Once again, the holidays are upon us. After the past several months, it’s definitely time to celebrate with the gift of live theatre! As Angela Lansbury sang in the Broadway favorite, Mame, We Need a Little Christmas…NOW. To that end, husband and wife creative team Barry and Dari Anne Amato have joined forces with the owners of Fiddle Dee Farms (7526 Swift Rd, Greenbrier, TN 37073) to present We Need a LOT of Christmas, an all-new dinner theatre experience at Fiddle Dee Farms’ Barn. Dinner theatre in a barn…sounds familiar, right? Well, guess what? Joining in on the fun are some of Nashville’s best known performers, a few of which just so happen to have performed in a number of shows at Nashville’s beloved Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre. Joining the Amatos and Chaffin’s alumni, there’s a couple other performers. One whose career is just beginning, another who’s making their return to Nashville after a stint in New York, and yet another who’s magic has delighted audiences across the globe. One thing’s for certain, all of them are coming together to make the season bright with select performances now through the end of the year.
As the cast readied the show and themselves for their Friday, November 26 opening night, I recently had a opportunity to chat with a few of the featured performers about the show, their holiday memories and the excitement of the holidays for my latest Rapid Fire 20Q interview feature.
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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH CAST OF FIDDLE DEE FARMS’ WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS; OPENING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
RAPID FIRE WITH WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS’ BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO
JHP: From what I understand you two met while performing at Opryland USA. Since then you’ve worked together many times and even co-run a production company, We Need a Lot of Christmas being your latest venture. Gotta ask…What’s the best part of being married to your business partner and co-star?
BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO: Since our early days at Opryland, we have never known anything else except being together 24/7 while working. For some, that may be a hard thing to do but we have always found the joy in not only being husband and wife but sharing our gifts together creatively. We both bring different strengths to the table which makes for a successful partnership. When we do step apart to do individuals things, it just doesn’t feel right to us.
JHP: For those not familiar, what can you tell me about The Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms and why it’s the perfect venue for this show’s debut?
BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO: For us, The Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms is perfect for a couple of reasons. We have always been big time fans of the movie, White Christmas and have always said, “wouldn’t it be great to produce a Christmas show in a setting just like the movie?” Little did we know that would be in our paths. The barn is, for starters is a beautiful venue but also provides the backdrop of what the theme of White Christmas is mainly about. On the other hand, the barn also fills a void of the beloved Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre that was one a Nashville’s treasure. This gives patrons an opportunity to create a new tradition with Fiddle Dee Farm.
JHP: Unless it purely coincidental, among the cast is Magician Bruce Amato, i’m guessing y’all are related. Having performed throughout the US and Europe. What can you tell me about Bruce and his contributions to the show?
BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO: It’s exciting to have our brother Bruce involved in this production. He is one of the main reasons there is a show since co-owners Karen and Craig Pulley have always wanted to do a Christmas show with him involved. He brings a fun element to the production that helps buffer all the different scenes. Bruce comes to the stage with many years of experience as a professional illusionist having worked with David Copperfield and is also highly sought after in the world of magicians for lectures, performances and professional guidance.
JHP: Tell me more about how We Need a Lot of Christmas came about?
BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO: Ironically, Dari Anne was helping a friend with a wedding that was being held at Fiddle Dee Farms. Karen Pulley said to Dari Anne, “you and your husband are show producers…right?” My brother Bruce has performed for their fall festival for years and had mentioned our names to her and her husband, Craig. At that time, we were totally unaware that her husband, Craig, use to be the director of the television show we produced for The Nashville Network, The Wildhorse Saloon dance television series. We didn’t realize that he, along with Karen, own Fiddle Dee Farms. So all along we had a indirect affiliation that stems back years and didn’t even know it at first. Funny how certain people in your life come around full circle!
JHP: Having been married nearly 25 years, do you two have a favorite Christmas memory?
BARRY AND DARI ANNE AMATO: Christmas is such special time of the year for us. We try to create new memories every year but I would have to say the most precious memory to us was Christmas 1993. We were both performing in Dollywood’s production, Christmas In the Smokies. It was a wonderful season of renewal of our faith in God and following Jesus. It was such an overwhelming since of calling and our lives have never been the same!
RAPID FIRE WITH WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS’ BILLY DITTY
JHP: In recent years you’ve kept yourself busy primarily behind the scenes as a one of Music City’s go-to choreographers and costumers for some of Nashville’s most-cherished performance organizations. That said, what’s it like returning to the stage as a featured performer?
