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Tickets on sale now at FranklinTheatre.com for May 31-June 17 performances


Studio Tenn Theatre Company today announced complete casting for their upcoming musical production, “The Sound of Music,” running May 31-June 17 at the historic 300-seat Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. In leading roles are Broadway stars Jessica Grové as “Maria” and Ben Davis as “Captain Von Trapp”.

Grové has starred on Broadway in “Les Miserables” (Eponine), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Miss Dorothy), “A Little Night Music” (Mrs. Anderson) and “Sunday in the Park with George” (Celeste). She also starred as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” at Madison Square Garden with Mickey Rooney and Ertha Kitt. Last month, Jessica played Cinderella in the third annual ShowHope benefit production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, directed and designed by Matt Logan and featuring Jake Speck of Studio Tenn at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony.

Ben Davis has starred on Broadway in some of the same shows, including “Les Miserables” (Javert), Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Trevor Graydon), “A Little Night Music” (Mr. Lindquist), “Knickerbocker Holiday” (Brom Broeck) and Baz Luhrmann’s “La Boheme” (Marcello).

Other principal cast members include Nan Gurley as the Mother Abbess, Marguerite Lowell Hall as the Baroness, Matthew Carlton as Uncle Max, and recent Belmont University graduates Kelsey Self and Douglas Waterbury-Tieman as Liesl and Rolf. Portraying the rest of the Von Trapp children are seven of Tennessee’s most talented young actors, including Jack Alcott as Friedrich, Annabelle Fox as Louisa, Mary Marguerite Hall as Brigitta, Matthew Dyra as Kurt, Virginia Richardson as Marta and Bella Higginbotham as Gretel.

The cast will be rounded out with some of the region’s best actors and singers, including such Nashville main-stays as Shelean Newman, David Compton, Emily Webb, Melodie Madden Adams and Linda Sue Simmons Runyeon.

 Studio Tenn Managing Director Jake Speck will serve as Executive Producer and the company’s Artistic Director Matt Logan will design and direct. The production will be choreographed by Emily Tello, Chris Rayis will serve as Music Director/Conductor and Laura Matula will vocal direct.

Studio Tenn’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 17 at the Franklin Theatre. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets are on sale now at the Franklin Theatre Box Office, (615) 538-2076 or online at FranklinTheatre.com. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. To inquire about group rates, please email leah@franklintheatre.com.

Live Reveal on Franklin Theatre Stage Features Sneak Peek Musical Performances

Franklin, Tenn. (4/17/2012)–Studio Tenn Theatre Company today announced its lineup of shows for 2012-2013 from the Franklin Theatre stage via a series of sneak peek live performances before an audience of media and the public.

The expanded five-show season will include musicals Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Big River, My Fair Lady and holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol live on the Franklin Theatre stage. In addition, a fall production of the classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men will be staged at the historic Williamson County Courthouse, erected in 1858.

“We are so thrilled to be returning to the beautiful and historic Franklin Theatre with four productions this season, including three full-blown musicals,” said Studio Tenn’s Managing Director Jake Speck. “Franklin and Williamson County has demonstrated time and again their love for music and history.” The two converge, Speck said, in “Big River,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” and “My Fair Lady.” “We are also very excited at the prospect of taking our work beyond the walls of the theater—yet still in downtown Franklin—with ‘Twelve Angry Men’ at the historic courthouse.”

Artistic Director Matt Logan said part of the nonprofit theatre company’s overall artistic vision is to continually think outside the box. “Studio Tenn specializes in reinventing classic productions,” said Logan. “We always select shows that are generally beloved and have stood the test of time—’My Fair Lady’ and ‘Twelve Angry Men,’ for example, are among the most popular productions of all time—but it is also our artistic promise to bring something new and different to the interpretation. We want you to see these shows like you’ve never seen them before.”

2012-2013 season tickets will be made available for purchase through a special pre-sale during Studio Tenn’s upcoming run of “The Sound of Music,” May 31-June 17. At each performance of “The Sound of Music,” patrons will have the opportunity to purchase 2012-2013 Season Tickets at the Box Office in advance of the public on sale date. Remaining season tickets will go on sale to the public online at FranklinTheatre.com and at the Franklin Theatre Box Office on Wednesday, June 20 at noon.

Tickets for May 31-June 17 performances of “The Sound of Music” are on sale now at FranklinTheatre.com.

About Studio Tenn

Studio Tenn, proudly tapped by the Franklin Theatre to be their resident theatre company for the 2011-2012 season, made quite a splash with their highly lauded inaugural 2010-2011 season, and their upcoming productions have fulfilled their promise to be even more stellar. Following “A Christmas Carol”, “The Miracle Worker” is set for Feb. 23rd-March 4th. And an encore production, “The Sound of Music” will wrap up the season May 31-June 17.

