Live Performance

Rapid Fire 20Q: On the Run and On the Record with ‘Some Like It Hot’ National Tour Cast; at TPAC April 21-26

April 21, 2026 by Jonathan

When the national tour of Some Like It Hot taps its way into Tennessee Performing Arts Center April 21–26, audiences can expect a high-octane blend of classic Hollywood glamour, sharp-edged comedy, and full-throttle musical theatre spectacle. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago and a cross-country escape to California, the show follows two musicians on the run who find themselves embedded in an all-female band—leading to mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and plenty of tap-dancing chaos.

At the center of it all is a company of performers tasked with balancing farce, heart, and precision night after night. With the Music City dates marking the final stop on the show’s current tour schedule, JHPEntertainment caught up with cast members Edward Juvier (Osgood), DeQuina Moore (Sweet Sue), Matt Allen (Mulligan), Devon Goffman (Spats), and Devon Hadsell (Minnie) for a Rapid Fire 20Q—covering everything from character approach to the mechanics of keeping a show this fast-moving fresh on tour.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF SOME LIKE IT HOT NATIONAL TOUR

RAPID FIRE WITH SOME LIKE IT HOT‘s SWEET SUE, DEQUINA MOORE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Sweet Sue, you’re front and center during the show’s opening number, “What Are You Thirsty For?” How exhilarating is it to kick off the show with this number each night?

DEQUINA MOORE: It’s BEYOND exhilarating, honestly! My heart is pounding, my excitement is through the roof, and I get chills sometimes once the audience is moved to scream! To be able to tell the story with such large belly notes and humungous presence and such power and control are all traits of a number that most artists can only dream of. Sweet Sue gets to set the tone and the pace of the show, and also the energy! She holds it all in the palm of her hands from the very beginning, and as much fun as it is, it’s also a lot of responsibility–one that can never ever be taken for granted. So every single show, I try to take the bull by the horns, no matter how I’m feeling personally, and get the show started with a BANG! The music of the speakeasy and the life of Prohibition struggles and fights for survival all have to be prevalent themes from the very top!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What are YOU thirsty for?

DEQUINA MOORE: Whew, that’s a great question! I, as Sweet Sue, am “thirsty” for a life that is not scared of the day-to-day. Just to live without going to jail for the selfish gangsters that she works for is what she’s really working hard towards. Selling booze under the table for them and then always having to take the heat for them is EXHAUSTING! She would much rather make her music, lead her band, teach some life lessons, and rest without stressing for a change. The sweet and simple life is within her grasp, but trying to make sure she makes enough money for the night, all while being Black and female, is the never-ending trial she has to face and eventually conquer as the story unfolds.

As, DeQuina Moore, the artist and dreamer, I am “thirsty” for more time with my new baby boy, Kevin Montrel! He’smy dream these days, only 1 year old, and he holds my entire heart and soul in the palm of his little hands. I cannot wait to sing to him more and dance with him, and play with him and have our little chats, and go outside and play, and keep him from putting everything in his mouth, and teach him all the life lessons like how to share and how to be friendly, and how to maintain his humility all while remaining confident…and so on and so forth! I am extremely “thirsty” for these moments with Baby Kevin, and I simply cannot wait!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the key to keeping Sue grounded in such a heightened world?

DEQUINA MOORE: I think the key to keeping Sweet Sue grounded in such a heightened world is constantly remembering what she needs and what she wants. She is so hyper-focused on reaching her dreams that it makes her also a true lifesaver, literally and figuratively. Not only is she working hard so that she can help provide for her own family and herself back home, but she is also keeping in mind the life and the dreams of all of her band members.

Every single lady that is a part of Sue’s lineup has a family and aspirations of their own, and it’s extremely important throughout the arc of the story that Sue never loses site of that. Therefore, her stakes remain very high, to the point where she can’t ever stray too far from her goals. Music and ultimately succeeding with the band is actually life or death for her! So, any and all distractions/noise of any kind that’s all around her must be put on the backburner or be completely ignored in order for her to be the hero she is in this extraordinary story.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What part of Sue’s journey resonates most with you personally?

DEQUINA MOORE: The part of Sue’s journey that resonates with me the most is most certainly the surprise that she is hit with suddenly and subliminally as she grows and matures in her bandleading position. As it all unfolds, she’s not just a director and a manager, but she’s also a huge maternal figure to every single lady. She’s a mother figure to so many, and this is a role that is very unexpected for the character. So in the moments where Sue would rather remain hard and stern and disciplinary, she actually, at times, has to find her soft side and rely on her femininity and her truth as not just a woman, but a mother in order to get her through some of the toughest moments in the story.

This particular character trait is crucial for the story to work. It’s part of the heart of the journey. It’s what makes not only the ladies fall in love with Sue, but also is what makes them want to remain in her band. They not only feel protected physically, but also emotionally, and this is what makes all their relationships even more relatable and interesting to the audience. It adds a level of complication that makes sense, which is never easy to play, but very easyand thrilling to spot and witness!

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RAPID FIRE WITH SOME LIKE IT HOT‘s MULLIGAN, MATT ALLEN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Milligan, you’re the show’s “straight man”. What is the challenge of playing it straight in a farce like Some Like It Hot?

MATT ALLEN: Hello Jonathan, and thanks for these amazing questions! With a cast of gifted actors/comedians, playing the “straight man” is an honor and a breeze. And with a finely crafted script like this one, it also becomes acutely necessary for there to be a “straight man” in the beginning of the show to give the pertinent information that tells the story to allow the characters to make their drastic decisions that sparks the basis for this zany, off the wall, and touching story.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alright, I can’t waste this opportunity…Putting Some Like It Hot aside for just a second…What’s your favorite memory of your time in Once Upon a One More Time, the 2023 all-Britney Spears jukebox feminist fairytale?

MATT ALLEN: Wow, I didn’t see this one coming!! And thanks for doing your research. There were so many incredible moments with Once Upon a One More Time, but the one that immediately pops up when you asked the question was the moment I received the “Legacy Robe” on Opening Night. That ceremony is so rich in tradition, and such and honor. The first time I witnessed a Legacy Robe ceremony many years ago, I wondered if I would ever be so lucky to be a recipient. And then to receive not only one, but two Legacy Robes kind of blew my mind. And funny enough, both robes I received were on the exact same stage at the exact same theatre, The Marriott Marquis, [the first being 2018] with Escape to Margaritaville!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Back to Some Like It Hot…Without giving too much away concerning a bit of…‘undercover work’ during a particular chase scene, how much fun are you having each night when it’s time to trap Spats in a Josephine-esque honeypot?

MATT ALLEN: Well, as you put it, with being the “straight man,” this is my first opportunity to really jump in on the fun that has been happening on stage all night. However, none of this fun could truly happen without the brilliant writing of this show. Watching and feeling the journey of this show finally coming down to this moment of truth is a real thrill each and every night. Everyone is onstage at this moment, and all the storylines have merged to form a very dramatic and comedic pinnacle. Needless to say, it’s about as much fun as you can possibly have in a classic musical theatre setting…DREAMY!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The audience quickly learn what/who Milligan is pursuing. What’s Matt after?

MATT ALLEN: Well Jonathan, I’m “after” the constant search for happiness, I guess. I am lucky to be blessed with an abundance of it, but it takes work and effort to keep it. My wife, Paula, and my dog, Vixen, provide a tremendous amount of happiness for me. But I haven’t seen them very often while on tour. I am lucky to be able to say my work provides me with happiness, and especially with this show because of its gifted cast and incredible script. So sometimes work, which makes me happy, takes me away from family, which also makes me happy. It requires work to balance all of that out. So in the pursuit of happiness, I guess I am also after “balance.” Wow, thanks Jonathan for that question! It helped me work this all out…I guess I am really after balance!

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RAPID FIRE WITH SOME LIKE IT HOT‘s SPATS, DEVON GOFFMAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As someone who worked alongside Simon Cowell during the original first two seasons of American Idol, I gotta admit, I literally LOL’d when I ran across a clip of you comparing Spats Colombo to a “Simon Cowell of the 1930s”…care to expand on that a bit?

DEVON GOFFMAN: Aw, yes! I’m a huge fan of Simon, and I loved watching him on those original seasons of American Idol. He was always tough on the exterior… but had a heart of gold that would just melt from the right performance. Watching Simon be soothed by the best performance was what the audience waited for– soothing the “savage” beast. I feel like Spats Colombo may be a tough, and “literally savage” mobster from Chicago. But everything he does in the show is driven by him searching for the best talent for his club. It was Prohibition, and no matter what, Spats wants the top-notch entertainers working at HIS club. He’sproud of it. He respects it, and he forgets about his dark motives when watching Sugar Kane sing a ballad. (Leandra Ellis-Gaston melts Spats, me, and the crowd every night with her vocals & gutsy performance). If you notice, a lot of the “mob” bosses in organized crime in the 30’s wore the best suits with the best fabrics, ate the finest meals, and drank the finest liquor and wines. They wanted only the best singers & dancers in their club. Fortunately, that’s what the audiences get when they watch our company of Some Like it Hot. And the finest suits/threads–Gregg Barnes won a Tony for the costumes. And my three piece suit & tux… when I put those on, I’m catapulted into 1933.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What makes Spats more than a traditional gangster antagonist and so fun to play?

DEVON GOFFMAN: Spats is so much fun. He gets to bring the frightening truth of the 30’s organized crime to a show with fun songs, tap dancing, and great laughs. Slowing down the show a bit with a sense of humor, combined with a sense of ominous fear. That where good theatre starts: having that opposing energy. Spats loves to crack jokes, and he loves to crack craniums as well.

The St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago is what the “moment” of this show is based on. That’s scary real stuff. Bringing a bit of that reality into a very fun comedy really makes for an interesting story. I love that I get to join in on Casey Nicholaw’shistoric and genius choreography in the show. I like to call some of it Door-E-Ography…he won the Tony Award for the genius Choreography in the show. I’m lucky Spats gets to join in on it! What a thrill.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With half a dozen tours from Jersey Boys to Grease to your credit, What’s been the most rewarding aspect of playing this role on this tour?

DEVON GOFFMAN: I’m fortunate to have done a hand full of really great musicals on the road. Great music, and some great scripts. Some Like It Hot MAY be one of the funniest scripts I’ve gotten to do. It’s got the sit-com laughs, and hearing the realaudience every night (for 580+ shows) on the road laughing throughout… it’s encouraging. I think theatre is heading into a great Renaissance period of time. People are starved for connection, and genuine entertainment that isn’t on a screen.

Especially the young people. They seem to be reallyinspired by this show. It is nice to see people put down their phones for 2.5 hours and laugh, smile, cheer, and maybe even tear up a bit! Live theatre at its best. But the laughs are the secret weapon of this show–audiences walk out feeling GOOD!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When I chatted with Matt, I mentioned the scene when Mulligan goes…“undercover” to trap Spats. How do you keep it together and in-character during the hilarity of this particular situation opposite Matt?

DEVON GOFFMAN: Yeah, the first time I saw Matt Allen “undercover” was tough not to break on stage. That goofball dressed up like that drove me to the brink! He’s a hilarious actor with such great energy on and off stage. Our company is led by some veteran performers who have really been doing this all our lives. Edward Juvier is a comic genius who makes every Osgood moment shine bright with honesty and kindness. Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine is one of those unicorn performers who can do EVERYTHING well, and always has a huge smile and a hug waiting for you offstage! Having leadership like them in the building since day one on this tour truly set the tone. Tavis Kordell is an extraordinary talent with a huge heart that shines as Jerry/Daphne! DeQuina Moore & Devon Hadsell bring so much good energy, and endless experience to their roles. Kindness + Work Ethic + Joy = a Show that Radiates! We are a family. Every theatre show doesn’t have to become a family… but this tour has become the best kind of one. One that cares for each other and keeps the love of the show, and experience for the audience as our number one objective.

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RAPID FIRE WITH SOME LIKE IT HOT‘s MINNIE, DEVON HADSELL

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having understudied the role of Minnie during the show’s Broadway run and now taking on the role for the touring company, How do you feel you’ve made Minnie your own? AND…what do you love most about her?

DEVON HADSELL: First of all, I feel so grateful to have understudied Minnie on Broadway and to then originate this role for tour. The way I’ve made this character my own is I tried to deepen Minnie’s connection with Sweet Sue and her need to make Sweet Sue happy. I also leaned into Minnie’s ditziness and her bad memory when it comes to knowing the correct apartment she’s supposed to grab things from. I LOVE that Minnie is always down for a good time and a good gimmick. She’s got major talent on the drums and never goes anywhere without her cigarettes.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Minnie seems like the kind of character with an interesting backstory. In your own mind, as you’ve developed your portrayal, what’s something you’ve imagine in Minnie’s past that led her to where she is?

DEVON HADSELL: Something I always imagined in Minnie’s past was a divorce from a guy she got married to when she was very young. I imagine it was a messy one, and she’s decided she’s through with men for the time being and is excited to devote her life to empowering women through this girl band with Sue. I think she’d be open to finding love in the future, but for now, she’s having a blast living life on her own terms and being a little wild.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Minnie has a penchant for having sticky fingers. IF you could get away with it, what’ssomething you might ‘lift’ from the show—a set piece, a prop, a bit of wardrobe—after the tour is over?

DEVON HADSELL: Oh my gosh! If I could take my deep purple Mexico dress with the orange flowers and sparkling pendant in the front, I’d be sooooo happy. The shawl I wear with it is gorgeous too. It’s my favorite costume I wear in the entire show, and it’s for the number, “Let’s Be Bad”.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Sweet Sue’s right-hand-woman, Minnie manages the all-girl band, The Syncopators. If you were to start a band, what would you call it AND what role would you play in it?

