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Entertainment News, Reviews and Interviews

Rapid Fire Q&A With ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Cast Members Kathy Voytko and Spencer Dean as Beloved Disney Musical Returns to TPAC November 4 through 16

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It’s a tale as old as time—and it’s coming back to Nashville! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast national tour brings its reimagined magic to TPAC for an extended two-week run November 4–16, featuring dazzling choreography, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt message that still rings true: beauty is found within.

Before the enchanted candlesticks, clocks, and dinnerware invite Music City to be their guest, we caught up with two of the show’s talented cast members for a special abbreviated edition of our recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire Q&A.

First, Broadway veteran Kathy Voytko, who steps into the iconic role of Mrs. Potts, reflects on honoring the beloved musical’s legacy, the lessons of love and change, and the nightly magic of singing the show’s unforgettable title song.

Then, Nashville native Spencer Dean, who plays the deliciously sinister Monsieur D’Arque (and other colorful townsfolk), shares what it means to bring his hometown audience a story that helped inspire his love of theatre—plus why a little villainy can be so much fun.

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RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH BEAUTY AND THE BEAST NATIONAL TOUR CAST MEMBERS

RAPID FIRE WITH BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’s MRS. POTTS, KATHY VOYTKO

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Performing the title song, Beauty and the Beast, is a true Broadway musical legacy moment. What goes through your mind in that instant under the spotlight?

KATHY VOYTKO: Singing Beauty and the Beast is such a unique honor because it has become such a beloved moment in the animated film and such a recognizable song originated by the extraordinary Angela Lansbury. However, when I sing it in the show, I have to attempt to forget all of that, and just tell the story, sing the notes, and say the beautiful words as though it’s the first time every single night because for one person in the audience, it is the first time they are hearing it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Angela Lansbury certainly set the gold standard as Mrs. Potts in the beloved animated classic—did you give any thought to honoring her while also making the role uniquely your own?

KATHY VOYTKO: As a lifelong Angela Lansbury fan I sure hope I am honoring her masterful blueprint of Mrs. Potts! Our director, Matt West, along with associate director Sam Scalamoni, music director David Andrews Rogers, and the entire Disney team guided us to shape our characters so they would be familiar to the audience, but still encouraged us to find our own unique take within the framework of the iconic characters. I’m extremely grateful that they trusted us and encouraged us to bring a little of ourselves into the mix.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The show’s message of love and acceptance feels timeless—what part of Mrs. Potts’ wisdom resonates most with you personally?

KATHY VOYTKO: The biggest lesson that I had never really taken notice of in this story is one that I had discussed with our remarkable book writer, Linda Wolverton, who also wrote the original screenplay for the film. You can make a terrible choice/mistake in your life, and when you learn to make better, kinder choices, your entire world can change for the better. (And I even get to sing about it: “bittersweet and strange finding you can change learning you were wrong”).

Danny Gardner, Kathy Voytko, Kevin Ligon, Cameron Monroe Thomas, Javier Ignacio and Holly Ann Butler in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy. (c) Disney

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The current tour reunites some of the original Broadway creatives behind Beauty and the Beast, including director and choreographer Matt West, who you mentioned. Do you have a favorite aspect of the newly enhanced production?

KATHY VOYTKO: Geez, I don’t think we have enough space for me to tell you all the things I love in this production, but let me give you my top three: 

I wildly love how we present Chip. The Disney magic for all the castle objects is very cool and tricky. And most folks ask about it at the Stage door. 

The musical numbers Gaston and Be Our Guest are extended and honestly, I could watch them each for 10 more minutes because the company is outrageously talented and I find it thrilling every single night.

Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie Philippe (Belle and Beast) have a wonderful rapport that tells the story in a fresh way that by the time they are connecting and truly seeing each other in Act Two, you are giggling and rooting for them with unexpected delight.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With apologies to Cogsworth, when you’re offstage, what helps you “unwind the clock” after bringing the necessary warmth and heart to every performance?

KATHY VOYTKO: Performing 8 shows a week can be challenging to our bodies and our voices, but getting to witness towns across America enjoying Beauty and the Beast is such a unique privilege. 

Many of us on tour try to do something decidedly local in every city. Sometimes it is going to a museum or renting a bike and going along a river trail or asking locals their opinion on their favorite little slice of life or favorite cuisine for the area. 

But for me personally, sometimes it’s just a hot cup of tea or a glass of wine and The Great British Bake Off or a long FaceTime with my family to unwind the clock and refresh my heart.

RAPID FIRE WITH BEAUTY & THE BEAST’s MONSIEUR D’ARQUE & OTHERS, ENSEMBLE MEMBER, SPENCER DEAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a Nashville native, what’s it like returning home to perform at TPAC with such a beloved Disney musical?

SPENCER DEAN: Beauty and the Beast was the first Broadway show I ever saw. Then, I played Lumiere at both Act Too Players & Franklin High School, so this show means A LOT to me. Bringing it to the TPAC stage (where I saw every national tour as a kid) is an emotional and full circle moment. I’m so lucky to be here with this gorgeous production! Getting to share this with so many loved ones is the greatest gift!!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Monsieur D’Arque might be small in stage time but big in impact—how do you make the most of every deliciously dark moment? SPENCER DEAN: The incredible custom coat I get to wear and crooked top hat (with detailing from the ORIGINAL Monsieur D’Arque costume) helps! Throw on some creepy contour and a grimace and I’ve got the audience both laughing and frightened. 

Dean (5th from right) Company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy. (c) Disney

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Villainy can be fun—what’s the best part of playing someone audiences love to hate as well as the other roles you take on?

SPENCER DEAN: It’s such a bold contrast from my quirky village character and our dashing Be Our Guest glam. I appreciate what a range of characters I get to step into every night! Definitely keeps it fresh and fun!

 JHPENTERTAINMENT: If an existing song from any genre were added to the score to serve as D’Arque villainous theme (à la Gaston), what would it be?
SPENCER DEAN: Creep by Radiohead. You’ll have to see the show to understand!

 JHPENTERTAINMENT: This reimagined Beauty and the Beast tour brings new life to a classic—what do you hope audiences take with them after experiencing this updated production?

SPENCER DEAN: A brief escape from the scary world outside. A reminder to lead with kindness and love. Beauty TRULY is found within. Never judge a book by its cover & treat others the way you want to be treated.

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Whether you grew up with the animated film or first met Belle and the Beast on stage, this newly enhanced production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast promises an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with heart, humor, and timeless lessons about kindness and love.

Catch the national tour at Nashville’s TPAC, November 4–16. Tickets are available now at TPAC.org.

Following their Music City tour stop, Beauty and the Beast will continue its National Tour with multiple stops across the U.S. through September 2026, with more dates expected to be announced. CLICK HERE for full details or follow Beauty and the Beast on 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 Twitter.

Rapid Fire 20Q With Norwegian Singer/Songwriter Magnhild; New Single, ‘Ending’ Out Now

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Norwegian singer-songwriter Magnhild (pronounced MAHN-yill) continues to make her mark on the international scene, thanks to her distinctive blend of vulnerability, warmth, and quietly powerful vocals. After signing an exclusive publishing and distribution deal with Nashville/Portugal-based Soundcrest Music Group, the reflective storyteller behind 17 is back with her evocative new single, Ending, now streaming everywhere.

Echoing the emotional clarity of ‘70s country-pop with a modern indie-folk sensibility, Magnhild’s sound bridges continents and generations — with hints of Olivia Newton-John nostalgia wrapped in Scandinavian soul.

In this latest edition of JHPENTERTAINMENT’s recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q, we caught up with Magnhild to talk about growing up on a small Norwegian island, her evolving artistry, and the deeply personal journey behind her latest release.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH MAGNHILD
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Did you grow up in a musical household?

MAGNHILD: Yes, in a way. My family loves music.  My dad played the guitar, and my sister loved to sing. Music was always around, even if it wasn’t a big “music family” in a professional sense.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s among your earliest musical memories?
MAGNHILD: I think it’s when my dad taught me the first chords on the guitar. It opened up a whole new world for me. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who do you cite among your favorite musical artists?
MAGNHILD: Lizzy McAlpine’s music was kind of a wake-up call for me — it made me realize the kind of sound I wanted to find for myself. I also love Joni Mitchell, and I grew up listening to Adele. They’ve all shaped me in different ways.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career as a performer?
MAGNHILD: Very early on. I got my first gig when I was 11 and just kept going from there. Performing has always felt like home to me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Can you tell me about that first time performing for others?
MAGNHILD: My first paid gig was at a wedding for my former babysitter. I was 11 and played one of my favorite songs, Hjerteknuser, by a Norwegian band called Kaizers Orchestra. I got paid with a ticket to their concert in my hometown. Both that performance and the concert itself are core memories for me

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Last year, you released your debut single Maybe, then the follow-up, 17 and now you’ve got Ending. How excited are you for listeners to hear the new track as they continue to discover you as an up-and-coming artist?

MAGNHILD: I’m really excited. When I released 17, I told listeners that it was the most authentic version of myself I had ever shown through music — but I feel like both I and my sound have come a long way since then. I’m now producing my own band, and for the first time, I feel like I’m truly on the right track.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You grew up on Stord, a small island on the western coast of Norway. What’s your fondest memory of your childhood there?
MAGNHILD: That’s a hard one — I have so many good memories. A lot of them are with my brother and sister. One that always makes me smile is when my sister and I got a cat behind our parents’ backs. We kept him in the basement for a month before we told them. When my parents came home from vacation, my mom said she was moving out because she hated cats. Now he’s eight years old — and one of her favorite things in the world.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A few years ago, you moved from an island with about 20,000 people to the Norwegian capital, Oslo (population around one million). I understand your previous single 17 was inspired by that move. Can you tell me more about how the move prompted you to write that song?
MAGNHILD: Yeah, 17 is about leaving everything familiar behind and starting over in a big city. I moved from a place where everyone knew everyone, to a city where I suddenly felt very anonymous. It was exciting, but also scary and lonely at times. The song became my way of processing that — the feeling of growing up and realizing that change always comes with both loss and freedom.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Among the lyrics of your new single Ending, the line “Will someone still sing my songs” really struck a chord with me. Do you think we ever get to a point where we feel like we’re making a lasting impact?
MAGNHILD: Yeah — or at least I hope we do. I know that some people have already found comfort in my music, and that means so much. I don’t think you ever really know how far your songs reach, but if even one person feels seen or understood through something I’ve written, that’s already a lasting impact to me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a native Tennessean, I appreciate the Memphis name-drop in your Ending lyrics. Of all the cities in the world, how did you come to mention Memphis in your latest release?
MAGNHILD: Honestly I took some inspiration from Walking in Memphis,  by Marc Cohn, plus it rhymes with the other cities I mention in the song. I’d love to go there one day. For some reason, Tennessee keeps showing up in the music I listen to, maybe because of that nostalgic country feel. And yes, I did grow up watching Hannah Montana.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a songwriter, what’s your creative process like? Do you set aside a certain time daily to explore lyric ideas and melodies, or do you take a more organic approach?
MAGNHILD: It’s very organic. I travel a lot between cities because of school, family, and my boyfriend, so a lot of inspiration comes to me while I’m on the bus, in the car, or on the train. I usually don’t sit down to “write” in a structured way — ideas come when I’m out in the world, and then I build melodies or lyrics around them later.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When and where did you record Ending?
MAGNHILD: I recorded it in February at the University of Agder, where I’m currently studying my master’s in songwriting and performance. Later, I added lead vocals, background vocals, pedal steel, synths, and string arrangements.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who did you work with musician-wise while recording Ending?
MAGNHILD: I worked with my band — Aron Flatland, Magnus, Kristina Rusdal, Jeppe Volden Skara, Einar Bergersen, and Benjamin Næss. Hans-kristian Holthe, Oskar Holldorff , and Tobias Paulsen helped me later in the post-production process.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Upon my initial listen, Ending has a bit of a 70s country ease to it. As I mentioned in my intro above, your vocals paired with the cry of the pedal steel put me in mind of Olivia Newton-John’s 1973 project Let Me Be There. How would you describe your current sound?
MAGNHILD: I’d say it’s somewhere between indie pop and indie folk — with a focus on vocals and string instruments. It’s organic and emotional, with a warm, nostalgic touch.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to singing, you also play guitar. Are you self-taught or have you had formal training?
MAGNHILD: Self-taught! As I mentioned, my dad showed me three chords, and it just evolved from there. In recent years, my guitarist boyfriend has helped me explore more advanced voicings and open tunings, which has really expanded how I write songs.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s your take on the current Norwegian music scene?
MAGNHILD: I think it’s really inspiring right now. There’s a lot of experimentation and authenticity — artists are daring to sound like themselves, which I love. Even though Norway is small, there’s a strong sense of community. People genuinely want to see each other succeed.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: It’s been a year since you joined Soundcrest Music Group to enhance your streaming audience. How are you feeling about this partnership and the thought of expanding your audience globally?
MAGNHILD: It’s been great! They’ve helped me reach new listeners beyond Norway, which is something I’ve always dreamed of. Theres a reason why I´ve chosen to write and perform in English though it’s not my native language. It’s wild to think that someone across the world might be listening to a song I wrote/ recorded in a small studio in southern Norway. The idea of growing my audience globally is both exciting and humbling.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With Ending now streaming, is there any talk of a music video? How would you like to see it visualized?
MAGNHILD: I’d love to make a music video someday. I imagine something very cinematic — open landscapes, soft light, and that quiet, reflective feeling that Ending carries.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Where can fans find out more about you?
MAGNHILD: Mostly through social media — Instagram and TikTok, both @magnhildhalland. I’m trying to get better at posting.. hehe. I also love when people reach out or message me directly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s on the horizon for you as a performer?
MAGNHILD: I’m working on my debut EP, which will be released next year. It’s my most personal work so far, and I can’t wait to share it. I’m also focusing on playing more live shows with my band — that’s where I feel the songs truly come alive.   

