2026

Rapid Fire Q&A: Meow Meow Returns to Music City; Kamikaze Cabaret Darling at Oz Arts April 11

April 8, 2026 by Jonathan

As the saying…and lyrics go…“Life is a cabaret, old chum”–and no one embodies that spirit, living life and palling around, quite like the delicious diva Meow Meow. Ahead of her April 11 return to Music City, this time playing Oz Arts Nashville, JHPEntertainment is handing the mic over (carefully…very carefully) for a chat with the one and only exquisite chanteuse for a memorable Rapid Fire Q&A.

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RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH MEOW MEOW; AT OZ ARTS NASHVILLE APRIL 11

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Ok, let’s just dive right in…I keep seeing your show described as Kamikaze Cabaret. Is that a fair descriptor of an evening with Meow Meow?

MEOW MEOW: Well, I certainly give everything I’ve got to every show ! I never want to waste a moment on that stage…with a captive audience !

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: As you prepare to take the stage each night, at what point in your dressing room do you feel fully in Meow Meow mode?

MEOW MEOW: I am always in Meow mode. Stage and Life are the same for me…. I think Shakespeare MAY have put it rather better with “all the world’s a stage”…

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Of your current set list is there a song that challenges you vocally more than others?

MEOW MEOW: NEVER ADMIT DEFEAT. CARRY ON. KAMIKAZE Cabaret, remember ? I think there is a wonderful attitude ascribed by the playwright Terence McNally to the great opera Diva Maria Callas in his play “Masterclass” : “Don’t TRY, DO” !

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Your April 11 performance at OZ Arts marks a return to Music City, having previously wowed Nashville audiences in 2022. Is there anything you hope to revisit while you are Nashville?

MEOW MEOW: The audience was sensational. I can’t wait to love and hug them (politely) again!

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Touring internationally, what do you cherish most about each new city you visit?

MEOW MEOW: How audiences change and how wonderful a flexible form like cabaret is to respond to those changes.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: In previous interviews you mention drawing inspiration from a wide variety of sources…from Germany’s Weimar Era (don’t worry, my readers can Google it) to the glamour of Hedy Lamar with the avante garde unexpectedness of Dadaism (again, my readers can Google it). What is it about the early 1900s and these stylistic examples that speak to you?

MEOW MEOW: It’s particularly the teens into the 1920’s and 30’s where invention and exploration in music, language ideologies, politics are all smashing up against each other. A fascinating time in the shattered world after the Great War and into the second world war. Everything resonates. There is nihilism and optimism.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Let’s be real though…do you think the 1920s could have handled Meow Meow?

MEOW MEOW: Again, I would have said to the 1920’s “don’t try, just DO”.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: When I learned you were bringing your current show to Nashville, it took me a minute to clue in to why I knew of you…it was your collab with bandleader Thomas Lauderdale on Pink Martini’s 2019 album HOTEL AMOUR, particularly the song “I Lost Myself”. How did your participation in that project come about?

MEOW MEOW: He and I were introduced by a wonderful champion and curator of Arts and Artists – Kristy Edmunds. She just ‘had a feeling’ about the two of together and it was musical and soul connection from the beginning. It’s a constantly inspiring and precious friendship and I’m so grateful for the adventures we’ve had around the world together – from little bars in Portland to major orchestras and the Hollywood Bowl. I love the whole Pink Martini family and we get together whenever we can.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: More about “I Lost Myself”—with the opening lyric, “I’m hungry, bring me some pills on which to dine”, I was in! Whether campy or classic, teasing or torchy, do you have a lyric in a song that’s in your repertoire that you are absolutely mad about?

MEOW MEOW: SO many. I have to love all of them or I can’t sing them ! I love Patty Griffin’s poetry in her songs – one of my favourites that is like a prayer

“All the girls you will never see

Forever a Mystery

All the Girls with their secret ways

All the Girls who went… astray.

Be Careful”

I love Thom Yorke’s writing for Radiohead. I love Brecht’s lyrics so much..I love Noel Coward !

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: I read something online describing your fan base as a cult following…that got me to thinking…if Meow Meow were a cult leader, would your music or your bawdiness be the kool-aide everyone would drink that drew them in? Or is there something else just as enticing from an evening with Meow Meow? What would your cult followers be called?

MEOW MEOW: I would hope it was my heart and joy and faith in human connection that shines through the music and the mayhem.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: What would the cult of Meow Meow be called?

