Nashville Theater Calendar 2/8/16

Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.

Thus, we are happy to present one of our most popular features: The Nashville Theater Calendar, a comprehensive - maybe even exhaustive (lord knows we're exhausted from putting it together, gathering all the info from all over the interwebs!) - listing of theatrical openings for the 2015/16 season. We'll update the calendar every Monday, clearing out the shows that have closed and adding additional information on the shows still to come. Something's missing? That's an easy fix: just send us a message here, on Facebook, or by email at jeffreyellis37215@att.com.

Opened January 16

Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville: Church Basement Ladies, running through March 25. www.CCPlayhouse.com Opening in the Adventure Theater on January 16, Church Basement Ladies has been delighting audiences around the country for more than a decade with its lovable characters and pop music-riffing score. Based on the best-selling book Growing Up Lutheran, the Playhouse production of Church Basement Ladies features Carol Irvin, Weslie Webster, Patty Payne, Lindsey Mapes and Jason Ross. This celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there highlights these four women and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen (Irvin) to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things (Mapes), these women handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor (Ross) on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (or at least tolerating) each other. Audiences will recognize these funny and down to earth Church Basement Ladies as they watch the church year unfold from below the House of God. Martha Wilkinson directs.

Opened January 29

Towne Centre Theatre, Brentwood: Black Tie Broadway, running through February 13. Black Tie Broadway is a fun revue celebrating the music of Broadway across the decades. Arranged/directed by John Ray and choreographed by Katharine Boettcher, this talented ensemble will sing and dance their way into your hearts, performing more than two dozen favorite musical numbers from the best of Broadway. Director John Ray's cast includes Kamryn Boyd, Shawn Davie, Kelly Dutton, Ed Evins, Abigail Haggard, Christy Hatchock, Kate Johnston, Will Lasley, Vanessa Londino, Lauren Martin, Olivia Skurka, Howard Snyder and Deanielle Threet. Curtain is at 8 p.m. for Thursday-Saturday performances, with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.townecentretheatre.com or (615) 221-1174

Opened February 4

Gaslight Dinner Theatre, Dickson: If The Shoe Fits, running through February 13. Gaslight Dinner Theatre begins its 16th Anniversary Season and 73th show with If The Shoe Fits. Gaslight Dinner Theatre is a professional non-profit venue whose mission is to enrich, entertain and educate our community through exceptional theatrical productions. Written by Matt Thompson, Dana Vermette, and Matt Chiorini, who formerly was the artistic director of People's Branch Theatre. It all started when Delores, an unhappy housewife, and George, a shoe salesman, met at Shoe Fantasy and it was love at first shoe-fitting. The only thing standing in the way was Delores' doting but half-witted husband, Marvin, who would never agree to a divorce. So there was only one thing left to do-kill Marvin so they can run off together and live a carefree life of passion and romance in a tropical paradise. But things get out of hand when Marvin doesn't fall for the bait. What was supposed to be a simple foolproof murder turns into a hilarious fiasco when Esperanza, the eccentric Spanish-speaking maid, arrives on the wrong day and she, too, falls for George. Now George and Delores have to devise a way to get rid of the lovesick Esperanza and carry out their plan to kill Marvin-that is without killing each other first! Their attempts get funnier and funnier as the lovers try again and again to finish the job only to have Esperanza and Marvin unknowingly foil their plans each time. The stellar cast includes Nashville based Charlynn Carter (All Shook Up, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Good Ol' Girls, Guess Who's Coming to Seder?) as Delores, the wife: Chase Miller (The Andrew's Brothers, Cats, Into The Woods, Hairspray) as George, the shoe salesman: Tammie Whited (The Foreigner, Blithe Spirit, Southern Fried Nuptials, A Bad Year for Tomatoes) as Esperanza the maid: and Andy Brown (I Do! I Do!, A Year With Frog and Toad, Married Alive!, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel) as Marvin, the husband.

Opened February 5

Pull-Tight Players, Franklin: Southern Fried Funeral, running through February 20 www.pull-tight.com Pull-Tight is thrilled to feature this uproarious homegrown comedy from local playwrights Osborne and Eppler. Families reveal their real selves in light of a crisis, and the Frye family is no exception. You won't want to miss the true colors this zany Southern family paints the occasion with as they lay dearly departed Dewey Frye to rest. Johnny Peppers directs.

Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville: Blues In The Night, running through February 20. www. www.roxyregionaltheatre.org The universal language of the blues will wail out full and strong on the corner of Franklin and First in downtown Clarksville. The scorching Tony-nominated musical revue Blues in the Night opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Friday, February 5, at 8 p.m. In keeping with the theatre's traditional pay-what-you-can preview, all tickets not pre-sold at the regular ticket price will go on sale at 7:30 p.m. that evening for a $5 minimum donation. Set in 1930s Chicago, the story of three women in love with the same no-good man is told through over two dozen hot and torchy numbers covering the range of this indigenous American art form, from Bessie Smith to Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more. In advance of his turn as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the Roxy Regional Theatre's upcoming production of Katori Hall's The Mountaintop, Phillip Bernard Smith takes on the role of The Man in the Saloon. Following her Roxy debut in Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, Mariah Sade Ralph plays The Woman of the World, North Carolina native Dwan Hayes is The Lady from the Road, and Kansas native and current Clarksville resident Lacey Connell rounds out the cast as The Girl with a Date. Conceived by Sheldon Epps and directed by Tom Thayer, BLUES IN THE NIGHT features Thayer on piano, accompanied by John Waddle on bass and Thad Wallus on drums, performing such bluesy, jazzy tunes as "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," "Rough and Ready Man," "Wild Women Don't Have the Blues" and more. Tickets are $25 (adults) and $15 (ages 13 and under) and may be purchased online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain). Active-duty military, APSU students and CitySaver coupon holders can receive two tickets for the price of one to Wednesday and Thursday performances during the run.

Opened February 6

Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville: Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, running through March 4. www.ccplayhouse.com Cumberland County Playhouse opens its annual youth/volunteer production, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, telling the timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this musical adaptation, with classic songs from the 1971 Oscar-nominated film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The stage musical includes the favorites "Pure Imagination" and "Candy Man," as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse (the film's composer). The movie, adapted from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, became a cult classic and has gone on to become one of the most beloved titles in the history of children's cinema.Appearing in the title role of Wonka is Malachi Banegas (The Wizard of Oz, The Perils of Pinocchio). Sharing the spotlight with him are five young performers, including David Kappel, who plays the young protagonist Charlie Bucket. Charlie's overstuffed household (two parents, four grandparents, and one bed) is played by an septet of Playhouse volunteer veterans and newcomers alike. Chris Obenberger and Bill Macchio play Grandpa Joe, who leaves his bed to accompany Charlie through the factory. Charlie's live-in grandparents are portrayed by Alysa Medina (Grandma Josephine), Bob Ochsenrider (Grandpa George), andRuth Ochsenrider (Grandma Georgina). Charlie's hard-working parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bucket, are played by John and Brittany Goodwin. Joining Charlie in his quest through Wonka's factory is a quartet of children who personify excess at its worst. Braxdon King stars as the gluttonous Augustus Gloop, Ellie Burnett as the materialistic Veruca Salt, Emery Smith as gum chewing Violet Beauregard and Levi Bailey as technology obsessed Mike Teavee. The Willy Wonka creative team includes choreographer Leila Nelson and music director Ron Murphy, along with digital effects and animations by John Fionte and Tina Campbell, who created the projections for The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and The Perils of Pinocchio. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka will run through March 4; tickets may be obtained by calling (931) 484-5000 or by visiting www.ccplayhouse.com.

The Gaslight Dinner Theatre is accepting submissions for the replacement of Sherlock in the new Ken Ludwig's comedy Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. "This is a Regional Premier of this new work which is great on a resume plus it's a paying role," says Greg Frey, the Gaslight artistic director. Rehearsals begin March 14 with show running March 31-April 9. Send resume and headshot to greg@gaslightdinnertheatre.org.

February 10

ACT 1 is holding auditions for The Actor's Nightmare, to be performed during the run of Lysistrata. Directed by Kristen Bunge Parsons, The Actor's Nightmare is part of ACT 1 One Act Wednesdays, will run on March 9 and 16 only.

Auditions will be held at Tulip Street United Methodist Church, 522 Russell Street Nashville, on February 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ( please enter the building on the 6th street side), and will consist of cold readings from the script. Please bring headshot and resume if you have them. Synopsis and character descriptions below.

Roles Available:

• George, an accountant, is suddenly thrust into the roll of understudy in four seemingly unconnected plays (Private Lives, Hamlet, A Man For All Seasons, and a selection of works by Beckett). He tries his best to play along with the true actors accompanying him on stage.
• George Spelvin - An accountant who is familiar with theater but not an actor.
• Meg - Stage manager doing her best to keep the show running smoothly.
• Sarah Siddons - A grand actress serious about her craft performing in the Private Lives portion.
• Ellen Terry - Another actress, not as grand but more lighthearted than Sarah performing in the Beckett portion.
• Henry Irving - A grand actor who is not afraid to wield an ax performing in the Hamlet portion.

