The Clarence Brown Theatre’s first show of the year, “Knoxville,” directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, will be showing until Sept. 22. This musical tells the story of young James Agee as he goes through an experience that will have an impact on his work in his adult life.
The play was written by Frank Galati, an author well known for his Broadway show “Ragtime.” Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the lyricist and composer of the musical, worked with Galati on his Broadway show. The coming together of talents once again has created a production worthy of applause.
James Agee’s “A Death in the Family” inspired Galati to write this musical. There is no denying Agee’s book is a sad story, but the musical creates a celebration of life that emphasizes going back to our childhood and seeing the people who helped us grow into the adults we are today.
The production made its first appearance in 2022 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, where Galati directed the show.
Before Galati passed away early last year, he gave the director position to Rhodes, the choreographer at the time.
Hannah Elless, a well-known actor playing Mary Follet, talked about the experience of bringing the production to Agee’s birthplace.
“It feels like a homecoming,” Elless said. “It feels really special to bring a piece from James Agee to Knoxville for further development.”
From the beginning of the first scene to the end of the last scene, the audience filled the theater with gratitude.
The mix of storytelling through acting and music created an unmissable experience. The community is able to learn more about the history of Agee’s home when he was younger whilst indulging in the magic of the orchestra.
Sophia Roberts, a sophomore studying animal science, talked about her reaction to the musical.
“It was so indescribable,” Roberts said. “I am wrecked with emotions, but good emotions.”
Michelle Freedman, a freshman studying theater, explained what her thoughts were before and after the play.
“I went in knowing that I was going to cry,” Freedman said. “It kind of led up ,and I knew it was going to be a sad story, but it was a good sad story.”
Clarence Brown Theatre is a hotspot for East Tennesseans who share a love for live entertainment. Celebrating its 50th year anniversary, “Knoxville” the musical opened the celebration with a bang.
“The Clarence Brown Theatre has been such a wonderful place to work,” Elless said. “Everyone has been so inviting and warm.”
This is not the first adaptation of Agee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, but Galati and his team created something unlike the others that you must see for yourself.
“What’s so special about this show is that it really portrays the South in a very realistic, beautiful and poetic way,” Elless said. “I think that if you are from the South, you are going to be very proud about what you see on stage and hopefully this story feels like a love letter to Knoxville.”
Students have access to $5 tickets, purchasable online or at the door. Don’t miss the chance to see this emotional and inspiring production. Whether you enjoy theatre or not, this is a must-attend event that will guarantee a tear-shedding experience.
