SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, a show-stopping production that celebrates the Queen of Disco, will make its Music City debut at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall Mar. 22-27.
Single tickets go on sale on Friday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. at TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville. For groups of 10 or more, call 615-782-4060.
Donna Summer was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven. She shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva, but what the world didn’t know was how she risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.
Donna Summer’s Connections to Nashville
Although Donna Summer was born in Boston, Massachusetts, she spent her later years in Nashville. Below are some of her connections to Music City.
- Summer wrote the song “Starting Over Again” with her husband Bruce Sudano. In 1980, it became a No.1 hit on the country charts for Dolly Parton. Reba McEntire later recorded her own version of the song in 1995, and it was also a country hit.
- Summer bought a home in the Nashville area in 1995 and later served on the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Summer’s funeral was held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, and she was buried in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Cemetery.
About SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical
“Vogue” calls SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical “a vibrant and sparkling homage to the queen of disco.” It features a book by Tony Award® nominee Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara, and others. This new touring production is directed by Lauren L. Sobon and choreographed by Natalie Caruncho, based on the original direction by Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff and original choreography by Tony Award® winner Sergio Trujillo. Associate choreographer is Angelica Beliard.
Musical Supervision is by JP Meyer, Music Director is Erika R. Gamez, tour scenic design by Robert Andrew Kovach, based on the original scenic design by Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill, costumes by Tony Award® winner Paul Tazewell, lighting by Russell A. Thompson, sound by David Temby, and projections by Chris McCleary. This tour is produced by APEX Touring.
Lauren L. Sobon (Director) has produced, directed, choreographed, or cast over 120 productions in her 30-year career. Recent credits include Associate Producer for the 2020 national tour of “Chicago,” Artistic Producer/Casting Director for the 2020 national tour of “Finding Neverland,” 2019 international and 2018/19 national tours of “The Wizard of Oz” as well as the 2017 national tour of “Pippin, the Musical.” She was the Director and Artistic Producer for the 2016 national tour of “Million Dollar Quartet,” and Choreographer and Associate Producer for 2014 national tour “Fiddler on the Roof.” Additional national touring producing/casting credits: “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers“ and “All Shook Up.” Recent regional directing / choreography credits include “Million Dollar Quartet,” “Honky Tonk Angels,” “Nunsense,” “Descendants,” “High School Musical,” “Shrek,” “A Christmas Carol,” “A Wonderful Life,” “How To Succeed…,” and “The Sound of Music.”
Natalie Caruncho (Choreographer) is thrilled to be working on SUMMER. Natalie was in the original Broadway company of “On Your Feet!” as the Dance Captain/ Swing. Subsequently, she has worked as the Associate Choreographer for the production, setting companies for the 1st National Tour, Holland, and London West End. She set “On Your Feet!” at the Broadway Palm & Dutch Apple Theatres. Favorite credits include: “Flashdance” (Associate Choreographer 2nd National Tour), “In the Heights” (Ensemble) and “A Chorus Line” (Diana Morales).
Angelica Beliard (Associate Choreographer) is very excited to be working on SUMMER once more. Angelica was in the original Broadway company of SUMMER (Ensemble). Prior to, she made her Broadway debut with the company of “On Your Feet!” (Ensemble), and was last seen regionally in John Leguizamo’s new musical comedy “Kiss My Aztec” (Ensemble/Dance Captain).
If You Go: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical March 22-27, 2022 TPAC’s Jackson Hall 505 Deaderick St.
Tickets: TPAC.org 615-782-4040