DEVON HADSELL: If I were to start a band I’d name it “Velvet Vixens” and I’d be the Manager and Conductor and also play the keys!

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RAPID FIRE WITH SOME LIKE IT HOT‘s OSGOOD, EDWARD JUVIER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What drew you to the role of Osgood in this production?

EDWARD JUVIER: I was drawn to Osgood immediately. He leads with curiosity instead of judgment, and the chance to play someone who is wildly funny and grounded in love and acceptance is something any actor would jump at. As a Cuban American, it’s rare to find a role that feels so specifically Latin in its roots while still living fully in the world of American musical theater.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In the source material, writer/director Billy Wilder’s 1959 blockbuster film, Osgood is played mostly for laughs and the brunt of jokes, especially in his pursuit of Daphne. In the stage musical, he’s still funny, but more the comedic hero. What’s your favorite aspect of this change in the character?

EDWARD JUVIER: I love that he’s in on the joke now. He’s not the punchline, he’s part of the storytelling in a real way. More than that, his love is taken seriously. He sees Daphne clearly and chooses her without hesitation, and that gives him a kind of quiet strength that makes the comedy land in a much more joyful way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of Osgood’s featured musical numbers, Do you have a favorite, or does that change night-to-night, venue-to-venue, audience-to-audience?

EDWARD JUVIER: It honestly changes. Marc and Scott wrote such a rich score for Osgood, and what I love most is how much the audience shapes each moment. You can feel when they’re leaning in, when they’re surprised, when they’re rooting for him. So my favorite tends to be whatever moment feels most alive in that particular room. That said, “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” is a gorgeous song that I love singing and sharing every night.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them long after seeing Some Like It Hot?

EDWARD JUVIER: I hope they leave feeling a little lighter and a little more open. At its heart, the show is about seeing people for who they truly are, and choosing love anyway. If someone walks out laughing, humming a tune, and maybe thinking a little differently about how they show up for others, then we’ve done our job.

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With a show that thrives on timing, chemistry, and sheer momentum, it’s clear this company has found its rhythm on the road. Whether navigating the demands of farce, anchoring the story’s emotional beats, or keeping pace with some of the most intricate staging currently touring, each performer brings a distinct perspective to a production that refuses to slow down.

Some Like It Hot plays TPAC‘s Jackson Hall April 21 thru 26—delivering a fast, funny, and thoroughly modern take on a classic story, with just the right amount of old-school showbiz shine. CLICK HERE for tickets. To follow Some Like It Hot, check out their official site or find them on Facebook, X, Insta and TikTok.

While this may be the end of the road for Some Like It Hot‘s current national tour schedule, TPAC‘s Broadway season continues next with Water for Elephants on stage May 12-17. Then it’s the return of two favorites with Book of Mormon June 2-17 followed by Hamilton June 17-28. You can also follow TPAC on socials: TPAC on Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook.

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

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

Rapid Fire 20Q with Musical Theater Stars Rachel Potter, Elle McLemore, Marty Thomas and Jelani Remy; ‘Off Broadway: That’s So High School’ at Analog at The Hutton April 18

April 14, 2026 by Jonathan

Pop quiz: What happens when Broadway favorites, high school nostalgia, and one seriously chic Nashville venue collide for one night only? Enter That’s So High School, the latest installment in the ever-buzzy Off Broadway series at Analog at The Hutton Hotel on Saturday, April 18. Led by the unstoppable Rachel Potter (The Addams Family, Evita) and featuring a lineup that includes Elle McLemore (Heathers, Bring It On, Grease Live), Marty Thomas (Xanadu, Wicked), and Jelani Remy (High School Musical, The Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations), this one-night-only event is serving throwback realness with powerhouse vocals to match. Before the curtain goes up (and the prom afterparty kicks in), we put the cast through our signature Rapid Fire 20Q because, after all, as the song says, “We’re All in This Together!”

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH BROADWAY PERFORMERS HEADED TO ANALOG FOR OFF BROADWAY: THAT’s SO HIGH SCHOOL

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH OFF BROADWAY: THAT’s SO HIGH SCHOOL‘s ELLE MCLEMORE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With the built-in pedigree of having originated the Broadway roles of both Bring It On’s Eva and Heathers: The Musical’s Heather McNamara, plus playing Patty Simcox in 2016’s Grease Live, you seem tailor-made for Off Broadway: That’s So High School. Did it take much convincing for you to agree to be part of it?

ELLE McLEMORE: Thank you, Jonathan! HahaI I will say, I normally am the first person to typecast myself out of things, but this couldn’t be more on brand, so zero convincing at all. To quote Heathers–“High school never really ends.”

When I found out Taylor Louderman was on board as well, I was very excited to reunite with her, as we made our Broadway debuts together playing the villain and hero in Bring It On The Musical! In a way, It feels like we went to high school and grew up together, so it’s gonna be really fun being onstage again all grown up.

I’ve also never been to Nashville before, so I am very excited to spend a bit of time here with this really special group of people!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With each Off Broadway at Analog at Hutton Hotel, Rachel Potter has proven herself something along the lines of Music City’s own Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon of the theatre world, so…How did you and Rachel first met?

ELLE McLEMORE: That is AMAZING! Rachel is such a powerhouse. Not only do I think she’s one of the greatest vocalists of our time, she’s also an entrepreneur, mom, actress, and the director/ producer responsible for bringing all this theatre magic to Music City! It’s truly special what she has created and I don’t know how she sleeps? LOL!

I first was introduced to Rachel ironically (or by fate’s design) while I was doing Bring It On in NYC. She was doing a concert called The Glitter Ball at New World Stages. I remember being on Pinterest for WEEKS leading up to this event, as we were all trying to figure out what “sparkly” outfits to wear, and how to rhinestone our eye makeup. I have photos for receipts if you need. Needless to say, I’ve since been a fan, and honored to be a part of her Kevin Bacon lore.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Taking a queue from your Insta, Who would you include on your Mount Rushmore of High School characters? and YES it’s OK to include at least one that you have played yourself…

ELLE McLEMORE: I LOVE IT. Okay I need you to know how hard I thought about this, as these games are my world. So here we go:

1. Patty Simcox (Grease)

I know this is controversial, and the correct choice should probably be Danny Zuko or Sandy, but since you said I could pick one of my characters, this is the one I would go with. Rydell High School simply would not function without Patty Simcox. She was head of the cheerleading squad, student council, yearbook committee, holding dance competitions, all while literally running for office (Student Council Vice President). She embodies high school, through every generation. All I can say is…missed opportunity, Danny.

2. Troy Bolton (High School Musical)

I had a cardboard cutout of Zac Efron from Blockbuster in my childhood bedroom that lives rent free in my heart forever. So maybe that’s subconsciously why I think he’s “peak” as the kids say, but I actually think it’s more! He challenged high school hierarchies and gender norms with his passion for both basketball and theatre that I honestly just find so inspiring. He’s got that perfect “coming of age “ and “breaking the status quo” arc it requires to be on my mountain range.

3. Regina George (Mean Girls)

Although Heathers came 15 or so years earlier, Mean Girls was my generation’s EVERYTHING. If you’re a millennial you probably lived and breathed this movie while wearing your Juicy Couture sweatsuit and Tiffany and Co necklace. If Troy Bolton is the “good guy” archetype, Regina George represents that beautiful “dictator” role that exists in almost every high school setting. Also, I just adore Rachel McAdams and obviously Taylor Louderman, too.

4. Cher Horowitz (Clueless)

This was hard. I could have gone Marty McFly, Tracy Turnblad or even Veronica Sawyer for honorable mentions, but we have to round it out with Cher. There’s something about her being the optimistic (clueless) protagonist that annoyingly gets away with everything that is just “so high school” to me. I also just love her outfits and the 90’s Beverly Hills setting. As IF!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In preparation of chatting with you I did an online sleuthing via your fabulous socials, where I learned that last year you traveled to Japan to be part of a Masterclass. What was that experience like?

ELLE McLEMORE: I am honored to have been a small part of your “doom scroll”, Jonathan. Thank you so much. If you haven’t been to Japan, please put it on your bucket list, ASAP! It’s truly life changing. It was very special for me, as I am a quarter Japanese, and I got to see a lot of where I came from. My mom is also a performer (she is a dancer turned Las Vegas showgirl) and Tokyo and Okinawa Japan is where she began her performer journey at 18. So to be at the birth place of where it began for the both of us, then teaching students younger than me was one of those cull circle moments. To have students show up in a classroom half way across the world singing your songs in Japanese, was just something I never imagined possible. Even with a small language barrier, It showed me that the language of musical theatre is truly universal. They are so incredibly respectful, disciplined and passionate. Something I really took note of is, for a culture that has a reputation of being reserved, they are also so deeply open, raw and brave. Their talent was INSANE. I left there thinking, wow I really need to step my game up…

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s next for you?

ELLE McLEMORE: I’m really excited about this next chapter. I’ve been focusing a lot the last three years on building my own production studio, Established Magic with my husband, Josh. We have created some beautiful cinematic work in partnership with some of the biggest brands all over the world, that I’m really proud of. I started acting professionally in LA when I was 16, and as the entertainment landscape has evolved, it became really clear to me I needed to create my stories, on my own terms. It’s hard as an artist to give your power away to an entity outside of yourself, and I really admire people that go out there and do their own thing— exactly like what you’re doing here, Jonathan!

I also host a show/podcast called PLAYDATE, where we play games (like the Mount Rushmore one!)— it’s adult slumber party game night vibes on the internet. It kind of blew up on YouTube, so I have been slowly integrating it into longer form content with interviews. Aside from that, I would just love to to keep blending storytelling/performing/traveling and creating an expansive career— along with spend as much time with my fur son, my golden retriever Marshmallow, as possible (main priority). And I’m always open to jumping back on stage when the right project comes along. But ONLY if it’s set in high school.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH OFF BROADWAY: THAT’s SO HIGH SCHOOL‘s MARTY THOMAS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In 2019 you released the album Slow Dancing with a Boy. At the time, it was described as a prom-themed piece, so you seem a natural choice for Off Broadway: That’s So High School. Was it an immediate yes when Rachel asked you to be part of this fun night of musical memories?

MARTY THOMAS: Absolutely! I threw a prom for my album release party/concert, and Rachel was both on the album and at the prom! We had such a great time, I can’t imagine that evening wasn’t partially responsible for a prom coming to Nashville! We had such a blast. I’m so glad we get to do it again!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On your album Slow Dancing with a Boy, Rachel provided guest vocals on the track “Dreamlover”. How did that come about? AND…any chance you two might perform it live at That’s So High School?

MARTY THOMAS: I love that record so much. I don’t think we will be performing that, mainly because it’s a Broadway themed evening. When Rachel lived in NYC, we had a country band with our best friend Jamey Ray. We would rearrange pop tunes to have bluegrass and country vibes. This Mariah Carey tune was my favorite of our collection. I just HAD to get a studio recording of it.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your Broadway credits include Wicked and Xanadu. I’m just gonna admit it…I LOVE all things Xanadu. Whether we are talking about ONJ’s movie or the musical. What’s your favorite memory of your time with Xanadu on Broadway?

MARTY THOMAS: Oh gosh finding just one is impossible. Xanadu was such a huge window of my life, but the tremendous cast is the highlight for me. I got to work with some of the most talented iconic performers out there and I’ll never forget it. The Tony awards was a definitive highlight as well!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Any Spoilers for what the Nashville audience can expect from you at That’s So High School?

MARTY THOMAS: Those lucky folks are in for a fun nostalgic evening. Amazing singers, great band, super cool ambiance, great drinks, I’m hoping everyone gets dressed up for the prom theme!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As much as I wanna ask about your 1992 Star Search Junior win over some girl named Britney Spears, I’ll just ask WHEN can we expect OR…What have you got coming up next?

MARTY THOMAS: Oh man, Slow Dancing With A Boy really would make an amazing musical. I’ll have to get back to you on that! I’m touring so much this year, but have been working on a new album slowly but surely!

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH OFF BROADWAY: THAT’s SO HIGH SCHOOL‘s JELANI REMY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In 2019, you and Rachel Potter were among those performing at a gala celebrating Broadway composer & lyricist, Andrew Lippa. Was that the first time you and Rachel met? AND How did she convince you to be part of her latest Off Broadway series of one-night-only concert events here in Nashville?

JELANI REMY: Rachel and I met while I was on tour doing High School Musical maybe 2006 ish? Our cast crossed paths with the casts from the park and I was introduced to her incredible talents and connected to her beautiful heart. We have always kept in touch rooting for each other ever since so when she called me to be part of this – I immediately said yes! Well, to be honest -she asked me earlier but I was booked at Disneyworld which is actually ironic. However, I think being part of this show particularly is quite perfection!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: To my way of thinking, Grease is the granddaddy of all high school musicals, therefore, High School Musical is the daddy, or at the the older brother. It has been 20 years since the phenom began, after all. Having played Chad Danforth in High School Musical during the 2007-2008 concert tour, what is it about these types of musicals that resonates as time passes?

JELANI REMY: We have to talk about the fact that the first solo I sang was “Those Magic Changes” my freshman year of high school! It changed me. Bit by that theater bug forever. Fast forward to landing High School Musical. The beginning of my career!

The thing about these shows is that those years- the high school ones are so formidable and relatable to everyone! The friends you had- the phases – the teachers. They made you. They stay with you and if you happened to be in the theater department.. it was the start of something new……. lol

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While I saw you on stage in the original High School Musical national tour, it wasn’t until a few years later when I not only saw you as Simba in The Lion King, but was also fortunate enough to get to know you a little during the tours four week residency at Nashville‘s TPAC. What’s among your favorite memories of your time with The Lion King? AND…Any chance Nashville audiences might get a little Simba song during Off Broadway: That’s So High School?

