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Rapid Fire 20Q with ‘Variety on Main’ co-hosts Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey; monthly showcase of seasoned performers and newcomers continues at Franklin Theatre Monday, March 18

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Variety on Main, a new concert event happening on the third Monday of each month at The Franklin Theatre (419 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064) showcases seasoned performers as well as rising talent. Co-hosted and co-created by Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey, two truly gifted vocalists, as the event title suggests, Variety on Main showcases and celebrates a variety of not only music genres, but a wide-range of talent. The upcoming March 18 Variety on Main at The Franklin Theatre continues that concept by including performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo and featuring Pat Coil and the Mainstays, as well as the show’s hosts, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Having attended their inaugural Variety on Main back in January, and witnessing first-hand the wide array of talent these two have brought together, I knew I wanted to chat with Mandy and Monica for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20 Q.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH VARIETY ON MAIN CO-HOSTS and CO-CREATORS MANDY BARNETT AND MONICA RAMEY

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MANDY BARNETT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How would you describe Variety on Main?

MANDY BARNETT: It is a multi-genre show at the historic Franklin Theatre, there are two sets, a house band made up of incredible musicians, the artists range from seasoned pros to up and coming talent, the common thread, is quality.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before we get into Variety on Main, let’s give my readers a little refresher…Early in your career, you performed at Dollywood, what’s your favorite memory of those early days as a young performer?

MANDY BARNETT: Some of my earlier days I performed at various variety shows, from the WNOX Tennessee Barndance, Archie Campbell’s Hee Haw Village and Dollywood.  They were all located in East Tennessee.  Some of my favorite memories of Dollywood are connected to Dolly’s family, they all performed there.  I met so many nice people and it was a great experience to get to perform some shows with Dolly and with her family.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of course most folks know that you garnered critical acclaim and a huge fanbase when you starred as Patsy Cline in the debut production of Always…Patsy Cline, at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. What do you see as the most gratifying aspect of your time with that show?

MANDY BARNETT: This year marks my 30th anniversary since I started doing Always…Patsy Cline, which was among the first jukebox musicals – a truly life changing endeavor. Having Patsy’s family and peers play a significant role in my life has been incredibly special.  It’s astonishing how someone i never knew or met could so profoundly influence the direction of my life in countless positive ways.  Patsy Cline is iconic and to portray her at the Ryman Auditorium, where she herself performed, was an experience full of meaning. This role and the connections it fostered have been the most gratifying aspects of my time with the show.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Industry insiders and fans agree, you are frequently referred to as one of the most gifted vocalist around. When you hear such praise, what goes through your mind?

MANDY BARNETT: This recognition means everything to me, especially considering the internal struggles I faced early in my career.  I often agonized over whether to pursue the path of becoming a commercial commodity or to focus solely on honing my craft and collaborating with my heroes.  Ultimately i chose the latter aiming to reach a point in my life where i could look back with satisfaction and no regrets, regardless of the outcome.  This affirmation validates that decision, and for that, I am truly thankful.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did Variety on Main come about?   

MANDY BARNETT: The concept of Variety On Main emerged from discussions with both Monica Ramey and the Franklin Theatre about some upcoming performances for my concerts which I had already been doing for quite some time. During our brainstorming sessions we toyed with the idea of creating a versatile Monday night show that could feature a broad spectrum of musical talent from an exceptional jazz trumpeter to a high energy bluegrass band.  The driving force behind this idea was my personal desire for diversity in music. I find myself quickly losing interest when the music is too monotonous. We wanted to craft an energetic and dynamic experience that would keep the audience engaged and open to discovering music genres they previously might not have explored. The goal was to create a space where every performance offers a new color and a fresh perspective ensuring an exciting, varied musical performance for our audience.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety On Main myself, I was impressed with the true variety of the talent. I love that the lineups for Variety on Main truly live up to the idea of ‘variety’, not only representing different genres, but also a true variety of talents. How important was that to you in planning these productions? 

MANDY BARNETT:  My aim was to create a platform that highlights the incredible range and depth of talent across different musical landscapes.  It’s about creating moments where every performance is a discovery, an opportunity to be moved, inspired and surprised. 

I deeply understand the significance of providing opportunities to talent who might not otherwise have the chance to shine on stage.  Looking back at my own journey as a singer, I recognize the immense impact that working with professionals had on my development.  It’s about creating a platform where both established artists and emerging talents, including children with exceptional abilities, can come together and showcase their skills.  This inclusive approach not only makes for a a better show but also provides invaluable, potentially life-changing experiences for someone who is developing their sound.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If anyone knows of someone who might want the chance to be part of an upcoming Variety On Main, how can they contact you and Monica for consideration?  