MEOW MEOW: I have no idea what the lovers would be called…. But they definitely love to go on an adventure with me. And have very good taste, obviously.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Your official site meowmeowrevolution.com (love that web addy name, by the way) teases MERMAID, a new album as ‘Coming Soon’. What’s the skinny?

MEOW MEOW: Oh! It’s actually on Spotify now ! As is the gorgeous album HOTEL AMOUR of songs that I wrote with Thomas and Pink Martini and members of Oregon Symphony, with gorgeous duets with Rufus Wainwright, Michel Legrand, Barry Humphries and the Von Trapp Family singers

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Looking back on the 2007 High Line Festival, curated by David Bowie—where you took your place among fellow featured artists Arcade Fire, Laurie Anderson, Ricky Gervaiis, The Legendary Stardust Cowboy and more—sounds almost surreal—How did you feel in that moment?

MEOW MEOW: DIVINE

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: From Shakespeare to cabaret to film, your career spans an incredible range—including your role as Griddlebone in the 2019 star-studded film adaptation of CATS (Purrrfectly karmic casting if ever there was). Having gotten to know her a bit myself during her early country music reign, I gotta ask…what was it like working alongside Taylor Swift, in particular, in the “Macavity” number?

MEOW MEOW: Ah yes the hilarious brief moment ! She is heaven. Divine, professional, warm , and there is seriously a ray of something magical that emanates from her. She was like a special shining sun! I loved her.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: You’ve cited comedy influences from AbFab, Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders and Lucille Ball. Gotta admit it, these mentions are just more reason to adore you as I’ve been an AbFab devotee since getting my hands on bootleg episodes before it ever made it was across the pond officially, and I have an extensive collection of Lucille Ball material. Heck, my dog is even named Lucille Desirée Ball Pinkerton—Desilu for short, but I digress…What is it about those legendary ladies of comedy and their broad style that resonates with you?

MEOW MEOW: They have funny bones, they are all their own singular creatures and they are brilliant observers of humans – and themselves . There is joy in the play of performance and they are part of the ridiculousness. All so different but so special.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Your shows are known for pulling audience members into the performance—sometimes as dancers, props, even furniture. What do you love most about that unpredictability?

MEOW MEOW: That’s life isn’t it ? We all need a little help from time to time… let’s see if people jump in or get scared. Im reaching out the metaphorical hand of friendship as it were. I may never even go near the audience in a show, but I like to feel we are all connected. It should be fun and full of LIFE and changeability and we should all celebrate being alive together in the room – it’s always a miracle !

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of unpredictability—How do you handle it when an audience “volunteer” just isn’t matching the vibe?

MEOW MEOW: I don’t always ask for volunteers – it depends on the show – and I NEVER want anyone to help me if they would rather just be an onlooker. That’s bullying and I hate that. I just walk on by if people indicate. Everyone should have a great time and just feel good. The show is about the music and the fun !

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Finally, what do you hope audiences recall long after spending the night with Meow Meow?

MEOW MEOW: I hope they can’t wait for us to visit again !!!

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If there’s one thing abundantly clear after a whirlwind conversation with Meow Meow, it’s this: a night in her presence isn’t just a performance–it’s a shared act of joyful defiance, connection, and beautifully orchestrated chaos. Equal parts heart, humor and unpredictability, her brand of kamikaze cabaret invites audiences not just to watch, but to feel, to laugh and maybe even leap a little into the unknown right alongside her.

When Meow Meow returns to Music City on April 11 at Oz Arts Nashville (6172 Cockrill Bend Circle) for her 8pm show, expect the unexpected…but also expect to leave a little lighter, a little more alive, and already hoping–just as she does–that it won’t be long before she’s back to do it all over again. At the time of this writing, Premium Table Seating has SOLD OUT, but a few General Admission tickets are still available at $40. As usual, Oz Arts Nashville also offers Artist & Creative Community tickets for $30. CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase tickets.

For the latest on Meow Meow, CLICK HERE or follow her on Insta and Facebook. To check out Meow Meow’s music, check her out on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. To keep up with all things Oz Arts Nashville, follow them on Facebook, X, YouTube and Insta.

As always, If you want to read our latest on Music, Movies, Performing or Visual Arts, please check out JHPEntertainment online or socials at Facebook, Insta, X and Threads. Till then…. #GoSeeTheShow!