All ages will be considered.

Opening February 11

Nashville Rep at TPAC's Johnson Theatre: Good Monsters, running through February 27 www.nashvillerep.org Nashville Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Good Monsters, a psychological drama centering on an off-duty police officer involved in the shooting of an unarmed teen. Good Monsters will run February 13-27 in Johnson Theater at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Preview performances are February 11 and 12. "The catalyst for this story," says Good Monsters playwright Nate Eppler, "is a shocking act of violence: an off-duty officer shoots and kills an unarmed teenage girl. But the play starts after that. The play isn't about the shooting; the play is about the ripples that spread out in all directions from this one violent act. The play is about living in the rubble." Nashville Rep's cast for Good Monsters includes Megan Murphy Chambers (Josie), Alexandra Huff (Zero), Nathaniel McIntyre (Frank), R. Alex Murray (Dumptruck), Carey Van Driest (Darlene), and Garris Wimmer (Zell). Preview performances of Good Monsters are February 11 and 12, opening night is Saturday, February 13, and the show runs through February 27. Specific performance dates and times are listed below. Tickets start at $25 for previews and start at $45 for regular run, and can be purchased online at nashvillerep.org or by calling the Box Office at (615) 782-4040. Good Monsters is written by Nate Eppler and directed by René D. Copeland, Nashville Rep's Producing Artistic Director. Designers are Gary Hoff (Scenic Designer), Trish Clark (Costume Designer), Darren Levin (Lighting Designer), Ricky Lighthall (Sound Designer), and Colin Peterson (Projections Designer). Technical Director is Tyler Axt, and Fight Coordinator is Eric D. Pasto-Crosby.

Theatre at Trevecca: Radium Girls, running through February 20. www.trevecca.edu/community-life/campus/theatre-at-trevecca-tickets. Theatre at Trevecca Presents Radium Girls by D. W. Gregory! In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie was an international celebrity, and even after the war had ended luminous watches were the latest rage...until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, 'Radium Girls' traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court, and her chief adversary Arthur Roeder an idealistic man who can't bring himself to believe an element that shrinks tumors can also be causing illness among his employees. Director Cassie Hamilton was inspired by D.W.Gregory's cinematic writing that beautifully balances nightmare, empowerment, and an understanding on what the true value of human life is. Hamilton is excited to share a live theatrical 1920s horror experience as Grace Fryer struggles to find her voice while her body slowing begins to fail her, fighting all the odds, and watching future dreams fade away. Is she living in a nightmare? What will happen when she wakes up?

Opening February 12

Springhouse Theatre Company, Smyrna: Jane Austin's Emma, running through February 28 www.springhousetheatre.com Those who love Jane Austen, as well as those who simply love laughter, life, and... love, will be enchanted by this Paula K. Parker adaptation of one of Ms. Austen's most delightful works.

Center for the Arts, Murfreesboro: Dreamgirls, running through February 28. www.boroarts.org Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen, DREAMGIRLS features the unforgettable hits: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen." This Tony and Academy Award winning musical sparkles like never before! This production features a cast of 23 area performers, several of whom are making their CFTA debuts. Starring as "The Dreams" are Ra'Shaun Simon as Deena Jones, Robbyn "Vyrgo" Daniel as Effie Melody White, and Brianna Booker as Lorrell Robinson. Also featured are Bentley Caldwell as Curtis Taylor Jr., Gerold Oliver as James "Thunder" Early, Gillión Welsh as C.C. White, Brittany Easley as Michelle Morris, and Marlon Woods as Marty. Rounding out the cast are Dwayne Benn, Michael McGee, Jessie Warrick, Quantavius Rankins, Blake Holliday, Jack Teal, Cheryl Restel, Jovonda "Jojo" Dickerson, Janetra Vaughn, Dandrea Long, Ty Tubbs, Lauren Belk, Kate Hatch, Kait Kloss and Arabelle Pollick, all playing a multitude of roles throughout the show. Matthew Hayes Hunter directs, with musical direction by Emily Dennis and choreography by Tosha Pendergrast.

