Stage: Act 1, Scene 1: Coachlight Musical Theatre

I know...I know. I've been promising blog posts about my performing since I started. However, I have been so busy with that performing that I just haven't had any time to write about it! I'm one insanely busy, but incredibly lucky girl! First of all, let's start with some background info. I work at Coachlight Musical Theatre in beautiful Brown County, Indiana. The town of Nashville is the heart of this scenic county. It may be small, but beauty and art are in abundance! Nashville is located in a valley surrounded by gently rolling hills, and when the season of Autumn starts to appear, there isn't a prettier place to be seen. We're heading right into the big tourist time, so our schedule at Coachlight Musical Theatre is really hopping! Sadly, we just finished our fantastic run of the show Tumbleweed. If you remembered those 'B' western films, this was the show for you. I was fortunate enough to play the extraordinary character of Dolly Diamond, a Mae West-type whose collection of husbands could only be beaten by her collection of diamonds. My costumes were GLORIOUS! The phenomenally talented Julie Powers made me feel like a glamour goddess every night! This show was absolutely hilarious, and I couldn't have asked to work with better people. OH, and did this show ever go out with a bang!! WOW! Our final rootin' tootin' rip-roaring performance SOLD OUT! We couldn't have asked for anything more! If you missed Tumbleweed, though, do NOT despair. We've got plenty of other shows for you to see. One of the best parts of working at Coachlight Musical Theatre is that it is a repertory theatre, meaning that multiple shows run at once. We still have 3--count 'em 3-- productions showing now! Each show is completely different. The brilliant minds of Russell Moss, Julie Powers, and Brad Zumwalt have really taken Coachlight Musical Theatre to new heights. Want to know more? Okay! Platinum Girls is a hysterical musical about three women who were part of a former "one hit wonder" girl group. In recent years, their careers have stalled, so they are attempting to plan a comeback concert. This show follows their journey from backstage to the night of their lives. This show is filled with 20 songs, ranging from The Supremes, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin to Shania Twain, Elvis, and Lady GaGa (you've got to see it to believe it)! Audiences have been laughing themselves to tears since the show opened in April, and we've continued to add more to the show. If you've already seen it once, you should truly consider seeing it again! We've got brand new music and more! Not only do audiences have fun, but I have a blast working with two of the most talented women I know: Andrea Swift-Hanlon and Judy Turnbow. They are both gems! If you like to laugh, you couldn't pick a better show to see! Brown County Bandstand is the newest addition to the Coachlight line-up. Just opening last week, audiences have already learned what a wild and lovable trip down memory lane this show is. Brown County Bandstand is truly a tribute to the classic television and music from the 1950's - today. Remember the Ed Sullivan show? Laugh-In? Sonny & Cher? These are only a FEW of the shows brought to life on our stage. One of the most brilliant touches about this show is the vintage video clips shown between scenes. Genius! Who can forget important questions like, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?" Relive your childhood during this nostalgic show. For the younger audience members, there is plenty you will remember, too. This show even covers MTV and the recent Retro-Pop Revival. This show is pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. I can't even begin to list all the well-known characters I play in this show. You've just got to come see it! Cowboy Sweethearts is the 3rd production currently running. I am not in this show, but it is FANTASTIC! Featuring the music & lives of Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline, this show is the concert that never was but should have been! These three legendary women were friends in real life, but they never performed all together. Andrea Swift-Hanlon is truly flawless as Brenda Lee. Judy Turnbow sparkles as the sassy "Coal Miner's Daughter", Loretta Lynn, and Julie Powers exceptionally portrays Patsy Cline. The music! The voices! This is a wonderful show! I also need to mention that on occasion, you can even see Cabaret Live! at Coachlight Musical Theatre. The theatre owners also own the Boggstown Cabaret in Boggstown, IN. If you've never been there, it is a delightful, quirky, laugh-out-loud experience. It's an interactive extravaganza of classic music and timeless entertainment. Plus, the food is outstanding! YUM! At Coachlight Musical Theatre, they will occasionally bring their cabaret show to Nashville, without the food, of course. The show is absolutely uproarious! We've got a few of these shows booked this month, and you may even see me! Russell Moss and Julie Powers, backed by Dan Tuttle on piano and Anthony Ray on drums, are true powerhouses of talent and hilarity. If you're in town, check out this show for an evening of laugh-til-your-side-hurts fun! For pictures of the shows, check out http://www.coachlightmusicals.com/ or find us on Facebook! Also, you can purchase tickets online and learn more about the shows, calendar, and cast! If you're ever in beautiful Brown County, Indiana, check out Coachlight Musical Theatre!