Musicals theme for Franklin theater company Studio Tenn fundraiser

Musical performances at Studio Tenn's annual "One Night Only" fundraiser will feature works from the fathers of musical theater Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

The Franklin-based theater company's April 6 tribute will take place at The Factory's Liberty Hall — decorated with themes from various musicals such as “Oklahoma!”, South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music."

Studio Tenn Boardmember Bethni Hemphill said it will be an experience to remember, with an open bar, dinner buffet and show.

"Studio Tenn brings our community together. Sharing an experience in a darkened theater with all the emotions, tender and silly, sad and absurd, causes a softening toward those on stage and those beside us," Hemphill said. "It’s a beautiful, powerful, bonding experience. Come one, come all."

The Studio has also announced that a surprise television star in a Tony-nominated Broadway will be in attendance. The surprise guest at their November fundraiser was TV star Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld" fame.

"I was so fortunate to grow up in a small town with a vibrant theatre company. The influence of local theatre to my career cannot be overstated," said Robert Deaton, the executive producer of the Billboard Music Awards and CMA Awards. "We are blessed to have high-caliber productions from Studio Tenn here in Franklin."

For Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy, this fundraiser is incredibly special due to his mother’s relationship with Rogers and Hammerstein. “At a time when all actors were under contracts to studios, my mom was the only person to ever sign a personal contract exclusively with Rodgers and Hammerstein. To be able to pay tribute to their historic professional relationship is an honor for me.”

Those in attendance will also be the first to learn the company's 2024-2025 season lineup.

All proceeds from the event will go to support Studio Tenn’s operating budget and the “Make. Believe.” capital campaign.

Tickets are currently available for $300 per person, with tables of 10 and a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available. More information regarding the fundraiser can be found on the Studio Tenn website.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Studio Tenn will host a musical themed fundraiser in Franklin