A statement from Todd Morgan, Managing Director of Studio Tenn:
Like our friends, neighbors, and fellow entertainment companies, we at Studio Tenn have been closely following the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation as it has developed. Coupled with the devastating tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee, it has been a very challenging time for our community — one that has shown countless acts of kindness, volunteerism, and the spirit that makes us so proud to call Tennessee home.
Entertainment -- and especially the theater -- has always played a significant part in the recovery process in communities such as ours. It is a role we cherish, and of which we fully grasp the importance.
However, with continuing public health risks and as guided by the CDC and state agencies, and in an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to reschedule The Aretha Legacy, currently set to run March 25-29 in the Franklin Theatre. While this is a huge disappointment to all of us here at Studio Tenn, we know it is the right thing to do. Our priority at all times is the safety of our patrons, cast, and crew.
We have rescheduled The Aretha Legacy to May 27-31, 2020, with performances to be held in Jamison Theatre in The Factory at Franklin. In the coming days, we will work to reseat all patrons to performances during the new dates, and ticket holders should expect to receive their new tickets within one week. We will re-open ticket sales to the public beginning Friday, March 20.
If ticket holders are not able to attend on the rescheduled dates, they are encouraged to call or e-mail the box office. All exchange fees for The Aretha Legacy will be waived, and tickets can be exchanged to a different date or to a non-expiring gift certificate which can be used for any future Studio Tenn production. We would also request that ticket holders unable to attend the rescheduled dates consider converting their tickets into a donation to the theatre.
We are currently in conversation with The Franklin Theatre for further actions required for ticket holders who purchased tickets directly through The Franklin Theatre's box office. We will be reaching out to these ticket holders directly in the coming days. We are very grateful to The Franklin Theatre and The Factory at Franklin for their quick attention and flexibility in allowing us to reschedule the performance.
Additionally, at this time, 9 to 5: The Musical — running May 8-24 in Jamison Theater in The Factory — is on as planned. If there are any changes to that schedule, we will communicate them with ticket holders and on our social media.
Our box office can be reached at (615) 541-8200. Please be understanding as we are expecting a large volume of calls.
We hope you and yours are healthy and remain so as we navigate these uncharted waters. We are eternally grateful for your continued support of Studio Tenn, and look forward to reviving the "show must go on" mantra as soon as we can!
Studio Tenn Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy will make his directorial debut in the company’s production of “The Aretha Legacy,” a theatrical concert celebrating the life and work of Aretha Franklin, at the Franklin Theatre from March 26th through 29th. Cassidy chose a cast of six performers from diverse backgrounds to star in the original show honoring Aretha, which will tell the story of her musical career, as well as her life and social legacy.
“I believe Aretha is the greatest soul and gospel singer of all time,” Cassidy said. “She became the voice for multiple generations, not only as a musician, but because of what she stood for as an artist, an activist and a person. We are excited to tell her full story through this Legacy Series.”
“The Aretha Legacy” will comprise six shows in the Franklin Theatre, which Cassidy said is ideal for musical artists.
“The Franklin Theatre is such an intimate venue, and it’s the perfect setting for telling a rich story. We’ll have a band on the stage as well as performers, so that we can create a club effect, a speakeasy effect and even a church effect. We’re going to explore all the sides of Aretha, and to do so, we’ll use the space for storytelling as well.”
Current cast members include Piper Jones, Jaimee Paul, Whitney Coleman, Malachi Burrow and Jack Cassidy, Patrick’s son.
Cassidy’s wife, Melissa Hurley Cassidy, is an acclaimed dancer with a vast career of performing, teaching and choreographing. Melissa recently accepted a teaching position at Nashville Ballet, and she will take part in “The Aretha Legacy” by working with the performers on choreograph staging.
“This show includes people of immense talent, from production to performance and beyond, which is only fitting for a tribute to the Queen of Soul,” Cassidy said.
Studio Tenn is a professional regional theater company and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Franklin. Its programming centers around innovative, custom-designed presentations of classic plays and musicals as well as an original “Legacy” series of theatrical concerts celebrating the work of time-honored musicians. Learn more at studiotenn.com.
