Folks who enjoying listening to rock and pop musicians such as Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and Gladys Knight, may already be familiar with the up and coming Jonell Mosser. In fact, when Carl Hoover of the Cox News service heard her critically acclaimed album, Around Townes, he said, "Think what [Carol King's album] Tapestry might have sounded like with Janis Joplin interpreting the songs of Carole King and you're in the ballpark of Around Townes." Tennessee Repertory Theatre artistic director Mac Pirkle took Hoover's words literally, and sought Mosser out for the lead of the Carole King musical revue, Tapestry, which he directs for a May 7-25 run at the Polk Theatre at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

"With the exception of Carole King herself," Pirkle says, "I can think of no one other than Jonell Mosser who can really make this music soar and recapture the memories of the era. "

Mosser said, "I'm thrilled by the prospect of singing Carole King's songs and the challenge of doing musical theatre after so many years of club and studio work. . .I'm proud to be chosen to work with such wonderful singers and this great repertory theatre."

Joining Mosser are five other vocalists, who frequent the Rep stage: Jeff Carr, Matt Carlton, Mike Eldred, Connie Florance, and Jamie London.

For information or tickets about Mosser in Tennessee Rep's Tapestry call (615) 255-9600, or refer to the Tennessee Repertory Theatre regional listing on Playbill On-Line.

--By Blair Glaser