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With her signing to Soundcrest Music Group and the release of Ending, Magnhild continues carving out her place among the new wave of global singer-songwriters blending authenticity with timeless style. As she works toward her debut EP and prepares for more live performances with her band, one thing is certain — this rising artist from Norway’s western coast is only just beginning her story.

Stream Ending HERE on all platforms, and follow @Magnhild on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with her latest music, performances, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Catch more exclusive artist interviews, reviews, and spotlights — only on JHPENTERTAINMENT.com.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF WOMEN IN THEATRE NASHVILLE’s ‘MS HOLMES + MS WATSON-APT 2B‘

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF WOMEN IN THEATRE NASHVILLE’s MS HOLMES + MS WATSON-APT 2B

Get ready for quick wit, sharp minds, and a touch of mystery! With Women in Theatre Nashville’s (WIT Nashville)’s upcoming production of playwright Kate Hamill’s clever reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world, Ms Holmes + Ms Watson – Apt 2B, directed by Diane Bearden Enright, brings the famous detective duo into the modern age — where friendship, intellect, and a few absurd surprises are the ultimate clues. Ahead of the show’s opening at Darkhorse Theatre (Friday, October 24 through, November 1), we sat down for a round of Rapid Fire 20Q with the production’s scene-stealing cast — Elyse Dawson (Sherlock Holmes), Beth Henderson (Ms Watson), Skyler Cole (Lestrade, Elliott Monk & others), and Nashville newcomer Jen Houghton (Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson & others) — to talk character quirks, comedic chaos, and why this twisty mystery is one you’ll want to solve for yourself.

Let’s dive in — no magnifying glass required! 

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE CAST OF WIT NASHVILLE’s MS HOLMES + MS WATSON – APT 2B

RAPID FIRE WITH BETH HENDERSON, JOAN WATSON IN MS HOLMES + MS WATSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When I began researching in preparation of chatting with you and your co-stars, I found it interesting that the playwright, Kate Hamill played Watson, not Holmes in the world premiere production of this piece. Does knowing the playwright in essence created this role for herself inspire you to approach the role any differently than other roles you’ve played?

BETH HENDERSON: I know! When I found that out, I was pretty intimidated. But, I haven’t really approached it any differently than I have any other roles. I honestly just try not to think about it. Ha!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In this adaptation of the classic, Watson—an American now living in London post pandemic and post-divorce—seems eager for a fresh start. If you were to relocate and start anew, where might you end up and what career path might you choose?

BETH HENDERSON: Oooohhh, good question! I think about that a lot, because I plan to retire out of the country one day. But, whereas I’ll retire somewhere warm and sunny, my answer for relocation and starting over in a career sense would be different. If I was younger and had the funds and actually permitted to move there, I would move to Scotland and own my own little bookstore.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published his first Holmes and Watson story more than 130 years ago. What is it about this unique pairing that still holds an audience’s attention?

BETH HENDERSON: I think it’s the whole opposites attract, odd couple, yin and yang idea. People like to see two very different personalities work together to create balanced solutions. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When Holmes and Watson first “re-boot” their detective partnership post-pandemic, what is the one gesture or moment you think defines their new status quo?

BETH HENDERSON: Well, in this production, Watson is new to the crime solving business. She is brought into it simply because she’s there. But, I think Sherlock brings Watson into the biz to form this duo because Watson provides an emotional element that Sherlock lacks. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What trait of Watson’s do you find most relatable—and what about her do you admire most?

BETH HENDERSON: I can definitely be a bit neurotic and all over the place like Watson is, and I really understand her emotional struggles. I think the thing I admire most about her is what you referred to earlier, her courage to move somewhere new and just start all over without a safety net. 

RAPID FIRE WITH SKYLER COLE, LESTRADE, ELLIOTT MONK & OTHERS IN MS HOLMES + MS WATSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the trickiest part of stepping into Lestrade’s shoes?

SKYLER COLE: The balance of competence to incompetence. He is a cop and knows protocol, but his imagination can lead him down a wild goose chase for sure.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Lestrade, you often stumble or say the “wrong thing.” Which particular gag or line do you relish most, and what slight twist will you put on it in performance?

SKYLER COLE: I have a certain moment with a bug where I very quickly go from joy to fear. Love any moment some physical comedy can be added in.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who in the cast would Lestrade secretly admire (or envy) and why?

SKYLER COLE: Character? Watson for sure. You may even see some of that admiration on stage…

Cast? Elyse (Holmes) because she loves Lady Gaga and Lestrade also has a thing for pop music.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Elliot Monk (the tech billionaire villain), you mask ambitions with slick confidence. In the moment you reveal (or hint) your vendetta, how do you calibrate that betrayal moment?

SKYLER COLE: A character can only beat around the bush for so long before they have to address the problem head on. Monk would probably want to live in the bush if he could, but sometimes ambitions speak louder than a scary bush.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In the dance of masks (Lestrade vs. Monk vs. public persona), which of your roles is your “default” internally, and how do you switch physically or vocally among them?

SKYLER COLE: I would say Lestrade is my default as I play him most of the show. All my characters have different dialects and physicality with how they walk/carry themselves. I actually worked with a dialect coach to make sure my British dialects sound different enough for the different characters so as not to confuse any of the audience (hopefully). Switching physically is all about knowing where the energy of the character lies. Lestrade is mostly near his chest, Monk is wide taking up space, and others…well you will just have to come and see for yourself!

RAPID FIRE WITH JEN HOUGHTON, IRENE ADLER, MRS HUDSON & OTHERS IN MS HOLMES + MS WATSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How do you shift between characters like Irene Adler and Mrs. Hudson—what’s your internal “switch”?

JEN HOUGHTON: Because I go back and forth between several characters so many times, and each one has a completely different dialect, age and physicality, I go through a little multi-step ritual before I enter each time. 

1. I set my feet in a specific stance, which triggers my brain-body-memory into that character’s center of gravity

2. I adjust my shoulders & posture, which helps me remember each character’s age and physicality

3. I quietly say a silly tongue-twister so I remember which dialect to use. 

It all probably looks quite ridiculous, but it helps!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Which role gives you the greatest freedom to play, and which challenges you most?

JEN HOUGHTON: All three roles leave room for a lot of play, which is what makes this project so much fun. Mrs. Hudson is a lot closer to roles I’ve played before, so I probably found the quickest freedom to play with that character. Irene Adler is a VERY different “type” than I’m used to playing, and she really challenges me to face some major insecurities, so that feels like quite a gift of an experience.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Mrs. Hudson had a hidden past, what would you imagine it to be?

JEN HOUGHTON: I think Mrs. Hudson was a bit of a wild-child in her younger years. Maybe she spent a bit of time performing as a lounge singer on a cruise ship where she loved the life of travel & trysts. While that chapter of her life may be over, she’ll always remember her days of frivolity with fondness.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In a fictional “Adler + Hudson crossover moment” (not in script), what would you imagine Mrs. Hudson saying to Irene about Holmes and Watson—and how might that line reveal a hidden relationship?

JEN HOUGHTON: I think Mrs. Hudson fancies herself a bit of a matchmaker, and we know she loves American cinema, so I think she would tell Irene to go for it with Holmes, because “The heart wants what the heart wants, and sometimes ya just have to carry the watermelon, dear.”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Which of your characters would you want to “hang out” with for a day, and what would you do together?

JEN HOUGHTON:  Haha, well, since my choices are a narcissist, a sociopath and a sweet sassy landlady; for my own safety, I’m gonna have to go with Mrs. Hudson. I think we would probably sing & dance while baking some delicious sweets.

RAPID FIRE WITH ELYSE DAWSON, SHERLOCK HOLMES IN MS HOLMES + MS WATSON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What can you tell me about your Sherlock Holmes, as conceived by the playwright Kate Hamill and now under the direction of Diane Bearden-Enright as you’re playing her?

ELYSE DAWSON: This is a version of Sherlock that allows her to be messy and flawed. When we meet her she’s having a bit of an identity crisis as she feels unmoored without a case to entertain her busy brain. Then, throughout the show Sherlock gets to prove her prowess repeatedly but we also see her struggle in the face of some difficult mysteries and characters that throw her off balance. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s one non-logical, emotional thing your version of Holmes secretly does when no one’s watching?

ELYSE DAWSON: Sherlock most definitely shares her most intimate thoughts and feelings with Mr. Bones (the skeleton that resides in Apartment 2B). 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Do you have a favorite detective in TV, film, or literature (besides Holmes herself)?

ELYSE DAWSON: I grew up an avid reader of The Boxcar Children and the Bailey School Kids series. I think reading them as a kid, I found something really empowering about children who have such little control over their circumstances taking matters into their own hands to make sense of the world around them. I see that reflected a lot in Sherlock. She gets her sense of security from organizing and understanding facts very deeply. Oh and of course the Mystery Gang from Scooby Doo. I love how each member brings their own strengths and weaknesses together to solve the case.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In the “process is the point” monologue , which phrase do you lean most into in performance, and why?

ELYSE DAWSON: In that monologue, I lean into her explanation of the process being the point. She describes it as “The joy of the chase, not control of the hunt”. This particular monologue really resonates with me as an actor. It’s easy to get fixated on a final product: the show that’s presented to the audience; but I find the most joy and freedom comes from the exploratory rehearsal process. Sherlock is the most in her element when she’s on the case. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after having seen WIT’s production of MS HOLMES + MS WATSON-Apt 2B?

ELYSE DAWSON: I hope that audiences leave with a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity. One of the big themes in this show is the marvel of the human mind. Isn’t it incredible that we have the capacity not just for extraordinary reasoning and logic but also infinite access to imagination without having to rely on technology or externals? I hope they are also reminded of our shared necessity for human connection and vulnerability. Holmes and Watson both start this play with the idea that they are on their own individual journeys but by the end, it’s made very clear that much more can be accomplished when they connect, shortcomings and all. 

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This Rapid Fire 20Q  might have concluded, but rest assured the game is afoot! Don’t miss WIT Nashville’s production of Ms Holmes + Ms Watson – Apt 2B, directed by Diane Bearden-Enright, running October 24 – November 1 at Darkhorse Theatre. Tickets are $25 and on sale now — CLICK HERE to get yours before they vanish faster than a clue at a crime scene!

