Jack Chambers News

Audiences will find out what happens when a defrocked priest, a teenage tart and an ancient poet walk into a down-at-heels Mexican hotel in Tennessee Williams' classic play, The Night of the Iguana. Directed by Anne-Geri Fann, the play is the next offering in the 21st season of ACT 1, the Nashville theater company that focuses on classics, both past and contemporary - and works that will one day be considered classics.

In honor of Valentine's Day (and in a blatant rip-off of BroadwayWorld.com's similar query to the denizens of the Great White Way), we posed that very question to some of our favorite theater community-dwellers in yet another not-so-scientific survey. So, if you're thinking about putting together a playlist of favorite love songs - or if you're searching for the perfect tunes to play in the background while you set the scene for a romantic evening with your own Valentine, here are some suggestions...

Audiences will find out what happens when a defrocked priest, a teenage tart and an ancient poet walk into a down-at-heels Mexican hotel in Tennessee Williams' classic play, The Night of the Iguana. Directed by Anne-Geri Fann, the play is the next offering in the 21st season of ACT 1, the Nashville theater company that focuses on classics, both past and contemporary - and works that will one day be considered classics.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of playwright Tennessee Williams, ACT 1 presents The Night of the Iguana March 4-19 at Nashville's Darkhorse Theatre. Directed by Anne-Geri Fann, the cast features Jack Chambers, Robyn Berg and Cinda McCain. For details, visit the company website at www.ACT1online.com.

A cast of more than 125 performers took to the stage of the Troutt Theatre at Belmont University to fete the eight members of the 2010 Class of First Night Honorees in a production that featured the best of the best of Nashville theater and included a surprise appearance by Joseph Mahowald, winner of a 1989 First Night Award, now playing the role of Franklin Hart Jr. in the national tour of 9 to 5: The Musical, which opened in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, September 21.

As Nashville's summer theater season continues to heat up, anticipation continues to grow for September's First Night Nashville Theatre Honors, the revival of the Music City theater gala that will benefit Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and sponsored by Macy's and BroadwayWorld.com. Set for Sunday, September 19, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre, First Night 2010 will honor eight individuals for their sustained and continued commitment to theater in Nashville.

Performed by Hillwig's large cast against the backdrop of Jim Manning's beautifully conceived and exquisitely realized set that magically transforms the Keeton's intimate stage into a panoramic view of dustbowl Oklahoma, the fiery Southwest and the lush, verdant fields and orchards of California, The Grapes of Wrath is a visual tour de force that other community theater companies - frankly, any theater company of whatever ilk - should aspire to achieve.

As Nashville's summer theater season continues to heat up, anticipation continues to grow for September's First Night Nashville Theatre Honors, the revival of the Music City theater gala that will benefit Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and sponsored by Macy's and BroadwayWorld.com. Set for Sunday, September 19, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre, First Night 2010 will honor eight individuals for their sustained and continued commitment to theater in Nashville.

With a smile as big as the great outdoors - and with a heart to match - Megan Murphy Chambers is one of Nashville's most sought-after actors. She's also gaining acclaim as a details-oriented producer, making her a multi-hyphenate in the world of Nashville theatre. And, chances are, she knows all the words to 'Tomorrow,' in case some director is interested in some alternative casting.

STEP Theatre Company presents CATY BRIDGEWATER: a new musical with book & lyrics by Trey Tatum, and music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin (ASCAP Award Winner). The musical direction is by Barbara Anselmi and choreographed by Andrew Turteltaub (WICKED) and directed by David Alpert (GUYS&DOLLS).

STEP Theatre Company presents CATY BRIDGEWATER: a new musical with book & lyrics by Trey Tatum, and music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin (ASCAP Award Winner). The musical direction is by Barbara Anselmi and choreographed by Andrew Turteltaub (WICKED) and directed by David Alpert (GUYS&DOLLS).