6 posts tagged “nashville”

So much for the haunting season.  It was generally fun, though not without some drawbacks.  Haunted Nashville was by and large a great experience, and really gave me a feel for a different kind of live performance.  Sure, I had done some haunts before, in the 'way back when,' but Nathan Hamilton's Turbidite Manor was a very different creature.  Both the show and the leadership provided a feeling much closer to a theme park show than anything I've done before.

There were a lot of your basic horror fan haunting hobbyists in the show, and in Riddles of Horror and House of Distortion, but there was also a lot of crossover into the film and theatre communities.  I made a metric tonne of great contacts there, including meeting some people I had heard were great but hadn't gotten around to shaking hands with.  Some of these folks include actors Rodrikus Springfield and Shilo Turri, writer/actress Nicole Nelson-Hicks, makeup artist Jenn Smith, and talent manager/director/producer Lynda Drewry, to name just a few. 

The patrons, though often belligerent, disrespectful and, for some reason highly disinterested in getting their money's worth, were also appreciative and responsive.  Halloween night itself saw the worst of them, mainly annoyed that they didn't get invited to any cool parties, I think.  I have to say, though, that giving them a real scare (enough to knock many of them on their asses) was a good thrill, especially those who thought they were hardcore or something.

Also of note, in my weird little world, November 1st is New Year's Day.  That's how my ancient forebears did it and that's how  do it.  So here's hoping for a terrific year, one that really builds on the momentum I've created so far.  I have a new gig writing for Demand Studios, voiceover work on a great project, some big spotlit stage dreams and a novel manuscript in the works.  It only gets bigger better busier from here!

The following snippet appears amidst a full review of Play On! at www.nashvilletheatrelostandfound.com.  We're all very pleased that you enjoyed it, Trudy!

...The curtain is open at the very top of the first act.  The house lights over the stage are warming-up as the actors mill uncharacteristically in house.  The stage manager and the tech sit on the lip of the stage discussing the information that should be dispensed to the audience on opening night.  The director calls the actors to the stage to begin rehearsal.  They make their ways leisurely to the stage ... or not.  This scene seems so familiar; I forget I'm watching a play. Actors bickering, tech grumbling, director pleading … I'm at home.  I was so comfortable in that environment that I almost got out of my seat to head to the kitchen for a cup of coffee along with Jerry Dunbar, the director of Murder Most Foul, the play within the play in PLAY ON! by Rick Abbot, currently showing at Community Players Theatre.

Stay with me here.  The show in rehearsal, Murder Most Foul, is an “original play by a local playwright,” Phyllis Montague played by Barbara DeHarde.  The other players consist of the actors:  Henry Benish played by David Hutson, his wife, Polly Benish, played by Olivia Scott, Smitty played by Alwyn Mothershed, Billy Carewe played by Lucas Hutson, Saul Watson played by Logan Masterson, and Violet Imbry played by Kellye Mitchell, the stage manager, Aggie Manville, played by Angie Bianchi, the lighting/sound/scene tech, Louise Peary, played by Martha Stephens, and the director, Jerry Dunbar, played by Asa Ambrister....

Just got home from a terrific Carbon Leaf show.  I wasn't entirely thrilled with the opening act, though the bassist was good, and let me tell you about the venue.

3rd & Lindsley is a fascinating little dive.  Located right on said intersection, it somehow draws two particular kinds of people.  First, there are the Vanderbilt students, who are often arrogant, sure, but tonight... wow.  There were several people in the club who seemed to think they were more important and interesting than the bands.  You could tell, because everyone withing 20 yards (the whole venue) could hear them talking over the music.  Second are the jerks.  Not people who are thoughtless, but actual pricks.  In an effort to find a location from which I could actually see Carter & Terry play, I excused myself passing by one guy at the bar, explaining I was just looking for a good view.  He explained unnecessarily that he got there earlier and bought his tickets first, so he a right to a clear line of sight. 

A: I wasn't arguing that, which is why I was moving past him. and
B: Don't be a dick.  My Dearheart and I got our tickets like three days ago, so your assumption was both arrogant and false. 

I might even have argued back, if not for the off-chance that the ensuing fight might have led to a punch in the ear, limiting my ability to enjoy the concert. 

Now, I know this is Nashville, and all that implies, but damn! 

<END RANT>

In spite of the B.S. I enjoyed the show immensely, and can't wait to see Carbon Leaf again October 4th when they return to Music City.  Unless of course 3rd & Lindsley hosts the show, at which point I'll have to miss it.  I can't see myself going there again. 

And if you don't know who Carbon Leaf is, shame on you!  Check them out!

1_200x300-Wicked

The Tony award winning Wicked is coming to Nashville!  This clever musical, written by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman is based on Gregory Maguire's innovative retelling of the Wizard of Oz.  It tells the story of apprentice Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her life before dear Dorothy turns the Land of Oz upside down.  TPAC is holding a special ticketing event for the Nashville performances, running September 2nd through 20th.

DATE:  Saturday, June 6 2009
TIME:  8:00 AM - 10: 00 AM (Come early, it will fill up fast!)
PLACE:  TPAC's Jackson Hall Box Office
   (The line will begin at the bridge on War Memorial Plaza.)

EVENT DETAILS:

Between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., tickets will be exclusively available at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s downtown box office. The line for the event will begin at the bridge on War Memorial Plaza.

Ticket buyers are encouraged to arrive early for access to some of the best seats in the house and special box office opening festivities. WJXA Mix 92.9 radio will be on site with live remote broadcasts, offering prizes for WICKED trivia and karaoke participants. WJXA also will give WICKED hats to the first 92 ticket buyers in line, Dunkin Donuts will provide green “munchkin” donuts and coffee to the first 150 people in line, and Which Wich will hand out vouchers for a free “The Wicked” sandwich to the first 100 people in line, as well as free samples at the event.

Beginning at 10 a.m., remaining tickets will be available online; by calling Ticketmaster at 615/255-ARTS (2787); and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including TPAC’s Box Office at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills. There is a maximum of 8 tickets per person. For information on offers for groups of 20 or more, call TPAC Group Sales at 615/782-4060.

The preexisting sales to season ticket holders and groups indicate an overwhelming interest in WICKED. It is possible that the Nashville engagement will sell out quickly. Patrons are urged to purchase their tickets to WICKED early.

The WICKED on-sale event will take place June 6, rain or shine. Promotions, giveaways and event details are subject to change without notice.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/NashvilleTheatre

I would like to apologize to my loyal readers (all seven of you) for my reticence of late.The play (see http://tinyurl.com/Harvey09) has had me busy beyond my expectations.  Tonight is the last show of our opening weekend, which has been an unmitigated success. 

My cast and crew have exceeded all of my expectations, and I am proud and grateful.  My co-director has been a joy to work with as well.  More at my Nashville Theatre Examiner column here: http://tinyurl.com/NashvilleTheatre.

More soon, my friends.