JELANI REMY: My favorite memory of The Lion King is 10 years of telling an iconic story to so many! I really grew up with that show and Simba means more to man than anyone will know! Though I did the show for a bit- no show was the same! That’s magic of theater. I will say I had an absolute blast in Nashville on tour and can’t wait to be back!

I can’t give any secrets away! Come to the show and find out!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While Off Broadway: That’s So High School brings you back to your roots—HSM having been your first pro gig (if my research proves correct)—it’s not your first time to revisit Wildcats country. In 2024, you directed a HSM tour cast reunion at New York’s iconic 54 Below. What was a highlight of that night for you, both as a HSM alum and as the show’s director?

JELANI REMY: As I put on my director choreographer hat. I was honored to be given this opportunity to bring my Wildcat family together to revisit the show and lift up our musical director Bryan Louiselle. A highlight of that night was our version of “When There Was Me and You” It was beautiful and for Our Bryan.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: All right, I can’t do this interview with you and not mention something. A few years ago, at my request, you created a video encouraging the cast of a local production of The Lion King Jr. As someone who got their professional start not long after their own high school experience how important is it to encourage the next generation of performers?

JELANI REMY: Yes, yes and more yes! They are the future! It’s vital! It’s a joy of mine to let others know that they can and should! We are essential to humanity.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH OFF BROADWAY: THAT’s SO HIGH SCHOOL‘s RACHEL POTTER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did you come up with the idea for the Off Broadway series at Analog?

RACHEL POTTER: This series was really a happy accident! I have always wanted to start an event series here in Nashville for Broadway/musical theater folk, but the venue had never really made itself known. I actually reached out to Analog to be the location for my Broadway album release party in Nashville, but they said, “Actually, we have this idea for a Wicked themed event, maybe you could collaborate with us on it and maybe host it?” So, together, we came up with this fabulous event, and it was such a success that the Hutton and Analog were excited to keep it going – and so am I! I’ve fallen into the role of producer, performer and host, which is a big job, but the payoff is so worth it. My good friend Chris Brent Davis is the musical brain behind my visions, and I couldn’t do it without him!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The latest, Off Broadway: That’s So High School is the fourth in the ongoing series, right? Can you give me a sneak peek as far as what shows are being represented this go-round?

RACHEL POTTER: Yes, the 4th! So far, we have had Witch, Please! (Wicked), Best of Broadway, and An Evening of Magic (Disney). This month’s show will visit all the most popular musicals about high school: Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Bring it On, and Grease, of course! Also, a very important detail, we are having a Prom Dance Afterparty in the space right after the concert!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: So…Is it too late to request “Reproduction” or “Cool Rider” from Grease 2?

RACHEL POTTER: Unfortunately, yes, but you’ll be happy to hear Grease is definitely represented from the first film!! You’ll have to put your requests in sooner next time… this takes lots of planning and having people learn numbers in advance!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For this Rapid Fire 20Q, in addition to our conversation, I’m also chatting with Elle, Jelani & Marty. Who else have you lined up for Off Broadway: That’s So High School?

RACHEL POTTER: Oh, it is such a great lineup… in addition to those legends Taylor Louderman (Tony Nominee for Regina George in Mean Girls, Lauren in Kinky Boots, Bring it On), Carolina Rial (The Voice), Ben Laxton (Book of Mormon Broadway), Jada Wasserman (TikTok Star), and Nashville Musical theater artists Erin McCracken and Dustin Davis.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you have audiences take with them after attending one of your Off Broadway nights? AND…what’s up next for this concert series?

RACHEL POTTER: JOY and CONNECTION. So much of what’s going on in the world today is dark and always seems to be getting worse. At the end of the day, if I can bring meaningful connection and joy to my community through music and storytelling, then that is a huge win. We are all walking this human experience together, and while different, we’re actually way more similar than we are led to believe. Our night allows music and theater to tell human stories and brings our Nashville community together in a way they aren’t accustomed to. It’s thrilling to be a part of, and to hear from the audience how much they are getting from our evenings together.

What’s coming next? Just you wait! If Nashville continues to show up, we will only keep growing this special thing and getting cooler opportunities to create theater magic with Analog! July 11 will be The Room Where it Happened, featuring music of protest and patriotism, from musicals like Hamilton, Spring Awakening, Les Mis, Hair, and more! Then, our season closer on October 30 and 31 will be The Addams Family Musical in Concert! I will be reprising my role as Wednesday alongside Broadway, National Tour, and regional cast alumni, complete with the musical composer, Andrew Lippa, here to narrate! The hotel will incorporate a haunted house immersive element – it is going to be SO FUN. We are already dreaming up next year’s themes, and I’m so excited to begin casting them. Keep an eye on Off Broadway at the Hutton, Nashville – these one-night-only events are not to be missed!

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Just because these interviews are over, don’t think for a minute that class is dismissed! From Wildcats to Plastics, pep rallies to power ballads, Off Broadway: That’s So High School, Saturday, April 18 at 8pm (doors at 7) at Analog at The Hutton (1808 West End Ave. Nashville, 37203) promises a nostalgia-fueled night that hits every note—and then invites you to dance it out after. With a cast this stacked and a concept this irresistible, Off Broadway at Analog continues to prove that Music City has a serious theater heartbeat. Off Broadway : That’s So High School Reserved Seating Tickets are $60 and General Admission Tickets forare $35. You don’t need a permission slip, so consider this your official homework: CLICK HERE to grab your tickets, dress for the prom (obvi), and get ready to relive the glory days—now THAT’S an after school assignment I think we can all get into.

To keep up with all happenings at Analog at The Hutton, CLICK HERE or follow them on Facebook and Insta.

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

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

April 8, 2026 by Jonathan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“All the girls you will never see

Forever a Mystery

All the Girls with their secret ways

All the Girls who went… astray.

Be Careful”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEOW MEOW: DIVINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 31, 2026 by Jonathan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rapid Fire 20Q with Cast Members of Playhouse 615’s ‘The Little Foxes’; onstage beginning March 20

March 19, 2026 by Jonathan

For such an intimate little theatre tucked away in a row of shops in Mount Juliet–just fifteen minutes from downtown Nashville–Playhouse 615 frequently presents a wide variety of plays throughout each theatre season ranging from farce to drama, camp to classics. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that for their latest production they’re presenting the bold, character-driven story of The Little Foxes, Lillian Hellman’s searing portrait of greed, power, and family dynamics. In this Rapid Fire 20Q, we catch up with cast members Ann Street-Kavanagh, Zoë Garner, Phil Brady, and Gwendolyn Clinton as they dive into their roles, reflect on this particular production’s modern lens, touch on a bit of familial nepotism and unpack what makes this American classic continue to resonate with audiences today.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF PLAYHOUSE 615’s THE LITTLE FOXES

RAPID FIRE WITH THE LITTLE FOXES’ REGINA GIDDENS, ANN STREET-KAVANAGH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The Little Foxes‘ Regina Giddens is one of the great roles in the American theatre canon. As a co-founder of Playhouse 615, I gotta ask…were you always gonna play Regina or did you actually have to audition for the role alongside others?

ANN STREET KAVANAGH: Actually, the show was chosen for [another actress], as Regina. We are huge fans of her talent, and consider her theatre royalty in Nashville. Unfortunately, she decided to step down for personal reasons. At Playhouse 615, I always audition for any role I play. I would like to think that my work stands for itself, and that I don’t need to “call dibs” on a role in order to be cast.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What was it about The Little Foxes that made it feel like the right choice for this particular season?

ANN STREET KAVANAGH: We always include a play of classic genre. The story is a powerful look at family dynamics and could be set in any time period and still be relevant.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On that subject, in a recent post on Playhouse 615’s social media, it was revealed that co-directors Joel Meriweather and Preston Alexander Raymer have reimagined Hellman’s classic through a “sharp, modern lens.” As a huge fan of the 1941 film version of The Little Foxes, which kept the story in its original 1900 timeframe, as did 2017’s Broadway revival… should I be worried?

ANN STREET KAVANAGH: You shouldn’t be worried at all! The script itself is intact other than a few minor things to update monetary amounts, etc.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Regina is ruthless, brilliant, and endlessly calculating. What have you discovered about her motivations while working through Lillian Hellman’s script that surprised you the most?

ANN STREET KAVANAGH: That beyond being ruthless, brilliant, and endlessly calculating, she’s just really selfish to the core. She wants “things” and isn’t too interested in relationships of any kind unless they bring her more material things and a standing in society.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While Tallulah Bankhead first brought Hellman’s Regina to fire-breathing life on the stage in 1939, it’s arguably Bette Davis’ turn in the film that’s most associated with the role. Of course Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon alternated in the role during its most recent Broadway revival. So, what’s it like taking your place among these powerhouses of stage and screen as you put your touch on the legendary role of Regina Giddens??

ANN STREET KAVANAGH: Some powerhouse women indeed! Of course, I’d seen The Little Foxes, but that was years ago. I try to never watch someone else’s performance while in rehearsals. I want to explore the character without influence. I am delighted to add this character to my resume! As someone who usually does comedy, it’s been refreshing to play a villian, of sorts. I closed Birthday Candles at Lakewood Theatre about 2 weeks ago, so to jump from playing a very pleasant, loving woman to one who is only pleasant when it suits her, has been a lot of fun!

RAPID FIRE WITH THE LITTLE FOXES‘ ALEXANDRA GIDDENS, ZOË GARNER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After spending much of your youth on stage, then stepping away from acting for a while, what made now the right moment—and Alexandra in Playhouse 615’s The Little Foxes the right role—to return to acting?

ZOË GARNER: It was always my intention to return to the stage when life calmed down enough for me. After living abroad for a while and finally being free from night shifts I was keeping an eye out everywhere for a place to start again. Joel is a director I worked with a long time ago when I had first started acting. It felt like a natural fit to try and work with him again to shake off the rust.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How do you approach portraying Alexandra’s transformative moral awakening over the course of The Little Foxes?

ZOË GARNER: I feel it’s like waking up from a daydream. When you’re young you’re used to people telling you not to worry about it. Especially about the challenging and often times emotionally charged interactions that come from adult relationships. At some point though you have to realize that looking away and pretending it’s not your problem is only going to cause you other problems. So it’s like waking up, not from a dead sleep, but from something you didn’t want to see.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re sharing the stage with Ann Street Kavanagh as Regina—Alexandra’s formidable mother. What has that dynamic been like both in rehearsal and off-stage?

ZOË GARNER: It’s cliche to say but it’s honestly it’s been a privilege to share the stage with her. I spent so much of my childhood acting up with older, more accomplished actresses. And now I feel like I’m standing side by side with fantastic scene partners. Being able to go from stupid jokes and gags backstage to intense on stage confrontations without batting an eye feels natural and exciting.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This production also marks your first time working with Playhouse 615. What has the experience with the company been like so far?

ZOË GARNER: It feels like the type of home that theatre has always felt like. Well, the type good theatres feel like! There’s also an attention to the safety and comfort of the actors that I appreciate.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alexandra ultimately chooses a very different path than the rest of her family. What do you hope modern audiences—watching this story unfold in 2026—take away from her journey?

ZOË GARNER: As the daughter of a mother or a son of a father or a child of a parent we don’t have to obey just because we always have. Because it’s the path of least resistance. If it’s something you believe in strongly, it’s not too late to talk back. Your family is who you choose it to be, not just who tells you what to do.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE LITTLE FOXES‘ OSCAR HUBBARD, PHIL BRADY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Let’s start with the obvious question—how is it possible this is your first show with Playhouse 615?

PHIL BRADY: I’ve done shows with Joel and Ann in the past, but the drive from almost Bellevue to Mt. Juliet at rush hour for rehearsal has kept me away.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Oscar Hubbard is one of the more openly unpleasant characters in The Little Foxes. When you first read the script, what stood out to you about him?

PHIL BRADY: I noticed how determined he was to secure his son’s future and to take every advantage to make it happen even if it meant putting Leo in the same situation as himself: marrying for money.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hellman gives Oscar some brutally revealing dialogue about power, money, and entitlement. Is there a particular bit of dialogue that you love delivering within the script?

PHIL BRADY: My favorite section is when he and Leo are coming to agreement about getting his uncle to “lend” him bonds to make the cotton mill deal. The line that I think sums up the Hubbard phylosophy: “People aught to help other people, but that’s not always the way it happens. And so sometimes you have to think of yourself.”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How do you find the balance between leaning into Oscar’s villainy and making him feel like a real person?

PHIL BRADY: Oscar is like all of us: a product of his circumstances and choices; so both his villainy and better self work to achieve his goals.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: At its core, The Little Foxes is about the corrosive nature of ambition. Where do you see Oscar fitting into that larger moral ecosystem of the Hubbard family?

PHIL BRADY: I see Oscar as the blue heeler that tries to herd the family into prosperity.

RAPID FIRE WITH THE LITTLE FOXES’ ADDIE, GWENDOLYN CLINTON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If memory serves, Playhouse 615 audiences first saw you as Calliope in Lysistrata, you stage managed their Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, and appeared as Kate in Good People last fall, now you’re back onstage…this time as Addie in The Little Foxes. How has that journey—from performer to backstage collaborator and back again—shaped the way you approach this role with this company?

GWENDOLYN CLINTON: I am someone who works better when I know the why of how things are done. Working back of house is a great way to learn the why of theater and to appreciate the importance of every part of the production. I think theater is magic and I love the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and learn the tricks. Being back onstage fuels my soul and having the backstage experience makes me want to do my best and do my part to make the production the best it can be.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Addie is sometimes discussed in the context of the “mammy” trope in American drama, yet in Hellman’s script she also serves as the play’s moral compass. How did you approach honoring the full scope and complexity of the character?

