work.

As Jones and Malone share on the festival’s official site, “Kindling stands firm in our belief that artists must be free to speak truth, challenge existing systems, and create boldly without fear.” That philosophy has helped establish Kindling as one of Nashville’s most valuable incubators for original performance, giving emerging and established artists alike the opportunity to develop bold new work in front of adventurous audiences.

As one might expect, community support plays a vital role in keeping that mission alive. The organization invites patrons to become sustaining members through monthly giving, helping fund year-round artist development while ensuring future festivals remain accessible. Memberships begin at just $5 per month, with additional benefits available at higher levels, including festival discounts, exclusive events, limited-edition merchandise, VIP seating and behind-the-scenes rehearsal access.

With three days still remaining, there’s ample opportunity to dive into this year’s festival, whether you catch a single performance or spend the weekend hopping between venues. However you choose to experience it, Kindling offers something increasingly rare—the chance to witness artists taking genuine creative risks while inviting audiences to imagine what a better world might look like.

On the Kindling site, Jones and Malone close their letter with an invitation that perfectly captures the spirit of the weekend: “We invite you to explore all that Kindling Arts Festival 2026: UTOPIAS has to offer and to join us in imagining, creating, and moving toward a better world.” It’s an invitation well worth accepting.

Kindling Arts Festival: UTOPIAS continues through Sunday, July 26, at venues throughout West Nashville, including OZ Arts Nashville, Darkhorse Theater, The Curb Center at Vanderbilt University, Barbershop Theater, Spero Dei Church, Global Education Center, Back Bar at Verna and Richland Park. Festival passes, individual tickets and the complete performance schedule are available at KindlingArts.com. Be sure to check the online schedule before heading out, as performances take place throughout each day and evening at multiple locations and as word spreads, some of those festival favs are likely to sell out.

For the latest about Kindling Arts Festival and to get ahead of the game for next year’s mammoth 10th Anniversary celebration, find them online at KindlingArts.com and follow them on Facebook, Insta and YouTube.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music, arts and more, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

 

 

Theatre Review: Playhouse 615’s Agatha Christie’s ‘The Unexpected Guest’ Is a Delightfully Twisty Mystery Filled with Suspicious Characters and Standout Performances

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Members of the cast of Playhouse 615’s presentation of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Unexpected Guest’

Agatha Christie has long held the title of the undisputed Queen of Crime, crafting mysteries that have kept audiences guessing for generations. While The Mousetrap may be her most famous stage work, The Unexpected Guest deserves a place alongside it. Premiering in 1958, the play is classic Christie—a secluded country manor, a shocking murder, a house full of people harboring secrets, and enough twists to make even the most seasoned armchair detective second-guess every theory.

Co-directed by Ann Street-Kavanagh and Craig Hartline, Playhouse 615 wisely leans into those strengths, allowing the script’s carefully constructed puzzle to take center stage. Rather than revealing too much about who did what—and to whom—it’s far more enjoyable to examine the people under suspicion. With that in mind, there’s be no plot summary herein. Suffice it to say, in true Christie form, there’s a murder, and there’s a manor house full of suspects. After all, every detective knows the truth is found not in the crime itself, but in the behavior of those who knew the victim best.

Matt Smith’s Michael Starkwedder is immediately established as a man who is almost too smooth for his own good. Arriving unexpectedly at exactly the wrong place and exactly the right time, Smith gives the character an easy confidence that constantly keeps audiences wondering whether he’s genuinely trying to help or quietly manipulating everyone around him. His charmingly smarmy portrayal walks that wonderfully uncomfortable line where every reassuring smile somehow feels just suspicious enough. Smith never tips his hand, making Starkwedder exactly the kind of Christie protagonist audiences love trying—and failing—to figure out.

We next meet Katie Delaune’s Laura Warwick. Delaune brings warmth and vulnerability to the young mistress of the manor, making her plight immediately sympathetic while wisely never eliminating the possibility that she could be hiding something. Her performance allows audiences to continually question whether Laura is simply a victim of circumstance or someone carefully concealing the truth. Delaune’s sincerity gives the emotional stakes of the story a much-needed anchor amid the ever-growing list of suspects.

It seems only fitting that one of the grande dames of Nashville community theatre should portray the grande dame of this troubled estate. Linda Speir is perfectly cast as Mrs. Warwick, carrying herself with the unmistakable air of someone who has spent decades believing everyone else exists merely to disappoint her. Speir expertly mixes aristocratic self-importance with dismissive disdain for nearly everyone she encounters, yet wisely avoids making the character simply cold or cruel. In fleeting moments—a softened glance, a quieter line delivery, the slightest crack in an otherwise rigid exterior—she reveals the forgotten gentler woman buried beneath years of grief, pride and disappointment. Those subtle glimpses make Mrs. Warwick far more interesting than the stereotypical overbearing matriarch she could have easily become.

Connor Olen provides one of the production’s most quietly delightful performances as Jan. His childlike excitability gives the character an innocent unpredictability that continually leaves audiences questioning exactly how much Jan understands. Olen fills the role with nervous energy and wonderfully specific character choices that never call attention to themselves but enrich every scene. One particularly inspired moment occurs during an interrogation as Jan absentmindedly fidgets with the peel from an apple slice. It’s such a seemingly insignificant detail, yet it speaks volumes about the character’s restless, distracted mind while simultaneously adding another layer to his delightfully peculiar personality. It’s the kind of understated acting choice that often goes unnoticed consciously but subconsciously makes a performance feel remarkably authentic.

Rounding out the cast Emma Reinbold is, on the surface, a steady, reassuring presence as the devoted Ms. Bennett, grounding many of the play’s more emotionally charged moments with quiet sincerity. But of course there’s more to her long-tenured devoted presence. Rich Moses lends Julian an affable confidence that keeps audiences guessing exactly where his loyalties lie. Andrea Coleman’s police Sergeant provides some of the nights’ more comical moments. She and her on-stage superior, Rezende’s Inspector, trade eye-rolls and seemingly unscripted, adlibed barbs, giving the Sergeant more range of character than the calm professionalism with which the role is typically presented. Kamron Smith rounds out the ensemble as Angell, offering up the tried and true embodiment of the age-old mystery trope that raises the question, did indeed the butler do it? OK, so Angell isn’t a butler, but he is a male attendant to the murder victim, but you get the gist. 

The evening, however, belongs to Wanderson Rezende. As Inspector Thomas, Rezende delivers a performance that feels refreshingly original while remaining completely faithful to Christie’s world. Every mystery needs the brilliant detective capable of seeing what everyone else misses, but Rezende refuses to settle for merely playing another stoic inspector.