Studio Tenn Theatre Company is led by Artistic Director Matt Logan and Managing Director Jake Speck, both Nashville natives who made good on Broadway and have brought their experience back home to Middle Tennessee. Studio Tenn was founded in the Fall of 2009 by Logan, a nationally recognized director and artist, along with Emmy Award-winning producer Philip Hall and Broadway and film actress Marguerite Lowell Hall. The company’s inaugural production of Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town” was an enormous success and enough to convince Studio Tenn’s founders this was something that should continue. Shortly thereafter, Jake Speck left the Broadway production of “Jersey Boys” where he played the lead role of Bob Gaudio to join Studio Tenn as its Managing Director.

Studio Tenn’s mission is to “use a rich combination of talent from Nashville and Broadway to bring classic works of drama and musical theatre to life in Middle Tennessee, and provide innovative educational programs designed to entertain, educate and inspire the rising artists of our unique community.”

About the Franklin Theatre

Originally built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. Jackson National Life Insurance

Company is the title sponsor for the Franklin Theatre’s 2012 season of live music and events. More information about the Franklin Theatre is available online at FranklinTheatre.com.

2012-2013 SEASON AT A GLANCE

Smokey Joe’s Cafe: September 13-30 at the Franklin Theatre

Twelve Angry Men: October 18-November 4 at the historic Williamson County Courthouse

A Christmas Carol: December 6-16 at the Franklin Theatre

Big River: February 21-March 3 at the Franklin Theatre

My Fair Lady: May 16-June 2 at the Franklin Theatre

Featuring Live Performances and Q&A with Creative Team

Studio Tenn Theatre Company and the Franklin Theatre invite members of the media and the public to attend Studio Tenn’s 2012-2013 Season Reveal on Tuesday, April 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre. Attendees will have the opportunity to see special “sneak peek,” live performances of next season’s shows and experience the state-of-the-art theatre venue firsthand.

There will also be a Q & A session with Jake Speck, Managing Director of Studio Tenn Theatre Company and Matt Logan, Artistic Director of Studio Tenn Theatre Company. Both Speck and Logan are coming off of a highly successful premiere season at The Franklin Theatre and have promised “more theatrical heights to come.”

Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Encore musical production planned for May 31-June 17 at Franklin Theatre

Franklin, TN – April 10, 2012– Studio Tenn Theatre Company today announced plans to open up a third week of shows for “The Sound of Music”, their fourth and final production of the 2011-2012 season. “The Sound of Music” will open Thursday, May 31 and will close Sunday, June 17 at the Franklin Theatre in Historic Downtown Franklin.Tickets for June 14-17 performances will go on sale Wednesday, April 11 at noon at FranklinTheatre.com and at the Franklin Theatre Box Office, (615)-538-2076. Tickets for May 31-June 10 performances are on sale now.

This is the second time in its young history as the Franklin Theatre’s resident live theatre company that Studio Tenn has added show times due to popular demand. The company’s December 2011 production of “A Christmas Carol” sold out just after Thanksgiving, prompting the addition of two matinee performances to the two-week run.

It was the overwhelmingly positive response to the company’s sold-out debut musical, “Guys And Dolls” that ultimately led to the decision to add another musical to the 2011-2012 season. Studio Tenn’s Managing Director Jake Speck and Artistic Director Matt Logan announced the addition of “The Sound of Music” on opening night of the company’s February production, “The Miracle Worker.”

“The people of Franklin and Williamson County have demonstrated such high level of appreciation for musical theatre,” said Studio Tenn’s Managing Director Jake Speck. “We are just ecstatic to have found such a gracious and enthusiastic audience here, and we hope to keep delivering on our mission and promise to bring Broadway-caliber professional live theatre to Middle Tennessee.”

About Studio Tenn

Studio Tenn, proudly tapped by the Franklin Theatre to be their resident theatre company for the 2011-2012 season, made quite a splash with their highly lauded inaugural 2010-2011 season, which began with “Guys and Dolls” in August of 2011. Following “A Christmas Carol” in December, “The Miracle Worker” ran Feb. 23rd-March 4th. And an encore production, “The Sound of Music” will wrap up the season in May and June 2012.

Showcasing the Nashville area’s great artistic talent alongside Broadway stars, Studio Tenn has delivered a stellar 2011-2012 season lauded by audiences and critics alike.

Studio Tenn Theatre Company is led by Artistic Director Matt Logan and Managing Director Jake Speck, both Nashville natives who made good on Broadway and have brought their experience back home to Middle Tennessee. Studio Tenn was founded in the Fall of 2009 by Logan, a nationally recognized director and artist, along with Emmy Award-winning producer Philip Hall and Broadway and film actress Marguerite Lowell Hall. The company’s inaugural production of Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town” was an enormous success and enough to convince Studio Tenn’s founders this was something that should continue. Shortly thereafter, Jake Speck left the Broadway production of “Jersey Boys” where he played the lead role of Bob Gaudio to join Studio Tenn as its Managing Director.

