Clarence Brown Theatre Opens Musical Adaptation of “Knoxville”
Knoxville, TN – Excitement is in the air as the Clarence Brown Theatre unveils its highly anticipated production titled Knoxville, a musical adaptation of James Agee’s classic novel, A Death in the Family. The production officially opened yesterday and runs through September 22, 2024, at this esteemed venue.
A Glimpse at the Story
Originally published in 1957, A Death in the Family won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1958. The narrative is set in the Fort Sanders neighborhood of Knoxville and tackles profound themes of childhood, family, community, and loss, making it resonate with audiences across generations. The opening portion, titled Knoxville: Summer 1915, was earlier adapted into a piece for voice and orchestra by renowned composer Samuel Barber in 1947.
The Team Behind the Musical
The creative minds behind this latest adaptation are Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, a duo known for their extensive collaboration on Broadway musicals for over four decades. Their award-winning partnership includes a Tony Award for their work on the Broadway premiere of Ragtime and a multitude of Grammy nominations. Both artists have been actively involved in the Knoxville production and shared their creative journey leading up to this exciting musical.
Lynn Ahrens pointed out that Knoxville is an “adaptation of an adaptation,” as it follows Ted Mozel’s Broadway production, All the Way Home, which also won a Pulitzer Prize. The late Frank Galati, who was a director, writer, and actor, initially approached Ahrens and Flaherty with the idea to adapt Agee’s work into a musical. Their collaboration began the moment they read the novel and recognized the potential for music to enrich the story.
The Impact of the Pandemic
While the production was originally set to debut in early 2020 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, the pandemic brought the theater scene to a halt. Lynn recalls hitching a ride home with actor Jason Danieley, who plays the adult James Agee, as travel restrictions took effect. However, the silver lining from the pandemic was that it allowed the team to enhance the production over time. Stephen shared that the theme of overcoming adversity mirrored the collective experience of the cast during these challenging times.
Creating the Musical Experience
As they began crafting Knoxville, Ahrens and Flaherty focused on both the lyrics and music, utilizing their unique strengths to create an extraordinary experience. Ahrens expressed her passion for the language of the novel, stating that she was “hooked” from the first read. The duo received a great tour of important locations from the book, which inspired them as they worked to incorporate these elements into the musical.
Flaherty commented on the challenge of translating Agee’s realistic scenes into a broader musical format. He aimed to capture the emotional depth of the characters while keeping the essence of their community alive. This is evident in the musical arrangement, where local instruments and ample choral singing enhance the themes of family and belonging.
Musical Development and Emotional Authenticity
Both Ahrens and Flaherty highlighted their approach to musical storytelling, focusing on emotional authenticity. Flaherty mentioned the importance of crafting songs that resonate not just with characters but also with the audience. One notable piece is titled ‘The Butterfly’, a poignant song reflecting on themes of loss and memory.
A Unique Collaboration
Having the opportunity to work where Agee’s story is set brings an extra layer of meaning to the production. Flaherty noted the rarity of this experience, recalling only a similar feeling while working on Ragtime in New York, as Agee himself had ventured to New York to develop his work. This connection ties the artists and the story to its roots in Knoxville.
Get Your Tickets!
The run of Knoxville is officially underway, and interest is high. Tickets are available on the Clarence Brown Theatre’s website, and those interested are encouraged to book quickly, as the show is expected to be a hit this season. With rich storytelling and an emotional score, this musical promises to be a memorable experience for theatergoers.