GWENDOLYN CLINTON: The mammy trope is a complicated one. While their existence was belittled and mocked for entertainment purposes, these women did exist. They took care of the households and mothered other people’s children while their own children were often in the fields working under extremely harsh conditions. My approach to Addie is to treat her character with the respect she deserved while also showing the toll this type of work took on these women physically and emotionally.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Exploring that a bit more…What does it mean to portray Addie in 2026—nearly a century after the play premiered—especially given how conversations about representation and historical context have evolved?

GWENDOLYN CLINTON: It makes me proud. Women like Addie existed and I think it’s important to tell their stories with the respect they deserve. The opportunity to play Addie in 2026 allows me to breathe more complexity into the character.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Much of Addie’s power comes from observation and restraint rather than big speeches. How do you build that quiet strength and watchful presence onstage?

GWENDOLYN CLINTON: The best way for me to do this is to truly understand who Addie is as a person, examines her relationships with those she interacts with, and to understand her motivations. This helps me to not waste a single moment onstage. Silence speaks volumes and I want Addie’s to be deafening.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your background includes years as a Latin dance teacher, performer, and touring company director. Do any of those movement or storytelling instincts carry over into the way you inhabit a character like Addie?

GWENDOLYN CLINTON: Absolutely. The different rhythms of latin music is what I connect to when dancing. Those rhythms tell a story that is important when translating those stories into dance. Understanding Addie and connecting to the rhythm of her life is the best thing I can do to help tell her story.

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Playhouse 615’s production of The Little Foxes runs March 20 through April 5, with performances held at Playhouse 615 11920 Lebanon Rd, Mount Juliet, TN. Friday and Saturday Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM, with Sunday matinee performances at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $17 for Seniors/Military and $20 for Adults. All tickets are General Admission. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets or call the box office at 615.319.7031. Whether you’re revisiting this American classic or experiencing it for the first time, this sharp, modern staging promises an interesting night of theatre just outside Nashville.

Next up at Playhouse 615 is God of Carnage onstage May 1-17, followed by Ain’t Misbehavin’ June 5-21 and Agatha Christie‘s The Unexpected Guest on-stage July 17-August 2. For more from Playhouse 615, check out their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta, Threads and X. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with ‘Back to the Future the Musical’ National Tour’s Marty, Lorraine, Biff and Doc; at TPAC thru Sunday

March 18, 2026 by Jonathan

When Back to the Future: The Musical hits the stage, it doesn’t just revisit a beloved story—it supercharges it with theatrical spectacle, heart, and 1.21 gigawatts of energy. On Tuesday, March 17 the National Tour set their destination to TPAC’s Jackson Hall for a five-day, 8-show run thru Sunday, March 22, inviting audiences to hop in the DeLorean and experience Hill Valley like never before.

In this edition of Rapid Fire 20Q, we caught up with BTTF‘s Marty McFly-Lucas Hallauer, Doc Brown-David Josefsberg, Lorraine Baines-McFly-Kathryn Adeline, and Biff Tannen-Nathaniel Hackmann to talk about stepping into iconic roles, honoring a cinematic legacy, life on the road, and the 88mph magic that brings this time-traveling adventure to life eight shows a week.

So buckle up, dreamers! It’s time to go Back to the Future!

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL

RAPID FIRE WITH BACK TO THE FUTURE’S MARTY MCFLY, LUCAS HALLAUER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You joined the national tour originally as a swing before stepping into the starring role of Marty McFly early in 2025. What was that transition like—from covering multiple tracks to suddenly being the guy tasked with securing his own future every night?

LUCAS HALLAUER: Getting to launch this tour and be part of the Original Tour Cast was an absolute dream come true, and when we started this tour I would have never imagined that I would be in the position that I am today. Both of the jobs I’ve had on this tour are incredibly difficult for different reasons. Obviously performing the high-energy role of Marty 8x a week is no joke and it’s the most vocally taxing show I’ve ever done, but as a swing, not knowing which of my 8 tracks they were going to put me on for was much more emotionally taxing and stress inducing. Swings and understudies are truly the backbone of our industry and they don’t get nearly enough credit for it. I’m incredibly grateful for my time as a swing because I learned so much and it gave me an even greater respect for the swings and understudies in the cast.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Marty McFly, of course, was made famous on screen by Michael J. Fox. What aspects of the character felt most important for you to capture when stepping into the role?

LUCAS HALLAUER: The great thing about Back To The Future being such a popular movie is that most people likely know the characters and the story already. And for good reason, people really love these characters. Our director John Rando and Bob Gale, the creator of the franchise, were very open about us creating our own versions of these characters. And I think what helps with that is the bits in our show that aren’t in the movie. Obviously, because it’s a musical, we sing and dance, and that gives us an opportunity to see more into these characters mind’s and get a deeper understanding of them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Back to the Future carries a huge nostalgia factor, especially for audiences who grew up with the movie. Has performing the show night after night given you a deeper appreciation for what the story means to fans of a certain generation?

LUCAS HALLAUER: Absolutely. I was a fan of the movie before auditioning for the show, so I can understand the love and passion that fans have for the films. Doing this show every night, and having met so many of the people involved in creating that franchise like Bob Gale, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, & Lea Thompson (to name a few) has only strengthened my love for Back To The Future and I’m so grateful to be even a small part of that legacy.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Marty’s wardrobe—from the puffer vest to the sneakers, perfectly reimagined for the stage by scenic and costume designer Tim Hatley—is instantly recognizable. What’s it like to put on that iconic costume each night and step into such a visually legendary look?

LUCAS HALLAUER: The design team has spared no expense to make sure that these iconic costumes look like the ones from the films. I love being able to live out my 80’s fantasy every night in denim on denim, and the 50’s prom outfit that Marty gets to wear has always been one of my favorites, so as a Back to the Future fan, these costumes have definitely been fun for me to play around in. I will say that we go through a lot of those sneakers though. Running around our stage 8x a week means beating those things up pretty thoroughly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2023 and not long after find yourself starring in a major national tour. Has there been a moment during this run where you stopped and thought, “Okay…this is really happening”?

LUCAS HALLAUER: I’m still not sure I’ve come to terms with it. I visited my alma mater recently to attend a 25th Anniversary Gala, and while I was there it almost felt as if I had never left. The past 3 years that I’ve been touring have been so surreal and every day I think I’ll wake up from the dream. Every once in a while, I’ll finish the show and look out into the crowd and just try to take in the moment, because it truly has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I will forever be grateful to Back To The Future for that.

RAPID FIRE WITH BACK TO THE FUTURE’S LORRAINE BAINES, KATHRYN ADELINE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Lorraine is such an interesting character because of the time-travel element of the story. What’s it like sharing the stage with Lucas’ Marty as both the future son she’ll eventually have and the mysterious guy her teenage self suddenly develops a crush on?

KATHRYN ADELINE: First – playing this role opposite Lucas has been an amazing experience. He is so funny and talented, and I often feel like I’m literally in the movie. Along with the entire company, we are having a blast telling this story each and every night. Playing Lorraine comes with a challenging dynamic because the character lives at the intersection of comedy and sincerity. Young Lorraine feels a connection with Marty and an attraction towards him in a way that she has never experienced before. “There’s just something about that boy!” What creates the comedic tension is that both Marty and the audience know something she does not- He is her son. So it becomes this balance of playing the innocence of a genuine and curious teenage girl discovering her own feelings and desires, while allowing the comedy of the surreal nature of the situation to live on top. The two different versions of 1985 Lorraine highlight the truth that our choices and life experience help define who we become.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As you mention, Lorraine transforms quite a bit between the first time audiences see her, then the 1955 version of herself and again into the 1985 Lorraine audiences see later. How do you approach that arc within the show? And how grateful are you to Campbell Young Associates for the wig/hair/makeup assist in the physical transformation?

KATHRYN ADELINE: Transforming between the different versions of Lorraine is one of my favorite things about playing this role. When audience members first meet her, she is a tired, apathetic, middle aged mother who is coping with the fact that her life didn’t necessarily play out the way she had hoped. A few scenes later, Lorraine enters the stage again but this time 30 years younger as a curious, eager, innocent, bright, and zealous teenager. Finally, at the end of the show, we meet a new and different version of middle aged Lorraine. She is now put together, energetic, spunky, and sweet.

I have been very intentional in differentiating these three versions of the same character. While she is the same person, her life experience is completely different in each part of her storyand this informs her intentions, attitudes and physicality.

There is no doubt that when it comes to building her arc, much credit belongs to the perfectly designed costumes and the fabulous wigs and makeup… thanks to Campbell Young Associates. Their talent and attention to detail is truly inspiring! For me, looking the part has always allowed me to better feel the part. They are some of the very best at what they do!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This production marks your national tour debut. What did it feel like the first time you stepped onto the stage knowing you were officially part of the touring company of Back to the Future?

KATHRYN ADELINE: Stepping out on that stage for the first time came with a feeling I can’t even describe. This opportunity is one I have worked so hard for and it was made even more special by the fact that Back to the Future is such an iconic and well loved story. It’s been an absolute dream come true!

I grew up in a family that loves musical theatre and my parents were always taking us to see shows at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta. With New York being so far away, it was always a treat to experience the magic of Broadway right in my own hometown as each tour came through. I remember being in such awe of the productions. It is so special to travel with this company and create accessible opportunities for theatre lovers across the country. Make no mistake, I didn’t step onto that stage alone. I have an amazing team that has helped me get here. I cannot talk about this opportunity without also thanking them!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Hill Valley is filled with big personalities and comedic moments. How do you balance Lorraine’s humor with the sincerity at the heart of her story?

KATHRYN ADELINE: Yes, it’s a joy to be in a show filled with so many moments that make the audience laugh. What I love about this story is that woven through all the comedic moments, big personalities, and energetic dance numbers is so much relatable human experience. At the heart of this story is the timeless message that we all have the opportunity to write our own future. “You can accomplish anything if you just put your mind to it.”

Specific to Lorraine, while the plot drives many of her comedic moments, she is also an endearing character with a very tender heart. She ultimately wants what most of us desire… a life filled with love and happiness, where everyone lives up to their greatest potential.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As someone making their national tour debut, what has surprised you most about life on the road with a production of this scale?

KATHRYN ADELINE: Well everything is still moving so fast, and I am definitely learning a lot! I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredibly competent and talented company. They have been so kind, welcoming and generous. When it comes to life on tour, and specifically with a show of this size and scale, the members of our crew are the real heroes. Moving the magic of Broadway from one city to the next, week after week, is no easy feat. This production is a true spectacle when it comes to all ofits special effects and technical elements. There is no way we could travel and perform this show eight times a week, in a new city, without them. On Sunday evenings, while the cast gets to go back to the hotel, the crew members immediately start packing up the sets, lights, sound equipment, costumes, props, wigs, etc. into 11 semi-trucks which transport everything overnight to a new city. Then, upon arrival…they unload and set everything up in time for our Tuesday night performance. This all happens within a 48-hour time period. They don’t tell all their secrets and I think somehow the Flux Capacitor is involved, but it is completely mind blowing how they get it all done!!

RAPID FIRE WITH BACK TO THE FUTURE’S BIFF TANNEN, NATHANIEL HACKMANN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having created the role of Biff in Back to the Future: The Musical on Broadway, has your perception or portrayal of the character evolved since those earliest performances?

NATHANIEL HACKMANN: Well…. I’m not sure my portrayal has changed… but the number of my age has certainly increased!!! lol. I found out I was going to play this part over four years ago!!! Well over a thousand performances! HAHA! But in all seriousness every show is subtly different depending on my fellow cast mates, the theater, and of course- the AUDIENCE! They are so integral to everything we do… the response we get in real time is why we all love live theater!!!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s key to making Biff both intimidating and entertaining for a live audience?

NATHANIEL HACKMANN: Oh I can’t give away the recipe for the donuts! 🙂 However, there is always something that makes any character a real human… something we can all relate to, when we watch them do heroic or despicable things… for me in Biff- everything has to do with Lorraine. He objectifies her as the trophy and status symbol that will gain him the power and respect he is (in his own mind) due. When he is blocked from gaining this all-consumingobjective, that’s when he is truly capable of super-human (or sub-human) feats.

Also everyone likes to see Goliath get knocked down… so I can’t miss in that moment!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Okay, anytime I spot a Six Degrees of Separation type situation while researching to chat with actors who’ve worked with friends of mine, I’ve gotta ask: You shared the stage during the Broadway run of Back to the Future: The Musical with my friend Jelani Remy, who created the role of Goldie, everybody’s favorite future mayor of Hill Valley. What was it like working with him during that original run?

NATHANIEL HACKMANN: I adore Jelani!! I call him the mayor of every room he’s in. 🙂 truly, he elevates the work and mood of all those around him. I can’t wait until we’re on something together again! That original Broadway cast of BTTF was something so special. Lightning in a bottle. Those that saw it can attest… and those that were backstage will all agree I’m sure!!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve famously played both Jean Valjean and Javert in productions of Les Misérables. Does stepping into a character like Biff tap into the same kind of villain energy as Javert—or is it an entirely different beast?

NATHANIEL HACKMANN: I love this question… first I think to myself: can anything I do be truly unique from my other work if I’m there? There will surely be some inevitable commonalities, BUT… Javert almost never has any moments of levity and his pursuit of Valjean is always about a higher cause… these are a couple of polar opposites from Biff who (in my opinion) is always trying to be perceived as smart and funny and charming for his own selfish sake. One thing I do think they share is a certain doggedness and animal cunning… but I would hope anyone who only saw my Javert would hardly recognize me in BTTF. As an actor my heroes are the people that disappear inside their parts. Their egos are secondary to the story and they can make the audience truly believe they are seeing the character and not necessarily their favorite actor portraying a part. That’s the true magic of excellent theater.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After originating the role on Broadway, what lured you back to Hill Valley for year two of the National Tour?