During his interrogations—particularly opposite Linda Speir, Connor Olen and the other increasingly uncomfortable suspects—he demonstrates remarkable control over every aspect of his performance. With brilliant shifts in vocal inflection, posture, facial expression and physicality, Rezende effortlessly transitions from the stern seriousness audiences expect from a Christie detective to flashes of quirky, almost childlike playfulness reminiscent of Pee-Wee Herman or Mr. Bean. Never broad enough to become caricature, but just enough to make the Inspector endlessly fascinating.

His investigative process becomes theatrical in all the best ways. Whether employing the murder weapon as a visual aid, incorporating a fruit snack into his deductions, or somehow turning a bit of knitting into investigative tool, Rezende constantly finds inventive bits of business that not only earn laughs but reinforce the notion that this Inspector’s mind is always several clues ahead of everyone else. A prime example come in the aforementioned investigation of Speir’s Mrs. Warwick. As the Inspector invites the elder matriarch to join him on the sofa for a little chat, he nonchalantly takes out his knitting needs, and yarn. He nonchalantly tosses the yarn into Mrs. Warwick’s lap, which she quickly and calmly removes from her lap a sets the yarn between them. It’s a simple but effective scene. The Inspector is either trying to equate the humdrum hobby of knitting with the senior suspect, or he’s establishing dominance by assuming she’ll hold the yarn as he coaxes her to weave her tale of the events of the murderous night. Either way, in the hands of Rezende–with an able assist from Speir–it’s one of the most inventive Christie moments you’re likely to encounter on a local stage.

As is the case with most mysteries, there’s that uncomfortable moment when difficult facts are presented. It is in that spirit that the usual suspects of technical issues within Playhouse 615’s production need be addressed. While the majority of the Welsh accents were certainly serviceable, several wandered throughout the evening, occasionally drifting toward a more generic British sound before finding their way back again.

Prior to interviewing members of the cast, I had reached out to one of the co-directors for a bit of behind-the-scenes intelligence. Knowing Playhouse 615 occasionally enjoys modernizing or relocating classic works, I specifically asked whether The Unexpected Guest would remain the mid-century Welsh affair Christie originally envisioned. I was told the production would still take place in the Welsh countryside but had been moved forward to the 1980s.

As an 80s kid myself, naturally, that raised expectations. A wealthy family living in the 1980s immediately conjures images of bold colors, oversized silhouettes and the sort of nouveau riche excess that would make the Carringtons from Dynasty feel right at home. Instead, the costumes and scenic design lack any definitive aesthetic. With no shoulder pads to be found among the female cast wardrobe choices and what appears to be peel and stick shelf and drawer paper doubling as paneled walls (resplendent with air bubbles, I might add), and without a director’s note explaining the conceptual shift, there is little visual evidence that the story has moved to the 80s—although I did catch one of the actors reply with “Cool” at one point— making the timeline adjustment feel more puzzling than purposeful. It would, perhaps, have made more sense to shift the action to present-day America if budget, time and resources wouldn’t allow the production to remain in the period Christie originally intended.

Those minor critiques, however, are ultimately overshadowed by the strength of the performances. Wanderson Rezende crafts an Inspector Thomas unlike any you’re likely to see, blending razor-sharp deduction with unexpected whimsy and becoming the production’s undeniable standout. Linda Speir reminds audiences why she continues to be one of Nashville theatre’s most respected leading ladies, Connor Olen quietly steals scene after scene with wonderfully specific character work, and Matt Smith and Katie Lelaune’s combined effortless charm keep suspicion hanging over them both until Christie’s final revelation. Together, alongside the entire cast, they elevate an already clever script into an evening of thoroughly engaging theatre.

Like every great Agatha Christie mystery, The Unexpected Guest isn’t simply about discovering the murderer—it’s about savoring every cleverly planted clue, every suspicious glance and every delicious red herring along the way. Playhouse 615 has assembled a cast that clearly relishes that challenge, inviting audiences to play detective right alongside them as performances continue weekends through Sunday, August 2.  Whether you’re a lifelong Christie devotee or making your first trip into her wonderfully deceptive world, this is one case well worth investigating. Just don’t expect to solve it before the Inspector does.

CLICK HERE for tickets. For more from Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music, arts and more, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q: Secrets, Suspects & Surprises Await in Agatha Christie’s ‘The Unexpected Guest’ on Stage at Playhouse 615

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A dark and stormy night. A mysterious stranger. A shocking discovery. A house full of secrets. Sounds like the perfect recipe for an Agatha Christie mystery. Beginning Friday, July 17, Playhouse 615 invites audiences to become detectives as it presents the Grande Dame of suspense’s murderous The Unexpected Guest — a classic whodunnit where every character has a secret, every conversation may contain a clue, and nothing is quite what it first appears.

Before audiences start gathering clues, JHPEntertainment goes behind the scenes for a Rapid Fire 20Q with co-director Craig Hartline and cast members Katie Delaune (Laura Warwick), Emma Reinbold (Miss Bennett) and Kam Smith (Henry Angell) to talk Agatha Christie, theatrical mysteries, suspicious characters and bringing one of the world’s greatest storytellers to the Playhouse 615 stage.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CO-DIRECTOR AND CAST MEMBERS OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’s THE UNEXPECTED GUEST

RAPID FIRE WITH THE UNEXPECTED GUEST CO-DIRECTOR CRAIG HARTLINE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For more than a century, Agatha Christie‘s novels, movie adaptations and plays have been convincing audiences that everyone is a suspect. Having appeared onstage in a handful of Playhouse 615 productions (as well as numerous theatre companies across the mid-state), what was it about The Unexpected Guest that made you want to step behind the scenes as co-director to bring this particular mystery to life?

CRAIG HARTLINE: I have wanted to direct for a while, but have really never had the opportunity to take on that role.  Ann asked me earlier in the year if I would be interested in directing a show for 615.  When I saw the upcoming shows, I jumped at Agatha Christie.  I have loved her works for years and couldn’t think of a better show to get my feet wet in the directors role. 

 JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re co-directing this production with Ann Street-Cavanagh. For audiences who have never experienced a co-directing process, how does that actually work? Is it a creative partnership where you divide responsibilities, challenge each other’s ideas, or occasionally have a theatrical version of “I thought YOU were watching that”?

CRAIG HARTLINE: Ann and I have been in several plays together as actors.  We seem to think alike when it comes to what our vision of how action should occur on the stage.  There have been more than a few times either I have leaned and whispered to her or vice a versa about a scene and we were thinking the exact same thing.  As far as a creative working partnership, I am absorbing as much as I can from Ann’s directing talent as possible and she has been very good at asking what I think about all aspects of the process, everything from set design, to costumes, to blocking.  Having two sets of eyes really helps the process, so we don’t miss too much.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Christie’s mysteries depend on atmosphere, pacing and keeping audiences guessing. In addition to directing the show, I understand you also designed the set alongside cast member Wanderson Rezende. What are some of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — of creating that suspenseful world inside the more intimate space of Playhouse 615?

