Rapid Fire 20 Q

RAPID FIRE 10Q: Reisa Shimojima on Dancing Outside the Lines and Challenging Expectations; Shimojima’s KEDAGORO Dance Troupe at OZ Arts Nashville This Weekend

November 11, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

KEDAGORO, a Japan-based contemporary dance company makes its highly anticipated Music City debut at OZ Arts Nashville on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, at 5 p.m. These performances not only launch OZ Arts Nashville’s 14th season but also mark part of KEDAGORO’s first-ever U.S. performances, with the company’s three-city American tour traveling from New York to Greenville, South Carolina, before concluding in Nashville.

Founded by Reisa Shimojima, KEDAGORO has developed a reputation for fearless, thought-provoking work that explores the complexities of human behavior, historical memory, cultural identity and the often uncomfortable questions that shape our understanding of the world. As we discovered during our recent conversation with Shimojma for our latest Rapid Fire 10Q, KEDAGORO’s latest work, The Age is Yours, My Liege! (A Tale of Proto-Japan), ventures into the surreal territory of ancient Japanese culture, imperial mythology, power and national identity.

RAPID FIRE 10Q WITH KEDAGORO’s REISA SHIMOJIMA

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You were born in Kagoshima, Japan, and began dancing at just seven years old, studying everything from jazz to traditional Yosakoi. What first sparked your passion for dance, and did you always envision it becoming your life’s work?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: When I was seven years old, a friend from elementary school invited me to join her at a jazz dance class. At the time, I had absolutely no interest in dance. To be honest, I really didn’t want to take lessons at all. Ever since I was little, I had been fascinated by history. At home, I loved playing games like pretending to be prehistoric humans or acting out wars. However, Kagoshima, where I grew up, is a rural part of Japan with very small, close-knit communities. If you turned down an invitation from a friend, you could suddenly become a target for bullying or even be ostracized by the community. So, reluctantly, I started attending the jazz dance classes.

Then, one day, something rather unexpected happened. My jazz dance teacher started having an affair with the chairman of the Kagoshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Around that time, the chairman wanted to make Kagoshima a more vibrant place and came up with the idea of bringing YOSAKOI, a Japanese festival dance tradition that wasn’t particularly popular in Kagoshima at the time, to the region. And my dance teacher, wanting to win the chairman’s heart, decided to turn the entire jazz dance school into a YOSAKOI dance school! From then on, we spent almost every weekend traveling to YOSAKOI festivals in different parts of Japan, performing to promote Kagoshima. YOSAKOI festivals bring together all kinds of teams from across the country. But what I found fascinating wasn’t just the dancing. There were middle-aged men and women dancing while enjoying alcohol and cigarettes, complicated romantic affairs between members of different teams, and all sorts of messy, very human dramas. It was a world full of raw human behavior, desires, and tangled relationships. I became fascinated by all of it.

And eventually, I started to enjoy dancing. But to be precise, it wasn’t really dancing itself that I fell in love with. I loved using dance as an excuse to observe human behavior and the way people live their lives. Somehow, almost 30 years have passed, and I’ve kept dancing all this time. I never imagined that dance would actually become my profession. Even now, I don’t think dancing itself is my ultimate goal. I suppose I’m still enjoying the many aspects of human life and behavior through dance, using it as my excuse.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You attended J. F. Oberlin University, where you studied theater and contemporary dance under acclaimed choreographer Kuniko Kisanuki. Your early university work included choreography, composition and directing. While you utilize all three aspects in your creativity, do you primarily consider yourself a choreographer and does your theatrical background influence the way you approach dance today?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: To be honest, I have never really thought of myself as a “choreographer.” What I mean is that I don’t consider myself a choreographer in the conventional sense of the word. My role as a choreographer is not to create choreography, but rather to bring out the errors that already exist within bodies that have been choreographed. What I mean by this is that I believe human beings are naturally choreographed throughout their lives by various environments and cultures. Through this process, our understanding of the body and the ways we use it are gradually shaped. I believe my role is to create various triggers that expose the history embedded in each person’s body, bringing it out into the open and making it visible on stage. I imagine this way of thinking has been influenced by my background in YOSAKOI and theater. But I have also learned a great deal from my dance mentor, Kuniko Kisanuki. She taught me not only about dance, but also about fundamental questions such as what it means to be human and how we should live as human beings.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Originally founded in 2013, KEDAGORO’s official website currently lists six core company members. Tell us a little about the company dynamic. How many performers are traveling with you on this American tour, and what makes this particular group of collaborators click?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: For this American tour, there are four KEDAGORO members, including myself. The other eight dancers were selected through auditions. When I was at university, before founding KEDAGORO, I had formed a dance group with some incredibly skilled dancers. However, relationships between dancers can be extremely complicated. I found myself caught in a dilemma: the higher our ambitions became, the harder it was to keep the group together. Eventually, the group fell apart.

At a time when I was completely at a loss about what to do next, I met the people who are now the core members of KEDAGORO at my university. They were students who didn’t really know what they wanted to do with their lives after graduation. They weren’t particularly enthusiastic about studying performing arts either. They were almost like ghosts, just drifting through university life. So, almost as a last resort, I asked them, “Why don’t we try forming a group and putting on just one performance together?” And somehow, before we knew it, we had been together for 13 years.

We’re a group of people with completely different personalities and interests, but somehow, being together feels very natural. Under the pretext of making work together, we can spend endless hours drinking and talking about all sorts of silly things. That’s the kind of team we are. Of course, that dynamic alone doesn’t always provide the balance we need, and that’s where the dancers selected through auditions come in. They support the group in ways that our core members cannot always provide.

I think dance companies can easily become trapped by certain preconceptions. There’s often an idea that working hard and performing well are the ultimate virtues. But I believe this is one of the most dangerous traps in dance. We also need to embrace the possibility of making mistakes and allow those errors to become fertile ground for creativity. I think the relationship between KEDAGORO’s core members and the audition-selected dancers creates a very delicate and interesting balance. It’s not that one group represents one particular way of thinking and the other represents something completely different. Rather, everyone constantly shifts their positions, changing the direction of the sails as we move forward together.

I also think of it this way: even if we’re all on the same boat, if everyone is looking in the same direction, we won’t notice what’s approaching from behind us. But in this group, although we’re all on the same boat, everyone is looking in a different direction — some looking forward, others backward, and others to the sides. I think that’s what makes KEDAGORO such an interesting team. We move forward together, but we don’t all look at the world from the same perspective.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A quick Internet search reveals that KEDAGORO is a rather colorful name, reportedly translating to something along the lines of animal droppings on the ground in the Kagoshima dialect. That’s certainly one way to make a memorable first impression! What’s the story behind choosing the name, and have you ever had second thoughts about introducing your company to the world with it?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: As I mentioned earlier, KEDAGORO was originally formed for a one-time performance. So, to be honest, we weren’t particularly attached to the idea of having a company name. We simply wanted something unusual, a name that wouldn’t be used by many other people and would come up at the very top of the search results when someone looked it up online. That’s how we came up with “KEDAGORO.” Well, I suppose it was also a fitting name for a group of people who had been rolling around university like dog shit. We never imagined that we would still be using this name 13 years later. These days, we’ve adopted a slogan that goes something like this: “Even something as dirty and ugly as dog shit can be an essential source of nourishment for flies and other creatures. We want to become something like that for humanity, too.” I’ve never once regretted choosing this company name. If anything, I feel as though the people we were 13 years ago are still encouraging us from behind, saying: “Keep creating work that makes this name something to be proud of. Keep doing things that will never make you regret choosing it!”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your work doesn’t exactly shy away from controversial subject matter, tackling everything from the United Red Army incident and the Aum Shinrikyo cult to the Sewol ferry disaster and questions surrounding Japanese national identity. As an artist and choreographer, what excites you most about confronting difficult subjects through dance, and do you see provoking discussion as an essential part of your creative responsibility?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: Because I often deal with social and political themes in my work, people tend to describe my work as journalistic. But actually, I don’t really see it that way myself. I see historical events as important clues that can help us understand human beings. Rather than looking at these events through the information we receive from the media, I want to observe them on a much more cosmic scale through physical expression. I believe that memories dating back hundreds of millions, or even trillions, of years are engraved in our bodies. These memories go far beyond the limits of human thought and emotion. So, in my work, there is no question of taking sides, either for or against something. What exists is simply evidence of the fact that we are human beings.

When I use historical events as the subject of a work, audiences naturally try to find something in it. Depending on their age, gender, and personal life experiences, each person has a different relationship with the event. As a result, a wide range of opinions and reactions emerge. Contemporary dance often deals with abstract themes, but I believe that using specific events that are part of humanity’s collective memory can open up new possibilities for the audience’s imagination. And I myself sometimes discover entirely new interpretations of my own work through the opinions and reactions of the audience. What matters most to me is that the audience creates a world within the work that even the choreographer could never have imagined. I am fully prepared to accept every response from the audience, whether they love my work or absolutely hate it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Let’s talk about The Age is Yours, My Liege! (A Tale of Proto-Japan). The production takes audiences into a surreal world of ancient Japanese culture, imperial mythology, power and national identity, complete with some rather unexpected theatrical imagery. In a few words, what can audiences expect when they enter this world, and what was the initial spark that inspired you to create this particular piece?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: I’m very curious to know what kind of experience each audience member will have when they see our work. After all, I imagine that Japanese and American audiences may find very different things in the same piece. In fact, even during our performances in New York, there were moments when the audience reacted in ways I hadn’t expected. For me, this is one of the great joys of performing in another country. It’s fascinating to discover how people from different cultural backgrounds respond to our work. I think there are many things about Japan that we become blind to simply because we live in Japan. Actually, what inspired me to create this piece was my experience over the past few years of creating work in various Asian countries. During that time, I encountered many traces and remnants of the period when Japan colonized other Asian countries. As I came across these histories, I found myself wondering: “What exactly is Japan?” That question became the starting point for this work. I would really love to hear your honest thoughts about what you, as American audiences, experience and feel when you watch it. My hope is that when people leave the theater after seeing our work, they feel that something has shifted, even just a little, in the way they see the world and other human beings.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand this production marks Kedagoro’s North American debut, with a three-city American tour taking you from New York to Greenville, South Carolina, and ultimately to Music City at OZ Arts Nashville. What’s most exciting about bringing your creative vision to American audiences for the very first time, and is there anything in particular you’re curious to discover about how audiences here will respond?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: Japan and the United States have had deep historical ties, and that relationship continues to this day. How does this work look from the perspective of a country that decided to keep the Emperor on the throne after World War II? And how do Americans see the Japanese people? More than anything, I am looking forward to hearing your honest opinions. They don’t have to be positive ones.

My aim is to interpret the world through my work. I hope to hear discussions and discover perspectives that I could never have imagined myself. That, to me, is what makes a work come alive. It’s what gives it blood flowing through its veins. I hope that American audiences will breathe new life into this work and give it a new existence through their own perspectives and responses.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve remarked that KEDAGORO was built around your belief that “dance is a method for interpreting the world.” Now here you are presenting your latest piece to U.S. audiences. Any hopes of discovering future collaborators while here in the states?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: Yes! So far, I’ve had many opportunities to collaborate with artists from across Asia and Europe, and I would really love to meet potential collaborators here in the United States as well. I don’t necessarily want to focus directly on political issues between Japan and the United States. What I would really like to explore is the kind of chaos that might emerge when bodies from these two countries come into collision with one another. As long as I’m alive, I want to keep exploring the world. So, to everyone here in the United States, I sincerely hope we can connect and create something together. I look forward to meeting you!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While researching our conversation, I came across a quote from you that I absolutely love: “After I decided to do dance seriously, I ‘bared my fangs’ and adopted an attitude that I would kick my heels up and do things no one expected!” I love that rebellious spirit! For the next generation of dancers and choreographers who might be afraid to take creative risks or march to the beat of their own drum, what advice would you offer?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: Of course, having your own passion and beliefs is important. But if you want to stay true to what you believe in and keep following your own path, you need people by your side. I want you to find people who believe in you and support you, people who will help protect your passion and your convictions. I think the reason I was able to make the decision to pursue dance seriously was because I had people around me. Taking artistic risks is never easy. There will inevitably be times when you get hurt, when you lose faith in yourself, and when you start to doubt everything. So, rather than focusing on creating good or interesting work, I want you to focus on finding your comrades — people who share your vision and are willing to walk alongside you. And work hard to put yourself out there and meet those people. I believe that truly interesting work begins there. The world is vast. There are absolutely people out there who will become your allies. Dancers and choreographers should believe that first and foremost. Don’t worry so much about your own artistic talent.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: And finally, after audiences experience The Age is Yours, My Liege! (A Tale of Proto-Japan), what do you hope the production sparks in their minds? What questions, conversations or perhaps even a little controversy would you like them to take with them when they leave the theater?

REISA SHIMOJIMA: I want you to feel both the foolishness of humanity and how deeply lovable we are. This may sound harsh, but I believe that as long as human beings remain human, war will never come to an end. However, I believe that if we can release some of our deepest, hidden human desires within the fictional world of performing arts, we may be able to reduce conflict, even if only a little, in the real world. That is precisely why I believe theaters and works of performing art exist: to bear the weight of the world’s distortions. In other words, I invite you, the audience, to become accomplices in this shared time and space. As accomplices, you have every right to question, challenge, criticize, or debate anything about this work. I sincerely hope you will share your thoughts and reactions with me. A work does not end when it is presented to an audience. In fact, that is where it begins. I look forward to beginning this journey with all of you, together with this work!

Shimojima’s answers offer a fascinating glimpse into an artist who sees dance as far more than movement, technique or choreography. Whether she’s recounting an unconventional introduction to the art form, explaining the rather memorable origins of her company’s name, or inviting audiences to become accomplices in an exploration of humanity’s contradictions, one thing is abundantly clear: KEDAGORO isn’t particularly interested in playing it safe. And perhaps that’s precisely the point. As Shimojima reminds us, a performance doesn’t end when the curtain comes down. That’s where the conversation begins.

Nashville audiences will have their opportunity to join that conversation when KEDAGORO presents The Age is Yours, My Liege! (A Tale of Proto-Japan) at OZ Arts Nashville on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, at 5 p.m. The performances open OZ Arts Nashville’s 14th season and are part of the dance company’s historic first U.S. tour. Come with an open mind, bring your curiosity and don’t be afraid to have an opinion. Reisa Shimojima and KEDAGORO are ready to hear it.

Ticket options include:

Artist & Creative Community (discounted, no code required) $25
General Admission $35
Generous Admission (I love this one!) $45

CLICK HERE for tickets.

Next up at OZ Arts Nashville as Season 14 continues its New York-based hip hop spoken word artist Dahlak Brathwaite‘s Try/Step/Trip Friday and Saturday, December 4 & 5 at 8pm. CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase tickets. To keep up with all things OZ Arts, find them HERE or follow them on Facebook, X, YouTube and Insta.

For all things KEDAGORO, CLICK HEREor follow them on Insta, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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!

Rapid Fire 20Q: ‘Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology’ Star Courtney Linam and Playwright Joy Tilley Perryman Keep the Iconic Singer’s Legacy Alive

November 5, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Some voices are simply unforgettable, and more than 60 years after her untimely death at just 30, Patsy Cline’s remains one of them. From the heartbreak of “I Fall to Pieces” and “Crazy” to the timeless appeal of “Walkin’ After Midnight,” her music continues to find new generations of fans, proving that some legacies really are built to last. Enter Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology, an original theatrical tribute written by Joy Tilley Perryman and starring Courtney Linam as the legendary country songstress, accompanied by a live band. Rather than simply retracing the familiar milestones of Patsy’s life, Perryman takes a more intimate approach, imagining the singer reflecting on her journey in the moments before her final flight, weaving together memories, music, and the extraordinary story behind that unmistakable voice.

Linam and Perryman are bringing Patsy’s story to The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden for two performances, November 7 and 8. Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology is just the latest in a creative partnership has included costarring in both The Ritz’s 2024 presentation of Steel Magnolias and last year’s Queens of Heart at The Local Scene. Having reunited this past summer to present the anthology debut performances in Atlanta in July, then again just last month in nearby Oneonta, Alabama, this week’s presentation marks the show’s Gadsden premiere.

From discovering the woman behind the iconic voice and recreating her signature look to the inspiration behind an original Patsy Cline musical, Perryman and Linam’s latest creative adventure has plenty to dish about. JHPENTERTAINMENT caught up with both women for a Rapid Fire 20Q about the music, the memories, the magic of collaboration, and why, when it comes to Patsy Cline, Love Never Dies.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH LOVE NEVER DIES: A PATSY CLINE ANTHOLOGY STAR AND PLAYWRIGHT

RAPID FIRE WITH LOVE NEVER DIES: A PATSY CLINE ANTHOLOGY PLAYWRIGHT, JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When did the idea of creating Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology first begin to take shape?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: Courtney had played Patsy in Theatre of Gadsden’s production of Always…Patsy Cline. I did the costumes for that show and we had a great time working on together and she makes an utterly fantastic Patsy. Then a year later our dear friend, Mike Beecham approached us about bringing a Patsy show to his theatre in Atlanta. But he wanted something different that what was already out there, so I just decided to write a new show!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For those who might be familiar with other Patsy Cline stage musicals like Always…Patsy Cline and A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, what makes Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology unique?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: To write this show, I wanted to make it more of a memory play. As if Patsy were looking back on her life in those moments before the plane went down. So we start at the end. The last concert where Patsy performed was on March 3, 1963 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, It was a benefit for DJ “Catcus” Jack Call. The last song she ever sang was “I’ll Sail My Ship Alone”. The lyrics are haunting and that is where we start our show and then back in time to her beginnings at the Grand Ole Opry.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Beyond the basic biographical details and familiar stories most fans know, were there lesser-known aspects of Patsy’s life, personality, relationships, or career that particularly surprised you or helped shape the anthology?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: Sitting down to decided the songlist and put the songs in some kind of order, made me really see how sad and tragic her life truly was. Besides the tragedy of a far too early death, Patsy overcame many hardships along the way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: During her all-too-brief career as a recording artist, Patsy recorded more than 100 songs. Aside from the more familiar hits, have you included any deep-cuts to tell this story?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: The very first song is an extremely deep cut and it was quite difficult to find the sheet music. We never found it in Patsy’s key and had to have it transposed. Once you hear it it context of the show it is haunting and beautiful and totally perfect.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You and Courtney have worked together repeatedly. What makes Courtney someone you keep coming back to as a creative collaborator, and how has your working relationship evolved over the years?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I cannot really talk about Courtney without getting all gushing and fangirling and being all sentimental. She is one of the most talented people I have ever known. She stepped into my life at a time when I most desperately needed a creative collaborator and a dear friend. She is a superstar in all those regards. I cannot express how much she means to me and how blessed I am to call her friend. We joke and call ourselves the Bad Decision Sisters, but she is right by my side no matter how nutty the plans get or how impossible the project seems. Look out for our next venture! We are opening a booth at an antique mall called Bad Decision Sisters Shop! Coming at the end of November to Kolectic Treasures in Rainbow City, Alabama.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re wearing several hats with this production: playwright, collaborator, and costumer. As costumer, how do you balance historical authenticity with the practical demands of a live theatrical performance?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I have scoured hundreds of images of Patsy Cline. And I was able to recreate looks with modern fabrics so there is no worry about damaging an historical garment. I think I most proud of her first costume. It is almost an exact replica of the gown Patsy wore in her last concert and it appears onstage for exactly one song!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy’s songs are famous for their emotional honesty, whether she’s singing about heartbreak, longing, resilience, or love. If Patsy were around today, what recent song might she have covered?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: So, lately we don’t have the girl singers that we used to have (sorry Ella, I do love you) so I think Patsy would have had to take a man’s song and change the perspective so it could be sung by a woman. For my money the best song this year as far as story telling and longing and just good music is Graylan James’ “Water at a Wedding”. I think Patsy would have worked that to suit her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy was only 30 when her life ended, but her career was already transforming the sound and reach of country music. As the writer looking at the full arc of her story, where do you imagine her career might have taken her had she lived to continue recording and performing for decades to come?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I believe she would have continued to make hit records and be at the top of the charts until she decided she was ready to scale it back and enjoy grandkids and retirement.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The title Love Never Dies feels particularly fitting for an artist whose music continues to connect with people long after her passing. Why was that the right title for this anthology, and what do you hope audiences understand about Patsy’s enduring legacy when they leave the theatre?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: That phrase actually comes from part of the inscription on her tombstone. I hope that people will walk away with a new or deeper appreciation for her music and her legacy and the knowledge that as long as we continue to sing her music, the love never dies.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having already presented Love Never Dies in Atlanta and nearby Oneonta and now bringing it to Gadsden for these two performances, have you and Courtney discussed taking the production on the road? Are there any plans for other cities eventually have the opportunity to experience your Patsy Cline anthology? I mean…Nashville is always up for a visit from you…just sayin’.