Be sure and check out WIT’s Official Site and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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

 

 

Theatre Review: With an Electrifyingly Youthful Cast, ‘The Outsiders’ Indeed Stays Gold; at TPAC thru Sunday, October 19 as National Tour Continues

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From the moment the house lights dimmed in TPAC’s Jackson Hall on October 14, the national touring production of the Tony-winning Best Musical, THE OUTSIDERS made it abundantly clear: this is much more than nostalgia, more than adaptation — it is an emotional lightning strike. If Opening Night of the show’s six night Nashville tour-stop in Music City is any indication, the show promises to bring Tulsa’s Greasers and Socs to life with gritty heart, physical daring, and a musical pulse that lingered long after the final bow.

Based on S.E. Hinton’s seminal 1967 novel and a more than noticeable nod to the beloved 1983 Francis Ford Coppola directed film, that starred a who’s who of Hollywood up-and-comers including C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Diane Lane, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe & Emilio Estevez, THE OUTSIDERS is a coming-of-age tale rooted in class divides, brotherhood, trauma, and the fragility of youth. The touring production, carrying the same Tony-winning creative team behind the Broadway show—director Danya Taymor, choreography by Rick & Jeff Kuperman,  design courtesy the design collective AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian—hooks into the source material while carving out a new theatrical identity. 

As is always the case, whether the story unfolds on the pages of the original book, or the aforementioned star-packed 80s now-classic cinema, the heart of THE OUTSIDERS always lies rests on the young shoulders of Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas — and in this magnificent tour cast, they are delivered with conviction.

All Photos by Matthew Murphy

Ponyboy Curtis (played by Nashville’s own Nolan White) is an earnest center. His vulnerability is palpable: you feel his longing, his anger, his fear. The softer, more introspective moments become small victories of clarity. When Ponyboy admiringly watches Paul Newman on the movie screen, dreaming of escaping his current us-vs-them small-town life, he’s instantly relatable to anyone who grew up unsure of what the future holds for them. When he recites Robert Frost’s Nothing Gold Can Stay, there’s not a dry eye in the house. Such emotion from such a young man is breathtaking. Later, when confronting what it means to “stay gold”, White again proves talent beyond his years.  As I watched his performance on Opening Night of the Nashville dates, I marveled as the depth of his performance.

Johnny Cade (Bonale Fambrini) brings quiet intensity. His internal fragility — the sense that one more blow could break him — is juxtaposed with flashes of courage, especially in the church escape and later in his struggle to be seen. The camaraderie between Fambrini and White as Johnny Cade and Ponyboy Curtis is so believable, you just know these two young actors are forging a lifelong bond as friends on and off-stage.

Dallas Winston as portrayed by Tyler Jordan Wesley is swagger and sorrow intertwined. When the script calls for it, he roars like a lion, conversely, when necessary, he retreats far into himself, caught between angry rebellion and fracturing grief. In the inevitable climactic moments (surly by now we’ve all read the book or seen the movie), his breakdown feels earned — not sensational, but visceral, and sadly necessary.

The supporting ensemble (Sodapop, Two-Bit, Cherry, Bob and the rest of the Greasers and the Socs) feels fully realized. Corbin Drew Ross’s Sodapop Curtis, a standout, has infectious warmth, and yes, there’s no denying he looks the part, too. When he takes off his shirt early on in the show, I’m pretty sure I heard audible gasps as he revealed his sleek physique. I even asked my date for the evening (a dancer, herself) if she knew if he was a dancer or not. I also gotta mention Ross’s speaking voice. Meek and unassuming, I swear he’s having fun with the audience seeing if we think he sounds like Charlie Hunnam’s soft-spoken version of Ed Gein, but I digress.

As Cherry, Emmy Hearn soars, especially in moments where she bridges the divide between Socs and Greasers. A Cherry’s Socs steady, Bob, Mark Doyle paints the perfect high school bully and personification of thorn in Ponyboy’s life.  Travis Roy Rogers’ Darrel Curtis, the eldest of the Curtis boys, finds a perfect balance between forced adulthood as the unplanned patriarch of the family, while simultaneously exhibiting his own self-doubt and unrealized dreams. Jaydon Nget’s Two-Bit brings a subtle but studied undertone to the wisecracking youth.

The structure propels you forward. With rapid scene changes, interwoven monologues and dreamlike transitions, it is never dull.  The minimal scaffolding, projections, and shifting platforms keep the world lean yet alive. A perfect metaphor for the young cast themselves, lean, strong, always moving forward and alive. Interestingly, even before checking the Playbill and seeing that Kahvegian is credited as having created the scenography, I whispered to my date for the evening that I was coining a new term setography, because even when wood planks, tires, and various other elements of the minimal set were moved between scenes, they were done so-by the cast, no less- with such precisions and grace that the we at once unnoticeable, yet seamlessly part of the overall choreography of the piece

Coining another term, the fightography, especially in the pivotal confrontation between the Greasers and the Socs, is now the most beautiful movement I’ve ever seen on the stage. That honor, previously held by the quick/sharp jazz movement of the fight between West Side Story’s Sharks and Jets, no fully belongs to THE OUTSIDERS’ Greasers and Socs. Magnificently aided by Brian MacDevitt’s impactful lighting design, Cody Spencer’s chillingly vibrant sound design, Jeremy Chernick and Tillis Meeh’s mood-intensifying special effects design, the aforementioned AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian’s Tony-nominated scenography, and choreography by Rick and Jeff Kuperman, the fight choreography — punches, tumbles, and heart-pounding tension the show is choreographed to haunt, with no detail unattended. Slow-mo momentary freezes, punctuated by lighting cues, thunderous sound and an on-stage downpour, create a scene like none ever witnessed. A hauntingly perfect moment that’s likely forever etched into memory.

With a score by Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance, known collectively as folks duo Jamestown Revival, and Justin Levine, who also wrote the book of the musical, the score of THE OUTSIDERS fully embraces the rural small-town setting. Heck, the first number set the tone and time with the aptly named Tulsa ’67. THE OUTSIDERS score isn’t one that you’re likely to be humming after the show’s over. But, in the moment-while watching the story of young people trying to figure out who they are in their world as they struggle with inherent class division, sadness and expectations-realized or dreamed-the musical numbers perfectly propel the story, the emotion and the hopefulness of the characters. Fans of the novel might know that Ponyboy is reading Gone With the Wind. For the musical adaptation, Margaret Mitchell’s classic has been replace, dare I say, more fittingly, with Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. To that end, Great Expectations, an impressive all-in musical number midway through Act 1, as lead by White’s Ponyboy, becomes a pivotal point as the audience fully realizes how trapped our antihero feels. Act 2’s Soda’s Letter, performed by Sodapop (Ross), Darrel (Rogers) and Ponyboy (White), in its raw, revealing, secure-in-their-masculity brotherhood realness, proves a tender audience favorite. Dallas (Wesley) and the company’s Little Brother, the perfect eleventh hour soulful and soul-gripping emotional melody. Of course you can’t have a THE OUTSIDERS musical without paying tuneful homage to the phrase “Stay Gold”. That said, the show’s final number, Stay Gold featuring White’s Ponyboy and Fambrini’s Johnny lyrically recounts the action of the story, reiterated Johnny’s wish for his friend and just like the precious metal referenced in the phrase, reflects brightly the beauty of friendship.

THE OUTSIDERS National Tour continues at TPAC’s Jackson Hall with a Friday evening performance, matinee and evening performances Saturday and Sunday. CLICK HERE to tickets and showtime details.

Having officially kicked off the National Tour in Tulsa (appropriately enough) just last month, following its Music City dates, THE OUTSIDERS tour continues with a four-city Texas tour in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston, then it’s on to Atlanta, GA, Durham, NC, Greensboro, NC, Orlando, FL, Tampa, FL, St Louis, MO and more through September of 2026. CLICK HERE for specific dates and the full tour schedule. Of course THE OUTSIDERS is still enjoying a hugely successful Broadway run at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, so if you’re in New York, CLICK HERE. To keep up with the latest from THE OUTSIDERS, follow them on Insta, Facebook, Threads and YouTube.

Following THE OUTSIDERS, TPAC’s Broadway Season continues with the return of a favorite, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with an extended run November 4-16. CLICK HERE for tickets and showtimes. You can also follow TPAC on Insta, X, YouTube and Facebook.

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

Rapid Fire 20Q with Cast of Joy’s Jubilations’ Presentation of ‘Queens of Heart’; at Gadsden, Alabama’s The Local Scene October 17 thru 25

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Playwright Lydia Bushfield has entertained Southern audiences for years having penned such plays as Yule Y’all, I’ll Be Seeing You and The Bop She Bops and now it’s Gadsden’s turn to sample a bit of her Southern sass when her play QUEENS OF HEART , as directed by Joy Tilley Perryman, makes it’s Alabama debut. The show takes centerstage at The Local Scene at 118 (118 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, AL 35901) with performances October 17-25. Produced by Gadsden’s own Joy’s Jubilations, this heart-filled comedy follows a group of Southern women who gather weekly for game night to swap stories, share secrets, and deal with life’s ups and downs—one hand at a time.

Among the cast, Perryman plays the ever-honest, but often brutally truthful Rose Kincaid, a role she’s familiar with, having first played her during the show’s World Premiere back in 2003. For the show’s Alabama premiere,  Perryman is joined by an exceptional cast of local and regional talent. Alongside Perryman, the show also features Kathleen Jensen as the wise and wry Doris Ducacus, Katie Campbell as newcomer Alice Anderson, Angie Smith Townsel as sweet and sincere Betty Linwell, Jean Leah Atkins as the big-hearted Faith Middleton, and Courtney Linam as the spirited Emily Patterson.

As the queens were fine-tuning their performances…and their game faces…we recently sat down with Perryman, Jensen, Campbell and Linam for JHPEntertainment’s latest Rapid Fire 20Q to talk poker nights, Southern charm, and the real-life friendships on- and off-stage that make this show shine.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST MEMBERS OF JOY’s JUBILATIONS’ QUEENS OF HEART

RAPID FIRE WITH QUEENS OF HEART’s DORIS, KATHLEEN JENSEN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When Joy Tilley Perryman reached out to me about the possibility of doing a Rapid Fire 20Q with cast members of QUEENS OF HEART, I was excited to see a couple of familiar names, yours included, the two of us having chatted back in 2023 when you appeared in a production of Sordid Lives at The Ritz in Gadsden. What can you tell me about Doris Ducacus, your role in QUEENS OF HEART?

KATHLEEN JENSEN: Doris is Smart Alec of the group. She is also very insightful, devoted to her daughter and very much in love with her husband, Harry.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: According to the character breakdown in the script, Doris is meeker and milder than Rose, making them a good balance. So, I gotta know…as scene partners, who’s really keeping the scales steady on stage and who’s the one tipping them over?

KATHLEEN JENSEN: Like you say Rose and Doris are a good balance much like Joy and myself. We lift each other up.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: There’s a quote in that other play about a group of southern friends…as Dolly Parton’s Truvy says in Steel Magnolias, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. That could easily be one of Doris’ lines as she brings up a bit of a secret to her girlfriends. As an actress, how do you prepare yourself to switch from the more lighthearted moments to the more serious ones?

KATHLEEN JENSEN: It’s kind of like life therefore I try to draw from real life experiences. You have to find a similar experience to capture the feeling.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Right off the bat playwright Lydia Bushfield sets the overall humorous tone of the show with Doris’ line “She’s been nipped and tucked more times than a good pleated drape” Do you have a favorite in the show, whether one you get to deliver, or one you wish was Doris’?

KATHLEEN JENSEN: “If that woman pulls her skin any tighter, she will have to pierce her nipples to wear earrings.” Doris is always ragging on Shania.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A large portion of the play takes place around a game table. If you and a group of friends were to get together for game night, what game would you insist on playing?

KATHLEEN JENSEN: Spades, I am a champion, spades player!

RAPID FIRE WITH QUEENS OF HEART’s ALICE, KATIE CAMPBELL

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand this is your theatre debut. When did you first realize you might want to try your hand at acting? 

KATIE CAMPBELL: I have always had the idea in the back of my mind. I have the heart of an entertainer for sure. But my daughter is who pushed me to try it. She is fearless and talented, and I want to make her proud. 

 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I think my favorite of Alice’s lines is “Bein’ a southern woman is all about keepin’ up appearances. God forbid that one of us should admit that we are havin’ a bad day.” Playwright Lydia Bushfield hit the nail on the head with that one, don’t you think?

