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Jeffrey Ellis - Page 84

Jeffrey Ellis

Jeffrey Ellis is a Nashville-based writer, editor and critic, who's been covering the performing arts in Tennessee for more than 35 years. In 1989, Ellis and his partner launched Dare, Tennessee's Lesbian and Gay Newsweekly which later became known as Query. Ellis is the recipient of the Tennessee Theatre Association's Distinguished Service Award for his coverage of theater in the Volunteer State and was the founding editor/publisher of Stages, the Tennessee Onstage Monthly.  He is a past fellow of the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center and is the founder/executive producer of The First Night Honors - the history of which can be traced to 1989 and the first presentation of The First Night Awards - which honor outstanding theater artisans from Tennessee in recognition of their lifetime achievements and also includes The First Night Star Awards and the Most Promising Actors recognition. Midwinter's First Night honors outstanding productions and performances throughout the state. An accomplished director, Ellis helmed productions of La Cage Aux Folles, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and An American Daughter, all in their Nashville premieres, as well as award-winning productions of Damn Yankees, Company, Gypsy and The Rocky Horror Show. Ellis was recognized by The Tennessean as best director of a musical for both Company and Rocky Horror. Since 2015, Ellis has been increasingly in demand as a director by a variety of Tennessee theater companies and he has helmed productions of Picnic (Circle Players), The Last Five Years (VWA Theatricals), The Miss Firecracker Contest, Cabaret, My Fair Lady, Daddy's Dyin'...Who's Got the Will?, South Pacific, Winter Wonderettes and The Wizard of Oz (The Larry Keeton Theatre), The Little Foxes (ACT 1), The Boys in the Band (Jeffey Ellis Presents), Singin' in the Rain (Arts Center of Cannon County) and The Secret Garden (Center for the Arts, Murfreesboro) and, in 2020, the 70th anniversary season production of La Cage Aux Folles for Circle Players. Later this year, he will be directing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical for Center for the Arts.




LEARN MORE ABOUT Jeffrey Ellis

First Show:

EVITA, starring Patti LuPone

Favorite Stories:



BWW Interviews: Angels Without Wings' HALEE-CATHERINE CULICERTO With The Friday Five on Thursday
BWW Interviews: Angels Without Wings' HALEE-CATHERINE CULICERTO With The Friday Five on Thursday
August 2, 2012

Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find on stages in the Volunteer State. Sure, it might be Thursday on your calendar (same as mine, actually), but with Angels Without Wings premiering tonight at Darkhorse Theatre, it just seems like perfect timing to talk to Halee-Catherine Culicerto, who's been part of Angels for quite some time now.

BWW Reviews: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR Sets Its Sights on Broadway After Its Music City Opening
BWW Reviews: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR Sets Its Sights on Broadway After Its Music City Opening
August 1, 2012

Fairly exploding onto the stage, The Nutty Professor-the new musical based on the classic 1963 film comedy-opened at Nashville's James K. Polk Theatre last night in a vibrantly told and visually stunning production helmed by Jerry Lewis, the man who co-wrote the movie and, at this moment, is probably booking a ticket to Broadway . The story of nerdy Professor Julius Kelp and his transformation into the suave and sophisticated (if boorish) Buddy Love offers plenty of laughs to be certain, but perhaps surprisingly, there's a whole lot of heart to be found in Rupert Holmes' book, set tunefully to a classic Marvin Hamlisch score.

Photo Flash: First Look at THE NUTTY PROFESSOR in Nashville!
Photo Flash: First Look at THE NUTTY PROFESSOR in Nashville!
July 31, 2012

Tonight's the night: The brain trust behind The Nutty Professor, The New Musical will officially roll out the red carpet for the new musical's opening night at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James K. Polk Theatre. Directed by "the king of comedy" himself, Jerry Lewis, upon whose classic 1963 film comedy the brand new musical is based upon, The Nutty Professor company has already delivered a week of preview performances, garnering rave reviews from audience members. Nashville photographer Rick Malkin has captured some of the show's best moments in a collection of photographs we're happy to share with you today, only hours before the opening night curtain.

Broadway Bound? Tonight's Official Opening of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR is Only Hours Away
Broadway Bound? Tonight's Official Opening of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR is Only Hours Away
July 31, 2012

Tonight's the night: The brain trust behind The Nutty Professor, The New Musical will officially roll out the red carpet for the new musical's opening night at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James K. Polk Theatre. Directed by "the king of comedy" himself, Jerry Lewis, upon whose classic 1963 film comedy the brand new musical is based upon, The Nutty Professor company has already delivered a week of preview performances, garnering rave reviews from audience members.

