Theatre Bristol brings "The Mockingbird Sings" back to its ARTspace Stage Sept. 4-6 and 9-10, leading into the 2026 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival with a special presentation of this uniquely Bristol recording sessions story with a uniquely Bristol-area cast under the direction of Susan McNabb and Barbara Walton.Tickets are on sale now for this limited engagement live performance atwww.theatrebristol.org/tickets.
"The Mockingbird Sings"weaves a story of love and the history of country music leading up to the recordings and discoveries of Jimmie Rodgers, Pops Stoneman, The Carter Familyand many others. "The Mockingbird Sings"was written by Dr. Nancy Hamblen Acuff, Terry Harkleroadand Sharon Cort.
Our Eddie Snow, played byNikalas Johner, is at a crossroads, influenced by generations of music, such as the Irish Singer played by Martha Hawk, through his grandmother Eula Mae Broome, played by Susan McNabb. The wishes of Eddie's mother, Lucy Snow played bySarah Maxfield, come up against the time he'd rather spend playing music with friendsArlee McKerr played byRob Nicar andRoyal Campbell played by Reece Hilt. Royal's friends and band members are played byEamon Russell, Abby CheekandReese Davis.
King University college student Mary Martha, played bySamarah Pace, tires of Ray English, played by Johnny Archer, and falls for "our Eddie," as narrator Chris McVey calls him. With Mary Martha, Eddie finds his courage and ventures out to WOPI radio with announcer Troy, played byTony DeVault, on to the Bristol recording sessions, and all the way to the Grand Ole Opry. Along the journey, Eddie gets schooled in the blues by the train porter Toney played by Freddy Heathand inspired by an Old Codger played by Richard Albright.
Ralph Peer, played byJordan Wines, and Monique Peer, played by Hunter Wines, travel to Bristol to record the music of Pops Stoneman played byDennis Farriswith Stoneman childrenBlair Atchley, Eliza Brown, Finn Hilt, Willow Maine, Emilia Scheuer, Jayma Skeens;Jimmie Rodgers played by Richard Albright; the Carter family withLorri Jonesas Maybelle,Barbara Waltonas Sara, and Tony DeVault as A.P.; and one Eddie Snow. In a featured role, CanJoe*John is played by none other than CanJoe*John.
The cast is rounded out by Stage Manager played by Abby Cheek, Registrar by Reese Davis, theMother by Jessica Scheuer; Square Dance Caller by Chester Williams with Square Dancers Avery Brooks, Skylar Scheuer, Kensley Taylor, Natalea Wallaceand Aliana Williams; and Townspeople played by Kealee Bowman and Leslie Jarrett.
"The Mockingbird Sings"band includes music director Barbara Walton on upright bass, Dennis Farris on banjo,Rob Nicar on fiddle,Eamon Russell on mandolin,Richard Albright on guitar, Martha Hawk on autoharpand Susan McNabb on dulcimer and autoharp.
Returning after sold-out houses, "The Mockingbird Sings"is directed by Susan McNabb and Barbara Walton. They are supported by stage managers Bethaney Hilt and Reece Hilt, costume designerKatie Cheek, props artisan Rebecca Ryan, graphic designer Camille Gray, scenic artist Faith Walker, tech director Albert Tester, and producer Samantha Gray. "The Mockingbird Sings"is presented by special arrangement with Terry Harkleroad and Sharon Cort.
With support from title sponsor The Sessions Hotel,"The Mockingbird Sings"is on the ARTspace stage Friday, Saturdayand Sunday Sept. 4-6 and Wednesday and Thursday Sept. 9-10 for the weekend and days before the 2026 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival.Tickets are $16 for adults for $17.70 with fees, and $12 for seniors and students for $13.50 with fees, and are available, and are available atwww.theatrebristol.org/tickets.
This Tennessee America 250 project is funded in part under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
"The Mockingbird Sings" is part of Theatre Bristol’s 2026 Season of comedies, dramas, and musicals based in the USA in celebration of 250 years, including "American Tall Tales"with River’s Way; "Charlotte’s Web; Red, White and Tuna;""Grease;" "Deathtrap,"and "It’s A Wonderful Life - The Musical;"and the Cathy DeCaterina School of Theatre Arts classes; "The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition;" PLAYtime in the ARTspace; The StART of Adventure summer camp; and audition and stagecraft workshops.
Founded in 1965 by Cathy DeCaterina, Theatre Bristol is a 61-year-old nonprofit community theatre located on historic State Street in downtown Bristol in both Tennessee and Virginia. Its dramas, comedies, and musical productions take place in the black box ARTspace theatre, the historic Cameo Theatre, and at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is a volunteer-operated community organization and invites everyone to get involved.
For more information, visitwww.theatrebristol.org, follow TheatreBristolTN on Facebook, call 423-212-3625, or emailinfo@theatrebristol.org.