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: Having debuted this show back during the summer in Atlanta with EPIC Productions, this is our third production of the show. We are ready to go any and everywhere that will have us! Just give us a call and you know I am always ready to come back home to Music City!

RAPID FIRE WITH LOVE NEVER DIES: A PATSY CLINE ANTHOLOGY‘s COURTNEY LINAM

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy Cline remains one of country music’s most beloved and influential voices, more than six decades after her death. What do you think it is about her voice, her music, and her story that continues to resonate with audiences across generations?

COURTNEY LINAM: Honesty. When Patsy sings, you believe every word, because she isn’t performing heartbreak, she’s living it right there in front of you. Her voice had this rare combination of power and tenderness. Her story matters too. She was a small-town girl from Virginia who fought her way into a business that didn’t make much room for women and she did it on her own terms. People still connect to that. Every generation has someone who’s been lonely, or lovesick, or underestimated, and Patsy’s songs meet them right where they are.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Every actor who portrays a legendary performer faces the challenge of honoring the original while bringing something of themselves to the role. How did you go about finding your Patsy Cline voice, and how do you balance imitation with interpretation?

COURTNEY LINAM: I listened. A lot. In the car, in the kitchen, before bed. I studied her phrasing, those little catches in her voice I refer to them as Patsy-isms, the way she’d lean into a note and then let it fall. Nobody can replace Patsy, and I’d never want to try. So my goal is to honor her style and her signature sound while singing from my own heart. The imitation gets you in the door; the interpretation is what makes people feel something. I want the audience to feel like they’re spending an evening with Patsy, not watching a copy of her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy was primarily a country artist, but her music crossed genres, earning her success on the pop charts as well. She was also part of the emerging Nashville Sound and recorded gospel music. How does exploring those different sides of her musical legacy influence your approach to portraying her?

COURTNEY LINAM: It reminds me that she was never just one thing. You’ve got the early honky-tonk Patsy, the cowgirl who could sing a rowdy, up tempo number, and then you’ve got the polished Nashville Sound Patsy with the strings and the smooth backing vocals, singing ballads that made the pop charts. And then the gospel side, which shows you where so much of that feeling came from. Each style asks something different of me vocally, but more than that, each one reveals a different side of who she was.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy had a distinctive look as well as an unmistakable voice. With Joy Tilley Perryman serving as both the playwright and the show’s costumer, how much collaboration goes into bringing Patsy’s appearance to life? And do you have a favorite Patsy look or era that you especially enjoy recreating?

COURTNEY LINAM: So much! Joy has such an eye for detail, and because she wrote the show, she knows exactly what each moment needs to say, so the costumes are telling the story right along with the songs. We talk through every look, how it fits the era, how it moves on stage, and of course whether I can breathe and sing in it! As for a favorite, I have a real soft spot for the western-style outfits from her early years, the fringe and the boots. There’s something so spunky and fearless about that Patsy.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In additon to this collaboration, you’ve also costarred alongside Joy in a couple of shows, so you’ve experienced her as a fellow performer as well as a writer. How is working with Joy the playwright different from working with Joy the costar?

COURTNEY LINAM: As a costar, Joy is just so incredible. I’ve loved watching her work and learning from her as a fellow actress. As a playwright, she’s the keeper of the vision. She knows why every line and every song is where it is, and she can tell you exactly what she’s hoping a scene will make the audience feel. What’s the same in both is her heart. Joy wrote this show as a love letter to Patsy, and the fact that she created this role with me in mind means more to me than I can say. And she’s not only beside me on stage or watching from the house. She’s also on the sidelines, because she has been my “dresser” in every production in which I’ve portrayed Patsy Cline, and this will be my fourth time! She stays so calm during those really fast changes, and that allows me to stay in character. We laugh because I’ve become so needy of her being my dresser, although I know one day I’ll have to let her go so she can just relax and enjoy the show. Wherever she is, I always know she’s got my back.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Love Never Dies is presented with a live band, which brings its own energy and immediacy to Patsy’s music. What can you tell me about the musicians accompanying you?

COURTNEY LINAM: Oh, I am so incredibly lucky! We’ve got Deborah Sarcinelli on piano, Sid Brown on drums, Rob Bruce on guitar, Nick Staff on bass, and Butch Dixon on pedal steel. Every one of them is incredibly talented, and together they bring so many years of musical experience to this stage. The second that band starts playing, you’re transported straight back to 1960s Nashville. Honestly, the music they make is so beautiful that sometimes I get lost in it and almost forget I’m supposed to be singing! A live band changes everything.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The show features nearly 30 tunes recorded by Cline during her career. Is there a particular song in the anthology that feels especially personal to you, or one that challenges you in a way the others don’t?

COURTNEY LINAM: “Crazy” is the one that challenges me every single time. Everyone knows it, everyone has her version in their head, and it’s deceptively hard. It’s slow, it’s exposed, and the phrasing has to feel effortless even though it’s anything but. As for personal favorites, I love singing “Two Cigarettes in an Ashtray.” It tells such a great story, and it’s so much fun to sing. I also really love “Eyes of a Child.” It’s so hopeful and beautiful, and between the song and the gorgeous dialogue Joy wrote leading into it, I get chills every time. They’re two very different songs, so it’s hard to pick just one!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Joy’s theatre background covers a lot of bases, having been an actress, costumer, playwright, producer and more. Does having a collaborator who understands the material from so many different angles help you inhabit Patsy and tell her story?

COURTNEY LINAM: Absolutely. Joy understands what it feels like to be the one standing in the light, so when she gives a note, she knows what she’s asking of an actor. But she also sees the whole picture: the costumes, the pacing, the music, what the audience needs and when. That means nothing is an afterthought. When everything around me is so thoughtfully built, I can stop worrying about the details and just be Patsy. That kind of trust is rare, and it frees me up to go deeper every performance.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Patsy’s life and career were tragically cut short when she died at just 30, yet her influence has only grown. When you think about the years of music and artistic evolution she never got to experience, what do you imagine the next chapter of her career might have looked like?

COURTNEY LINAM: I think about this all the time. She was only just getting started. I imagine she would have kept crossing over. She had the voice for pop, for torch songs, even for jazz standards, and I can picture her on the big Las Vegas stages and on television variety shows. I also think she would have become a mentor. She was already looking out for younger women like Loretta Lynn, and I believe she would’ve been a fierce advocate for women in country music for decades. In true Patsy fashion,she would have kept doing it all her own way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After revisiting Patsy’s life and music through this anthology, what do you hope audiences will take away about the woman behind the songs—and what do you hope they carry with them after the final note?

COURTNEY LINAM: I hope they see that behind the legend was a real woman: funny, tough, loving, sometimes stubborn, and deeply devoted to her family and her friends. She wasn’t just a voice on a record; she was a person who fought hard for her dreams and gave everything she had to her music. And after the final note, I hope people carry home the memories of their own loved ones that come rushing back when they hear those Patsy songs. Patsy’s music has always kept me close to the memory of my Meemaw, and I know so many people in that audience have someone they think of when “Crazy” or “Walkin’ After Midnight” comes on. The people we love, and the music that moves us, don’t really leave us. Patsy’s grave marker reads, “Death cannot kill what never dies: Love”. Patsy’s been gone more than 60 years, and she’s still filling rooms with feeling. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.

Love Never Dies: A Patsy Cline Anthology starring Courtney Linam as Patsy Cline, with a live band, in an original production written by Joy Tilley Perryman and presented by Joy’s Jubilations arrives at The Venue at Coosa Landing (201 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, AL 35903) for two performances, Saturday, November 7 at 7:30pm and a Sunday matinee November 8 at 2:30pm. Tickets are $22.37 (fees included). All seating is General Admission with doors opening half and hour prior to each showtime. Purchase Tickets HERE.

To keep up with Joy’s Jubilations and what’s next, find them on Facebook. And as Perryman mentioned, something tells me a Bad Decision Sisters Facebook page is in the works for this dynamic duo’s non-theatrical endeavors.

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.

Rapid Fire 20Q: ‘Death Becomes Her’ National Tour’s Jackie Burns, Kristen Beth Williams, Ken Marino & Nasia Thomas Dish with JHPEntertainment on Undying Beauty, Backstabbing and Broadway’s To-Die-For Musical!

November 2, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp have never exactly been poster children for healthy female friendships. Throw in a little eternal youth, a questionable potion, a whole lot of plastic perfection, and enough theatrical special effects to make a Hollywood stunt coordinator sweat, and you’ve got the deliciously wicked musical comedy Death Becomes Her, now on tour across North America.

As the national tour prepares to bring its particular brand of immortal insanity to Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center (505 Deadrick Street), with performances Tuesday, November 3 thru Sunday, November 8, JHPEntertainment caught up with four of the show’s stars: Jackie Burns (Madeline Ashton), Kristen Beth Williams (Helen Sharp), Ken Marino (Ernest Menville) and Nasia Thomas (Viola Van Horn). From divalicious backstage habits and elaborate costume changes to onstage rivalries, supernatural secrets and the occasional giant couch looming overhead, these four have plenty to say about life on the road, playing larger-than-life characters, and the eternal question of just how far one should go to look fabulous.

Based on the 1992 cult-classic film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini, this Tony Award-winning musical takes the original’s deliciously twisted tale of vanity, jealousy and immortality and gives it a gloriously over-the-top Broadway makeover. With a razor-sharp score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, spectacular costumes by Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell, and enough outrageous physical comedy to make defying gravity look like child’s play, it’s a theatrical spectacle that proves some things really are forever. Unfortunately, common sense isn’t one of them. So slather on your favorite beauty serum, leave your mortal insecurities at the door, and get ready for a Rapid Fire 20Q that’s anything but dead on arrival!

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH MEMBERS OF THE CAST OF DEATH BECOMES HER NATIONAL TOUR

RAPID FIRE WITH JACKIE BURNS, MADELINE ASHTON IN DEATH BECOMES HER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Madeline Ashton is a woman who believes the world revolves around her. This isn’t your first time playing a diva, after all, as you hold the record for having played Elphaba more than any other actress, with 1,300+ performances spanning two Wicked National Tours and two stints on Broadway. Not to mention, you took on the role of THE DIVA Celine Dion in a six-month run of the off-Broadway fan favorite Titanique! So, I gotta ask… What’s the most divalicious thing about Jackie Burns while on tour with Death Becomes Her?

JACKIE BURNS: Well, every fierce diva needs their little doggie, so naturally I’m traveling with mine! She comes with me everywhere!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Love it! My own little Desilu is sitting at my feet as I type this. Both Madeline and her longtime frenemy Helen are obsessed with their looks and their attempts to stay young and beautiful… at any cost. Not that you’d ever need it, but just for fun, what’s the craziest beauty treatment you’ve ever heard of?

JACKIE BURNS: I mean, I’d love to go to Korea and try it all!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Madeline and Helen’s relationship is practically the gold standard for toxic friendships. What is it like working opposite Kristen Beth Williams? And, a month into the National Tour, how are you two keeping that onstage rivalry sharp, unpredictable, and hilariously personal night after night?

JACKIE BURNS: I absolutely adore KB. I think our personalities complement each other on and off stage. We are both game to play and try new things, so it keeps things fresh every night!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your Death Becomes Her bio simply begins with “Jackie Burns is doing it For the Gaze!” I believe the appropriate current vernacular response is “Yes! Mother!” So, thank you for that. On the subject of your Act One debut number, the rapid costume changes in “For the Gaze” are mind-bogglingly fast and fabulous. Of the six costumes featured in that number, as well as the others created by Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, do you have a personal favorite?

JACKIE BURNS: First of all, thank you!!! “Gaze” is the Olympics of costume changes! It’s like getting shot out of a cannon in the best way. If I had to choose one costume, I think it would be the blue dress reveal.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having a showstopper like “For the Gaze” right out of the gate sets a high bar for the rest of the show, yet somehow Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, who collaborated on both the music and lyrics, manage to keep the tuneful quips coming. “Falling Apart” is brilliant… lyrically hilarious and vocally, technically challenging. “Remind them who the fuck you are” may be my favorite lyric ever! What’s one lyric or line of dialogue in the show you relish repeating?

JACKIE BURNS: Ooof, that’s a tough question. Julia and Noel have written some of the most brilliant lyrics I have ever heard. To pick one is next to impossible. Every night a new one hits me. But off the top of my head… “Is it the fact that I’m attracted to each kernel of external validation in the world that keeps me insecure to sell me needless crap. Or is it something new.”

RAPID FIRE WITH KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS, HELEN SHARP IN DEATH BECOMES HER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Helen Sharp begins as the woman who has been wronged and underestimated, but revenge has a way of bringing out someone’s inner diva. While preparing for the current national tour, what helped you shape your version of Helen Sharp?

KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS: Honestly, the blueprint of this character, established by Goldie Hawn in the film and Jennifer Simard on Broadway, was the perfect guideline to help shape my version of Helen. Of course, I am not either one of those incredible women, so I’m never trying to be either one of them or do exactly what they did. I can only do what I do best. I love delving into a character (figuring out what makes them tick, what drives them) and letting those discoveries inform my character choices. Helen is delightfully unhinged, and it is incredibly fun getting to step into her shoes eight times a week.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You and Jackie Burns get to turn a decades-long grudge into theatrical gold. How do you build that combustible chemistry with Jackie, balancing the genuine history between Madeline and Helen with the sheer joy of watching these two women try to destroy each other?

KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS: Jackie and I have such “girl crushes” on each other. We have a great relationship offstage, and I think that translates to what audiences see onstage. Madeline and Helen are smart, witty, and absolutely cutthroat with each other. The fact that they end up spending eternity together is icing on their karma-cake. Jackie and I truly have the best time going on this journey together every night.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Helen’s transformation is one of the story’s great turning points, and the musical takes the physical comedy and special effects to a whole (or should I say ‘hole’) new level. Without giving away the tricks of the trade, what has been the most challenging or surprising part of making Helen’s increasingly unconventional condition work onstage?

KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS: One of our colleagues asked me a similar question in rehearsal…she asked, “is it weird that every time you come onstage you’re a different version of this character?” Yes and no. That’s one of the most challenging parts of playing Helen, but it’s also the most fun. The audience gets to see her at every point in her journey. The challenge for me is making sure I remember where in the arc I am and staying truthful to what Helen is going through at each point.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The original movie is a beloved pop-culture touchstone, but the musical gives Helen a voice — quite literally — through a score that lets her tell her story in a new way. How has the music deepened your understanding of Helen, and is there a particular number that reveals something about her you particularly enjoy?

KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS: Julia Mattison and Noel Carey have given us such an incredible score. Their lyrics are smart, the tunes are catchy…it’s everything you want in a musical. I love all of Helen’s songs, but I think a particular fan favorite is “Madeline.” I had a fan (of the show) stop me at the stage door the other day and tell me I really looked like I could escape a mental institution. I think that’s one of the best compliments I’ve ever received! #achievementunlocked

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Within the plot of Death Becomes Her, Helen has authored a glamorous lifestyle guide. If you were to write a book, what would it be titled AND what would it be about?

KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS: Yes, the book title in the film is Forever Young. The book title in the musical is Hollywood Ending, which is funny because there has recently been a book released with that same title (by John Green). If I were to write a book, and let’s say I was keeping with Helen’s theme of writing a memoir, I would call it Cover Girl (with the subtitle “tales of a Broadway understudy”).” If I were to write a work of fiction, it would either be historical fiction, romantasy, or a murder mystery. But I think I’ll leave the writing to the writers.

RAPID FIRE WITH KEN MARINO, ERNEST MENVILLE IN DEATH BECOMES HER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Audiences know you from your many television and film roles, including my personal favorite, your work on HBO Max’s The Other Two. Now you’re taking on Ernest Menville in Death Becomes Her. While you’re no stranger to the stage, it’s been a minute since you appeared in the 1992 stage adaptation of A Few Good Men. What has surprised you most about your return to live theatre, an effects-filled, grand-scale musical, no less, where there’s no editing, no second take, and absolutely nowhere to hide when the comedy goes gloriously off the rails?

KEN MARINO: I think I’d forgotten how much you have to be there for it. You can’t say, “We’ll fix that in post.” If a laugh comes late, or something goes a little sideways or I do something dumb because I’m a big dummy, everyone has to figure it out together. And that’s kind of great. The audience isn’t watching the same show every night. They’re part of the weather and the weather changes every night, which I love.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ernest finds himself caught between Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, two women whose capacity for revenge is matched only by their determination to look fabulous doing it. What’s it like sharing the stage with your two leading ladies, Jackie Burns and Kristen Beth Williams?

KEN MARINO: Jackie and Kristen are both so good. They’re funny, they’re generous, and they’re incredible at what they do. They make it look so easy, I’m learning a lot from them. I’m lucky to be in scenes with them. Ernest may be having a rough time, but I’m having an incredible time at work watching them work. And on top of that, I also get to watch Nasia Thomas perform every night, which is like this beautiful gift. Her voice is silk. I feel very lucky that I get to work with these three enormously talented women. I’m mostly there to be the tall one and stay out of the way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What have you discovered about Ernest that makes him more than just the poor guy caught in the middle of an immortal feud?

KEN MARINO: His name is Ernest, and he really is earnest. He cares about these women, he wants to do the right thing. He just tends to figure out what’s happening a few seconds after it’s already happened. He’s always a couple of steps behind, trying to catch up and hoping he can still fix it. That feels very human to me. And very… Ernest.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This isn’t exactly a minimalist living-room musical. Between the elaborate staging, rapid-fire physical comedy and mind (and body)-bending special effects, the production has a lot happening around you. What’s been the biggest adjustment in learning to perform within a spectacle of this scale, and have you had any close calls with the theatrical magic in the month since you guys set out on the road?

KEN MARINO: The biggest adjustment is just learning where to be, when to be there, and then doing the scene like it’s all perfectly normal. There’s a lot happening around you, and the crew is so precise and so good at what they do. I haven’t had a real close call, thankfully. But sometimes you’re standing in the wings with a giant couch hanging over your head, thinking, “I know this is safe, but also, is this giant couch hanging over my head going to crush me tonight?” That keeps you present.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Without giving away Ernest’s ending in the stage musical, let me just ask you one final simple question… While Madeline and Helen are obsessed with artificial perfection, Ernest seems to eventually find true fulfillment in the simple joys of life. What does fulfillment look like to you, Ken?

KEN MARINO: My family, my friends, getting to do work I care about, living in the moment and being able to laugh a lot. Oh, and being able to sit down and eat good food without checking the time. I like eating food and I like taking my time when I’m doing it. That’s a pretty good day. I think fulfillment is less glamorous than we expect. Which is good, because I’m a big dummy and not particularly glamorous.

RAPID FIRE WITH NASIA THOMAS, VIOLA VAN HORN IN DEATH BECOMES HER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Let’s just get into it. Don’t tell Madeline or Helen, but from her first pivot on stage in that glorious amethyst crystal-encrusted gown, Viola Van Horn proves herself one to watch! So… how much does that dress and coat weigh, and how much fun are you having playing the instigator of all things Death Becomes Her?

