The Battle of Franklin: A Tale of a House Divided
Jamison Theater in The Factory at Franklin
On November 30th, 1864, more than 40,000 Union and Confederate troops converged on Franklin, Tennessee, and fought one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Said one who saw it, “It was as if the devil had full possession of the earth.” The events of that battle have passed not only into history, but into legend. Names like Tod Carter and John Bell Hood have found their ways into our poems and songs and folk tales. But what do these stories have to say to us today?
Through the power of music and drama, this original work takes us back in time to witness the tragic struggle between father and son, between master and slave, between North and South. It’s a tale of a broken family and a broken nation. But in the end, the story of the Battle of Franklin is about more than mere history — it’s about the conflict in all of us, and our hope of restoration.
Franklin-based Studio Tenn Theatre Company will premiere a uniquely local and original work this fall, suing theatrical storytelling and period music to dramatically interpret key events, conflicts and characters of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. “The battle of Franklin: A Tale of a House Divided” debuts in November, the same month the historic battle was fought in 1864.
Performances will be held at Jamison Theater in The Factory at Franklin from November 3-13. Due to high ticket demand, Studio Tenn has added an additional show time at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 13. Tickets are on sale now at studiotenn.com.
Matt Logan, Studio Tenn Artistic Director, has enlisted the expertise of writer A. S. (Pete) Peterson to script the tale with guidance of historian Rick Warwick from the Battle of Franklin Trust. Cast members include Matthew Carlton, Matthew Rich, Matthew Rosenbaum, James Rudolph, Caitlin Nicol-Thomas, Patrick Thomas, Carrie Tillis, Arik Vega and Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva.
Logan says this project is of special significance for the company as well as the community; while Studio Tenn creates custom-designed sets and costumes for all its productions,”The Battle of Franklin” is the theater company’s first original script.
Much of the story takes place at Franklin’s landmark Carter House and centers around young Theodrick “Tod” Carter,his family and the slaves who live and work on their farm. A blend of historical fact and fiction is used to convey both internal and external conflicts facing the family and the region during the war. The production will incorporate original songs as well as authentic period music, including Southern spirituals.
About Studio Tenn Theater Company:
Studio Tenn is a professional regional theatre company and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Franklin, Tennessee. Its programming centers around innovative, custom-designed presentations of classic plays and musicals as well as an original “Legacy” series of theatrical concerts celebrating the work of time-honored musicians.
Their mission is to create compelling musicals, plays, concerts and experiences through artful storytelling and innovative design, and to cultivate a meaningful understanding and appreciation of the artistic process in performers and audiences of all ages through education and engagement.
Nationally recognized director and designer Matt Logan, Emmy Award-winning producer Philip Hall and Broadway and film actress Marguerite Lowell Hall founded Studio Tenn in 2009. The company debuted with Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN, staged in the Loveless Cafe Barn. Following that first pivotal production, Broadway veteran Jake Speck left the cast of JERSEY BOYS to join Studio Tenn in 2010 as Managing Director. Together he and Artistic Director Logan produced the company’s first four seasons of plays and musicals to wide critical acclaim, including three seasons as the resident professionals theatre company of the newly renovated Franklin Theatre.
Just prior to the start of its fifth season, Studio Tenn relocated to The Factory at Franklin, which now houses its administrative offices, rehearsal space and primary performance venue, Jamison Hall. The company has also staged productions t Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center and The Tennessee Performing Arts Center.