Miss America Has Ties To Cumberland County Playhouse
Newly-crowned Miss America Cassie Donegan is a New York native, but she has ties to the Cumberland County Playhouse from her college days. Playhouse Producing Director and CEO Bryce McDonald said Donegan was the narrator for the company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2019. McDonald said her voice and talent are […]
Homeschool Actors Learn Teamwork, Joining In New Play
The Cookeville-based Homeschool Drama Society offering community and extracurricular work for homeschoolers in the Upper Cumberland, with a new performance this week. Founder and Director Mev McCurdy said this year’s cast of some 120 kids is the society’s largest ever. McCurdy said participation is a way for kids to get up in front of others […]
Cookeville High School Theater Presents 12 Angry Jurors
Those looking for an on-stage drama this week can come out to Cookeville High School’s depiction of the drama 12 Angry Jurors. The updated version of the Reginald Rose play 12 Angry Men will have showtimes Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Theater Director Shane Cunningham said the mixed cast will decide if a nineteen-year-old man on […]
Cookeville Performing Arts Center Presents: “Almost, Maine”
Cookeville Performing Arts Center presents “Almost, Maine,” a show that explores stories of love and loss through a series of short plays that take place all in one location. Director Kimberly Frick-Welker said that the show was written to reflect the circumstances of communities in rural areas. “John Carione who is the playwright,” Frick-Welker said. […]
Cumberland Playhouse Director Says Right Time, Right Place For Godspell
Full performances on the main stage in front of a large audience….it’s happening again at Cumberland County Playhouse. The new production “Godspell” has opened. Director Bryce McDonald said it is indescribable to see a full orchestra and full crowd again. McDonald said Godspell fit the bill for the right cast size and right message with […]
Prescott South Middle School Shares the Magic of “Matilda Jr.” the Musical
Prescott South Middle School invites the community to see their 55-person cast in its production of “Matilda Jr.,” a musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl book featuring a magical little girl with a big heart. The students have been rehearsing since December, and are ready and excited to showcase their talents to the community. Director […]
Warren Arts Foundation Supporting Theater In Rural Communities
A group of parents and volunteers that wanted more in their community. That is how the Warren County Arts Foundation became the theater scene for a rural community. Executive Director Sheri Denning said in 2017, the nonprofit organization was formed. “We were looking for a way to create something for our families and for ourselves […]
Cookeville’s Steve Gwilt Reflects On Arts Community Unique To Upper Cumberland
Steve Gwilt, a long-time proponent of the arts in Cookeville has stepped down as cultural arts coordinator. Gwilt said he made his way to Cookeville in 1982 and was surprised to find a place like the Cookeville Dramatic Arts Center. Gwilt said that at the time he did not anticipate finding an art community like […]
Monterey High School Theatre Presents: “Our Place”
The Monterey High School Drama Department is presenting its spring production “Our Place” by Terry Gabbard, a short play for all ages about human connection. Director Carrie Brown-Jones said she hopes the community will come and support a show she chose both for its poignancy and to honor her senior performers. “They’ve missed out on […]
Connecting During Pandemic Highlighted In Backstage Series Show
A collection of six plays focusing on human connection during the pandemic is coming to CPAC’s Backstage Series. The show is titled Alone, Together and directed by Matthew Wilson. Wilson said connecting during the digital age and COVID creates topics everyone can relate to. “I think that’s been a very universal thing is we need […]
