This is a two-performance return of the country-kissed show that played eight performances at the Metropolitan Room beginning in March 2008. Conceiver Glenn told Playbill.com that there is hope for a commercial run of the show, which he calls "a concert tribute to the music of the film." The film's songwriters were the picture's stars, including Karen Black, Oscar nominee Ronee Blakley and Keith Carradine (he who won an Academy Award for Best Music – Original Song for "I'm Easy").
The film was nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director (Altman), Best Supporting Actress (Blakley and Lily Tomlin). The Tennessee-set movie follows disparate personalities (including country-music performers) and plots surrounding a U.S. presidential campaign.
Tanya Holt and Bryan Dobson and special guest star Jay Rogers (When Pigs Fly) are part of the unique "Nashville" cabaret show, which includes a six-piece country band and vocalists serving "every fabulous song from the beloved soundtrack album…lovingly recreated."
Musical direction and arrangements are by pianist-singer Jo Lynn Burks. Director-choreographer is Vince DeGeorge.
Glenn was born and raised in Lexington, KY. He's an Equity actor who has toured in musicals and youth theatre productions. "Nashville" in concert has been a dream project many years in the making, he said. It marked his New York City cabaret debut. He's the resident reservation agent and celebrity wrangler at the Metropolitan Room. Director DeGeorge has created, directed and choreographed shows at The Triad, The Duplex, The Loft, Collective Unconscious and Chashama. He is also a private musical theatre vocal coach and researches and teaches experiential anatomy, movement and awareness practices for the creative artist.
Burks is no stranger to Broadway. The former Miss Alabama and Miss Miami was a frequent keyboardist at both The Color Purple and Hairspray. She toured as music director with the Temptations and did keyboards/vocals for Gladys Knight and more. On Broadway, she originated a principal role in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and appeared in The Wedding Singer, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Full Monty and All Shook Up. She musical-directed such national tours as Jesus Christ Superstar, Fame and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Her Off-Broadway work includes A Portrait of Dusty Springfield, From My Hometown, Cowgirls and When Pigs Fly.
Metropolitan Room is at 34 W. 22 Street. The performances are Dec. 20 at 2:30 PM and Dec. 21 at 1:30 PM. Admission is a $20 cover plus two-drink minimum; there is a $5 industry discount.
For reservations or more information, call (212) 206-0440 or visit metropolitanroom.com or darylglenn.com.
