Cast members hand out newspapers in local shopping center to promote “Newsies” performances at The Capitol Theatre
GREENEVILLE – “Newsies, hit the streets!” Jack Kelly yelled to his fellow salesmen. The newsies cheered in support of the directive.
The mission immediately began as the newsies fanned out across the Greeneville Commons on Saturday, March 30, to hand out copies of The Greeneville Sun, along with a small flyer promoting the upcoming performances of the musical “Newsies.” These cast members, dressed in full costume, enthusiastically offered the newspapers, provided for free by the Sun, to customers as they entered the various stores.
Thirteen days ahead of opening night, these cast members, led by Todd Wallin, who plays Kelly, displayed the same energy and vibe on the sidewalks of the Commons that they will demonstrate when the curtain rises in The Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville for each of the six performances of “Newsies.” The Sun is the musical’s media sponsor, and the Commons graciously agreed to let cast members promote the shows in this innovative manner.
Lively Broadway musical “Newsies,” presented by Tusculum, coming to the Capitol Theatre for six shows in April
GREENEVILLE – High-caliber acting, singing and dancing await guests when the curtain rises for six performances of the musical “Newsies” presented by Tusculum University.
Theatre-at-Tusculum will hold lively shows April 12, April 13, April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 14 and April 21 at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville. Steve Schultz, the director of “Newsies,” has teamed since January with an ensemble cast of about 70 to produce a show that will have audiences singing the songs and quoting lines as they return home.
“Cast members are focused on creating an exceptional and memorable experience for our audiences with this fun musical,” said Schultz, who also serves as director of Tusculum Arts Outreach. “The tremendous energy audiences will feel when they come to the shows and the quality of our production have been reflected in our rehearsals. We encourage community members throughout East Tennessee to join us for one or more of these outstanding shows.”
Accomplished Bulgarian artist’s work to be auctioned at Tusculum University; presentation on one of his books and exciting drawing workshop to follow
GREENEVILLE – A renowned artist from Bulgaria, who has traveled the globe to participate in a variety of events in his profession, will showcase and sell some of his work and conduct a workshop on drawing Thursday, March 21, at Tusculum University.
Doncho Donchev has produced a diverse portfolio during his prolific and extensive career. He has conducted live painting performances on stage and created illustrations, paintings, sculptures and playing cards using a variety of materials and techniques. He most recently participated in the Tadweer Art Exhibition 2024 in Qatar. Now, he will share his talent with East Tennessee residents as well as Tusculum students, faculty and staff.
“This event at Tusculum will provide a tremendous opportunity for our art and design students to develop their skills and knowledge further and be inspired through their interaction with a world-class multidimensional artist,” said Rouja Green, director of Tusculum’s Center for the Arts. “In addition, community members at all artistic talent levels will benefit from hearing him talk about his work and then teaching them about drawing. This can’t-miss event highlights our commitment to civic engagement and preparing our students to be career-ready professionals.”
“A Pops Spectacular” from the Tusculum University Community Band coming to Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center
GREENEVILLE – An upbeat concert with familiar songs will greet guests who attend the Tusculum University Community Band Concert Tuesday, Feb. 27.
The band will perform “A Pops Spectacular” at 7 p.m. in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. The event at Tusculum is free and appropriate for all ages.
“Be prepared to have a fantastic time as the band performs a nice array of songs that will have you ready to sing along,” said Dr. David Gonzalez, the conductor and the university’s director of bands. “We love to entertain the community, and our band will be ready with another terrific show that will bring smiles to the audience.”
Tusculum hosting Black History Month event about famous African American composer and music school director
GREENEVILLE – In honor of Black History Month, Tusculum University’s Center for the Arts will host a presentation about an African American composer, choir director and professor that will incorporate music and a lecture.
“Celebrating the Life and Work of William Levi Dawson” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. Dr. Mark Malone, a music educator with more than 46 years of classroom experience will deliver a lecture about Dawson, who was the subject of a book he wrote. He will also play piano for Dr. Katrina Cox, a vocalist of various genres, who will be the mezzo soprano soloist at the event.
The Dawson retrospective is free.
Valentine’s Painting Night returns with another fun gathering spent with loved ones, friends and a canvas at Tusculum
GREENEVILLE – Community members can spend a fun and memorable Valentine’s Day with those they love in a historic and relaxing setting while developing or strengthening their artistic skills at Tusculum University.
Tusculum’s Center for the Arts will again hold the popular Valentine’s Painting Night to commemorate this special day. The lively and interactive event will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the lobby of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and will feature the opportunity for participants to paint an Italian province landscape.
