Archives for March 2024

Rapid Fire Q&A with Rainey Trevino, Stefanie Londino, Charlotte Woertler and Christopher Swan from National Tour of ‘Annie’; Limited Engagement at TPAC March 27-30

March 27, 2024 by Jonathan

March 27 is World Theatre Day and I can’t think of any better way to celebrate than chatting with members of the cast and crew of the current National Tour of Annie, one of theatre’s most beloved and enduring musicals. As the company readied for their March 27-30 Music City tour stop at TPAC‘s Jackson Hall, I recently had a chance to pose a few questions to members of the company including: Rainey Trevino, who stars as Annie, Stefanie Londino, the show’s deliciously villainous Miss Hannigan, Sandy’s handler, Charlotte Woertler and Christopher Swan, who plays Oliver Warbucks for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q.
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RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH ANNIE NATIONAL TOUR CAST AND CREW

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE STAR, RAINEY TREVINO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve been with the current tour since it began in the fall of 2023. How did you find out you would be playing the title role in Annie?

RAINEY TREVINO: The audition process was fairly long. I sent an audition tape in March 2023 and was called to an in-person callback in NYC in the middle of June. A couple of days later I was visiting family in Washington State and my manager called to tell me that I had booked the title role. That was the best moment of my life and I think I was in shock. This has been a dream of mine as long as I can remember. I had the summer off to get everything in order like switching to homeschooling, hanging out with and saying goodbye to friends and my younger sister, and I even had to get my braces removed after only having them on for four months. Then on Labor Day we started a month of rehearsals before hitting the road.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I love that the current National Tour of Annie is being directed by Jenn Thompson, who at age ten, appeared as Pepper in the original Broadway production of Annie. During rehearsals, did Jenn tell you and the other young actors anything about her experience with the show back then? AND…did she offer any advice on doing the work, but enjoying yourselves in the process?

RAINEY TREVINO: Jenn is such an amazing director and she has a unique perspective on the show having worked with Martin Charnin, lyricists and the original director of Annie! She shared a lot of insights and advice with the entire cast and a lot of the history of the show and history of the time period that Annie is set. She emphasized the significance of hard work and dedication while also encouraging us to have fun and find joy in the work.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of the original Broadway production, as your time with the tour began, you received a video message from Andrea McArdle, who originated the role of Annie on Broadway back in 1977, How cool was that?

RAINEY TREVINO: The message from Andrea McArdle had me star-struck. I have listened to her Broadway version of the Annie soundtrack a million times and it was crazy that she was talking to me! I still watch the video every week when we sit in a new city to get ready to play this iconic character.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Annie you share the stage with several other young actors who play Annie’s pals and fellow orphans. I’d imagine you’ve all become very close, celebrating birthdays on the road and exploring cities together when there’s an off-day. Are you enjoying getting to know your fellow young cast members?

RAINEY TREVINO: The other girls on this tour are my best friends and I can’t imagine what this tour would be like without them. We are like one big family. We do almost everything together. We are so close in age 10 and 11 and we are doing this unique thing of traveling the U.S. playing in over 50 cities for more than 200 performances this year, and being with other kids who have similar experiences makes this crazy life seem more normal, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Not only do you share the stage with several young actors, you also share several scenes with Seamus and Kevin, the two pups who alternate in the role of Sandy. I’d imagine they each have their own personalities. What’s your favorite thing about getting to work with the two of them.

RAINEY TREVINO: Working with the two dogs that play Sandy is a dream come true. I am an animal lover and have three dogs and so many other animals at home. Seamus and Kevin are the most professional actors on the stage and they do have very different personalities. You might even be able to see some of those differences on stage if you come to the show on different nights as they each have a slightly different take on their version of Sandy. I love that I get to rehearse their scenes when I first arrive at the theatre and get to cuddle and play with them. I have some moderately quick changes and hair fixes where I get to have bonding moments in the wings with them before heading back on stage. I really love this part of the job.

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE’s SANDY BY WAY OF TRAINER, CHARLOTTE WOERTLER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: First off, thanks, Charlotte for interpreting Seamus and Kevin’s answers. I understand this is your first national tour, after more than two decades of training animals for the stage. When did you first know this was the career for you and how did you yourself ‘train’ for this gig?

CHARLOTTE WOERTLER: I knew I wanted to be an animal trainer when I was about 8yrs old. I grew up in Los Angeles going to live tappings of tv shows and was enthralled by the incredible animals on I’d see on set. They always connect so strongly with the audience. To prepare for Annie I familiarized myself with the show both from an audience and backstage perspective so that I could begin breaking down the behaviors that would be necessary to deliver each scene. Next it was about acclimating both myself and our wonderful dogs to the sights and sounds of a live theater environment.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Charlotte, what are some of the challenges working with Seamus and Kevin on tour as opposed to being on a movie or TV set or at one venue for a stage show?