CRAIG HARTLINE: What can I say about Wanderson and the way his minds eye envisions a show?  It is truly remarkable to watch the wheels turn in his mind.  We bounce ideas off each other and think of subtle ways to pull the audience in. The biggest challenges for me, is to find a way to bring his vision to life with the set construction, along with incredible help from Rich Moses, we have striven to do it justice.  All “black box” theaters have an intimate feel, but we are hoping to grab the audience and pull them along on this journey, by helping to immerse them into the story.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This cast is bringing characters to life who all have different layers, motivations and secrets. What has impressed you most about watching the cast explore their roles and discover the people behind the mystery?

CRAIG HARTLINE: It has truly been a thrill to watch each of these amazing actors find their characters voices from Agatha Christies written words.  Their subtle facial expressions, the way they envision how their particular character walks, talks, even breaths shows up in every performance.  They are phenomenal actors and it shows up in every rehearsal.  I cannot wait for audiences to see how they bring these people to life from just words on a page. They impress me every night.  The director side of me is amazed at their vision and the actor side wishes I could be on the stage sharing it with them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Without giving away the ending and causing Christie fans to come looking for answers… what one key element that makes this production of The Unexpected Guest a mystery audiences will want to experience live?

CRAIG HARTLINE: Goodness, just one key element? For Christie fans seeing the story performed in front of them is always a thrill, but to those who may not know her works, the key element is misdirection.  Just when you think you know “who done it” she laughs and says not so fast, here is the real murderer.  

RAPID FIRE WITH KATIE DELAUNE THE UNEXPECTED GUEST‘s LAURA WARWICK

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Laura Warwick begins The Unexpected Guest surrounded by questions, suspicion and circumstances that immediately make audiences wonder what really happened. What drew you to exploring such a complicated character?

KATIE DELAUNE: Agatha Christie truly wrote Laura as a dynamic character. In someone else’s hands, she could be a one-dimensional gold digger. But Christie knows that humans are multifaceted, and they move differently in their relationships, even within their own families. As an actor, how could you not want to explore that type of role! In the opening scene, I hope the audience sees the complicated emotions she has towards her husband, who has become a shadow of the person she fell in love with. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Laura is a character who forces audiences to constantly reevaluate what they think they know. What has been the biggest challenge in finding the balance between vulnerability, strength and mystery in her?

KATIE DELAUNE: I think the biggest challenge is allowing all three of those characteristics to exist. Her strength and vulnerability are quiet and controlled, respectively, and from that a mystery naturally emerges. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest premiered onstage in 1958, with the action taking place in Wales. I understand while the locale hasn’t changed, for Playhouse 615’s production, the time period has been bumped up to 1982. What’s been the most fun about reliving that era by way of this show?

KATIE DELAUNE: Working on the wardrobe with Zoe (our costume designer) has been so fun. Thank goodness the 80s loved wide wheels, because I can’t balance on stilts anymore. I also bought a set of Velcro hair rollers. Haven’t done that since I was a kid. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Important investigative journalism question… Whodunnit? OK, OK…no spoilers, I know…seriously though…Who amongst your cast could get away with just about anything? 

KATIE DELAUNE: Haha! As a former journalist myself, I appreciate trying to wrangle that secret out of me. Linda Spier could get away with just about anything because we (cast and crew) trust her so much. Her experience and advice are invaluable.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The play opens with a tense scene between your Laura Warwick and Matt Smith’s Michael Starkwedder. Through the course of the action, their relationship rollercoasters between unforeseen allies to suspicious frienemies. As a scene partner, how has working with Matt aided in walking this tightrope?

KATIE DELAUNE: Matt is a great scene partner. I believe we’ve created this fun dance at the beginning of the show. I also really enjoy listening to him talk about his character, as he explores Starkwedder’s motives. It’s helped me shape Laura’s character and has made me a better actor. He gives me space in each scene to try different beats so that we can maintain that tension. I’m so amazed at how he locks into our scene he is in.  

RAPID FIRE WITH EMMA REINBOLD, THE UNEXPECTED GUEST’s MISS BENNETT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Miss Bennett is part of the Warwick household, a place where everyone seems to know something — but perhaps not everything. What makes her such an interesting character to bring to life?

EMMA REINBOLD: Miss Bennett, affectionately known as Benny, is in that strange position in the household where she’s not quite family but she’s not just a servant either. She cares about and takes care of each and every Warwick with a fierce protectiveness. Benny is a fun mix of stern and earnest, fastidious and frazzled, and it’s a delight to bring her to life with this cast and crew. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Agatha Christie published her first book in 1920 and is widely considered the most successful mystery writer in history, having written 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, two memoirs and 20 original stage plays. In the hundred+ years since her debut, her books have sold more than 2 billion copies! What is it about her mysteries that keeps audiences returning to them generation after generation?

EMMA REINBOLD: There are so many reasons Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery. I think one reason is that she has such a way of bringing her readers/audiences along and making them feel  clever when they spot important details as the truth of the mystery unfurls. Her stories beautifully walk that fine line of providing clues throughout without beating us over the head with them. 

Also, the quickest way to pull me out of a story is to have the characters do something or have the actions unfold in such a way that’s just not possible. But Agatha Christie pays heed to both the science and the psychology of it all.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Mystery stories thrive on observation — noticing the little details, the pauses and the things people don’t say. Is there a detail of the set, the props, the costumes or the story itself that you find most intriguing?

EMMA REINBOLD: I’m always most intrigued by the things people choose not to say, what they say without speaking, and those moments they decide to lie about something or someone. I particularly love the moments when the characters are verbally sparring, trying to figure each other out, during a tete-a-tete. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you found yourself inside a real-life mystery, would you be the detective carefully collecting clues, the suspicious character everyone watches, or the person quietly sitting in the corner knowing more than they admit?

EMMA REINBOLD: Oooh, it would probably depend because I can see myself doing a bit of all three. I would want to be the one sitting back, observing and quietly unraveling the threads of the mystery behind the scenes just to prove to myself I can figure it out.

But, if there wasn’t already a capable detective leading the investigation (and giving me the opportunity to people-watch), then I’d probably step forward to organize and analyze the mystery in a more official capacity. 