Guiding guests through the process will be Bill Bledsoe, a working artist for more than 45 years and assistant professor of art and design at Tusculum. Bledsoe also served as the teacher for the inaugural Valentine’s Painting Night in 2023, which sold out and attracted participants who lived throughout the region.
71-member cast selected for “Newsies” at Tusculum University; rehearsals starting for the six-show spring production
GREENEVILLE – A detailed audition process has yielded an exceptional cast that will now turn its attention to rehearsals for the six-show spring production of “Newsies” at Tusculum University.
More than 100 actors auditioned for parts in this Broadway musical during the week of Jan. 14, and 71 landed roles after a comprehensive review. The production has immediately shifted to the next phase, with the first cast meeting, read-through and sing-through occurring Thursday, Jan. 25.
The cast list can be accessed at https://www3.tusculum.edu/news/tusc-family/2024/newsies-cast/.
Blue Plate Special bringing its brand of improvisational comedy to Tusculum University for a 10th anniversary show
GREENEVILLE – If you seek some levity and high-caliber entertainment, book your calendar for a visit to the Behan Arena Theatre at Tusculum University on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Blue Plate Special will serve delicious improvisational comedy at 7 p.m. that will keep the audience chuckling throughout the performance. The group, one of the most experienced and longest tenured in improv in the region, will conduct its 10th anniversary show, with all proceeds benefiting Tusculum Arts Outreach.
“What a tremendous menu of comedy we have planned for the community with this performance,” said Steve Schultz, a member of the troupe and Arts Outreach’s director. “We invite everyone to join us for plenty of laughs in an intimate theater space that will enable the audience to experience the full flavor of our delightful comedy. Best of all, those who will be in the seats will make the event funnier by sharing their ideas.”
Orange carpet event to celebrate the launch of episode featuring Tusculum University on “The College Tour”
GREENEVILLE – Celebrate the many ways Tusculum University transforms students’ lives by catching the first viewing of the episode featuring Tennessee’s first higher education institution on the national show “The College Tour.”
Tusculum will hold an orange carpet event Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in downtown to premiere this episode. All community members are invited and are encouraged to wear orange and black, the university’s colors, to this fun and informative event.
“We are ecstatic to showcase how Tusculum equips our Pioneers in a caring Christian environment to be career-ready, civically engaged professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “The region can be proud of our students’ achievements and the active and experiential learning we provide these Pioneers during their studies. Join us for this terrific event and learn further why Tusculum is such a tremendous asset for our region.”
Auditions for singing, dancing and acting roles in “Newsies” taking place in January at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University is issuing a call for auditions by anyone age 10 through adulthood who seeks a role in “Newsies,” a Disney film that was adapted to a stage musical and will be performed on campus in the spring.
Auditions for this Theatre-at-Tusculum production will be held Sunday, Jan. 14; Monday, Jan. 15; and Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. Steve Schultz, the director of “Newsies” and Tusculum Arts Outreach, is seeking to cast about 60 people. No prior performance experience is necessary to audition.
“This will be an outstanding production that will showcase the performers’ talents in song, dance and acting,” Schultz said. “It will be a terrific opportunity for people to gain lifelong friends by working as an ensemble for three months and nurture one’s love for the stage. Theatre-at-Tusculum is blessed with a rich tradition of serving the community with high-quality entertainment, and ‘Newsies’ will delight its audiences with stellar performances.”
Tusculum University holds gala to thank donors to the arts programs and share what is possible with additional support
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University recently celebrated its arts programs with a gala that enabled donors to learn firsthand how their gifts have enhanced offerings on campus and how additional funds would further strengthen them.
Tusculum’s Center for the Arts, an umbrella department for all of the university’s arts programming, showcased multiple programs through presentations during the Wednesday, Nov. 29, event in Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Adding to the ambience were a delightful performance from the brass choir of the Tusculum University Community Band, a dance from Central Ballet and piano accompaniment.
As Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president welcomed guests, he shared his thrill at being part of this special occasion.
Tusculum University Community Chorus to perform “Messiah” and other inspiring songs at Christmas concert on campus
GREENEVILLE – A relaxing and spiritually uplifting evening awaits guests when the Tusculum University Community Chorus takes the stage for its annual Christmas concert.
The chorus will perform “Messiah, A Sacred Oratorio” by G.F. Handel at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. The concert will be almost exclusively the first part of “Messiah,” delivered in six segments that will delve into the prophesy and birth of the Messiah. However, it will conclude with God’s triumph, which is contained in Part 2 of “Messiah.” A 17-piece orchestra will accompany the on all parts of “Messiah.”
At the end of the concert, the chorus will sing “Somewhere in My Memory” by John Williams and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from “A Feast of Carols,” arranged by Randal Alan Bass. Pianist Karen Miller will accompany the chorus on these two songs.