NASIA THOMAS: Much like myself, Viola doesn’t really believe in the idea of traveling light. The coat itself is approximately 8 pounds, but the gown underneath is 13 pounds! However, I do believe it’s worth the weight to be able to wear these incredible costumes by Tony and Oscar winner Paul Tazewell! A small price to pay to be fierce! The coat is actually 10-15 pounds LIGHTER than the one used on Broadway. They had to scale it down because it had to be able to tour, and my back is thankful for that! Ha!

Playing Viola is honestly such a dream. To be able to step in and fill the shoes (pumps) of the incredible Michelle Williams is mind-blowing. Also, there’s something thrilling about playing a character who walks into a room and shifts the energy without having to lift a finger. She knows who she is, what she has, and what everyone wants. I’m basically getting paid to be mysterious and glamorous. Sounds good to me!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Viola may be the one holding the secret to eternal youth, but she’s also the catalyst who sends Madeline and Helen’s rivalry into overdrive. How do you approach being the formidable force between two larger-than-life personalities while ensuring Viola remains a fascinating character in her own right?

NASIA THOMAS: I think what’s really cool about Viola is that she’s not in competition with Madeline and Helen. While they are competing with each other, she is playing an entirely different game. And like Viola would say, you don’t compete where you don’t compare lol!

I approach her with confidence, control, and some humor on the side. She has to be likable. I don’t believe she is the person that comes off unapproachable because she’s mean or scary. I think she’s the one people WANT to be around because of her magnetism and personality. I want people to feel like she’s the cool girl people want to be like and also want to grab a drink with. She doesn’t need to be the loudest person in the room in order to get her point across, because she already knows she’s the most powerful person in the space. It’s so fascinating when you don’t feel like you need to prove yourself. And that’s a lesson that I am learning from playing Miss Van Horn.

Tactic? There are so many layers, ya know? Some would say manipulation, I say seduction of sorts. She knows exactly what buttons to press and how to press them. She’s really just giving them what they want, and they have to learn the lessons and consequences that come with it by themselves. After all, she did give them a warning.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This production is packed with illusions, spectacular transformations and technical wizardry that practically dares audiences to question what they’re seeing. How much coordination does it take to make Viola’s magical world feel effortless, and is there a particular stage effect that you especially love being part of?

NASIA THOMAS: I honestly owe that to all of the brilliant people who are working behind the scenes to help create this world. Everyone from stage management to wardrobe to lighting to hair to makeup to props to scenery, to sound, to illusion. Truly everybody is essential in creating this world. So much so that I don’t really have to do anything but bring the craft and the storytelling to the center of it. I think one of the coolest things about live theater is that our job as performers is to make the audience forget that there is so much machinery that’s happening in order to create this world. All they have to do is sit back, relax, and believe in the magic.

My favorite illusion that I get to be a part of is at the very end of the show. I don’t want to give it away because I don’t want to spoil the magic. But hearing the audience go crazy every night when it happens is so satisfying.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The potion Viola offers comes with a rather significant catch, and the musical turns that bargain into a wonderfully theatrical exploration of beauty, power and mortality. What do you think Viola understands about the price of eternal youth that Madeline and Helen don’t, at least initially?

NASIA THOMAS: I think that Viola understands that there is a difference between living forever and truly just living your life. Madeline and Helen get so wrapped up in their competition and their vanity that they don’t stop to consider what living forever actually looks like and what it means. They’re too focused on the potential of what they could gain versus the sacrifices that they have to make in order to get there. They aren’t stopping to think that forever is a very long time to think about their decisions.

I also think in order for Viola to be successful at selling the potion, she has to understand the idea of humanity and all the things that make humans the complex, beautiful beings that they are. Things like their insecurities, vanity, the need to be desired, validated, and wanted. And also the price that people would pay to get those things. While this show is a fun, hilarious good time, I do think that it leaves you with the question of how much value we place on appearance and desirability, and what sacrifices big or small are we willing to make in order to achieve and maintain “perfection.” And the thing is, we all know that living forever doesn’t cure your insecurities or your desire to be validated, etc. It kind of just gives you an eternity to have to deal with it. Ha!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Viola has the kind of secret that could make her the most sought-after woman in Hollywood, Broadway and every beauty clinic in between. If you could borrow one of her supernatural abilities for 24 hours, what would you choose, and what would you absolutely refuse to do with it?

NASIA THOMAS: Honestly, I would borrow her ability to wake up and be completely flawless. Doing eight shows a week while also trying to be a fully realized human being outside of this job is quite the task. Being able to wake up in the morning flawlessly and know that I can get through my day effortlessly sounds like a dream.

Jackie Burns, Ken Marino, Kristen Beth Williams and Nasia Thomas star in the National Tour of ‘Death Becomes Her’

Having just kicked off the National Tour in September, Death Becomes Her brings its wickedly entertaining fun to TPAC’s Jackson Hall November 3–8. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original film or simply someone who appreciates a little murder, mayhem and magnificent musical theatre, this is one beauty treatment that comes with a whole lot of theatrical bang for your buck. Expect dazzling costumes, outrageous comedy, spectacular stage magic and two women whose definition of happily ever after could use a little adjustment. After all, youth may be wasted on the young, but revenge, apparently, is forever. And in the world of Death Becomes Her, looking fabulous while falling apart is par for the course.

Performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday, November 3 thru Saturday, November 7 Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 7 matinee at 2p.m., Sunday, November 8 matinee at 1p.m.* and a final Music City performances Sunday, November 8 at 6:3 p.m. (*The Sunday, November 8, 1 p.m. performance offers ASL interpretation, open captioning, braille programs and audio description.)

Ticket prices vary by seating location and availability. For current prices, seat availability and online ticket purchases, CLICK HERE. For tickets and additional information, visit TPAC. Not in Nashville but want your chance to relive the magic of this family favorite? CLICK HERE to check out future dates as the National Tour continues with current dates set through September 2027. You can also follow Death Becomes Her on Insta, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.

Following Death Becomes Her, Tennessee Performing Arts Center‘s Broadway at TPAC season continues with A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on stage at Jackson Hall January 5-10. CLICK HERE for tickets. Follow TPAC on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

A Very Addams Family Rapid Fire 20Q: Sara Gettelfinger, Brian Justin Crum, Andrew Metzger & Jeremy Parrish Join Rachel Potter as Analog at The Hutton Presents ‘The Addams Family Musical’ in Concert

October 26, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

After six installments that have brought Broadway favorites, themed musical celebrations and a distinctly New York cabaret vibe to Nashville, Rachel Potter’s Off-Broadway at Analog at The Hutton marks its one-year anniversary with a production that puts a creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky spin on the latest installment just in time for the Halloween holiday season. On Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31, Analog at The Hutton transforms into an altogether ooky hunted mansion when the Addams family moves in — and they’re bringing the entire musical score with them.

The Addams Family Musical in Concert brings together an impressive collection of performers with ties to the beloved musical, including Sara Gettelfinger, who starred as Morticia Addams in the first National Tour; Premiere tour star, Brian Justin Crum, reprising his connection to Wednesday’s unlikely beloved, Lucas Beineke from his time with the National Tour; Andrew Metzger as Uncle Fester, having portrayed the quirky chrome-domed romantic a number of times; and Nashville-based performer Jeremy Parrish as Lurch. Joining them will be Off-Broadway at Analog‘s host/emcee and former Wednesday Addams, Rachel Potter; Brian Charles Rooney as Gomez and Nashville’s own Carrie Brewer as Grandma. Rounding out the primary cast will be Megan Murphy Chambers and Geoff Davin fresh from their roles as Alice and Mal Beineke, having just wrapped a hugely popular run at Studio Tenn. Adding another special dimension to the festivities, original composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa will be on hand for this two-night musical celebration.

Unlike the previous Off-Broadway installments, which have explored a variety of songs connected by a common theme, this time around Potter and company are taking audiences through the complete score of The Addams Family Musical, sung through from the opening number to the finale. And with Lippa in the room, there’s even the tantalizing possibility of a Halloween treat: performances of songs originally created for the show but cut from its Broadway run. Consider our curiosity officially piqued.

The series has quickly become a destination for musical theatre lovers seeking something beyond the traditional concert experience. With Broadway talent sharing the spotlight with Nashville’s extraordinary local performers, Off-Broadway at Analog at The Hutton has carved out its own little corner of Music City’s entertainment scene — one that feels equally at home in the intimate cabaret rooms of New York and the increasingly diverse theatrical landscape of Nashville.

For this special anniversary celebration, we caught up with four members of the Addams clan for our latest Rapid Fire 20Q. From Gettelfinger’s long history with Morticia and Crum’s return to a role from his original national tour days to Metzger’s ongoing love affair with Fester and Parrish’s thoughtful approach to the famously taciturn Lurch, these performers have plenty to say about revisiting the material, reconnecting with fellow Addams alumni, Halloween traditions and the enduring appeal of Andrew Lippa’s score.

So, put on your blackest attire, prepare to move toward the darkness and join us as we go Rapid Fire 20Q with Sara Gettelfinger, Brian Justin Crum, Andrew Metzger and Jeremy Parrish.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST MEMBERS OF THE ADDAMS FAMILY IN CONCERT

RAPID FIRE WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY IN CONCERT‘s MORTICIA ADDAMS, SARA GETTELFINGER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Morticia has been a part of your theatrical life for quite a while now — from the first National Tour in 2011 to Broadway at Music Circus in 2023 and, most recently–earlier this month–your three-day run with Sugar Loaf Arts Collective. What is it about slipping into that black dress and embracing your inner Addams that keeps calling you back to the family? And…was it an immediate YES when Rachel Potter reached out to invite you to be part of this concert event?

SARA GETTELFINGER: Growing up, I was always intrigued with the character of Morticia- Her look, her quick wit and deadpan humor, and her mysterious, “less is more” fabulousness. As far as the musical- I have always idolized Bebe and MANY of the roles she’s originated or played were on my bucket list, so it was an honor to get to carry that torch, but also have the opportunity to go back into the room with all of the original creatives, and make changes and develop new material for the tour, which would end up being the version that was licensed. There’s nothing I enjoy more than being able to create something new, but also inevitably draw from those who’ve inspired and shaped me as an artist, so in this case, I quite literally had the best of both worlds. Morticia is a role that allows one to be beautiful, smart, funny, and truly dance- so I’ll return to it whenever and for as long as I can.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Morticia gets some of the show’s most deliciously dark musical moments, from “Just Around the Corner” to “Tango de Amor.” Is there a particular lyric that captures her philosophy on life, love and the occasional family dysfunction — and one you find yourself enjoying a little more with every return?

SARA GETTELFINGER: It’s interesting because in “Just Around the Corner”, even though the lyric describes how much she is looking forward to “Death”, the song, along with so many of the others in the show, is really about making the most of the time we have and existing as one’s most fearless and authentic self. “When You’re an Addams,” “Secrets,” “Live Before We Die,” “Move Toward the Darkness,” and really the overall message of the show, are about the importance of embracing and celebrating who and ALL that you are, regardless of what others may think, and the beauty and power that comes with acceptance, love and forgiveness of oneself and for others.

I was going through an incredibly difficult time on that first tour, and by the end was at probably one of the lowest and unhealthiest points of my life. So in the years since, to have not only been fortunate enough to survive and still be here, but manage to come back stronger than ever, and be given the gift of returning to the role, as well as setting the show multiple times, is something for which I will always be profoundly grateful, and becomes more meaningful every time: “Only at our lowest, can we rise above…Move toward the darkness and love…”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Here’s a reunion worthy of an Addams family portrait: you’re getting ready to share the stage again with Brian Justin Crum, who played Lucas during your time as Morticia on the original National Tour. What memories from that first tour are you bringing with you into this Halloween homecoming?

SARA GETTELFINGER: It’s funny because while Lucas is the subject of several scenes between Gomez and Morticia and she is very concerned about him as far as her daughter’s future, the 2 characters actually have very little direct interaction in the show. But Brian was always fabulous onstage- Beautiful, funny, with the most spectacular voice, and the chemistry he shared with Cortney Wolfson, who played Wednesday, was just wonderful.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Do you have a favorite Halloween tradition, a memorable costume from childhood, or a spooky-season ritual that would earn Morticia’s enthusiastic approval?

SARA GETTELFINGER: Over the years, depending on where I was living, I used to love setting up a pretty elaborate “Haunted Cemetery” in the front yard. Headstones spattered with blood or spiders and cobwebs, with funny names and “HERE LIES” descriptions, along with scattered bones and in a few spots dug holes and partially buried and posed skeletons so it looked like they were trying to escape their graves.

I also watch Disney’s Original Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Something Wicked this Way Comes every year- those old school movies from the late 70’s/early 80’s were AMAZING and there was ZERO concern about potential nightmares or traumatizing kids LOL!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve inhabited Morticia in full productions, but this concert puts the music and lyrics front and center, with original composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa joining the festivities. What intrigues you most about revisiting the score in this stripped-back format, and what does it mean to have one of the show’s original creative minds on hand for this special occasion?

SARA GETTELFINGER: As I mentioned earlier, because we were lucky enough to go back into the room with the creative team in revising and preparing for the tour, I’ve known Andrew for over 15 years now, and he is as equally brilliant and wonderful a friend and human being as he is an artist, and I cannot WAIT to see and get to revisit this material with him. And again, regarding the music and lyrics, the show and its message, both professionally and personally, becomes more and more meaningful and resonates more deeply with me in every opportunity that I’m lucky enough to have had to revisit it, and with every year I’m lucky enough to still be living 😉🖤

RAPID FIRE WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY IN CONCERT‘s LUCAS BEINEKE, BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You were part of the original National Tour of The Addams Family as Lucas Beineke, the supposedly normal young man who falls head over heels for Wednesday Addams. Returning to the show all these years later, what memories of that original adventure have stuck with you — and given your life and career post-Addams, do you still relate to Lucas’s earnest attempts to fit into a family that makes normal look positively terrifying?

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM: My time with Addams Family was so special. I made lifelong friends that I’m still in touch with today.

Playing Lucas was always a bit of a challenge for me in that, I’m much more of a Wednesday. I had a hard time connecting with that earnest good boy trait. That’s what’s fun about musical theatre we get to drop ourselves into these characters that are so unlike us and find ourselves in them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Lucas gets to unleash his inner wild man in “Crazier Than You,” a number that takes youthful rebellion and romantic commitment to wonderfully unhinged extremes. I understand that while you and Rachel Potter never crossed paths onstage as Lucas and Wednesday, the two of you first met in your early New York days occasionally performing in the same concerts in the city. How much convincing did Rachel have to do to get you to come to Nashville to be part of The Addams Family In Concert?

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM: I actually remember when Rachel got cast! I was doing Next to Normal on Broadway at the time and she and I had become friendly doing things around NYC. I went and saw her in the show and visited with her in her dressing room after. It was so exciting! We’ve both gone on to make our music and made careers as solo artists. When she asked me to do this, it was a no-brainer! We never got to do it together – this is a full circle moment for us both!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of reunions: you’re returning to The Addams Family with Sara Gettelfinger, your original touring Morticia. Before you even had a chance to rehearse together, what excited you most about reconnecting after all these years, and what do you remember most fondly about sharing the road with her?

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM: Sara is a such a special performer and kind soul. Life has been crazy since then and so many ups and downs and we lost touch after the tour. I’m thrilled to see her and have her back on the Broadway stage where she belongs!

She perfectly captures Morticia and I’m excited to see what she does with it now after so many years!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: We’re talking Halloween Eve and Halloween night, so let’s get personal. When you were a kid, were you the spooky, spooky-adjacent or decidedly unscary costume type? What’s your all-time favorite Halloween costume you’ve worn, and is there a fictional character you’d still love to dress up as?

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM: I’ve always been a “let’s see what I can pull off at the last second” kind of Halloween costume guy. During Covid I ordered a bunch of random stuff off Amazon and turned myself into a beautiful Merman! I like anything mythical and fabulous!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With Andrew Lippa himself joining this concert, you’ll have the rare opportunity to perform a score in the presence of the person who created its music and lyrics. Does knowing he’ll be in the room change how you think about approaching Lucas this time around, and is there something about Lippa’s writing you’ve come to appreciate even more since your original tour?

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM: I was always a huge Lippa fan. “Wild Party” was THE staple in my household as a kid learning to sing. I’m excited to see him and catch up!

RAPID FIRE WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY IN CONCERT‘s UNCLE FESTER, ANDREW METZGER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve been moonlighting as Uncle Fester since your 2017 community-theatre outing in Simi Valley, followed by the Welk Resort in 2019 and 5-Star Theatricals in 2022. That’s a pretty impressive résumé for a man whose romantic life revolves around the moon! What keeps drawing you back to Fester, and how has your relationship with this wonderfully eccentric character evolved over the years?

ANDREW METZGER: Uncle Fester fits like a glove for me, he’s such a fun character to play, and when Halloween time comes around I always enjoy the prospect of getting an opportunity to do it again. Actually, I was set to join the cast of the most recent national tour last year in the fall, as a replacement for the outgoing performer playing Fester towards the end of their itinerary, but unfortunately I was going through a complicated medical situation with my father and the passing of my mother, which forced me to have to bow out. As Fester, you get to be broad and wacky, but also have moments of warmth while trying to meet the expectations of that the audience has, as he’s truly such an iconic character that has been portrayed in so many mediums but such legendary performers (and heroes of mine) such as Christopher Lloyd, Kevin Chamberlain, and of course Jackie Coogan. I’ve always thought that it was such a great idea to make Fester the narrator of the show, kind of a “gateway” for the audience to travel into the Addams Family world, as he is able to be irreverent but charming at the same time, as he basically declares that at the center of the creepy and kooky show, we’re going to see a tale about love (“Let’s not talk about anything else, but love!”). Plus, breaking the fourth wall is always such a guilty pleasure of mine. It’s been such a joy to get to revisit this role and this show, while trying to find ways to bring something new to each outing.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: “The Moon and Me” is Fester’s big, heartfelt declaration of love to a celestial body that never has to meet the family. What do you love about that number, and how do you strike the balance between playing the comedy of Fester’s obsession and letting the audience feel the genuine romance underneath it all?

ANDREW METZGER: That song is such a rollercoaster. You absolutely have to play into the absurdity, while also treating it as a genuine love ballad. First you start off with this lovely little intimate and charming introduction, and it transforms into this abstract and bombastic proclamation of his love for the literal moon, which usually takes on a personality of itself in the number depending on how it’s staged. Which speaking of staging, it really can be the trickiest and most technically challenging moment in the show, as you have so many moving pieces! The stage is usually almost completely dark, with very specific lighting, as you wear a bodysuit with puppet legs attached with the puppeteers behind you as you climb up stairs on wheels (in the dark!) to simulate flying through the stars…and yet it’s such a blast! It can also be a challenge vocally, as you need to stay true to Fester’s clenched-throat character voice that the audience has become familiar with, but also make sure to hit the notes that show off Andrew Lippa’s brilliant writing. I absolutely adore it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve performed Fester in several full productions, but this time you’re diving into the show in concert with barely a rehearsal before the curtain goes up. What are you most excited to revisit about Fester, and how does having played him across several productions shape your anticipation for this latest outing?

ANDREW METZGER: With each opportunity, I like to think I’ve brought something new that I’ve gained from my experiences as a performer (and as a person) each time I slip into the brown coat. I’ve also had the chance to perform with so many lovely talented artists both on the stage and behind the scenes, with some of my closest friendships having started from being in this show. In the last production I did with 5-Star Theatricals, I got to work alongside Teri Hatcher as Morticia (she just made her debut on the West End!) who was such a pleasure to work with, and that will always be a such a special moment for me in my career. Honestly, I’m just so honored to be joining fellow Addams “alumni” who have been a part of this show’s journey, it’s daunting but exciting to share the stage with these folks who’s resumes are so impressive. I mean obviously there’s Rachel Potter, who made her own impact on the character of Wednesday that has trickled into the DNA of the show over the years since she played it on Broadway, and she’s at the helm of putting together what will be such an amazing tribute to this show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fester has a gift for finding beauty where other people might see something a little… unusual. In honor of Halloween, what’s your favorite spooky-season tradition or childhood costume memory? And if you could invite any Addams Family character to your Halloween party, who would make the guest list — and who would absolutely have to leave early?