MANDY BARNETT: There is a talent submission form on our site. 

Photo by Cyndi Hornsby (Courtesy Variety on Main)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main, you share the stage with Monica Ramey. 

MANDY BARNETT:  We have a long history, similar goals and we have different strengths that make us a really great team. Monica is a seasoned performer, she brings elegance and polish to every performance.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of collaborating with Monica…any chance audiences might get a chance to hear the two of you duetting onstage, or on record?

MANDY BARNETT: We have definitely talked about it.  I’m sure as we hit our stride things will happen organically.  

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to your monthly Variety on Main shows and frequent performances at The Grand Ole Opry, on April 22, you’re among a stellar group of performers honoring Patsy Cline as part of Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline at the historic Ryman Auditorium. What can you tell me about that event? 

MANDY BARNETT: I’m really excited about this show, they have put together some amazing and diverse artists.  At this point that’s all I know, other than I think it’s going to be a very special night! 

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MONICA RAMEY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Collaborating with Mandy Barnett as co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main seems to be the perfect partnership. Not only are you both gifted vocalist, but beyond that, you grew up in Francesville, a small town in Indiana, while she grew up in equally rural Crossville, TN. Continuing the parallels, you both began performing at an early age. What was the first time you performed for a sizable audiences and do you remember much about it?

MONICA RAMEY: I remember singing for about 3000 people at a Farm Bureau convention in Indianapolis when I was around 4 years old. The details are foggy, but I remember getting to go to my favorite ice cream shop afterwards.  That was better than money for me at that age!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Have you always been drawn to jazz music? AND…who were some of your earliest jazz influences?

MONICA RAMEY: I was always drawn to the Great American Songbook.  I listened to a lot of broadway, popular recordings and jazz standards as a kid.  My earliest musical influences were Barbra Streisand, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From what I understand, after studying music performances at Indiana State University, you eventually moved to Los Angeles where you interned for NARAS Foundation. What can you tell me about that period in your life.

MONICA RAMEY: Interning for NARAS was a great learning and cultural experience for me.  It was just a few months during college but the people who worked there invited me to everything!  I heard so much great music and met people for whom I deeply respected.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From LA to Nashville nearly twenty-five years ago. What prompted the move to Music City?

MONICA RAMEY: I was supposed to have moved to LA after college, but I actually was encouraged to give Nashville a try.  I love LA and I learned a lot – but I’m glad I made the decision to move to Nashville for sure.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When folks talk about Mandy, inevitably Patsy Cline makes her way into the conversation. When folks talk about you, the late, great jazz pianist Beegie Adair is frequently mentioned. How did your association with Beegie come to be and what’s among your most cherished memories of collaborating with her?

MONICA RAMEY: Beegie was family.  We both wore a lot of hats for each other and she was, without question, the most influential and supportive person I’ve ever known.  I remember right before we were supposed to go on stage for a show in NYC, she turned around to me and said “this is just the beginning for you” and then walked out on the stage.  She was full of kindness and grace and those  moments stick with me like glue.  She always had a lot of faith in me and I miss her terribly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of collaborating, when did you and Mandy first toy with the idea of collaborating to create and co-host Variety on Main?

MONICA RAMEY: I was working with the Franklin Theatre to develop a couple of other projects and telling Mandy about them one day.  She asked “how about a variety show?”  As daunting as that sounded, I loved the idea.  And, she was forward thinking enough to envision how creative and successful it could be.  She was right!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety on Main, I was immediately struck by how perfect the venue is. Was it a no-brainer that that’s where these shows would take place?

MONICA RAMEY: It sure was. The Franklin Theatre is a beautiful, historic theatre and the crew we work with there is amazing.  I’m proud to work with them and to support them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Aside from the monthly Variety on Main shows, you’re a frequent guest artist at Rudy’s Jazz Room. I have to tell you, the last time I saw you there, I had the best time. When’s your next gig there and are there any surprises you can share with me about what to expect?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh, thank you!  That means a lot to me.  I’ll be back there on March 29th at 5:30pm.  I sing the Great American Songbook and jazz standards and the only surprises will be guests who might possibly be invited to join us on stage for a song or two.   

Photo by Cyndi Hornsby (Courtesy Variety on Main)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to you and Mandy co-hosting each Variety on Main event, you both also perform a number or two. To that end, the ‘house band’ for Variety on Main is Pat Coil and the Mainstays. How much fun are you having not only performing alongside them, but also listening to them from the wings while they back many of the guests artists?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh my gosh – I’m discovering a lot of new talent just like the audience, so my jaw is on the floor most of the show.  Working with Pat Coil, Sam Hunter, Brian Allen and Larry Aberman is an honor. The energy and joy around the show is very real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences come away remembering after having attended a Variety on Main event?