NATHANIEL HACKMANN: EASY! I LOVE THIS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY! I have been a fan of Back to the Future as long as I can remember. I am honored and overjoyed to be associated with this property and universe and FANDOM every single day. What an amazing ride this has been and continues to be!! I am so thankful to the creative team and my colleagues and most to the audience for allowing me to play in this world with y’all!!!

RAPID FIRE WITH BACK TO THE FUTURE’S DOC BROWN, DAVID JOSEFSBERG

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Immortalized on screen in all three Back to the Future films by Christopher Lloyd, what was your process for finding your own take on the character of Doc Brown while still honoring what audiences know and love?

DAVID JOSEFSBERG: Okay so, let me start by saying that as the elder of the company, (ha) I was one of the only ones around back in 1985 to see the film when it came out. As most kids that age, it became a huge part of my life. I wore the vest, the shoes and always wanted to be Marty….turns out I had to wait 40 years to portray an even better role! Ha. The iconic Doc Brown! Yes, it’s iconic so you absolutely get to bow down to Christopher Lloyd, and you obviously have to give the “roads, where we’re going? We don’t need…roads!” And “Great Scott!” (You heard that in his voice didn’t you) But, the great thing about the musical is that we have both Bob Gale, the creator of the entire franchise, and John Rando, the amazing director at the helm. They encourage us to bring who we are to the character. Especially since in this version Doc is sort of a rockstar that dances and sings! So cool! So basically, I take a cup of Christopher Lloyd, half a cup of Roger Bart, who created it on Broadway, and add a cup of myself. Uh oh. That’s 2 1/2 cups! Ha!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You were part of Back to the Future: the Musical toward the end of its Broadway run playing Principal Strickland. What’s it been like going from that role to rejoining the BTTF family on tour as the wildly inventive Doc Brown?

DAVID JOSEFSBERG: It has been incredible. I loved being in New York playing Strickland. He’s in the mix in all the scenes. I also got to do Doc about twice a week. Moving from twice a week to 8 times a week has been really great. It’s given me the chance to really make it my own. Touring as Doc also allows me to add a few little city specific references to each new city. I love coming up with those. You also feel like a family out here. We spend almost every waking moment together as opposed to heading home to my family in NYC! Now….there are also some interesting challenges touring as Doc. The different temperatures, each new hotel, and all the travel. But I love it!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Okay, totally off-topic but because I’m a complete pop culture nerd and remembered you from your 2005 turn as Henry Winkler/Fonzie in the TV movie The Unauthorized Story of Mork & Mindy…what can you tell me about that experience?

DAVID JOSEFSBERG: Ayyyyyyy! Who doesn’t love the Fonz! Talk about an icon!!!??? HA. My friend Chris was playing Mork and he got me in for the audition because I look a lot like Henry Winkler. So, I booked it and flew to Vancouver to film it. I finished filming and came home….unfortunately they needed me to come back the following weekend and…um…that’s when my son was born. So, I saw him born, spent the night, and flew back out to finish the filming. Ha. It was crazy! But the show must go on.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your Broadway acting résumé spans shows as varied as Adam in Beetlejuice, standby for multiple roles in the 2023 revival of Spamalot and a 2017 stint as Ogie alongside Jason Mraz’s Dr. Pomatter in Waitress. As Doc Brown is there a different type of theatrical energy you’re tapping into that you’ve previously not accessed?

DAVID JOSEFSBERG: Well, he is by far the oldest character I’ve had to play, but he still has this crazy youthful energy…maybe moving just a little bit slower. I’d say most of the characters I play are truly heartfelt with a wild energy. I think Doc gets the wild energy, but he also gets a great heartfelt moment with Marty, where he sings “For the Dreamers.” This is a song about failing, and failing, and failing until you succeed. Might be my favorite moment in the show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of energy, one of the most entertaining elements of Back to the Future on stage is the theatrical magic courtesy the collaborative efforts of the show’s lighting designers Tim Lutkin & Hugh Vanstone, video designer Finn Ross, sound designer Gareth Owen and illusion designer Chris Fisher. Without giving away too much, what can you tell me about your favorite moment in the show where these elements all come together perfectly?

DAVID JOSEFSBERG: Absolutely. Here we go. The moment that first made me cry when I saw the show was when I am on the clocktower and Marty is driving our favorite co-star, the Delorean, through the streets. The lighting, video, sound and illusions all come together. It goes back and forth between the two moments and the swell of the music, that was from the movie, comes in and just takes your breath away. So nostalgic and really makes you feel like you are in a film. I feel so grateful every night to be in that scene. I won’t tell you if we succeed in sending him back to 1985! No spoilers here! Ha!

Thanks for the awesome questions. See you in the FUTUREEEEEE!

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From time-traveling teens and eccentric scientists to unforgettable villains and heartfelt transformations, Back to the Future: The Musical proves that some stories truly are timeless—especially when reimagined with the full force of live theatre magic.

Nashville audiences can catch the national tour at TPAC’s Jackson Hall now through Sunday, March 22, with performances that promise spectacle, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun for longtime fans and first-time visitors to Hill Valley alike.

So whether you’re chasing time at 88 miles per hour or just looking for a nostalgic night at the theatre that hits all the right notes… now’s your moment.

For dates, times and tickets for Back to the Future‘s TPAC run, CLICK HERE. Following Back to the Future, the current season of Broadway at TPAC continues with Some Like It Hot onstage at Jackson Hall April 21-26. CLICK HERE for tix. You can also follow TPAC on Facebook, YouTube, Insta and TikTok.

Not in Music City? No worries! You don’t need a flux capacitor to catch Back to the Future: the Musical as the National Tour continues. CLICK HERE to follow Back to the Future, or check them out on Facebook, X, Insta and TikTok.

As always, If you wanna check out who we’re chatting with for our latest Rapid Fire 20Q, or to read our latest Theatre Review, please check out JHPEntertainment online or socials at Facebook, Insta, X and Threads. Till then…. #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with the Storytellers of ‘Big Fish’; on stage at The Keeton February 6-22

February 5, 2026 by Jonathan

Few musicals capture the space between truth and imagination quite like BIG FISH, the 2014 Drama Desk–nominated musical by Andrew Lippa with a book by John August. Based on Daniel Wallace’s novel Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions and the 2003 film written by John August and directed by Tim Burton, the story explores the myths we create, the legacies we leave behind, and the love that binds families together.

Now swimming onto the stage at The Keeton beginning Friday, February 6, Big Fish blends soaring music, theatrical spectacle, and deeply human storytelling as it follows Edward Bloom — a man whose life is told through towering tales — and his son Will, who must learn how to listen beyond facts to understand the heart of his father’s stories. JHPENTERTAINMENT sat down with the artists bringing this mythic journey to life for a Rapid Fire 20Q conversation about imagination, family, and the power of storytelling.

RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST AND DIRECTOR OF THE KEETON’s BIG FISH

RAPID FIRE WITH MICHAEL WALLEY, EDWARD BLOOM IN BIG FISH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Edward Bloom is a man of myth, magic, and tall tales—what excited you most about stepping into his larger-than-life shoes?

MICHEAL WALLEY: The music of BIG FISH is absolutely gorgeous. This past fall, I was driving when Fight the Dragons came on the SiriusXM Broadway channel, and it completely stopped me in my tracks. I already knew BIG FISH was in The Keeton’s season, and I made plans to audition immediately. I’d describe myself as more of an “actor who sings” than a traditional vocalist, and Edward’s music stretches across haunting ballads, twangy pop, and everything in between. Bringing his character to life through that musical range has been both thrilling and demanding. Truthfully, I feel like I’ve been training for a marathon. My hope is that through every note, Edward’s larger-than-life heart and spirit come through loud and clear.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A quick perusal of your theatre credits reveals your previous Keeton roles as Singin’ in the Rain’s Cosmo Brown and White Christmas’ Phil Davis share the common thread of being the comic foil to those show’s leading men—what sets Edward apart from roles you’ve played before?

MICHEAL WALLEY: At the end of our run of Singin’ in the Rain, my good friend Matthew Roberts, who played Don Lockwood, said something like, “I think you need the chance to play a leading man with some substance.” While I absolutely loved playing comic sidekicks like Phil and Cosmo (and I’d happily play either role again! Hint hint to any theatre company who needs a comic-dancer-goofball), Edward’s journey is overflowing with depth and meaning. I still get the chance to make ’em laugh, but this time I also get to take The Keeton audience on a much deeper emotional journey. Truly, I’ve never played a character anything like Edward.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Edward’s stories often say more about love than facts. What do you think Edward is really trying to pass on?

MICHEAL WALLEY: Without giving too much away, a character near the end of the show realizes that Edward’s tall tales were always meant to inspire. I grew up in a small town in Mississippi, much like Edward’s Alabama hometown, and I always had this sense that there was something bigger out there. I wasn’t satisfied unless I was chasing it, and even now, in my 30s, that feeling hasn’t gone away. Edward is the same because he’s always chasing the next big dream, and his stories become a way to invite others into that sense of possibility. Facts may fade (and we live in 2026, does anyone really care about facts?), but inspiration is what lasts.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a writer, puppeteer, and voiceover artist, how have your many creative hats informed your approach to this role?

MICHEAL WALLEY: This role has flexed creative muscles I didn’t even know I had. I get to play Edward at multiple stages of his life, moving from wide-eyed teenage heartthrob to cranky old man. Jumping between different voices, physicality, and energy levels is something all my creative side-quests have really prepared me for. It also helped me better understand what John August was trying to convey. Edward evolves throughout his life, but his spirit stays consistent even as his body and circumstances change.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Edward Bloom were telling your life story, what detail would he absolutely exaggerate?

MICHEAL WALLEY: First of all, I’m 100% positive Edward would describe me as six-foot tall, wildly muscular, rich enough to buy a tall-and-skinny in 12 South, and effortlessly hitting every high note in Andrew Lippa’s score. But for real, I like to think he’d tell the story of a small-town Mississippi boy who loved theatre, set it aside during college and early adulthood to focus on what mattered, and then realized in his late 20s that his dreams and passions really mattered too. He’d talk about Micheal jumping into the Nashville theatre scene, making meaningful art, building lasting relationships, and getting to tell stories that truly matter, like Edward Bloom’s.

RAPID FIRE WITH CLAIRE YANCEY, SANDRA BLOOM IN BIG FISH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This marks your Keeton debut—what made Big Fish the perfect first dive into this community?

CLAIRE YANCEY: The Keeton has been such a positive space from day one. Even at auditions, I felt immediately welcomed and comfortable, and it was clear how much heart and dedication everyone brings to make this not only a great production but a great experience for everyone involved. I feel deeply connected to this cast and genuinely look forward to coming to the Keeton for every rehearsal. This community has welcomed me with open arms, and I could not have asked for a better first show at this theatre.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: With a background in classical piano and voice, how does Lippa’s score speak to you as a musician?

CLAIRE YANCEY: As a musician, learning Lippa’s score has been one of my favorite parts of this process. There is something really special about working through the more intricate and challenging moments of the music together as a cast and watching it all click. Hearing songs you have listened to countless times come to life in the room with the people around you is incredibly satisfying. I love the rich harmonies and the wide range of musical styles throughout the show, which makes the score both exciting and deeply rewarding to perform.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s one moment in the show where you feel Sandra’s heart most clearly?

CLAIRE YANCEY: This may feel like an obvious answer, but it is definitely during I Don’t Need a Roof. This is the moment where Sandra is seen most clearly and vulnerably. Throughout the show, she works hard to be strong for Edward and their family, often hiding how deeply his illness is affecting her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sandra’s love story spans a lifetime—what do you find most beautiful about her journey?

CLAIRE YANCEY: From the very first moment they see each other, there is something magical about the way Sandra and Edward recognize something special in one another. Throughout the show, you can see that their relationship never loses its youthful spirit, even as the magic and adventure settle into the reality of growing old together. They remain deeply in love, still carrying that sense of playfulness and joy with each other.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Sandra is the emotional anchor of Edward’s wild imagination. How do you ground her while still letting the magic exist?

CLAIRE YANCEY: I think Sandra is grounded because she is fully present and deeply attentive to the people she loves. She allows Edward, with his wild imagination, and Will, who is more grounded, to be fully themselves. Sandra has a beautiful ability to meet people exactly where they are and offer them steady love and support. While she still carries that same sense of wonder and adventure that connects her to Edward, she is also able to see the world clearly and hold space for both perspectives.

RAPID FIRE WITH JACOB HINNEN, WILL BLOOM IN BIG FISH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Will Bloom is caught between frustration and wonder—what’s been the biggest challenge in telling his story?

JACOB HINNEN: The biggest challenge has been living in the tension between frustration and hope, especially as Will wrestles with what it means to be a father himself. He’s demanding truth from Edward, but underneath that is a deep need to understand the man behind the stories before he becomes a father himself. That tension drives every interaction. Hope is always present, but it’s tested, stretched, and reshaped as Will tries to reconcile who his father is with who he needs to be.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve played romantic leads and comedic roles—how does Will stretch you differently as a performer?

JACOB HINNEN: Playing Will stretches me differently because his confidence is paired with constant questioning. Unlike roles where the character’s path is clear or emotions are outwardly expressed, Will is always wrestling with what it means to be a son and a future father. I’ve had to channel that drive, balancing certainty with curiosity, so the audience can feel both his boldness and the weight of his internal journey.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: The father–son relationship is the emotional spine of BIG FISH. What has portraying Will taught you about listening?