And, if the case wasn’t serious (if, say, a murder hadn’t been done), then I might find myself leaning into mischievousness and acting suspicious to see if others would fall for it, just for a bit of fun. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Every mystery has someone who seems to know more than they’re letting on. During the rehearsal process as you’ve gotten to know your cast mates, who do you suspect is best at keeping secrets—or at least acting like they are?

EMMA REINBOLD: Hmm, that might have two different answers. I’d say Rich Moses is probably the most likely to know things, either because any of the rest of us have confided in him and/or because he has sat back and quietly observed things for himself. Either way, he’d never even let on that there was a secret to divulge.

As for who’s most likely to act like they’re the best at keeping a secret – maybe Wanderson Rezende. But then he’d get excited and share anyway.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE UNEXPECTED GUEST’s HENRY ANGELL, KAM SMITH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Henry Angell is part of a story where family, loyalty and hidden truths all collide. What interested you most about stepping into this role?

KAM SMITH: Just how slimy this character is. Angell is such a sly character that will try just about anything to move up the social ladder. I was so interested in trying my hand at a different type of power on stage, where my words and wits can battle with costars who are physically more imposing than myself.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Christie’s characters often live in a world where appearances can be deceiving. How much fun is it playing someone where audiences may constantly question motives and intentions?

KAM SMITH: Oh an unbelievable amount of fun. Getting to kind of grow and pick and choose with the script where I can place little nuggets of info and tells for the more sleuthy audience members has been a real treat!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With the action of the play taking place in Wales, I hear you all have been working on your Welsh dialect. How’s that going?

KAM SMITH: It’s going great! We were given help from a dialect coach that has been instrumental in getting all of us up to speed. On the same note, getting to learn the ins and outs of that specific dialect has also been a Swiss Army knife for the other nearby regions. So I feel confident that we can be as accurate as possible to the Welsh accent and dialect.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If this cast were actually trapped in a Christie-style mystery, who amongst your crew and fellow cast mates would you want leading the investigation — and who would you keep under close surveillance?

KAM SMITH: I personally feel Rich Moses would be perfect as a leader in the investigation, much like Michael Starkwedder in this show, he has a way of making you feel really comfortable talking to him that if you had something to hide, you might accidentally let it slip during a conversation with him. As for largely suspicious characters, I’d have to give it to our own director Ann. Mostly because you can’t tell what she’s thinking at all, and that’s a big point of confusion when you’re trying to see if you’re putting on a good show in rehearsals, but also she seems a little too unlikely, which is the exact person you want to look for!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After audiences leave Playhouse 615, what do you hope they’re still debating, discussing and trying to solve on the drive home?

KAM SMITH: Even though obviously there can be only one person who truly committed the murder, I would hope they still wonder who would commit it if given even a few more days. Most everyone in the rogues gallery of this show completely despises the deceased Mr. Warwick, so you’re always on your toes just to see who could’ve actually done it. Some of them even might have violent tendencies to begin with, so even if there could only be one. Who was right at the breaking point?

Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest has been inviting audiences into a suspenseful world of secrets, suspicion and unexpected revelations since making its stage debut back in 1958. Playhouse 615’s slightly modernized 80s take brings this intriguing whodunnit into their intimate theatrical setting where every glance, pause and revelation becomes part of the investigation with performances Friday, July 17 through Sunday, August 2. So gather your clues, question everything and join Playhouse 615 for an evening where the biggest mystery isn’t just what happened — it’s who you can believe. CLICK HERE for tickets. For more from Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music, arts and more, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

Hosted by Rachel Potter ‘Off Broadway’ Cabaret Series returns to Analog at The Hutton July 11 with ‘The Room Where It Happened’

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After four sold-out themed cabaret events that have quickly become some of Nashville’s hottest tickets for musical theatre lovers, Off Broadway returns to Analog at Hutton Hotel on Saturday, July 11, with what may be its most timely and powerful installment yet.

Hosted once again by Broadway favorite—and Nashville resident—Rachel Potter, Off Broadway: The Room Where It Happened takes audiences on a stirring musical journey through the songs of protest, patriotism and perseverance that have helped shape history. Drawing from iconic Broadway scores including Hamilton, Les Misérables, Ragtime, Hair, Spring Awakening, Suffs and even a contemporary christian mainstay-turned Pride Anthem, the evening celebrates the voices, bravery and movements that continue to inspire generations.

The series debuted last fall with Witch Please (a Wicked and Ozian celebration), with Best Of  (Broadway favs) in November, An Evening of Magic (Disney tunes) in January and That’s So High School (Grease, High School Musical and the like) in April. The Room Where It Happened marks the fifth installment of a series that continues to raise the bar with every performance. If you’ve attended any, you already know these aren’t your typical concerts. Each installment has featured a fresh theme, Broadway-caliber talent, including a Tony-winner or two, and an intimate concert experience unlike anything else in Nashville. Think New York’s 54 Below or Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, but with a decidedly Music City flair. 

As always, Rachel Potter anchors the evening with the warmth, humor and powerhouse vocals that have become the signature of the series. Best known for her Broadway performances in The Addams Family and Evita, along with the national tour of Wicked, Potter has a gift for making Analog feel less like a concert venue and more like your own Broadway living room.

Joining her this go-round is another incredible lineup of performers who have lived these stories onstage. Justin Sargent, whose credits include the national tour of Hamilton, Rock of Ages and Jesus Christ Superstar, joins fellow Hamilfam alongside DeeJay Young, who performed in both the Broadway and national touring companies of Hamilton and Stephanie Umoh, whose Broadway résumé includes Hamilton, Ragtime and Falsettos. This dynamic trio alone add an authentic connection to many of the evening’s featured songs.

Musical theatre darling (and one of my personal favorites) Diana DeGarmo brings credits from Hair,  Hairspray, and the National Tour of 9 t0 5. Nashville native MORGXN, who appeared in Spring Awakening, returns after previously wowing the crowd during the last Off Broadway cabaret, once again showcasing his unmistakable voice and artistry to the evening. Fans of NBC’s The Voice will also recognize powerhouse vocalist Omar Cardona, whose unforgettable performances made him a Top Five fan favorite during the show’s 22nd Season.

Also on-hand for the evening will be barrier-breaking AAPI country artist Tyler Korhs;  Matt Bloyd, whose career has taken him from covering a Lady Gaga song on YouTube in 2018 to providing backing vocals on the icon’s 2020 Chromatica track “Babylon”; viral sensation Jada Wasserman; Piper Jones, Nashville favorite (an another of my theatre crushes), brilliant vocalist, educator and regional theatre standout; and Annabelle Fox, whose recent turn in the musical Johnny and the Devil’s Box at Analog was one of that evening’s highlights. 