An Accidental (On Purpose) Rapid Fire 20Q with The Keeton’s ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

April 7, 2026 by Jonathan

Frequently described as Sherlock Holmes meets Monty Python, The Play That Goes Wrong began as a spirited production created by the UK-based Mischief Theatre Company. What started as a fringe production quickly snowballed into a West End hit and Broadway favorite, delighting audiences with its perfectly timed mishaps, collapsing sets, and characters determined to press on no matter how disastrous things become.

Now, that same brand of orchestrated mayhem takes center stage at The Keeton Theatre from April 10–26, bringing Nashville audiences a whirlwind of laughter where every missed cue, falling prop, and “accidental” blunder must be carefully executed in order to keep the illusion of screw-up believable.

As the cast and crew prepared for their opening night, we caught up with cast members Josh Mertz (Chris), Leslie King (Sandra), Hazen Lawson (Dennis), and director Erin-Grace Bailey to talk about the art of controlled chaos, the technical precision behind the comedy, and exactly what it takes to make everything go so hilariously wrong.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE KEETON’s THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

RAPID FIRE WITH THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’s JOSH MERTZ

JHPENTERTAINMENT:As a Nashville native and frequent Keeton performer, what makes coming back for this show feel special?

JOSH MERTZ: The Keeton is my theatre home. I absolutely love performing here! Kevin and Donna Driver are amazing, and they run this space with such care- which is one of the many reasons I keep coming back. The reason I auditioned for this particular show in the first place is the absolute dream production team of Erin-Grace Bailey, Allison Gaddy, and Fiona Barrett. I love getting to work with them so much! I think they bring fun energy and passion for this craft into the rehearsal space. I appreciate the production team’s ability to create nuanced performances and challenge us to be the best actors we can be. Allison is an unsung hero as our stage manager because without her calm presence backstage running the show, there simply wouldn’t be one. Fun fact – during the audition, I told the team I would play “Tree number 1” just to work with them again, and the trust they had in me to play Chris is just an added bonus, as it is a dream role for me to portray.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Chris takes himself very seriously—how fun is it to play someone completely unaware of how wrong things are going?

JOSH MERTZ: Chris has been such a fun character to build. In my interpretation of Chris, he is your typical over the top, overbearing director with a “the show must go on” mentality. I do believe he’s more oblivious to how wrong things are going earlier on in the show but … Chris certainly has a breaking point! This show is fun as an actor because while we know all the things that will “go wrong,” our characters do not always see what’s coming. And hopefully, neither does the audience!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve done everything from Ragtime to Footloose—how does comedy like this challenge you differently?

JOSH MERTZ: I consider myself as primarily a character actor, so this show was right in my wheelhouse. I think what challenges me the most as a performer is how fast-paced and high energy the show is. This has been the most challenging show I’ve ever done in my life. Between the running, jumping and falling, by the end 0f the night Chris is so exhausted. The play goes by so fast, and I hope the audience is ready to buckle up for this rollercoaster of a show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the most difficult accidental moment you have to execute on purpose each night?

JOSH MERTZ: The most difficult moment for me personally is having to fall off of a high platform. Erin-Grace prioritizes actor safety in all of the choreographed chaos of this show, so it has been incredible to know that I would never be asked to do anything that was going to put me at risk of injury. I won’t give away the stage magic, but it was definitely something I had to mentally ease my way into.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s your personal favorite moment of chaos in the show?

JOSH MERTZ: My favorite moment of utter chaos is the ending of Act 2. The entire cast is on stage, and it is so fun to all be there together for the culmination of the show. I cannot give too much away, so you will just have to get your tickets to see how it ALL falls apart.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’s LESLIE KING

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sandra has to juggle performance and disaster at the same time—what’s the trick to balancing both?

LESLIE KING: I’ve found that being able to trust my fellow cast mates is super important. All of our disasters are carefully constructed and executed and if I’m focusing on what everyone else is doing it doesn’t leave much bandwidth to focus on myself and my character. Because I trust my cast mates to be where they’re supposed to be and do what they need to do, it makes it easy to balance both.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sandra’s claim to fame is that her aunt is Dame Diana Rigg. In your real life, who’s your favorite name drop?

