Photo Coverage: The 2013 Class of First Night Honorees
By: Jeffrey Ellis Sep. 06, 2012
Theater aficionados from throughout Tennessee gathered at Belmont University's Bill and Carole Troutt Theatre on Sunday night for the 2013 First Night Honors, paying tribute to a group of eight remarkable people who have made indelible marks on the theater scene throughout their storied careers. Hosted by Holly Shepherd and Joel Diggs, the gala evening honored the eight leading lights of Tennessee theater as they were recognized as members of the First Night Class of 2013 Honorees.
Founded by Jeffrey Ellis, who is a contributing editor to BroadwayWorld.com, in 1989, The First Night Honors this year recognized the producing team of Maggi Bowden and the late Sue Stinemetz; director/producers and co-founders of Tennessee Women's Theatre Project Maryanna and Chris Clarke; actress/director/writer Jackie Welch; Paul Vasterling, artistic director and CEO of Nashville Ballet; actress/director/educator Mary Jane Harvill; and Nashville Shakespeare Festival co-founder Chambers Stevens, who now lives in Los Angeles and is recognized as a director, actor, playwright and acting coach. A cast of more than 100 performers paid tribute to them in a gala concert on Sunday night, witnessed by a capacity crowd at the Troutt Theatre.
A red carpet event, hosted by Jennifer Richmond and Trey Palmer-joined by Angela Gimlin, Hugh Britt and Cary Street-preceded the Honors concert. Photographer Johnny Benton, of Nashville's Studio Benton Photography, caught the entire evening with his camera, providing some special portraits of the Honorees in the process.
Jennifer Debs Tankersley, Maggi Bowden
Chris and Maryanna Clarke
Chris and Maryanna Clarke
Chris and Maryanna Clarke
Chris and Maryanna Clarke
Chris and Maryanna Clarke
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