KATIE CAMPBELL: Sure, I do. We put the world on our shoulders. I would venture to say that that could be true for all women, though. We are natural caretakers. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you could play another character in this show, regardless of whether you ‘fit the type’ or not, who would it be and why?

KATIE CAMPBELL: Betty! I’ve been her before and I admire that type of independence in a woman. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Alice, you’re at the heart of one of the show’s most surprising twists. Without giving anything away, how much fun are you having playing this part?

KATIE CAMPBELL: It’s much more fun than I thought it would be! When I read the script I was a little intimidated, but our director, the one and only Joy, helped me find my voice. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your bio reveals that you’re a licensed massage therapist. Who among the ladies of QUEENS OF HEART would benefit most from a session with you at your day job?

KATIE CAMPBELL: That is so hard to say because after all of this is said and done, we’ll all need a good massage. I’m gonna go with Emily though. That girl sure was goin’ through it. 

RAPID FIRE WITH QUEENS OF HEART’s EMILY, COURTNEY LINAM

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When I chatted with Kathleen, I mentioned that I was excited to see her name among those I’d be chatting with, having interviewed her before. The same goes for you, the two of us having chatted just last year when you were starring in Steel Magnolias at The Ritz. Now here you are as Emily in yet another tale of southern friendships. What was it about QUEENS OF HEART and the role of Emily that drew you to audition?

COURTNEY LINAM: Thank you so much for this interview—it’s always great to chat with you! I loved getting to visit with you last year during Steel Magnolias, and I’m just as grateful to reconnect again for QUEENS OF HEART.

I was immediately drawn to Emily because she’s so real. She’s fun-loving, hopeful, and just trying to get it right—even when life keeps throwing her detours. I love that QUEENS OF HEART celebrates friendship, strength, and those moments when women lift each other up.

I was also drawn to the play because I was so excited to be directed by one of the most talented people I know—Joy Tilley Perryman. She has such a gift for bringing out truth and heart in every story, and I knew that under her direction, this show would be something special.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While reading the script to familiarize myself with the play before chatting with you and your costars, I immediately picked up on the name of the town where all the action takes place…Fate, Texas. So, just curious…do you believe in fate, free will, or a mix of the two?

COURTNEY LINAM: It’s really a mix. I think fate puts certain people and moments in our path, but free will decides what we do with them. Emily’s story shows that perfectly—she might’ve been led down the aisle by fate, but it was her own strength, and the help of her true friends, that gave her the courage to walk away from something that wasn’t right.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of the play’s Texas setting, the script contains a note from the playwright about the Texas dialect. During the rehearsal process was there discussion on just how Texas the cast would sound? Where have you personally drawn your Texas drawl from?

COURTNEY LINAM: Oh yes, we had plenty of fun with that! The goal was to sound authentically Southern without needing subtitles. I’m more Alabama than Texas, but there’s a shared sweetness and rhythm to both accents that feels like home. I leaned into that warm, melodic tone—you know, the kind that can make a compliment or a comeback sound equally charming.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is there any aspect of Emily’s personality that you might adapt to your own?

COURTNEY LINAM: Her courage to finally put herself first. Emily’s been through a lot of “almost right” love stories, but she finds her voice and realizes she doesn’t have to settle. That message really stuck with me—it’s never too late to choose peace, joy, and the people who truly love you for who you are.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Early in the play, there’s mention of Emily’s poker face. In your real life, do you have a poker face, or can folks generally tell what you’re thinking just by looking at your expression?

COURTNEY LINAM: Oh, I absolutely have a poker face—and I’m actually pretty good at poker, too! I can keep a straight face when I need to, which comes in handy both on stage and at the card table. But catch me off guard with something funny, and I’m done for—no hiding that laugh. I think that balance is what makes acting fun for me—being able to control your expression when it counts, but also knowing when to just let the real emotion show.

RAPID FIRE WITH QUEENS OF HEART’s ROSE, JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re no stranger to Rose Kincaid, having been portrayed the role back in 2003 during the World Premiere performance of QUEENS OF HEART at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre in Nashville and now you’re spearheading the Alabama premiere. What is it about this show and the role of Rose that drew you back in?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: The show is such a lovely story of female friendships and female interactions. Then throw in that is a group of Southern women and some of the best lines ever written and I have always wanted to go back and sit at rose’s table one more time. When I first contacted the playwright, my dear friend Lydia Bushfield about remounting the show, she had doubts, She thought it might be dated (she did bring it forward in time just a bit) but I assured her that the stories and the companionship these women share is timeless. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When chatting with one of you cast mates, I noted that QUEENS OF HEART shares some similarities with another play about a group of southern women, Steel Magnolias. Do you think it’s a fair comparison? And what would you say to fans of that show to get them to check out this one?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I think it is a fair comparison and I think fans of the Magnolias will LOVE the QUEENS! If you enjoy heartfelt shows with true to life depictions of what it means to have a strong group of girlfriends, then come see the show. And bonus, Poker!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When you and I first talked about me featuring the cast of Queens of Heart in a Rapid Fire 20Q, you mentioned that you’d secured a great venue for the performances. What can you tell me about the venue and how does it lend itself to the action of the play?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: As you know, I moved back to my hometown in 2021. When I left Gadsden, AL in 1985 the downtown area was a dead place. Like most small Southern towns, when the mall came in, downtown dried up. But in the years since I have been gone, downtown Gadsden has reinvented itself! We have a thriving entertainment district and one of the best art museums in the state. And we have murals all over just like Nashville! I work my day job on Chestnut Street, one block from Broad Street and when I was thinking of finding space to do this show it hit me like a ton of beautiful bricks. The space at the top of Chestnut was vacant. It is owned by a school chum and her husband, so I called Syndee and asked if she was open to a short term rental. Built in 1930, it is a lovely brick building with a  big open space and smaller rooms to use as dressing rooms. It has 2 big store windows that I have used as my marquee, so to speak. It is store front theatre, I can only fit about 45 chairs. But folks will truly feel like they are in Rose’s living room. And the best part? The store next door, that my friend Syndee owns? It is called The Stone Market and is the best wine shop around! She is going to extend her hours on Fridays and Saturdays, so folks can bring a glass of wine over to the show. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While reading the script in preparation of chatting with you, when Rose responds to Betty revealing where a particularly uneventful date took her to dinner. Rose’s line, “He did not take you to Sonic”, could easily be a throwaway, but having seen you in a number of plays over the years, I could hear you delivering that line as I read it and it made me giggle. Without giving too much away, what’s your favorite line or scene in the play?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: That is one of my favorite lines! I totally channel my MawMaw Thompson in the delivery. I take her delivery of the phrase “You don’t mean” and apply it to the Sonic line. But I do love the scene after the wedding. You will have to buy a ticket to get to see the sherbet-colored bridesmaid dress! And matching headdress. Trust me it is worth the price of admission.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after spending a little time with the ladies of QUEENS OF HEART?

JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: I told someone recently that the role of theatre has always been to entertain and maybe sometimes to uplift and educate. But in these perilous times when there is so much hate and anger and just ugliness around every corner, I hope the audiences will come away with love. That the love these 6 women have for each other can spill out and over and in to everyone’s lives and maybe ease the sorrow for just a bit. They are not all alike, they do not share the same views or life experiences but they share a common ground in their friendship and acceptance. That is maybe not a bad lesson either.  

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From laughter to life lessons, the ladies of QUEENS OF HEART prove that every hand you’re dealt can be a winning one when your friends deck is stacked with queens. Don’t miss Joy’s Jubilations’ staging of Lydia Bushfield’s QUEENS OF HEART, playing October 17–25 at The Local at 118 in downtown Gadsden, Alabama. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays October 17-25 at 7:30pm. There will also be a Sunday matinee at 2pm on October 19, Tickets are only $15. Seating is limited so CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. To keep up with the latest from Joy’s Jubilations, CLICK HERE to follow them on Facebook.

For more theatre coverage, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks from across the Southeast, like and follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire 20Q, or follow us on Facebook, Insta and X. And remember—always bet on the queens. ♠️♥️♦️♣️

Rapid Fire 20Q with cast of Playhouse 615’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House’; onstage October 17 thru November 2

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Just in time for the Halloween season, Playhouse 615 is presenting their production of playwright F. Andrew Leslie’s chilling adaptation of novelist Shirley Jackson’s classic frightmare, The Haunting of Hill House, inviting theatergoers into one of literature’s most haunted homes, brought to life on Playhouse 615’s stage under the direction of Joel Meriwether. As the cast prepared for their October 17 opening night, we caught up with four of the brave souls stepping into the supernatural—Lucy Turner, Preston Alexander Raymer, Andrea Coleman and James David West—for a Rapid Fire 20Q. From on-stage terror and off-stage frights to their thoughts on the show’s eerie subject matter, this fearsome foursome gives us a peek into the dark corners of Hill House itself. So, dim the lights, say your prayers and get ready because Hill House is watching…

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Rapid Fire 20Q with cast of Playhouse 615’s The Haunting of Hill House

Rapid Fire with Lucy Turner, Eleanor Vance in The Haunting of Hill House

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When Playhouse 615 reached out to me about doing a Rapid Fire 20Q with come of the cast of The Haunting of Hill House, and I saw your name, I knew I wanted to chat with you, remembering having seen you onstage when you were just a kid in local productions of Cindy & Ella and The Bad Seed. I understand in the years since, you graduated high school, studied at Baldwin Wallace and moved to New York. So…a two part questions to start us off…Are you back in Nashville for a while, or just a visit? AND…What can you tell me about Eleanor Vance, and your take on her?

LUCY TURNER: My plane ticket back home to New York is booked for literally the day we close the show! I’ve been in NYC for almost two years, but it’s such a large market that I still feel so fresh and new, which I like. Back in 2023 in my interim time I was home in between college and making the big move, I reunited with Joel for their production of The Woman in Black. I had such an amazing experience working with Joel that once I heard they were doing Hill House, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring and come home for a brief stint.

As far as my take on Eleanor, it has been such a joy getting to know her. You rarely get to sink your teeth into a character that is truly so complex. I’m an avid reader, and originally read Shirley Jackson’s novel about a year and a half ago. I remember being so enthralled in Eleanor’s journey and her quick dissent into madness. She is a sheltered girl desperate for adventure and a place to call home and Hill House is more than happy to prey on that. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: According to the playwright’s original character breakdown of Eleanor Vance, she’s typically presented as a slightly older woman in her mid-to-late thirties. Was there any conversation with the show’s director, Joel Meriwether on the ten-year advance the character has on you?

LUCY TURNER: We had some conversation about the decision, but I think what’s more important than Eleanor’s precise age is that she feels ’fresh’; I’ve always thought of her as a ‘new soul’. A lot of my analysis stems from the women that occupy Hill House and what each of them represents in terms of the female experience. Eleanor, regardless of the description, must feel sheltered and naive to then juxtapose with the experience, wisdom, or bitterness of the other ladies of Hill House.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: OK, I mentioned earlier that you starred in The Bad Seed when you were what…thirteen? And I stumbled upon a certain SCREAM-themed birthday cake post while doing a little online sleuthing in preparation of our conversation. Is it safe to assume The Haunting of Hill House and the like is definitely in your wheelhouse?

LUCY TURNER: Haha, yes you can definitely say that Haunting of Hill House is in my wheelhouse. I was a very brave child and looked to horror movies and haunted houses as a challenge to see what could truly scare me. I also feel very inspired by the horror genre. I actually started a production company while in college, Burn to Shine Productions, that produces horror films. I’ve written and produced several shorts in the genre and find myself always drawn to it. When you look, horror is a wonderful gauge for where we are as a society in terms of what keeps us all up at night. You can say the same for Hill House, I can not wait for the audience to be terrified and to see them tremble at what we have in store, but this script is fraught with deeper meaning and the consequences of a repressed mind. 

I also do need to correct you, Jonathan, I was freshly ten when I got to play Rhoda Penmark in Street Theatre’s Bad Seed, a role I still cherish to this day. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ten? Wow…I stand corrected. What’s the biggest challenge in playing someone like Eleanor, who’s quite psychologically fragile?

