Encore

by Suzanne Wood

May 1-3 – A Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Trumpet player Byron Stripling pays tribute to the founding father of Jazz with brilliant tone, acrobatic technique and infectious charisma. Schermerhorn Symphony Center. www.nashvillesymphony.org

May 1-12 – The Reluctant Dragon
A brand new production of a Nashville Children’s Theatre masterpiece. Every eight years or so, the Dragon, a lonely, loyal Boy and a venerable, battle-weary old Saint return to our stage to meet a new generation of children – and to share with them one perfect moment. Most enjoyed by ages 5 and up. www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

May 1-17 - The Underpants
A rollicking farce told with the wacky sensibility of Steve Martin! Yes, THE Steve Martin. This funny story set in 1910 is about a pretty young woman who accidentally loses her underpants while watching a parade to the dismay of her stuffy bureaucrat husband. Martin hysterically comments on our celebrity-mad culture with its 15-minutes-of-fame syndrome. www.tpac.org or www.tennesseerep.org

May 1-24 - Assassins
The Boiler Room Theatre in the Factory at Franklin presents this controversial, thought-provoking and alarmingly funny musical which lays bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate the President of the United States. Staged as a one-act historical "revusical" that explores the dark side of the American experience. www.boilerroomtheatre.com

May 1-31 – Dearly Beloved
Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre presents this hilarious new play. This is the story of a completely dysfunctional but loveable Texas family in the throes of another series of life-changing events. 1-800-282-2276 or www.dinnertheatre.com

May 2 – Lou Reed in Concert
8:00 pm Ryman Auditorium, tickets $37 and $47. www.ryman.com or www.loureed.com
May 2 (opening) – Shotgun Stories
A film about three brothers, Son, Boy and Kid, abandoned by their drunk, violent father only to later discover he sobered up, became a devout Christian, married a wonderful woman, and fathered four new sons, all of whom received proper names. Set against the cotton fields and back roads of Arkansas, the brothers discover the lengths to which each will go to protect their family. www.belcourt.org

May 2 (opening) – Boarding Gate
The new film from acclaimed and adventurous French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, Boarding Gate is an erotic noir-thriller boasting an exciting international cast. Asia Argento plays sexy ex-prostitute Sandra, who is forced to flee London after a steamy S&M encounter with a debt ridden ex-lover (Michael Madsen) ends in violence. www.belcourt.org

May 3-17 – Sleeping Beauty
Olde Worlde Theatre Company presents this classic tale. The Princess will learn how curiosity can lead one astray, and that good things take time. The show includes lots of movement, comedy, a colorful set, singing and special effects. This show is for ages 3 and up. For information contact Richard Stein at 615- 300-0374

May 6-11 - Twelve Angry Men
What seems like an open-and-shut murder case becomes a twisted puzzle of prejudice and intrigue. Twelve Jurors in a murder trial are corralled in a room for the duration of their deliberation. As prejudices are tested and evidence weighed, the entire jury is forced to look past the show of the courtroom to unearth the shocking truth. Faced with playing the hangmen, these dozen men must first face themselves. Starring Richard Thomas. www.tpac.org or www.12angrymentour.com

May 9 – Jon Stewart
Comedian, satirist, writer and pundit best known as host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”, Jon Stewart will perform at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Shows at 7:30 and 10:00 pm. Tickets $56, $66 and $76. www.ryman.com

May 10 – 67th running of the Iroquois Steeplechase
If you signed up early for the prime seats you can put on your fancy duds and go drink Champaign, eat strawberries with clotted crème and maybe see Prince Charles or some other member of the Royal Family, fall off his horse. The rest of us can go general admission for $15, bring a picnic, sit on the hillside and still see people fall off their horses. (Seriously, if the course is too dry, there will be falls and horses will break legs. It is a rough sport. Be prepared.) www.iroquoissteeplechase.org

May 18 – George Jones in Concert
With Jason Byrd at the Ryman Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Tickets $29.50, $39.50 and $49.50. www.ryman.com

May 20 – KT Tunstall in Concert
7:30 pm. $22, $29.50 and $39.50. Ryman Auditorium. www.ryman.com

May 21 - The Kids in the Hall
Canadian sketch comedy group. 7:30 pm. $32 and $42. Ryman Auditorium. www.ryman.com

May 29-31 - Fantastique!
Nashville Symphony presents Emblems by Copland/D. Wilson Ochoa, Concerto for Piano No. 27 in B-flat major, K. 595 by Mozart and Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 by Berlioz. www.nashvillesymphony.org

May 30-31 (continuing in June) - The Importance of Being Ernest
Presented by The Pull-Tight Players, this classic, confusing comedy set in London and the English countryside is as popular and enjoyable now as the day it debuted. Theatre located in Franklin. More information 615-791-5007 or www.pull-tight.com

Special note: June 4 – Marty Stuart’s 7th Annual Late Night Jam
Benefit for MusiCares featuring Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Charlie Daniels Band, John Rich & Friends, Sunny Sweeney, The SteelDrivers, Mike Farris and more. Ryman Auditorium 10:00 pm. $29.50 and $39.50. www.ryman.com