Opening February 13

Arts Center of Cannon County, Woodbury: A Year With Frog and Toad, running through February 20. www.artscenterofcc.com Arnold Lobel's beloved characters hop from page to stage February 13 and 20 as The Arts Center of Cannon County presented A Year With Frog and Toad, the Tony Award-nominated musical with book and lyrics by Willie Reale and music by Robert Reale. A Year With Frog and Toad is directed by Lindsey Mapes and produced by Scarlett Turney. The musical follows two great friends - the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather dour and grumpy Toad - through four, adventure-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, A Year With Frog And Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures weathering all seasons. A Year With Frog And Toad is part of The Arts Center's 2016 School Matinee Series. Performances are February 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at (615) 563-2787. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.artscenterofcc.com Tickets will be sold at the door, space permitting.

Opening February 16

Broadway at TPAC, Nashville: Motown the Musical, through February 21 www.tpac.org

February 16 and 17

Franklin's Pull-Tight Players will host auditions for David Lindsay-Abaire's Rabbit Hole on Monday and Tuesday, February 15 and 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. each night at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 510 West Main Street. Heather Bottoms directs. Callbacks, if needed, will be Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m.

Roles are available for three women, one man, and one teenage boy.

Performance dates are April 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, and 23.

For more audition details, including character ages and descriptions, click the link in this event. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the director at heather.bottoms@gmail.com.

Opening February 18

The Larry Keeton Theatre, Donelson/Nashville: Sunset Boulevard, running through March 5 www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org "I'm ready for my close-up." Unforgettable words from an iconic movie turned into a celebrated musical. The Larry Keeton Theatre will present the Middle Tennessee debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award winning musical Sunset Boulevard, starring Ginger Newman in the unforgettable role of Norma Desmond. "Sunset Boulevard" will open February 18, and run through March 5. Also starring in the production are Justin Boyd as Joe Gillis, Tonya Pewitt as Betty, and Randall Cooper as Max. Directed by Clay Hillwig, and produced by Jamie London and Larry Keeton with Newman pulling double-duty as Desmond and as musical director. Based on the 1952 Billy Wilder film the musical is set in Hollywood, 1949. Faded star of the silent screen, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world of the past in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Down-on-his-luck screenwriter, handsome, Joe Gillis, has a chance encounter with Norma; where she speak to him of her next big comeback project. Broke and desperate for opportunity, he accepts an off to edit her 'masterpiece' in exchange for room and board. Joe soon finds himself living a luxurious life-style lavished with expensive gifts from Norma. Aging Norma falls in love with young Joe, and he soon discovers himself caught between her claustrophobic and reclusive fantasy world and the outside world with his love, beautiful Betty Schaefer. One fatal night Joe attempts to break free of Norma to be with Betty. Devastated and in a fit of shock and rage, Norma shoots Joe as he struggles to leave. Descending into madness Norma, the once Goddess of the Silent Films, is led away by authorities from her home on Sunset Boulevard.

Studio Tenn, Franklin: The Glass Menagerie, running through March 6 www.studiotenn.com Studio Tenn remounts its award-winning production of Tennessee Williams' classic play The Glass Menagerie with the full original cast (Nan Gurley, Eric Pasto-Crosby, Brent Maddox and Ellie Sikes) and a brand new set design. Performances will be held February 18-28 in Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin. Tickets can be purchased at StudioTenn.com or by calling the Box Office at (615) 541-8200.

Opening February 19

Blackbird Theater Company and Lipscomb Department of Theatre, Shamblin Theatre at LU, Nashville: The Crucible, running through February 28 www.blackbirdtheater.com or www.theatre.lipscomb.edu First produced in 1953, at a time when America was convulsed by a new epidemic of witch hunting, The Crucible explores the threshold between individual guilt and mass hysteria, personal spite and collective evil. It is a play that is not only relentlessly suspenseful and vastly moving but one that compels viewers to fathom their hearts and consciences in ways that only the greatest theater ever can. Beki Baker directs. The twenty-four member cast also features Shannon Hoppe (Elizabeth Proctor), Lipscomb University sophomore Emily Meinerding (Abigail Williams), and Brian Webb Russell (Deputy Governor Danforth), who portrayed Salieri in Blackbird's 2013 production of Amadeus.

Tennessee Women's Theater Project, Z. Alexander Looby Theatre, Nashville: Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight, running through March 6 www.twtp.org Evelyn O'Neal Brush stars in the title role of Lauren Gunderson's Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight, as Tennessee Women's Theater Project continues its ninth season of provocative professional theater with the Tennessee première of Gunderson's play. Gunderson's play - her second work to be staged this season by TWTP, after last fall's The Taming - is based on the real life story of Emilie du Châtelet, a scientific genius of 18th century France. Women of her era were considered too simple-minded to understand mathematics or physics, but Emilie produced work ranging from a groundbreaking paper on the nature of fire (the first by a woman ever published by the Paris Academy), to a celebrated and still-used translation and commentary on Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica. She was married to a nobleman of the court of Louis XV, and took a series of lovers, including the writer and philosopher Voltaire. In the play, Emilie is returned from the afterlife to recount and defend her life. With an ensemble of four actors, she replays her interactions with family, colleagues and lovers, and examines her unanswered questions about science and philosophy, life and love.