LUCY TURNER: What I have found to be the biggest challenge in playing Eleanor is letting her feel everything she feels…which is a lot. Eleanor is loose with her emotions, they often come out of nowhere and are loud and consequential. I tend to be very withdrawn with my feelings, holding them close to the vest. It has been both challenging and freeing to just follow Eleanor’s lead in her emotional rollercoaster. I’ve learned to not ask her any questions. 

In addition, I’ve grown fond of her and feel rather guilty about the whole thing. She enters Hill House with all the optimism and hope in the world. She is desperate for independence and adventure, leaving behind a sequestered life of abuse, but she learns quickly that’s not the way the world is set up for women. I have to break the news to Eleanor that all of the complicated emotions she feels (guilt, rage, envy) are a sort of trauma that do not get left behind at the welcome mat.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you had to spend the night in a real haunted house, which of your fellow cast mates would you want by your side?

LUCY TURNER: Honestly, I think I would pick Preston, who plays Luke, to accompany me. But I’d get away from him and start playing tricks and tormenting him the whole time. He scares easily. 

Rapid Fire with Preston Alexander Raymer, Luke Sanderson in The Haunting of Hill House

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How would you describe Luke Sanderson in one sentence?

PRESTON ALEXANDER RAYMER: Luke is carefree, skeptical of the rumors about the house, and loves to tease those around him.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Instead of the typical actor bios seen in most playbills, for The Haunting of Hill House, the audience is treated to character bios. Did your director ask for any input in creating these? AND…What’s your favorite thing about the Luke bio?

PRESTON ALEXANDER RAYMER: The director allowed us creative freedom… “While others were captivated by these narratives, I hated them; their chilling nature haunted my thoughts and fed my fears. The relentless rumors and fear-driven tales spiraled into shadows that consumed me, ultimately leading me down a dark path toward alcoholism, seeking solace from the anxiety they instilled.” 

I believe this is at the heart of Luke’s nature because the rumors about the house and his family have caused deeply rooted insecurities and trauma that have shaped his outlook on life. He masks these feelings, which is something I believe we, as humans, tend to do. This masking is what makes him human and relatable.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: So much of The Haunting of Hill House examines more than the fear of ghosts and spirits. What do you think Luke fears most?

PRESTON ALEXANDER RAYMER: Luke fears his reputation being overshadowed by rumors and reliving his childhood trauma. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What can you tell me about the special effects, sound effects and lighting used to create the haunted ambiance of Hill House?

PRESTON ALEXANDER RAYMER: I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so one must attend the show to find out.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Joel has enlisted the aide of Jordan Ivie as assistant director/dramaturg. How has Jordan aided you in your exploration of Luke?

PRESTON ALEXANDER RAYMER: Jordan has been a guru of subtle nuances and character relations that have helped me navigate the complexities of Luke’s psyche. 

Rapid Fire with Andrea Coleman, Mrs. Montague in The Haunting of Hill House

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Mrs. Montague’s entrance into Hill House seems to clue the audience into the fact that she feels she’s more spiritually connected than her husband. Would you say that’s a fair statement?

ANDREA COLEMAN: She certainly feels that way. Whether or not her abilities are genuine or fabricated, I’ll let the audience decide. Regardless of the accuracy of her methods, she definitely has a much more emotional approach. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In preparation for this role, have you researched any real-life hauntings or binged any great ghostly movies or series?

ANDREA COLEMAN: I read The Haunting of Hill House book, which is pretty accurately represented by the play. I also watched The Haunting of Hill House series as well as The Haunting of Bly Manor – both excellent. I actually went on a scary movie binge and found some I really enjoyed! The Conjuring and all its many sequels and spin offs were some of my favorites.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you were to recast this production, using the same actors, how would you flip the roles?

ANDREA COLEMAN: I’m not sure I could! These actors feel tailor made for their roles and feel like everyone is so very well suited to their roles! 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As you’ve inhabited Mrs. Montague, have you created any backstory that might not be in the script, but that helps you bring the character to life on stage?

ANDREA COLEMAN: Absolutely, and I love to talk about it, though I would like to add a trigger warning that it involves difficult themes. Dr. And Mrs. Montague are currently suffering from a struggling marriage, but I believe they were once madly in love. Their marriage became strained when Mrs. Montague suffered the loss of a baby. Then again. And again. Loss after loss – hope brewed and then burned at the stake. Grief changes you, and I believe it changed both Dr. and Mrs. Montague in ways they don’t even realize and certainly would never admit. Dr. Montague poured himself into his work. He will make his life count by leaving an academic legacy, rather than a familial one. Mrs. Montague was alone in her grief. A kind of lonely that plays tricks on your mind and whispers enough lies that doubt slowly creeps in. Loneliness magnifies the grief, so she also dove into her husband’s line of work, looking for him, or at least a friend in the loneliness. There, she found not only Dr. Montague’s interests, but also companions in the no-longer-living; souls who ached just as much as she did. In them, she found familiarity in the pain and knew her legacy would be helping others ease their suffering where she could not ease her own. Along the way, she also found a moldable mind in Arthur that she could pour her love into – a pseudo son to fill the void in her heart left by her miscarriages and loneliness. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is there a scene, a bit of dialogue or a moment within the play that you genuinely love to be part of each night?

ANDREA COLEMAN: My favorite line of dialogue is “The fire wants stirring.” This line

gives such imagery to the events happening in the play. The forces at work in Hill House are ready to be heard and set their stories ablaze. 

Rapid Fire with James David West, Dr. Montague in The Haunting of Hill House

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who is Dr. Montague to you and what interested you in the role?

JAMES DAVID WEST: Dr. Montague is an enigma, so to speak. He came from a humble background, somehow placed into an Ivy League school to get his doctorate in Psychology and Anthropology, has always been profoundly interested in the supernatural, and has made it his life’s goal to prove that ghosts are real, as it were. The role of Dr. M is normally played by someone a bit older than me, but I felt I had the right temperament to fit into the story. Our version is out to prove something, to make his mark on the scientific community. He wants notoriety. And yet, perhaps he has motives that aren’t so… apparent.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When the house seems to show…shall we say…signs of life, how do you image Dr. Montague shows his fear?

JAMES DAVID WEST: Dr. Montague keeps his emotions in check, even under extreme pressure. During his time at Hill House, he recognizes that supernatural happenings are occurring around him… but he can’t show that he “didn’t know” things were going to happen.  That is, until he stars being affected internally by the house, as well.  His confidence melts off, leaving him perhaps even more vulnerable than his guests.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In the world of Hill House, who’s more frightening Drew Ann Davis Borsos as Mrs. Dudley or the spirits that inhabit the house?

JAMES DAVID WEST: Dr. Montague is certain that Mrs. Dudley has no say so in the things that go bump in the night, but it is rather intriguing to observe her floating around without making a sound until she’s right up on you…

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Like a good Hitchcock film, it’s the unseen in The Haunting of Hill House that’s truly terrifying.  What’s your personal favorite haunted moment in the play?

JAMES DAVID WEST:  Without giving too much away, there is a point in the play where Dr. M begins to crack, himself.  He isn’t quite sure WHY it is happening, but he is certain that the grasp he once had on Hill House has been forcibly removed by forces yet to be uncovered.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them long after having seen The Haunting of Hill House?

JAMES DAVID WEST:  Hill House, to me, represents a time in life we can all relate to.  Some environments are inherently bad for us – they make us sick, depressed, and/or lonely.  At times, we may even feel that we don’t belong – as if everyone and everything around us is screaming for us to leave and never come back.  We may attempt to face those fears for as long as we can, but in the end we are at the mercy of the environment we have unfortunately chosen for ourselves, with next to no way to fully escape.

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Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing’s certain — the cast and crew of Playhouse 615’s The Haunting of Hill House are ready to deliver a spine-tingling experience audiences won’t soon forget. For tickets and showtimes CLICK HERE — but don’t wait too long. Hill House has a way of tormenting those who hesitate.

For more on the show and to keep up with what’s next at Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire 20Q, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, follow us on Facebook, Insta and X.

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom’ at The Keeton thru October 26

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Before LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom ever graced The Keeton stage for its Tennessee Premiere (onstage now thru October 26), it had already began its own fascinating chapter in the story of I Love Lucy. Based largely on Laughs, Luck… and Lucy: How I Came to Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time—a memoir by I Love Lucy creator Jess Oppenheimer, completed by his son Gregg Oppenheimer in 1996—the play traces the real-life creation of television’s most enduring comedy.

Originally premiering at UCLA’s James Bridges Theatre in 2018 as I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom in an L.A. Theatre Works production, the World Premiere featured Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy) as Lucille Ball and Oscar Nuñez (The Office) as Desi Arnaz, and was recorded live for public radio. The piece was later reborn under its current title, LUCY LOVES DESI, for a 2020 BBC Radio 4 broadcast starring Anne Heche and Wilmer Valderrama. Most recently, the play completed a successful 21-city national tour with L.A. Theatre Works in 2023, bringing audiences across the U.S. an intimate, funny, and touching tribute to the groundbreaking sitcom.

Now, it’s Nashville’s turn as The Keeton’s audiences have the chance to experience this love letter to television history, thanks to The Keeton’s delightful and impeccably cast production. Directed by Donna Driver, the show invites audiences behind the curtain (or, more accurately, behind the microphone) to witness how Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz fought to bring their vision to life in a skeptical, male-dominated industry—and how their persistence changed entertainment forever.

During Driver’s welcome remarks on Opening Night, she very kindly made mention that it was yours truly who had suggested the play be part of their current season, so you know I loved that. She also informed the audience that the playwright had been very accessible via numerous phone calls and emails during preparation and rehearsal for The Keeton’s production, even writing new scenes and adding in vignettes featuring classic musical moments from I Love Lucy to allow The Keeton’s production of the show to expand from its original one-act length to a full two-act show. In doing so, The Keeton’s production captures both the warmth and wit that defined I Love Lucy while reminding us that innovation often begins with risk.

The Keeton’s scenic designer, Kevin Driver’s clever set—the backdrop transformed into a vintage 21” wooden cabinet tv, upscaled to about 10’x10’, complete with old-school antenna—allowed the audience visuals for scene changes by way of stills projected onto the large tv screen of locations like CBS & Desilu Studios and The Arnaz’s Palm Springs home. Completing the set, simple chairs for the actors to sit while not featured, and the side stage riser all come together to evoke the golden age of live radio, complete with period microphones, a glowing “On Air” sign, and a prominently featured Foley table manned with precision and playfulness by Beverly Grant, whose sound effects artistry earns laughs all its own. You’ll likely find ourself looking up at the Foley table more to catch Grant’s antics from time to time.

I always correct folks when they introduce me as a theatre critic, preferring the term reviewer, but I have to be truthful, being a huge Lucille Ball fan and longtime memorabilia collector of both her I Love Lucy years and her film career before (and yes, even her years after), I came into the evening with reservations, with my critic hat fully in place. I also have to admit that I was, overall, pleasantly and thankfully surprised at just how sweetly, lovingly and honorably the cast of The Keeton presented the backstory of how my favorite comedy actress and her Cuban bandleader husband made television history.

The way this performance is structured, Jason Rainwater’s Desi Arnaz steps in and out of the action of the play to talk directly to the audience. As Desi Arnaz, Rainwater delivers a winning performance full of charisma and authenticity. As he mentioned during our recent Rapid Fire 20Q when I questioned him on the authenticity of his Desi voice, his vocal work is uncanny—so richly textured and musically accurate that it often truly sounds like Arnaz himself. The chemistry between Rainwater and Grace Gaddy as Lucy is the stuff of which stage pairings are made; together they bring the Ball–Arnaz partnership to life with warmth, wit, and a rhythm that feels instinctual. Just as one would imagine him, Rainwater’s Desi is a charmer, a showman, a proud immigrant and a great example of a mid-century business man and entertainer who redefined what it is to live the American dream.

