Nashville Repertory Theatre’s annual fundraiser Broadway Brunch returns on August 13, 2023, at the Wildhorse Saloon. The event chaired by Nancy Peacock and Connie Deidiker features brunch, cocktails, both a live and silent auction, and musical performances from Nashville’s theatrical talent. This year’s Ovation Award recipient will be the three-time Tony Award-winning actress LaChanze, who will perform as part of the celebration.

Throughout her thirty-plus year Broadway career, LaChanze has consistently showcased her exceptional talent, garnering numerous accolades. Notably, she received a Tony Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE and earned Tony nominations for her remarkable performances in SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, TROUBLE IN MIND, and as the original Ti Moune in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. On screen, she has delivered memorable roles in both TV and film including: HANDEL’S MESSIAH ROCKS: A JOYFUL NOISE (Emmy Award), THE BLACKLIST, MELINDA, THE HELP, HBO’s THE NIGHT OF, THE GOOD FIGHT, SEX AND THE CITY, and Disney’s animated feature film HERCULES among other titles. Beyond performing, LaChanze has also made her mark as a producer, lending her expertise to critically acclaimed shows such as the 20th-anniversary revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ TOPDOG/UNDERDOG and the new musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO, resulting in a total of 11 Tony Award nominations and 6 Tony Award wins. Next season, she will produce THE OUTSIDERS, a new musical based on S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel, and make her New York City directorial debut with Alice Childress’ WINE IN THE WILDERNESS at Classic Stage Company.

“We are beyond thrilled that this year’s Broadway Brunch brings three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze to Nashville to accept the Ovation Award. LaChanze will join the Rep’s esteemed artists on stage for a surprise performance,” said chairs Connie Deidiker and Nancy Peacock. “Guests who support the Rep by joining us for this spectacular event can expect surprises, delights, and extraordinary performances. The event promises a celebration of the local Middle Tennessee artists and artistic community, all while raising critical funds to support the mission of the Nashville Repertory Theatre.”

This year’s Broadway Brunch sponsors include the Presenting Sponsors Amazon and Nashville Law Offices, PLLC, Premier Sponsor Cindy & Mark Enderle, Spotlight Sponsor Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, and Supporting Sponsors Bradley, Cornea & Cataract Consultants of Nashville PLLC, First Horizon Foundation, Ingram Charities, Lipman Brothers, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, Piedmont Natural Gas, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, Publix Super Markets Charities, Rose Hill Flowers, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Vanderbilt University, and Wildhorse Saloon.

Broadway Brunch will take place on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Wildhorse Saloon, 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201. Funds raised at Broadway Brunch will support Nashville Rep’s professional productions, public staged readings, Ingram New Works Project, and educational and enrichment programs for students and the community. For tickets and more information, visit nashvillerep.org/broadwaybrunch. Tickets to the Broadway Brunch are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Those interested in attending the brunch may purchase general admission tickets for $250, or tickets to the new Limelight Lounge for $75 chaired by Anna Myint and Bunny Wood. The Rep also has Patron tickets available at the $1,000 (Director), $2,500 (Investor), and $5,000 (Producer) levels that will include an elegant Patron Party at Sylvia Roberts’ house, hosted by Nancy and Mark Peacock and Rebecca and Chris Rouland on Thursday, August 10th. Both general admission and Patron tickets are on sale now at nashvillerep.org/broadwaybrunch. Sponsorships for Broadway Brunch range from $2,500 to $25,000. To learn more or get involved, contact Amos Glass, Director of Director of Marketing and Communications at 615-349-3226 or amos@nashvillerep.org.

The 8th Annual Broadway Brunch launches Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 2023-2024 season including Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5 September 8 – 17, 2023, an original adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL December 1-17, 2023, the powerful and poignant INDECENT February 2-11, 2024, the Pulitzer Prize winning THE COLOR PURPLE April 5-14, 2024, and closing the season with the new comedy POTUS: OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE May 10-19, 2023. For Nashville Repertory 2023-24 season tickets and showtime information, visit www.nashvillerep.org.

Since 1985, Nashville Repertory Theatre has been Nashville’s premier regional theater, entertaining and inspiring audiences by creating exceptional theatre exploring the diversity of human experience. Nashville Rep produces work that is designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville, by highly skilled actors, designers, directors, and technicians, creating the highest quality professional productions and serving as a cultural, educational, and economic resource in Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities. Nashville Rep is committed to bringing classic and contemporary theatre to Nashville that inspires empathy and prods intellectual and emotional engagement in audiences. The Nashville Rep has been named Best Professional Theatre by the Nashville Scene, Best Local Theatre by The Tennessean, Largest Arts Organization by Nashville Business Journal, and recognized by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for 35 years of service to the community. The Rep’s shows, actors, directors, and designers have been honored by Nfocus, Nashville Scene, The Tennessean, and the First Night Awards.