Studio Tenn’s Annual Celebration – “One Night Only” – Set for April 6
The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein Takes Center Stage in The Factory; 2024-25 Season Lineup Will Be Announced
FRANKLIN, TENN. – Prepare to be swept away by the iconic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein at One Night Only (ONO), Studio Tenn’s annual fundraiser, on April 6, 2024, at Liberty Hall inside the Factory at Franklin.
One Night Only is one of Middle Tennessee’s most highly anticipated events, and this year’s party will be bigger than ever with a surprise appearance by a Tony-nominated Broadway, film and television star as Studio Tenn celebrates the legendary collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, widely considered the fathers of musical theatre.
The Factory’s Liberty Hall will be transformed into a captivating space reminiscent of the duo’s beloved Broadway and Hollywood productions, including “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Cinderella” and “The Sound of Music.”
Studio Tenn will also unveil its 2024-25 season lineup at ONO. The nonprofit theatre group’s 15th season is set to begin this fall at Turner Theater, its new and permanent home in The Factory, which officially opened its doors in October 2023.
Franklin residents Bethni and Trent Hemphill and Susan and Robert Deaton will serve as chairs of One Night Only, which is the company’s largest annual fundraiser.
A member of Studio Tenn’s Board of Directors, Bethni Hemphill has worked for record companies and produced both videos and television shows. Trent Hemphill is a gospel songwriter, producer and businessman, who founded celebrity coach company, Hemphill Brothers, which builds custom tour buses for the country’s most famous stadium performers.
“Studio Tenn brings our community together. Sharing an experience in a darkened theater with all the emotions, tender and silly, sad and absurd, causes a softening toward those on stage and those beside us,” said Bethni. “It’s a beautiful, powerful, bonding experience. Come one, come all!”
Robert Deaton is the executive producer of the Billboard Music Awards and CMA Awards in addition to CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas. Susan Deaton, Bethni’s sister, is a successful realtor who splits time between Franklin and Florida’s 30A. She works with Daniel-Christian Real Estate in Tennessee and Inlet Beach Real Estate in Florida.
“I was a late bloomer to theatre, but every show I see from Studio Tenn feels like I’m on Broadway,” said Susan. “It’s amazing to have such talent in our sweet town.”
“I was so fortunate to grow up in a small town with a vibrant theatre company. The influence of local theatre to my career cannot be overstated,” said Robert. “We are blessed to have high-caliber productions from Studio Tenn here in Franklin.”
The party – with decor by Teresa Anderson – kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with guests enjoying photo opportunity vignettes representing scenes from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, a premium open bar and a dinner buffet. From 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., Studio Tenn’s tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein takes center stage with performances of timeless classics and a celebration of the duo’s countless contributions.
Patrick Cassidy, Studio Tenn’s Artistic Director is planning a special tribute to his mother, Shirley Jones, the legendary Academy Award winner best known for her leading roles in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel” and the popular television series “The Partridge Family.”
“The music of Rodgers and Hammerstein is incredibly special to me,” said Cassidy. “At a time when
all actors were under contracts to studios, my mom was the only person to ever sign a personal contract exclusively with Rodgers and Hammerstein. To be able to pay tribute to their historic professional relationship is an honor for me.”
“One Night Only is a joint celebration of our supporters and the joy of live theatre,” said Lynne McAlister, Development Chair for Studio Tenn’s Board of Directors. “We work all year to plan an immersive evening, and with Rodger and Hammerstein’s music as the backdrop of this year’s celebration, guests are in for an unforgettable night of Broadway-quality performances.”
All proceeds from the event will go to support Studio Tenn’s operating budget and the “Make.Believe” capital campaign. Tickets are $300 per person, with tables of 10 and a range of sponsorship opportunities available. More information is available on the Studio Tenn website.
ABOUT THE STUDIO TENN THEATRE COMPANY: Studio Tenn Theatre Company is a professional regional theatre company and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Middle Tennessee that exists to captivate and inspire with Broadway-quality musicals, plays, and concerts while educating the next generation to create and delight in the experience of live theatre. Learn more at studiotenn.org or by searching for Studio Tenn on Instagram and Facebook.
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