Studio Tenn’s One Night Only Offers a Starlit Evening of Awe-Inspiring Performances

Studio Tenn’s annual One Night Only fundraiser promised an evening under — and with — the stars, and it delivered just that. Co-chairs Julie and Matt Brown worked with Southern Events to bring the glitzy Summer Starlight Serenade theme to life with shimmering décor and an incandescent star canopy. 

But in true Studio Tenn fashion, the real stars were the onstage performers (and everyone working behind the scenes) who immersed guests in the magic of live theater. 

Once everyone had their cocktail fix and sampled the buffet from Catering & Events by Suzette, artistic director Patrick Cassidy welcomed guests and thanked sponsors. Julie and Matt joined him, setting a jovial tone for the soirée. 

Matt said he’s always dreamt of being in a Studio Tenn production and joked that Patrick is looking for the perfect role for him. “Maybe this is the perfect role,” Julie quipped. “You’re up here for a couple of minutes, and then we get you off the stage.”

Once the laughter died down, Patrick introduced someone truly special — theater and TV star Norm Lewis, who made Broadway history as the first Black performer to play Phantom in Phantom of the Opera and Javert in Les Misérables. 

Patrick presented Norm with the 2026 Legacy Award, which recognizes a commitment to advancing live theater as an art form. An avid supporter of Studio Tenn, Norm has made many visits to Franklin to raise funds for the company and attend the One Night Only gala. 

“Studio Tenn faced extraordinary challenges during the pandemic,” Norm said. “Yet what inspired me wasn’t just that this theater survived. It continued to create, inspire and remind people that theater matters.” 

After roaring applause and a standing ovation, the evening’s performances began. A cast of talented actors banded together to sing “Summer Nights” from Grease. Then came Norm’s much-anticipated take to the microphone, where he performed “Stars” and “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables. His voice’s deep timbre and elastic range caused the audience to lean in, eagerly hanging onto every word — sure signs of a soul-stirring performance.