Country music trailblazer Ty Herndon alongside Michael Passons and Melissa Greene (formerly of the award-winning CCM group Avalon), round out what is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most exciting lineups the series has assembled to date. The anticipated performance by these three, in particular, is likely to resonate with the audience. The trio will perform their new inclusive version of “Testify to Love”, which spent five consecutive days at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Songs Chart, while the remix by Dave Audé was heard at a number of Pride celebration just last month. Having seen them perform the song live for the first time ever at a recent fundraiser, I’m here to tell you…considering this show’s title, it’s not difficult to realize that on Saturday night, Analog at the Hutton will indeed be the room where it happens!

Guiding it all from the piano is music director Chris Brent Davis, who always assembles a top-notch group of musicians to back the incredible vocals, helping to make every Off Broadway concert feel polished, cohesive, genuinely special and truly unique.

Expect soaring anthems, emotional ballads and thrilling ensemble numbers celebrating courage, sacrifice, hope and legacy. Whether you’re a history buff, a Broadway fanatic or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary live music, this promises to be another unforgettable evening inside Analog’s stunning and intimate performance space, where every lyric lands and every performance feels personal.

As always, ticket holders can make it a complete night out with $10 flat-rate parking in the Hutton Hotel garage and 15% off dinner just inside the hotel lobby at Evelyn’s before the show.

Off Broadway: The Room Where It Happened Saturday, July 11, 2026 • 8:00 p.m. at Analog at Hutton Hotel (1808 West End Avenue, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37203). General Admission/Standing Room: $35. Reserved Seating: $60. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

To keep up with all happenings at Analog at The Hutton, CLICK HERE or follow them on Facebook and Insta.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on  Facebook, Insta and X.

Rapid Fire 10Q With ‘The Tide’ Playwright/Director Cathy Street and Cast Member Chris Lee; World Premiere Staged Reading at Darkhorse Theatre July 9-11

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While most folks were experimenting with sourdough and reorganizing closets during the pandemic, playwright and director Cathy Street used that uncertain time in a much more creative way. At her husband JJ‘s suggestion, Street listened to the music of The War and Treaty. From the get, the music of the then-future Grammy nominees sparked something in Street as the project began to take shape. What started as an idea in 2020 has become THE TIDE, a powerful new musical featuring songs by The War and Treaty with a book by Cathy Street. Working with Street Theatre Company– the company Street herself founded in 2006–to present this staged readying at The Darkhorse Theatre July 9-11—it’s the perfect symbiotic homecoming indeed. 

The reading also features another Nashville homecoming as Chris Lee takes on THE TIDE‘s lead role, Marcus. Lee’s acting career began to take shape while attending Belmont University, appearing in a a handful of production on campus and around Music City. In the years since, his career has taken him from local theatre stages to the Chicago company of Hamilton, a Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen as well as acclaimed roles on TV’s The Chi and his current role as Randy on CBS‘s Tracker. Before audiences experience this exciting new work in development, we caught up with Street and Lee for another edition of JHPEntertainment.com’s recurring interview feature Rapid Fire 10Q. 

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RAPID FIRE 10Q WITH THE TIDE’s PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR CATHY STREET AND ACTOR CHRIS LEE

RAPID FIRE WITH THE TIDE‘s PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR CATHY STREET

JHPENTERTAINMENT: THE TIDE began taking shape during one of the most uncertain periods in recent history. Looking back to 2020, what was the spark that first made you realize this story was one you simply had to tell?

CATHY STREET: It was a combination of a few things: feeling isolated during the pandemic, the social injustices that were happening at the time (and obviously still are), hearing the music of The War and Treaty, and learning their story.  All of those elements came together and I wanted to explore the issue of feeling powerless when everything is so overwhelming…and what it is that keeps us going forward in the face of feeling helpless. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The songs of The War and Treaty are so emotionally rich and deeply rooted in hope, perseverance and love. What was it about their music that inspired this story, and what was it like reaching out to them with your vision and receiving their blessing to build a musical around their work?

CATHY STREET: It was magical. The Hearts Town album in particular is written SO theatrically! The harmonies, the feel/emotions of the songs…I could literally visualize moments on stage listening to the songs. I reached out to Michael and Tanya through Facebook (!) and asked them how they would feel if I used their songs in an original musical. I let them know the idea of the piece and they were very enthusiastic. They said they had always felt their songs had a theatrical life to them. So at that point I started writing, met with them a couple of times, and they even shared a few songs that had not previously been released that were perfect for the story!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Thanks in part to a successful Kickstarter campaign THE TIDE is making its debut with this world premiere staged reading in Nashville, presented by Street Theatre Company—the company you founded 20 years ago. What does it mean to introduce this new musical in the city where Street Theatre Company began and to see the organization continuing to thrive all these years later?

CATHY STREET: WOW is all I can say. It is so fitting to be introducing the work here. Randy Craft has done such an amazing job at the helm of STC-he’s been  A.D. almost as long as I was! I have been lucky enough to sneak in and see a few STC shows through the years and he is doing such impressive work. Being able to partner with him and so many STC friends from my years here has been very emotional. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve assembled a cast that includes longtime Street Theatre Company favorites alongside some exciting new performers, including a reunion with Chris Lee. What made this group the right artists to help introduce THE TIDE to an audience for the very first time?

CATHY STREET: When I reached out to Chris about this, I told him the truth-that when I started writing this piece, he was always who I pictured as Marcus in a ‘perfect world.’ And crazy that the perfect world has come true. And having STC friends involved onstage and off-it is like a beautiful reunion. There is so much joy, reminiscing, and love in the room. And I don’t want to leave out the new people I am getting to work with, too. They are incredible and kind and talented. Nashville is so spoiled with talent! Also super cool is that I did an initial seated reading of the show in Wilmington, NC a few years back and a few of those actors are coming into town for THIS one, too.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As the director of this staged reading, you are now bringing the world you created in THE TIDE from the page to the stage. What has that process been like, and what does it mean to have Randy Craft and Street Theatre Company supporting this next step in the musical’s journey?

CATHY STREET: The process has been (and still is) pretty terrifying-haha. Every day I have a range of emotions from excitement to fear. I mean, I think anyone developing a piece is probably filled with self-doubt along the way. Right?? But when I hear the actors sing the songs with vocal arrangements created by STC’s Randy Craft, who’s not only helping us produce it, but also leading the band, I am so happy-hearing and seeing what was in my head six years ago. And I am reminded by my supportive friends and amazing husband JJ who has been with me every step of the way that this is only a step in the journey. It is not expected to be done-that’s why we are doing this. To see what works, what doesn’t… And honestly, seeing it on stage in and with my community of 13 years in Nashville is enough-it provides me with a sense of completion. I am surrounded by support and love and I feel it-so to quote a line from the show, I will just “Do it scared.” 