ANDREW METZGER: Honestly, one of my favorite memories as a child was when my dad helped me make my idea a reality to transform our garage into a full pirate cave with skeletons and treasure piles and a fog machine…all just to pass out candy to families walking by! It’s one of those examples of my father’s love and support for me, and I’ll always hold onto that. Currently, my Halloween tradition involves watching movies with my fiancé, stuffing our faces with pizza and candy, and putting our dog in a costume he hates having on. If I was going to invite some of the Addams clan over…I’d definitely want to invite Cousin It, he seems like a fun guy. As far as I’d ask to leave early…probably Grandma, as she…has a tendency to leave a mess behind (if you’ve seen the show you understand!).

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having Andrew Lippa in the room for this concert must be a special prospect for someone who’s spent so much time living inside Fester’s world. What are you most looking forward to about performing his work with him present, and is there anything about Lippa’s music or lyrics that has taken on a different meaning for you over the years?

ANDREW METZGER: Oh I’m just hoping he enjoys my interpretation of the character. He’s literally a living icon of the musical theatre world, and it’s daunting to even think I’ll be singing his work with him next to us on stage. It’s also such a testament to his talent that each character brings their own unique flavor and identity, such as Wednesday being more pop-rock while Gomez has the fun Spanish flair, but somehow he melds it all together without the audience even questioning it. Fester lives more in a classic Vaudeville-sound for most of the show, but when we get to “Moon and Me”, it’s such a gift because as a broad character performer, you get to show off your more affectionate side with such a lovely melody, evoking a Jim Henson-like vibe while also being wonderfully haunting towards the end (with almost a nostalgic 90’s movie score sound). It’s seemingly completely insane that he’s in love with the moon, but through Lippa’s lyrics, the audience sees how genuine that love really is, as it’s not defined by what is considered “normal,” which as I’ve come to learn, is a wonderful representation of what the show is essentially about.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY IN CONCERT‘s LURCH, JEREMY PARRISH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Lurch is a man of few words, but when he does speak — or sing — the entire room tends to pay attention. How do you approach creating a character whose presence, timing and physicality can say so much without saying very much at all? And is playing the silent, towering butler secretly liberating for someone who doesn’t have to memorize pages of dialogue?

JEREMY PARRISH: I think that having the opportunity to create a “silent” character like Lurch is truly unique one. I feel like Lurch is almost like the Greek chorus of the story. While he is physically involved in the in-the-moment action; his facial reactions, comically timed non-verbal or unintelligible reactions, and ultimate musical outburst are often saying the unspoken subtext of a scene. He is often the first one in on the joke, the silent voice of reason, and ultimately delivers one of the core messages of love and togetherness in the show. It’s a unique challenge because when you have pages of text, your answers are there… you just shape them with your own choices as an actor. With a character like Lurch, it all has to be developed with nuance, a strong backstory, and physical choices. It’s a huge and fascinating challenge as an actor! I think that’s why he ultimately breaks into song… he just HAS to get the core message out that everyone else has been dancing, or tangoing, around.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Both currently being Nashvillians, You and Rachel Potter have previously worked together at a few events around town. How did she talk you into stepping on stage as Lurch for this two-night in concert performance?

JEREMY PARRISH: Rachel and I have done a few concert versions of shows around Nashville over the years after we both relocated here from NYC, so it didn’t take much convincing to rejoin her for the Addams Family. I was in callbacks for the original Broadway production a few times, and I had several friends in the original company; so, getting the chance to perform in Nashville with this unbelievable collection of talents was an incredible opportunity. I have also been obsessed with Andrew Lippa as a composer since my Belmont days when I basically wore his version of the WILD PARTY out. So, to get to perform in one of his shows with him present… with this company… this felt like a Nashville full-circle moment! I may have hung up my proverbial tap shoes in pursuit of theater being my sole career… but once an actor, always an actor. So when the subject came up I, of course, agreed to join with a ready grunt!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your day job as a Lux Spirits portfolio consultant with Gallo gives you a rather different set of ingredients to work with than a typical actor. So, let’s put that expertise to the test: if you were creating a Lurch-inspired cocktail, what would go into it, what would you call it, and would it be served shaken, stirred or with one very ominous “You rang?”

JEREMY PARRISH: Well, I feel like Lurch’s gin martini game is strong behind the bar for sure. Something tells me that the Addams’ like a stiff drink! Am I wrong? But for Lurch to BE the cocktail? I think that I’d go with a riff on Ramos Gin Fizz meets a tequila sour, that perhaps Lurch’s slow & steady approach to movement gives the time for the cocktail to be well crafted and deliciously foamy. I’d use Don Fulano Añejo tequila, something naturally crafted & dry with a good bit of age and baking spice, in an egg white Sour, cut with a bit of soda water and shaken with fresh citrus and a wine-based amaro, like Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro that uses hibiscus or Amaro Pasubio that uses blueberry. Served as a highball to honor Lurch’s classic height; it would be deep in color, with a thick foam cap, garnished with lime and a nice drippy brandied cherry skewer for a touch of the macabre and a nod to Lurch’s frequent fencing spars with Gomez. The Lurch Fizz is a bit like the butler himself, tall, strong, mysterious… and requires a bit of patience but is, deep down, a delight!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hmmm. Wonder what happens when I order a Lurch Fizz at Analog this weekend? Ok, so, Halloween Eve and Halloween night seem tailor-made for an Addams Family celebration. What’s your favorite Halloween tradition or childhood costume memory? And if you could raid the Addams Family wardrobe for one costume to wear to a party, would you go full Lurch, or is there another member of the family whose look you’d love to borrow?

JEREMY PARRISH: Some of my favorite Halloween memories were from a few years in NYC when I was waiting tables and bartending between shows. The staff would collaborate, and all of our costumes would piece together to tell a story, and we’d end up creating scenes throughout the night with customers. It was fun and gave us all an idea to build a costume. From the Addams’, Gomez for sure! Stylish facial hair and a beautiful, well-cut suit… not to mention a fencing foil for panache!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Addams Family Musical in Concert marks the one-year anniversary of Rachel Potter’s Off-Broadway at Analog at The Hutton. In addition to Broadway stars, Rachel has once again tapped into the local Music City talent pool to round out the cast. Of previous installments in this continuing residency, I’ve compared the events to New York’s 54 Below and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland. As a Nashville resident, and as someone in the food and beverage industry, how lucky is Music City to have Rachel and Off-Broadway at Analog at The Hutton?

JEREMY PARRISH: I am consistently amazed by the talent that exists in Nashville. I am grateful that Rachel uses her vision and reach to create opportunities to show that Nashville is more than just a hub for country music. There are incredible, multi-talented performers in Music City that can mingle seamlessly with NY talent if given the opportunity, and she’s doing just that. I also am in awe of the immensely talented folks that seem all too ready to grace the stages in Nashville as well. I also love that Rachel continues to advocate for musical theater’s place here in Nashville… to bring “Broadway” to audiences that are chock-full of folks who love the genre, and people who are experiencing it in a new, more approachable way and I’m so grateful that she is. Even in NYC; cabaret and concert venues, like 54 Below & Birdland, give stage performers an opportunity to be more intimate, approachable… to show their individuality and creativity in a way not strictly dictated by a script. Shows like what Rachel and Analog are doing with the Off-Broadway series bring audiences in for a bespoke experience, but it also gives interested bartenders an opportunity to create unique experiential cocktails. And the old “2 drink minimum” is a staple for cabaret, so that helps those of us in the bar world for sure! I only hope to be able to continue to be involved… both working with Analog in the cocktail world, as well as with Rachel onstage!

For those hoping to spend Halloween with The Addams Family, there’s a little urgency to the invitation. As of this Rapid Fire 20Q publication, the Friday, October 30 first night of this two-night event is already SOLD OUT, with limited tickets remaining for Halloween night, Saturday, October 31.

Presented as part of Rachel Potter’s continuing Off-Broadway at The Hutton residency, The Addams Family Musical in Concert takes place at Analog at The Hutton (1808 West End Avenue, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37203). Standing Room General Admission tickets are $35. Reserved Seating is $60. VIP Upgrade of $75 (valid only with purchase of Standing Room GA or Reserved tix) includes pre-show lounge with meet and greet. Premium VIP Seating for $150 adds front row seating to the VIP Upgrade. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Pre-Show VIP perks begin at 6pm before general admission or regular reserved attendees arrive.

With the complete musical score performed from beginning to end, familiar Addams Family favorites, Broadway & Music City talent and Andrew Lippa himself in attendance, this promises to be a particularly memorable Halloween gathering. And if those rumored songs that never made it into the Broadway production do make an appearance? Well, that would be the sort of treat that even Wednesday might crack a smile over. And remember, when you’re an Addams, you do what Addams do or die. Happy Halloween!

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. In the meantime… #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q: Cast Members of ‘The Sound of Music’ National Tour Share Insights on Being Part of One of Theatre’s Most Beloved Musicals, Their ‘Favorite Things’ and more; at TPAC This Week

October 12, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Few musicals have found a permanent home in the hearts of audiences quite like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. The beloved family musical premiered on Broadway over 65 years ago, introducing generations to a story of love, courage, family and the transformative power of music. With an unforgettable score featuring “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and its iconic title song, this timeless classic continues to remind us why certain stories never lose their ability to move us.

Now, the current national touring production directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien is bringing the cherished musical to a new generation of theatregoers. The production follows Maria, a spirited young postulant whose arrival in the home of Captain Georg von Trapp changes the lives of seven children — and their father — forever, even as the political climate in Austria threatens everything they hold dear.

The national tour arrives in Music City for a limited engagement at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall October 13–18, 2026. For this edition of JHPENTERTAINMENT’s Rapid Fire 20Q, I caught up with four members of the touring company: Kevin Earley, who portrays Captain Georg von Trapp; Kate Loprest, who plays Elsa Schraeder; Laura Stracko, who brings Frau Schmidt to life; and Daniel Robert Sullivan, who portrays Herr Zeller while also understudying the Captain.

From the emotional weight of “Edelweiss” and the complexities of their characters to life on the road, favorite backstage pastimes and the enduring relevance of this musical classic, these four performers offer a glimpse into the people helping keep The Sound of Music singing.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC NATIONAL TOUR

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC‘s CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP, KEVIN EARLEY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: They say never to work with animals or children. Captain von Trapp is surrounded by seven von Trapp children who are as much a part of his journey as any adult character. What has it been like working with the young performers playing your children night after night, and what have they brought to the family dynamic that perhaps surprised you?

KEVIN EARLEY: I’m glad you brought up the Vontrapplings. That’s our nick name for them. The young performers in our production are so talented, kind and professional. It makes me proud to know that the future of theater and live storytelling is safe in each one of there hands. They are focused, dedicated and relaxed. Even though they have school on most days, they still come in with such energy every single show.

They are also, at their core, just kids. And it’s great to work alongside them. They give a freshness to each other and me as their “Stage Dad” each and every show. I am constantly surprises at their creativity and commitment.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: “Edelweiss” gives Georg one of the production’s most poignant moments — and one of the few opportunities we get to hear the Captain sing from such an intimate, vulnerable place. What does singing “Edelweiss” mean to you as Georg, and how do you approach making that deceptively simple song emotionally resonate?

KEVIN EARLEY: Standing up for one’s beliefs with history, family and country are all infused into “Edelweiss.” As a song, it’s a simple melody that lulls the listener in a sense of peace, but when placed against the backdrop of Austria being invaded and annexed by Germany and the Third Reich, it tells a different story. A story of courage, hope, loss, love and anger.

My approach to the song was deepened by Jack O’Brien’s brilliant direction in the moments before the Captain sings. In this unique production, we see the Captain take in the menacing German flags for the first time. He looks upon the Auditorium Festival filled with the invading Germans sitting side by side with his fellow countrymen. He then decides… chooses, to sing a different song than the one he was asked to sing. He chooses “Edelweiss” because it represents what he believes are his homeland’s core values; peace, innocence, hope and freedom. That is a lot to expect of one song, but I do my best.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Georg begins the story as a stern, seemingly unyielding patriarch before gradually allowing music — and Maria — to bring him back to the family he has emotionally shut out. What has been your favorite part of discovering that transformation over the course of the show?

KEVIN EARLEY: The journey starts with grief. It affects us all differently and the Captain is no exception. After the tragic loss of his wife, he retreats into what he feels he can control in order to keep his children safe. That’s where I start the show. We all experience grief uniquely, and we all need someone to help us through. It could be your spouse, who helped me, or a therapist, a friend, family member or a total stranger who sings your way back to joy and happiness. Maria does that for the Captain without him even knowing. Music is magic. When I get to sing for the first time in the show “The Sound of Music”, it opens my heart and brings me such joy. It’s the next step in his healing and moving forward.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You are the first of four cast members I’m chatting with for this particular Rapid Fire 20Q, so I gotta ask…What are a few of your personal “favorite things” when not on stage?

KEVIN EARLEY: Easy question. My wife, music and of course golf. I love to golf. I try and play at least 2 rounds of golf in each city I visit. I wish I could play more but the show must go on.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You share the stage with two very different but equally important women in Georg’s story — Cayleigh as Maria and Kate as Elsa. What is it like having these two leading ladies as your scene partners, and how do their individual approaches to Maria and Elsa shape your performance as Georg?

KEVIN EARLEY: Firstly, I could not have asked for better scene partners and friends on this tour. They have both, as well as the rest of the cast, been a delight and a thrill to work with and get to know. We approached this “triangle” a bit differently than most productions. Letting Elsa and Georg’s courtship troubles to stand on their own and not turn into a “he’s in love with another woman” trope.

On paper, the Elsa and the Captain look like a perfect match, especially for Max who gets to ride on their coattales. In the end however, they have very different political and philosophical views of the world. This is what ultimately ends the relationship, not some love triangle. This makes more of a compelling and poignant story. Especially today when we have families, friends and neighbors who are deeply divided over politics. That makes it even more relatable. It’s slightly different than the movie but makes my relationship between the two unique and not entwined.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC‘s ELSA SCHRAEDER, KATE LOPREST

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before we get going, I have to thank you…Seventeen years ago, we chatted for one of my first Rapid Fire 20Qs when you were touring the country as Nellie Oleson in Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. Now you’re touring as Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music. So, let’s settle an important question: who’s more self-involved and manipulative — Elsa or Nellie?

KATE LOPREST: First of all, thank YOU! What a lovely full circle experience getting to speak with you again. Easy answer: Nellie. Nellie has never had checks and balances in her life. She was raised in abundance with no consequences. If you want manipulative and self-involved in The Sound of Music, look no further than Max Detweiller.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Elsa arrives believing she understands exactly what she wants from Georg — and exactly how to get it. What do you find most delicious about playing a woman who is sophisticated, socially savvy and absolutely not accustomed to hearing the word “no”?

KATE LOPREST: Most people are surprised to learn that the movie version of The Sound of Music predates the original Broadway musical. We are celebrating the 65th Anniversary of that Broadway show on this national tour. Audiences are also surprised to learn that the original libretto is quite different from the movie. The most significant differences involve the characters of Elsa and Max. You won’t be getting Elsa “the villain” in our production. There is no evidence of that in the original libretto. After all, isn’t the story a little bit more delicious if Elsa is, in fact, a good match for Georg?

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Elsa may not have a “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” moment of her own, but she certainly has her own emotional journey. What do you hope audiences understand about Elsa beneath the polished exterior and her seemingly effortless confidence?

KATE LOPREST: My job isn’t to make Elsa likeable; it is my job to portray her with honesty. Our director, Jack O’Brien, asked us on day one of rehearsals to take nothing for granted and to investigate every minutia. What we’ve found is that Elsa is not only deeply complex but incredibly relatable. To me, Elsa is a love letter to women of a certain age who are trying to balance it all: wife, mother, lover, leader. I’m very proud to play her and I hope audiences walk away from our production with a new perspective on her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Taking a cue from “My Favorite Things,” what is one favorite thing that’s a must-have while on tour?

KATE LOPREST: My crochet hooks. One of our cast members taught me late last year and I’m completely taken with it. In a very long run, like the one we are in, it’s wonderful to have a hobby that works the hands and the brain. Plus, gift-giving is my love language, so I’ve really enjoyed sending scarves, hats, and flower slings to friends and family across the US.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Elsa may not be the woman Georg ultimately chooses, but she certainly makes an impression during her time at the von Trapp villa. Whether it’s your own, or someone else’s, what’s a favorite moment from the show?

KATE LOPREST: Elsa has a relationship with each of the von Trapp children – after all, she is going to be their new mother. I’ve worked several moments of that into my performance, but my new favorite is one between Louisa (played by Lilly Belle Lanese) and me. Maria has left suddenly, Louisa tries to express the children’s sadness, and Georg quickly cuts her off. I always slip over to her, put my arm around her shoulder, and tell her that I’m sorry about Maria. It’s a wonderful moment of connection and I look forward to each performance. This is my third time playing the role of Elsa in my career and my second year with this national tour, and I’m still finding new things all the time.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC‘s FRAU SCHMIDT, LAURA STRACKO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In my JHPENTERTAINMENT review of last year’s Suffs National Tour, I dubbed your performance as the socialite Alva Belmont “boisterously brilliant.” In that same vein, if you had to give Frau Schmidt two alliterative adjectives of her own, what would they be — and why?

LAURA STRACKO: I love those words for Alva! I am so glad I got to spend a year with her to discover so many notes, thank you for seeing that in her. For my gal Schmidt I’d have to say “masterfully meticulous!” She is the very best at what she does, and she knows it. Absolutely nothing will stand between her and an organized household.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Frau Schmidt is one of a handful of non-singing roles in one of the most beloved musicals of all time. What is the particular challenge — and perhaps the delicious freedom — of creating a memorable character in a show where nearly everyone around you gets to sing some of the most recognizable songs in musical-theatre history?

LAURA STRACKO: I find a lot of joy in this role, it can be liberating when there is no expectation to uphold! I have landed on a physicality with her that is akin to a duck – calm and smooth on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath. Additionally, Frau Schmidt is incredibly important, every time she is onstage she is bringing new and meaningful exposition for the audience. So while she may be supporting, she is doing so in a big way, and I am proud of that.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In my twenty years of covering theatre, I’ve learned that many actors approach their roles by creating their own backstory in their minds. What have you discovered about Frau Schmidt that isn’t necessarily spelled out in the script but has helped you build her character?

LAURA STRACKO: I have to give credit to Jack O’Brien, Matt Lenz, and Anthony Daniel for this, there is a very rich backstory for Frau Schmidt. As we learn early in the show, the children have been without a mother for a few years, having only governesses instead. The seed that was planted for me is that I have been with this family and this household for a long time, probably decades, and I was very close with the mother. Caring for the children and home is a personal promise I made to her a long time ago. What I like to think is that, in between governesses, as the children navigate life and their father does too, I have been their constant. I see myself as the glue that has helped hold this home together in their mother’s absence. I also like to think that my service is generational, that my family has always been employed by the von Trapp family, so I take great pride in my position.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As mentioned above, earlier this year visited TPAC with the Suffs National Tour, and now you’re returning to Music City with The Sound of Music. Is there anything you’re hoping to introduce your new touring cohorts to while you’re back in Nashville — a favorite restaurant, local haunt, or perhaps one of the city’s many theatrical treasures?