CHARLOTTE WOERTLER: Tour is an exciting new challenge! Both Seamus and Kevin have been so adaptive and assured in navigating this new chapter. The biggest difference is how we’re able to communicate with the dogs as trainers. In a live theater setting you don’t want to see or hear the trainer cueing the dogs so we’ve had to be creative in developing new subtle ways to work with them. We also spend lots of quality time with the actresses who play Annie. This helps to foster a strong relationship between them and allows them to step into the role of “trainer” while onstage with the dogs. They make a great team!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Seamus is a Wheaten Terrier mix, while Kevin is a labradoodle. Aside from breed, what’s another distinct difference between these two dog stars?

CHARLOTTE WOERTLER: They each definitely have their own personality. Kevin is more of the class clown and loves to play ball while Seamus is the consummate professional and his favorite game is tug-o-war.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Are there particular scenes that Seamus and Kevin each seem to enjoy performing in more than others?

CHARLOTTE WOERTLER: They both really look forward to taking their bows. The whole cast has a great relationship with the dogs and they get so excited to run out on stage with all their friends. Waiting in the wings they’ll see Annie coming down the stairs for her bow and the dogs simply light up with excitement and can’t wait to get out there and soak it all in.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s your favorite aspect of life on tour with Annie?

CHARLOTTE WOERTLER: Meeting so many kind people and getting to experience so many new places has been an absolute treat. The dogs and I will go explore local sights and everyone always loves meeting Sandy.

RAPID FIRE WITH ANNIE’s MISS HANNIGAN, STEFANIE LONDINO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You are back as Miss Hannigan after having toured with the show during its 2022 season. This time around you’ve got Rainey as Annie. How much fun are you having being back in the role and back on tour?

STEFANIE LONDINO: Yes, it’s my pleasure to be back with a whole new batch of chickens in the orphanage. I’m honored to step back into those snakeskin pumps for a second season of Annie!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Researching to chat with you, I discovered that in addition to your work in theatre, you’re also a personal trainer. While I’d imagine the show itself is quite the workout, do you try to work in a workout during your downtime?

STEFANIE LONDINO: Yes, definitely. Workouts are a regular part of staying healthy on the road— I’m so glad for my training and time as a CPT, for all it brought into my life and all I was able to share with my clients.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Vaudeville comedian W.C. Fields famously said ‘never work with children or animals’, yet here you are…I won’t ask the worst, but what’s the best part of working with the young actresses who play the orphans and the dogs who play Sandy?

STEFANIE LONDINO: Well I don’t know about Mr. Fields, but kids and dogs are some of the best coworkers I’ve ever had. They bring an incredible authenticity and an infectiously joyfulness to our tour family. I’m so grateful for the pups and my chickens every day!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I think it’s safe to say audiences have a love/hate relationship with Miss Hannigan. She’s just so terrible, but it’s terribly fun to watch her. Over the years, she’s been played on stage and screen by everyone from Dorothy Loudon, Nell Carter and Jane Lynch to Carol Burnett, Kathy Bates and Cameron Diaz. How are you putting your on spin on such an enjoyably wicked character?

STEFANIE LONDINO: Oh, she’s the best. It’s an honor to stand in this line of legends and give new life to such an iconic character. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to play her real, a human, not a caricature. Her struggle is real, her rage comes from that pain. And the comedy hits harder for that balance, the dark justifying the light. It’s been humbling to have the response be that she’s deeply relatable.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Among your adult co-stars are Christopher Swan as Oliver Warbucks, Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace Farrell, Jeffrey T. Kelly as Rooster Hannigan and Samantha Stevens as Lily St. Regis. Using one word for each, describe your co-stars.

STEFANIE LONDINO: That’s an impossible distillation! All I can say is that I’m honored to share the stage and the road with them. I learn from them each every day. Tour life has made us family.

RAPID FIRE WITH CHRISTOPHER SWAN, OLIVER WARBUCKS IN ANNIE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Just prior to chatting with you, I had the chance to pose a few questions to your Annie co-star, Stefanie Londino. Both you and Stefanie are on your second season of the Annie tour, so I’ll start by asking you a similar question to one I asked Stefanie. What is it about Warbucks that prompted you to come back for another National Tour? AND…how much fun are you having with Stefanie back as well?