RAPID FIRE WITH THE TIDE‘s MARCUS, ACTOR CHRIS LEE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What does it feel like returning to Nashville—and to the Street Theatre Company family—to help introduce THE TIDE to audiences?

CHRIS LEE: Wow. Honestly, brother, it’s been absolutely incredible. Remarkably refreshing. Being around so many artists of deferent ages and background that truly just care about the work and nothing more feels so rare these days in theatre. Not to mention where it all really began for me. Nashville theatre is the center of my stage education and Cathy gave me so many opportunities as a young person to shine, learn with grace, and find my voice with the audience. It’s been such a joy to be back and help bring life to this thoughtful piece. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re not the only one returning home…Marcus—your staged reading role in THE TIDE—returns home aa well. While he expects one reality, he finds his world turned upside down. How would you describe Marcus and his circumstances, and what makes him such a compelling character to explore?

CHRIS LEE: Marcus feels to me like a beautiful representation of the average American. Experiencing trauma in life can often aid us in creating a narrative that hope may be a fallacy. And that narrative can be validated by the terrible issues that we as a nation develop over time or realize have always been underlying and begin to come to light in a way that makes us feel like everything we’ve been taught about love and acceptance is a lie. What makes Marcus so compelling to me is that he feels so deeply while he claims he can’t feel. He’s in constant search for reason though it seems he’s given up. It leads me to believe we are never actually truly satisfied with hanging it up in life. There’s something in us that won’t let go of trying to find that light within ourselves and others around us. There must be good. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As you’ve gotten to know Marcus throughout the rehearsal process, what’s one quality or character trait he possesses that you’d be ok if it stays with you?

CHRIS LEE: His curiosity. Though he’s defeated, he remains curious of the future. Especially when it comes to Faith. He’s curious if it’s possible to find the hope she has. I admire that. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You built the foundation of your career performing with Street Theatre Company and other Nashville theaters. Looking back now, how did those experiences prepare you for the path that’s followed—from Hamilton in Chicago to The Chi and your current role as Randy on CBS’s hugely popular action drama Tracker? (congrats on the bump to series regular for the upcoming 4th Season, btw!)

CHRIS LEE: Haha, thank you. Man, there’s so much to say about that. Simply put, I would’ve never been prepared to truly understand the responsibility of carrying and serving a show. It was monumental that at such a young age I was able to fail gracefully on stage in safe environments. I learned everything and still apply the same principals today. I’m eternally grateful. Especially to Cathy and the Belmont University Musical Theatre program! 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: THE TIDE explores themes of fear, freedom, resistance and the importance of human connection. What do you hope audiences take away after experiencing this first staged reading?

CHRIS LEE: I hope that if they’re asleep they WAKE UP! And if they’re awake they remain alert and aware that change is inevitable but it is necessary. We must do our part!

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THE TIDE: A New Musical features songs by The War and Treaty with a book by Cathy Street. Joining Chris Lee, is a talented cast including Isiah Rankin, Dee Hammonds, Raven Buntyn, Dawson Rose Hammonds, James Rudolph, Savannah Stein, Brandon Cox, O’Neal Black, Nikki Berra, Tristan Valdez, Shane Kopischke, Tony Nappo, Alan Smith, Adrian Cook & Clay Hillwig with ensemble members Heidi Buyck, Sam Robinson, Yeavonne Cox, Sarah Levis, Helen Ralston, Jake Peluso-Harper, Brea Lynn Wardlaw and Jon Royal. Crew for THE TIDE includes: Music Director Randy Craft, Stage Manager Sarah Johnson, Light Designer/Operator Steven Steele, Sound Designer/Operator Jacob Allen, Projections JJ Street with live musical accompaniment by Conductor/Keyboardist Randy Craft , Nick Palmer on Guitar, Bassist Braxton Algood & JJ Street on Drums.  

Presented FREE to all attendees by Street Theatre Company, the production is part of the musical’s ongoing development journey, with audience feedback helping shape the future of this new work. The production contains strong language, potentially disturbing imagery and references to assault. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audience members. The world premiere staged reading runs July 9-11, 2026, with a 7:30 curtain each night at The Darkhorse Theater (4610 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209). 

To RSVP for FREE tickets to any of THE TIDE‘s three staged readings, CLICK HERE. For future developments of THE TIDE and to catch their coming season, follow Street Theatre Company on Facebook and Insta or CLICK HERE to join their mailing list.

Following THE TIDE, STC kicks off their 2026/2027 Season with THE WOODSMAN, an inventive exploration of the untold story of the Tin Man inspired by Frank L. Baum‘s Oz novels. Written by James Ortiz with music by Edward W. Hardy and lyrics by Jennifer Loring, this adaptation tells the story through puppetry, song and movement and will be directed for STC by Jonah M. Jackson, CLICK HERE to purchase season tickets.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, find us on Facebook, Instagram  and X.

As ‘Hamilton’ National Tour Prepares for Week Two at Nashville’s TPAC, Cast and Crew Prove They’re Not Throwing Away Their Shot in Our Latest Rapid Fire 20 Q

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June 17 marked the beginning of Hamilton‘s third visit to Music City signaling another crowd-pleasing two-week run at Nashville’s TPAC. As this current tour stop of the Tony-winning juggernaut continues with performances Tuesday, June 23 thru Sunday, June 28, we caught up with four members of the company for our recurring Rapid Fire 20 Q feature. From Nashville native and Hume-Fogg alum Lily Soto, who returns home as Eliza Hamilton, to Angelica Schuyler performer Marja Harmon (with Nashville ties of her own) and Principal Standby Chibueze Ihuoma, to Assistant Sound Engineer & Belmont grad Joshua Boatman, we covered everything from hometown memories and Broadway debuts to what it takes to keep one of the most celebrated musicals of all time running eight performances a week. So, as cast and crew get ready step back into the room where it happens, let’s get started.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH HAMILTON NATIONAL TOUR CAST AND CREW

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH HAMILTON‘s ELIZA, LILY SOTO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Being from Nashville, what does it mean to return with this tour and perform at TPAC as Eliza Hamilton?

LILY SOTO: It’s truly a dream come true. I’ve been performing in Nashville since I was very young, so getting to come home with one of my favorite shows and step onto the TPAC stage as Eliza Hamilton is incredibly special. Nashville is where I first fell in love with performing, so sharing this moment with my friends, family, former teachers, and the community that supported me from the beginning means the world to me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While you were attending Hume-Fogg High School, you were honored at the 2019 Spotlight Awards as Outstanding Ensemble Actress and in 2020, you were honored as Outstanding Lead Actress. So, a two-parter for you… 1) Do you plan to visit your alma mater, or at least catch up with Hume-Fogg’s beloved theatre teacher, Daron Bruce while in town? AND 2) How have those early honors aided you as you become part of the Hamilton family?

