Excitement Builds in New York City for the Debut of *Music City: A New Musical*
New York City is buzzing with anticipation as it gears up for the much-awaited debut of *Music City: A New Musical*, a fresh creation from hit songwriter JT Harding and Peter Zinn, alongside Bedlam Artistic Director Eric Tucker. Set to light up the West End Theatre, the musical begins its run on October 27 with an official opening slated for November 17.
A Journey into East Nashville
What makes this musical special? It immerses its audience in the world of talented but often unsung songwriters who gather at a cozy watering hole in East Nashville. Through the lens of their experiences and heartfelt performances, *Music City* beautifully explores the emotional landscape of their lives. From the highs of chasing dreams to the lows of grappling with drugs and military struggles, this tale resonates deeply with anyone who has ever faced challenges on the road to success.
A Friendship that Sparked Inspiration
The roots of *Music City* go back to a lifelong friendship between Harding and Zinn. The two met in middle school in Detroit, and their paths crossed again when Zinn moved to New York to pursue the arts at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. While Zinn was honing his skills as an actor and director, a mutual friend gifted him a CD from Harding, featuring the poignant song “How Did I Get Here?” This track, about Harding’s performances for troops in Afghanistan, struck a chord with Zinn. He saw a theatrical opportunity and encouraged Harding to expand his works into a full-fledged musical.
However, Harding had another idea in mind. He proposed that Zinn should take the lead on the writing, with Harding providing the musical backdrop. This collaboration sparked the initial building blocks of the show, which now features Harding’s radio hits blended with new melodies crafted specifically for the production.
A Heartfelt Narrative
According to Harding, the most surprising aspect of developing this musical has been how real the characters have become to him. He shared, “I’d come back to Nashville after sitting in on rehearsal and start writing songs about them as if they were real people.” With Zinn’s captivating storytelling and Tucker’s magical directorial touch, the show has evolved into a heartfelt yet entertaining production. It not only celebrates the joy of music but sheds light on pressing issues like drug addiction and poverty—topics that resonate with many artists fighting to make their mark in a competitive industry.
The Power of Real Stories
The mantra that drives the show, which is also a lyric, shines a spotlight on the pervasive struggles within the music scene: “in Nashville, heartbreak’s the only thing they hand out for free.” Harding emphasizes that while stars like Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, and Blake Shelton shine brightly, there are countless talented individuals right outside their doors who might never receive the recognition they deserve.
Meet the Cast
*Music City* boasts an incredible cast, including Drew Bastian as Newt/Drums, Leenya Rideout as Tammy/Leeanne, and Andrew Rothenberg as Bakerman/Stucky Stiles, among others. The musical talents are rounded out by musicians Ann Klein (on guitar) and Tony Tino (on bass), creating a rich tapestry of sound to accompany the emotional journey of the characters.
Get Ready for the Premier
As opening night approaches, it’s clear that *Music City: A New Musical* is not just another performance; it’s a heartfelt exploration of dreams, struggles, and the enduring spirit of music. Tickets are sure to fly off the shelves, so mark your calendars and get ready for a show that promises to tug at your heartstrings while letting you tap your feet to some catchy tunes!
Don’t miss out on this exciting journey through the artistic heart of Nashville, right from the comfort of New York City!