MUSIC CITY CONFIDENTIAL #6: All The News from Onstage, Offstage, Backstage and Beyond
MUSIC CITY CONFIDENTIAL #6: All The News from Onstage, Offstage, Backstage and Beyond
July 29, 2012

We've been doing our part to prepare ye the way, watching the action onstage, taking some furtive peeks backstage, listening to all the offstage gossip and venturing beyond the confines of the theater to gain the informed knowledge to see more shows in the Volunteer State than you ever thought possible. So, good people of the theaterati, read on and get all the information you need to know in this, our latest installment of Music City Confidential. This is #6…

BWW Interviews: The Nutty Professor's AUTUMN GUZZARDI Takes On THE NUTTY FIVE
BWW Interviews: The Nutty Professor's AUTUMN GUZZARDI Takes On THE NUTTY FIVE
July 28, 2012

In an ensemble filled with triple threats, Atlanta native Autumn Guzzardi is sure to claim her moment in the spotlight, plus she's a brand-new Nashvillian, moving here recently to make our fair city her homebase. We're thrilled she's here (for now!) and we want you to get to know her so that when she's online, waiting for a table at a local restaurant or trying to figure out where the hell Old Hickory Boulevard really is taking her, you'll know who you're talking to…

STAGE TUBE: Dance Theatre of Tennessee Celebrates National Dance Day
STAGE TUBE: Dance Theatre of Tennessee Celebrates National Dance Day
July 28, 2012

Dance Theatre of Tennessee celebrates National Dance Day with a day long free classes to the community. Here are the attendees dancing the So You Think You Can Dance Zumba routine with Academy at Dance Theatre of Tennessee instructor Kelvin Amburgey.

BWW Reviews: Ginger Rogers Dances Onto the Stage Via BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS at CCP
BWW Reviews: Ginger Rogers Dances Onto the Stage Via BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS at CCP
July 28, 2012

McGovern creatively opens and closes the musical with an image that evokes all the glitter and glamor of old Hollywood: the presentation of the Academy Awards in 1941, the year that Ginger Rogers beat out such adversaries as Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Joan Fontaine and Martha Scott for the best actress Oscar for her performance of "knocked-up shopgirl" Kitty Foyle.

Britt Byrd Leads Cast of ANGELS WITHOUT WINGS in World Premiere Production at Darkhorse 8/2-5
Britt Byrd Leads Cast of ANGELS WITHOUT WINGS in World Premiere Production at Darkhorse 8/2-5
July 27, 2012

Angels Without Wings, described as "the patriotic story of six women who beat the odds to become the first women in flight in the Army Air Corps during the World War II era" will land at Nashville's Darkhorse Theatre for an August 2-5 world premiere engagement.

Dance Theatre of Tennessee Announces 'Many Faces of Eve' 2012-13 Season
Dance Theatre of Tennessee Announces 'Many Faces of Eve' 2012-13 Season
July 27, 2012

Dance Theatre of Tennessee celebrates strong female voices, stories and the diversity of the arts with its 2012/2013 line-up The Many Faces of Eve. Christopher Mohnani, DTT artistic director, promises "the upcoming season will hold something for everyone with its rich offering of professional performances."

BWW Interviews: CCP's Ginger Rogers, JESSICA WOCKENFUSS and The Friday Five on Thursday
BWW Interviews: CCP's Ginger Rogers, JESSICA WOCKENFUSS and The Friday Five on Thursday
July 26, 2012

Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find on stages in the Volunteer State. Today-which is Thursday, not Friday, a fact of which I am well aware-we focus our spotlight on Jessica Wockenfuss, the lovely star of Cumberland County Playhouse's Backwards in High Heels, which opens tomorrow night (which actually is a Friday-July 27) and continues through November 2.

Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot: BRITT BYRD
Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot: BRITT BYRD
July 26, 2012

Who's who in Tennessee theater? Sometimes, without a program in your hand, it's difficult to know who's playing whom-hence, our newest feature: Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot...featuring some of the Volunteer State's best-known-or soon-to-be-known all over the freakin' world-thespians. And have you ever wondered who the amazing photographers are who make them look so damn good? We're gonna tell ya…Today's actor/subject/model is the hot, beautiful, funny, capricious and talented Britt Byrd, photographed by Mike Chow.