While none of the cast truly look like their real-life counterparts, it’s not an impersonator show in Las Vegas, after all, Grace Gaddy’s Lucille Ball is, when all is said and done, a loving tribute to the iconic comedian. From her expressive eyes and impeccable comic timing to the way she embodies Lucy’s signature blend of glamour and goofiness, Gaddy gives a performance that’s joyously alive. Her physicality and facial expressions elicit hearty laughter while paying true homage to one of television’s greatest icons. My only hesitation in a giving Gaddy’s Lucilly Ball a full five star review rests on the fact that Gaddy’s choice of voice isn’t quite there. Yes, Lucille Ball’s real-life voice was quite different from her quicker, higher-pitched Lucy Ricardo voice, but Gaddy, try as she may, never quite hits the mark vocally. Of course the average Keeton audience member will easily overlook this because of Gaddy’s otherwise full-force embodiment of the iconic comedic actress. It should be noted that Gaddy’s Lucy is at her best not only when recreating a few classic I Love Lucy moments–her lip-smacking, face-pulling expressions during a quick look at Vitameatavegamin is indeed near-perfection–but also during scenes that show the rarer more vulnerable moment of the woman behind the legendary laughs.

Even though he plays the man upon whose book this play is based, Michael Welch has the benefit of playing someone most people have never seen and whose physical appearance isn’t as easily recognized as the four stars of the groundbreaking sitcom. That anonymity works to Welch’s advantage as he simply shines as Jess Oppenheimer, serving as the grounding force amid the behind-the-scenes chaos. His balance of humor and sincerity keeps the story engaging and human. His scenes between Gaddy’s Lucy and Rainwater’s Desi truly exemplify Oppenheimer’s role as both close friend and trusted collaborator in the creating of one of the world’s most beloved sitcoms.

Cassidy Davis is delightful as Betty Garrett, a close pal of Lucille Ball’s who happens by the radio studio in a brief scene early on. Again, pop culture nerd that I am, I feel compelled to remind you that Garrett, a radio and film star like Ball in their early days, also gained fame on television—for roles on All in the Family and Laverne & Shirley (Garret played the girls’ landlord and Laverne’s eventual step-mom). I do wish there’d been time for a wig change as Garrett was more often a brunette. But yes, I’m just being picky. However, it’s Davis’ Vivian Vance that’s key to the story. Davis plays Vance a little sweeter, a little lighter than the real actress and again, there seems to be no concern for sounding like the original. Nonetheless, Davis nails each of her many roles—from Betty Garrett and various secretaries throughout to Vivian Vance and even a male executive at one point—with comedic grace and sharp timing. Again, does she really look or even sound like Vance? No, but does she deliver the goods? Yes.

Living up to his last name, Brian Best as William Frawley, is indeed, the best at fully embodying the role. Best turns in a masterclass of voice acting. His portrayal of William Frawley is eerily accurate, perfectly capturing Frawley’s gravelly timbre and gruff charm, while also handling multiple other characters—including network head William Paley—and with more than a bit of a smokers cough, Best’s Parker McComas, President of I Love Lucy sponsor Philip Morris, is a scene stealer. Rounding out the ensemble, Eric Crawford, Chris Hill, and Tony Bernui each contribute energetic and distinctive performances that heighten the show’s humor. Crawford’s facial reactions, Hill’s authoritarian vibe and Bernaui’s ability to switch from portraying Lucille’s early radio husband, the dashing Richard Denning, to I Love Lucy season one director and friend of Vivian Vance, the theatrically flamboyant Marc Daniels, all add to the fun of the piece.

Musically, this expanded version of the show delights with nostalgic selections that evoke memories of classic I Love Lucy episodes, including I’ll See You in C-U-B-A, Friendship, California Here I Come, and the beloved I Love Lucy theme song, complete with a bit of a did you know who wrote it spoiler and Rainwater and Gaddy singing the rarely heard lyrics. Enhancing the musical score throughout, frequent Keeton musical director Roger Hutson’s piano recordings add a lighthearted, era-appropriate touch, while Steve Love’s sound design, Brooke Sanders’ lighting, wig design by Alison Gaddy (loosen up those wigs so they look more natural and like the real-life ladies they’re styled after) and Denese René Evans’ costumes work in harmony to transport the audience straight to midcentury Hollywood. Evans’ costumes throughout are quite fun and seemingly period authentic, I do wish that Lucille’s Emmy dress was accurate, through…again, I’m just being an overzealous Lucy fan.

In spite of my above-reference initial hesitations and a strangely tepid Opening Night audience (Note: it’s ok to laugh out loud and to applaud after a particularly entertaining scene) and what could probably be chalked up to first night jitters from the cast resulting in the majority of Act 1’s delivery being a tad flat with several lines coming across as monotone with not real inflection and somewhat memorized, rather than convincingly felt and delivered with punch, those initial hesitations faded once the cast found their groove.

Bottom line, The Keeton’s LUCY LOVES DESI is a sentimental, heartfelt tribute to two of television’s most influential pioneers and the creative force behind them that believed America just might take to heart the story of a zany redhead and her latin love. Equal parts history lesson, love story, and nostalgic romp, it captures the magic that made I Love Lucy timeless—and proves that behind every great laugh is a story worth telling.

LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom runs through October 26 at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, oh and speaking of dinner, just like Lucy enjoyed at The Brown Derby, in the February 7, 1955 Season 4 episode of I Love Lucy titled L.A. at Last, The Keeton is serving up Spaghetti and Meatballs with a side salad and croissant and dessert for the pre-show dinner.  CLICK HERE for tickets and showtimes. 

If you happened to miss my recent Rapid Fire 20Q with the cast, CLICK HERE to check it out.

Following LUCY LOVES DESI: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE SITCOM, The Keeton’s current season continues with SHE LOVES ME, onstage December 4-21, BIG FISH, running February 6-22, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG April 10-26, with STATE FAIR closing the season June 13-29! CLICK HERE for tickets and more details. 

So you don’t miss out on upcoming shows at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook. In the meantime, #GoSeeTheShow!

Theatre Review: ‘Dracula’ at Studio Tenn Sinks its Teeth into Gothic Perfection for the Halloween Season

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From the moment the lights dim at Turner Theatre at The Factory in Franklin and shadowed members of the ensemble began their hypnotic whispered “the blood is the life” mantra, Studio Tenn’s production of DRACULA (on stage through Sunday, October 26) takes a firm hold of its audience with a smart and tight grip. Under former Nashville Ballet artistic director Paul Vasterling’s direction, expertly aided by costume genius and set design phenom, Matt Logan, this staging of William McNulty’s adaptation (first made available in 2008) strides confidently between classic Gothic terror and gorgeous modern theatrical immediacy.

McNulty’s version—while drawing on the legacy of Deane & Balderstone’s earlier stage dramatizations of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel—makes clear that DRACULA is not meant to be the one-dimensional romantic antihero so often seen in television and film adaptations, but equally a predatory force. In the playwright’s own notes, the Count is emphatically a predator, not a lover.  That conception is borne out vividly here. From start to finish, this is a show that relies equally on precision, mood, and theatrical craft.

Jay Sullivan is chilling as Count Dracula. He doesn’t simply linger in darkness or seduce with tropes and languid charm; he strikes, unsettles, and stalks. Director Vasterling’s background in artistic movement are ever-present in Sullivan’s Dracula. Not only does he  enrapture the beautiful Mina (Savannah Stein) in a spell-binding dance early on, but with every jump-scare stage entrance, Sullivan’s Dracula moves with purpose. And yes, just for fun, there’s even a fully cloaked cape-tossing moment or two mixed in. Throughout, Sullivan’s Dracula’s presence is truly commanding. While he could easily fit the bill of the stereotypical matinee idol fanged icon, Sullivan is never merely handsome—remaining always horrifying.

Opposite him, Sullivan’s performances is beautifully balanced by Brian Webb Russell who gives a gravely controlled performance as Abram Van Helsing, anchoring the heroic opposition with clarity of intent and moral weight. Russell’s Van Helsing offers the perfect amount of sharp intellect and righteous urgency. His verbal sparring with Sullivan’s Dracula are electric—two forces circling each other in a battle of will and belief.

Morgan-Ellene Davis (Lucy Westphal) delivers one of the show’s most affecting arcs: her descent from bright innocence into vampiric torment is staged with heartbreaking clarity. Davis’ Lucy, once bitten, switches from demure to demonic with ease and believability.

As previously mentioned Stein’s Mina is simply breathtaking. As the Count’s earlier victim before the action of the play, Stein’s Mina is as enchanting as she is enchanted. A later scene involving Mina and The Child (Emily Stephens) is chillingly portrayed, evoking terror and tenderness as the undead Mina and The Child form a undead maternal bond that equally heartbreaking and horror.

Andrew Johnson (Dr. Thomas Seward) and Nathan Quay Thomas (Jonathan Harker) each ground the story in human urgency; their moments of fear, confusion, and resolve feel earned.

The trio of Lane Adam Williamson’s Renfield, DéYonté Jenkins’ Norbert Briggs and Catherine Gray’s Margaret Sullivan are tasked with carrying a bit of dark humor that helps temper the heavy suspense.

Williamson’s Renfield is the right mix of mania and pathos. Adding much-needed and unexpected light moments to the piece, Williamson’s Renfield is an absolute delight as he bounds around the stage in some sort of manic merriment. Truly a tour de force making the most of a role that is often portrayed simply as a fly-ingesting whack job, Williamson’s Renfield doesn’t just steal every scene he’s in, he steals it, strips it down for parts, rebuilds it and sells it to you again! 

Jenkins and Gray also shine as employees of Dr. Seward, offering a bit of fun and frivolity in their relationship. When (Spoiler Alert) Margaret falls under the Count’s spell, her maniacal side takes over and Gray plays it like that one bipolar friend who’s off her meds. Additionally, Jenkins’ Briggs, when interacting with the bothersome Renfield is quite fun to watch. 

On the subject of trios, the trio of brides—Savannah Stein, Jordan Tudor, and Emily Stephens—are ghostly and intoxicating. Their choreography, shifting entrances, and chilling harmonious wailings lend the production a spectral elegance.

Jonah M. Jackson as The Monster (the manifestation of Dracula’s cursed power) makes an audacious and visceral impression. His physicality in the climactic confrontation is bone-chilling, indeed.

Even the stagehands, cloaked in hood black, add to the seasonal spooktacular vibe.

From a design aspect, Matt Logan is simply a wunderkind. As mentioned above, Logan wears dual hats as scenic and costume designer, and his aesthetic is one of controlled Gothic minimalism. Rather than busying the stage with heavy, ornate wooden furniture, Logan has chosen to present a relatively stripped-down set design. Throughout the action, a pair of rolling stair units are easily moved for each scene change by the aforementioned cloaked stagehands, each with a lighted candelabra for effects. More candle-esque lighting is seen hanging high above the stage. Upstage is draped with a velvety fabric that reflects the light and seems to change color as the action (and Stephen Moss’ lighting cues) intensifies. Immediately in front of the drape Logan has designed a seemingly simple but effective stained glass backdrop reminiscent of oversized windows often seen atop a grand staircase in gothic castles of days gone by. Rather than present it as a typical pattern of multicolored glass, Logan’s stained glass appears to be translucent and iridescent shards in a circular pattern, not unlike a spider’s web. Perhaps yours truly is just too into the vampire lore, but I fancied Logan’s backdrop symbolic on many levels. The shards of glass represent the broken lives affected by the Count’s reign. The spiderweb-like pattern, a nod to the web of deceit the Count inflicts upon his victims. The iridescent glass, perhaps a call-back to the age-old notion that vampires cast no reflection.

Then there’s Logan’s costumes. Every costume a work of art. The female cast members regal and radiant in finery fitting the period of the action. Van Helsing’s leather wardrobe, perfectly fitting for battle. Renfield’s asylum attire tattered and torn, but with a hit of glamour by way of some blinged-out blood spots. But it’s Dracula’s wardrobe that is truly glamorous and entrancing. From his first appearance bare-chested, but corseted in black to a black jacket accented with blood-red beaded erratic epaulets when he returns from a mysterious night right. (Gotta love that this particular look gets no mention within the context of the play, but is a jarring visual clue to the most astute audience member). The beauty of that costume not without merit, my personal favorite is yet another black jacket and pants combination. The jacket, from one side appears nothing special as the hem hits just below the actor’s waist, but from front view, its asymmetrical as the other side is more the length of a morning coat. Perhaps another visual clue of the duality of the wearer? Just when you think Logan’s used up his bag of costume tricks, in the final scene Dracula appears the most sparkly transfixing figure yet, but I’ll let you experience that on your own.