JACOB HINNEN: Will has taught me that listening isn’t just about extracting answers and simply responding; it’s about recognizing intention. Edward is telling the truth in his own way, and Will has to learn that fatherhood isn’t always taught through facts, but through meaning. Playing this role has reminded me that listening sometimes means setting aside your expectations long enough to hear what someone is really trying to convey.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This performance is dedicated to your dad. How does that personal connection shape the way you step onstage each night?

JACOB HINNEN: My dad always believed in me, even when we didn’t fully understand each other. I carry his presence with me onstage, feeling the push and pull of tension, hope, and love in every moment. It’s shaped how I tell this story: a story of love conquering death, of listening to understand rather than listening to simply respond, and of never giving up hope. Every night, stepping into Will’s shoes feels like honoring him while exploring what it truly means to be a son and eventually, a father.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Will could rewrite one of Edward’s stories, which moment would he finally see differently?

JACOB HINNEN: Will wouldn’t change the events themselves; he’d change the way he sees them. He’d recognize that Edward’s stories weren’t just embellishments, but expressions of love, courage, adventure and guidance. They were a father’s way of teaching him how to live fully, love boldly, and carry hope even in uncertainty.

RAPID FIRE WITH AARON GRAY, DIRECTOR OF BIG FISH

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What was the very first image or moment from BIG FISH that made you say, “I have to direct this show”?

AARON GRAY: The first time I saw BIG FISH, there were several moments that brought me to that realization, but they all came back to the father–son relationship at the heart of the show. As a father of a six year old son, that dynamic hit me in a very immediate way, especially the moment when Will realizes he’s about to become a father himself, and suddenly his relationship with his own dad begins to change. That felt incredibly honest and personal to me.

I was also deeply moved by the love story. The way Edward loves Sandra, with imagination, devotion, and unwavering certainty, is something I think every romantic partnership should strive for. It’s romantic, but it’s also rooted in commitment and choice.

What ultimately made me say I had to direct this show is that it truly has everything! Romance, comedy, drama, and moments of theatrical magic, but at its core, it’s just a beautifully told story about family, love, and how we come to understand one another.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: BIG FISH lives in the space between reality and imagination—how did you approach balancing spectacle with emotional truth onstage?

AARON GRAY: The magic in BIG FISH only works if it’s grounded in emotional truth. We always let the relationships lead, and allowed the spectacle to grow out of what the characters are feeling, rather than the other way around.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What can you tell me about your creative discussions with Ian Mannino, this production’s musical director, in regard to bringing Andrew Lippa’s whimsical score to life?

AARON GRAY: John August includes a note to the director in the script that points to a video Andrew Lippa created, where he dives deeply into the score, showing how the songs function dramatically and emotionally. Having that level of insight directly from the composer was an incredible resource, and it became a foundational tool in my conversations with Ian.

From there, our discussions were really grounded in respect for Andrew Lippa’s writing. Our shared goal was to keep the music true and honest to what he wrote. The score already contains so much whimsy, warmth, and emotional clarity that we never felt the need to overcomplicate it. Instead, Ian focused on letting the music breathe and supporting the storytelling, while I concentrated on how the songs live inside the characters and the moment.

What emerged from that collaboration is a score that feels both playful and deeply sincere. When the music is treated with that kind of care, its beauty really speaks for itself, and it becomes a powerful emotional guide for the audience throughout the show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In your show bio you describe this as a dream project. What part of your own storytelling sensibility feels most at home in BIG FISH?

AARON GRAY: At its heart, BIG FISH asks two questions that feel very personal to me: “What makes a good father?” and “How do heroes live on?” As a father, I connect deeply to the first question. The show shows us that being a good father isn’t about perfection, it’s about listening, showing up, and creating a space where your children can grow into themselves. Watching Will navigate his relationship with Edward while stepping into fatherhood himself felt incredibly real to me, and it’s a story I wanted to bring to life onstage.

The second theme, how heroes live on, is really about memory and storytelling. Edward becomes a hero not because he’s flawless, but because of the way his stories shape Will’s understanding of him and, in turn, the person Will becomes. That idea, that our loved ones live on through the stories we carry, is central to the show, and it resonates deeply with my own sense of storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to stories that exist somewhere between reality and imagination, where emotion comes first and spectacle serves the heart of the story.

For me, BIG FISH perfectly blends those elements: family, love, myth, and imagination. It allows wonder and sincerity to coexist, and that balance is exactly why it feels like a dream project, it’s a story that is both fantastical and deeply human, and it’s a story I truly love.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences carry with them long after they leave The Keeton and the curtain comes down on BIG FISH?

AARON GRAY: I hope audiences leave remembering the power of storytelling and the people they love. Big Fish reminds us that family and connection aren’t perfect, but they’re profound, and that our stories keep those we care about alive. I want them to feel the magic, the wonder, and the joy in seeing life, and love, through a lens of imagination, and to carry that feeling with them long after they leave the theatre.

BIG FISH opens at The Keeton on Friday, February 6 and continues through Sunday, February 22. Thursday performances are show only with Doors at 6:30pm and Show at 7pm. Friday & Saturday Doors at 5:45pm/Dinner at 6pm and Show at 7pm. Sunday matinee Doors at 12:45pm/Meal at 1pm and Show at 2pm. Show Only Tickets: $30.00 (Thursday performances), Adult Dinner and Show: $40.00, Child Dinner and Show: $35.00. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Following BIG FISH, The Keeton will present The Play That Goes Wrong with performances April 10-26. 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!

Rapid Fire 20Q with SIX MUSICAL’s Four Alternate Queens; National Tour at TPAC February 3 thru 8

February 3, 2026 by Jonathan

It’s been almost three years to the date since Music City theatre goers were first privy to experience a live audience with the Queens of SIX, the two-time Tony-winning musical that explores the stories of the women behind that morbidly fun sing-songy rhyme “Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived”. As of Tuesday, February 3, that all changes as the Queens return to Nashville to hold court at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall with eight performances the through Sunday, February 8.

As expected, an audience with the Queen is an almost impossible task, let alone six of them, and let’s face it—without the use of a guillotine, 20 Questions don’t exactly divide by six evenly, so rather than interviewing the leads, I had the unique opportunity to chat with four members of the royal court known as The Alternates (more about that below in my first question) as the regal company of SIX prepared for their Music City reign.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH SIX’s FOUR ALTERNATE QUEENS

RAPID FIRE WITH SIX ALTERNATE REESE CAMERON

JHPENTERTAINMENT: To start, while I’m pretty certain I know, for those who might not, What’s the basic difference between an alternate, understudy, swing and standby?

REESE CAMERON: An “alternate” is typically an on or off-stage cast member who will have weekly guaranteed performances to take over for a principal role— usually one that is very physically or vocally demanding (e.g. Tina Turner, Elphaba, Fanny Brice every Thursday is played by an “Alternate”). But in the SIX world, an Alternate means an off-stage cast member who understudies 3-4 Queens (our union caps us at 4 in the U.S., anywhere from 3-6 in the U.K. and elsewhere) The reasoning behind making us called “Alternates” instead of “Standbys” “Swings” or “Understudies” was because the team wanted us to feel just as important as our on-stage Queens. They emphasized that the reason we are off-stage is not because we are inferior or less talented, but rather that we have the capability of playing 1 or more On-stage Queens if we wanted to, therefore they wanted to give us a title with more respect. Oftentimes understudies, swings, and standbys are not given the same treatment or careful attention as onstage cast members and that’s something we’re constantly fighting for more rights about with other shows.

Understudies are on-stage cast members who play a character every night and also cover a principal role

Swings are typically off-stage members who cover several or all of the ensemble members — sometimes divided by gender and sometimes not. Swings can also be on-stage but it’s far more rare, usually because two of the swings are Dance Captain and Assistant Dance Captain and need to watch the show every week to note it and make sure the choreography upholds the integrity of the choreographer.

Standby’s are hired to be specifically off-stage but ready at a moments notice to go on for a principal role. I like to call standby’s the principal swings haha. If a principal calls out of a show, either the standby or the understudy will go on. It depends on the show which one is chosen.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: A quick perusal of your socials in preparation of our chat revealed you debuted as three of the queens within three weeks of each other— whose boots were the hardest to step into that first time?

REESE CAMERON: The hardest was most definitely Aragon because I learned her 2nd. I had a month of rehearsals with Cleves, 2-3 weeks with Boleyn, and only 5 days with Aragon and she has the most lines in the show and fires out of a cannon with her aerobic song and dance number right after an exciting and dynamic almost 6 minute opening of Ex-Wives which is a huge challenge of stamina.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What has been the most gratifying aspect of tackling these roles on tour?

REESE CAMERON: I am simply so proud of myself and my Alternate family for having the mental professionalism and preparedness required to memorize 3 different principal characters for an 80 minute non-stop show. There is no time to check your notes for the next number like a swing might be able to do with a few song and dance numbers in between their next onstage moment, but for us? This 80 minute train doesn’t stop. And being prepared and CONFIDENT is such a huge accomplishment not just for 1 Queen, but for 3!!! I’ve loved playing 3 completely different characters and have unlocked parts of myself and my inner child that I have never gotten before with any other show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Which do you admire most? Aragon’s power or Cleves’ confidence?

REESE CAMERON: Aragon’s power for sure! Cleve’s confidence is something I definitely need and aspire to have, but Aragon historically endured starvation and abuse from Henry’s father even before her marriage to Henry the VIII, and then after 24 years of marriage when Henry cheated on her, she had the strength to do what no woman at this time had ever done which was 1) speak in court 2) make her own court case and 3) represent herself in court against his misinterpretation and manipulation of Biblical word to prove the marriage was just and 4) WIN! And even after he abusively sends her away and separates her from her daughter, she remained emotionally strong, devoted to justice, a role model for the people of England, and remained the beloved Queen for many decades after her death. She endured some of the hardest trials and tribulations a person can go through and she did it with grace. I highly recommend reading more about her life. Aragon is a powerhouse of a human being and an outstanding woman.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a non-binary performer, what would you say to the queer kid sitting in the balcony?

REESE CAMERON: As I say in my bio “to the queer non-binary kid in the audience: you belong here”. In a hateful and divisive world, trans children need to know they have an accepting and loving family in the theatre community and especially in major cities like New York and LA. Trans actors belong in theatre, tv, and film just as much as cis actors. Theatre is a safe space for queer and trans people and there are so many roles and opportunities to be had in our industry that don’t require you to change yourself in order to fit into a show or a role. Theatre does not have to be gender dysphoric. My biggest recommendation is that trans and queer people start writing our own stories and musicals and films and TV shows and share it with the world because there are so many people who don’t know that they are queer or trans yet that watch media on Netflix and Spotify and go to see a Broadway show, and that may be the moment that they find themselves and discover who they are. Just look at how The L Word became a Sapphic Bible, or how Heated Rivalry is opening doors for athletes to come out or even for their stories to be heard. Trans and queer media changes the world and spreads love and Empathy. We need more trans and queer media.

RAPID FIRE WITH SIX ALTERNATE & DANCE CAPTAIN CARLINA PARKER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re not only a performer in SIX, but also the tour’s Dance Captain. What does that added responsibility entail?

CARLINA PARKER: As Dance Captain, it’s my job to be a point person for choreography team while we’re on tour. I watch the show once or twice a week and write notes to make sure both the movements and the story behind them are being executed. I’m also available should anyone have any questions or concerns. We have an amazing choreography team based in New York that I’m in constant communication with, and the original choreographer will even pop in from London from time to time!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of the SIX, only one survived King Henry VIII. How would you describe Catherine Parr’s energy as portrayed in the musical in six words?

CARLINA PARKER: Honest, Kind, Intelligent, Empathetic, Inspiring, Powerful.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: SIX is resplendent with clever lyrics courtesy Book and Music collaborators Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss. What’s among your personal favorites?

CARLINA PARKER: Some of the script is written how some people text, and the audience would never know, but there’s one Parr line that’s written “R U 4 real?”and it’s SO funny. Also, “Okay ladies, lets get in reformation” -Cleves

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Touring perk you didn’t expect to love?

CARLINA PARKER: I expected to love the travel, I expected to love meeting the different fans from all over, but what surprised me is probably really silly. Since we don’t always have kitchens, I never have to feel guilty for ordering DoorDash.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Beyond the inherent closeness of a touring company, have you also developed an extra bond with your fellow alternates?

CARLINA PARKER: Yes! Arguably, the alternates are spending the most time together, between weekly rehearsals and (more often than not) sharing a dressing room with each other. The support you get from another alt is unmatched. We all know the joys and struggles of being an offstage cover in this show, covering multiple Queens, and we can be there for each other in the highs and the lows. It’s also so nice that we get along. I adopted the term “swing siblings” from another contract of mine, and it couldn’t be more true.

RAPID FIRE WITH SIX ALTERNATE ANNA HERTEL

JHPENTERTAINMENT: National Tour debut…how does that feel?

ANNA HERTEL: This tour is an absolute BLESSING! It truly feels like a pinch-me moment—this is my dream show, and getting to tell this story around the country is such a gift. I’m also so grateful for the opportunity to explore so many incredible cities along the way.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is it just me? Or does Boleyn’s costume include a couple Easter eggs in its design? I mean…the neckline has what looks like a dotted line, as in ‘cut here’. Is that a reference to her demise by way of beheading or am I just overthinking it? AND…What’s your personal favorite detail in costumer Gabriella Slade ‘s Tony-winning creations?

