THE NUTTY PROFESSOR Musical Ends Run at TPAC Today, 8/19

Nashville and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) end their run of the world premiere of "The Nutty Professor" Musical today, August 19, 2012. Directed by Jerry Lewis, the show is a new musical comedy based on the 1963 film of the same name.

The Broadway at TPAC Special Event ran from July 24 to today, August 19 in TPAC's James K. Polk Theater. Featuring music by Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Marvin Hamlisch (A Chorus Line) and a book and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), "The Nutty Professor" is a musical treat for the whole family, based on the classic 1963 film in which Lewis starred and co-wrote.

Actor, singer, and entertainer Michael Andrew stars in this new production as Professor Julius Kelp. Andrew, who counts Lewis and the film as principal influences on his career, worked with Executive Producer Ned McLeod and Lewis to bring the production to the stage. Mac Pirkle, co-founder and former Artistic Director for Tennessee Repertory Theater, is also producing.

Inspired by the film, recently named one of the top 100 comedies of the century by the American Film Institute, the musical follows geeky chemistry Professor Kelp, who concocts a formula to turn himself into the ultimate heartthrob. Utilizing elements of classic comedy, the creators of "The Nutty Professor" are working to redefine what an American musical comedy can be-funny with a fabulous score and characters that resonate with the audience.