Elsewhere among the creatives behind the scenes, Stephen Moss’ lighting (with contributions from Rylee Hickey) is a constant revelation: pools of cold moonlight, abrupt slashes of red, deep shadows that swallow actors whole. Danny Northup’s sound design magnifies the small — a footstep, the soft drawn breath, the low hum in a crypt, mysterious howls in the night — and turns them into moments of tension. Eric Pasto-Crosby’s fight choreography delivers fight sequences that are not merely stagey but grounded: scrambles in dim light, body’s crashing violently (and realistically) against walls and tables, accentuating both subtle and substantial power shifts. Nettie Mae Craft’s work as dialect coach ensures an authenticity to the time the action takes place. Meredith Schieltz and the wig and makeup team and dressers intensify the look without theater-of-the-grotesque excess, sustaining consistency even through blood and transformation. Props by Charlie Webb, scenic artistry by Lauren Walters, and the carpentry under Brandon Penry all contribute quietly but indispensably—when a creature of the night beckons, a window smashes, or the coffin appears, you believe it.

What impresses most about this DRACULA is how it leans into its horror while refusing sentimentality. McNulty’s choice to portray Dracula as predator (not tortured romantic) is honored here. That clarity gives other elements room to breathe: the trauma of Lucy’s affliction, Mina’s struggle with memory and agency, Van Helsing’s moral burden, Seward’s scientific disbelief challenged by the impossible.

The play’s structure (multiple fast scene changes, eerie transitions, raising stakes) is handled deftly. The pacing is smart: you never lose tension, but you’re given moments to breathe, to register dread, before it ratchets upward again. The final confrontation is, yes, wild and shocking — and fully satisfying.

Studio Tenn has earned a reputation for ambitious, emotionally rooted theater, and this DRACULA fits right in. It reminds me of their earlier presentations of Frankenstein and The Elephant Man. The earlier pieces ask “how do we see others?” While DRACULA  asks “what does it mean to be unseen, to prey and be preyed upon?” Each, done exceptionally well, move past spectacle into something more haunting. In DRACULA, they pivot to horror, but retain that same appetite for theatrical integrity.

The fact that The Elephant Man and Frankenstein focused on what it means to be seen, to be judged by appearances—and DRACULA similarly addresses what is hidden, what preys beneath the surface—makes them complementary bookends in Studio Tenn’s always forward-moving trajectory.

Studio Tenn’s DRACULA is a production about control—control of terror, of space, of silence, and finally, of life and death. Its success lies in restraint and focus: the cast, led by Sullivan and Russell, deliver committed and precise performances; Logan’s design and the entire technical team generates atmosphere that lives in your spine; and Vasterling’s direction always keeps more in shadow than in full reveal. After all, it’s what we don’t see that scares us the most.

If you’re looking for a Halloween theater experience that is both smart and visceral, Studio Tenn’s DRACULA is more than just a seasonal thrill—it’s a dark, disciplined piece of art. CLICK HERE for tickets and showtimes.

Following the drama of DRACULA, Studio Tenn lightens the mood with a PINK GOES GOOD WITH GREEN: A Cabaret Fundraiser for Studio Tenn at TPAC on November 8. Broadway stars Carrie St. Louis and Teal Wick, who both spent time on The Great White Way in the mega-hit WICKED, as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, will headline this one-night-only event. CLICK HERE for tickets or more info. Then, it’s a decidedly different holiday offering when Studio Tenn‘s Season 16 resumes as they present IRVING BERLIN’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, which happens to be my personal favorite musical…not just holiday musical, but my favorite musical of any genre and any era! CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

Wanna keep up with the latest from Studio Tenn? Be sure to check out Studio Tenn online at StudioTenn.com or on social media at Facebook, Instagram and X.

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. Until then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with cast of ‘Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom’; at Keeton Dinner Theatre Beginning October 10

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For their new production, The Keeton will present LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom by Gregg Oppenheimer, on stage October 10 through 26. Directed by the company’s managing administrator, Donna Driver, the show features Grace Gaddy as Lucille Ball, Jason Rainwater as Desi Arnaz, Michael Welch as Jess Oppenheimer, Cassidy Davis as Vivian Vance and Brian Best as William Frawley. If you know me, you know I’ve been a fan of I Love Lucy, and more to the point, it’s star Lucille Ball since writing a school paper on her during my freshman year of college. A few months ago Driver posted on Facebook asking for suggestion for their upcoming theatrical season. So I quickly commented that they should check into presenting the live radio play the junior Gregg had written, based on his father’s memoir. Thrilled when I learned the show had indeed been added to their season, I just had to chat with the cast for my latest Rapid Fire 20Q. So get ready to step back into the golden age of television and behind-the-scenes of LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom by Gregg Oppenheimer as I chat with the cast just days before the live radio play makes its Tennessee Premiere revealing just how of one of the most enduring televison series of all time came to be.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom

RAPID FIRE WITH GRACE GADDY, LUCILLE BALL IN LUCY LOVES DESI 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re portraying Lucille Ball in The Keeton’s production of LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom. With the audience’s idea of Lucille and her iconic Lucy Ricardo character such a presence in pop culture, was there any discussion with your director, Donna Driver on just how much of a characterization of Lucille Ball she wanted you to delve into as you make the character your own? 

GRACE GADDY: There were definitely discussions about how to portray Lucille in this production since there are so many versions of her you see over the span of her life and career. This play is very much dedicated to the legacy of the playwright’s father, Jess Oppenheimer, so it shines a light on all of their greatest moments. My portrayal of Lucille may give subtle hints at her strong willed, determination, but overall is a light and joyful reenactment of her journey to stardom alongside her love, Desi.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How have Denese Rene’ Evans’ costumes for the show aided in your Lucille transformation? 

GRACE GADDY: Denese is a genius and crafted a spot-on lineup of costumes for this production. Each outfit has allowed me to truly feel in tune with Lucille and Lucy alike. There are some outfits that look like they were picked right out of an episode of I Love Lucy which has made each scene even more fulfilling. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to sharing the stage with Jason Rainwater as Desi, you also have scenes with Tony Bernui as Richard Denning. Denning having played George Cugat opposite Lucille’s Liz Cugat in the pre-I Love Lucy radio show My Favorite Husband (Side Note: I love that the playwright included a scene from the radio show within this play). How much fun are you having sharing the stage with your two leading men?

GRACE GADDY: It has been absolutely delightful to work with each of them throughout the rehearsal process. Both Jason and Tony are class acts and their dedication to each scene has inspired and motivated me in my own role. Tony skillfully plays many characters in this show, but we have the most fun during our My Favorite Husband scenes, although his character, Richard Denning, may look a bit distressed at Liz’s antics. Jason’s portrayal of Desi is truly awe inspiring. Every choice he makes brings his character even more to life and has encouraged me in my characterization as well.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In LUCY LOVES DESI, as the powers that be are wheeling and dealing to get the sitcom green-lit there’s a lot of phone conversations the audience is privy to. Taking a queue from that, if you could have a phone conversation with Lucille Ball, what would you ask her?, AND What would you say to her?

GRACE GADDY: I would have to ask her what they put in that Vitameatavegamin bottle that had her chewing so much. But in all seriousness, I would ask her how it truly felt to be such a trailblazer in a time when women weren’t very autonomous. She got what she wanted and made history doing so. I would also like to tell her just how inspired I am by the woman she was on and off stage. She was such a beautiful, smart, hilarious, and determined woman who loved fiercely and made an iconic career out of being a goofball. Her legacy has always inspired me and my theatrical endeavors, because at the end of the day, all I want to do is make someone laugh. 

RAPID FIRE WITH JASON RAINWATER, DESI ARNAZ IN LUCY LOVES DESI 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Desi Arnaz, you’re on stage most of the time during Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom. What’s your secret to keeping your energy up and to making the dialogue sound fresh when you’ve rarely got a second off-stage?

JASON RAINWATER: A great thing about the narration that Desi provides in the play is that he’s talking to the audience as if they came to visit him in his living room and they asked him to tell a story. And does he ever have a story to tell! The secret? I want the audience just as excited to hear the story as I am to tell it to them. I owe it to them for the entirety of the play to let them know we’re sharing the journey together and I use that as motivation throughout the performance. In my mind, the audience for this show is the play that Desi is going to see and he wants to be just as glued to the story as I hope they will be. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Rainwater…I could be wrong, but that doesn’t exactly sound of Cuban origin, so, how are you approaching Desi’s distinct accent without it coming across as parody or too much of a stereotype? 

JASON RAINWATER: You got me there. My lineage is not Cuban. My family is a mixture of Native American and Mexican descent. Desi had a TV voice, but then he had his home voice. I did my best to study both and use the accents that I grew up listening to since I was a little boy and merge them the best I can. I think I have been successful and the praise from my fellow cast members regarding my accent has been very touching. Desi Arnaz in my family was idolized. So that pressure to not make my performance a caricature of the man is not just motivation for me as an actor, but for my family and heritage in my small way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your bio mentions you’re a Star Trek fan. Please tell me you already knew the Star Trek/Desi & Lucy connection by way of their production company, Desilu, before taking on the role of Desi? 

JASON RAINWATER: Desi and Lucy are the Godparents of Star Trek. They are also that for Mission Impossible, Our Miss Brooks and countless other creations that nearly every other production company turned away. That is what is great about Desi and Lucy. They created their brand, but they opened their arms to help create others. Growing up, my family only had one channel. Channel 6, and you knew you would get three things: The local news, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and I Love Lucy. So to say that both shows helped shape the person I am today, is an understatement.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Gregg Oppenheimer’s script does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of not only Lucille and Desi, but also offers audiences a bit of a peek at their I Love Lucy dynamic. Is there a particular scene or line that stands out to you as a personal favorite?

JASON RAINWATER: There are so many good scenes and while the finale is special, my favorite scene is a scene I share with Grace Gaddy who plays Lucy. All that is happening is that Desi is reading a letter. But, the letter shows just how cunning and ambitious Desi was, but without even saying it, it also shows the love Desi has for Lucy. To share that moment with Grace has been the biggest blessing of this whole experience. I adore her as a performer as much as Desi did Lucy.

RAPID FIRE WITH CASSIDY DAVIS, VIVIAN VANCE IN LUCY LOVES DESI 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before taking on the role of Vivian Vance, did you already know she came to join one of television’s most enduring comedies, or have you discovered her in a whole new way through this show? 

CASSIDY DAVIS: I’ve absolutely discovered Vivian in new ways! She was a fascinating gal – the consummate professional, persevering in a really tough business. She was wildly talented and had a huge range of character capability. Something a lot of people don’t consider is how difficult it is to be a good “sidekick”. Ethel’s function was to help Lucy shine while still holding her own. Can you imagine trying to do that next to Lucille Ball?! 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You mention in your show bio that you grew up watching reruns of I Love Lucy with your mom. With that in mind, what’s one episode that still makes you laugh every time?

CASSIDY DAVIS: To this day, my mom and I get in laughing fits watching The Ballet. My mom owned a dance studio when I was little, and I spent my formative years in ballet classes. So, to watch Lucille Ball swinging on a ballet barre in a tutu because her leg is stuck? Please. We have no chance of keeping our mascara intact. Laughing that hard with my mom is my favorite thing. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Has that personal memory of growing up enjoying the reruns with your Mom made the experience of being part of a show that celebrates I Love Lucy’s creation more meaningful to you?

CASSIDY DAVIS: Very much so. Like other Lucy fanatics, I’ve continued to find ways to include the show in my life. My I Love Lucy Barbies are in mint condition, my ringtone has been the theme song for about 10 years, and I still use the lampshades my mom and I collaged with black and white episode stills before I left for university. To be cast in a show written by Gregg Oppenheimer that allows me to embody people who’ve added so much joy to my life and those around me is beyond priceless.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While the zany adventures of Lucy and Ethel that play out in I Love Lucy are obviously exaggerated for comedic effect, I think we all see ourselves in the friendships between Lucy & Ethel and Ricky & Fred. In your own life, are you more often the Lucy or the Ethel?

