The first theatrical show in the brand new Jenny Boyd Theatre on the University of Tennessee campus opened on Friday night and it is a dazzling production of the musical “Cabaret.”
Curtain call at the Kit Kat Club! Four of “Cabaret’s” stars, from left, Bryce Hagen, Tricia Matthews, Sammy Pontello, and John Cherry.
The music, singing, dancing, acting, staging, costumes, and lighting are all superb. I have seen “Cabaret” on stage and screen in the past, of course. But never has it hit me in the gut the way this version did on Friday.
Actor Develyn Jayan is a third year MFA acting student at UT. This photo was taken as actors strolled the stage prior to the show opening. No photos were allowed during the play itself.
I think this is partly due to the $26 million Jenny Boyd Theatre itself. The flexibility of the theater’s design allows the viewing area to be set up in three different configurations. The one Friday night was called “the thrust configuration.” In this arrangement, the stage juts into the audience allowing seating on three sides. The intimacy this allows almost made the audience feel as if we were actually inside the Kit Kat Club, where the play is set.
The actors are a combination of students and professionals and you can really see why the University of Tennessee Theatre Department has such a impressive national reputation. Be prepared to go and have a rollicking time in 1930’s Berlin — until suddenly a dark reality sets in.
A shout-out to the five main stars: Bryan Hagen, Tricia Matthews, Sammy Pontello, John Cherry, and Kim Morgan Dean, who plays Sally Bowles, which you might think of as the “Liza Minnelli role.”
“Cabaret” runs through March 1 and the production already has added shows due to high demand. But a look at the website indicates that limited tickets still are available to almost every show. Run, don’t walk! You won’t regret it.
When you see this sign, you’ll know you are in the right place!
It was special to see, from left, Harrison, Jenny, and Randy Boyd in the audience before the show started. Their generosity made the new theater possible. And Jenny is its namesake, of course. Randy is president of the University of Tennessee.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and her husband, “First Dude” Ben Barton, also were in the audience.
Great seeing our friends Gina Buffum, left, and Sheena McCall. Sheena’s an emeritus member of the Clarence Brown Theatre’s advisory board.
CBT Advisory Board member Margie Nichols and John Gill prior to the start.
Jim Grossen and Sara Phillips, also a CBT Advisory Board member.
For a few minutes that really made folks feel like they were in on the action, the actors walked around on stage apparently “warming up” before the show started.
Here’s Kim Morgan Dean, who would play Sally Bowles. She’s a professional actor with Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA.
Tyler Monroe. He’s a UT freshman.
Grace VerStrate and Gavin Hensley. She’s a fourth year theater student; he’s a sophomore.
After the show, a reception was in the Liz Stowers Patron Lounge, a new amenity. Here’s Alan Carmichael posing in front of the backdrop that was set up for this purpose.
It was packed!
Clarence Brown Theatre Artistic Director and Department Head Kenneth Martin, left, with actor John Cherry. Although Cherry is a professional thespian, many know him from his “day job” as vice president of Leadership Knoxville.
From left, Rebecca, Cal, Rachel and Sam MacLean. Cal was Clarence Brown’s artistic director and department head from 2006 to 2021. He is emeritus director now.
Clarence Brown’s Managing Director Tom Cervone, left, with Kim Morgan Dean and Matthew Carl, the show’s costume designer.
Sammy Pontello, who is pursuing an MFA at UT, played the Master of Ceremonies character in the show.
You may know Greg Horne from his many musical appearances around East Tennessee. He played guitar and banjo for the production.
Alan Carmichael, left, with Liz and Wes Stowers, big benefactors of the Jenny Boyd Theatre.
It was a friendly bunch! Here Liz Stowers greets Jed Diamond, associate professor and head of acting for the Clarence Brown Theatre.
Michael Combs and Marsha Hollingsworth.
Maureen Dunn McBride, right, and her daughter, Jessica Beeler. Maureen is a CBT Advisory Board member.
Jed Diamond, center, with Cal MacLean and his daughter, Rachel.
Jenna Mitchell was a “cigarette girl” working the crowd!
Actor Jackson Neilson is a junior in the UT Department of Theatre. He played his favorite instrument, the accordion, on stage during “Cabaret.”
From left, Liz Stowers, John Cherry, and Jennifer Banner, who is a CBT Advisory Board member.
Now, get yourself over to the Kit Kat Club and leave your worries on the doorstep! Until . . .
Can’t wait, going to the Saturday matinee!!
Christi: You will love it — and be so moved.