Next Up: "The Conscientious Objector" by Michael Murphy!

In early 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. informed his advisors that he intended to play a major role in the anti-war movement, advocating immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Vietnam. No major figure of Dr. King's stature had yet been willing to take such a dramatic stand, even those thought to oppose the war, such as Senators Kennedy and McGovern. King knew he would be turning past allies like President Johnson into powerful enemies and reviving the animus of old enemies as well. King's inner circle feared he would trigger a political backlash that could undo the progress made in civil rights. The Conscientious Objector draws upon the historical record, including the FBI's relentless surveillance, often illegal, and the White House's infamous secret telephone recordings.

GroundWorks Theatre is proud to present this co-production with the Destiny Theatre Experience. Shawn Whitsell of DTE directs a veteran ensemble cast at the historic Darkhorse Theater. The production runs from April 30 - May 8, with 7:30pm performances every night but Sunday and Monday. There will be a 2:30 matinee on Sunday, May 4. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. All ticket for Tuesday night's show are $10. Tickets and information available at www.groundworkstheatre.com, or call 615.262.5485 for reservations.

"Marry Me a Little" by Stephen Sondheim: March 10-21 2009

GroundWorks Theatre announces its first musical production, the Nashville premiere of Stephen Sondheim's "Marry Me a Little." A joint production with the Boiler Room Theatre, "Marry Me a Little" is a collection of Sondheim originals which shapes the story of a young man and young woman who are neighbors and possibly soulmates, but who have never met.

Craig Lucas and Norman Rene', who wrote and directed "Reckless" and "Prelude to a Kiss," respectively, created "Marry Me a Little" using songs that Stephen Sondheim had written for other shows. Through the 18 songs, we see an evening in the lives of the two lonely singles, as they reveal their work, lives, dreams, and heartaches, all while oblivious to the proximity of the other. The songs were originally created for some of Sondheim's most famous works, including "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Company," "Follies," and "A Little Night Music." Several were cut on the road, several were re-written and appeared in other forms. Lucas, himself a multiple Tony- and Drama Desk Award nominee, conceived the format for the show while working with Sondheim as a chorus member in the original Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd."

Mike Baum and Megan Murphy will play the two tenants. They are longtime favorites of the Boiler Room Theatre, having appeared in the last year in "Plaid Tidings / Nuncrackers," "Damn Yankees," and "Assassins." Megan Murphy directed the GroundWorks premiere of "The Pillowman," and has appeared onstage in GWT's "Tape," "Blackbird," and "Enchanted April."

Darkhorse veterans Brian T. Hill and Jack E. Chambers take directing duties. Brian is the Executive Director of ACT 1, and has over 20 years of music directing experience in Nashville, including work with ACT 1, Circle Players, and Actors' Playhouse. Most recently, he directed the ACT 1 production of "Miss Gulch Returns." Jack just completed a revival production of Lee Blessing's "Chesapeake" for GroundWorks, and has also appeared in the GWT productions of "Tape," "Blackbird," "Closer," and "The Pillowman."

This production is the 2nd joint production between GroundWorks Theatre and the Boiler Room Theatre, and will play for one week in each venue -- March 10-15 at the Boiler Room in the Factory at Franklin, and March 17-21 at the Darkhorse Theater.

IMPORTANT: Ticket prices and show times vary by venue!

Boiler Room Theatre: March 10-15 (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2pm). All tickets $15. For tickets, visit www.boilerroomtheatre.com or call 615.794.7744.

Darkhorse Theater: March 17-21 (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30pm). All tickets $15, except for Tuesday $10. For tickets, visit www.groundworkstheatre.com or call 615.262.5485.

Marry Me a Little: The Basics!

Full details are forthcoming, but here's the basics for the GWT/BRT joint production of Stephen Sondheim's "Marry Me a Little." The show will run March 10-15 at the Boiler Room Theatre in Franklin, then March 17-21 at the Darkhorse Theater in Nashville. Show times and ticket prices will vary by venue, and tickets MUST be purchased through the appropriate venue. Mike Baum and Megan Murphy star in this Nashville premiere!

Chesapeake Revival Presentation at the BRT!

GroundWorks will reprise its lauded production of Lee Blessing's "Chesapeake" at the Boiler Room Theatre in Franklin from January 23-25!

Director Robert A. O'Connell and actor Jack E. Chambers will once again bring Blessing's one-man show to life, this time in the wonderful Boiler Room Theatre, in the historic Factory in Franklin. Tickets are now available for Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, at 8pm; there is also a Sunday matinee on January 25 at 2pm. More details are forthcoming, but in the meantime, you can find information about the original production here. For reservations, either visit the BRT site, or call 615-794-7744.

IMPORTANT: Tickets to this production are only available through the Boiler Room!

Program Outside (PDF)
Program Inside (PDF)