LAURA STRACKO: Oh Nashville is one of my favorite cities! Of course we had incredible tours of The Hermitage Hotel and the State House with Suffs, and I am looking forward to revisiting those with my current cast members. Beyond that, I am excited to check out Dolly’s new hotel and museum that just opened, brunch at Countrypolitan, getting some steps in at Category 10, and eating bbq. One week just isn’t enough time, so we’ll be soaking up all the live music and good times that we can!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: IF my research proves correct, you only recently joined the tour in early September. One month in, how much are you loving being part of such a beloved classic musical?

LAURA STRACKO: Yes! I closed Suffs in August, and had three weeks off before joining this company. There’s something special about doing a show that means a lot to people. The familiarity and comfort that come with The Sound of Music encourages people to join us, but then Jack’s direction of the show gives them a fresh perspective to take home. I feel so lucky to get to do what I love each day, and to be a small part of a beautiful evening at the theatre!

RAPID FIRE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC‘s HERR ZELLER, DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Herr Zeller represents the increasingly threatening political reality closing in around the von Trapp family. What have you found most interesting about playing the villain of the piece, particularly in a musical whose heart is so firmly rooted in family, love and resistance?

DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN: What fascinates me about Zeller is that he never thinks he’s the villain. He walks into that house completely sure he’s on the right side of history, and that certainty is what makes him frightening. Every night I get to be the cold draft blowing through all that warmth, and the colder I play it, the brighter Maria and the family shine. It’s a real gift to be the character that lets an audience see how strong the von Trapp family had become.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Zeller can easily become a one-dimensional authoritarian figure, but every compelling villain needs something more beneath the surface. What choices have you made to give Herr Zeller dimension while still making his intentions and allegiances unmistakably clear?

DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN: I play him as a man who’s demandingly good at his job and proud of it. Zeller is direct and moves quickly, and he really does want the Captain on his side, so the menace lives in how fast he is able to force the Captain’s hand. I hold onto that speed and never lose control. This character is scary because he barrels ahead with a dangerous allegiance, and I want people to recognize him because men like Zeller didn’t disappear in 1938.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You also understudy Captain Georg von Trapp, which means you’re preparing to inhabit two very different men on opposite sides of the story. What is the biggest challenge — and the greatest theatrical treat — of having both Herr Zeller and the Captain in your repertoire?

DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN: The hard part is that these two men want opposite things in the very same rooms, so I have to keep two completely different sets of instincts ready to go. Zeller pushes hard, and the Captain has to decide what he’s willing to lose by pushing back. In real life, the von Trapps really did sacrifice their entire way of life in order to push against fascism.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Taking a cue from “My Favorite Things,” what are some of your favorite things about this particular Sound of Music experience — whether it’s something about the company, the score, the audiences, or the wonderfully chaotic life of a national tour?

DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN: Hearing that score played live every night still gets me! What an orchestra we have! My other favorite thing on tour is having some quiet time to write, whether it’s at a hotel desk or in a dressing room between shows. I’m really proud of a book I wrote while touring with another show, Braving the Bronx River, which is out now. And these days what I’m most excited about is my new solo holiday play, since I’ve recently acquired the dramatic adaptation rights to the New York Times bestseller, The Santa Claus Man. It’s the inspiring true story of real letters children sent to Santa in 1913, and you can follow along at DanielRobertSullivan.org.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after seeing this particular production of The Sound of Music?

DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN: I hope they leave remembering that standing up for what’s right is something ordinary people do, sometimes armed with nothing but a song. The von Trapps were a regular family who refused to look away when it would have been so much easier to go along. (And to any young performer out there who dreams of doing this, I’ve been touring for about twenty years and I still learn something every single night, so keep at it!)

As Kevin Earley, Kate Loprest, Laura Stracko and Daniel Robert Sullivan illustrate in this Rapid Fire 20Q, there are always new layers to discover in a familiar story — whether it is a father finding his way back to his children, a woman whose motivations deserve a closer look, a housekeeper who quietly holds a family together, or a villain whose certainty reveals the danger of unquestioning allegiance. The national tour of The Sound of Music plays TPAC’s Jackson Hall in Nashville October 13–18, 2026. Performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday, October 13 thru Saturday, October 17 Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17 matinee at 2p.m., Sunday, October 18 matinee at 1p.m.* and a final Music City performances Sunday, October 18 at 6:3 p.m. (*The Sunday, October 18, 1 p.m. performance offers ASL interpretation, open captioning and audio description.)

Ticket prices vary by seating location and availability. For current prices, seat availability and online ticket purchases, CLICK HERE. For tickets and additional information, visit TPAC. Not in Nashville but want your chance to relive the magic of this family favorite? CLICK HERE to check out future dates as the National Tour continues with current dates set through the spring. You can also follow The Sound of Music on Insta, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

Following The Sound of Music, Tennessee Performing Arts Center‘s Broadway at TPAC season continues with Death Becomes Her on stage at Jackson Hall November 3-8. CLICK HERE for tickets. Follow TPAC on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

Rapid Fire 20Q with Director and Cast of The Keeton’s ‘The Curious Savage’: Normalcy is Overrated

October 9, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

As The Keeton Theatre brings John Patrick‘s beloved comedy The Curious Savage to the stage October 9-25, audiences are invited to explore the fine line between eccentricity and conformity, the complicated nature of family, and the question of what truly makes a person “normal.” For this JHPENTERTAINMENT Rapid Fire 20Q, we caught up with director Michael Welch and cast members Christina Shandor, Rick Heiman, and Kathleen McClanahan to discuss the characters they’re bringing to life, the discoveries they’ve made throughout the rehearsal process, and the themes that make this classic comedy as enjoyable today as when it debuted on Broadway back in 1950.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE KEETON’s THE CURIOUS SAVAGE DIRECTOR AND CAST

RAPID FIRE WITH THE CURIOUS SAVAGE DIRECTOR,MICHAEL WELCH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What was it about John Patrick’s The Curious Savage that made you want to take on the challenge of directing this particular play?

MICHAEL WELCH: The timelessness of The Curious Savage drew me to the play. Its questions about mental health and what we consider “normal” still resonate today. The challenge is portraying the residents of The Cloisters not simply for laughs, but with heart, dignity, and sincerity. Ironically, the powerful Savage family often displays more troubling behavior than the people they consider abnormal. That contrast is what makes the play both funny and thought-provoking.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In keeping with the sanatorium locale of The Curious Savage, let’s delve deeper, is there a some sort of Freudian connection between you and the career of Lillian Gish, one of the Grande Dames of the American Theatre? After all, your directorial debut was a 2023 production of Arsenic and Old Lace (Gish starred in the 1969 teleplay) and now you’re directing The Keeton’s The Curious Savage (Gish starred as widowed matriarch Ethel P. Savage in the Broadway debut in 1950). Coincidence…I think not! Ok, I’m kidding and only wanted to point out that connection between the two shows you’ve directed because that’s how my pop culture brain works…But seriously…For The Keeton’s production, local favorite Ann Street-Kavanagh stars as Ethel P. How has it been working with Ann on this particular project?

MICHAEL WELCH: That connection is provocative indeed. The only play that I have acted in twice is Harvey, which is set mainly in a sanitarium. Maybe I just have a sanitarium specialty. Ann has been a treasure to work with on this production. She is a consummate professional and strives to bring sincerity and strength to this role. Mrs. Savage is a tricky part that is in good hands with Ann.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There’s a fascinating balance in The Curious Savage between broad comedy and some surprisingly poignant observations about family, money, happiness and what society considers “normal.” How have you approached finding that balance in this production?

MICHAEL WELCH: I’ve approached it by asking the actors to always play the truth of the characters. We don’t try to make the residents of The Cloisters funny—the humor comes naturally from the situations and their personalities. When those characters are treated with sincerity and dignity, the more poignant moments about family, money, happiness, and what we consider “normal” have much greater impact.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Every director has a moment during rehearsals when something unexpectedly clicks and you realize, “Now we have it.” Was there a particular moment during this production when you felt the show really started coming together…OR…are you still finding your footing as tech week commences and opening night approaches?

MICHAEL WELCH: I found myself laughing at new moments during last night’s tech rehearsal. There was a “We have it” moment in Act 2 where everything was flowing just right. I told the cast and crew so during notes. We just have to maintain that energy throughout the run.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Without giving anything away, what do you hope audiences will be thinking about—or perhaps seeing a little differently—when they walk out of The Keeton after experiencing The Curious Savage?

MICHAEL WELCH: As they leave The Keeton, I would love for the audience to be thinking about how there are more important things in this world than money. Money makes the world go round. However, it’s the people that we share it with that makes life truly worth living.

RAPID FIRE WITH CHRISTINA SHANDOR, THE CURIOUS SAVAGE‘s FAIRY MAY,

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fairy May is certainly not short on personality. What was your first impression of her, and what have you discovered about her as you’ve gotten deeper into the role?

CHRISTINA SHANDOR: My first impression of Fairy was that she is the comedic role and really I feel brings some of the light hearted humor to the show! As I got deeper I also learned she is also someone who just is very optimistic even if it means being a pathological liar. She wants to see the joy and good in everything even when it’s not and will lie to make it seem like it is!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fairy May has some wonderfully colorful moments in the play. Is there a particular aspect of her personality that you’ve found especially fun to explore?

CHRISTINA SHANDOR: I loved exploring more of those raw human moments she has! Where she lets reality slip in more and you see her push it away before it can reach her out of fear. I found those more challenging and fun!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Cloisters is filled with characters who each have their own version of reality. How would you describe Fairy May’s place within this unusual little community?

CHRISTINA SHANDOR: I think she is the joy and sunshine of The Cloisters. She brings everyone together in being what would be seen as the loveliness and good.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There are plenty of opportunities for comedy in this role, but what do you think audiences should understand about Fairy May beneath the humor?

CHRISTINA SHANDOR: She is super empathetic and scared. Fairy I think is someone who doesn’t want to see the hate and anger of the world so she chooses to always have a smile and lie so she can feel safe knowing that her way of seeing things is what’s familiar.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s one idiosyncrasy in your own real life personality that, if misconstrued, might get you a one way ticket to The Cloisers?

CHRISTINA SHANDOR: I, like Fairy May, choose to always try and be super optimistic and pretend everything is fine even when things are going horribly wrong.

RAPID FIRE WITH RICK HEIMAN, THE CURIOUS SAVAGE‘s SAMUEL SAVAGE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Samuel Savage has a very particular relationship to the events unfolding in The Curious Savage. What was the biggest challenge for you in figuring out exactly who Samuel is?

RICK HEIMAN: I had Samuel figured out pretty quick. My biggest challenge has been accustomed to the entire process since this is my first speaking part and first time on a stage. I watched my youngest son involved in theater through high-school and college and was always interested. After retiring from a 27 year career in law enforcement I decided it was time to give this a try. I’ve done several parts for TV and film as a background extra. I think the law enforcement has given me a great experience to pull from and use as an actor.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you think motivates Samuel most strongly throughout the play, and has your understanding of that motivation changed as rehearsals progressed?

RICK HEIMAN: Samuel is driven by greed but I also believe he is a middle child who loves to instigate his siblings, especially Lilly Bell.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There are moments when the characters in this play have very different ideas about what is right, what is fair and what constitutes happiness. Quite interesting considering Samuel Savage is a Judge. Where do you think Samuel stands on those questions?

RICK HEIMAN: Samuel has a very spotted history as a judge and has had a lot of his decisions reversed by other courts so he has twisted values and is highly driven by his greed.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Samuel interacts with some wonderfully eccentric personalities throughout the play. Which relationship has been the most interesting for you to develop as an actor?

RICK HEIMAN: I’d have to say there are two, him being Mrs. Savage’s favorite stepchild and the way he loves to antagonize his sister.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Samuel’s selfishness seems primarily motivated by the money his stepmother has hidden away. If you suddenly came into half a million, where would you hide it?

RICK HEIMAN: I’d pay off my mortgage and find another modest home far out of the city and 20 to 30 acres to use as a getaway. Maybe a nice European vacation would be thrown in and take my parents on another cruise. And of course help out close family members who might need a little help.

RAPID FIRE WITH KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN, THE CURIOUS SAVAGES‘s MISS WILLIE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Miss Willie is one of the many wonderfully unconventional personalities who make up The Cloisters. How would you describe her to someone who has never met her?

KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN: Miss Willie is an incredibly kind young woman with fierce loyalties towards those she cares about.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What is the most enjoyable part of stepping into Miss Willie’s particular way of seeing the world?

KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN: Miss Willie sees the good in people (even all the quirky Cloisters residents) but knows where to draw the line. Seeing the kindness crack when the mess hits the fan is my favorite part of stepping into this character.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While many of the characters in The Curious Savage find themselves at The Cloister’s, Miss Willie is there by choice, as a nurse wanting to keep an eye on her war pilot husband who lost his memory. Is this act purely selfless?

KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN: I think Miss Willie is in the same shoes as many caretakers – conflicted with devotion and duty. There’s definitely love and selflessness there, but it comes with the hard edge of necessity and at least a hint of obligation.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The play uses humor to explore some pretty serious ideas about individuality, acceptance and happiness. How do you see those themes reflected through Miss Willie?

KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN: Miss Willie is living a life that’s quite different than what she had planned and it’s not entirely clear if she’s content with it or just good at putting on a brave face. The Cloisters residents may have fully accepted their version of reality, but I don’t know that any of the other characters, including Miss Willie, achieve this level of acceptance. I don’t know if it’s even truly possible – which is perhaps exactly what this play is meant to explore.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after having seen The Curious Savage?

KATHLEEN MCCLANAHAN: As Mrs. Savage says, I hope they remember that position doesn’t mean privilege and manners don’t mean morals. We may be surrounded by a lot of noise from famous and prominent people, but the good people closer to home are the ones who make life worth living.

With its colorful characters and sharp observations about the difference between social respectability and genuine humanity, The Keeton Theatre’s The Curious Savage offers audiences plenty to laugh about—and perhaps even plenty to think about long after the curtain falls. As Michael Welch, Christina Shandor, Rick Heiman, and Kathleen McClanahan reveal, beneath the play’s wonderfully eccentric exterior lies a story about compassion, loyalty, imagination, and the things that matter far more than money. And perhaps that is the most curious—and enduring—thing about John Patrick’s classic comedy.

The Keeton‘s The Curious Savage opens Friday, October 9 and runs through Sunday, October 25. 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 The Curious Savage, The Keeton presents their holiday offering Scrooge in Love on stage December 3-20. 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!

‘The Crucible’ Gets a Gen-Z makeover: Rapid Fire 20Q with Cast & Director of Nash Rep’s ‘John Proctor is the Villain’; at TPAC’s Johnson Theatre October 2-18

October 1, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Playwright Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain turns Arthur Miller’s The Crucible upside down, trading Salem’s witch trials for a Georgia high school classroom where feminism, friendship, consent and long-held assumptions are suddenly up for debate. As Nashville Repertory Theatre brings the acclaimed Broadway hit to Nashville for the first time, JHPEntertainment fires off 20 questions for director Lauren Shouse and cast members Lucas Calhoun, Norah Younger and Advika Ravishankar about reexamining a classic, finding the humanity beneath their characters and navigating the complicated—and sometimes hilarious—world of growing up. From a teacher caught in the middle to young women finding their voices, this Rapid Fire 20Q goes behind the scenes with the artists bringing Belflower’s provocative, funny and conversation-starting play to TPAC ‘s Johnston Theatre stage.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR OF NASHVILLE REP’s JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN

RAPID FIRE WITH JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN‘s LUCAS CALHOUN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Carter Smith is the English teacher who becomes the faculty advisor for the girls’ newly formed Feminism Club, which makes you one of the relatively few male voices in a play dominated by young women. What has been interesting about occupying that particular place in this world—and being the guy who has to know when to speak and when to simply listen?

LUCAS CALHOUN: I am an insatiably curious person. My experiences are wholly my own and in so limited in their breadth. To be surrounded by people whose journey through life has granted them unique and foreign experiences to me is a gift. If ever I have to consider when to listen or speak the answer is almost always listen. I’m not sure Carter would agree.

Carter’s pedagogy lies deeply in giving his students a voice. He creates a space where students are encouraged to question, challenge, fail, and fully express their viewpoints outside the restrictive conventions of their small religious town. To him this requires control. This ideology is called into question when Shelby returns and tests Carter’s control, belief in himself, and his skill as a teacher. That particular challenge is the interesting bit.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your own résumé includes graduating from The Second City Conservatory in Hollywood and eventually teaching in Second City’s youth program. Did that experience working with younger performers give you any particular insight into the rhythms, humor or occasionally gloriously unpredictable energy of the teenage world you’re surrounded by in this play?

LUCAS CALHOUN: Kimberly Bellflower masterfully captures the contradiction of the teenage experience. That sense of ‘knowing everything’ while in a constant state of insecurity over their understanding of the world. The Second City in addition to my training at Improv Olympic made me an active and attentive listener who searches for the new and unexpected. The beauty of working with teenage characters is their lives are rich with new and unexpected experiences. I just need to be willing to go along for the ride.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Carter is teaching The Crucible while his students are essentially dismantling some of the assumptions behind it. As an actor playing the teacher, do you find yourself thinking about the difference between teaching young people what a story says and encouraging them to question why the story has been told that way?

LUCAS CALHOUN: I’m not sure there is any daylight between “what a story says” and “why the story has been told that way.” Both are essential when seeking meaning. This play challenges the fallacy of “evergreen art” by pitting a known historical allegory against a modern dialogue.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re also a dad to a young daughter. While you have a few years before you’re faced with the inevitable task of helping her navigate some of the challenges young women face in today’s cultural climate, has working on this play planted any new seeds in your mind about how you hope to keep the lines of communication open with her?

LUCAS CALHOUN: One strength my wife and I share is the willingness to have difficult conversations. I admire my daughter’s bravery and self actualization at such an early age. She’ll inevitably face difficult challenges and uncertainty – I’m confident when those moments arise she’ll advocate for herself.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Carter spends a lot of time in a room where the conversation is getting increasingly complicated, personal and uncomfortable. What’s the one thing about playing him that has surprised you most—and has there been a moment when you thought, “Okay, Carter, you really need to sit down and let the kids talk now”?

LUCAS CALHOUN: I imagine experiencing Carter from the audience and as the performer might be very different. To elaborate before we open would be doing both a disservice, but therein lies the surprise.

RAPID FIRE WITH JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN‘s NORAH YOUNGER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Shelby Holcomb is described as someone whose brain works faster than her mouth—and whose mouth works pretty darn fast—while also being someone people have consistently underestimated. What part of Shelby’s personality was the easiest for you to connect with, and what part required you to dig a little deeper?

NORAH YOUNGER: The part of Shelby’s personality that was the easiest to connect with was her rage. To be completely honest, as a woman experiencing the world outside the shelter of childhood, everything that is wrong and broken with the world makes me ragefully angry. Shelby’s frustration with her circumstances and with the troubles she must face was a very accesible connection for me. One aspect of Shelby that required me to dig a little deeper was the trauma she carries into this show. Without giving too much away, Shelby has been through some shit, and the majority of my character research was toward the short and long term psychological effects of some of those events.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Shelby’s return to school after being away for a while changes the temperature in the room pretty quickly. Without giving away too much, what do you think she desperately wants the other girls—and perhaps the audience—to understand about her?

NORAH YOUNGER: Shelby’s desperation in this show comes from the need for her friends to listen to her. Shelby is constantly dismissed, interrupted, and never taken seriously by authority figures and her own best friends. So as a result she finds ways to make people listen.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There’s a lot of very serious subject matter in John Proctor Is the Villain, but Belflower also gives these girls plenty of humor, pop-culture references and teenage attitude. I was struck at how perfectly the playwright captures the speech pattern and tone of 2018 youth. As someone who isn’t too far removed from their own teen years, has that aided you in finding Shelby’s voice?