Belmont University Department of Theatre and Dance, at the Troutt Theatre, Nashville: Las Meninas, running through February 27. Jaclynn Jutting directs Belmont University's Department of Theatre and Dance's spring semester-opening production of Lynn Nottage's Las Meninas, a play they contend will "grab the attention of any audience member, of any background," opening February 19 at Belmont's Troutt Theatre. Jutting, head of the Theatre Directing program at Belmont is directing this production of Las Meninas. In her second year teaching at Belmont, she is excited to present a show that is equal parts comedy and history. An active professional director, Jutting's Brontë is currently running at Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Nottage's play follows the life of Marie-Therese, Queen of France, and her journey to discovering her self-worth. The Queen, played by sophomore theatre performance major Abby Evens, will be corseted up in traditional 1664 garb. Marie-Therese possesses the sassiness of a Spaniard, but the poise of a Frenchwoman (most of the time.) Senior theatre performance major, Craig Fairbanks plays King Louis, Marie-Therese's husband in a role that also fulfills the senior capstone requirement for his BFA Theatre Performance degree. Las Meninas opens on Friday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Belmont Troutt Theatre on Belmont Boulevard and runs until Saturday, February 27. Tickets are free for Belmont students/faculty, $10 for adults, and $5 for non-Belmont students. Tickets are available online or at the door. Call the Belmont University Box Office for ticket information at (615) 460-8500. Concessions will be served before the show and during intermission.

February 19 and 20

David Mamet's November, produced by KB Productions, directed by L.T. Kirk

Auditions are from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 19, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hamilton United Methodist Church, 3105 Hamilton Church Road in Antioch. Rehearsals begin mid- to late-may, with production dates July 1-9.

Available Roles:

• Archer Brown (Male 30 - 50) The president's advisor. Very cool and collected. Quick witted. Often shares rapid exchanges with other characters. Multi-tasks onstage.
• Clarice Berstein (Female 30 - 50) The president's speechwriter. Lesbian. Intelligent, strong yet vulnerable, persistent. Has the flu throughout the play.
• Turkey Guy/Girl (Male or Female any age 20+) Representative of the National Association of Turkey and Turkey Products. Good negotiator. Professional. Does not see the humor in his/her title.
• Dwight Grackle (Male, Native American, 40+ preferred, but younger will be considered) Very proud. Angry.

February 20

DEADLINE for submissions: February 20 at 11:59pm

Looking for actors from various age ranges to play roles in upcoming suicide awareness short film.
Taking digital video auditions. For a digital audition, email peyton.chevalier@gmail.com and eastonc123@gmail.com, with your name, age, and character(s) you're auditioning for. (headshot and resume optional)

Available roles:

• Connor Evans: Connor is a 17 year old boy. He is known around school for being goofy, outgoing, and generally kind. He is a wonderful brother to Ellie Evans. He is now acting more withdrawn and not as loud at home and school.
• Mom: Mom is just that, the mother of Connor and Ellie Evans, about 35-45 years old. She truly cares for her kids, but is very caught up in her job. She is frantic and distracted most of the time, but her manner shows that she does indeed love her children.
• Ellie Evans: Ellie is the seven-year-old sister to Connor. Their relationship is very loving and caring. She adores Connor. Ellie can be very energetic at times, she has an adorable demeanor about her.
• Ethan Fleming: Ethan is a 16-year-old boy. He is the boyfriend of Victoria, and shares a few classes with her and his acquaintance, Connor. Ethan has a good heart and truly cares for others, unlike Victoria.
• Victoria Miller: Victoria is a 17-year-old girl. She has no regard for others, and is selfishly motivated. In her relationship with Ethan, she "wears the pants."
• Friend: A male friend of Ethan. He is sarcastic and funny.
• Mr. Johnson: Mr. Johnson is the guidance counselor at the high school. He has a calm and collected demeanor, and truly cares for the wellbeing of the students.
• Mrs. Johnson: Mrs. Johnson is the loving wife to the guidance counselor. She works a well-paying job, which allows them to live a lifestyle of the upper-middle class.
• Mrs. Evans: Mrs. Evans is the mother of "Mom", and grandmother to Connor and Ellie. She is about 65-70 years old, and will do anything for her grandchildren.
• Older Ellie: This is Ellie at 20-years-old. She has matured into a beautiful and insightful young woman.
• Connor's Wife: She has no name, nor lines, but she is in the final scene with the family, laughing and smiling, with a bright and cheerful face. She is in her mid-20s.
• Older Connor: Connor at 30 years old.
• Older Mom: Mom at 50-55 years old

February 21 and 22

Nashville Rep's 2015-2016 Interns are seeking two non-Equity actors to fill roles in their production of Rajiv Joseph's Gruesome Playground Injuries.

