Chaffin’s Barn sets stage for next 50 years

 

Chaffin’s Barn Theatre has been part of the rich heritage of Nashville, TN since 1967. Built and owned by A.W. Chaffin, the theatre has remained a family owned business for more than half a century.

Under new ownership since January of 2017, Chaffin’s has been playing to sold out crowds with shows like Sister Act, Mamma Mia, and The Odd Couple. People young and old have commented on how great the updated buffet is, now featuring Prime Rib, and how fantastic the productions are. One theatre critic commented “Chaffin’s has returned to its glory days!”.

The Barn is important as part of the rich history of Nashville’s theatre. So naturally the next step was to upgrade the building. Since spring of this year, Chaffin’s has been under renovation. Every day there is a bevy of activity inside the 53-year-old building- plumbers, roofers, carpenters all working to make Chaffin’s shine! Among the upgrades is a brand-new roof, new carpeting, all new restroom facilities, newly paved parking lot with additional handicap spaces, changes to the lobby and mainstage theatre as well as a few “surprises”. When asked why Chaffin’s was renovating, owner Norma Luther replies:

”Well any building that is 53 years old needs a tune up.  Our slogan when I took over was “the Next 50 years” so it was only natural to add a new roof, carpet, and related repairs to ensure that we “set the stage” for the Next 50 Years.”

When Luther took over, she was immediately taken by the people of Chaffin’s.  To that Luther says:

“the PEOPLE and the history are one of my main reasons for buying the Barn. The incredible talent and heart that every employee and performer bring to the Barn and the loyal customers who support us and tell stories of coming as children or on their first date – it is very heartwarming.”

We asked Luther; “what are you most excited about with the newly renovated space?”

“Well the actors would say new dressing rooms and a new sound and lighting booth, our director of operations who deals with repairs would say a new roof and repaved parking lot. As for me, I’m excited for our patrons. I am happy to be retaining the history of the Barn while upgrading the facilities.”

The newly polished Chaffin’s Barn will re-open on Aug 2 with the smash hit musical Sister Act -back by popular demand! Artistic Director, Martha Wilkinson says: “The audiences went absolutely crazy over Sister Act last summer! We had so many people on the waiting list to see the show who were not able to get seats. So, we decided it was a perfect fit to re-open after the renovations with a show that brings so much joy to everyone.” Sister Act will be followed by Disney’s Newsies and for the holidays, ELF the musical based on the popular film.

Chaffin’s Barn, Nashville’s first professional theatre has successfully retained a sense of history and nostalgia while continuing to provide an affordable family friendly environment that presents classic and modern Broadway theater.

For more information visit our website www.chaffinsbarntheatre.com or call us at 615-646-9977