Nothing But Sunshine at Studio Tenn’s Effervescent One Night Only

Studio Tenn Theatre Company’s artistic director Patrick Cassidy opened One Night Only, the theater’s annual fundraiser, with an impromptu song and dance à la Gene Kelly. It may be typical for theater peeps to walk around with bits of songs and sonnets in their heads, but an authentic soft-shoe from a 1952 movie seems rare. Nonetheless, many smiled as they hummed along to “Singin’ in the Rain.” 

“Weather’s not going to stop people in Franklin from going to a party!” said Lynne McAlister, surveying the gathering crowd filling Liberty Hall. Tables populated with theater people, philanthropists and an enthusiastic gathering of Studio Tenn devotees were proof — all there to celebrate the theater’s 15th anniversary of bringing joy, enlightenment and top-drawer talent to Middle Tennessee. There were plenty of umbrellas there, but no empty tables. 

The superstar of the evening was four-time Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller, presented with the Legacy Award recognizing excellence in professional theater. After gracious thanks for the honor, she belted “I Feel the Earth Move” from Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Awe-inspiring.

The ageless, beatific Cal Turner sat with old friends. A man of enormous generosity, his transformative gift enabled the theater to produce shows in a versatile, elegant performance space dubbed the Turner Theater. Godfather of downtown Franklin and former Factory At Franklin owner Calvin LeHew also beamed with pride. “I love walking through these doors and just seeing it thrive,” he said.  

For a crowd this diverse, a buffet is the best choice. This one was laden with options: salmon, carved beef or lamb chops, mixed vegetables, salad, delectable mini-Yukons, and a preset dessert — a light chocolate mousse, topped with a roasted plantain. 

Fashions that night ranged from sexy sequin shine to romantic floaty florals, with an occasional classic black and white, like Lynne’s showstopping gown. Like a trained thespian, this valued supporter read over the list of job titles of those employed by Studio Tenn, the theater that makes theater not just accessible, but irresistible. All smiles everywhere, all night long.