Knoxville’s Clarence Brown Theatre Premieres Musical Adaptation of James Agee’s Classic “A Death in the Family”

Knoxville Welcomes a New Musical Adaptation of “Knoxville”

This week, the spotlight is on Knoxville as the Clarence Brown Theatre debuts a new musical adaptation of James Agee’s classic novel, A Death in the Family. This story, originally published in 1957, earned Agee the Pulitzer Prize the following year and has since become a beloved work, exploring themes of childhood, family, and loss.

A Classic Reimagined

The new production is titled “Knoxville,” and it centers around the opening section of Agee’s book, Knoxville: Summer, 1915, which was penned in 1938. The story has previously made its way to the stage, most notably with Ted Mozel’s Broadway adaptation, All the Way Home, which also won a Pulitzer Prize.

This latest adaptation, brought to life by the talented duo of lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty, marks over forty years of collaboration and creativity. Together, they have received numerous accolades including a Tony Award for their work on the Broadway hit Ragtime, as well as several Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe nominations.

Collaboration and Inspiration

In a recent conversation, Ahrens and Flaherty discussed their excitement for this project. They remembered when the late director Frank Galati, who passed away in 2023, first reached out, suggesting they consider turning Agee’s work into a musical. They were immediately intrigued and felt a strong connection to the material.

“We read the novel and the play, and music started to emerge from within,” Ahrens recalled. “That’s how we knew this was a solid idea for a musical.” This sense of inspiration continued as they developed the production, which initially aimed to debut in early 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic.

A Journey Through Time

The pandemic forced many theatrical productions to halt, including this one. Interestingly, it gave the team time to refine the show. Flaherty noted how the experience strengthened the cast’s bond, echoing the themes of overcoming difficulties present in the story itself.

As they create the show, Ahrens and Flaherty take turns spearheading different aspects, whether it’s lyrics or music. They make a great team; having first met at a BMI Musical Theatre workshop, they’ve been collaborating ever since. Ahrens noted that they typically produce a new work every couple of years, emphasizing their long-standing partnership over many famous Broadway duos.

Local Touches

Recently, the production team enjoyed a fantastic tour of historical Knoxville led by Jack Neely. This immersive experience revealed various locations from Agee’s life that feature in their musical adaptation. Ahrens expressed her delight that most of these sites are included in the performance.

Both creators have a deep affection for Agee’s writing. Flaherty shared, “I picked up the book and fell in love with the language.” However, he faced the challenge of composing music that conveyed the characters’ emotional depth without relegating it to a simple period piece. He aimed for the music to be reflective of the local culture, incorporating instruments that represent the community. Flaherty stated, “It’s also about a community… it features one American family at its core but reaches beyond to include their neighbors and those surrounding them.”

Opening Night and Anticipation

The production officially opened last night and will continue through September 22. Tickets are already in high demand, suggesting that this musical will not only be a delightful experience but also an important event in Knoxville’s cultural landscape.

With a mixture of powerful storytelling, historical context, and a rich musical background, “Knoxville” promises to resonate with audiences. Be sure to grab tickets soon if you want to be part of this exciting theatrical venture, as it’s sure to sell out quickly!