In the spotlight
Check out the 2012/2013 Performing Arts Season
Nashville Children’s Theatre
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure: A tale of mystery, danger and suspense as the world’s greatest detective faces off against his nemesis, Professor James Moriarty, in one final life-and-death battle of wits. Sept. 13-Oct. 7.
Go, Dog. GO!: The beloved children’s book by P.D. Eastman comes to life in a dynamic blend of color, movement, and sound. April 11-May 19.
Also playing: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Nov. 1-Dec. 23), Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Fly (Jan. 24-Feb. 10), The Wind in the Willows (Feb. 28-March 24).
Tennessee Repertory Theatre
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Robert Louis Stevens’ classic novella comes to life in this suspenseful theatrical adaptation from Jeffrey Hatcher. Set in Victorian England, the psychological thriller explores the battle between good and evil as a sympathetic doctor unleashes his villainous alter ego. Oct. 13-Nov. 3.
Cabaret: This splashy musical transports audiences to 1930s Berlin when Johnson Theater is converted to the Kit Kat Club, a pre-WWII cabaret where decadence and glamour outshine the imminent threat of war. Feb. 16-Mar. 9.
Also playing: Clybourne Park (Sept. 8-22), A Christmas Story (Dec. 1-22), The Columnist (April 20-May 4).
Nashville Ballet
The Sleeping Beauty: A youth cast performs this romantic fairy tale about a cursed princess awaiting true love’s kiss. Oct. 19-21.
Romeo and Juliet: Two star-crossed lovers and their feuding families discover the power of love and sacrifice in this romantic Shakespearean tragedy, choreographed by Paul Vasterling and accompanied by the Nashville Symphony. April 26-28.
Also playing: Nashville’s Nutcracker (Dec. 9-23), Attitude (Feb. 15-17), The Singing Tortoise (Feb. 16), Senoritas y Toros (May 11-12, 18-19), Macbeth (May 16-18).
Nashville Opera
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Based on Ambrose Bierce’s short story, David Lang’s opus centers on a plantation owner in antebellum American South whose mysterious disappearance confounds his family, neighbors and slaves. Nov. 9-11.
The Magic Flute: Love conquers all in this enchanting fable, composed by Mozart, about a daring prince, romantic bird catcher and enslaved princess. April 11 and 13.
Also playing: Madame Butterfly (Oct. 11 and 13), Cinderella (Jan. 25, 27 and 29).
Studio Tenn
Twelve Angry Men: This Academy Award-winning film turned provocative drama follows the deliberations of a murder trial’s jurors and will be staged in the historic Williamson County Courthouse. Oct. 18-Nov. 4.
Big River: Join Huck and Jim as they journey down the Mississippi River in this stage adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic, featuring a score by country music legend Roger Miller. Feb. 21-March 3.
Also playing: Smokey Joe’s Café (Sept. 20-Oct. 7), A Christmas Carol (Dec. 6-16), My Fair Lady (May 16-June 2).
Broadway at TPAC
Catch Me If You Can: This lively new musical, based on the DreamWorks film starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, chronicles the true adventures of a high-flying teenage conman with a penchant for forgery. Jan. 22-27.
Rock of Ages: A small-town girl falls for a famous rocker against the backdrop of 28 head-banging hits from ’80s rock legends such as Journey, Styx, Poison and REO Speedwagon. April 19-20.
Also playing: The Nutty Professor (July 24-Aug.19), Anything Goes (Oct. 23-28), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Nov. 13-18), Traces (Feb. 19-24), Peter Pan (March 1-3), American Idiot (March 5-7), Flashdance (March 19-24), The Lion King (May 7-June 2).
Nashville Symphony
A Woman’s Life (Classical series): Richard Danielpour’s musical adaptation of Maya Angelou’s poetry traces a woman’s journey from infancy to old age. Sept. 20-22.
Nashville Swings (Pops series): The symphony teams up with Nashville’s finest jazz musicians to celebrate the swinging sounds of the big band era. Jan. 17-19.
Monterey Jazz Festival (Jazz series): A one-night engagement paying tribute to the longest-running jazz festival in the world. Jan. 25.
Randy Travis (Pops series): Celebrate the 25-year career of a certifiable country music legend with this tribute which includes number 1 hits, “Forever and Ever Amen” and “On the Other Hand.” March 7-9.
Also playing: Mahler’s Eighth (Sept. 7 & 9), Beethoven’s Fifth (Oct. 4-6), Halloween in the Wild West (Oct. 27), Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 20-22), Mozart and Strauss (Jan. 10-12), Tchaikovsky Meets Techno (Feb. 28-March 2), Uncommon Folk (April 18-20).
—By Nancy Floyd