LILY SOTO: Absolutely. I’m still very close with Daron Bruce, and he actually helped facilitate an interview I recently did with Talk of the Town. It was really meaningful to return to the place where I first fell in love with theatre and reflect on how much my experience at Hume-Fogg shaped me as both a performer and a person.

The Spotlight Awards were such a special experience. In 2019, I was honored to receive Outstanding Ensemble Actress, which was completely unexpected. Then in 2020, I received Outstanding Lead Actress for playing Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!. At the time, theatre was something I genuinely loved doing with my friends, so being recognized for something that brought me so much joy was incredibly encouraging. Those experiences gave me the confidence to seriously consider pursuing theatre professionally, and I’m grateful I did. I wouldn’t be standing on stage in Hamilton today without everything I learned through my high school theatre program.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What does Eliza Hamilton represent to you personally as a performer?

Soto in character as Eliza (courtesy Soto’s Insta)

LILY SOTO: Eliza has taught me so much about strength, resilience, and grace. One of the things I love most about her is that her strength isn’t always loud. Throughout the show she experiences tremendous joy, heartbreak, loss, and forgiveness, yet she continues to move forward with compassion and purpose. As a performer, she challenges me to be vulnerable and truthful every night. She reminds me that some of the most powerful moments on stage come from honesty and human connection. I’m grateful to tell her story every night.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What was the first Nashville meal or stop once you were back in your hometown?

LILY SOTO: Any time I’m home, I have to make a stop at Waldo’s Chicken because it’s right in my neighborhood and has always been one of my favorites. But when our cast and crew first arrived in Nashville, I hosted a welcome party and we had catering from Big Al’s Deli, which was a huge hit. It was fun getting to share a local favorite with everyone.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What advice would you give young performers considering a life in theatre?

LILY SOTO: Always remember what makes you unique. Your individuality, your experiences, your interests, and your strengths are what make you stand out. Stay curious, keep learning, and trust that the qualities that make you different are often your greatest assets.

RAPID FIRE WITH HAMILTON‘s ANGELICA, MARJA HARMON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your Angelica journey began in 2019 when Hamilton played Puerto Rico for a special limited run. Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda stepped back in to the lead for that engagement. What’s among your most cherished memories of that time?

MARJA HARMON: So many memories from that time! It was powerful to see the impact of the show’s presence in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

Going through the rehearsal process with Lin was so special. I started in that company as a Standby, so I was able to make my Angelica debut while I was there with my parents in the audience. Before I went on to perform “Satisfied” for the first time, Lin found a moment backstage to give me a little freestyle and hype me up and that was so cool! The And Peggy Tour experience in Puerto Rico was full of so many memories. It was just a lot of milestones happening all at once.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of debuts, I gotta ask about your 2009 Broadway debut as part the Debbie Allen-directed all-BIPOC revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I’m, shall we say, of a certain age, and give Miss Allen full credit for nurturing my interest in the performing arts by way of her iconic TV series, FAME. Did making your Broadway debut in that particular show shape the way you think about your chosen path as a performer?

MARJA HARMON: Having my debut in that show taught me a lot about discipline and humility. I never understudied before and let alone in such an iconic role. I was stepping onto the stage with the theatrical giants, James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad.

I understood that some natural talent got me there, but in order to hold my own that I was going to need to constantly work on my craft. I was learning everything I could from these amazing actors during the day in rehearsal and also working with an acting coach at night so I could really feel confident. In the end, I learned the important lesson about trusting myself.

Debbie Allen was a wonderful director and incredibly encouraging, especially for my 25-year-old self.

I was a sponge soaking up everything I could from that entire experience and everything anyone could teach me about how to craft a role and how to bring things to life from a rehearsal process to the stage.

Harmon backstage as Angelica (courtesy Harmon’s Insta)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Hamilton tour ecosystem now consists of four distinct global productions, the current US tour known as the Angelica Tour being your current gig. So, what’s it like to be part of a tour named after the character you’re playing?

MARJA HARMON: I think being a part of Hamilton and seeing what it represents to people is such a wonderful and powerful thing. It’s a great reminder when we step on that stage nightly even if it’s for the 750th time that the power of theater and great storytelling is a magical experience. The Angelica namesake is just the icing on the cake!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Earlier this year you returned to your hometown of Columbus, Indiana for a cabaret show. Does remembering and celebrating where you began your love of theatre keep you grounded?

MARJA HARMON: Absolutely! It’s also a moment for intense reflection to really sit back and understand that it really takes a village. I was so nurtured by the community of Columbus and of course my parents. I never felt my dreams were out of reach because of the support that I had.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of hometowns, I understand your Mom graduated from TSU, Nashville’s only public HBCU, and when not on tour Music City is home for you. What are your top 5 must-do Nashville things you plan to share with your Hamilton family?

MARJA HARMON: Top five Nashville things:

1. Go have an evening cocktail and pizza at Urban Cowboy
2. Shop for your wine at Woodland Wine Merchant
3. Do not miss out on the Farmer’s Market on Rosa Parks Blvd
4. Cycle on the Greenway in Shelby Bottoms
5. Folk or Locust for Dinner

RAPID FIRE WITH HAMILTON PRINCIPAL STANDBY, CHIBUEZE IHUOMA

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For audiences who may not know, what all is involved in being a Principal Standby?

CHIBUEZE IHUOMA: Swings and standbys alike are the jack of all trades within a cast. We understudy multiple roles and tracks and perform whenever an ensemble member or principal is out, whether that be for sickness, injury, or vacation. I understudy four roles: Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, and Washington. As you can imagine, a lot of words haha. Lucky for me, I have time when I’m not onstage and during afternoon rehearsals to brush up on lines and blocking. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After touring as Orpheus in Hadestown, what drew you to Hamilton?

CHIBUEZE IHUOMA: Hamilton was actually one of my first musical theater loves. The cast album dropped when I was in high school, and I have a vivid memory of head banging to Mulligan’s verse in “Yorktown” as I steamed my mom’s blouse before church. Doing Hamilton after Hadestown felt like a natural transition. Both musicals are fully sung through, so I try to delve deep into how the music informs the character – the lightning speed of Lafayette, the near infinite rhyme schemes Hamilton deploys, the light beauty of Orpheus’ falsetto. That, and both shows try to imagine the way the world could be in spite of the way that it is; Hadestown with it’s themes of standing up to power with love at the forefront, and Hamilton through it’s colorblind casting which truly changed the music theater landscape. Excited for the next “H” opera I get to do!