BILLY DITTY: I would like to say that it was just like riding a bicycle, but the reality is that I had to get my mental game back on point. It took me some time in rehearsal, to get by brain up to speed as far as focus and retention. I’ve always kept a few plates spinning at one time but post Covid I feel like I had to let a few plates go and focus on fewer things to handle to the real work onstage.The work has paid off. The amount of joy I receive each day from this show feels great!I’m tired but its a good tired.
JHP: You and I have known each other for years and if memory serves, some of your earliest performances happened onstage at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre. To that end, this show features a few Chaffin’s alum. Given that, and the fact that this show is being mounted at That Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms, does the experience give you familiar vibes?
BILLY DITTY: It does bring back great memories of those times, the Holiday shows I worked on there and how much we laughed. The laughter is very similar. We are also a funny, high spirited, opinionated, talented group that sometimes acts like family.
JHP: On the subject of your fellow castmates, this cast’s theatre credits are brimming with choreographers. Does that mean audiences might get a chance to see some Dittyography in the mix?
BILLY DITTY: Yes, I was asked to contribute a few sections. I used my dance class students at Bellevue Performing Arts Center (where I teach) as Guinea Pigs to work out some sections before presenting choreography to the cast. All of the cast was invited to collaborate in the creation of this piece. We are a talented group of strong minded creatives so the urge to just step forward and solve the creative problem is strong. We have been really respectful about offering up our individual wisdom at the right time. It feels more like support, that way!
JHP: Do you have favorite segment of the show?
BILLY DITTY: Probably the Men’s Medley. There is no choreography but the vocals are delicious and worth the sweat. The music is mesmerizing to me. I’m going to rehearse it again right after these questions…..
JHP: What is your Christmas wish this year?
BILLY DITTY: My wish is for the world to allow the Arts to come back in a bigger better, meaningful way. Theater is certainly back, in one form or another, and I’m thankful for any performing art. The natural growth of the arts in Nashville has been stunted and it may be some time before it gets fully back on track as far as money, budgets, growth, staff numbers, pay scale, production, talent, outreach programs. I’m it for the long haul and I need it to work for me, my tribe and for Nashville’s overall culture.
RAPID FIRE WITH WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS’ CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO
JHP: After more than a year of no live theatre, how excited are you to be onstage again?
CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO: More than you can even imagine because for me, It’s been even longer. I haven’t really been onstage since before the birth of my son so it’s been over three years for me.I’m so thrilled that the theater world is coming back to life and that I get to be a part of it.
JHP: When I saw you were part of the cast of We Need a Lot of Christmas, I knew I had to chat with you. So, what’s been the best aspect of being part of this show for you?
CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO: Performing with some of my best friends who also just happen to be some of the most talented people in Nashville. It’s a total joy to be onstage with people you’ve loved for years.
JHP: If my social media stalking and math skills serve me well, your precious little boy will be nearly 3 by the time Santa comes this year. Is this shaping up to the be best Christmas ever at your house?
CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO: That’s right! And yes! We are having the best time. He calls Santa Christmas and loves everything about Christmas so far which makes it so much more fun for me. I’ve always loved the Holidays but there’s something magical about experiencing it through the eyes of a child that makes it so much better.
JHP: From what I know, this show is presented in segments grouping specific types of holiday tunes together. Without even knowing what songs are included, I’m guessing my favorite will be the Movie Music offerings. Do you have a favorite segment or song, whether you’re part of the performance or not?
CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO: I’m with you on that one! I’ve watched White Christmas so many times I could quote the entire movie so so tunes are a favorite for sure. But I think the spiritual section might be my favorite of this show.
JHP: What’s your ideal Christmas Day consist of?
CHARLYNN CARTER-LATTO: We start big on Christmas Eve in my family. Niko is playing a sheep in the church Christmas Eve nativity program which is going to be wonderful and hilarious I’m sure. He’s got quite the personality. And then we always go to my mom’s house for a huge appetizer spread and gifts. And my mom happens to be the best cook on earth! Then Christmas morning with Niko is going to be nothing short of magical. I can’t wait.
RAPID FIRE WITH WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS’ CURTIS REED
JHP: When I chatted with Billy, I noted this show is chock-full of choreographers, including yourself. Did you contribute to any of the show’s choreo?
CURTIS REED: There are quite a few multi-faceted performers in this show and I am definitely lucky enough to be one of them. While I didn’t contribute heavily to the choreo, we all helped each other finesse the dance numbers and lent our services where needed. I helped quite a bit with the development of the show and the writing for the comedic sketches we have sprinkled throughout. Having this show as a collaborative effort just makes it that much better!
