There are plenty of options for you in the coming weeks to experience live theater and dance and an iconic vocalist. Here are four choices that are superb.
Vanessa Williams with the Nashville Symphony
The iconic singer and star of film, television, and theatre Vanessa Williams makes her Schermerhorn Symphony Center debut October 20-22. Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry today. Her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings, and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliate including 4 Emmy nominations, 11 Grammy nominations, a Tony nomination, 3 SAG award nominations, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 3 Satellite Awards.
This chart-topping artist will join the orchestra to perform ballads, Broadway, and unforgettable hits like “Save the Best for Last,” “Sweetest Days,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Love Is” and “Dreamin.” This concert will open with the Nashville Symphony performing a selection of beloved Broadway overtures and more. Show times are Thursday, October 20 at 7:00 pm; Friday, October 21 at 8:00 pm; and Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 pm.
A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham presents “An Untitled Love” at OZ Arts
Sensual, sophisticated, and breathtakingly visual, this new production by acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham is propelled by the seductive R&B and soul music of enigmatic GRAMMY-winner D’Angelo. Starting as an electrically-charged house party on stage, the evening evolves into a joyous, multifaceted celebration of love with powerful and virtuosic dancing by the 10 members of Abraham’s celebrated company. Abraham dedicates this feel-good work — its visceral hope, solace, and joy — to family, culture, and community strengthened over generations and lifetimes.
Returning to OZ Arts for the first time since his stunning 2015 Nashville debut, Abraham has become one of today’s most acclaimed and sought-after choreographers, known for theatrical and poetic work immersed in Hip-hop culture. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, he was the first Black choreographer to make work for the New York City Ballet in over a decade. Show times are nightly Thursday, October 20, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 pm.
“The Sins of the City” by Shawn Whitsell at Dark Horse Theatre
Destiny Theatre Experience and Tennessee Playwrights Studio (TPS) is proud to announce the co-production of the world premiere of “The Sins of the City,” written and directed by Shawn Whitsell. A popular and successful politician is propositioned by a young, aspiring campaign manager on the eve of an election. What starts out as a seemingly ordinary run for office culminates in a moral reckoning.
The talented cast members are Candace-Omnira, Kenide Hawkins, Milton Jackson, La Tia Lewis, Jim Manning, Jamil Parrish, Taryn Pray, Elliott Winston Robinson, and Matt Smith. Show times are nightly Thursday, October 20 through Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 pm; and Wednesday, October 26 through Saturday, October 29 at 7:30 pm.
“The Dance on Widow’s Row” by Samm Art Williams at The Looby Theater
, (KPT) celebrates Seniors and Women with their “Saving Our Seniors Program.” KPT’s 2022-23 Season is themed “Ladies and Laughter,” honoring women and their contributions to the American Theater Stage. The first play of the season is “The Dance on Widow’s Row” by Samm Art Williams, directed by KPT Founder and Artistic Director Kenny Dozier.
Set in a coastal community in Port Town, North Carolina, this romantic comedy centers around four widows who defy small-town rumors and vicious gossip by hosting a gathering with the town’s most eligible gentlemen. These women are determined to find a new husband no matter what!
The cast features Stella Reed Patterson, Helen Shute Pettaway, Keisha Cunningham, Courtney Deckard, Elliott Robinson, Kenny Dozier, John Wiggins, Stacia Brown, Sallie Woodard, and Chandra Norman Lipscomb.
Show times at Looby Center Theater, 2301 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, are November 3rd through November 13th, 2022. Evening shows are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM. with Matinee performances on Sunday at 2:30 PM. Seniors Shows (must be accompanied by someone 50 yrs or older) are Nov 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11 at 10 AM. Get Tickets at: http:// www.kennieplayhousetheatre.com.