CHRISTOPHER SWAN: Simply…it’s a great job. Singing, dancing, acting…Warbucks has it all. And as you get older in this business, you don’t get as many opportunities to stretch ALL your skills in one role like that. And a chance to spend this much time with a character is rare. Three months in and you suddenly have a new thought or a take on moment, and that would never happen on a three week regional contract. And having a lot of principles return has really strengthened the frame of the show; given us confidence that we know it so well that we can just be in the moment as real people. Steph and I have shared a wish that Warbucks and Hannigan had more stage time together. We pretty much have separate shows. But I enjoying hearing her performance every night as I’m getting ready in the dressing room. She brings such life to this show. Really embraces this role and the audience and they absolutely love her. Glad she’s back.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of previous roles…I gotta ask…how was it sharing the stage with Nina West during the Hairspray 20th Anniversary Tour?

CHRISTOPHER SWAN: A highlight of my touring life. Nina…Andrew Levitt in real life..is truly a magical being. I hadn’t followed Drag Race before Hairspray and was a little nervous about working opposite a popular drag queen in their first big touring role. How do you address them? Will they be demanding? But Andrew was the sweetest. Kind, humble and nervous. He was so thrilled and honored to be playing Edna and nobody in the cast was more committed to working hard and doing their best than he was. He LOVED performing the show. We had so much fun together doing the love duet, You’re Timeless to Me; Andrew’s joy and energy leapt off the stage every night. Nina/Andrew are the real deal and I’m honored to call them a friend.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Annie debuted as a comic strip in 1924…What’s it like to think you’re part of an American institution that’s celebrating its 100th anniversary this year?

CHRISTOPHER SWAN: Well, needless to say it’s an honor. The musical will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary next year and love for the show is as strong as ever. I can’t think of any musical from that era that has had this kind of staying power. But you feel it every night on the road. And I’m so happy that I’m part of it. We met Annie’s composer Charles Strouse when he saw the show in New Haven, and that really brought it all home for me. The time, the talent, the history behind this show is immeasurable.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Obviously Warbucks has chanced a bit over the last 100 years. For one, I’ve noticed he’s no longer referred to as Daddy Warbucks, but rather, simply Warbucks. On a more personal note, are there aspects of your portrayal of Warbucks that have morphed or changed since you first stepped into the role?

CHRISTOPHER SWAN: Well, he has to earn the title of “Daddy” Warbucks, as he does over the course of the show. But when we meet him he is Oliver Warbucks, dissatisfied multi-millionaire. His journey through the show is very moving for me. He would never have predicted what ends up happening to him or how it would make him feel. Annie has a strong sense of self from the very beginning, but Warbucks changes. He doesn’t really know who he is until he meets Annie. And working on this role hasn’t actually been a straight, steady line. It’s strangely cyclical. Some weeks he’s the gruff business man who fights against his own feelings and then there’s some weeks where I find he’s more eager to change but doesn’t know how. It’s probably only a subtle difference that may not be noticed by most, but for me it helps keep my performance fresh.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What theme, idea or sentiment seen within Annie do you hope audiences reflect on long after seeing the show?

CHRISTOPHER SWAN: There’s so many wonderful elements to Annie. I would say, pick your favorite. Family, openness, optimism, perseverance, love. And cooperation. Whether it’s political cooperation in FDR and Warbucks working together, or Warbucks’ staff all pitching in to help Annie. Look for the helpers in Annie; they’re there.

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The National Tour of Annie begins its Nashville tour dates on Wednesday, March 27 with a 7:30p.m. curtain at TPAC’s Jackson Hall and continues with 7:30p.m. performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday. March 28-30. On Saturday, March 30, there’s also a 2p.m. matinee. Tickets for Annie at TPAC begin at $50.90. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

For more information on Annie, or to catch the show in another city during the tour, CLICK HERE. Upcoming tour stops include: Pensacola, FL, Orange, TX, New Orleans, LA, Sacramento, CA, Bozeman, MT, Casper, WY and more. You can also follow the tour on their official socials: Instagram, X and Facebook.

Following Annie, TPAC plays host to a full slate of entertainment for the whole family including Nashville Opera’s upcoming performance of The Magic Flute, Nashville Repertory Theatre’s The Color Purple and Nashville Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. TPAC will also serve as the venue for a number of acts hitting Music City as part of Nashville Comedy Festival. April will also see TPAC hosting three Arts Adventure youth workshops: one featuring Moana (for ages 7-12), one featuring Beetlejuice (ages 13-17) and the third, an all ages (9-17) titled Let’s Dance, featuring choreography from shows in this season’s Broadway at TPAC series. Speaking of Broadway at TPAC, next up is Disney’s Frozen, taking to the stage at Jackson Hall May 7-18. For further details on these and more entertainment headed to TPAC, CLICK HERE or 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 at JHPEntertainment on Facebook, JHPEntertainment on Instagram and JHPEntertainment on Twitter.