LESLIE KING: I have a connection to Gabe Gibbs (played Elder Price in The Book of Mormon on Broadway 2015-2017) and his family. He probably wouldn’t have any idea who I am but his parents would. We went to church with them for about a decade, and I went to high school with his brother.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve previously appeared in area productions as varied as Cabaret and Puffs. Where does a physical comedy like The Play That Goes Wrong fall in the mix?

LESLIE KING: It has been so much fun to work on. While I’ve done comedies before, the physicality of this show is unlike anything I’ve done before. It adds an extra element of challenge, but I’ve absolutely loved it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the hardest moment to keep a straight face when everything is going wrong? AND Who among your fellow cast mates breaks easiest?

LESLIE KING: I’d have to say watching David Fonville inch his way off stage after the gurney fails is high on the list of moments I struggle to keep a straight face. Either that, or the ring around the rosey scene at the end of act one where they get stuck going in circles on the same scene. Luckily I’m offstage for that so I can laugh as much as I like.

Honestly we’ve all worked pretty hard to stay composed but occasionally I’ll still get Josh Mertz to break.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Keeton’s resident scenic designer Kevin Driver has his work cut out for him with this show. What’s your favorite set element that Goes Wrong?

LESLIE KING: I think the walls or the platform are both great elements. They’re both completely unexpected if you haven’t seen the show before and I love the moment we really catch people off guard with elements like those.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’s HAZEN LAWSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Even though he is a bit of a novice on the stage, Dennis quickly realizes even his flubs get a memorable reaction from the audience. How much fun are you having leaning into that aspect of the character?

HAZEN LAWSON: It’s been a lot of fun digging into how Dennis sees himself on and off the stage. His biggest dream is to be in “the big leagues” with actors like Robert, Chris, and Sandra, and I think he just can’t even believe he gets to be on stage with these talented actors. Dennis strives so hard to do everything right, but every time he messes up – to fanfare from the audience – it’s another reminder that he’s not as polished as his fellow actors. Playing off the juxtaposition of Max has also been a lot of fun; where Max pushes for attention from the audience, Dennis is absolutely mortified by it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This show is very physical—what’s the most demanding part for you?

HAZEN LAWSON: The ending scene of Act I is a bit of a gauntlet for me when Dennis can’t quite seem to get his lines right. It’s a full-on mental circus act keeping track of the script and blocking while everything loops over and over again to make sure that everything runs exactly as it should every time. And then by the end of the scene, I’ve been thrown on the floor, drenched with several glasses of scotch, and Dennis is having a full-blown panic attack. It’s a big push, but it’s absolutely worth it for the utter catharsis those ending lines bring.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your show bio reveals a love of reading, knitting, and hiking—all seemingly tranquil—How do you mentally shift into the fast-paced chaos of The Play That Goes Wrong?

HAZEN LAWSON: Funnily enough, I think my love for my grandma activities as I call them has been crucial to helping me keep up with the show. Every single joke, line, and practical effect has been knit into this intricate story that will start to unravel the second a thread gets dropped. Tranquility, and especially attention to detail, is the name of the game when you need to keep a level head and stay in complete control while the show seemingly falls apart around you. To the audience it should look like total chaos, but for those of us up on stage it should be running like clockwork.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s one moment where timing is absolutely everything for the joke to land?

HAZEN LAWSON: Is saying the entire show an option?? If I had to choose just one moment, it would probably be at the beginning of Act II where Dennis’ lines are cut off by Trevor having fun with some sound cues. It’s a moment where I really have to be in sync with Wanderson Rezende – who’s playing Trevor up in the fake sound booth – and with Steve Love – our actual sound designer/operator in the real sound booth – to make sure everything lines up.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Have you had any almost mishaps that felt a little too real?

HAZEN LAWSON: During one of our rehearsals, the set may have fallen apart just a little too early. Thankfully everyone was where they needed to be and no one was in any danger – but I will say I have a newfound perspective on Dennis’ reaction to almost being crushed by a flat.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’s DIRECTOR, ERIN-GRACE BAILEY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve directed a wide range of work, from the Bell Witch Fall Festival‘s Smoke and Women In Theatre‘s Tiny Beautiful Things to The Keeton‘s 2024 production of William Inge‘s Bus Stop—what drew you to The Play That Goes Wrong?

