February 7, 2012

Rear Window at Chaffin’s

Rear Window at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre

Rear Window at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre

One of the most entertaining nights in theatre, “Rear Widow,” is now playing at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre outside Cool Springs and just one mile from the Loveless Café off Highway 100 in Nashville, through Saturday, October 9.

The hilarious comedy-noir was created by notable playwrights Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler as an homage to the dark film noir movies “Double Indemnity,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Maltese Falcon” but with a hilarious Osborne & Eppler comedy twist.

Taking the classic whodunnit detective tale, the team weaves and winds its way through intrigue and romance making full-use of the Chaffin’s in-the square stage area. It’s a rich and delightful comedy with splashes of Garrison Keillor’s “Guy Noir” character, which Osborne says he hasn’t had the chance to hear on “Prairie Home Companion,” along with doses of fourth-wall breaking ala “The Office” humor with the attractiveness of the cast of “Castle.” Yep, these actors Martha Wilkinson, Jennifer Richmond, B.J. Rowell and Osborne & Eppler are a good-looking bunch to spend the evening with and crazy funny to boot.

“She was like whisky ice cream….I wasn’t sold on the whole package but I sure like the flavors on their own,” reflects insurance detective Judd Cain. So many humorous lines, you’ll want to steal them for your next party or at the very least your Facebook status.

Grab your parents or your teens for a family night of fun. It really is exhilarating walking out the door after being thoroughly entertained by the Nashville areas hottest new playwrights. More info and reservations, 615-646-9977 or visit www.dinnertheatre.com.

Cinderella at Chaffin’s Barn

Cinderella at Chaffins Barn Dinner Theatre

The coolest ticket in town for one last family summer treat is “Cinderella 8.0” now playing at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre right outside Cool Springs and just one mile from the Loveless Café off Highway 100 in Nashville, through Saturday, August 7. Created by notable playwrights Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler, it is a rockin,’ jukebox musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale.

Osborne & Eppler have woven 80s songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Maniac Monday” into a light-hearted, “Glee-ful” look at Cindy struggling to be cool and find her one true love at the dance, Prince. Dressed in a deep, purple jacket, singer/actor Mike Baum does a hilarious tribute of the wildly, popular entertainer which will amuse kids and parents alike.

Kids will also love the transformation of nerdy Cindy by a somewhat kooky fairy godmother who has an incredible set of pipes. Cindy, played by Chaffin theatre favorite Jennifer Richmond, and the godmother, played by Kandace Christian seen most recently at Osborne & Eppler’s wildly popular “Southern Fried Funeral,” are joined by a solid group of singers and dancers who make the one hourish show a quick and fun ride. The show jokes are enjoyed by kids as being just plain funny while the parents enjoy the nostalgic laughs the show evokes throughout.

With community giving in mind, Osborne & Eppler and Chaffin’s are dedicating their final Saturday show as a benefit for Miriam’s Promise, a local pregnancy and adoption agency working with Middle Tennessee families since 1984. With $2.00 benefiting the agency’s good work, the $8 per person ticket is a good deal. Bring your sack lunch with you cause doors open 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. show and soft drinks are included in the admission. More info and reservations, 615-646-9977 or visit www.dinnertheatre.com.

Broadway at Bethlehem

Dietz Osborne

Broadway at Bethlehem returns with an incredible salute to fifty years of Broadway hits on Saturday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center of Bethlehem United Methodist Church off Hillsboro Road in the Grassland Community of Franklin.

One of broadwayworld.com’s top Nashville performers of the year, Dietz Osborne, is returning as host for the popular Broadway revue which has sold out each year.

“Incredible singers from across the region, including one returning from the London School of Musical Theatre, will be joining us for a spectacular night of entertainment. It is a fun night of Broadway hits which helps the Bethlehem Players underwrite their upcoming spring production of “Southern Fried Funeral,” Osborne said.

Slated to perform to date are international artist Jennifer Richmond, off-Broadway performer Megan Murphy, Disney/Pixar artist Kandace (Williams) Christian, regional artist Mike Baum and noted writer/musician Bryan Ward. Osborne said there are also several special surprise guests as well.

Tickets are now on sale for $15 per person which includes the Broadway revue, a dessert extravaganza and silent auction. Some of the auction items include stunning faux finished furniture pieces by award-winning faux artisans Bell & Tucker, Amy Grant’s new autographed CD, tickets for Chaffins Barn Dinner Theatre, Towne Centre Theatre and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as a “Julie and Julia” movie package and Famous Dave and Valentino’s dinner certificates.. For more information, 615-791-6456, ext. 2 or drama@bethlehemumc.com.

The Broadway revue benefits the upcoming production of “Southern Fried Funeral,” by Osborne and Eppler, set for March 12-20 at Bethlehem UMC. The Bethlehem Players have been presenting quality, family entertainment for over a decade and will be launching their first world premier of this hilarious, southern comedy in March.

For more information, visit www.bethlehemumc.com or check out the Bethlehem Players on Facebook.

Celebrating their 13th year of exceptional family entertainment, the Bethlehem Players is an outreach effort of Grassland area Bethlehem United Methodist Church. The Players were founded by BUMC Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson as a community outreach and a unique version of “church softball.” Since its inception, the Bethlehem Players have successfully staged for packed audiences “Sound of Music,” “Father of the Bride,” “Music Man,” “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Neil Simon’s Rumors,” and “Bad Year for Tomatoes.”