BWW Interviews: Backwards in High Heels' DOUGLAS WATERBURY-TIEMAN Takes on The Friday Five...on Wednesday!
BWW Interviews: Backwards in High Heels' DOUGLAS WATERBURY-TIEMAN Takes on The Friday Five...on Wednesday!
July 25, 2012

Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find on stages in the Volunteer State. Yes, I'm well aware that the calendar says today is Wednesday, but there's a method to my madness: Opening Friday night at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville is Backwards in High Heels: The Ginger Rogers Musical which stars today's Friday Fiver-Douglas Waterbury-Tieman-in the pivotal role of Fred Astaire!

Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot: BONNIE KEEN
Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot: BONNIE KEEN
July 25, 2012

Who's who in Tennessee theater? Sometimes, without a program in your hand, it's difficult to know who's playing whom-hence, our newest feature: Hey, Jef, Here's My Headshot...featuring some of the Volunteer State's best-known-or soon-to-be-known all over the freakin' world-thespians. And have you ever wondered who the amazing photographers are who make them look so damn good? We're gonna tell ya…Today's actor/subject/model is the timelessly beautiful and ultra-talented Bonnie Keen, photographed by Samatha Stables Bean, with her make-up and styling by Susannah Smith White.

As Curtain-time Nears, Marvin Hamlisch Reflects on His NUTTY PROFESSOR Adventure
As Curtain-time Nears, Marvin Hamlisch Reflects on His NUTTY PROFESSOR Adventure
July 24, 2012

To think that Hamlisch's involvement in The Nutty Professor goes back to the handshake that sealed the deal between him and the show's creator Jerry Lewis is at once down-to-earth and almost shockingly unbelievable. It could well be the genesis of another musical in and of itself, but make no mistake about it, that's exactly how the story began…

Class of 2012 First Night Honors Revealed at Monday's Preview Party
Class of 2012 First Night Honors Revealed at Monday's Preview Party
July 23, 2012

Eight individuals, whose names attest to the depth and breadth of live theatrical performance in Nashville, have been named as members of the 2012 Class of First Night Honorees and will be feted with a special tribute concert on Sunday, September 2, at Belmont University's Troutt Theatre.

BWW Interviews: The Nutty Professor's KYLE VAUGHN Tackles THE NUTTY FIVE
BWW Interviews: The Nutty Professor's KYLE VAUGHN Tackles THE NUTTY FIVE
July 22, 2012

In an ensemble filled with impossibly gorgeous and charming triple threats, Kyle Vaughn (who has one deep dimple on the right side of his face) stands out from the crowd-his sunny disposition and leading man good looks are readily apparent, but even when he's standing onstage just waiting for the music to start, you can see that there's a bit of the scamp just itchin' to get out.

BWW Reviews: RED, WHITE & TUNA Offers Up a Texas-Sized Serving of Fun
BWW Reviews: RED, WHITE & TUNA Offers Up a Texas-Sized Serving of Fun
July 22, 2012

Pacer Harp and Bryan J. Wlas are serving up the laughs at Dickson's Gaslight Dinner Theatre via Red, White & Tuna, the third installment in the four-part "trilogy" (get it-four-part trilogy? Trilogies are actually three parts, so this is funny, y'all!) about Tuna, Texas, the third-smallest town in that reddest of red states (Jimmy Carter in the appropriately red, white and blue Bicentennial year of 1976 was the last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state)

First Night's Class of 2012 Honorees Will Be Revealed at Preview Party Tonight, 7/23
First Night's Class of 2012 Honorees Will Be Revealed at Preview Party Tonight, 7/23
July 22, 2012

Members of the 2012 First Night Honors' Class of Honorees will be revealed to the public tonight, July 23, during the First Night Preview Party, which will be held at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre, 8204 Highway 100 in Nashville.

There's Something About Klea: The Nutty Professor's BLACKHURST Brings 'Miss Lemon' To Life
There's Something About Klea: The Nutty Professor's BLACKHURST Brings 'Miss Lemon' To Life
July 22, 2012

There's just something about Klea Blackhurst: The very first moment you meet her you know you're gonna like her and that, given the chance to perform for you, she's sure to wow you, to put you in your place, to make you fall in love with her. Consider yourself forewarned.



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