MONICA RAMEY:  I hope the audience not only leaves gratefully discovering new talent, but also the joy of being entertained and forgetting about the outside world for a couple of hours on a Monday night.  It means a lot to see folks already committing to attending the shows regularly. 

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As mentioned earlier, the Monday, March 18 Variety on Main features performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo, Pat Coil and the Mainstays and of course the show’s hosts and creators, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Door open one hour before the 7:30p.m. start time. Tickets for Variety on Main are as follows: Cabaret seating (cocktail tables at the front of the stage) are $75/each, Premium Classic (Rows A-D) are $70/each, Classic and Balcony are $65/each. At the time this interview went live, there were only a handful of seats available at each price level. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Can’t make Monday’s show? On Monday, April 15, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey and Variety on Main’s house band, Pat Coil and the Mainstays welcome Malpass Brothers, Gail Davies, Grey Delise and Bennett Hall Band. CLICK HERE for tickets. You can also follow Variety on Main online or on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads socials for the latest information, updates on upcoming shows and lineups and more.

If you’ve enjoyed this latest Rapid Fire 20 Q, be sure and CLICK HERE to check out previous conversations. if you are interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor, simply click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire Q&A with ‘Girl From The North Country’ cast members Matt Manuel and Jeremy Webb; National Tour plays Music City January 30 thru February 4

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Girl From The North Country, written by Conor McPherson, and featuring nearly two dozen tunes penned by legendary singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan is a musical that takes place in midwest Duluth, Minnesota during the fall of 1934. While the show features Dylan’s music and is set in the musician’s hometown, it’s not a jukebox musical and certainly not a bio-musical. Instead, the plot introduces audiences to the Laine family, proprietors of a local boarding house that, like the rest of the country, has fallen on hard times. Among those taking up residence with the Laine family are a Preacher and a Boxer, played in the National Tour of Girl From The North Country by Jeremy Webb and Matt Manuel, respectively. As the tour cast and crew prepared for the show’s debut Nashville dates at TPAC’s Jackson Hall January 20-February 4, I recently had the chance to pose a few questions to Manuel and Webb for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire Q&A. What follows are those conversations.

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RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY’s MATT MANUEL

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Girl From The North Country takes place in Depression Era Duluth, Minnesota in the fall of 1934 and centers ‘round the inhabitants and visitors of a run-down guest house. The national tour kicked off at The Orpheum (a theatre Dylan one owned), not terribly far from Duluth, which also happens to be Dylan’s birthplace. Was it surreal to open the tour in this way?

MATT MANUEL: It was VERY surreal to open the tour up this way. I can’t think of a better way to have opened up this tour. The audiences really didn’t disappoint. They were with us in every show. From the moment we opened our mouths to sing the first song, to the moment we took our bows. If anything, I feel a bit spoiled by that experience!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In Girl From The North Country, you play Joe Scott, an ex-con/boxer. What more can you tell me about Joe?

MATT MANUEL: Joe was actually always a boxer! He had a promising boxing career until his wrongful arrest which caused him to lose everything. By the time you meet him in the boarding house, you see a man who is determined to rebuild his life. He stays to himself. He is incredibly respectful, but definitely not someone whose bad side you should ever end up on as audience members will see. There is also no coincidence that the softer side of Joe comes out in the presence of Marianne. 

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When Joe shows up at the house, he’s traveling with a seemingly unlikely companion, the Reverend Marlowe, played by Jeremy Webb, who I’ll be chatting with as the second part of this Rapid Fire Q&A. What’s Jeremy like as a scene partner?

MATT MANUEL: Jeremy is one of the best humans in this business! On and off stage, we have a very close relationship. I can ask him advice or guidance on anything, and he will make time to sit with me. On stage, we have so much fun together playing off of each others acting choices. He is ever present and always ready for the curveballs we like to throw at each other. Offstage, we look out for each other and are very protective of each other, and when we hop on stage, we enjoy our very tennis-esc scenes where we volley our lines and physical choices back and forth to try and throw the other off. I could not have prayed to God for a better scene partner than the one I have been given in Jeremy Adonis Webb. Also, that is not his middle name. I just made it up!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While doing a little digging prior to our conversation, I discovered you and I share a degree of separation….American Idol! I was an assistant to the coordinating producer during the first two seasons back in the day, while you were a contestant in 2013. Stick with me here…How did trying out for Idol prepare you for auditioning and landing later gigs like Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud and your experience on tour with Motown the Musical?