ERIN-GRACE BAILEY: This was kind of a dream show for me. I’m a big fan of a lot of British work and grew up on a lot of that classic slapstick comedy. I was that weird teenager that would rather re-watchI Love Lucy and Downton Abbey than keep up with the latest fad. That interest grew in high school when I discovered Oscar Wilde and then even more in college when I started studying Noel Coward. I got to see the National Tour of The Play That Goes Wrong my sophomore year for free after a friend gave up some tickets. I had no idea what I was walking into but immediately fell in love with it. I felt like it combined all of my favorite things. I’ve been an avid follower of Mischief Theatre Company who created the play ever since. The work they’re doing is not only incredibly creative and entertaining but extremely impressive. It’s an honor to bring a little piece of that to middle Tennessee.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You had me at I Love Lucy, but I digress…How do you begin to direct something that’s supposed to look completely chaotic?

ERIN-GRACE BAILEY: Well, Step One is to swallow your anxiety and pray, haha. Step Two is a lot of research. We spent a lot of time on YouTube looking at other production, reading and then re-reading the script, and talking to people we knew who had done the show before.

A lot goes into this show. Our technical director Kevin Driver has outdone himself. The set for this show is no easy feat, and we’ve had it for a while for the actors to practice on. Everyone in this show has spent a lot of time learning stage combat and stunts, memorizing their lines early on, and fine tuning little things so they’re shocking to the audience but predictable for the people they’re on stage with.

Above all, I want to recognize that while every show takes a village, this one especially does. Everyone apart of this has put in a lot of work, contributed ideas, and collaborated to bring out the best in one another. Nothing about this show is possible without an amazing team.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the biggest challenge in balancing technical precision with comedic freedom?

ERIN-GRACE BAILEY: Time. We could have probably rehearsed this show for the rest of the year and continued to have made discoveries, but in a rehearsal period, there has to be sort of a cut off for new things. I still encourage the actors to play so it’s fresh every night, but there are some pieces of the show that have to happen the exact same way every time so all of the elements can work together. It’s a fine line, but this cast and crew has mastered it with professionalism.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You touched on it a bit earlier, but let’s delve into it a tad more…What has this show’s technical team done particularly well in bringing your vision of “controlled chaos” to life?

ERIN-GRACE BAILEY: Their dedication and communication has been nothing short of phenomenal. There’s a lot of bouncing ideas off one another. I think Kevin and I have had a phone call almost daily for the past two weeks talking about magnets and measurements. Ironically, for something to look so chaotic, it all has to be extremely precise. We’ve used the script as a formula, and then I think just about every designer has added little things of their own, too. It’s also a lot of fun to be directing a show where the designers get to bring out their comedic side as well. They’re so creative and lovely. I can’t thank them enough for the hours they’ve put in on this show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences leave with after seeing The Keeton‘s production of The Play That Goes Wrong?

ERIN-GRACE BAILEY: As Dolly Parton says, “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!” We’re living in some dark times. Even the day-to-day struggles just feel a little bit extra heavy lately. I hope folks get to come in to the theatre, have a nice meal, and just leave those struggles at the door for a little while. I hope they’re entertained, that they laugh, and they get to have an evening of no internet – just a bunch of strangers in a crowded room enjoying some weird, hilarious, impressive art.

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The Play That Goes Wrong runs April 10–26 at The Keeton Theatre, located at 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Friday & Saturday Doors at 5:45pm/Dinner at 6pm and Show at 7pm. Sunday matinee Doors at 12:45pm/Meal at 1pm and Show at 2pm. Please note that the two Thursday evening performances during the run are show-only with Doors at 6:30pm and Show at 7pm. Show Only Tickets: $32.00 (Thursday performances), Adult Dinner and Show: $42.00, Child Dinner and Show: $37.00. For a slight upcharge, Salmon can be chosen as the dinner entree. Group tickets receive a discount. Please call the Box Office at 615.883.8375 or CLICK HERE for tickets.

During the run of The Play That Goes Wrong, The Keeton will present The Keeton Community Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert An Evening at the Theatre, directed by Dillon Wright and featuring a selection of music from the movies. Door open for this one-night-only event at 6:30pm with the performances beginning at 7pm on Tuesday, April 14. Tickets are $15. CLICK HERE to purchase. Following The Play That Goes Wrong, on Tuesday, May 2 at 7pm, it’s time for The Keeton’s Annual Gala directed by The Keeton‘s own Donna Driver with musical direction by Jane Kelley. This year’s annual fundraiser for the theatre is themed: Role Reversal. Tickets to the gala are $60. Gala tickets include dinner, a chance to win some great prizes donated by supporters of the theatre and the opportunity to be among the first to purchase Season Tickets for The Keeton’s upcoming 2026-2027 Season. CLICK HERE to purchase gala tickets. 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!