NORAH YOUNGER: Somehow, Kimberly wrote Shelby’s speech pattern in a way that very much emulates my own, which has connected me to the character in such a beautiful way. Kimberly’s genius use of dialogue has given me so much insight into not only the character but her relationships with the others. So much of this show is dependent on the character relationships, and the text informs so much of those distinctions.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With all the pop culture and music artist references present in the dialogue of the girls, while reading the script in anticipation of chatting with your director and cast mates, I couldn’t help but thing…this work could absolutely be a musical! Humor me…What tune, past or present could easily be Shelby’s ‘theme’?

NORAH YOUNGER: “Mad Woman” by Taylor Swift could easily be Shelby’s Theme. The song expresses how society scorns women who seem “crazy” and “angry” because women are never allowed the space to react proportionately to any terrible situation. Any time they speak up it seems like they are “breathing flames”.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This play really depends on the feeling that these young women know each other—their friendships, frustrations, inside jokes and occasional explosions all have to feel lived-in. What has the fast-paced process of bonding with this cast been like?

NORAH YOUNGER: The bonding aspect of this play process has been one of the easiest parts for me. Not only is everyone in the cast just a lovely human, this play gives permission to be seen, to feel, to speak to not only the audience but also to us, as actors. I clicked with the other girls almost instantly on the surface level. But working on this play has brought the deepest, most vulnerable part of my soul to the surface; fragile and exposed, and my cast mates see this part of me every day and still accept me and love me through it all.

RAPID FIRE WITH JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN‘s ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Raelynn Nix initially looks like she has the whole small-town high-school experience figured out—the cheerleader type who has spent much of her life living according to other people’s expectations. What did you discover underneath that exterior that changed the way you saw her?

ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR: Rae definitely looks like she has it all figured out, but honestly, almost none of it was ever up to her. Her dad is the town preacher, so everyone knows him, which means everyone knows her too. She isn’t just representing herself; she’s representing her dad and her whole family, so there’s an image she always has to maintain. What she actually wants doesn’t really matter, because everyone has already decided who the head cheerleader and preacher’s daughter is supposed to be. Once I understood what her life has been like, it completely changed how I wanted to tell her story. Her arc felt so much bigger, and her struggle felt so much more real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I love that Raelynn is dealing with some pretty complicated questions about identity, relationships and the expectations placed on her. Is there a particular aspect of her personality or her journey that feels surprisingly close to something you recognize in yourself?

ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR: Setting aside the fact that I was a high schooler in 2018 (funny enough, I read The Crucible that year too), there’s a lot I recognize in her. I’m definitely not from a one-stoplight town in Georgia, but there are real similarities between Raelynn’s community and the one I grew up in, especially with the unspoken expectations about who you’re supposed to be. Throughout the show, Raelynn tries to take up as little space as possible. Women are so often taught to be agreeable, never make mistakes, and have everything figured out, and I know what it’s like to be shamed for not fitting the mold people build for you. Whenever I speak my mind or let my personality show, I’m sometimes told I’m ‘too much’ or that I need to ‘calm down.’ So, like Rae, I find myself shrinking back to avoid ruffling any feathers. But also like her, I feel free to break away from those expectations when I’m leaning into the female friendships in my life. My friends from high school and the ones I found in college make me braver than I’ve ever been about just being myself, the same way Shelby and the feminist club do for Rae.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: One of the fascinating things about John Proctor Is the Villain is watching these characters discover that growing up sometimes means questioning things you previously accepted without thinking twice. What is the biggest question Raelynn finds herself wrestling with—and has exploring that question changed anything about how you view her?

ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR: I think the biggest thing Rae wrestles with is who to believe. When the show starts, Shelby’s been gone for a while, and no one really knows why, so the whole town has a theory. Rae and Shelby have a complicated history, and she’s stuck choosing between what people are saying and what she knows about the girl she grew up with. For someone who’s always gone along with the crowd, that’s huge. It might be the first time she’s ever had to make up her own mind and actually stick to it. It’s easy to see her as a follower, but watching her learn to trust herself showed me she’s had this quiet strength the whole time. Questioning something that people around you take as fact is scary, especially when you have as much to lose as she does. And really, the debate over whether John Proctor is a villain is just the tip of the iceberg. Once Rae starts asking whether the hero of The Crucible is actually a hero, she starts asking that about everything she grew up believing, like how girls are supposed to act and who always seems to get the blame.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What has working with Lauren Shouse been like? With a young ensemble tackling material that can become emotionally intense, what does Lauren bring into the rehearsal room that helps everyone feel comfortable enough to take risks?

ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR: I cannot say enough good things about Lauren. She’s reminded me that the best work comes from a room where you’re allowed to be fully yourself, messy and vulnerable and all. I didn’t expect this show to hit so close to home, and it can be really hard to let your guard down enough to do these characters justice. Lauren is constantly checking in with us, and on the days when the material hits too hard, she always makes sure our mental and physical well-being comes first. She’s also created a space where we’re free to play with these characters and the world around them, and she’s encouraged us to make them our own and lean into the relationships we’ve built with each other. I think that’s a big part of why the friendships onstage feel so real: we’ve built real ones offstage too!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Finally, this is a show about a group of teenagers who spend a lot of time talking, arguing, laughing, challenging one another. IF the characters in John Proctor had a group chat, who do you suspect would be the first person to get kicked out? AND who would quietly remove themselves from the chat?

ADVIKA RAVISHANKAR: For who’d get kicked out first, my gut says Mason, but not permanently. He’s hilarious and means well, but he’d absolutely send something out of pocket, and Nell (or even Beth) would clock him and put him on probation for a couple of hours while he “thinks about what he’s said.” Then he’d get added back just in time to send a notes app apology that Beth probably edited for him. Quietly leaving could go a couple of ways, but my first instinct is Rae. Lee would say something dumb, and she’d just leave without a word because she doesn’t want to deal with it.

RAPID FIRE WITH JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN DIRECTOR LAUREN SHOUSE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re an Associate Professor of Theatre Directing at Middle Tennessee State University, where your teaching includes directing and script analysis. How much did the classroom side of your life—particularly teaching students how to break down a script and make directing choices—inform your approach to directing this predominantly younger cast?

LAUREN SHOUSE: I love working with young people and feel fortunate to have a front row seat to people in the critical stage of becoming who they are and finding their own unique voice. So for me, this process continues to teach me, not only all the cultural references that go over my head as they chat at lunch, but just what matters to them as individuals and as a generation. Also working with Governor’s School of the Arts for the last 5 years has given me the opportunity to see just how naturally Kimberly Belflower has crafted the language of this play for teenagers. The cast has said many times that they speak just like their character. It has been a gift to work with this exceptionally talented cast. Their energy has been infectious and the future is bright.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: John Proctor Is the Villain was just on Broadway last year, and now you’re the director introducing Kimberly Belflower’s very timely take on The Crucible to Nashville audiences for the first time. Is there an extra bit of excitement—or pressure—that comes with getting to be the person who brings a brand-new Broadway title home to Nashville?

LAUREN SHOUSE: I feel lucky and excited as this play has been on my list since I first read it in 2019. Also, the very first show I worked on with Nashville Rep was the 2007 production of The Crucible – I was the assistant stage manager. So, it has been fun to come full circle nearly 20 years later.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Johnson Theater at TPAC is considerably more intimate than a traditional proscenium setting. With a play that essentially puts us inside the world of a close-knit group of high schoolers—where conversations, alliances and secrets can change in a heartbeat—what does that intimacy give you as a director?

LAUREN SHOUSE: I love working in the Johnson with the thrust staging, especially for a fast-moving play like this. The dialogue is snappy and the tension builds throughout the play, so being close and especially if you are on the side audience banks, you feel like you are eavesdropping in the best way. I also feel like we just get to share the emotional moments of the play in a more impactful way, where the audience have the access to the actor and are collectively gasping or laughing with them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While researching your chat with you and members of your cast, I loved Mason’s line at about the midway point of the play when he says, “I feel like I’m reading a completely different play…I thought The Crucible was about witches.” One of the things I love about John Proctor Is the Villain is taking a canonical work like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and essentially saying, “Okay, but what if we look at this story differently?” If you could give another classic play the John Proctor Is the Villain treatment and reexamine it through a modern lens, which one would you love to tackle—and why?

LAUREN SHOUSE: Oh man, what a question! I am sure I would have a deeper answer with more time, but my first thought is just to look at the genre of the Golden Age musical and how women were depicted in many of those “classic” musicals. I feel like in almost everyone one, the women give away their agency almost immediately and so I would love to explore what would it be like for a young woman today to play such a role and what does it say to our students? Those are the questions I would love to investigate in that genre.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Without giving away the discoveries audiences will make along the way, what do you hope people walk out of the Johnson Theater thinking—or perhaps talking about—after experiencing John Proctor Is the Villain?

LAUREN SHOUSE: For me, this play is specifically about that moment in adolescence where we stop regurgitating the things our parents, teachers, church, government leaders said verbatim, and we shape our own individual truth. I hope the audience will ask what stories they have readily believed because someone in power told them it was true. John Proctor Is the Villainreminds us that the question is not simply whether we will tell the truth. It is whether we will have the courage to listen and act when someone else does.

With its mix of sharp humor, teenage candor and questions that refuse to stay neatly inside the classroom, John Proctor Is the Villain is sure to give audiences plenty to chew on long after the final curtain. We’ll leave the last word to Lauren, Lucas, Norah and Advika—because sometimes the most interesting part of rewriting the story is discovering what happens when someone finally asks, “But who gets to tell it?”

Nashville Repertory Theatre‘s John Proctor is the Villain opens at TPAC’s Johnson Theatre (505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243) Friday, October 2 and runs weekends through Sunday, October 18. Thursday thru Saturday evening performances are at 7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Tickets range in price from $45.53-$89.23 (including fees). CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Following John Proctor is the Villain, Nash Rep presents Disney‘s Frozen starring Rachel Potter as Elsa and Aleia Eagleton as Anna, with Lane Adam Williamson as Hans, Colin Carswell as Kristoff, Reagan Allen as Olaf and Connor Adair as Sven. Frozen will be presented in TPAC’s Polk Theatre from December 4-20. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets or for more information. As always, check out Nashville Rep online and follow them on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

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

Rock Ballads, Romance & The ’80s: Rapid Fire 20Q with the Cast of ‘Rock of Ages’; The Gift of Song production at Mills-Pate Arts Center Beginning October 2

September 29, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

There’s nothing quite like a musical that can deliver power ballads, screaming guitar solos, enormous hair and enough ’80s excess to make a can of Aqua Net rethink its part in the ozone layer crisis. Rock of Ages IS just such a musical. The Gift of Song is bringing the totally awesome jukebox musical resplendent with classic 80s tunes by such arena rock legends as Journey, Styx, Poison, Europe and more to the stage at Mills-Pate Arts Center in Murfreesboro, with Leslie Berra directing and a cast ready to crank up the volume on some of the biggest rock anthems of the era.

Set on Los Angeles’ legendary Sunset Strip, Rock of Ages follows aspiring rocker Drew, wide-eyed newcomer Sherrie, Bourbon Room owner Dennis and Venus Club proprietor Justice as dreams, romance, friendship and the threat of change collide against a soundtrack packed with ’80s rock classics. In this JHPENTERTAINMENT Rapid Fire 20Q, Dylan Ellis, Allee Williams, Clint Randolph and Corrie Maxwell take us behind their characters, their musical moments, their ’80s inspirations and what it’s been like creating this production with Berra and the creative team. So turn up the volume, tease your hair to the max and let’s get ready to rock!

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE CAST OF THE GIFT OF SONG’s ROCK OF AGES

RAPID FIRE WITH DYLAN ELLIS, DREW BOLEY IN ROCK OF AGES

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Drew arrives in Los Angeles determined to become a rock star. What do you think is driving him most at the beginning of the story—his love of music, the dream of fame, or simply the need to prove to himself that he can make it?

DYLAN ELLIS: I think Drew is a wide eyed dreamer who is surrounded by constant inspiration. He loves the music but also the rockstar image and lifestyle his heroes embody, and at the start of the story he’s just trying to carve his place in the legendary rock scene on the sunset strip.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The world of Rock of Ages is unapologetically late ’80s. Since you’re an 00 baby, What’s been your greatest source of research as you’ve taken on this role?

DYLAN ELLIS: Even though I’m a 2000’s baby I grew up playing in bands and listening to classic rock especially from the 80’s. Much like Drew, my childhood heroes were all rockstars so stepping into this show felt very familiar and close to home. To prepare, I mostly just tapped into what I was like in high school.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Drew gets some serious musical moments, among them, Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock”, Bryan Adams’ “Heaven,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner and of course Steve Perry’s “Oh Sherrie”. Is there one number you’re particularly excited—or nervous—to perform?

DYLAN ELLIS: I’m very excited to perform “Heaven” because I get to play guitar during that song, and also the blocking Leslie gave Allie and I for “Waiting For A Girl” has been so fun and hilarious. “High Enough”, one of my duets with Sherrie is very vocally taxing and daunting but nonetheless still very excited to perform it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Drew’s relationship with Sherrie goes through quite a roller coaster. What have you discovered about him through that relationship that you didn’t necessarily see when you first approached the character? AND…what’s it been like to develop that relationship on stage with your Sherrie, Allie Williams?

DYLAN ELLIS: Rock of Ages is a very funny and raunchy show but I think Sherrie and Drew’s relationship shows a more sentimental and emotional side of the musical. It helped me get a better idea of his inner thoughts and feelings. Working with Allie has been awesome, she’s such an excellent performer. Doing scenes with her have been great because she’s so into it and it’s easy to get into character with her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If there were ever a Rock of Ages sequel musical or update, Where might we find Drew in 2026 AND…What current tune might work well as Drew’s theme?

DYLAN ELLIS: I think Drew and Sherrie would have had more kids and I could see him owning one of those School Of Rock type of businesses that teaches kids music and puts them in bands. As far as current tunes, I think in the 90’s Drew went through a big brit-rock phase and with the Oasis reunion, he’s breaking out all of his old Oasis records again.

RAPID FIRE WITH ALLEE WILLIAMS, SHERRIE CHRISTIAN IN ROCK OF AGES

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sherrie arrives in Hollywood with stars in her eyes and a dream of becoming an actress. What do you think audiences will find most relatable about her journey from wide-eyed newcomer to the woman she becomes by the end of the show?

ALLEE WILLIAMS: I think the audience will really relate to her zeal for new experiences in her dream city, as well as her tenacity to try new things and not give up. Sherrie goes through so many of the ups and downs we all have felt moving to a new city to pursue our dream careers, but in the end she is reminded that she is always on time, and everything works out exactly how its supposed to.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you could magically transport yourself back to one specific moment in the late ’80s, what would you want to experience firsthand?

ALLEE WILLIAMS: Oh my gosh, honestly I wish I could have seen any of the major Michael Jackson events, like the premiere of the “Thriller” music video, attend his Bad World Tour, or even just been there when he debuted his moon walk. His music and dance-style really shaped my passion for dancing since I was a little girl. I can only imagine what it was like to witness those great events during the ’80s. He truly is such a legend!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sherrie gets to sing some terrific material, including Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian,” “More Than Words” by Extreme, Quarterflash’s “Harden My Heart mixed with Pat Benatar’s Shadows of the Night” and more. Which musical moment feels most personal to you?

ALLEE WILLIAMS: The song that feels the most personal to me is definitely “Harden My Heart.” I feel I can fully relate to the grief Sherrie is going through after a rough breakup, being so far from home, and feeling like you are failing at everything you do. I went through a similar experience back in the summer of 2022 when I moved back to Nashville. I had gone through a very painful breakup, had to leave all the hard-work I had built at my jobs, leave my friends, and move back in with my parents in Nashville with no clue what I was doing with my life anymore. However, just like Justice is waiting for Sherrie at the end of the song, I had a newer and better life waiting for me at the end of my struggle. Harden My Heart is a sad song about closing yourself off to the world when pain arrives, but once you allow the pain to run its course, you slowly begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and see that if it weren’t for the difficulties, you wouldn’t have made it to your new and even better beginning. Sometimes, we must go through tribulations, to be put into even better circumstances. Rejection is just redirection. – On a simpler note, I also love “Don’t Stop Believing!”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sherrie’s journey takes her places she certainly never expected when she first steps off that bus in Los Angeles. How do you approach playing the vulnerability, resilience and growing independence underneath all that ’80s glamour?

ALLEE WILLIAMS: First off, the glamour, primarily the hair, is probably heavier than the emotional journey itself. However, I take a lot of my own experience into account when I join Sherrie onstage. I relate to her story, growing up in a more conservative upbringing, taking a chance to move across the country to pursue your unconventional artistic dreams (except I must say that my parents were more supportive than Sherrie’s…hi mom!), and then ultimately facing some of the biggest adversities of your life during it all. I see a lot of myself in her. It’s like tapping back to seventeen-year-old Allee, she’s smart and capable, but inexperienced. I allow Sherrie to be completely excited and full of naivety, and then allow the script to slowly guide her through a hard lesson, that will eventually make her so much stronger.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of Sherrie’s unexpected circumstances. One turn find her working at The Venus Club alongside Corrie Maxwell as Justice. How has Corrie been as a scene partner and as a source of support and guidance for Sherrie?

ALLEE WILLIAMS: Where do I even start with Corrie other than she’s absolutely amazing. Her experience in theatre has really grounded me and helped me grow as a actress. Corrie is always so consistent and reliable, and is above and beyond what I could ask for in a scene partner. As for Sherrie, Justice really helps her find her voice and strength to push-through hardships. You will see that even in Sherrie’s lowest moment, someone was there looking out for her. I believe we can always trust that even in our darkest moments, there is always a light, or, there is always a Justice.

RAPID FIRE WITH CLINT RANDOLPH, DENNIS DUPREE IN ROCK OF AGES

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Dennis is trying to keep the Bourbon Room alive while surrounded by characters who seem determined to make his life increasingly complicated. What is your favorite contradiction about this guy?

CLINT RANDOLPH: Dennis tries to put on a “tough guy” persona, but he’s really just a softy with a huge heart. He loves all of his employees, and does all he can to take care of them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Bourbon Room is practically a character itself. If Dennis could give a guided tour of his beloved club, what do you think would be the first thing he’d proudly show—and what would he hope you didn’t notice?

CLINT RANDOLPH: You’ve got to notice the moose head plaque above the bar. It’s so Rock’n’roll! The horns are perfect for catching bras that party chicks throw at the band!
Don’t look too closely at the bathroom stalls, though. The dividers are perfectly placed for some low perspective peeking.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Dennis gets to be part of some wonderfully over-the-top musical moments, including “We Built This City,” “The Final Countdown,” “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” and others. Which number has been the most fun to attack so far?

CLINT RANDOLPH: “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” is such a campy number that’s as funny as it is touching. It’s been a blast to perform that song every night .

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Rock of Ages takes place in an era when rock clubs, big hair, MTV and power ballads were practically their own cultural universe. My research tells me you are literally and 80s baby, having just made the cut with your ’89 birth. What piece of late-’80s rock culture do you think you would have embraced most enthusiastically?

CLINT RANDOLPH: I would have most likely been more of a Madonna fan than a rocker myself, but I love the glitz, glitter, and style of glam rockers. Long-haired shirtless men in tight pants are A+ in sex appeal.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How has working with director Leslie Berra influenced the way you’re approaching Dennis as more than just the comic relief behind the bar?

CLINT RANDOLPH: Leslie is a very talented and visionary director. It is so refreshing to be trusted with my role and respected as a performer. Under Leslie‘s guidance and coaching, I have found many creative ways to bring depth, as well as charm, to the role. Leslie is so uplifting, positive, and generous to her actors and she always recognizes and acknowledges the hard work being done. Being a part of this show has inspired me as an actor, and reminded me why I love being a theater artist.

RAPID FIRE WITH CORRIE MAXWELL, JUSTICE CHARLIER IN ROCK OF AGES

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Justice has already lived enough life to recognize the difference between a dream and the reality of chasing one. What do you think she sees in Sherrie that makes her want to take the younger woman under her wing?

