And Scene!: The Eighth Annual Broadway Brunch Produces Another Showstopper

The lights were down, and the stage was set. Just a few feet away from the hush of the main stage was a flurry of activity. Excitement was in the air as the eighth annual Nashville Repertory Theatre Broadway Brunch began. As guests enjoyed mimosas and bloody marys in the One Fourteen building — the former home of Walt and Mary Schatz and current event space adjacent to Wildhorse Saloon — many visited with Nashville Rep actors, and eager bidders checked their phones to follow the progress on their auction quarry. Co-chairs Nancy Peacock and Connie Deidiker visited with guests as they waited for the doors to open and Broadway Brunch to begin.

While Broadway Brunch is a brunch, it is also a phenomenal show. The Nashville Rep fulfills its mission “to entertain and inspire by creating exceptional theater exploring the diversity of human experience.” The Rep supports local artists through creation and development of performance art. Under the direction of talented artistic director Micah-Shane Brewer, the Rep produced and performed yet another lively and entertaining show with the end performance leaving guests dancing through the room. This year, the Ovation Award was given to three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze. As LaChanze spoke, she emphasized the hard work and dedication it takes for an actor to have a career in theater. LaChanze then took the stage and performed a moving rendition of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple.

Broadway Brunch has and continues to receive multiple accolades each year. In addition to the awards for “Best Entertainment,” “Best Brunch” and more, the event raises crucial funds for the Nashville Repertory Theatre. As executive director Drew Ogle noted, “In the last year, over 30 major regional theaters have closed. Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Louisville, Greensboro, Washington D.C. and more have all lost their local theaters. This doesn’t have to happen here in Nashville. The difference is you. With your support, not only will your local theater survive — we will thrive.”