Ihuoma covering all four principal roles (courtesy Ihuoma’s Insta)

JHPENTENTERTAINMENT: What is the most exciting challenge of being ready to step into multiple tracks at any moment?

CHIBUEZE IHUOMA: You get to see the show from so many angles, which is both super cool and very disorienting! There are a lot of songs like “Guns and Ships” or “Room Where it Happens” where all 4 of my tracks are on stage doing and saying very different things, and it’s an out of body experience when you go from one character to the next in short succession. I once did all 4 in one week, with a day that I played Hamilton in the afternoon and Burr at night. An accomplishment I’m very proud of, and that I have no desire to repeat haha. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From a Nigerian kid attending a Summer intensive program at New Jersey Performing Arts Center to stepping into multiple roles in the National Tour of Hamilton…What would you tell your younger self about the journey thus far?

CHIBUEZE IHUOMA: Growing up, I always worried that I wasn’t enough, and that I often doubted that I belonged in music theater. I would tell my younger self that he doesn’t need to prove his worth, that simply expressing who he is and what he loves is more than enough. That, and I’d tell him that consistency is the key, so continuing to show up as his best self will take him anywhere he needs to go. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Why do you think Hamilton continues to resonate so strongly with audiences?

CHIBUEZE IHUOMA: It resonates with audiences because so much of what we deal with today in the US are key themes of the musical – when to rise up against tyrannical powers and what it costs, debates on how the country should be run, the impact of immigrants and how they help shape the nation. It’s a show that humanizes the figures that we had propped up in our history books as infallible men, and gives voice to the women who were instrumental in their rise. And at the most fundamental level, everyone relates to an underdog story: the amount of edits of the New York Knicks with Hamilton songs played underneath is a testament to that!

RAPID FIRE WITH HAMILTON ASSISTANT SOUND ENGINEER, JOSHUA BOATMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As the tour’s Assistant Sound Engineer, describe your typical load in day as the show arrives in its latest venue?

JOSHUA BOATMAN: The first few hours of load-in are all about organization. Hamilton travels in ten full size semi trailers, and even for big theatres like TPAC, that’s a lot of stuff to shove into the building. There’s about six or seven departments that all start working at the same time, so we try to find stuff where we aren’t stepping on each other, which for me means starting to get the audio racks put in place on the stage and patching all the cables. The rest of my load-in is focused on configuring all of our gear for the new space, troubleshooting and repairing anything that broke during the move, and assisting the rest of the sound team in making sure we’re ready to do the show!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a Belmont graduate, does this Nashville stop feel like a homecoming?

JOSHUA BOATMAN: I moved to Nashville full-time in 2017, and from the first day I got to town, it felt like home. The culture of this city is to welcome anyone who wants to be here and contribute positively. Every time I’ve had the chance to come back has been just as welcoming as that first day, it’s an extremely friendly city.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Was the Oklahoma! National Tour in 2022 your last time working in Nashville before this engagement?

JOSHUA BOATMAN: I also got to play TPAC in February of 2024 with TINA: The Tina Turner Musical! It’s been a great pleasure to bring three very different shows into a theatre I know so well.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: OK, so unknowingly I’ve seen your work three times! Love that. What’s something audiences might not realize about the sound team’s role in a show like Hamilton?

JOSHUA BOATMAN: We handle a lot more than just the sound the audience hears. We’re in charge of multiple smaller sound systems, such as the speakers pointed at the stage for the actors, and the monitoring in the orchestra pit for the musicians to hear themselves. We’re also in charge of six different cameras and a bunch of video monitors, which provide video monitoring of the show for remote locations backstage. Finally, we have three different backstage communication systems, as well as a fleet of walkie-talkie style radios for folks to be able to talk to each other all around the theatre during the show. While keeping the sound of the show running out front is certainly our most important job, it can’t happen unless we also keep all of the systems behind the scenes running smooth as well.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After hearing it nightly, is there still a moment in Hamilton makes you realize you chose the right career?

JOSHUA BOATMAN: One of my favorite aspects of doing this show eleven years after it premiered is that you have so many different kinds of people coming to the show every night. Some folks may have seen the show live many times, some may have seen it on Disney+ but have never seen it live, and some may be experiencing the show for the first time ever. This is why one of my favorite moments is “My Shot”, which is a three course meal of song early on in the show that showcases a lot of elements (lights, sound, choreography, automation) that we’re going to use throughout the remainder of the show to tell the story. It’s a “welcome back” for veteran Hamil-fans and a “get ready” for those experiencing the show for the first time. Getting to sit out front at the sound board and watch audiences experience those moments is what makes me excited to go to work.

A huge thanks to Lily Soto, Marja Harmon, Chibueze Ihuoma, and Joshua Boatman for taking part in this edition of Rapid Fire 20 Q. Whether they’re bringing Alexander Hamilton’s story to life on stage, stepping into multiple principal roles at a moment’s notice, or ensuring every lyric, cue, and musical moment reaches the audience perfectly, each member of this company plays a vital role in making the magic happen. Catch Hamilton during its Nashville engagement at TPAC with Tuesday thru Friday evening performances at 7:30, Saturday matinee at 2pm & evening at 8pm and Sunday matinee at 1pm and a final performance at 7pm. CLICK HERE for tickets. Trust us—you be glad you were in the room where it happens.

Not in Nashville? Hamilton‘s got you covered as the tour continues with upcoming engagements in Louisville, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Atlanta, Birmingham and more as the Angelica Tour continues across North America through summer and beyond. CLICK HERE for tickets. You can also follow Hamilton on Facebook, X, Insta, YouTube and TikTok.

As always, TPAC’s calendar of events is full, even during the summer. CAMP TPAC, their youth theatre initiative is happening now, with various programs through July 17. One Step at a Time a new musical highlighting the importance of supportive educators on their students takes to TPAC’s Polk Theatre June 30-July 1. On July 25, TPAC hosts its annual Family Day CLICK HERE for tickets. On August 29 in the Polk theatre it’s sketch comedy trio Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy aka Please Don’t Destroy. Their video shorts have been must-see viewing on SNL since 2021. CLICK HERE for tickets or more info. Speaking of SNL, for cast mate Leslie Jones brings her I’m Hot Tour to TPAC‘s Polk Theatre September 12. CLICK HERE for tickets. Broadway at TPAC returns another favorite, Jersey Boys, celebrating their 20th Anniversary Tour with performances September 16-20. Then it’s the debut of TPAC’s 2026/2027 Season with its official kickoff October 13-18 as The Sound of Music returns. For a full list of shows, concerts and special events coming to Music City’s favorite theatre, you can also follow TPAC on Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, find us on Facebook, Instagram  and X.