Got an event or show we should know about, drop us a line at the Contact tab. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with ‘Variety on Main’ co-hosts Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey; monthly showcase of seasoned performers and newcomers continues at Franklin Theatre Monday, March 18

March 17, 2024 by Jonathan

Variety on Main, a new concert event happening on the third Monday of each month at The Franklin Theatre (419 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064) showcases seasoned performers as well as rising talent. Co-hosted and co-created by Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey, two truly gifted vocalists, as the event title suggests, Variety on Main showcases and celebrates a variety of not only music genres, but a wide-range of talent. The upcoming March 18 Variety on Main at The Franklin Theatre continues that concept by including performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo and featuring Pat Coil and the Mainstays, as well as the show’s hosts, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Having attended their inaugural Variety on Main back in January, and witnessing first-hand the wide array of talent these two have brought together, I knew I wanted to chat with Mandy and Monica for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20 Q.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH VARIETY ON MAIN CO-HOSTS and CO-CREATORS MANDY BARNETT AND MONICA RAMEY

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MANDY BARNETT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How would you describe Variety on Main?

MANDY BARNETT: It is a multi-genre show at the historic Franklin Theatre, there are two sets, a house band made up of incredible musicians, the artists range from seasoned pros to up and coming talent, the common thread, is quality.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before we get into Variety on Main, let’s give my readers a little refresher…Early in your career, you performed at Dollywood, what’s your favorite memory of those early days as a young performer?

MANDY BARNETT: Some of my earlier days I performed at various variety shows, from the WNOX Tennessee Barndance, Archie Campbell’s Hee Haw Village and Dollywood. They were all located in East Tennessee. Some of my favorite memories of Dollywood are connected to Dolly’s family, they all performed there. I met so many nice people and it was a great experience to get to perform some shows with Dolly and with her family.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of course most folks know that you garnered critical acclaim and a huge fanbase when you starred as Patsy Cline in the debut production of Always…Patsy Cline, at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. What do you see as the most gratifying aspect of your time with that show?

MANDY BARNETT: This year marks my 30th anniversary since I started doing Always…Patsy Cline, which was among the first jukebox musicals – a truly life changing endeavor. Having Patsy’s family and peers play a significant role in my life has been incredibly special. It’s astonishing how someone i never knew or met could so profoundly influence the direction of my life in countless positive ways. Patsy Cline is iconic and to portray her at the Ryman Auditorium, where she herself performed, was an experience full of meaning. This role and the connections it fostered have been the most gratifying aspects of my time with the show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Industry insiders and fans agree, you are frequently referred to as one of the most gifted vocalist around. When you hear such praise, what goes through your mind?

MANDY BARNETT: This recognition means everything to me, especially considering the internal struggles I faced early in my career. I often agonized over whether to pursue the path of becoming a commercial commodity or to focus solely on honing my craft and collaborating with my heroes. Ultimately i chose the latter aiming to reach a point in my life where i could look back with satisfaction and no regrets, regardless of the outcome. This affirmation validates that decision, and for that, I am truly thankful.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did Variety on Main come about?

MANDY BARNETT: The concept of Variety On Main emerged from discussions with both Monica Ramey and the Franklin Theatre about some upcoming performances for my concerts which I had already been doing for quite some time. During our brainstorming sessions we toyed with the idea of creating a versatile Monday night show that could feature a broad spectrum of musical talent from an exceptional jazz trumpeter to a high energy bluegrass band. The driving force behind this idea was my personal desire for diversity in music. I find myself quickly losing interest when the music is too monotonous. We wanted to craft an energetic and dynamic experience that would keep the audience engaged and open to discovering music genres they previously might not have explored. The goal was to create a space where every performance offers a new color and a fresh perspective ensuring an exciting, varied musical performance for our audience.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety On Main myself, I was impressed with the true variety of the talent. I love that the lineups for Variety on Main truly live up to the idea of ‘variety’, not only representing different genres, but also a true variety of talents. How important was that to you in planning these productions?

MANDY BARNETT: My aim was to create a platform that highlights the incredible range and depth of talent across different musical landscapes. It’s about creating moments where every performance is a discovery, an opportunity to be moved, inspired and surprised.

I deeply understand the significance of providing opportunities to talent who might not otherwise have the chance to shine on stage. Looking back at my own journey as a singer, I recognize the immense impact that working with professionals had on my development. It’s about creating a platform where both established artists and emerging talents, including children with exceptional abilities, can come together and showcase their skills. This inclusive approach not only makes for a a better show but also provides invaluable, potentially life-changing experiences for someone who is developing their sound.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If anyone knows of someone who might want the chance to be part of an upcoming Variety On Main, how can they contact you and Monica for consideration?

MANDY BARNETT: There is a talent submission form on our site.

