Theatre Company “Is Back” With In-Person Shows and Events

After an extended intermission due to the pandemic, Franklin’s professional regional theatre, Studio Tenn, will return with a packed holiday lineup of classic shows and events, with tickets on sale now at studiotenn.com.

Studio Tenn Presents: The Holidays​​, ​includes two productions and one special event, with world-renowned casts and Studio Tenn’s trademark, unique spins on holiday favorites.

“To say we’re excited to perform in front of live audiences is an understatement,” said Todd Morgan, Studio Tenn’s executive director. “The holiday season seemed like an appropriate time to offer these productions and to say ‘thank you’ to so many people who’ve supported us throughout these challenging times. It’s great to be back.”

Patrick Cassidy, Studio Tenn’s artistic director, will direct a production for the first time since his arrival in Franklin. He will take on the beloved holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life. Based on The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern and adapted by Joe Landry, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play tells the story of an idealistic man questioning his life on a fateful Christmas Eve night. In a unique twist, the show transports the audience back to Franklin in the 1940s, and the story unfolds with an ensemble of five actors bringing dozens of characters to life. It will run from December 9th through 24th at the Jamison Theater in The Factory at Franklin. 

In celebration of  Dickens of a Christmas on December 11th, Studio Tenn will present two shows of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Solo Performance by Mark Cabus in the Franklin Theatre. Cabus, who currently works as an adjunct professor at Belmont University, is a well-known writer, actor and director who has performed on stage and screen in productions worldwide. In perhaps his most challenging role yet, Cabus will take on more than 18 characters — from Scrooge to Marley’s Ghost, Mr. Fezziwig, Bob Cratchit and even Tiny Tim — engaging audiences with his quick wit and sharp skills and capturing the haunting tale of an angry, old man bound to save his shrunken heart. 

Additionally, in partnership with Franklin Theatre and Harpeth Hotel, Studio Tenn will ring in the new year on December 31st with New Year’s Eve With Studio Tenn, hosted by Patrick Cassidy and featuring live music, incredible vocalists, and special guests. The Harpeth Hotel will host an after-party once the activities at Franklin Theatre have ended. Tickets will be available soon at studiotenn.com.