Theater lovers, take a bow — Nashville’s theater scene just got a hop-to-your-feet-for-real standing “O.”
Well, folks … it’s official. Jersey Boys is completely sold out — and it’s easy to see why. Studio Tenn’s finale to their 15th season is nothing short of a show-stopping, high-kicking, Broadway-worthy smash.
A Theater Legacy in the Making
For years, Nashville Parent has had a front-row seat to the rise of local theater, always rooting for arts that engage children and families. And ever since Studio Tenn burst onto the scene in 2010, they’ve been raising the bar — and this latest production proves they’re still leading the charge. While Jersey Boys isn’t family fare per se, Studio Tenn is working hard to include the Middle Tennessee community in education and more — summer camps for kids arrive next month.
But the huge success of Jersey Boys begs the question: Can Studio Tenn keep it up? If this production is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.
The State of the Stage in Nashville
Let’s take a quick look at Nashville’s professional theatrical landscape:
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Nashville Repertory Theatre is in a transitional moment following the recent exits of Artistic Director Micah-Shane Brewer and Executive Director Drew Ogle.
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Nashville Shakespeare Festival just welcomed new Artistic Director Jason Spelbring, taking over after Denice Hicks’ impressive 30-year tenure.
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Nashville Children’s Theatre is currently being led by Interim Artistic Director Colin Peterson, stepping in after Ernie Nolan’s departure last year (the announcement of the new Artistic Director is just days away, I am told).
Leadership changes often come with growing pains, but Studio Tenn has held steady under the guidance of Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy since 2019. When COVID shuttered theaters, Cassidy pivoted brilliantly, launching Studio Tenn Talks, a virtual interview series featuring big-name Broadway talent. That made us sit up.
Bringing Broadway to The Turner Theater
Studio Tenn continues to elevate local theater by importing Broadway-caliber talent — and Jersey Boys is their crown jewel.
Directed by the one-and-only Jake Speck (Studio Tenn co-founder and current Artistic Director at Christ Presbyterian Academy), this production has Broadway roots and big-league polish. Speck, a former Jersey Boys cast member himself, called in some seriously talented friends for this run — and wow, did it pay off.
The cast features a powerhouse lineup of seasoned New York performers:
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Russell Fischer (Frankie Valli) stuns with a performance that’s pitch-perfect.
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Jonathan Cable (Nick Massi), Eric Gutman (Tommy DeVito), and Ben Laxton (Bob Gaudio) — a Belmont grad and current Broadway understudy — round out a cast that’s bursting with charisma and precision.
The result? A production that soars, sets a new standard, and challenges other local companies to step up their game.
From Country Hits to Curtain Calls
Nashville may be famous for country music, but its theater scene is tuning up fast. With productions like this, the city is inching closer to theater greatness — getting more on par with cities like Louisville (home of the Tony-winning Actor’s Theatre) or Seattle (whose Rep won a Tony in 1990).
Is Nashville next in line? The momentum is there. And Studio Tenn is leading the way.
Looking Ahead: Studio Tenn’s 16th Season
After the lights dim on Jersey Boys this weekend, the momentum will keep going with eyes on Studio Tenn’s next season lineup promising thrills, chills, and show tunes galore, including:
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Dracula
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White Christmas
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Deathtrap
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Boeing, Boeing
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Jesus Christ Superstar
Season tickets are already available — so grab yours and get ready to watch something remarkable unfold.
Studio Tenn is on fire. Let’s keep cheering them on.
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