The newly built and revitalized Woolworth Theatre will officially open its doors on September 23rd, 2022, bringing downtown Nashville both a performance venue and cocktail lounge.
The theatre, formerly Woolworth on Fifth, will launch to the public with nightly performances of its in-house original production, Shiners, which will feature two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway actress Laura Osnes, as well as the entrepreneur behind Woolworth Theatre, Chuck Wicks.
Wicks partnered with 615 Ventures and Rob Bellenfant in 2021 to turn Nashville’s historic Woolworth building into a reimagined theatre, lounge and event space. His production Shiners is self-produced, and will feature seven acts and three original music scores composed by Wicks, K.S. Rhoads and local artist Emily West.
Hailing from New York City, Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Laura Osnes — best known for her starring roles in Grease as Sandy — plays the lead.
“When Laura walked through the door to audition for the role of ‘Violet’ my jaw dropped” says Wicks, who also serves as the theatre’s CEO. “It was like watching a real life Disney Princess walk across the room.”
More about Shiners
Shiners is a 75-minute story about the Shiner family, a family of moonshiners. Antics ensue when they come together for the Shiner Family Reunion. The show’s production combines elements of comedy and circus-style acrobatics. The story aims to offer a relatable arc of quirky family dynamics.
“I wanted to create a show, where when you walk out of the Woolworth Theatre, you are inspired to do great things,” says Wicks. “A lot of inspiration came from all the shows I personally loved watching growing up,” he adds.
Rendering of the new Woolworth Theatre.
More about Woolworth Theatre
The state-of-the-art, 30,000-square ft. Woolworth Theatre will feature a main stage, seven VIP boxes, lounge, kitchen, event space and multiple bars. Housed in the 1890’s Woolworth building on Rep. John Lewis Way N., the theatre gives new life to the historic building, known for its role in the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. While constructing the theatre and working to preserve its original elements, Wicks has worked closely alongside the Nashville Public Library and family of the late Rep. John Lewis to simultaneously preserve its history and legacy.
Tickets start at $55. For more information, please visit shinersnashville.com and woolworththeatre.com.