Theatre Review: ‘Riverdance 30: The New Generation’; at TPAC Friday & Saturday as U.S. Tour Continues

April 4, 2026 by Jonathan

First presented as a 7-minute interval act during the 1994 Eurovision competition in Dublin, Ireland, performed by Michel Flatley and Jean Butler as conceived by composer Bill Wheland and co-founders Moya Doherty and John McColgan, there’s a reason Riverdance has endured for three decades. With Riverdance 30: The New Generation–onstage in Nashville at TPAC‘s Jackson Hall April 3 & 4 as the U.S. Tour continues– that legacy isn’t just preserved—it’s reenergized with a thrilling sense of immediacy. From the first electrifying beats of Act I’s opener, “Reel Around the Sun,” this anniversary tour reminds audiences exactly why it became a global phenomenon in the first place and why its popularity is unwavering.

The company wastes no time establishing its signature precision, led by principal dancers Kieran Bryant, Will Bryant, Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Fergus Fitzpatrick, Olivia Nachtigal, and Mairead Trainor—each bringing a distinct presence while maintaining the razor-sharp synchronicity that defines the production. (And for a deeper dive into two of the evening’s standouts, be sure to check out my recent Rapid Fire 10Q with lead dancers and brothers Kieran Bryant & Will Bryant.)

“Reel Around the Sun,” with original choreography by Riverdance‘s legendary Michael Flatley, sets the tone with a commanding blend of power and polish, while “The Heart’s Cry” and “The Countess Cathleen” introduce the production’s more lyrical and folkloric elements. Throughout, John Kavanagh’s narration threads its way between segments, landing somewhere between folklore, fairytale, and fact. While evocative, the through line can feel a bit elusive at times—beautiful in isolation, though occasionally lacking clarity in the larger arc. Perhaps falling victim to life on the road, the sound–at least during Night One of the tour’s Music City Stop–struggled a bit with the live instrumentation and vocal performances occasionally overpowering the narration and all three suffering in the aftermath.

That said, when the show leans into its rhythmic intensity, it’s virtually unstoppable. “Thunderstorm” delivers one of Act I’s most exhilarating sequences, the male troupe unleashing a barrage of percussive footwork that feels both primal and impossibly precise. “Firedance” shifts the energy entirely, with flamenco soloist Rocio Dusmet Orellano commanding the stage in a fiery fusion of Irish and Spanish traditions—an arresting reminder of the show’s global reach.

Musically, the production is as rich as ever, thanks to The Riverdance Band under the direction of Mark Alfred (drums, percussion, bodhrán). Cathal Croke’s uilleann pipes and low whistle add an unmistakable Celtic texture, while Haley Richardson’s fiddle and Emma McPhilemy’s saxophone bring both warmth and unexpected contemporary flair. Together with the company’s singers and drummers, they create a soundscape that feels as alive as the movement it drives. Interesting

Act I builds—inevitably, gloriously—to the showstopping “Riverdance.” It’s the moment audiences wait for, and it still delivers that mid-show ovation energy, the full company in perfect unison as rhythm becomes spectacle.

Act II opens with “American Wake,” a vibrant nod to the Irish diaspora, before launching into one of the production’s most visually and culturally compelling segments: “Trading Taps.” Featuring Riverdance Tappers Kenji Igus and Dharmesh Patel, the number unfolds—per state-of-the-art projections—Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO), a detail my date for the evening, a former New Yorker, was quick to appreciate. Here, the show brilliantly illustrates how Irish rhythmic traditions echo through tap and hip-hop, creating a dialogue between styles that feels both historic and strikingly modern.

It’s a standout moment, though its placement feels slightly out of sync with the show’s overall progression. In a production that might benefit from some light editing or reordering, “Trading Taps” arguably belongs closer to the finale, where its thematic resonance could land with even greater impact.

Other highlights in Act II include “Ritmos del Corazon / Andalucía,” once again showcasing Orellano’s commanding flamenco artistry, and the continued interplay between the company’s diverse dance traditions, including the applause-garnering contributions of the Dervish Folk Dance Troupe.

