Music City to Reopen at St. Luke's Theatre

Producer Gabrielle Palitz has announced that Music City, the new musical about a Nashville songwriter and the extreme steps he takes to break into the industry, will reopen at St. Luke’s Theatre. Preview performances start June 15 ahead of an official opening June 24.

Featuring songs by J.T. Harding and a book by Peter Zinn, Music City played an extended run in the winter of 2024-25 with Bedlam at the off-Broadway company’s home at the West End Theatre. TheaterMania’s review described it as “a good old-fashioned story set to excellent songs.”

Plans had been announced for an encore engagement this spring in the space formerly occupied by XL Nightclub on 42nd Street, but the production was put on hiatus due to issues with the venue. It has now landed at St. Luke’s Theatre, which is operated by Out of the Box Theatrics.

“Like life in the best country songs, Music City has had to navigate a few unexpected turns, but we’re thrilled to share that our critically acclaimed production has found a new home at St. Luke’s Theatre,” said Palitz. “We’re deeply grateful to Out of the Box Theatrics and their founder Liz Flemming for opening their doors to us with such generosity and enthusiasm.”

For the production, St. Luke’s will be transformed into the Wicked Tickle, the East Nashville dive bar where much of the story takes place. The immersive staging is by Bedlam’s artistic director Eric Tucker.

The cast of the original off-Broadway run will return, including Drew Bastian as Drew, Julianne B. Merrill as Wyn, Leenya Rideout as Tammy/Leeanne, Andrew Rothenberg as Bakerman/Stucky Stiles, Casey Shuler as “23,” and Stephen Michael Spencer as T.J. The understudies are Grace Bernardo, Danny Hayward and Megan Loomis. Band members include Ann Klein (lead guitar, mandolin, lap steel), Julianne B. Merrill (keys), and Tony Tino (bass).

The scenic design is by Clifton Chadick, assisted by Buffy Cardoza; costume design is by Kindall Houston Almond; lighting design is by Eric Southern; and sound design is by Jane Shaw. Choreography is by John Heginbotham. The associate director is Caitlin Morley. The production manager is Joshua Bernard. The music supervisor/music director is Julianne B. Merrill. The associate music supervisor/arranger/sub MD is PJ Ju. The production stage manager is Diane Healy. The assistant stage manager is Deanna Kahn.