MATT MANUEL: Wow! That is a cool degree of separation!!! American Idol actually helped me with my camera awareness as well as my mindfulness as a performer. There is so much more to being a performer than singing. A fun fact is I booked all three of those things in my hometown of Detroit at open calls. Playing David Ruffin in Ain’t Too Proud really made me put those things into practice. I had to learn how to be comfortable commanding a space and being front and center.

Matt Manuel in the GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY North American tour (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade).

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of your previous experiences, the upcoming Nashville leg of Girl from the North Country won’t be the first time you’ve appeared onstage in Music City. You were one of the stand-out performances just two short years ago as Dustin, in the premiere presentation of May We All, which had it’s National debut at TPAC. What was your favorite aspect of that experience? AND…now that you’re familiar with Nashville, are there any things you’ll insist your fellow cast mates check out while in Music City?

MATT MANUEL: My favorite aspect of doing May We All was truly making friends. We had such a great cast! We enjoyed building that world together through our story telling and to this day, our group text thread is still active. Now that I am going back, I will definitely be getting some hot chicken and I encourage my cast mates to do the same! I may take a trip up to carter vintage and play some guitar as well!

RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY’s JEREMY WEBB

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In researching to chat with you, I read one review of a previous production of Girl From The North Country that describes the character you play, the Reverend Marlowe as “non-practicing’. That made me laugh. Is that a fair assessment of the character’s current religious conviction? AND…what more chan you tell me about the Reverend?

JEREMY WEBB: Thank you so much for having me and for asking to do this interview about Girl From The North Country by Conor McPherson and Bob Dylan. I love your question about the character I play, The Reverend James Marlowe and the assessment suggested above! I like to think about James as a person who is doing what he must do in order to survive. We are in 1934, it’s the height of The Depression and there is no social safety net. James has had a tough life and selling Bibles is a transactional means to an end. And as I see him, he also has an authentic connection to the mystic and to spirituality. And while I agree that he is maybe not the most devout man of the cloth you have ever met, we have to remember the dire and strained circumstances of the play.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Girl From The North Country, at least in story and character, seems to be getting a bit of comparison Thornton Wilder’s Our Town…how do you describe the play yourself?

JEREMY WEBB: It’s the week before Thanksgiving at a boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota and a group of restless Americans gather by necessity and circumstance to share community, food, warmth and shelter. No one wants to be there, but everyone has a strong need that connects them to the boarding house. What transpires is a tale of love, jealousy, graft, mysticism and at its core, a perfect miracle.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I have a confession to make…generally speaking, I’m not exactly a huge Dylan fan. I KNOW…I KNOW…but, Will I be after seeing Girl From The North Country?

JEREMY WEBB: Of course you will! He is America’s troubadour! His lyrics won him a Nobel Prize IN LITERATURE! What a treat to get to experience Dylan’s remarkable gift for storytelling and his gut-punch lyrics in a fresh setting and sung by this astonishing company. Especially with these Tony Award-winning orchestrations and arrangements sung by Broadway’s Best! Wait until Matt Manuel sing his heart out and watch him act his face off! It is as if Dylan (who is all about reinvention anyway) has been reborn through this material.

Jeremy Webb in the GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY North American tour (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If you could adopt one aspect of the Reverend’s personality and character into your own life, what would it be and why?

JEREMY WEBB: James’ badass hairstyle is key for me. I started out as a young actor in Drama School as very method-oriented and have become much more “outside in” as I have progressed through the many roles I have played in my career. When I settled into James’ badass hairstyle, something clicked for me. There is something telling and unique about the person who never feels the need to run a comb through his hair (we all know one!). So if I had to say, I’d say James’ badass hairstyle. It’s freeing! Less combs! More tangles!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I frequently like to end these chat with this…what do you hope audiences take away with them after having seen Girl From The North Country?

JEREMY WEBB: I know that this musical provokes conversation. On the way home from the theatre and the next morning as well. Don’t try to “get” it all: there is a lot coming at you from this boarding house… sit with us for 2 + hours and feel Dylan stir your soul. And then go away having one of those juicy conversations with your seat mate or family member that only a brilliant piece of theatre can inspire! 

Thanks for the great questions.

See you at the theatre!

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Indeed they will see me there, as I look forward to attending Opening Night of Girl From The North Country’s Nashville dates. Girl From the North Country plays TPAC’s Jackson Hall Tuesday, January 30 through Sunday, February 4 with evening performances Tuesday-Sunday and additional matinees both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information.

