A Real Barn Burner!
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
Welcome to Tootsies Bar, based on a real establishment in Nashville, Tennessee. Loaded with instruments, barstools, photos of country music stars, barrels, cowboy boots, and a set of swinging doors, Tootsies is the birthplace of the careers of some of country music’s finest writers and performers. Nashville Music City, now on the South Huron Stage at Huron Country Playhouse, is a memory lane-style history of the Nashville music industry. Formerly on stage at Drayton Festival and Kings Wharf theatres this summer, you can now enjoy this barn burner of a show in Grand Bend.
The Grand Ole Opry is now a century old, with far too much rich history to cover, so we are presented with a few songs beginning in the 1940s to warm us up. From there, we move up to the likes of George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson. And it wouldn’t be a true Nashville memory lane without Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. Working up through the years in Act Two, we are presented with the hits of such greats as Glen Campbell, Reba, Travis, and Billy Rae. Thankfully, our own Shania Twain of Timmins is included, as is today’s superstar, Taylor Swift. We are brought to modern times when politics start playing a part. Images of the country music idols are projected onto the upper wall when their songs are spotlighted.
The pace is fast, and the show is tightly choreographed. If you are expecting glitz and glamour, you will have to be satisfied with denim and western wear, with no costume changes. You won’t see a Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton impersonator, but you will hear talented folks singing their songs and playing the instruments with excellence. A few examples: Aaron Walpole, in his blue jeans, does a mean George Jones and Garth Brooks. Kristen Peace, with her whimsical hairstyle, does an excellent Patsy Cline and Shania Twain, while Roman Pfob channels Johnny Cash. Alex Penneton gives us some “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Brianna Clark not only sings up a storm, but she displays her piano-playing prowess, performing a glissando with her boot at the end of Act One. Leah Grandmont fiddles and sings with ease and excellence. Tyler Check has a knack for aggressive electric guitar – country style, of course. Laura Tremblay wows us with Dolly’s “9 to 5.” Each performer and musician gives 100 percent to each song.
Even if you are not a huge fan of country music, you will enjoy this show. I’m not a huge fan of listening to recorded country music, but I love these songs performed live. There’s something special about the live experience, watching the musicians play their instruments, seeing the line dancing and “liquor” pouring, and the fun interactions between the cast members. You feel a part of it all, and will want to tap your toes, clap, and sing along when invited. It’s a great way to spend a summer’s evening.
Nashville Music City continues until August 8th at Huron Country Playhouse, South Huron Stage. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.
Photo: The Company of Nashville Music City. Photo by Drayton Entertainment.
Nashville Music City
Created by Tracey Power and Van Wilmott
Directed by Tracey Power
Music Directed by Van Wilmott
Performed by Liam Brown, Tyler Check, Brianna Clark, Earl Filsinger, Leah Grandmont, Alex Panneton, Kristen Peace, Roman Pfob, Jack Ryckman, Laura Tremblay, Aaron Walpole
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
South Huron Stage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
July 23rd to August 8th, 2026
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes