A new country-rock musical with strong ties to Tioga County is taking the stage in New York City after over a decade of development. Originally premiering as “Smile” at the Deane Center in Wellsboro in February 2013, the production has evolved into the hit musical Music City, which opened at the West End Theater in New York City in October 2024.

Written by Peter Zinn and featuring popular country-rock hits by JT Harding, Music City tells the story of a group of songwriters navigating the challenges of the early 2000s. Set in Nashville during a time of societal upheaval, the show explores the lives of its characters as they struggle to make their mark on one of America’s most iconic music scenes.

“Set in the early 2000s, in a Nashville fractured by the American methamphetamine crisis and the Global War on Terror, Music City’s hardscrabble band of songwriters struggles to leave their mark on one of America’s wildest music scenes,” says Chloe Rabinowitz of Broadway World.

With an updated storyline and new songs, Music City features a dynamic soundtrack, including familiar hits written by JT Harding like “Smile” by Uncle Kracker, “Somewhere With You” by Kenny Chesney, “Sangria” by Blake Shelton, “Alone With You” by Keith Urban, and many more.

After 11 years of workshops and rewrites, Music City is receiving rave reviews from publications including Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Theater Mania, Lighting and Sound America, Front Row Center, and The Wall Street Journal.

The production is produced by Bedlam Productions and directed by award-winning director Eric Tucker, named Wall Street Journal Director of the Year in 2014. The show is partially financed by Tony Award-winning producer Gabrielle Palitz, a celebrated producer of numerous award-winning Broadway shows.

To celebrate the show’s success, the Deane Center in Wellsboro is sponsoring a bus trip to see Music City on Sunday, February 16th. The trip includes bus transportation and a ticket to the show for $160. The production is recommended for audiences over 16 due to mature themes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a talk-back session with the creative team and cast, including director Eric Tucker, playwright Peter Zinn, songwriter JT Harding, and the cast.

Seats are limited and must be reserved by February 1st. Given the show’s popularity and frequent sellouts, Bedlam Productions has agreed to hold seats for Deane Center patrons until that date. For more information or to reserve a spot, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience Music City in New York City, a day full of professional theater, unforgettable music, and heartwarming storytelling!

For more information on the show, visit Bedlam Productions and for tickets or more information on the bus trip, please call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.