Absolutely nothing in particular at all inspired this particular post today. Not a single thing. No response to a previous article or podcast. Not so much as a single ‘thank you’ card in the mail. Nothing. I swear! I have just been thinking about the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (more affectionately known ’round these parts as TPAC) ever since the story about their potential move popped up in my inbox, and we discussed it on an episode of the SoBros Power Hour. It really is one of the few remaining institutions of Old Nashville – it has the charm of a simpler Nashville, one that those of us who were born in the 80s still remember fondly (except for like…y’know…when downtown Nashville was actually a pretty dangerous place to frequent). But, it also provides a very different type of culture than you’ll usually see on Broadway.
I grew up on TPAC. I can remember taking field trips there just about every year. One time, we saw some play that was a cast basically acting out Edgar Allan Poe’s work, and it became a core memory for me. I think that was the first time his work really resonated with me and I became a fan. I also had nightmares about The Masque of the Red Death after that day, but it absolutely ruled. I wouldn’t change a thing. Point is, you can introduce Nashville’s youth to TPAC at an early age, and it’s something they’ll carry with them throughout life – it sure happened with me.
And, as an adult…well, for my money, TPAC offers the best date night in Nashville. I do grumble at having to put on a decent looking pair of pants, but sleeveless t-shirts, flip-flops, and gym shorts don’t usually play well with the TPAC crowd. Plus, it’s high society. I can’t look like the goblin that I usually look like. This is like going to hang with the Volturi in Twilight. I need to peacock a bit….show off my feathers. There’s nothing that makes me feel like I can live as a bona fide aristocrat for an evening quite like a date night to TPAC can. Does my back hurt after awhile? Sure – but it’s not TPAC’s fault that I’m 6’2″, 280lbs, and approximately 10 feet wide. It’s worth it to see the smile on my wife’s face as we stroll through the lobby, acquire our libations, and make our way to our seats.
Throughout the last several years, we’ve seen Spamalot, The Sound of Music, The Book of Mormon, and most recently, Come From Away. We make it a point to get out there at least once each season, thanks in large part to Christmas gifts from an incredibly generous father-in-law. But, I’d say it was our evening spent with Nashville Repertory Theatre‘s production of a fantastic two-man performance in Topdog/Underdog back in 2019 that sits atop my list of “favorite nights at TPAC ever.” Can’t really remember why, though….oh wait….
Had an excellent evening at the Cuestion tequila after party tonight. Joel Diggs and Eddie George are both talented stand-up gentlemen. Thanks for the invite, @nashrep! #Nashville pic.twitter.com/5QDVSIcSVf
— Stoney Keeley (@StoneyKeeley) February 24, 2019
Yeah – it’s a special place (this is also the only photo I have of me at TPAC because usually when we go, it’s date night and I’m not allowed to work (but I had to explain why the featured image of this post was just a photo of Joel Diggs, Eddie George, and me))! To me, you can take in Nashville’s excess all you want, but to really appreciate the history of Old Nashville and to take in the arts in a setting that generations of Nashvillians have treasured, you have to get out to TPAC to catch a show while you’re in town. Check out their full schedule, and buy tickets, on TPAC’s website. Don’t sleep on this fantastic Nashville attraction.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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