Gruesome Playground Injuries is story of a relationship measured through scars. Throughout the play, Kayleen and Doug travel between non-sequential moments from ages 8-38. For more info on the play and the playwright, go to www.nashvillerep.org/gruesome-playground-injuries

Available roles:

• Kayleen. Female. 20s. Smart but timid individual who struggles with her inner turmoil over the course of 30 years.
• Doug. Male. 20s. A goofy, accident prone man who suffers from multiple accidents and injuries over the course of 30 years.

Auditions will be held at Nashville Public Television Offices. 161 Rains Avenue. Nashville. No appointment necessary. Please park in the lot to the left, and enter through the side door. Open Call: Sunday, February 21, 7 to 9 p.m.; Callbacks: Monday, February 22, 7 to 9 p.m. Please have a monologue prepared for open call auditions. Callbacks will consist of cold readings of sides that will be distributed via email after the first session of auditions.

Production Dates: Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. in NPT's Studio A. Rehearsals begin early April.Rehearsals: TBD. Beginning early April. Please direct any questions to the stage manager Taylor Russell at taylor@nashvillerep.org.

February 23

Production Title: Less Than Super; Union / Non-Union: Union; Production Type: Web series (pilot); Director: Alan Brazzell; Producer: Sandrene Mathews; Paid / Unpaid: The pilot is unpaid. We are working on funding for the series.

Location: Auditions and principal photography will take place in Nashville

Auditions: February 23, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Callbacks: February 25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shooting date: March 19.

Synopsis: As Alice as her team of superheroes prepare to battle their next villain, she must decide whether to break up with her boyfriend or reveal to him her secret.There will be a great deal of improv required, both for the episode and for creating additional web content. Must be comfortable playing off other actors as well as with coming up with monologues. Since this is for a web series, all actors must be available should we secure funding and move forward with the rest of the series. The series will explore the relationship between Alice and Logan as well as highlight each member of the team. Shooting for that will begin in September or October.

Available roles:

• Logan - Male. Mid to late 20s. Any ethnicity. 5'7" - 6'2". Moderate to athletic build. Alice's boyfriend. An intellectual frat boy. He is ambitious but not ruthless and has a very caring heart. Generally well-liked by everyone.
• Brett - Male or female. Late 20s to early 30s. Any ethnicity. Average height and size. An expert marksman, Brett is also a very gentle, empathetic soul. (S)he is very opinionated and not afraid to express it. Supports many rights groups, and is a bit tortured by his/her role in the group. Brett is also somewhat of a nerd.
• Cindy - Female. Early 20s. Any ethnicity. Very petite. Master of several fighting styles. Highly energetic. Walks with a bounce in her step, as if she's always prepared to go on the offense. Has a very big personality that tends to prompt people to make quick judgements about her.
• Jason - Male. Mid to late 20s, a couple years older than Alice. Any ethnicity. Very fit and attractive. 6'0" or taller. The guy every girl crushes on, and knows it. With brains and brawn, Jason has a bit of an ego, but is not conceited about it, and his light-hearted nature makes him likeable, even by those who try not to like him. A bit of a Tony Stark/Bruce Wayne personality, but without the money and the models.
• Jemma - Female (possible transgender). Early 20s. Any ethnicity. Average height and size. Incredibly shy. Although she's an attractive and talented girl, she has a hard time seeing it in herself, and almost never accepts it when people compliment her. The exception is Alice, who she views as an older sister figure and has a great deal of respect for. Melee weapons expert.
• Steve - Male. 30s. Any ethnicity. 6'0" or shorter. Somewhat stocky build. Steve appears to be an everyman. He does not have particularly striking features or qualities that make him stick out in a crowd. Although not a push over, he is a people pleaser and has an agreeable way of putting ideas in people's heads but making them think it was their idea, not his. He's the type of guy that everyone likes but few take the time to get to know.