Can’t make it to Nashville for these dates? Catch the show as the National Tour continues with upcoming stops in Greenville, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Tampa and more. Be sure and check out Girl From The North Country’s Official Site at North Country Tour, or follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Following Girl From the North Country , TPAC‘s HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC season continues with TINA-the Tina Turner Musical, February 13-18. CLICK HERE for tickets or more information. Be sure to check out TPAC online and on socials by clicking any of the following:  TPAC.org,  TPAC on Instagram,  TPAC on Facebook, TPAC on Twitter and TPAC on YouTube.

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

Theatre Review: ‘Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations’ at TPAC’s Jackson Hall through Sunday, March 26 as National Tour continues

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Not even a little rain on opening night of the Nashville leg of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations National Tour could dampen the excitement for TPAC’s Jackson Hall’s packed house. In fact, rain, and the emotions it evokes, perfectly set the mood for what would be a night of electric moves, a shower of hit songs, a tsunami of talent and thunderous applause all evening long.

Featuring more than 30 tunes, most of them some of Motown’s biggest and best loved hits, Ain’t Too Proud ranks, in my opinion, as one of the best jukebox musicals. All too often, jukebox musicals struggle to find the balance between storytelling and tune placement. Not the case with Ain’t Too Proud. Dominique Morisseau, who wrote the book of the musical, not only based the storytelling elements on the book by The Temptations’ only surviving founding member, Otis Williams, but also wisely broadened the musical inclusions to incorporate not just The Temptations’ music, but also that of a few of their contemporaries like The Supremes, The Isley Brothers, The Five Satins and Tammi Terrell. By doing this, the narrative flows perfectly with each tune the ideal musical accompaniment to flesh out the story. Said story is presented by Michael Andreaus as Otis Williams, breaking the fourth wall to tell his tale directly to the audience.

Joining Andreaus as The Temptations’ original members, aka “The Classic 5” are E. Clayton Cornelious as Paul Williams, Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks, Harrell Holmes, Jr. as Melvin Franklin and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as David Ruffin. The show also introduces a couple of other Temptations, including Devin Price as Al Bryant, Dwayne P. Mitchell as Dennis Edwards, Devin Holloway as Richard Street and Omar Madden as Damon Harris. We also meet Berry Gordy (Jeremy Kelsey), Shelly Berger (Ryan Hunt), Smokey Robinson (Omar Madden), Mary Wilson (Brittny Smith), Florence Ballard (Shayla Brielle G.) and the aforementioned Diana Ross (Amber Mariah Talley) and Tammi Terrell (Shayla Brielle G.).

Among my personal favorite musical moments, of course the title track is simply magical. The Supremes medley is a fun added bonus, though opening night in Music City, the ladies’ mics seemed a bit low. At the top of this review, I noted that it was raining outside the theatre. Well, I’m here to tell you that during the emotional I Wish it Would Rain, a 1967 Top Ten for the group, it was ‘raining’ on my face as my eyes began to sweat. Powerful, indeed.

Running the gamut of emotions, I absolutely loved the way Cloud Nine (a 1968 hit) started off as the musical manifestation of the group’s success, then plunges the depths of the cost of fame as a double entendre as a literal cloud of smoke, making mention of some behind-the-scenes drug usage.

Another somber moment comes with War, YES, the Edwin Starr mega-hit, was originally recorded by The Temptations, but withheld as a single so as not to alienate their more conservative fanbase. Within the context of the show, it perfectly punctuates the troubled times following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While the show does indeed touch on a bit of drama here and there, Ain’t Too Proud is, as a whole, an upbeat, dancing in the isles, feel good musical.Choreographer Sergio Trujillo perfectly captures and builds upon the moves so closely associated with The Temptations that you just can’t help but get into the groove.

Speaking of getting on your feet and getting into the groove, Nashville’s Opening Night audience gave the company a well-deserved Standing Ovation. What’s more, as the company was taking their bows, lead actor Andreaus quieted the audience and asked them to return to their seats for a moment. It was then we got a fantastic surprise as Andreaus thanked us for our energetic response to the show and revealed that this performance was particularly special to him and the company because it was the first time he had gotten the opportunity to perform the role of Otis Williams…in the presence of THE Otis Williams!!! That’s right!!! The legend himself, the OG OG OG Temptation, Dr. Otis Williams was in the house! WIth that, Andreaus introduced the 81-year-old icon, Dr. Otis Williams, who arrived onstage to yet another Standing Ovation. Only in Music City, y’all!

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations continues at TPAC’s Jackson Hall with shows thru Sunday, March 26. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Not in Nashville, but want to fill your soul as you feel the soulful sounds of The Temptations? CLICK HERE to check out where the show’s headed next.

