Expect the Unexpected: TPAC Brings High Quality Theatre to Nashville

Expect the Unexpected. This was the tag line for Tennessee Performing Arts Center's announcement of their 2014-2015 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series this year. With strong connections to the theatre world and to the music industry, Nashville is the prime place to have a season full of fresh and edgy productions that are still on their first national tour, and TPAC is making that happen with their 2014-2015 season.

The official announcements of the upcoming season, done in style, complete with champagne toast at the beginning and catered finger foods after. The free event (with RSVP) was held Thursday night in the Andrew Jackson Theatre and the lobby of Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Kathleen O'Brien, TPAC President & CEO, made the official announcement to a nearly packed orchestra level.

Coming in the upcoming regular season are Once (September 16-21), Chicago (October 21-26), Evita (November 4-9), Kinky Boots (February 3-8, 2015), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (February 17-22, 2015), Pippin (March 10-15, 2015), and Newsies (Mary 26-31, 2015). The specials for 2014-2015 are The Book of Morman (ovember 18-23), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (December 16-21), and Blue Man Group (January 6-11, 2015).

Miles Aubery and Erica Aubrey joined the event, performing "Falling Slowly" from Once, and "History of Wrong Guys" from Kinky Boots. Miles and Erica are former Nashvillians, having been involved in many local theatre productions in the past. They have both gone one to have strong ties to Broadway and theatre in other areas. Most recently, Miles has been a part of the Broadway and national touring productions of Jersey Boys and part of the Broadway production of Ring of Fire. Erica has most recently been a part of the off-Broadway production of Far From Heaven, serving as the stand-by for Kellie O'Hara.

Rachel Potter, another Nashville resident with amazing ties to theatre and music also performed. Known most recently for her stint on The X-Factor, Potter is a country music artist that has performed on Broadway in The Adams Family and originating the role of The Mistress in the 2012 production of Evita. Fittingly, Potter performed "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" from Evita, dazzling the audience and giving a sneak peek at what to expect with the touring production visits Nashville in November.

Mike Schwitter, of the 1st National Tour of The Book of Mormon, performed "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin. Bradley Henderson, formerly of the tour of Traces, gave the audience a sneak peak at some of the acrobatic Cirque inspired acts that are a part of the revival of Pippin, coming to Nashville next spring. We were even treated to a video message from new Nashvillians, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo who are currently starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

This is by far the best season TPAC has seen in years, and possibly the best ever. This season may be what solidifies Tennessee Performing Arts Center as THE place for new touring productions to stop on their 1st national tour. Full descriptions of the new season's productions can be found in the official press release located HERE and season tickets can currently be purchased by calling (615) 782-6560 or (800) 410-4216 or by visiting their website.

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