JHP: Among your co-stars is the lovely Jenny Norris. Like yourself, she’s another Chaffin’s alumni. How much fun are the two of you having?
CURTIS REED: Anytime someone puts Jenny and I in a show together, comedy and mischief will ensue! She is most definitely my “person” and we have been in shows together every year since I first moved here back in the fall of 2014. I am so very very fortunate that we continue to share the stage together and our hijinks have not gotten us into too much trouble! LOL There are several Chaffin’s Barn Alumni in this show that we hope our Barn patrons will want to see in action again! Aside from Jenny and Myself, we have Billy Ditty who had a very long stint at the Barn along with Charlynn Grace (Carter) Lotto. In fact, my very first show at Chaffin’s (All Shook Up), Jenny, Myself and Charlynn all shared the stage together! Now we are all together again and it feels like one big happy family!
JHP: There’s also a few cast members Nashville audiences might not be as familiar with, including Jordan Long, who recently returned to Tennessee after a stint in New York and a couple of national Broadway tours, and Amanda Disney, a life long performer who marked her professional stage debut just a few months ago.If you were helping Santa with his Naughty and Nice lists, which each of them end up on and why? And remember, Santa’s watching so choose your words carefully.
CURTIS REED: Well Jonathan, everyone’s a little bit naughty LOL. I have had so much fun with everyone in this cast! Getting together with old friends and making new ones in the process. I was fortunate enough to work with Amanda on her Nashville debut which is how we ended up in this show together! The level of talent and skill in this cast is just outstanding! Now, to answer that question, If I HAD to inform Santa as to who might be naughty, that list would definitely include myself, Billy Ditty, the surprise attack naughty elf, Jenny – because as before-mentioned, she is my partner in crime, Jordan, who is very quick-witted and funny and Charlynn, the unassuming southern belle. We definitely make up the naughty list in this show……. in the BEST way possible. I will say, there is a point at every rehearsal where we must have reached the witching hour and we all start egging each other on and the belly laughs are contagious. That to me is the best part of working with such a close cast.
JHP: I understand this show is a musical review, that’s woven together with a few vignettes of dialogue. Furthermore, you help pen said dialogue. Can you tell me a little about that process?
CURTIS REED: I was so humbled that Barry and Dari Anne trusted me and wanted my input on the comedic aspect of this show as well as how the show would be structured. Working with them is always amazing and being a big part of this inaugural behemoth of a show was something I was definitely ready for after the year and a half we all had to deal with. Quite honestly, dealing with the lack of theater and covid and other hardships helped us really hone in on what we wanted to bring a lightness to and poke fun at if you will. Having to get used to new technologies like Zoom calls, learning through Youtube videos and the Internet, being apart from human contact, all that helped fuel our funnies. I think that our stand-out comedic moments are sure to get plenty of belly laughs from the audience and make their Holiday Season that much brighter.
JHP: I still remember the Christmas that Santa brought me my Evel Knieval Scramble Van and Stunt Cycle…and my Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman action figures. Do you remember and specific Christmas gifts from your childhood?
CURTIS REED: Oooo that’s a good one! I do remember the one year I found a fish bowl with two goldfish in it that I was VERY excited about. I promptly named them Goldie and Lucky. There was another Christmas that I was a little too young to remember, however the photo proof and stories I have been told lend me to believe the year I got a Giant Stuffed Unicorn that Little Curtis could ride on was also a big hit. Apparently after that gift was opened all others were forgotten and all I wanted to do was hug and cuddle with the Unicorn. I mean, can you blame me though?
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We Need a Lot of Christmas opens Friday, November 26 and runs through December 31 with evening and matinee performances on select dates. Evening performances begin at 7:30p.m. and prices range from $69.95 to $74.95, both including a full dinner buffet courtesy The Bakery Box and featuring your choice of Spinach Stuffed Chicken or Smoked Pork Loin with Apple Chutney. Side options include Au Gratin Potatoes, Green Beans with Almond Slivers, Salad and Fresh Rolls and a selection of Dessert options.
Matinee performances are $49.95, with the show beginning at 1p.m. and featuring a gourmet box lunch. Tickets are also available for a special New Year’s Eve performance beginning at 8p.m. for $110.00. The New Year’s Eve celebration includes the above-mentioned holiday buffet plus a meet and greet with the cast and producers, fun and games, party favors, noisemakers, post-show dancing with music provided by a DJ, dance lessons courtesy the cast, more magic from Bruce Amato, post-show hors d’oeuvres and holiday desserts and of course, champagne at midnight. CLICK HERE for tickets. For more, check out We Need a Lot of Christmas on Facebook and Instagram.
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