As for TPAC’s Broadway Series, next up is the Music City premiere engagement of Disney’s Aladdin coming to TPAC’s Jackson Hall May 2-7. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Be sure to check out TPAC online and on socials by clicking any of the following:  TPAC.org, TPAC on Instagram, TPAC on Facebook, TPAC on Twitter and TPAC on YouTube.

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, 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 dancers Jade Primicias and Seah Hagan, on tour now with MOMIX Alice; at TPAC January 27-28

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MOMIX Alice, an evening of dance that puts a new spin on characters first introduced in Lewis Carroll’s beloved tales of a young inquisitive girl’s adventures in Wonderland is headed to TPAC’s Polk Theatre for a limited two-night engagement Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28. Highlighted by theatricality, mood-setting lighting, gorgeous costumes, ever-morphing props and sets, the current tour marks MOMIX Alice‘s Music City premiere. As the company prepared for their Nashville debut, I had the opportunity to chat with two of featured dancers, Jade Primicias and Sean Hagan for my the latest installment in my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH MOMIX ALICE’s JADE PRIMICIAS AND SEAH HAGAN

RAPID FIRE WITH JADE PRIMICIAS

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me. A huge fan of everything Alice, I’m excited about the show. Before we get into specifics about the show itself, let’s chat a bit about your dance history. How old were you when you discovered dance?

JADE PRIMICIAS: I think dance actually discovered me. Some of my earliest memories involve prancing along with the dancers on TV, or giving my family little recitals in our living room. Like so many of us, I’ve been a dancer since I was in the womb.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Did you take lessons from an early age?

JADE PRIMICIAS: My first dance lesson was at age five, thanks to two women who saw me dancing at a Spice Girls concert. They asked my parents if I was enrolled in classes, then assured them that I should be.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the biggest misconception about dancers?

JADE PRIMICIAS: Previously, I would have answered that some people hold the misconception that dancers aren’t intellectual or chose the arts because of an inability to achieve something more lucrative or “difficult,” however, as my career has progressed I’ve learned that it runs even deeper than that. There exists, unfortunately, a general disrespect or overall ignorance regarding the value of the arts as a tenable career field. Many people disregard or don’t understand its existence as a profession and rather view it as more of a hobby, more commonly in the South, especially further from metropolitan areas. This could, of course, be attributed to the lack of value placed on dance and arts education in public schools as well as the inaccessibility of funding for the arts, rendering artists and dance companies less able to perform in lower income or otherwise underserved communities.

As valedictorian of my high school class and a University Honors College graduate, I’m proud to say that dancers are overwhelmingly intelligent, hard workers who experience both the joy and suffering that come with many other valid careers. The arts are incredibly important to our culture and to sustaining human life, and I’m incredibly thankful to be able to serve my community by sharing my art with audiences around the world.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When did you realize you could have a thriving career in dance?

JADE PRIMICIAS: I don’t think I ever came to that realization, to be honest. Perhaps it was towards the end of my senior year of high school, when I had just accepted a scholarship geared toward women entering the field of engineering; I had my future planned out ahead of me, but I realized that it meant giving up my truest passions: what I knew could make the biggest impact. I changed my plans and double majored in Dance and Creative Writing instead, and I never looked back. I didn’t know if a successful career would come of it, or anything for that matter– I just knew I couldn’t leave it behind. Simultaneously, much of my success is rooted in privilege. It’s often quite expensive to engage in the arts, and I’m very lucky to have had a strong familial support system, reliable housing, and the ability to work multiple jobs while pursuing my dance career.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While researching to chat with you, I discovered you’ve not only got ties to Tennessee, but also neighboring Kentucky. What can you tell me about your southern ties, and will playing Nashville’s TPAC afford you the chance to reconnect with friends and former colleagues?

JADE PRIMICIAS: It absolutely will! I was born, raised, and educated in Western Kentucky and currently live in Memphis, although with our tour schedule I’m usually away from home. Performing in Nashville provides the opportunity for many of my communities, friends, and loved ones to come together to see the show that is so near and dear to my heart, many of whom haven’t seen me dance since I was a kid– or at all. It will be an emotional weekend of performances for sure!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For those not familiar, how would you describe MOMIX in three words?

JADE PRIMICIAS: Look, no hands!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did your association with MOMIX begin?

