Though New York theatergoers might not be as enthused about country music as some, they might not realize that it can be more fun than people realize. In a genre known for its storytelling, great hooks, and lyricism, country music often tells stories of sweet or even lost love, the wide open road, and breathtaking dreams.
If you aren’t intrigued yet, you might be once you go to see Music City, one of the newest shows at the West Side Theatre. Capturing all the best of country music and bringing them all to life, Music City is one of the best musical plays happening right now.
Rethinking Theater With Music City
Produced by Bedlam, the company that finds ways to rethink theater, the musical–with music and lyrics by certified country music hitmaker J.T. Harding and book by Peter Zinn–Music City invites audiences to an open-mic night at an East Nashville dive bar, the Wicked Tickle.
Bedlam has converted the theatre into a saloon that oozes authenticity (with a design by Clifton Chadick). String lights, an old piano, $4 PBRs, High Lifes, and the dreams of aspiring songwriters are on display at the West End Theatre’s production of Music City.
About the Story
The play opens with brothers Drew (Jonahtna Judge-Russo) and T.J. (Stephen Michael Spencer) ruling the open-mic night with fun party anthems. They catch the eye of record producer Tammy (Leenya Rideout), who is scouting for new acts for their big break, or as songwriters for superstar Stucky Stiles (Andrew Rothenberg), who seeks to revamp his catalog as his spotlight begins to fade.
The brothers need money to cut a demo, so they make a deal to serve as couriers for a local drug dealer (also Rothenberg). T.J.’s eyes soon wander from the goals he shares with Drew and onto a songwriter known as 23 (Casey Shuler), who enters the open-mic night.
The plot points eventually intersect before the show’s final verse, bringing together a grand conclusion in how one would expect a country song to be the do.
If you get to the theater early, open-mic night stars before the curtain, then transition into the play. Bedlam has worked to bring big-name stars to perform, including members of Old Dominion at one of the last shows.
About the Music
Under Erick Tucker’s direction, Music City is a vibrant and urgent play. The actors move across the theatre, in and around the audience, who are essential to the show’s setting, and display the emotions, fears, and desires that drive the characters. Some might see it as dramatic, but the cast pours their hearts and souls into their roles.
Alongside the actors, the music sounds like it is delivered straight from the top of the country music charts. The show features songs like “Sangria,” “My Masterpiece,” and “Somewhere in My Car,” which Harding wrote for Blake Shelton, Uncle Kraker, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban (respectively).
Harding’s songwriting makes Music City’s score feel like the heartbeat of contemporary country. The cast frequently plays their guitars and other instruments but is backed by a band (with Julianne B. Merrill as the music director and keys, Drew Bastian on drums, Ann Klein on guitar, and Tony Tino on bass).
Music City, as a result, feels like a true contemporary country experience that welcomes you into an environment where beer is cold and hugs go all around. It celebrates the spirit of country music and immerses its audience in a story that sweeps them along just as any good country song does.
If you are interested in learning more about the musical and its cast, you can visit Music City online.