Photo by Cyndi Hornsby (Courtesy Variety on Main)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main, you share the stage with Monica Ramey.

MANDY BARNETT: We have a long history, similar goals and we have different strengths that make us a really great team. Monica is a seasoned performer, she brings elegance and polish to every performance.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of collaborating with Monica…any chance audiences might get a chance to hear the two of you duetting onstage, or on record?

MANDY BARNETT: We have definitely talked about it. I’m sure as we hit our stride things will happen organically.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to your monthly Variety on Main shows and frequent performances at The Grand Ole Opry, on April 22, you’re among a stellar group of performers honoring Patsy Cline as part of Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline at the historic Ryman Auditorium. What can you tell me about that event?

MANDY BARNETT: I’m really excited about this show, they have put together some amazing and diverse artists. At this point that’s all I know, other than I think it’s going to be a very special night!

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MONICA RAMEY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Collaborating with Mandy Barnett as co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main seems to be the perfect partnership. Not only are you both gifted vocalist, but beyond that, you grew up in Francesville, a small town in Indiana, while she grew up in equally rural Crossville, TN. Continuing the parallels, you both began performing at an early age. What was the first time you performed for a sizable audiences and do you remember much about it?

MONICA RAMEY: I remember singing for about 3000 people at a Farm Bureau convention in Indianapolis when I was around 4 years old. The details are foggy, but I remember getting to go to my favorite ice cream shop afterwards. That was better than money for me at that age!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Have you always been drawn to jazz music? AND…who were some of your earliest jazz influences?

MONICA RAMEY: I was always drawn to the Great American Songbook. I listened to a lot of broadway, popular recordings and jazz standards as a kid. My earliest musical influences were Barbra Streisand, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From what I understand, after studying music performances at Indiana State University, you eventually moved to Los Angeles where you interned for NARAS Foundation. What can you tell me about that period in your life.

MONICA RAMEY: Interning for NARAS was a great learning and cultural experience for me. It was just a few months during college but the people who worked there invited me to everything! I heard so much great music and met people for whom I deeply respected.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From LA to Nashville nearly twenty-five years ago. What prompted the move to Music City?

MONICA RAMEY: I was supposed to have moved to LA after college, but I actually was encouraged to give Nashville a try. I love LA and I learned a lot – but I’m glad I made the decision to move to Nashville for sure.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When folks talk about Mandy, inevitably Patsy Cline makes her way into the conversation. When folks talk about you, the late, great jazz pianist Beegie Adair is frequently mentioned. How did your association with Beegie come to be and what’s among your most cherished memories of collaborating with her?

MONICA RAMEY: Beegie was family. We both wore a lot of hats for each other and she was, without question, the most influential and supportive person I’ve ever known. I remember right before we were supposed to go on stage for a show in NYC, she turned around to me and said “this is just the beginning for you” and then walked out on the stage. She was full of kindness and grace and those moments stick with me like glue. She always had a lot of faith in me and I miss her terribly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of collaborating, when did you and Mandy first toy with the idea of collaborating to create and co-host Variety on Main?

MONICA RAMEY: I was working with the Franklin Theatre to develop a couple of other projects and telling Mandy about them one day. She asked “how about a variety show?” As daunting as that sounded, I loved the idea. And, she was forward thinking enough to envision how creative and successful it could be. She was right!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety on Main, I was immediately struck by how perfect the venue is. Was it a no-brainer that that’s where these shows would take place?

MONICA RAMEY: It sure was. The Franklin Theatre is a beautiful, historic theatre and the crew we work with there is amazing. I’m proud to work with them and to support them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Aside from the monthly Variety on Main shows, you’re a frequent guest artist at Rudy’s Jazz Room. I have to tell you, the last time I saw you there, I had the best time. When’s your next gig there and are there any surprises you can share with me about what to expect?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh, thank you! That means a lot to me. I’ll be back there on March 29th at 5:30pm. I sing the Great American Songbook and jazz standards and the only surprises will be guests who might possibly be invited to join us on stage for a song or two.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to you and Mandy co-hosting each Variety on Main event, you both also perform a number or two. To that end, the ‘house band’ for Variety on Main is Pat Coil and the Mainstays. How much fun are you having not only performing alongside them, but also listening to them from the wings while they back many of the guests artists?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh my gosh – I’m discovering a lot of new talent just like the audience, so my jaw is on the floor most of the show. Working with Pat Coil, Sam Hunter, Brian Allen and Larry Aberman is an honor. The energy and joy around the show is very real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences come away remembering after having attended a Variety on Main event?

MONICA RAMEY: I hope the audience not only leaves gratefully discovering new talent, but also the joy of being entertained and forgetting about the outside world for a couple of hours on a Monday night. It means a lot to see folks already committing to attending the shows regularly.