Opening February 24

Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville: The Mountaintop, running through February 27. www.roxyregionaltheatre.org During his last night on earth, what thoughts and emotions might have passed through the mind and heart of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? During Black History Month, in honor of the civil rights leader, the Roxy Regional Theatre explores this idea in five public performances of The Mountaintop, February 24-27. On the evening of April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retired to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. In this gripping re-imagination of events occurring in the hours before his assassination, playwright Katori Hall, a Memphis native, picks up with a fictional depiction of a mysterious stranger who arrives at the motel room with some surprising news, forcing Dr. King to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. While others in the American Civil Rights Movement were advocating for equality by any means necessary, including violence, Martin Luther King, Jr., drew inspiration from his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Using the power of words and nonviolent means of resistance, Dr. King was able to achieve seemingly impossible feats toward his ultimate goal of political and social equality for people of all races. Following a four-star review from the Raleigh Indy Week last year for his portrayal of Dr. King in Justice Theater Project's production of THE MOUNTAINTOP, Phillip Bernard Smith reprises the role alongside Mariah Sade Ralph for the Roxy Regional Theatre's production, directed by John McDonald. Wednesday, February 24, is the theatre's traditional pay-what-you-can preview. All tickets not pre-sold at the regular ticket price will go on sale at 6:30pm that evening for a $5 minimum donation. The Mountaintop plays February 24 and 25 at 7 p.m., February 26 at 8 p.m., and February 27 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 (adults) and $15 (ages 13 and under) and may be purchased online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain). Active-duty military, APSU students and CitySaver coupon holders can receive two tickets for the price of one to Wednesday's and Thursday's performances.

Opening February 25

Nashville Children's Theatre, Nashville: Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, running through March 13 www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org December 1, 1955, Montgomery, Alabama. Rosa Parks, a black woman, refuses to surrender her seat on a public bus to a white man. Her arrest proved to be a tipping point in American history, inspiring Montgomery's African-American citizens to organize in non-violent protest under the leadership of a new young pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association staged a 13-month boycott of Montgomery's public transit system that resulted in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down segregation on public buses as unconstitutional.

February 28 and 29

Center for the Arts hosts auditions for 42nd Street, directed by Julie Wilcox and Kim Powers.

Production dates: May 13 - 29

Auditions for 42nd Street will be held at the Center for the Arts on February 28 and 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of a Broadway song in the style of the show. Come prepared to dance. Please bring tap shoes if you are a tapper. Cold readings will be read from the script at the discretion of the director.

For character descriptions please visit www.boroarts.org

Synopsis 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical,. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus. Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he gives Peggy her big break. However, the show's aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, quickly grows to dislike Peggy. On opening night, Ms. Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the role. In only thirty-six hours, Peggy learns twenty-five pages, six songs and ten dance numbers and becomes a star.

Opening March 4

Street Theatre Company, at Bailey Middle School, Nashville: In The Heights, running through March 20. www.streettheatrecompany.org Nashville's Street Theatre Company launches its 11th season with Lin Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning In The Heights, the smash musical that took Broadway by storm and paved the way for Miranda's new Broadway blockbuster Hamilton. Directed by STC founding artistic director Cathy Sanborn Street, In The Heights will be her farewell production in Nashville as she and her husband, JJ Street move to Wilmington, North Carolina in March. Widely performed throughout the United States, Central and South America - and in London's West End - In The Heights tells the timeless story of a vibrant Latin-American community living in the New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. The musical fuses the classic styles of musical theater showtunes with hip-hop and Latin rhythms to tell the heart-warming and universal story of family and belonging. In The Heights is onstage at Street Theatre Company's current home - Bailey Middle School in East Nashville - March 9-20. Curtain is at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday shows at 5 p.m., along with one 2 p.m matinee performance on Saturday, March 12. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for students and seniors, and are available by contacting the Box Office at (615) 554-7414. All tickets are pay-what-you-can on Sundays.

ACT 1, at Darkhorse Theatre, Nashville: Lysistrata, running through March 19. www.ACT1Online.com Bradley Moore directs an updated version of the classic play by Aeschylus, featuring an all-star cast including Cat Arnold, Austin Olive and more.

March 5-7

The 4th Story Theater announces auditions for God of Carnage, a play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by John O. McGuire, Jr.

Auditions are March 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.; March 6, from 1 to 3 p.m.; and March 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. God of Carnage is described as "a comedy of manners...without the manners" and was winner of the 2009 Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Play. To reserve your audition time, contact Martha Ann Pilcher at maspilcher@gmail.com.

Production Dates: May 4-15 (the play runs 90 minutes, with no intermission); Rehearsals begin March 7, and will be two to three nights per week (or as needed) from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Roles Available for (2) Adult Women and (2) Adult Men in their late 30s to mid-40s who have 11 year-old boys.