Studio Tenn’s mission is to “use a rich combination of talent from Nashville and Broadway to bring classic works of drama and musical theatre to life in Middle Tennessee, and provide innovative educational programs designed to entertain, educate and inspire the rising artists of our unique community.”

The Franklin Theatre today announced that WSM 650 AM “The Legend” will be the Official Media Partner for several upcoming shows in its spring lineup.

The WSM-sponsored string of shows kicks off with bluegrass royalty The Travelin’ McCourys on March 24, followed by the legendary Guy Clark with Matraca Berg on March 31, Western-swingers Asleep at the Wheel on April 7, Nashville’s original rocker, Buzz Cason & The Love Notes: “Living the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream” on April 21 and Americana master Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives‘ Album Release Celebration on April 28. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit FranklinTheatre.com/music.

About WSM

650 AM WSM is the most famed country music station in the world. Each day, the station shares country, bluegrass, and Americana as well as the excitement of Music City with friends in Middle Tennessee and listeners around the world.

WSM debuted on Oct. 5, 1925, and less than two months later, the show would birth its most famous show (and the show that would make country music famous), the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry was the first of WSM’s shows to develop such an excited audience that fans would visit live studio broadcasts. That tradition continues today not only with the Opry, but with other signature programming including “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs”, “Station Inn Sessions”, and more.

In 1928, WSM was given the frequency of 650 kilohertz and admission to an elite group of maximum power, Class 1-A clear-channel broadcasters. In 1932, the station’s new 50,000-watt transmitter made it a nation-spanning giant. At the heart of this expansion was a diamond-shaped vertical antenna located just South of Nashville, the tallest tower in the nation at the time. The station today still spans the nation with its AM signal, of course, while also circling the globe online.

WSM has gone on to become a broadcasting giant and a friend to hundreds of thousands of fans. The station has won hundreds of broadcasting awards and was named Country Radio Station of the Century by “Radio & Records” in 2000. WSM’s personalities are nationally recognized figures in country music, and its listeners range from U.S. Presidents to Country Music Hall of Famers, to artists climbing the charts toward their first number one hit. You never know when a famous listener might drop in for a visit or to take the studio’s reigns for a while.

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Encore musical production planned for May-June 2012

Franklin, TN – March 6, 2011 – Tickets to Studio Tenn Theatre Company’s highly anticipated encore musical production “The Sound of Music” will go on sale to the public Wednesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at FranklinTheatre.com.

“The Sound of Music” will be staged at the Franklin Theatre May 31 through June 10 and will comprise an eight-piece orchestra and a cast of 22.

Studio Tenn’s Managing Director Jake Speck said he expects “The Sound of Music” to be one of the most highly anticipated shows in the theatre company’s three-year history. “We cannot imagine a better fit for Franklin and Williamson County than this beloved family classic,” Speck said. “We are very excited to bring a Broadway-caliber production of ‘The Sound of Music’ to Main Street this summer.”

Speck and company Artistic Director Matt Logan decided to add the musical to Studio Tenn’s 2011-2012 season after the overwhelming successes of “Guys and Dolls” in August 2011, the debut theatrical production at the Franklin Theatre. The company has seen continued success with subsequent plays, “A Christmas Carol”–which sold out so rapidly, two encore performances were added—and “The Miracle Worker,” the inspirational true story of Helen Keller and her Teacher Annie Sullivan, which wrapped up March 4.

At each performance of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Miracle Worker” the audience was given an exclusive opportunity to purchase advance tickets to “The Sound of Music”. As a result, hundreds of tickets have been reserved prior to the public on-sale date. “That’s completely unprecedented,” said Speck of the pre-sale participation. “If that’s any indication of the demand for this show, ‘The Sound of Music’ may well turn out to be our most popular production yet.”

Tickets to Studio Tenn Theatre Company’s “The Sound of Music” go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7 at FranklinTheatre.com. Purchases may also be made over the phone beginning at noon on Wednesday by calling the Franklin Theatre box office at (615) 538-2076. For more information, visit FranklinTheatre.com or StudioTenn.com.

