ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Aram Demirjian, receives international award Full story	Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre 2019-2020 season features six lineups Full story
Spring breaks forth with Gatlinburg seasonal festivities Full story	2019 Symphony ShowHouse to be held at Regas Square luxury condominiums in June Full story

Governor Lee proclaims May as Tennessee Grape, Wine Appreciation Month

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed May as "Tennessee Grape and Wine Appreciation Month", just one month after he signed a bill to ease some restrictions on wineries. Leaders in the Tennessee wine industry hope these efforts and others will continue to encourage the state’s small but growing wine industry.
Full story

Off-Broadway hit show comes to Knoxville

Not That Jewish, a critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway hit comedy will come to Knoxville over Memorial Day Weekend. This one-woman play is written and performed by Emmy Award Winning writer, comedian, and actress Monica Piper. It’s a provocative, entertaining, and poignant exploration of faith, family, and the values that inform our lives.

Critics have praised the show as “a gem” (New York Times) and “a wonderful evening of entertainment” (Broadway World). Often compared to Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, and Amazon Prime’s hottest comedy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Not That Jewish is a story about everyday events written through the lens of a Jewish Heart. Attendees don’t need to be Jewish (or religious at all) to appreciate and enjoy the show – they need only to be human. Monsignor Jim Lisante, host of “Personally Speaking”, on Sirius XM Radio said, “Monica Piper – a great writer, comedienne and actress – has put together a work of art about life, family, and values. One of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. It made me laugh. It made me cry.”

Written with the same humor and wit that won Piper an Emmy for Rugrats, an American Comedy Award Nomination for Top Female Comedian, and her own Showtime Special; Monica takes us on a hilarious journey from her childhood in the Bronx all the way to Broadway. Her questioning of what it means to “be Jewish” leads her on a journey of exploration that concludes with an understanding of what it means to have “a Jewish Heart” – one of humor, compassion, acceptance, and good deeds. In fact, a Jewish Heart is a human heart; something that can be shared universally and appreciated by those across all faiths and backgrounds. The audience falls in love with her whole family, but especially her father – who began his career as a comedian and provides some of the funniest, most poignant moments of the play.

The Knoxville Bijou Theatre will host three performances over Memorial Day Weekend:
- Friday, 5/24/19 at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, 5/26/19 at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, 5/26/19 at 7:00 PM

Special Events Calendar:

May 3 - November 23
Market Square Farmers Market
Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
www.nourishknoxville.org

May 24
Knoxville Food Tours
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Gay St./Market Square
“The Flavors of Knoxville”

May 25
Knoxville Food Tours
2:00-5:00 p.m.
Old City
“Legends and Modern Local Flavors”

May 26
Knoxville Food Tours
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Gay St./Market Square
“The Flavors of Knoxville”

May 30-31 and June 1
Marble City Opera presents “Suor Angelica” by Giacomo Puccini
St. John’s Cathedral (Courtyard); 413 Cumberland Ave.
Performed with full cast and orchestra in the courtyard of St. John’s Cathedral, the Puccini classic “Suor Angelica” follows the events of a single day in the lives of Sister Angelica and the other nuns in a convent. Their peaceful lives are interrupted one day when Angelica’s aunt, the Principessa, arrives with news of their family. Having been cloistered within the walls of the convent for several years, the information is completely new to Angelica and shakes her to the core. The tragic events that are set off eventually lead to her ultimate redemption, and the story masterfully told through Puccini’s score make this a can’t miss staple of the operatic canon. Tickets: $30 Adults/$15 Students

June 6-9 & 13-15
MAMMA MIA
Carousel Theatre
UT Campus, 1714 Andy Holt Avenue
The Tennessee Valley Players proudly present "MAMMA MIA!” The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. With a large cast, lots of laughs and dynamic dance numbers, "MAMMA MIA!” is the story of a mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Tickets: $20; children 12 years old and younger, $10. Tickets can be purchased on the Tennessee Valley Players’ website and at the box office starting 1 hour prior to each show with cash, check, or credit card. Festival seating.
www.tennesseevalleyplayers.org