CORRIE MAXWELL: Justice sees Sherrie and immediately recognizes her younger self. She WAS Sherrie. She moved to LA with high aspirations of being a singer (Sherrie, an actress) and I think she got beaten down by the culture that was the music business pre-“me too.” In my mind, she ended up with nowhere to turn and in a similar situation. She may have had no family, no mother to turn to. I imagine that she bought the club from the previous owner to ensure that she could look out for those lost souls who needed family and a mentor and protector (or “Mama,” if you will), as well as to pave her own way so that no one could ever take advantage of her, or her girls, ever again if she could have anything to say about it. That’s why her motto is, “any way my girls want it,” and NOT any way the customers want it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Justice runs the Venus Club, but she’s also something of a protector and maternal figure for the women who work there. How do you balance her tough exterior with the compassion underneath it?

CORRIE MAXWELL: She is a sharp businesswoman and knows that there is a tough balance between running a successful business that makes money, that allows her dancers/staff to make money, while sticking to principles. I imagine those are especially at odds in a business such as hers. I believe while she tries her hardest to protect her employees (i.e. no touching, etc…), she knows that sometimes in order to pay the bills they may have to suck it up and muddle through dancing for someone they despise. But I also think she is closely watching in those instances, like when she keeps an eye on Sherrie dancing for Stacy. The audience may not see her, but she’s watching; standing guard to be sure her family is safe. She’ll take their money but she will be damn sure her “family” comes out ahead.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: One of Justice’s most memorable musical moments comes near the end of act one when she and Sherrie team up for a classic 80s powerhouse musical sequence with “Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night.” What makes that particular number such an exciting challenge for you as a performer?

CORRIE MAXWELL: Man – that is quite a moment. It’s that gut punch where you know someone is sad and hurting, and you’ve been there – you’ve felt that hurt, and you want to help. You know you can at least offer something to get them back on solid ground, even if it may not be what they ever expected or even wanted. And for me – it’s about somehow making her feel compelled to trust and go with me because she senses I will take care of her. That’s an exciting challenge. And I am a caretaker personality by nature, so I find myself truly experiencing that feeling of, “come on baby, I got you. You are safe with me!”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If my research serves, you might actually remember the late-80s era at the heart of Rock of Ages. Please tell me as an 80s preteen girl you had a Sony Walkman…or at the very least might have made your own mixtape or two…What late 80s classic tune that’s not in the musical might you include as Justice’s theme?

CORRIE MAXWELL: Oh man. Yeah… for sure. I am part of that micro-generation between Gen X and Millennial that straddled the 80s and 90s. I for sure sat by my radio with my tape-loaded boom box ready to record my favorite songs when they came on. Haha I still have a few mixtapes in my possession. Then I was in middle school when CDs came out (game changer because you could no longer do the recording off the radio thing). My middle school was listening to Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Warrant, Guns and Roses… but also at the same time I was all into Pop, R&B, and Rap. I think, though, if I could add an anthem for Justice it would be either She Works Hard For the Money, or Control by Janet Jackson.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences come away with after attending a performance of Rock of Ages?

CORRIE MAXWELL: I hope they leave smiling, laughing, and having had a great time, but I hope they also receive it’s underlying message. Behind all the camp and nostalgia, at the show’s heart is a theme of loving each other, without judgement, without fear, against the odds, and with all your heart.

Get ready to turn up the volume as The Gift of Song‘s Rock of Ages directed by Leslie Berra hits the stage October 2–4 & 8–10, 2026, at Mills-Pate Arts Center (7120 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129). Tickets are $21.74 for Seniors and Students and $26.91 for Adults, with fees included. So grab your tickets, tease that hair, break out the spandex or parachute pants and prepare for a night of power ballads, big dreams, bigger hair and the kind of unapologetic ’80s rock excess that Rock of Ages was built to deliver. CLICK HERE for tickets. To keep up with the latest from The Gift of Song, CLICK HERE or check them out on Facebook.

Rapid Fire 20Q with Director and Cast Members of ‘SMOKE: A Ballad of the Night Riders’; Opening Annual Bell Witch Fall Fest This Weekend

September 29, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Rolling fields, winding country roads and the unmistakable, spicy scent of dark-fired tobacco set the stage in Adams, Tennessee, home to the legendary Bell Witch and the Bell Witch Fall Festival. For two decades, the festival has brought local history and legend to life, and among its signature productions is SMOKE: A Ballad of the Night Riders, David Alford’s fiery bluegrass musical about the Black Patch Tobacco Wars of the early 1900s. First presented at the festival in 2010, SMOKE explores the corporate greed, desperation and moral compromises that turned farmer against farmer and ultimately gave rise to the masked Night Riders—all performed beneath the stars and surrounded by the very tobacco country that inspired the story.

For this year’s production, longtime SMOKE performer Galen Fott, who has appeared in six of the festival’s previous productions, steps behind the curtain as director. To get a little BTS take on this year’s production, Fott, along with retuning cast members Bradley Gale and Cassandra Donegan and SMOKE newcomer Payton Justice agreed to a little Rapid Fire 20Q to chat with JHPEntertainment about history, family, bluegrass, outdoor theatre, complicated characters—and, yes, even the Bell Witch.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST MEMBERS OF SMOKE: A BALLAD OF THE NIGHT RIDERS

RAPID FIRE WITH SMOKE DIRECTOR GALEN FOTT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having appeared in six of the local productions of SMOKE presented during previous Bell Witch Fall Festivals, what prompted you to move from being onstage to taking on the behind-the-scenes role of director for this year’s production?

GALEN FOTT: Because it’s something I’ve never done before! I’ve directed more than two dozen animated films for Scholastic, and I directed actors in dozens of scenes when Pipeline-Collective’s playwriting workshop Salon was in operation a few years ago. But I had never directed a full-length play or musical before. And why not start with a show you know so well, and love so much?

JHPENTERTAINMENT: SMOKE takes audiences back to 1904–1908, when dark-fired tobacco farmers found themselves caught in a violent economic struggle with powerful corporations attempting to control market prices. Is there a particular scene or line of dialogue crafted by the playwright, David Alford that feels immediate and personal to you in the telling of this history-based story?

GALEN FOTT: One of the main issues SMOKE wrestles with is the idea that destruction and violence are justifiable if they contribute to a greater good. David wrote two short scenes that dramatize this concept in microcosmic form, one in each act. These parallel scenes involve the central character of Owen Hartley, his son Owen Jr., and the lowly tobacco worm. On one level, the scope of the entire play is encapsulated in those two scenes.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a native of nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, you have a personal connection to the region in which the events of SMOKE unfolded. What has it meant to you as a director to bring your touch to this particular—and sometimes overlooked—piece of local history?

GALEN FOTT: There’s a narrative passage of the play that contains multiple quotes from the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, the newspaper I grew up reading. (Remember newspapers?) But I knew absolutely nothing about the Black Patch Tobacco Wars until I read the play 11 years ago. I’m so glad I know about it now — it’s a remarkable, if troubling, story. Of course, it’s not uncommon for natives of a particular place to be unaware of — or uninterested in — the history that unfolded right outside their door. During the five years I lived in New York City, I met many native New Yorkers who had never been to the Empire State Building or visited the Statue of Liberty. And plenty of Nashvillians have never been to the Grand Ole Opry!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: David Alford’s original bluegrass score is filled with songs that help tell the story of the Black Patch Tobacco Wars. Do you have a particular favorite among the musical numbers penned by Alford—AND what makes that one stand out for you?

GALEN FOTT: I’d have to go with the title song, “Smoke”. David does an ingenious thing in that song. Owen is remembering his time serving in the brutal Philippine-American War, and in the song he experiences a sudden, visceral return to that experience. Suddenly he’s “there” in the Philippines, on unfamiliar ground, and David switches the time signature from 6/4 to 5/4, pushing it way out of typical bluegrass fare. It feels like there’s either a beat missing or one beat too many, and it perfectly evokes Owen’s unease in such unfamiliar territory. It’s a masterstroke.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: SMOKE debuted in 2010 as a bit of a companion piece to SPIRIT: The Authentic Story of the Bell Witch and has its roots in the Bell Witch Festival. One hundred years after the events that inspired it and more than a decade after the musical’s debut, it seems to me if you swap out tobacco for essential farmed produce, the core message of the story still rings true today. Would you agree with that?

GALEN FOTT: Certainly the difficulties of farming, the existence of monopolies, and collective bargaining remain issues today. But what makes the Black Patch Tobacco Wars different — and what makes SMOKE particularly compelling — is the vigilante justice used to force farmers into that collective action. And even if your moral compass can encompass those violent acts, what toll does that ultimately take on your humanity? David asks us to contemplate all of this in SMOKE. And did I mention? It’s a musical! I’ve heard David say he doesn’t really like musicals, but he wrote a damned good one. SMOKE is an amazing piece of theatre that deserves a wide audience. I hope everyone reading this will be a part of that audience!

RAPID FIRE WITH BRADLEY GALE, OWEN HARTLEY IN SMOKE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Owen Hartley is a 30-year-old farmer, husband and father trying to protect his family and livelihood during an extraordinarily volatile period. What was the key to finding the man underneath the historical circumstances surrounding him?

BRADLEY GALE: Owen Hartley is integrity to his core; harnessing that sort of selflessness causes me to reflect a lot on my life and the examples Ive had. A specific man often pops into my mind during certain scenes; he has since passed and was a father to me. Larry Copeland. I often think of him when I look at my ‘son’ and ‘wife’. It’s my “What Would Larry Do” hack.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Owen isn’t just dealing with the price of tobacco—he’s watching the world around his family become increasingly dangerous. What do you think scares Owen the most: losing his livelihood, losing control of his family’s future, or what the Night Riders might bring to his doorstep?

BRADLEY GALE: I would say that Owen is mostly concerned with protecting the innocence of his family. He has seen the horrors that humans can invoke upon other humans and wants to protect them from ever having to experience the same.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Owen gets his Act One solo musical moment with “Little Man.” What does that song reveal about Owen that perhaps the dialogue alone doesn’t—and what was it like getting inside that particular musical moment?

BRADLEY GALE: The song “Little Man” reveals how deeply he wants his son to be protected from the evils of this world. It shows just how tender and sensitive Owen actually is. Owen does not make a single decision without thinking about his wife and his son. Getting inside that moment is more about making sure my co-star can sit still for three minutes. Gunner, I hope you’re reading this! (Im teasing; the actor playing my son is a blast to work with; he definitely keeps us all on our toes).

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I gotta ask…what’s it like working with your co-star? NO, I’m not talking about Cassie as your on-stage wife, Callie, I’m taking about Kat, the horse featured on stage during the show, billed simply as, well, Horse, and her wrangler, Mandie Neblett?

BRADLEY GALE: Oh that’s one of the best parts. Kat and Mandie are actually the longest running cast members of Smoke. They are an institution. And in fact we have an extra three horses this year who are training to become Kat’s understudy. Aside from the fact that they don’t give us the courtesy of using the public bathrooms…. (Im just talking about the horses)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There are plenty of larger-than-life figures and historical forces swirling around SMOKE, but Owen’s world ultimately comes down to one very simple thing: a little patch of dirt and the people he loves. I love that in the script, the playwright’s dedication reads: “For Ben Robert Who saved me a little patch of dirt”. In that vein, Who—or what—represents your own “little patch of dirt” in your real life these days?

BRADLEY GALE: Simply put, home has never been a place for me. It’s always been the people. And frankly, coming back to Adams (Springfield, Nashville, etc) it reminds me just how much ‘home’ this little patch of dirt is to me.

RAPID FIRE WITH CASSIE DONEGAN, CALLIE HARTLEY IN SMOKE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Callie Hartley is a farmer’s wife living in a world where the economic struggle over tobacco is anything but an abstract political issue—it directly affects her family. What did you discover about Callie by looking at the story through her eyes rather than simply through the larger historical events surrounding her?
CASSIE DONEGAN: This story has always felt incredibly personal to me because my own family were tobacco farmers. The first time I played Callie seven years ago, I saw so much of my great-grandmother in her. That particular kind of Southern woman who could carry an enormous amount for her family and still somehow make sure the rest of the world never quite knew how heavy it was. A complete spitfire and slightly ahead of her time.

Coming back seven years later, there is a lot more of myself I now see in her. Seven years later, I understand resilience differently. I understand the instinct to protect the people you love differently. And I understand much more deeply that strange dance of carrying very real struggles within your family and home while presenting a completely different version of life to the outside world.

I always say Callie is far gutsier than I could ever wish to be, but I recognize so much of myself in her now. Callie isn’t thinking about how this moment will someday be written about. She’s thinking about her husband, her home, their livelihood, and the life they’ve worked to build together. She’s strong without needing to announce that she’s strong, and there is a quiet resilience underneath all of that fire that I understand far more deeply now.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Callie and Owen have built a life together on their farm, but the events unfolding around them increasingly threaten that life. What do you think keeps Callie grounded when everything around her begins to feel increasingly uncertain? Let’s make this one a two-parter…same question, but for Cassie?

CASSIE DONEGAN: For Callie, I think it’s Owen. It’s love, home and this deep sense of responsibility to the life they have built together. She loves him fiercely, and even when she doesn’t necessarily agree with him, he is still her person. When everything else becomes uncertain, Owen is still where she belongs.

For Cassie, the answer is actually pretty similar. My family, my faith, the people I love and remembering who I am when you strip away every title, accomplishment and expectation are what bring me back to center. For a long time, I thought strength meant carrying difficult things gracefully enough that no one else ever had to see how heavy they were. I’ve learned that sometimes strength is admitting they’re heavy. Life can change incredibly quickly, but when I come back to my faith, my family and the people who know Cassie rather than any title or role attached to her name, I remember that the most important parts of my life were never the loudest ones. That’s where I find my footing again.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Adding visually to the show’s authentic early 20th Century visuals, Denese Evans is on-hand as the show’s costumer. Does donning Callie’s wardrobe help you become her?

CASSIE DONEGAN: Absolutely. Costuming is one of those things that can immediately change the way you inhabit your body as an actor. The silhouette, the layers, the shoes, the weight of the clothing, even the way you naturally stand, sit or move changes. With Callie, it’s another layer of information about who she is, the work she does, the life she lives and even how she wants the world to see her. And working with Denese is just so much fun. She is genuinely such a joy, and what I appreciate most is that she understands me not only as an actor, but as a human being. I think that is incredibly important in a costumer. She obviously cares tremendously about her creation and about making sure everything is historically and visually right for the world of the show, but she cares just as much about how I feel inside that creation. There’s never a sense that I simply have to fit myself into her vision; it feels like we’re discovering the character together each time we do this.

That kind of trust actually gives you more freedom as an actor. Denese has created something that feels lived-in and specific to her rather than simply “period,” and that distinction matters. There’s always this wonderful final moment for me when the hair is done, the shoes are on and I’m completely dressed. I look in the mirror and I think “Callie has arrived.”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What does presenting this show outdoors add to the overall feel of the piece?

CASSIE DONEGAN: There’s something incredibly special about telling this particular story outdoors because suddenly the environment becomes part of the production. You feel the temperature change as the evening goes on, you hear the sounds around you, you feel the ground beneath your feet. You’re telling the story of people whose lives and livelihoods were quite literally tied to this land while standing on that land yourself.
And I think what makes it even more extraordinary is that we aren’t just performing Smoke outdoors. We’re performing it in Adams, Tennessee, where so much of this history actually happened. There are people in this community whose families have been connected to tobacco farming for generations, and there are many people here working in that profession today. This isn’t simply a piece of Tennessee history. It’s family history. It makes you feel a real responsibility to tell it honestly.

There are also things nature gives you that no lighting or sound designer could ever perfectly recreate. The sky gets darker around you as the story gets darker. You hear insects and wind and all of those sounds that belong to rural Tennessee. And, occasionally, you get a pack of coyotes howling somewhere in the distance in the middle of a scene which is always a particularly exciting reminder that we are, in fact, doing outdoor theatre! There’s a rawness and unpredictability to it. In a piece like Smoke, where land, livelihood, community and survival are so intertwined, I can’t imagine a more fitting way to experience it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ok, in the spirit of your pageant career—you did, after all, just end your reign as Miss America 2026—let’s indulge in a little Final Question focusing on the pageant system’s mission of empowering women… Do you think things might have turned out differently during the Black Patch Tobacco Wars if the women had been the ones calling the shots?

CASSIE DONEGAN: Well, I think the question is more what might have been different if the women living with the consequences had also been given equal power in determining the choices. Women may have approached some of those decisions with a different calculation of what was actually at stake. When you are thinking not only about winning the fight in front of you, but about what happens to the family, the home and the community after that fight is over, it can change what victory even means. Would there still have been anger? Absolutely. Would women have agreed on everything? Certainly not. But perhaps there would have been more voices asking, “What happens after this? What does this decision cost us? And who will still be carrying that cost when the men making it have left the room?”

I think we sometimes do women a disservice when we suggest that if women were in charge, everything would automatically become peaceful and perfect. Women are human. We disagree. We make mistakes. We can be stubborn, ambitious, angry and complicated. I actually think acknowledging that is part of equality, too. Empowerment isn’t putting women on a pedestal and expecting them to save everyone. It’s giving women the same freedom to be fully human and still trusting them with a seat at the table. I don’t believe leadership has to be the loudest voice in the room. In fact, it is often quite the opposite. Sometimes it is asking the question no one else thought to ask. Sometimes, yes, it means being gutsy enough to plant your feet and say, “No. We’re going to do this differently.” Callie certainly has that last one down!

I think that is one of the great lessons of women’s empowerment for me: women don’t need power because we will always make the right decisions. Women deserve power because decisions are better when the people affected by them have an equal hand in making them. No society makes its best decisions when half of the people living with the consequences are missing from the conversation.

And after spending a year with the privilege of carrying a title built around scholarship, service and the empowerment of women, I believe that more strongly than ever. Give women the education, the opportunity, the microphone and, most importantly, an actual seat at the table with listening ears and then don’t be surprised when they change the conversation.

RAPID FIRE WITH PAYTON JUSTICE, NED MUNROE IN SMOKE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ned Munroe is Callie’s twenty-something brother, making him one of the younger members of a family caught up in a conflict much bigger than himself. How does Ned’s youth and relationship to the Hartley family influence the way you play him?

PAYTON JUSTICE: I think Ned has a lot of confidence in what he believes and doesn’t really hesitate once he decides something is right. His youth gives him a kind of certainty about what needs to change, maybe to the point of being slightly naive, but he only becomes more committed as the story goes on. He truly cares about the Hartley family, and I think watching what they go through makes the fight very personal for him very quickly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: JHPENTERTAINMENT: As I familiarized myself with the script in preparation of chatting with you all, I noticed David Alford includes a quote from Robert Penn Warren’s Night Rider within the opening pages of the script: “The good Lord never got a thousand or so men together for any purpose without a liberal assortment of sons-or-bitchen thrown in.” Has your understanding of that quote—or what it says about Ned and the world he’s living in—changed as you’ve gotten to know Ned through the rehearsal process?

PAYTON JUSTICE: I think that quote really speaks to how complicated people can be once they’re united around the same cause. Everyone may agree that something needs to change, but that doesn’t mean they agree on how to get there or how far they should go, you know? And the cool thing about SMOKE is that every character walks away completely changed. Finding that contrast between Ned in the first scene and his last is something I’ve loved playing around with and finding with Galen and the cast. Cassie, who plays my sister, offered some wonderful insight on how our dynamic potentially shifts through the show. And I think that will really come through.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With the Night Riders, raids and escalating violence surrounding the Hartley family, Ned’s world is hardly the idyllic family-farm existence it might initially appear to be. How do you balance his youth with the increasingly serious circumstances he’s facing?