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As mentioned earlier, the Monday, March 18 Variety on Main features performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo, Pat Coil and the Mainstays and of course the show’s hosts and creators, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Door open one hour before the 7:30p.m. start time. Tickets for Variety on Main are as follows: Cabaret seating (cocktail tables at the front of the stage) are $75/each, Premium Classic (Rows A-D) are $70/each, Classic and Balcony are $65/each. At the time this interview went live, there were only a handful of seats available at each price level. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Can’t make Monday’s show? On Monday, April 15, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey and Variety on Main’s house band, Pat Coil and the Mainstays welcome Malpass Brothers, Gail Davies, Grey Delise and Bennett Hall Band. CLICK HERE for tickets. You can also follow Variety on Main online or on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads socials for the latest information, updates on upcoming shows and lineups and more.

If you’ve enjoyed this latest Rapid Fire 20 Q, be sure and CLICK HERE to check out previous conversations. if you are interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor, simply click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with Cast and Creatives of ‘Mrs. Krishnan’s Party’; coming to TPAC March 6-9

March 5, 2024 by Jonathan

From Wednesday, March 6 thru Friday, March 9, Nashville theatre audiences are invited to a party like no other when the National Tour of Mrs. Krishnan’s Party comes to TPAC, transforming the Johnson Theatre into the backroom of Zina Krishnan’s dairy/convenience store, where we find her tenant, James, planning a party even though his landlady isn’t too keen on the idea.

Directed by Justin Lewis, who also co-wrote the play alongside Jacob Rajan, founding members of New Zealand’s hugely popular Indian Ink Theatre Company, the show stars Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Te Honihana Pokaihau Rogers. Mrs. Krishnan’s Party is an immersive night of theatre likely unlike anything audiences have experienced as the intimate setting of venues like the Johnson Theatre foster the illusion that you’re not just watching the action unfold, but you are a guest at Mrs. Krishnan’s Party yourself.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to the cast and creators for my latest Rapid Fire 20Q. What follow are those conversations:

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST AND CREATIVES OF MRS. KRISHNAN’S PARTY

RAPID FIRE WITH MRS. KRISHNAN’S PARTY CO-WRITER, JACOB RAJAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In researching to chat with you and other creatives from Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, I learned that this show is a sequel of sorts to your hugely successful 1997 production, Krishnan’s Dairy. What was it about that show and it’s huge following that sparked the idea of expanding the Krishnan Universe to Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?

JACOB RAJAN: When you live with a character for 25 years, as we have with Zina Krishnan, it seems such a shame to throw her away. And all it takes is a simple question to unlock infinite possibilities: “I wonder what Zina’s up to now?”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand the ‘party’ in Mrs. Krishnan’s Party refers to Onam. What is it about this celebration that lends itself to the story you’re telling?

JACOB RAJAN: Onam is a harvest festival from Kerala in South India – where I’m originally from. Inherent to harvest is the idea of death and rebirth. In our story we have characters dealing with major life change. Any change in your life requires you to allow things to die in order for something new to emerge. It’s a hard thing to do – as Mrs. Krishnan will tell you.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You created this show alongside your frequent collaborator, Justin Lewis, who also serves as the show’s director as well as your cofounder at India Ink Theatre Company. What’s the secret to your long partnership?

JACOB RAJAN: We have very complimentary skill sets. Justin is a very deep thinker, fantastic at structure (he could’ve been an architect) as well as a brilliant artistic director with a great head for business. I’m extremely shallow and will find humour in anything. As the son of Indian immigrants I was supposed to be a doctor so I bring a sort of childlike wonder to the fact that I’m even allowed to do this.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Food is such an integral part of every culture, but some might argue, even more so for those of East Asian descent. To that end, during the course of the play, food is actually prepared and shared with the audience. How important to you was including that aspect of the show?

JACOB RAJAN: The food is a core aspect to both the story and the experience for the audience. There’s something so beautifully sensuous about onions frying and rice on the boil. A nightmare for the actors to deal with but beautiful nonetheless.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I’m about to chat with you two cast members and your co-writer/director. Using only one word, describe each of them.

JACOB RAJAN: Kalyani Nagarajan: Mercurial Justin Rogers: Joyous

Justin Lewis: Visionary

RAPID FIRE WITH MRS. KRISHNAN’s PARTY‘s ZINA KRISHNAN, KALYANI NAGARAJAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What can you tell me about Mrs. Krishnan, the role you play in Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?

