Get ready for a soulful, show-stopping summer as the Center for the Arts in Middle Tennessee celebrates its landmark 30th anniversary season. In this exclusive preview, host Bryan Barrett catches up with Heather Steele and the incredibly talented Vera Stevens to discuss the upcoming production of the hit musical Hairspray. Running from June 12th through June 21st, this high-energy show tackles deep, resonant themes of body image, race, and integration in the 1960s, wrapped in some of musical theater's most popular and infectious tunes.
Listen in for a special treat as Vera Stevens—who commands the stage as Motormouth Maybelle—shares her deep connection to her character as a community matriarch and delivers a breathtaking, spine-tingling live performance of "I Know Where I've Been." Beyond the main stage drama, discover how the Center is balancing a packed summer schedule filled with youth summer camps and an exclusive photography exhibit from the Shacklett's Photography archives. Don't wait until opening night is completely sold out—tune in to hear why this production is the must-see event of the season.
Key Takeaways
-
An Anniversary Milestone: The Center for the Arts is celebrating its 30th year with a massive summer lineup, including giant casts, big music, and truncated eight-week rehearsal schedules.
-
The Heart of Hairspray: A deep dive into how the 1960s comedy addresses serious, timeless topics like segregation, body image, and social progress through legendary musical numbers.
-
Meet Motormouth Maybelle: Guest Vera Stevens discusses her background as a professional singer and vocal coach, her love for community theater, and how her real life mirrors her role as a matriarch.
-
Live Performance: A powerful in-studio vocal performance of the civil rights anthem "I Know Where I've Been" by Vera Stevens.
-
Summer Arts Calendar: Crucial updates on ticket availability via boroarts.org, remaining slots for summer camps, and the Shacklett's Photography exhibit showcasing historical Middle Tennessee photos.