JADE PRIMICIAS: I first heard about MOMIX while training with Pilobolus, the plant from which MOMIX was propagated, following their performance in Germantown, Tennessee. They were describing companies who created work along a similar vein, using strong partnering and improvisational techniques, and my interest was piqued. Two years later, I saw MOMIX on the same stage where I’d also seen Pilobolus for the first time, and I knew that I’d found my people– or in that show’s case, bugs. After an incredible stroke of fate, I saw them for a second time the following year and met up with one of the dancers after the show. I teared up as I expressed how much I loved the shows and saw myself in the work, and the dancer gave me the most mind-blowing piece of advice yet: just audition. As a small town, Kentucky girl, this possibility had never occurred to me. With more luck and the support of the incredible Memphis dance community, I made my way up to Connecticut (leaving during bows for a Tennessee Ballet Theater show I was directing with Erin Walter) to catch the last flight to New York on a Sunday night, and the rest is history.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Fans of Lewis Carroll‘s Alice character are loyal indeed. I can attest to that fact as one of my dearest friends is absolutely Alice obsessed. Considering the fandom, in what ways does MOMIX Alice honor Carroll’s beloved characters?

JADE PRIMICIAS: Our Artistic Director Moses Pendleton did his due diligence in researching Alice, sharing fun facts about Lewis Carroll and his inspiration for the famous stories along the way and even incorporating the “original” Alice into the show. Moses was sure to include the timeless White Rabbit, the hypnotic Caterpillar, Mad Hatter(s), the incorrigible Queen of Hearts, chaotic playing cards, red roses, and of course Alice herself, but we invited some of the lesser known characters into the mix as well, giving the show an even more authentic charm. The Cheshire Cat, for example, appears and disappears perhaps before Alice sees it herself… Fans will recognize even more obscure references, such as in the section of the show entitled “The Tweedles” which pays homage to both its namesake and to the “Pig and Pepper” scene from the book, during which a baby that Alice is holding turns into a pig. The Mock Turtle even makes an appearance, singing her lament. Finally, bonus points go to those who can identify the song, or poem, to which the lobsters perform their quadrille!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: That covers the original nods, so, on the flip-side…are there elements in this retelling that are unique and new that you yourself particularly enjoy?

JADE PRIMICIAS: Moses loves wordplay, and of course it’s MOMIX tradition to bend the rules of reality. In addition to growing taller and smaller, in our version, Alice multiplies! These Alices appear and disappear throughout the show, taking the audience deeper into wonderland as we fall again and again into the rabbit hole–or perhaps into chimneys—in Lewis Carroll’s imagination. Another more imaginative section of the show lies within the Garden of Molar Bears & Other Creatures… audiences will stumble upon characters that Alice may not have spied in the book, but that must have spied-her. One of my favorite curious creatures is what we call Datura, named for the beautiful yet deadly nightshade flower it sometimes resembles. Truly, Lewis Carroll lulls Alice into a whimsical dream-state starting from the show’s opening piece, where he guides her into wonderland and beyond. Every time I “fall asleep” on that ladder, I wake up and I am Alice, excited to take the audience with me on the adventure of a lifetime.

RAPID FIRE WITH SEAH HAGAN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: While researching to chat with you I discovered you’re a third-generation dancer, so I’m guessing if the phrase “Born to dance” was ever true, it was true in your case. Would you agree?

SEAH HAGAN: Dance has been a part of my life since I can remember… I grew up in the theatre and watching, living, and breathing dance. So more than born to dance I was “born into dance”!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of your family’s connection to dance, you even studied under both your parents, Natalia Botha and Charles Hagan at Southern Academy of Ballet Arts. What’s more challenging, being a student of your parents in dance, or in life?

SEAH HAGAN: My parents have always been extremely supportive of me both inside and outside of the studio. They have been my toughest critics but also my biggest fans throughout my life. To have professional dancer/teacher parents and grand parents gave me a unique upbringing. One I am very grateful to have had. Not everyone understands the rigors of a professional dance career, the training it takes to get there, and the sacrifices made, so to have your parents in your corner though all of that is a one-of-a-kind sort of support that I am beyond grateful. Also, because they know me so well, they are always sure of what I am capable of so there is always room to be pushed further when necessary and also when to be nurtured in the moments needed.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your parents? Again, you can answer this as it relates to dance, or as it relates to life itself…

SEAH HAGAN: My parents taught me the value of hard work. It doesn’t go unnoticed even if you think it is. Someone is always watching and taking note of the space so always put your best foot forward no matter the situation.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When and how did your association with MOMIX begin?

SEAH HAGAN: My parents trained another dancer who is now former MOMIX member many years ago. I saw a MOMIX show many years ago when I was too young to remember, unfortunately, but I grew up hearing the name and when I saw the company’s work I was in awe. I audition in 2017 for MOMIX and did my first tour less than a month later. I was freshly 18 years old when I got the job and my whole world turned upside in the best way possible.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Thus far, you’ve danced in three MOMIX shows. What’s your favorite aspect of being a member of the company?