PAYTON JUSTICE: I don’t really approach Ned as innocent just because he’s young. He’s outspoken and sure of himself from the beginning, and even decides to put law school on hold to fight for what he thinks is right. He really only becomes more committed as things get more and more consequential.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This production is being presented in the Kay Bagby Outdoor Theatre on the grounds of the Bell School—the same grounds where David Alford’s SPIRIT: The Authentic Story of the Bell Witch is performed, and, of course, the very place associated with the actual Bell Witch hauntings. So, during rehearsals, has “Kate”—the infamous spirit herself—made her presence known to you?

PAYTON JUSTICE: She has not yet. Thankfully. And I’m totally fine with keeping it that way!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If SMOKE gives audiences a window into a piece of Tennessee and Kentucky history that many may not know, what do you hope they take away about the people who actually lived through the Black Patch Tobacco Wars?

PAYTON JUSTICE: I hope people leave understanding why these farmers felt like they had to do something, while also seeing how complicated what came after that became. There is a very relevant conversation about what happens when people feel powerless long enough and finally decide to fight back. I don’t think the show necessarily gives you an easy answer to the moral conundrum the characters are all facing. And that is something I actually really like about it.

SMOKE: A Ballad of the Night Riders signifies the opening of this year’s annual installment of Bell Witch Festival with performances weekends Thursday October 1 thru Saturday, October 10. Specific show dates are October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10. Each evening the grounds at the Bell School Community Complex (7517 US-41 Adams, TN 37010) open at 6pm giving attendees the time and opportunity to peruse the grounds, the gift shop and vendors, including food trucks for a delicious meal before the at Kay Bagby Theatre and Brooksher Outdoor Pavilion seating opens at 7pm for the 7:30pm showtime. Grass Lawn tickets are $22.13 to 27.38. Seating at the covered pavilion range in price from $37.89 to $27.35 (prices include fees). CLICK HERE to purchase SMOKE tickets. For a preview of the music from SMOKE, give the original 2010 cast recording a listen on Spotify or Amazon.

Following SMOKE, the Bell Witch Fall Festival continues October 17 with Red River Tales & The Bell Witch Opry Revue. The afternoon celebration begins from 3:00–6:00 p.m. and features local blacksmiths, tobacco twisters, chandlers, broom makers and more, along with clogging, storytelling and music—all free to enjoy. Food will also be available for purchase from vendors on the Bell School grounds.

Then at 6:30 p.m., The Bell Witch Opry Revue makes its festival debut. Directed and arranged by Bel Stuart, the revue transports audiences into the world of a live radio program from days gone by. Tickets are $5 for Grass Lawn seating or $15-$20 for pavilion seating. CLICK HERE to reserve your FREE tickets for the afternoon fun and to purchase tickets to Red River Tales & The Bell Witch Opry Revue. Please Note: On the ticket grid, the red area can be selected for the FREE aspects of October 17 events, to purchase tickets for the Revue, please select either green (lawn ticket option) or reserved seating under the pavilion.

The Bell Witch Fall Festival then culminates October 22–31 with the annual presentation of David Alford’s spellbinding SPIRIT: The Authentic Story of the Bell Witch, presented on the hallowed grounds where the legendary Bell Witch is said to have roamed. Festival grounds open nightly at 6pm, with seating at 7pm and the show at 7:30pm, giving visitors time to explore vendors, grab dinner and settle in for an evening of history, entertainment and a little supernatural intrigue. SPIRIT tickets range in price from $27.38 to $43.14. CLICK HERE for tickets. For more information, call 615.696.1300 or visit bellwitchfallfestival.com. To keep up with all things Bell Witch Fall Festival, check them out on Facebook and Insta.

Love, Madness & the Monster Within: Rapid Fire 20Q with Director and Cast of HPAC’s ‘Jekyll & Hyde

September 15, 2026 by Jonathan Pinkerton

Good versus Evil. Love versus obsession. Respectability versus temptation. Few musicals offer more delicious opportunities for theatrical duality than Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, ushering in spooky season at Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (HPAC) September 17-October 4. With just days before audiences witness the transformation, JHPEntertainment had the chance to chat with director Marsalis Turner and cast members DéYonté Jenkins (Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde), Francesca Noe (Lucy Harris) and Rebekah Joy (Emma Carew) for a revealing Rapid Fire 20Q about the characters, relationships, music, mayhem and just a little personal Hyde behaviour.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST OF HPAC’s JEKYLL & HYDE

RAPID FIRE WITH JEKYLL & HYDE‘s DÉYONTÉ JENKINS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Henry Jekyll creates the experiment believing he can separate the good and evil within himself. What do you think he gets most wrong about human nature?

DÉYONTÉ JENKINS: I think Henry Jekyll believes that men and women have no control over their human nature. That humans have no choice but to succumb to the darker nature of themselves. What he fails to realize is that when we are faced with these moments we have made a choice to go through with them. Even after a night of debauchery and murder, fully aware of what has happened, he CHOOSES to continue taking the formula that turns him into Hyde. Human nature will always be what it is. I think what’s more important is how we as humans choose to operate within the confines of good and evil.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Marsalis Turner has the director’s-eye view of this production. What advice has he given you about navigating the challenge of playing both Jekyll and Hyde—and has any of it changed the way you approach the character?

DÉYONTÉ JENKINS: Marsalis has done an amazing job directing this production. We have had multiple conversations about this story and the struggle that Henry faces. Everyone comes into this story with the idea of a Good Guy vs. Bad Guy point of view. For me a big thing was realizing that Henry Jekyll himself is not a “Good Person”. He is a human just like everyone one else. He is flawed, weak to temptation, and has the ability to be just as evil as his counterpart. I believe Edward Hyde has always been inside of Henry lying dormant/suppressed. I love playing the little moments that hint at Hyde rising to the surface of Henry even before he chooses to take the formula. Ultimately Jekyll and Hyde are one in the same. Approaching the character from that point of view brings a real and raw humanity to a character that could easily be portrayed as farcical.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Forget murder and mayhem—what tiny, everyday annoyance is most likely to unleash your personal Edward Hyde?

DÉYONTÉ JENKINS: Honestly, being woken up and immediately bombarded with questions! It is the most annoying thing to me. I am definitely a, “Don’t talk to me until I have had my coffee!” person. Haha

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Dr. Jekyll isn’t the only doctor involved in HPAC’s production as Dr. Andrew Armstrong is charged with set design with an assist from Britt Burkey. Without giving too much away, do you have a personal favorite aspect of the set?

DÉYONTÉ JENKINS: This set is truly amazing! The design and creativity that Dr. Andrew and Britt put into this production will definitely not go unnoticed! There are so many little details and Easter Eggs to find built into the set design. I’m for sure a little biased, but Dr. Jekyll’s Lab has to be one of my favorite aspects of the set! Also, there is a slight nod to our great city of Nashville built into the city skyline! If you look close enough, you will find The Caped Crusader himself keeping a watchful eye over the dangerous streets of London.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hyde is obviously the darker side of the equation, but what do you think is most seductive about him—for Jekyll and for an audience watching him?

DÉYONTÉ JENKINS: A quote comes to mind that Dr. Jekyll mentions in the original novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. “Men have before hired bravos to transact their crimes, while their own person and reputation sat under shelter. I was the first that ever did so for his pleasures. I was the first that could plod in the public eye with a load of genial respectability, and in a moment, like a schoolboy, strip off these lendings and spring headlong into the sea of liberty.” We all have been tempted by our darker natures and have chosen to not indulge in them due to a myriad of reasons. Whether it’s societal pressures, our morals, or even because we are afraid that we might be punished in the afterlife. What’s seductive about Hyde is that none of those ideas come into his thought processes. Hyde is a truly Free individual and I believe a lot of us long for that feeling of true liberty/freedom without the guilt of shame or fear.

RAPID FIRE WITH FRANCESCA NOE, JEKYLL & HYDE‘s LUCY

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Lucy sings about wanting “A New Life.” What do you think that phrase means specifically to Lucy—and what is she willing to risk to get it?

FRANCESCA NOE: Lucy doesn’t yearn after great wealth or fame. Her “New Life” is one where she has dignity, safety, and agency, that’s really the whole of it. There’s a fantastic song from early productions of Jekyll & Hyde called “No One Knows Who I Am,” and it’s our first introduction to her. In it, she asks the audience to tell her who she is, why she is, what she is. Then she points out that because she can’t answer her own question, that must make her a fool, and she owns that. But I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t know who she is. I think it’s because she does know, and she’s simply refusing to tell or show anyone. That song sums up her inner turmoil so beautifully. “A New Life” isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about Lucy finally gaining the freedom to be who she already is. And she’s willing to risk everything for that, because in truth, she has nothing left to lose. Only herself to save.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Lucy finds herself caught in the dangerous orbit of Jekyll and Hyde. What do you think she sees in Henry, and what does she see—or sense—in Hyde?

FRANCESCA NOE: Henry offers Lucy kindness without demanding anything in return, and for a woman who’s been starved of affection and respect, it makes total sense that she’d be drawn to him right away. Her connection to Hyde is dangerously nuanced. Hyde embodies the darker qualities of men that Lucy already knows all too well. She knows how to survive men like him, or maybe more tragically, she just doesn’t care anymore whether she does. But Hyde takes this particular, sustained interest in her, and that gives her a taste of being noticed beyond just one night, maybe even feeling seen. She finds the freedom he has strangely compelling. Henry is so painfully repressed, while Hyde is completely uninhibited, totally unbound by the roles and expectations that trap her and Henry both. There’s something familiar in that contrast between the two men, and even though she’s not fully conscious of it while it’s happening, it stirs up a kind of subconscious recognition in her, one that pulls her toward him like a moth to a flame and spurs her search for humanity in him, even though there’s none to find.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Lucy is a woman trying to survive in a world that doesn’t always give women many choices. What do you think is her greatest strength?

FRANCESCA NOE: Lucy’s greatest strength ends up being her most dangerous one: hope. The world has given her every reason to exist in bitterness and cynicism, and yet survival hasn’t hardened her beyond the capacity to imagine goodness in it. It’s what keeps her open when she should probably guard herself, and in this story, that kind of openness always comes at a cost.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: Every gothic musical needs a look to match its atmosphere. How does costumer Melissa Harris help create the world of Jekyll & Hyde through the costumes, and is there a particular look or costume detail that you’re especially excited for audiences to see?

FRANCESCA NOE: I could sit here and say my favorite pieces are the gorgeous ballgowns Melissa has sourced, or Lucy’s daring Red Rat ensemble, but my favorite costume is the one I wear at the start of Act II. It’s definitely Lucy’s least glamorous look: a simple, aged shift and a tattered old sweater. But there’s something so authentic and vulnerable about her in it.

While we were distressing the sweater with cuts and holes, Melissa suggested it might be something Lucy has had for years, maybe even something that belonged to a family member who’s passed away, but she’s held onto it anyway. I loved that idea. The first time I wore the full costume onstage, I actually felt like I understood Lucy a little better. That’s one of my favorite things about costuming: sometimes putting on a character’s clothes tells you something about them you hadn’t quite found on the page yet.

It’s worn, imperfect, a little sloppy, and it quietly reveals so much about what Lucy really values beneath everything else: comfort, family, safety. In a show full of beautiful costumes, I love that the simplest one tells us the most about who she really is.

JHP ENTERTAINMENT: What’s one tiny backstage, rehearsal-room or everyday annoyance that could have Lucy saying, “I’ve had ENOUGH”—and bring out your own Hyde-like personality in the process?

FRANCESCA NOE: Corset strings. I can painstakingly try to loosen and tie them into perfect little bows, and about two seconds later they’ll look like I dragged them behind my car for a few miles. Don’t even attempt to remove them entirely and restring your corset, because they are guaranteed to get lost in the abyss of the corset-string graveyard, never to be found again. I don’t know where they go. I don’t know how they get there. But after spending far too long backstage untangling, retying, and searching for them, I begin to understand Dr. Jekyll’s decision to simply embrace the darkness.

RAPID FIRE WITH REBEKAH JOY, JEKYLL & HYDE‘s EMMA

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Emma loves Henry Jekyll, but she’s also forced to watch his obsession with his experiment grow increasingly dangerous. At what point do you think Emma realizes this is no longer simply the man she loves pursuing a scientific breakthrough?

REBEKAH JOY: I believe that Emma realizes Henry’s dedication to his work has turned dangerous when she finds his journal in his study. As she reads, it is not clear to the audience how much she discovers in his pages of journaling, but I believe that Emma learns everything that Henry has been hiding from her in those notes. What is so interesting about this perspective, however, is that if she did in fact discover Henry’s secret in this scene, she chooses to not only keep his secret but also to continue on with the wedding as planned. If the audience does not think she knows he has gone too far, her willingness to still marry Henry loses some of its shock.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Emma is often portrayed as the emotional heart of the story. What do you think makes her strong enough to continue loving Henry even as everything around them begins to unravel?

REBEKAH JOY: I believe that Emma is strong enough to continue loving Henry because she doesn’t just hope that he will eventually heal and return to her, she truly believes he will, that he is destined to. As long as she is in his life, she knows that her Henry is still in there. As long as she can look into his eyes, she knows that he will return to her. That kind of faith is not common. Some would call it naive, but I would call it a choice. She is actively choosing to believe that the man she fell in love with is not only a good man, but will prevail once whatever he has gotten himself into is over.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Jekyll & Hyde is practically tailor-made for Spooky Season. What’s your favorite Halloween tradition—and what spooky movie, book or TV show is an absolute must for you every October?

REBEKAH JOY: Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday! My favorite halloween tradition is decorating my house in all sorts of fun decor. I have a big affinity for glitter, so my decorations are less scary ghouls and more sparkly bats. I also love to dress up (can you guess why I am drawn to theater?) so I like to go all out with my Halloween costumes. I don’t have a favorite Halloween themed movie/TV show/book, but the weather in autumn always makes me want to watch Twilight, so I associate that with Halloween!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of all the musical moments in Jekyll & Hyde, which song or moment is your personal favorite—and what makes it so special to you?

REBEKAH JOY: My favorite musical moment in the show is when Lucy and Emma sing “In His Eyes” together. These two characters have heartbreaking overlap even though they are presented very differently to the audience. Emma is deeply in love with a man who cannot put her first, but does love her back. She finds herself in Henry and will support him as he pursues his dreams, even at the expense of her own. Lucy has never once known true love in her whole life and mistakes a simple act of kindness for love. The love she feels for Dr. Jekyll is based around the idea that she may be worthy of someone else’s love, not just their abuse. Both of these women deserve more than the love they are willing to accept and it is absolutely shattering to hear them express their longing for that love in the same words, even though they are opposing characters.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Emma could sit down with Henry before the story begins and have one brutally honest conversation with him, what do you think she would say?

REBEKAH JOY: If Emma could have one conversation with Henry before the story begins, I think it would just be to tell Henry how much she believes in him and supports him. I don’t think Emma would try to do anything to change his future. Part of what makes Emma so endearing is that she never tries to control Henry. She is understanding of his passions and wants to see him succeed in all things. Now, if I were Emma, I do think Henry and I would be having a few words before the whole thing unraveled. I would want Henry to know that his identity does not lie in who he is on the outside, but rather in the choices he makes when no one is watching. Henry struggles to determine if he is a good man or if there is something inside of him that makes him a bad man. The truth is, we have both good and evil inside of us at all times. The only thing we can do is make a choice. Henry’s goal is to take the choice away, but the Emma that I have grown to know and relate to would say if there is no choice, it’s not really a sacrifice. To choose to do the right thing when you want to do the wrong thing is the definition of devotion.

RAPID FIRE WITH JEKYLL & HYDE DIRECTOR MARSALIS TURNER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a director, how do you approach making the transformation from Henry Jekyll to Edward Hyde feel like more than just a physical change—that we’re actually watching one man wrestle with two sides of himself?

MARSALIS TURNER: For us, we wanted to be creative in how the two personalities behave in similar situations—Henry when he’s with Emma and Utterson, or Hyde when he’s with Lucy and Utterson. There will be distinct differences between the interactions while still showing qualities of both personalities. Both Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde are fighting for dominance while still navigating the world Jekyll built before the serum. In some cases, when DéYonté or Josiah [Josiah Kareck, Kaitlyn Ziebell and Jessica Fonville have been cast as understudies] hits the stage as Jekyll/Hyde, the audience—just like some characters—shouldn’t know if it’s Henry or Edward they’re talking to. Leading to the question: which is the true self? What I want is for that line between the two to blur until the audience feels the same thing the characters do: the fear that they were never really separate at all.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re simultaneously a member of HPAC’s Board and the director of this production. Is there ever a moment when those two sides of your HPAC identity collide—and which one tends to win?

MARSALIS TURNER: I’ve been with HPAC since 2016, with some acting credits and predominantly tech credits, and I’ve been a board member since 2022. This is my second time directing during my tenure. I have a lot of goals as a board member, and luckily directing doesn’t get in the way of them as of now. But I would say if there was an identity collision, it would be directing that wins. There’s so much joy in bringing people together to create art and entertain the community when you genuinely enjoy it. You get to surround yourself with people who want the same thing: to put on the best show possible. Those are the people who motivate my work as a board member—making sure we always provide a place for anyone to come enjoy this experience as entertainers.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: HPAC has a brand-new marquee! How excited are you—and the entire HPAC theatre family—to see that new marquee lighting up the building and helping announce what’s happening onstage inside?

MARSALIS TURNER: Extremely excited—more than anyone could know. Back when I directed my first show, Winter Wonderettes, the tornado came through Sumner County, destroying so much, and our theater was in its path. Having the new marquee in time for our season opening is a beautiful full-circle moment for me, since my first run as a director was cut short by Mother Nature. It’s a bittersweet thing to be in this position again, able to once more share a story with the best group of people I could ask for.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What has it been like collaborating with Music Director Matthew Marcus on Jekyll & Hyde, and what does he bring to the production that you think audiences will especially notice?

MARSALIS TURNER: This being our first collaboration, I absolutely love this guy. Matthew has been a dream MD for me and the cast. Coming from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, he brings so much knowledge and experience to the room in every way possible. Teaching 28 adults very complex music while also bringing together 12 more to form our live pit orchestra wasn’t easy, but he handled it with so much class and grace. One thing I absolutely loved was his effort to make sure everyone got their moment in the big ensemble numbers when giving out solos. Sharing the love with the cast in a show so heavily focused on one man was an amazing thing to see come together. I think people will love seeing everyone shine and have their moment on our stage. Any production would be lucky and thankful to have Matthew Marcus on their team.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Jekyll & Hyde is a story about the battle between good and evil, but there’s a lot of gray area in between. What do you most want audiences to understand about that battle when they leave the theatre?

MARSALIS TURNER: I definitely believe this show is way more than a story about good and evil. There is a primitive nature we as humans mask for society’s sake. For some, this mask is genuine and no different from the person behind closed doors, but for others it hides who they truly are and can be terrifying. In this story we witness a man, Dr. Jekyll, whose intentions are good—he wants to cure the evil within mankind—but who ultimately brings about who he truly and always was deep down: Edward Hyde. When people leave, I hope they understand we all have an Edward Hyde within us; it’s just a matter of what we allow to be shown and what we hide behind our facade. But even more, when someone you care about is hiding a terrible secret behind a facade, will you turn away and allow it, or do what’s right before it’s too late?

With its haunting score and classic tale of complicated relationships that explore the darkness lurking just beneath the surface of mankind, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical promises HPAC patrons a suitably sinister and thoroughly entertaining way to ease into the Halloween season. Jekyll & Hyde opens at Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (260 West Main Street Suite 204, Hendersonville, TN 37075) Thursday, September 17 with performances Thursdays-Sundays through October 4. Performances are at 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays with 2pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $25/Adults and $22/Students and Seniors. All tickets are reserved seating. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. For ADA accommodations, please call the box office at 615.826.6037. Please note: Jekyll & Hyde is rated PG-13 for violence, dark themes, sexual content and frightening scenes.

Jekyll & Hyde marks the start of HPAC‘s 2026/2027 show season. Next up is the beloved classic, The Secret Garden with performances December 3-20. CLICK HERE to secure season tickets, or to purchase individual tickets for upcoming shows.

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