This weekend wraps up the 7-show run of Studio Tenn Theatre Company’s production of William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker”–the true story of deaf, blind and mute Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. The show has been unanimously lauded by critics, including reviewers from The Tennessean, BroadwayWorld.com and Nashville Parent Magazine. Here are some highlights of what the critics are saying:

“…Studio Tenn’s production is flawless, deeply emotional and a perfect representation of what a tremendous theater experience should be.”-Nashville Parent Magazine

“It’s hard to imagine a more satisfying production of this inspiring drama than the one currently on stage at Studio Tenn in Franklin.”-The Tennessean

“[10-year-old Madeliene] Hall utilizes everything in her arsenal to bring six-year-old Helen Keller so vividly to life in front of you. Her performance is expressive and heartbreakingly genuine..”-BroadwayWorld.com

“The opening-night audience was riveted, with many wiping away tears as the lights came up. Indeed, it’s a powerful evening of theatre.”-The Tennessean

“Annie Sullivan really was a miracle worker, and Studio Tenn’s production of Helen Keller’s young life certainly does her proud.”-Nashville Parent Magazine

Tickets Go On Sale Friday, February 10 at 10 a.m. at FranklinTheatre.com

The Franklin Theatre today announced that Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives will perform at the historic 300-seat venue on April 28, 2012 in conjunction with the release of their album, “Nashville, Volume 1: Tear The Woodpile Down” (Sugar Hill Records). Tickets for the Album Release Celebration go on sale Friday, February 10 at 10 a.m. at FranklinTheatre.com.

The four-time GRAMMY Award winner, platinum recording artist, Grand Ole Opry star, country music memorabilia preservationist, stylist, designer, photographer, songwriter, all around renaissance man, charismatic force of nature, and (first of all, perhaps), leader of the extraordinary, versatile touring and recording band The Fabulous Superlatives, Marty Stuart has shown a showman’s zest for every conceivable flavor of country music.

Franklin Theatre Program & Development Director Sara Preston said, “We are so honored and excited to have been selected as the venue for Marty Stuart’s album launch. He is a world-class musician and performer, and we look forward to this celebration of his latest project.”

Tickets for Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives’ Album Release Celebration at the Franklin Theatre start at $47.50 and go on sale to the public on Friday, February 10 at 10 a.m. at FranklinTheatre.com.

Originally built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. More information is available online at FranklinTheatre.com.

The Franklin Theatre recently learned that Guy Clark will not be able to perform his previously scheduled show on Sat. Jan 21 at the Franklin Theatre due to unforeseen health circumstances requiring emergency surgery.

The concert is rescheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. and all original ticket(s)—including original seat(s)—will be honored for this new date.

Patrons who are not able to attend the March 31 concert may request a full refund through Friday, February 10. (This date is set to allow time to re-sell tickets to other patrons.) To receive a refund, patrons should call the Franklin Theatre Box Office at 615-538-2076.

After Friday, February 10, ticket purchases will no longer be refundable.

The Franklin Theatre regrets any inconvenience this may have created and sends best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr. Clark.

Music Industry Executive to Take Office at Historic Franklin Theatre

December 20, 2011–The Board of Directors of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County today announced that Dan Hays will become the new Director for the Franklin Theatre.

Hays’ acceptance of the post culminates a rigorous leadership search for the historic Main Street institution which recently underwent an $8 million renovation with a commitment to be the best 300 seat music venue in the world. Since its re-opening, The Franklin Theatre has hosted a diverse, world-class musical lineup including Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald, The Judds, Keb’ Mo’, Sam Bush–with much more on the horizon–and has sold out every show in its concert series,Franklin Theatre Live.

Heritage Foundation President Cyril Stewart said the four-month executive search process was purposely intensive. “We owed it to our community to be very deliberate about finding the right person to lead the Franklin Theatre,” Stewart said. “We feel strongly that Dan Hays is the ideal choice and the theatre will build on its already phenomenal trajectory under his leadership.”

Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation Mary Pearce said she believes in Hays’ leadership. “Dan has tremendous nonprofit management experience and a wealth of contacts in the music industry,” Pearce said. “He has proven his dedication to music and truly understands and appreciates the fabric of this community and all the Franklin Theatre is and can be.”

Since 1990 Hays has headed the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), a music industry trade organization headquartered in Nashville. During his tenure, IBMA developed from an association in its infancy to an influential music industry player. IBMA Board Chair Stan Zdonik said, “IBMA will sorely miss Dan’s presence. In his 21 years, IBMA has grown into a multifaceted resource for the bluegrass community. He approached the work of the organization with vigor and integrity and we were all the better for it. Speaking for the IBMA Board, we wish Dan all the best in his new position.”

“I am honored and look forward to joining the extraordinary staff at the Franklin Theatre,” Hays said. “This intimate historic Theatre is bursting with promise and is a vibrant cultural asset for our community and the talents we present.”

Hays will initially split time between IBMA and the Franklin Theatre until a new director is hired for the IBMA, the search for whom is already underway. He expects to take office full time at the Franklin Theatre in early 2012.

Originally built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. More information is available online at www.franklintheatre.com.