KALYANI NAGARAJAN: She is such a joy to play. Mrs K has been running her own convenience store for over 20 years; she is a really hard-working, loving South Indian Matriarch who is no-nonsense but is in a moment of flux where she is looking back at her life and releasing it may be time for a change. She is the perfect challenge against James, who we see as a free spirit and takes life much less seriously. The beauty of Mrs K, and playing her, is that she is a strong immigrant woman who is in charge in her domain; often, we see these characters in lower status or as side characters, but in this story, she is the boss and that is just so empowering. She is soft, and she loves love and ultimately, that is what this story is about.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For those not familiar, how would you describe Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?

KALYANI NAGARAJAN: An extravaganza of the senses! It’s a story about change between the generations; when we ask ourselves, do we stick with the life we live, or do we go into the discomfort and change for the better? It is a totally immersive piece of theatre, where your sense of touch, smell, and taste are all inspired. I’m biased but I think this show is absolute magic on stage. It’s raw, and it truly is the definition of live theatre.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Aside from the audience, that becomes characters in the show through the show’s unique immersive staging, you share the stage with Justin Rogers. What do you enjoy most about Justin as a scene partner?

KALYANI NAGARAJAN: Nothing. Ha! No, of course not – it is an honour to act alongside someone I have known for so long! I went to drama school with Justin but we weren’t friends back then ha! I think Justin brings such a sense of joy and play and freedom to how he acts, and there is a real connection when we play together; he is one of my favourite people to act with because there is no sense of upstaging one another, we work in a beautiful harmony and want to see the other one win!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to your stage career, you’re also known for your role in the tv series Raised by Refugees where you played the Mom of a young South Asian boy whose parents immigrated to New Zealand. You yourself share a bit of a similar backstory, in that your parents immigrated to New Zealand, right?

KALYANI NAGARAJAN: Ha Yes! My parents immigrated, and those characters had to seek refuge, which is a totally different scenario, but I guess in terms of wanting to find belonging and a place to call home, there are similarities. My parents have been in New Zealand for 40 years now, and I was born and raised here, and it comes with it’s trials and tribulations. Recently, I think my parents have been feeling moments of regret for taking us out of our home country because there a things you lose culturally. that first-generation verses immigrant storyline is so tumultuous but also beautiful – I’m actually writing a film and a TV show about it because these stories need to be told!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of your acting career, you studied at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. Were you there by chance during Dame Miranda Harcourt’s time as Head of the Acting Department?

KALYANI NAGARAJAN: We were lucky enough to have her for maybe about two weeks! I think her acting methodology is one of the greats, and I still use her technique to this day. I may have even stolen a few things when I teach my students, hehe! Sorry! But I always give Miranda credit! A lesson I carry with me from Toi is that this career is not a solo career, you need people, you need your artistic family to keep you going, to keep you inspired, to work along side.

RAPID FIRE WITH MRS. KRISHNAN’s PARTY’s JAMES, JUSTIN TE HONIHANI POKAIHAU ROGERS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I just chatted with your Mrs. Krishnan’s Party costar, Kalyani Nagarajan, so I’ll start by asking…what’s your favorite aspect of sharing the stage with her?

JUSTIN TE HONIHANA POKAIHAU ROGERS: Kal and I trained together at the same drama school- I still remember meeting her for the first time during our audition weekend. That was 12 years ago now and at the time I couldn’t have imagined we’d be travelling the world together with such a fun show! I just love how life is like that, you never know the magnitude of such little moments. Kal is exceptionally talented and I’m constantly learning from her, it’s a treat to work with someone you once studied with because you keep that student mind set and helps us constantly grow.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Now, on to your role in the show…who is James to you?

JUSTIN TE HONIHANA POKAIHAU ROGERS: James is a connector. He loves people, he loves fun, he wants everyone to have a great time. He’s easily distracted because he’s always looking for the spark out there! That also means he can miss some important things… He’s afraid of failure and struggles with self esteem, but these are things he faces during the course of the show and for that reason I think James is a hero.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From what I understand, you’ve been with the show since its 2019 New Zealand premiere. How did you hear of the show and what made you want to audition?

JUSTIN TE HONIHANA POKAIHAU ROGERS: Kal got me the audition! It was developed from a solo show she created at drama school, they put a casting call out and I was grateful that Kal put me forward.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In preparing to chat with you, I discovered that just prior to Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, you starred in Shortland Street: The Musical a stage parody of the beloved long-lasting primetime sudser, Shortland Street. My dear friend Susannah Devereux was one of the stars of the series back in the 90s. You two share an agent in Karen Kay from what I understand. That said, what’s something from your time in the musical that you’ve taken to heart and you think of often?