CASSIDY DAVIS: That’s a tough one!  I think it depends on which life phase and which friends. As an oldest daughter, I’m usually the Ethel – cautious, a good listener, and adaptable. But I’ve certainly been my fair share of Lucy. Shoutout to childhood friends who got roped into doorbell ditching the neighbors during summer sleepovers.

RAPID FIRE WITH BRIAN BEST, WILLIAM FRAWLEY IN LUCY LOVES DESI

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I find it interesting that William Frawley is only in one scene, but thanks to Gregg Oppenheimer’s script, it’s a memorable one. Did you go back and study Frawley’s Fred Mertz to capture the actor’s mannerisms & gruff persona, or are you leaning more on your own high-waisted gut instincts?

BRIAN BEST: One of my favorite TV shows to watch growing up (reruns, of course) was I Love Lucy. Lucy’s hysterical physical comedy and the sharp sarcastic wit of Fred were part of my “school” for acting. Fred reminds me of a cuddly Grandpa…even if he is a little cranky. The memories from that show seem to live on in my mind…so I didn’t really need to study Fred. However, I did pull up a YouTube video to make sure I had his voice mimicked correctly right before the audition.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to playing William Frawley, you’re also juggling the roles of CBS executive Bill Paley, and more in LUCY LOVES DESI—Which character has been the biggest stretch for you, and which one feels most natural? 

BRIAN BEST: That is a difficult question. Characters and voices come very naturally to me. The voice that is most like mine is Paley. And honestly, the character that is most like me is Fred…although I’m NOT as cranky as he is. Paley may be the biggest stretch because his personality is much pushier than mine. My cast mates just reminded me that Parker McComas may be my biggest challenge because he coughs throughout his scene…and it sometimes becomes too real. The biggest challenge with these characters is remembering which voice goes with which character.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Frawley’s fondness for the occasional drink is mentioned in the script. In light of that, if you could belly-up to the bar with him, what would you order and what might you ask him? 

BRIAN BEST: I feel like Fred/Frawley would have been fun to hang out with anywhere. I am not a big drinker and usually make one drink last the entire night. Typically, it’s a fruity drink. I would ask him for advice…what to do and what NOT to do. His career may have been hurt by his attitude towards others that stemmed from his drinking. I would try to learn from him and see how it could help my own stage career.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Because LUCY LOVES DESI is presented as a radio play, sound effects are being performed onstage. If William Frawley had a sound effect, what would it be? AND…same question for you…If Brian Best had a sound effect, what would it sound like? 

BRIAN BEST: Sound effects…interesting question. I feel like Fred would be a low bass drum…or maybe a tuba…reminiscent of a marching band. Sounds that make people happy but are still a little rough…bossy…cranky. I feel like my sound effect would be the giggle that The Pillsbury Doughboy makes when his tummy is poked. Or a nice “awwww”…like when people see a good friend they haven’t seen in a while…or a little puppy dog. Or a trombone slide…because that’s fun. I think that, like Fred, I am a fun, lovable guy that makes people happy…just hopefully not as cranky!

RAPID FIRE WITH MICHAEL WELCH, JESS OPPENHEIMER IN LUCY LOVES DESI 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In LUCY LOVES DESI, you play Jess Oppenheimer, I Love Lucy’s producer and head writer. It was Jess’ posthumously-released memoir Laughs, Luck…and Lucy: How I Came to Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time co-authored by his son, Gregg, upon which the younger Oppenheimer based this play. Did you know much about Jess before auditioning for this role?

MICHAEL WELCH: I didn’t know much about him at all. I had only completed my usual pre-audition research. Listening to the audiobook version of the story by L.A. Theatre Works was quite helpful. The author, Gregg, was interviewed at the end of the show, so I was able to hear some tidbits directly from him. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Being a huge Lucille Ball fan and collector, myself, I was already familiar with the basics of how the classic sitcom came to be, but, speaking of research, in preparation of chatting with you and your cast mates, I read the script, and loved it. As you began preparing for the show, what surprised you about the script? 

MICHAEL WELCH: I was surprised by the warmth and tenderness of the characters. We have all heard how “show business” is a ruthless affair. However as presented in this show, Desi, Lucy and Jess seem to have a real friendship. I believe that will be translated to the audience. It is the romance between Lucy and Desi that was the real draw of the script for me. I might have shed a small tear when reading the last line of the script. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand the playwright won’t be able to be in attendance for the Nashville and Tennessee premiere production, but he’s asked that a video of the production be sent to him. What does knowing the playwright will not only see you perform, but also see you take on the role of his father mean to you as an actor? 

MICHAEL WELCH: Actually, I didn’t know that until now. My version of Jess is not an imitation. Jess was described as the “field general” and “the brains” of the outfit.  He just got things done. I hope that the playwright sees what I do as a reflection of what his father meant to I Love Lucy and to him. Hopefully, Gregg will be pleased with my effort.   

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I like to finish these interviews by asking…what do you hope audiences take with them after attending a performance of LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom?

MICHAEL WELCH: Honestly, I hope that it encourages them to watch the reruns of I Love Lucy. Now that they will know a little bit more about the people behind the characters, the iconic situation comedy will, hopefully, have a broader meaning and appeal. Can anyone watch the “candy on the conveyor belt scene” without cracking up? We all need a surefire laugh now and then.  

————-

Much like Lucy and Ethel’s best-laid plans, this Rapid Fire 20Q proved to be equal parts laughter and heart. After chatting with the cast, I’m confident The Keeton’s LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom promises to deliver both in spades—with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes hilarity and a cast that truly loves Lucy.

Catch LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom at The Keeton Dinner Theatre October 10-26. CLICK HERE for tickets and showtimes.

Following LUCY LOVES DESI: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE SITCOM, The Keeton’s current season continues with SHE LOVES ME, onstage December 4-21, BIG FISH, running February 6-22, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG April 10-26, with STATE FAIR closing the season June 13-29! CLICK HERE for tickets and more details.

So you don’t miss out on upcoming shows at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook. In the meantime, #GoSeeTheShow!

Theatre Preview: Studio Tenn Bites Into Darkness with ‘Dracula’; onstage October 9 thru 26

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Get ready, Middle Tennessee! From October 9 through October 26, Studio Tenn brings to life a chilling rendition of classic terror as they present William McNulty’s adaptation of DRACULA at the Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin. If their previous presentations of other monster hits like 2017’s The Elephant Man and their 2018 original adaptation of Frankenstein are any indication, this promises to be a horror-theater experience perfectly crafted for the Halloween season.

This version of DRACULA first surfaced in 2008. One aspect that sets apart McNulty’s adaptation is that his script places emphasis on suspense, danger, and the predatory nature of Dracula rather than romantic tropes often seen in the myriad of tv and film adaptations of the legendary tale. With creatives like Paul Vasterling at the helm as director, and visionary costumer and set designer Matt Logan once again returning to the company he co-founded, Studio Tenn’s production promises to lean into that darkness full force to frighteningly glorious results.

Jay Sullivan

The cast here is deep, textured, and brimming with promise. Jay Sullivan takes on Count Dracula, a role he previously played in 2014 at his longtime home theatre, Houston’s The Ally Theatre. He may be a Houston, Texas resident now, but Sullivan’s got local ties.  If memory serves, as a onetime season subscriber to Franklin’s now-gone, but much-beloved Boiler Room Theatre, myself, I recall seeing the young actor back in 2001 when he appeared amongst the cast of their production of A Chorus Line. After a few years, and several shows in and around New York, Sullivan made the move to Texas where he’s appeared  in dozens of productions at The Alley since his 2009 Houston debut as Orpheus in The Ally’s Eurydice. 

Brian Webb Russell

Opposing Sullivan’s Count is Nashville favorite, Brian Webb Russell as Van Helsing. No doubt a familiar face to area theatre audiences, throughout the last couple decades, Webb has appeared in various productions around town. His acting resume includes many shows with Nashville Repertory Theatre, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre and more. Like his onstage vampiric nemesis, Russell is also no stranger to the Dracula lore, having previously portrayed Simmons in a 2003 production of an adaptation by playwright Robert Neblett. entitled Dracula: The Case of the Silver Scream with Nashville Repertory Theatre back when they were known as Tennessee Repertory Theatre. 

Morgan-Ellene Davis

Morgan-Ellene Davis plays Lucy Westphal, perhaps the most tragic arc, moving from vitality into vulnerability under Dracula’s shadow. Among her previous credits, Davis appeared as the equally tragic Elizabeth LaVenza in Studio Tenn’s World Premiere  2018 production of playwright A.S. Peterson’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Additionally, Davis appeared as both Belle and Mrs. Cratchitt in Rabbit Room Theatre’s 2024 holiday offering A Christmas Carol, which was also adapted by Peterson.

Nathan Quay Thomas

Andrew Johnson

Nashville native, Andrew Johnson steps into the role of Dr. Thomas Seward for DRACULA. Johnson’s theatre credits include numerous Nashville Shakespeare Festival productions. Rounding out the principal cast of Studio Tenn‘s DRACULA is Nathan Quay Thomas as Jonathan Harker. Having appeared in the 2024 U.S. premiere of Maggie: The Musical at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut, Thomas’s role in Dracula marks a return to Studio Tenn as Thomas previously appeared in the company’s 2023 production of The Sound of Music.

In the supporting cast, Lane Adam Williamson plays Robert Renfield with DéYonté Jenkins as Norbert Briggs. Catherine Gray is Margaret Sullivan and Jonah M. Jackson takes on the iconic role of The Monster. A lifelong DRACULA fan myself…after all rumor has it I was named after Jonathan Harker…my personal favorite supporting characters are Dracula’s Brides. Studio Tenn has cast Savannah Stein (Mina/Bride 3), Jordan Tudor (Bride 1), and Emily Stephens (Bride 2/Child) to take on these hauntingly beautiful roles.

Behind the scenes, as mentioned above, former longtime artistic director for Nashville Ballet,  Paul Vasterling directs, marking Vasterling’s second collaboration with the company, having directed Cabaret for Studio Tenn just last year.

On the subject of Studio Tenn collaborators, former Studio Tenn founding artistic director, Matt Logan handles both scenic and costume design, assuring this production of DRACULA will be as mesmerizing as Count Dracula’s hypnotic gaze.

With a runtime of about 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, Studio Tenn will present DRACULA Wednesdays thru Sundays, October 9-26. CLICK HERE for day and time details and to purchase tickets.

Mixed throughout the run, Studio Tenn will offer the following enhanced performances:

• October 19 (Sunday matinee at 1:00 PM) features a Talkback — stick around after the performance to hear from cast and crew about the rehearsal journey and creative choices.  

• October 18 (Saturday, 2:00 PM) is an ASL-interpreted performance.  

• October 25 (Saturday, 2:00 PM) is a Sensory-Friendly performance, with modified lighting, sound, and comfort supports.  

• Discounts apply for students, military/veterans, educators, and groups of 8+.  

Because Studio Tenn sells tickets only through Ticketmaster or their in-house box office, it’s best to secure seats early. As of this preview article, Opening Night is already reported as sold out.  

If you’re in Franklin or Nashville, this DRACULA is sure to be more than a seasonal treat. It’s sure to be an undeniable, irresistable pull into the darkness, a test of nerves…an invitation to watch what otherwise lurks in shadows. And with that Talkback on October 19, audience members get a chance not just to observe but to engage. Mark your calendars, take someone you dare to spook, and be ready to look over your shoulder as you exit the Turner Theatre and hopefully make your way back to your car. Studio Tenn’s DRACULA opens Thursday, October 9 and continues through Sunday, October 26.

Following the drama of DRACULA, Studio Tenn lightens the mood with a PINK GOES GOOD WITH GREEN: A Cabaret Fundraiser for Studio Tenn at TPAC on November 8. Broadway stars Carrie St. Louis and Teal Wick, who both spent time on The Great White Way in the mega-hit WICKED, as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, will headline this one-night-only event. CLICK HERE for tickets or more info. Then, it’s a decidedly different holiday offering when Studio Tenn‘s Season 16 resumes as they present IRVING BERLIN’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, which happens to be my personal favorite musical…not just holiday musical, but my favorite musical of any genre and any era! CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

Wanna keep up with the latest from Studio Tenn? Be sure to check out Studio Tenn online at StudioTenn.com or on social media at Facebook, Instagram and X.

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. Until then, #GoSeeTheShow!