Opening March 9

Broadway at TPAC, Nashville: The Phantom of the Opera, running through March 20 www.tpac.org

Opening March 10

Robertson County Players, at Springfield High School Theatre, Springfield: The Man Who Came to Dinner, running through March 19. " Sarah Head directs and Ronny Noles produces Moss Hart and George S Kaufman's comic masterpiece. Performances March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. each evening, with a special Saturday matinee on March 12 at 2 p.m.

Opening March 11

The Theater Bug, Nashville, and Studio Tenn, Franklin, at Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin: Showmance, running through March 13 www.thetheaterbug.org

Opening March 18

Circle Players, at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre, Nashville: Children of Eden, running through April 3. www.circleplayers.net Joshua Waldrep directs this epic, heartfelt musical by Stephen Schwartz, based on the story of Genesis and its age-old conflict between parents and children.

Opening March 19

Nashville Rep at TPAC's Johnson Theatre: Chicago, running through April 16 www.nashvillerep.org

Opening March 31

Tennessee State University Theatre and the TSU Music Program, Nashville, at TSU's Performing Arts Center's Lewis Theatre: West Side Story, running through April 3. Directed by William Crimm.

Opening April 4

Music City Theatre Company at Darkhorse Theater, Nashville: 4000 Miles, running through April 9. www.mctc.ticketleap.com Bradley Moore directs Taylor Novak, Britt Byrd and Linda Speir in Amy Herzong's play.

Opening April 8

Lipscomb Department of Theatre, at Collins Alumni Auditorium, Nashville: You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, running through April 15 www.theatre.lipscomb.edu An average day in the life of Charlie Brown: A day made up of little moments picked from all the days in Charlie Brown's young life, from Valentine's Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed up with the lives of his friends and dog and strung together on the string of single day, from bright, uncertain morning to hopeful, starlit evening. In the end, Charlie Brown reminds us "Happiness is anything and anyone that's loved by you."

Pull-Tight Players, Franklin: Rabbit Hole, running through April 23 www.pull-tight.com Celebrated author David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores the various ways a family copes with unexpected and tragic death, with a deft balance of humor, pathos and hope. Whether or not you have seen the acclaimed Oscar-nominated film adaptation, you won't want to miss this exciting addition to the season.

Springhouse Theatre Company, Smyrna: Tom Sawyer, running through April 24 www.springhousetheatre.com Join master storyteller Mark Twain as he leads us into the world of his most famous character -Tom Sawyer. Tom's adventures never fail to remind us of why great storytelling never grows old.

Opening April 14

Nashville Children's Theatre, Nashville: A Year With Frog and Toad, running through May 15 www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org A hit on Broadway, A Year With Frog And Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards - including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale,this whimsical musical follows two great friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad - through four, fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them unique and special. The jazzy, upbeat score bubbles with melody and wit, making A Year With Frog and Toad an inventive, exuberant, and enchanting musical for the whole family.

The Larry Keeton Theatre, Donelson/Nashville: The Miss Firecracker Contest, running through April 30 www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org BWW Nashville senior contributing editor and founder/executive director of The First Night Honors Jeffrey Ellis directs the popular Beth Henley southern gothic comedy, the first play to be presented at The Keeton in several years. Britt Byrd, Katherine Morgan, Michael Adcock, Amber Boyer, Kurt Jarvis and Rebekah Stogner bring Henley's show to life.

Opening April 15

Actors Bridge Ensemble, in collaboration with Belmont University Department of Theatre and Dance, at Belmont's Black Box Theatre, Nashville: The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls (Nashville premiere), running through April 23. Directed by Leah Lowe, Actors Bridge board member and chair of the Theatre Department at Vanderbilt University, it will be performed in Belmont's Black Box Theatre, April 15-23. Once upon a time-in 2005-a twenty-year-old girl named Annie returned to her native Russia to brush up on the language and lose her American accent. Underneath a glamorous Post-Soviet Moscow studded with dangerously high heels, designer bags, and luxe fur coats, she discovers an enchanted motherland teeming with evil stepmothers, wicked witches, and ravenous bears. Annie must learn how to become the heroine of a story more mysterious and treacherous than any childhood fairy tale: her own. This subversive story haunts the audience, and carries a powerful message for young women living in a world where not everything ends up happily ever after.

Opening April 22

Murfreesboro Little Theatre: Lend Me a Tenor, running through www.mltarts.org

Opening April 26

Broadway at TPAC, Nashville: Mam

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