ANNA HERTEL: There are so many Easter eggs woven into Anne Boleyn’s costume. My favorite is her iconic “B” necklace, symbolizing her pride in her family name. She wore it openly in court—something no woman had ever done at the time. After her execution, the “B” became a powerful symbol of strength, defiance, and legacy. I also love how Gabriella Slade incorporated Anne’s green sleeves into the design, a subtle nod to a love poem Henry VIII once wrote for her.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re a Jimmy Awards Best Dancer honoree— how much did it mean to you to be honored for your talent in high school AND did that shape the way you approach each role in the time since?

ANNA HERTEL: The Jimmy Awards will always be one of the most meaningful moments in my career. Being able to perform on a Broadway stage alongside so many passionate, aspiring artists was truly unforgettable. The relationships I formed that week are still thriving, and I’m constantly reminded of how supportive and uplifting that community is. That experience gave me the confidence, perspective, and tools I needed to continue chasing this dream.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Researching to pose questions to you and your cast mates, I discovered you’re a bit of a newlywed, and will be celebrating your wedding anniversary in a few months. Your husband has come to see you on tour a few times, right? What’s been the most challenging aspect of touring while simultaneously starting such an exciting chapter in your personal life?

ANNA HERTEL: My husband, Brendan Coulter, is truly the biggest blessing in my life. We’ll be celebrating our 2-year wedding anniversary on March 23rd, and I’m feeling extra grateful reflecting on our journey. We met in college at Elon University studying Musical Theatre, and not long after, moved to NYC to chase our shared love for performance.

A year later, we became an acoustic duo called Honey I Duo, performing all around Manhattan — some of my favorite memories. He has been the most supportive husband throughout this tour (and has seen the show 10 times already). Long distance was hard at first, but then he joined the tour, working remotely and pouring his heart into writing his own music.

His music is truly incredible and is out now on all platforms — go listen.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s one word that defines SIX for you?

ANNA HERTEL: ELECTRIC!

RAPID FIRE WITH SIX ALTERNATE ABIGAIL SPARROW

JHPENTERTAINMENT: First time I heard about SIX was from friends who saw it during its pre-Broadway trial run aboard a cruise ship. My research in anticipation of chatting with you and your costars revealed you first performed in SIX on the high seas as Katherine Howard in Norwegian Cruise Line’s production of SIX aboard the Breakaway luxury ship — so, I gotta know — performing a Broadway musical at sea — wild or wonderful?

ABIGAIL SPARROW: You’ve done your research! It was BOTH: wild AND wonderful. Working on SIX with Norwegian was my first professional job straight out of college. I learned a LOT about being a working professional actor and there was absolutely a learning curve of living on a floating vessel for 9 months. Doing performances on a rocky boat during the stormy weather patches was certainly an experience I will not forget, haha. I met some of my closest friends to this day on that cruise ship, and am very grateful that I have been able to stay in the SIX family for years to follow.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: After seeing SIX for the first time a couple of years ago during the first national tour, I described it as American Idol meets Spice Girls meets The Tudors. Fair assessment? AND How do you describe it?

ABIGAIL SPARROW: You’re definitely hitting the nail on the head with that assessment, totally! I’d add a little bit of K-POP flair into that description too, for my two cents. It’s certainly not your average Broadway musical, that’s for sure. A 90 minute high energy pop concert with killer costumes, lighting, and choreography that everyone is sure to enjoy no matter their background or connection to Tudor history.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to your current SIX responsibilities, you’re also working an album — what can you tell me about that?

ABIGAIL SPARROW: Thank you for asking! Yes, I am currently working on my first full length album set for release in Fall 2026. Back in March of 2025 I was incredibly honored to be awarded a $30,000 dollar grant from the Posthumous Prodigy Productions Fellowship for the album. Being on the road has allowed me lots of free time to write music and work with different producers across the country. Actually, I’m meeting with a producer right here in Nashville, the Music City! Which felt very fitting. I’m very excited to share it with the world this year. I also recently released my first EP on December 5th, 2025 called Jacaranda Trees. My music style is indie pop, think Muna meets Gracie Abrams meets The 1975. My music is available on all streaming platforms! I hope you check it out.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Since you have a bit of history with her — Katherine Howard — misunderstood or simply iconic?

ABIGAIL SPARROW: Oh, K Howie. Certainly misunderstood, and definitely iconic. The real Katherine Howard was known as the most promiscuous Queen back in her day, which feels like an unfair assessment given she was only 13 when the King took notice of her (ew). Her story is very reminiscent of the victim blaming stories of the modern day, where we look for errors in the victim rather than condemn the perpetrators of abuse and violence towards them. Of course we will never know for certain without asking her directly, but I feel she never had ill intentions towards the people she was involved with, and was taken advantage of by much older and more powerful men. In our show, Katherine takes back her power and changes the narrative to prove her intelligence and strength in her femininity. Which I definitely would say is… simply iconic.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them after seeing the show for the first time?

ABIGAIL SPARROW: I hope that audiences leave with a new sense of empowerment to stand up to the Henry‘s in their own lives! We all have come across someone who has tried their hardest to make us small and powerless. And we all need to find that power within ourselves to rise up and fight back against those people. I hope people leave feeling inspired, and perhaps humming our songs on the way home with a little extra pep in their step.

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Whether they’re commanding the stage or waiting to rule from just offstage, these four Alternates prove that SIX isn’t just about crowns and costumes—it’s about resilience, community, and unapologetic power. Their own stories add yet another layer to an already exhilarating night at the theatre, reminding us that every Queen has a voice, whether they’re front and center or just off-stage ready to step into a regal role. Catch SIX as it storms back into Nashville at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall Tuesday through Sunday, February 3-8, and come ready to cheer, sing along, and maybe leave feeling a little more emboldened than when you arrived. After all, these Queens aren’t loosing heads, they’re dropping mics! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Not in Nashville? No problem. You can catch these royals as their empowering processional continues its U.S. takeover with upcoming tour stops in Fort Worth, Los Angeles and a couple dozen more cities as the National Tour continues through early 2027. CLICK HERE for the full tour schedule or follow SIX on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok.

Following SIX, next up at TPAC, it’s SUFFS: The Musical with shows March 3 thru 8. CLICK HERE for more info and follow TPAC on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok.

Behind the Barricade: Rapid Fire 20Q with ‘Les Misérables’ National Tour Cast Members

January 15, 2026 by Jonathan

Few shows in Broadway history carry the emotional weight, cultural legacy, and sheer endurance of Les Misérables. Following its 1980 Paris debut and a subsequent London premiere, Les Mis first stormed Broadway in 1987. Since then, the musical has lived many lives: record-breaking original runs, celebrated revivals, concert spectaculars, a current 40th Anniversary National Tour and an upcoming 2026 Les Mis Concert engagement at Radio City in New York, all proof that this story still hits just as hard.

Two years after Les Mis’ Broadway debut, Nashville theatre goers got their first chance to witness the spectacle when the National Tour made its TPAC debut at Jackson Hall during the spring of ‘89. Over the years, TPAC has presented subsequent tours nearly half a dozen times. As Les Misérables prepares to return to TPAC next week with eight shows over five days from January 20-25, we sat down with members of the current tour for our signature Rapid Fire 20Q. From Broadway debuts and tour firsts to deeply personal connections with Fantine, Marius, Éponine and Cosette, cast members Lindsay Heather Pearce, Peter Neureuther, Jaedynn Latter and Alexa Lopez share what it means to step into a show that has shaped musical theater history—and continues to change lives as the tour continues.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH MEMBERS OF LES MISÉRABLES NATIONAL TOUR

RAPID FIRE WITH LES MIS’ FANTINE, LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From The Glee Project to belting it out as Elphaba in your Wicked Broadway debut in 2020 to touring with Mean Girls and now Fantine in the 40th Anniversary Tour of Les Misérables, your entire career (so far) feels full of pinch me moments. With all these great roles already, do you even have a bucket list?

LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE: It HAS been full of pinch me moments. The fact that I have yet to wake up from this dream is a good sign that it’s all real and actually happening. I have definitely been very lucky in the last five years of my life to play so many wonderful roles, but the bucket for my list is deep and my actual list is long. A lot of the roles I want to play the most are out of my age range right now (I would need a few more years under my belt), but my biggest dream is to originate or revive a show!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Across Broadway, tours, and television, which role has most profoundly shaped you as an artist?

LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE: I don’t know if I can pick just one! Each role I’ve been lucky to play has been so crucial to who I am today and was so important for who I was then.

If I had to choose, I would say Rebecca in Recovery Road on FreeForm and Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway.

Recovery Road was such a special experience, and to show up to set almost every day, to learn how to use those on camera skills we well as grow the skills of how to be a good team member on a set were some of the most important ones.

Elphaba was like taking a masterclass in self-care, self-understanding, bravery, humility, curiosity, and steadfastness. That’s on TOP of the lessons in leading a Broadway company, learning how to do 8 shows a week, and the excitement of joining such an incredible arena. Huge lessons, huge huge huge life changing lessons.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How do you emotionally prepare to sing I Dreamed a Dream night after night?

LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE: I’ll be honest, the show does it for me. Fantine has an entire factory scene before I Dreamed A Dream that is filled with character exposition. So much happens in that ten-minute scene that by the time I get thrown into the streets, I am emotionally there and ready to sing my heart out. That’s a testament to how well Les Misérables is written and structured. Even if it’s a tired day and I don’t know if I am mentally or emotionally there, the show will get me there.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: This tour cast features a great mix of actors making their tour debuts and folks like Nick Cartell (Jean Valjean) who have history with their roles, having appeared in prior productions. It’s often said that a touring company truly becomes family. Do you feel that with Les Mis?

LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE: Absolutely, yes. More so than any other company I have ever been a part of (and I’ve been in some of the best companies). These are GOOD people, with good hearts and open arms. When you’re on the road, away from home and family and all that is familiar, being in a company with good, gracious and FUNNY people is truly a balm.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fantine’s story is brief but devastating — what do you hope audiences take with them after your final moment?

LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE: We all know someone with Fantine’s story, or some aspect of it. Know that one kind act, or one good decision can change someone’s life. Without Fantine’s tragedy and sacrifice, the story doesn’t move forward.

Valjean is given the incredible opportunity to become a father to little Cosette, through whom he learns to love and look beyond himself in service of someone else. How beautiful is that?

I hope people can take away the idea that there are opportunities around every corner to be good to someone else, to be of service, to help or save however they can. Even small stones make ripples.

RAPID FIRE WITH LES MIS’ MARIUS, PETER NEUREUTHE

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You first stepped into the role of Marius at The MUNY back in June of 2024, since first taking on the role, has anything changed or deepened in the way you portray him?

PETER NEUREUTHER: When I played Marius for the first time, rehearsals were so fast that I had to put this character together in just 10 days! Now being on the tour being over 100 shows in, I have learned so much more about Marius — the immense joy and hope he feels at the beginning of his story preparing for the revolution, and falling in love, to his deep trauma and maturity as he watches friends die on the barricade, and learning how to overcome this grief. I feel like now I really have been able to understand his story being on this tour alongside these incredibly talented storyteller castmates!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Making your national tour debut on the barricade — after already having lived in this world at MUNY, is there a moment that still gives you full-body chills each night?

PETER NEUREUTHER: I truly do have to shoutout, and thank The MUNY for honestly, giving me my start into the business! I got such chills every night at that stage going out and performing for 11,000 people every night. We perform for massive stages everywhere in the country, but the MUNY’s venue will always hold a special place in my heart. Every night, from the MUNY to the dozens of cities we have been to, going out and singing Empty Chairs at Empty Tables always gives me full-body chills, as I know the weight this song holds, and how it is almost cathartic for Marius.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You graduated high school in 2020 — fast forward to spring 2025 and you’re making your Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. How do you even begin to process a leap like that?

PETER NEUREUTHER: It definitely still doesn’t feel real! I honestly sometimes just try to take a minute when I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed about auditions or the show, even just life, and remind my self how proud high school me would be to see me up on these stages, sharing the stage with legends, and talent I could’ve only ever dreamed of. I am truly so lucky to have had the opportunities that I have had, but it has come with lots of hard work in college, in and out of the classroom. I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had thus far, and I know my hard work and work ethic will keep serving me. I’m never satisfied (in the best way!).

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having performed Les Misérables in The MUNY’s massive outdoor amphitheater — how does that experience compare to setting up shop in a new indoor venue with each stop on the national tour?

PETER NEUREUTHER: The MUNY’s massive stage is truly like performing at a football stadium! I definitely feel like I had to emote more on that stage so even the people all the way in the back rows who looked like they were on the moon could understand the story! These indoor venues are a whole different beast. Setting up shop in a new theater almost every week and seeing how our show fits in every venue so perfectly is awesome! I love getting to perform for a new crowd and new theatre every week!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Marius could send one modern-day text message, who’s it to — Cosette or the revolution group chat? AND What might it say?

PETER NEUREUTHER: Well lucky for me, Alexa Lopez our Cosette in the show is also my partner outside of Les Mis. So, if it was Peter sending a message it would be “What’re we getting to eat after the show? I’m starving.” But as Marius to Cosette it would be “Dearest Cosette, I’ll come find you I promise. It doesn’t matter if you’re here or across the sea. My love for you makes any distance crossable. I love you endlessly”.

RAPID FIRE WITH LES MIS’ ÉPONINE, JAEDYNN LATTER

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fresh out of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and straight into Les Misérables 40th Anniversary Tour. Not a bad way to jumpstart your professional career, huh? — when did it finally feel real?

JAEDYNN LATTER: When I put on the iconic red hat for the first time. That’s when I thought, “Oh, wow, I’m actually doing this for real.” It was like the physical embodiment of a legacy, and especially when I was first wearing it, I could feel the weight it had.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Éponine’s journey is heartbreak, bravery, and resilience all at once — which lyric is the hardest to sing eight times a week?