SEAH HAGAN: MOMIX is unlike any other company. Not only is the work one of a kind, but also the atmosphere. Having the honor of working with Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn—our Artistic Director and Associate Director—is incredible. Both have so much valuable insight into dance and movement that not only applies to the work but can be taken into the outside world as well. The other dancers in the company also each have a unique blend of skills that you are constantly learning from by just being around them and you are forever pushed to explore new limits and comfort zones in the studio. I could go on forever. The touring life too is so special. We travel and preform most of the days out of the year and are a very tightly knit group who essentially work, eat, dance, live, and grow together which forms bonds as deep as family. The memories made here are the best of the best. We go to incredible places all over the world from Europe to Asia and all across the United States and each place is just as special as the last.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You have been with Alice since the beginning. What’s most gratifying about seeing a project from inception to presentation?

SEAH HAGAN: Watching and being a part of Alice’s creation and ever-changing development has been a journey. Much as Alice the character is traveling though the different parts of Wonderland, Alice, the production, is on a voyage through different stages of MOMIX-land. It’s been very special to watch the show come together and deepen over the years.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is MOMIX Alice like most theatrical presentations in that…certain dancers are cast as certain characters? Or might someone dance the role of Alice one show and the next tour stop, they might be the Mad Hatter?

SEAH HAGAN: We occasionally have changes to casting but typically have a set “tack” we preform throughout the show. The production is different in the sense though that we all play multiple characters. For example, in this show I am: Alice, a rabbit, part of the Lobster Quadrille, the Queen of Diamonds and Hearts, one of the creature in the garden, the Wolf Spider, and then back to Alice many times throughout the show. Each dancer has a similar arrangement of roles so there are many different “hats” to be worn throughout the show!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Dance is a very demanding profession, requiring constant body maintenance, whether it be stretching, working out, or simply finding time and space to move, rehearse and tune your craft. How does that work while on the road?

SEAH HAGAN: We are preforming most every day on tour so our workout comes mostly from the show. We take a ballet class every day to warm up, so we are maintaining our technique as well. A lot of the dancers supplement here and there by practicing yoga or doing Pilates. Personally, ballet or riding a bike is my exercise of choice. Also, we definitely get our steps in by exploring the cities we are preforming in before the shows and on days off. It’s most difficult on long travel days with fights or extended drives but we all have our own personal ways to tend to our bodies as needed.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wardrobe, set design and lighting play a supporting role in dance performance. Is there a particular scene, segment or look…whether your’s or one of your fellow dancers…that you simply love?

SEAH HAGAN: The whole show is a visual spectacle, so every scene has something to look for. I would say the lobster quadrille is always very eye-catching to the audience and fun to perform as the dancers are manipulating large hoop-skirts into different shapes and accessories. This piece is challenging from a dancer perspective because the piece is really a dance for the prop and learning how to remain understated personally while still performing is quite difficult at first.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alright, we’ve come to the end of our chat. I usually like to close my interviews by asking….What do you hope audiences come away with after having witnessed MOMIX Alice?

SEAH HAGAN: I hope the audience lets Alice take them on a trip though Wonderland in the abstract design it was created in. I always like to tell people to let their imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to let your natural reactions out whether it be laughter, curiosity, or amazement. Come with us into the world of Alice and let us transport you to another dimension!

MOMIX Alice invites Nashville audiences to travel down the Rabbit Hole with two Music City performances at TPAC’s Polk Theatre, Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28 at 8pm each night. At the time of this interview, limited tickets remain for both performances. Tickets start at $55 and are available HERE. For even more of an insider’s look, patrons are invited to attend a special TPAC INSIDE/OUT WORKSHOP: MASTERCLASS WITH MOMIX from 3pm until 4:30pm on Saturday, January 28 at TPAC’s Rehearsal Hall. Tickets to the workshop are $10. CLICK HERE to reserve your spots.   

Not in Nashville, but interested in seeing MOMIX Alice in a town near you? You can keep up with the the company and the tour by following MOMIX on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Following MOMAX Alice‘s Nashville engagement, TPAC continues to celebrate dance with  Shen Yun returning February 3 & 4 and Nashville Ballet‘s premiere presentation of Attitude: Anthology February 10-12. Then, TPAC’s Perspectives series returns with Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? February 10-12. Broadway at TPAC continues with the Nashville debut performances of the National Tour of SIX the Musical February 21-26…just to name a few upcoming events. For the full calendar of performing arts coming to TPAC, check them out online and on socials by clicking any of the following:  TPAC.org, TPAC on Instagram, TPAC on Facebook, TPAC on Twitter and TPAC on YouTube.

If you’ve enjoyed this latest Rapid Fire 20 Q, be sure and CLICK HERE to check out previous conversations. if you are interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor, simply click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram,  Twitter and Facebook.