Ultimately, Riverdance 30: The New Generation is at its best when it leans into what it has always done so well: uniting music and movement in a way that transcends language and narrative. Even when the storytelling thread feels slightly diffused, the sheer talent onstage never wavers.

The evening closes with “Home and The Heartland,” a fan-favorite finale dating back to the 1995 Dublin stage debut. It’s as rousing and emotionally satisfying as ever—a full-circle moment that honors the show’s origins while celebrating its continued evolution.

Thirty years on, Riverdance still knows how to bring an audience to its feet—and in the hands (and feet) of this new generation, its rhythm feels as unstoppable as ever. Riverdance 30: The New Generation wraps it’s limited two-day Nashville stop with two performances at TPAC‘s Jackson Hall Saturday, April 4 with a 2pm matinee and a 7:30pm evening performance. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Following their Music City tour stop, Riverdance 30 continues its U.S. Tour with stops in Morgantown, WV; Dayton, OH; Johnstown, PA; Detroit, MI; and more through June as the U.S. anniversary tour continues. For future dates, to purchase tickets, or to see the full schedule CLICK HERE. For all things Riverdance, CLICK HERE or follow them on Insta, TikTok, Youtube and Facebook.

Beyond Riverdance, TPAC‘s calendar of events continues with Nashville Repertory Theatre‘s production of Sister Act on stage at the Polk Theatre April 10 thru 19 (Check back here at jhpentertainment.com for our upcoming chat with Sister Act‘s director and members of the cast). TPAC Inclusive Arts Presents two Arts Adventure Workshops—Stage Combat for ages 9-15 and Heroes and Villains for ages 8-16 on April 11. On April 16, TPAC InsideOut and Vanderbilt University team up to present a Lunchtime Preview of Nashville Ballet‘s Sherlock (onstage at the Polk Theatre May 1-3). April 16 thru 18, Nashville Opera presents The Barber of Seville at TPAC‘s Jackson Hall. CLICK HERE for all these and more great performances at TPAC.

Rapid Fire 10Q with ‘Riverdance 30’ Lead Dancer Brothers Kieran and Will Bryant; at TPAC April 3 & 4

March 31, 2026 by Jonathan

For three decades, Riverdance has captivated audiences around the globe with its electrifying blend of music, movement, and storytelling—and now, the legacy continues with the milestone Riverdance 30th Anniversary Tour. As part of just 67 cities on this celebratory U.S. tour, Nashville once again welcomes a limited engagement at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall, with performances set for Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ahead of their Music City stop, JHPEntertainment caught up with siblings Kieran Bryant and Will Bryant—two of Riverdance 30’s internationally acclaimed lead dancers —for a quick-hit Rapid Fire Q&A, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on tour, stepping into the spotlight, and what it’s really like sharing the stage with family as part of this global phenomenon.

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RAPID FIRE 10Q WITH KIERAN AND WILL BRYANT OF RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION

RAPID FIRE WITH RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION‘s KIERAN BRYANT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You started dancing at just four years old—do you remember the moment it stopped being a hobby and became the path?

KIERAN BRYANT: I competed from a very young age both nationally and internationally. I guess the earliest moment I can remember that it clicked for me was my first time competing overseas in America. It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective and made me want to push myself to become the best I can possibly be. That’s when my love for it really took over.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hailing from Australia, what’s the most exciting aspect of touring the U.S. with Riverdance?

KIERAN BRYANT: US tours have always been my favorite tours. I love getting to see so many different parts of the country and how each city has its own vibe. It’s cool now getting to tour and perform in iconic places like New York & LA that growing up, I would’ve only really seen in the movies.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having joined Riverdance alongside your brother, who’s also a lead dancer in the company—what’s the biggest advantage of having him there, and what’s the one thing that can still drive you a little crazy?

KIERAN BRYANT: My brother and I have always been super close so getting to do what I love alongside my best friend, it’s the best. It’s natural for everybody to get a little homesick, especially being on the road for long periods of time so having him there helps massively dealing with that. That being said, us being so close we know each other better than we know ourselves sometimes, so like all siblings we do get on each other’s nerves from time to time. But it’s all love.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having officially made your lead debut in 2022—what shifted for you, mentally or physically, stepping into that level of responsibility?