JAEDYNN LATTER: “A world that’s full of happiness that I have never known.” Yes, it is vocally challenging, but I think one of the most tragic parts of Éponine is that she’s not really mad at Marius or Cosette because they fell in love. She’s grieving that she was born into her circumstances and thinks more than anything, “If things were different.” Seeing Cosette, (and in turn, Marius), reap the benefits of a life that she could have lived hurts most of all. Seeing their privilege and their ability to fall in love in such an innocent, ideal way, knowing that she will never experience that is so incredibly painful. I think coming to that realization every night is the most excruciating thing to enact eight times a week.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’ve played roles from Waitress’ Jenna to Into The Woods’ Little Red — how did those experiences prepare you for Éponine?

JAEDYNN LATTER: Waitress was the first show that I ever played the leading role in, and I barely left the stage. I think that experience taught me to trust my body’s own stamina, and to sort of be okay with not being able to second guess myself once we got going. Into the Woods had an eight-show week, so it definitely showed me what that schedule feels like. But actually, I think Little Red really prepared me for Éponine in the sense that they’re both younger than I am. In both cases, I had to mentally travel back to adolescence and think, “How does a teenager view love, or grief, or power, etc.?” It taught me to really listen to what I was actually hearing rather than acting based off of my own gained maturity and pre-conceived notions of her journey.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Pre-show routine: quiet focus, vocal warm-ups, or hyping yourself up backstage?

JAEDYNN LATTER: It’s definitely more of a mid-show routine for me—mostly consisting of Jolly Ranchers and reminding myself to breathe. In a voice lesson, a coach had told me to remember I have toes (as a way to say, “be aware of your body as a whole”). So a lot of the time before On My Own, I’m telling myself, “You have toes.”

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Les Mis were to go the route of some other musicals who use pop tunes to tell the story, what might Éponine’s pop counterpart to On My Own be?

JAEDYNN LATTER: I literally have an Éponine playlist that’s nearly six hours long. Some of my favorite fits for her are Waiting Room by Phoebe Bridgers and David by Lorde. If we’re talking old-school, I think the most literal counterpart would be All By Myself by Celine Dion.

RAPID FIRE WITH LES MIS’ COSETTE, ALEXA LOPEZ

JHPENTERTAINMENT: National tour debut and Cosette — what was the very first thought that hit you when you got the call welcoming you to the tour?

ALEXA LOPEZ: My heart literally burst out of my chest! I actually got the call as I was about to clock into my hostessing job at the time. It was one of those pinch me moments every performer in NYC dreams of having. I simply just couldn’t wait to be on stage sharing this story with thousands of people, bringing life to it and trying to do it justice every night. I could barely even concentrate that night as I was working – my mind was reeling with so many thoughts of the future, tour, excitement, gratitude, and the list goes on.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Cosette is often described as gentle — what strength do you love most about her that audiences sometimes overlook?

ALEXA LOPEZ: Cosette is definitely a gentle force of light and goodness in our show. However, and moreover, she is strong, determined, and has depth to her. She fights to learn the truth about her life, she fights to be there for the people that she loves in their hardest times. She could sit back and live the life that Valjean has built for her, no questions asked. But instead, she pushes to learn the truth and have her father know that she has grown into a woman–a woman with agency, a woman with desires, and a woman who deserves and can handle the truth. So, definitely her strength and determination.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What is it about Cosette that challenges you most as a performer?

ALEXA LOPEZ: The track itself can be challenging at times from a technical standpoint. I have to be careful about when I warm up so that my voice can be ready for certain moments in the show after not being on-stage for a good amount of time. Cosette’s big vocal moments come fast and furious, so being dropped in and prepared when the time comes has been a learning curve for me.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Quick pick: sweeping romantic ballads or emotionally charged duets?

ALEXA LOPEZ: Emotionally charged duets!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When audiences see this tour, what do you hope stays with them after the curtain call?

ALEXA LOPEZ: This is a story that is timeless and that everyone, to some degree, can resonate with. I hope audiences feel a sense of hope as they walk out of the theater. Our show is about unconditional love, the strength of the human spirit, and the fact that redemption and light are possible, even through the darkest and most impossible times.

⸻

Celebrating 40 years since Les Misérables first arrived on Broadway, the revolution returns once more. This 40th Anniversary Tour honors every chapter of the show’s extraordinary life while proving its message remains as urgent as ever. Les Misérables plays TPAC’s Jackson Hall January 20–25, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at TPAC.org, starting at $72.55. Whether it’s your first barricade or your fiftieth, this is a dream worth dreaming—again.

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.

Theatre Review: Nashville Rep’s It’s A Wonderful Life’ Delivers A Heartfelt triumph for the Holiday Season

December 10, 2025 by Jonathan

Nashville Repertory Theatre rings in the season with a warmly nostalgic, creatively staged production of It’s A Wonderful Life, directed by Alicia Lark Fuss and running now through December 22 at TPAC’s Polk Theater. With a stellar cast led by Brian Charles Rooney as George Bailey, Tamiko Robinson Steele as Mary Hatch Bailey, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva as Clarence and Matthew Carlton doing double duty as both Joseph, the supervising angel and as Potter, the beloved Frank Capra holiday classic, adapted for the stage by playwright Catherine Bush, is reimagined with theatrical magic.

This production leans into nostalgia while embracing a distinctly theatrical vocabulary with inventive movement, actors portraying multiple roles throughout and a visually stunning pop-up vintage Christmas card aesthetic —resulting in a version of Bedford Falls that feels both timeless and newly alive, all adding fresh dimension to a story generations know by heart.

Before a single line is spoken, the audience is transported by Gary C. Hoff’s breathtaking set design: a larger-than-life, die-cut, layered pop-up tableau rendered like a mid-century Christmas card cut from heavy white cardstock. It’s whimsical without being precious—an intricate snowy sculpture of Bedford Falls, with tiny cut-out doorways and windows glowing from within. Peer closely and you’ll catch vintage cyanotype portrait photos, representing the “everyday people” of the town, those whose quiet lives shape George Bailey’s world in ways he often forgets to see. It’s the perfect conceptual anchor for a story about taking note of what truly matters.

Playwright Bush seems to have taken inspiration from such classic theatre pieces as Our Town, in employing the above-mentioned practice of having actors portray multiple roles. Another of this production’s most enchanting elements is its use of movement. Thanks to movement coordinator Megan Castleberry, the ensemble shifts with a near-balletic grace—actors gracefully glide set pieces to and fro, and when called for, they physically personify snow gusts, swirling wind and fateful cracks across an icy pond. They mime-like movements echo emotional beats, and embody natural forces, adding a magical, abstract layer to the storytelling. It’s a bold directorial choice that works beautifully, enhancing the narrative without ever distracting from it. Especially effective in the more dramatic scenes, offering them up in an almost dreamlike vision.

At the center is Brian Charles Rooney, who’s made quite a name for himself, not only on the local level, but for his work in New York on Broadway, is well-known for his vocal prowess as a musical theatre powerhouse. Rooney captures the full breadth of George’s life journey—from mischievous boy to wide-eyed dreamer to the exhausted, cornered adult wondering where everything went wrong. Remarkably, he accomplishes this not through drastic physical transformation but through subtle, sharply observed choices: a shift in vocal pitch, a slight change in posture, the weight of responsibility settling into the shoulders. These gradations make his downward spiral heartbreaking and his redemption cathartic. As George Bailey, it’s his sincere believability as the multi-faceted depth he brings to the stage that holds the audience’s attention from that first appearance of a man defeated to the much-loved ringing of that angelic bell signifying all is well with the world. His performance as George Bailey is nothing short of revelatory. And YES…though this production is not a musical, the audiences is indeed treated to just a bit of Rooney’s pitch-perfect multi-octave voice for a quick little verse of Buffalo Gals, the beloved tune featured in the 1946 film classic.

As Mary Hatch Bailey, Tamiko Robinson Steele radiates warmth, quiet confidence, and fierce devotion. Her Mary is not simply the supportive spouse—she’s the emotional compass of the story, grounding George even when he’s flailing hardest. Steele’s effortless sincerity elevates every scene she touches. From their scenes depicting George and Mary’s childhood friendship to their teenage flirtation, Steele’s sweet embodiment of Mary is palpable. The scene at the drugstore soda fountain when Mary leans over to George and whispers in his bad ear her devotion, I couldn’t help but have a little eye sweat. With Steele in the role, it’s no wonder George offers Mary the moon.

A standout among the ensemble, Matthew Carlton impressively toggles between two primary characters, the compassionate, celestial Joseph and the acerbic, conniving Mr. Potter. The contrasts are stark yet fully realized. Particularly striking is a small but brilliant acting detail: Carlton’s decision to have the wheelchair-bound Potter occasionally rub his leg, as if easing a persistent ache. As someone with mobility and neuromuscular pain myself, that gesture resonated deeply—an understated physical cue that hints at the discomfort and bitterness fueling Potter’s worldview. Carlton’s scenes with apprentice angel, Clarence are equally as lovely.

To that end, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, who I readily admit is one of my longtime theatre crushes, shines brilliantly as the eager-to-earn-his-wings Clarence. Ever-hopeful and constantly assuming its his time to get to work helping George as Carlton’s Joseph guides him through George’s journey thus far, Witcomb-Oliva is simply joyous to behold. Also tasked with also presenting the bumbling but big-hearted Uncle Billy, Witcomb-Oliva os equally at ease. Where physical choices and minute nuances in characterization are concerned, Witcomb-Oliva is astutely adept. From Clarence’s nervous excitement to not only help George, but to also earn is wings–to Uncle Billy’s blissful befuddlement, Witcomb-Oliva delivers performances indeed worthy the presentation of angel wings.

Among the remaining company members, Matthew Benenson Cruz offers charm and humor as Harry Bailey, Burt the Cop, and more. Garris Wimmer deftly give the ole “Hee-haw!” to his Sam Wainwright, offers a bit kindness with his Mr. Gower and is the perfect companion to Cruz’s Burt as Ernie the cabbie. (Side Note: As I do every time I have the chance to review It’s A Wonderful Life, YES, I will point out the fact that Jim Henson and Company got the names for two of Sesame Street’s best pals from the characters of Bert and Ernie in the Capra classic), but I digress. Back to the ensemble, as expected, Eve Petty gives a spirited turn as Violet Bick, injecting just the right note of vulnerability beneath the flirtation. She’s also ridiculously fun in her role as one of the Bailey children.

Among the remaining ensemble are Eric D. Pasto Crosby, who is first seen in a brief appearance as Mr. Bailey and a little more stage time as Nick the barkeep (question…did they really have Sports Bars called as such in the 1940s? It’s rhetorical. Sports Bars weren’t a thing until the 1960s, thus my only complaint about the set, for when Clarences shows George what life would have been like had he not been born, they visit the bar formerly owned by Martini, now emblazoned with a mirror-etched sign reading Nick’s Sports Bar). Aleia Eagleton and Darci Nalepa Elam appear throughout portraying various townspeople. Among their standout turns, Elam’s Ma Bailey is motherly perfection while her Tilley is flirty and fun. Then there’s the small in stature, but big in energetic presence of Eagleton as she is fabulously convincing and utterly enjoyable in the tiny, but pivotal role of Zuzu.

Each member of the company, whether featured on ensemble beautifully adding texture, warmth, and an essential presence throughout, rounding out the world of Bedford Falls with the perfect blend of authenticity, heart and the occasional wink to cleverness of the minimal approach to the piece.

Behind the scenes, the talent runs as deep. Melisa K. Durmon’s costumes, hair, and makeup perfectly capture the era while allowing each actor to glide seamlessly between roles and meet those quick change cues in time for their next character’s appearance. Dalton Hamilton’s lighting design bathes the stage in comforting holiday hues one moment and stark emotional shadows the next, guiding the audience through George’s shifting state of mind, but never over-dramatizing it. Kevin O’Donnell’s sound design subtly enhances the production’s magical realism—gentle chimes, rustling winds, and atmospheric underscoring that support without overwhelming.

Nashville Rep’s It’s A Wonderful Life is more than a nostalgic retelling; it’s a reminder—tender, inventive, and beautifully crafted—of the impact one life can have on an entire community. With its inventive staging, standout performances, and thoughtful direction, this production radiates the very heart of the holidays. Whether you’re revisiting Bedford Falls or discovering it for the first time, this beautifully crafted production is a heartfelt story of community, compassion, gratitude, connection, and the timeless belief that no one is a failure who has friends and the reminder of the difference one life can make.

The Rep‘s It’s A Wonderful Life continues its run through December 21, with performances at 7:30pm Thursday, December 18 and Fridays and Saturdays, and 2pm matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Truly a heartfelt, artfully realized gift to Nashville theatergoers, so grab your tickets, your Bevin Silver Bell, and maybe a tissue or two and get ready to head to TPAC‘s Polk Theatre to celebrate this Wonderful piece of American holiday history. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Before you go, in case you missed it, CLICK HERE to check out my recent Rapid Fire 20Q with the director and cast members of the show.

Following It’s A Wonderful Life, Nashville Rep’s season continues in the new year with FAT HAM, James Ijames‘ Pulitzer Prize-winning reinvention of Hamlet, a co-production alongside Nashville Shakespeare Festival, onstage February 13-22, followed by the audience favorite SISTER ACT April 10-19. Closing out the season will be Amy Tofte‘s BLOOD SUCKING LEECH, as part of Nashville Rep‘s New Works: Next Stage, after having presented a staged reading of Tofte’s work just last season. CLICK HERE to purchase Season Tickets.

As always, check out Nashville Rep online and follow them on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

If you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, find us at JHPEntertainment on Facebook JHPEntertainment on Instagram and JHPEntertainment on Twitter. Got an event or show we should know about, drop us a line at the Contact tab. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!