JUSTIN TE HONIHANA POKAIHAU ROGERS: That show was based on the 90’s cast, so your friend’s character may have featured! Also shout out to my agent, Karen Kay Management, incredible team and I love them. Yes! That show was so silly and it lovingly poked fun at the soap opera- but my biggest learning in that was that we can’t just make fun of a thing or comment on a story or character. All our work has to be rooted in truth. It can be funny, sure, but at its core we must take all our work seriously. So in the show I had to deliver a toy baby during a musical number and it was VERY silly- but you can’t perform it that way. You really have to deliver that baby! That lesson has stuck with me in all my work since. Don’t play at being a funny actor pretending to deliver a baby to get a laugh. You really have to deliver the baby! And it might get a laugh, but that’s none of my business!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As mentioned earlier, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party premiered in New Zealand, and is now enjoying a North American Tour. What’s been your favorite aspect of life on the road thus far?

JUSTIN TE HONIHANA POKAIHAU ROGERS: People! Meeting people on the road is the best. There’s a great line in one of my favourite films Before Sunrise where the character says the meaning of life lies in the little interactions. The space between two strangers when they smile at each other or chat briefly. Most of the people we meet on the road we’ll never see again in our lives. Yet we still whole heartedly connect. Or just buy coffee from them. But being with that person, smiling or laughing together for a second suddenly becomes deeply profound when you reflect on the fact that you won’t see them again. That tiny interaction suddenly becomes the most important moment in the universe. And I get to have those interactions over and over again and that is awesome.

RAPID FIRE WITH MRS. KRISHNAN’s PARTY’s CO-WRITER/DIRECTOR, JUSTIN LEWIS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Earlier, I chatted with your co-writer and frequent collaborator, Jacob Rajan. So, let’s start our conversation with me asking you your take on the first question I asked him…What was it about that show and it’s huge following that sparked the idea of expanding the Krishnan Universe to Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?

JUSTIN LEWIS: It was such an exciting and beautiful idea to pick up the life of one of the heroes of that show 20 years later. Zina Krishnan was a character we knew well as a young woman, to now imagine her as middle aged felt rich. It was probably no accident that this was the same journey we’d gone through ourselves.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While there’s a basic through-line in the plot and set dialogue to get us there, I’d imagine incorporating the live audience in such an immersive way might lead to potential derailment from time to time. As the show’s director, how do you guide your actors to stay on task?

JUSTIN LEWIS: There’s an improvisation/storytelling exercise where someone prompts the improvisor to advance the story or extend the moment – go forward or go wider. A great story needs a balance of both, I ask the performers to tune into this balance when engaging directly with the audience. And there is always a strong structure to rely on – there’s a very tight script and even the improvs with the audience have a structure to them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of, what’s the funniest unscripted moment you recall?

JUSTIN LEWIS: There’s a section in the play where Mrs Krishnan gets audiences members to help her open she cans. It’s hilarious and slightly incredible how many young men don’t know how to use a can opener!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alright now! I feel attacked, but in my defense, I’m a leftie and most can openers are created for right-handed people…but I digress. Back to the show…While your New Zealand audiences now have a quarter-century relationship in the Krishnan world, we stateside audience members are being introduced by way of Mrs. Krishnan’s Party. Are there subtle nods to the original work, Krishnan’s Dairy that we might be missing?

JUSTIN LEWIS: There’s nothing that you will be missing. We’ve worked carefully to structure things so no prior knowledge is required. The earlier show gives us as writers a rich backstory to mine but as with any good drama the only backstory that makes it in is that which is relevant to the current action.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences remember of their time at Mrs. Krishnan’s Party?

JUSTIN LEWIS: That they’ll have had fun, experienced joy, connection and community – and some really tasty food!

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For the Music City leg of the tour, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party will debut in Nashville at the Johnson Theatre at TPAC with 7:30p.m. performances on Wednesday and Thursday, March 6 & 7. Mrs. Krishnan’s Party will continue its Nashville run over the weekend with an 8p.m. curtain on Friday, March 8, a 2p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 9 and a final area performance at 8p.m. on the evening of March 9. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

Following the Nashville dates, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party will continue its North American Tour with shows in Toronto, Canada at TO LIVE March 13-24, in Boston, Massachusetts at Emerson College‘s Paramount Center‘s Liebergott Black Box Theatre March 27-April 7 and Oregon Statue University’s PRAx in Corvallis, Oregon April 11-14. Click any of the above hyperlinks for tickets to those specific performances. You can also follow Mrs. Krishnan’s Party and all the other shows from Indian Ink Theatre Company by checking them out HERE. , or following them on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

Next up for TPAC, yet another Music City debut as they continue their Broadway at TPAC season with Beetlejuice with performances March 12 thru 17. CLICK HERE for tickets or more info. Be sure to check out TPAC online and on socials by clicking any of the following: TPAC.org, TPAC on Instagram, TPAC on Facebook, TPAC on Twitter and TPAC on YouTube.

Got an event or show we should know about, drop us a line at the Contact tab. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!