KIERAN BRYANT: Becoming a lead dancer was always the goal so that was something I was building myself into from the beginning. There is a significantly higher demand on the body and mind that comes with the role so making sure I prioritize health and wellness has become even more significant in my day to day. It’s also essential having that trust and belief within yourself that you deserve to be there. I think that’s what keeps me striving to always push myself.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Among the many international tour stops, you’ve performed lead in your hometown of Sydney, Australia, cheered on by family and friends. Quite the full-circle moment, I’m sure—what did that moment feel like in your body as you stepped onstage?

KIERAN BRYANT: It’s hard to explain really. It was kind of like an out of body experience, every movement felt a little different than usual. There were a lot of emotions going through my body, so I just tried to keep myself present and enjoy being in the moment. There’s a different energy from both the audience and the cast when it’s a big show like that. No better feeling than performing and showing gratitude towards the people who have supported you along your journey.

RAPID FIRE WITH RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION‘s WILL BRYANT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You joined Riverdance in 2013 and became a lead in 2016—I caught the 20th anniversary performance at TPAC a decade ago. How has your perception of (and performance as) a lead dancer changed since that initial anniversary tour?

WILL BRYANT: Having toured with Riverdance for nearly 13 years now. My perception, especially as a lead performer, has changed a lot. As a dancer in such a prestigious show as this, there is a certain standard you have to hold yourself accountable for. When you step into the role of a lead position, it’s a whole different ball game. You have to maintain a physicality and mindset that allows you to essentially lead an entire production night after night, venue after venue. There’s definitely ups and downs but it’s all part of the journey. I was just starting out my lead career in 2016, so 10 years on, having solidified my position and experienced the dynamics of the role, I feel that I am at the top of my game.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having performed in over 24 countries—has any particular audience surprised you in the way they respond to the show?

WILL BRYANT: I’d have to say when I toured Mexico in 2022, I was pleasantly surprised by the response we got. I didn’t really know what to expect as I had never been there before. They loved the show. I remember they were even selling their own Riverdance merchandise out the front of the venue which was really cool. They had everything. T-shirts, mugs, hats, you name it. I managed to snag a mug with my face on it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You and Kieran aren’t the only siblings on the 30th Anniversary Tour—there’s also Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and her brother Fergus. Do you feel like you four might have a slight advantage because of those familial relationships, or has your long tenure with the company created its own family vibe?

WILL BRYANT: I feel like every family relationship is different, but for me, my brother and I share a special bond. We are best mates. Always have been. Being able to share these experiences on the road with my brother isn’t something I take for granted. I feel like there is a definite advantage to having someone you’re so close to on the road with you. We are able to be brutally honest with each other on our performance and life, even when it isn’t asked for. But I love that.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hitting the Principal role and performing at Radio City Music Hall is no small milestone—did that moment live up to the ideals you put on it?

WILL BRYANT: Performing in Radio City is something that I will never forget. I have spent years performing in various venues across the globe but this one was very special for me. Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to perform lead in Radio City in 2020, so being able to strut my stuff as a lead performer in 2025 in front of the thousands, my parents included, was a phenomenal experience.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after experiencing Riverdance live on stage?

WILL BRYANT: A major takeaway I’d like audiences to experience is a sense of connection. Throughout the show there are so many elements of cultural identity and cohesiveness. The artistry of all performers share a special bond that connects us no matter where you are from. I also hope audiences discover a new found respect for the arts industry. We put a lot into what we do as performers and I don’t think a lot of people realise that. Life on the road isn’t all glitz and glamour. We essentially put our entire lives into putting on shows night after night ensuring people experience the best of the best. That’s what we strive for.

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Tickets for Riverdance 30: The New Generation range in price from $47 to $215, with a VIP Ticket option that includes premium orchestra-level seating, early access to the venue to watch cast blocking and warm-ups, a VIP laminate, and a pre-show Q&A with select cast members. For more information on VIP ticketing, call TPAC’s Box Office at 615.782.4040 or CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Following their limited engagement in Music City, Riverdance 30th Anniversary Tour continues as they head to Morgantown, WV; Dayton, OH; Johnstown, PA; Detroit, MI; and more through June as the U.S. anniversary tour continues. For future dates, to purchase tickets, or to see the full schedule CLICK HERE. For all things Riverdance, CLICK HERE or follow them on Insta, TikTok, Youtube and Facebook.