September 9-18—Steel Magnolias The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad. Sponsored by SouthEast Bank May 6-8 Willy Wonka, Jr. The musical follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory--or suffer the consequences . February 12-21 Fat Shirley’s: A Trailer Park Opera This musical comedy explores the lives of trailer park residents in the aftermath of the death of their beloved landlady Fat Shirley. Not only is Shirley's demise an emotional event, it also leaves the residents uncertain about their fates. Fat Shirley was a last resort for many of the tenants, many of whose lives are characterized by the hardships that often accompany poor decision making. Following the moving grave-side service the residents dwell on more eternal matters, wondering through song if indeed there might be trailer parks in glory land. As the residents become more uncertain about their futures and tempers flare, a voice of reason - Futon suggests that they look for a will (he had watched all the Matlock episodes). Little Durkey Bulware finds the will under Fat Shirley's giant under wear and of course everything turns out well. Shirley had left the trailer park to the residents. Sponsored by First Tennessee Bank January-9 Matt Cordell’s Tribute to Elvis Matt Cordell has performed a tribute to Elvis Presley for almost 20 years all over the world! Ranked by contests as one of the top Elvis tributes in the world he recreates a show that if you have seen Elvis or have not its a show that will bring Elvis to life for the entire show ! Matt performs all eras of Elvis and loves to keep his music alive through his tribute , a show that cannot be missed hope. January-8 Matt Cordell’s Tribute to Jason Aldean Matt Cordell's Jason Aldean tribute is becoming one of the most popular tribute shows in the country titled #justlikejason his show is perfect for country music fans of all ages, Matt is from Georgia just like Jason and brings the same energy to his tribute that Mr. Aldean brings This is a tribute show of country's biggest super star that you don't want to miss! Hope to see you soon #justlikejason February 6—Wannabeatles Playing to standing ovaons, The WannaBeatles are creang a bit of Beatlemania of their own. The WannaBeatles consists of award winning and talented music producers, arrangers, studio players, and singers who have "Come Together" to play the music they grew up with. Ever since their first "all Beatles" gig together, it was love at the first note! Since then, the WannaBeatles have developed a following of regulars who look forward to the band's own special version of the "Brish Invasion". These are the songs we all grew up listening to. Kids today have rediscovered the music of the Beatles which proves that great music will stand the test of me. Made possible with a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission Would you like to volunteer? There is a Volunteer Survey form on our web site, tennessee- valleytheatre.com. Please go to the web site and click “WE NEED YOU”. There are over 50 different jobs at TVT, all done by volunteers. Join us! June 17-26—Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel Voted the best musical of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, Carousel is the classic American musical, with a timeless score that includes the songs “ If I Loved You ”, “ June Is Bustin ’ Out All Over ” and the iconic, “ You ’ ll Never Walk Alone. ” This imaginative interpretation illuminates the immediacy of this heart lifting story; the belief in forgiveness and the power of the human spirit. When mill worker Julie Jordan falls for the masculine charms of Billy Bigelow, a chain of events unravels that suggests their destiny is predetermined by the hand of fate. Set on the New England coastline, against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this reimagining of Rodgers and Hammerstein ’ s Carousel charts a story of recklessness, regret and redemption. Sponsored by Community Bank March 5—Emi Sunshine It ’ s impossible to explain the exceptional talents of Emi Sunshine, a 10-year-old East Tennessee prodigy who has captured the nation ’ s attention as a singer, songwriter and multi- instrumentalist. Steeped in Appalachian music, she is a true vocal stylist, one who instinctively knows how to interpret the nuances of a song with her impressive range, even though she has yet to gain the life experience and empathy seemingly necessary to fully comprehend the words she sings. Whether she ’ s performing on the Today show or the Grand Ole Opry or taking the stage at Nashville ’ s historic Ryman Auditorium, she is fearless, confident and firm in her musical direction. As she says, she sings “ old-time music, ” but it ’ s her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and country, with a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure. December 2-11—Babes in Toyland The villainous Barnaby has fallen in love with sweet Mistress Mary Quite Contrary in this musical. If he can ’ t buy her love, then he ’ ll force her to marry him by threatening to foreclose on her mother, the poor Widow Piper. Mary already has her heart set on marrying Barnaby ’ s nephew Alan — but not if Barnaby can help it! He hires two bumbling ruffians to do away with Alan, but Alan returns to Mother Goose Land amidst much rejoicing. Mary journeys to the mysterious Toyland through the dangerous Spider Forest. But wait! Barnaby hasn ’ t given up, and he herds the whole gang of Mother Goose Land characters to Toyland in pursuit of Mary. There we encounter the magical mystery of Toyland as we meet the Master Toymaker and his quirky assistants Grumio and Marmaduke.