I love Elvis. I can tell you where I was when I heard on the radio that he had married Priscilla (at Fairyland Grocery on Lantana Road) and where I was when he died (Interstate 40).
I recall being so angry that he had gotten married. I could not understand in my 7-year-old mind why he did not wait for me. I listened to his music and relentlessly watched his movies. What more could I do?
My mother, sister, and I were driving back from Cookeville on Interstate 40 when we learned the King of Rock’n’Roll had passed away. It was Aug. 16, 1977. I remember being upset and as I drove into band practice at Cumberland County High School, another girl heard it on the radio and ran right into a dumpster.
Imagine, if you will, how excited I was to learn that Cumberland County Playhouse was doing “Heartbreak Hotel.” It is the story of Elvis from his younger days until his Comeback Special.
We saw it opening weekend and absolutely loved it. The cast received a standing ovation at the end of the production, which runs about two hours long. The timing of the show is also very fitting as the anniversary of Elvis’s death, as I mentioned earlier, is just a week away.
Directed by Bryce McDonald, “Heartbreak Hotel” is a moving tribute to an extraordinarily talented, but also very troubled, artist. Elvis is played in two parts (young Elvis) and (older Elvis). Young Elvis is shared by school students Deacon Hale and Jesse Simpson. We saw Simpson in the role was Young Elvis and he was utterly amazing. His line delivery was particularly good, and his vocal presentation was exceptionally good.
Older Elvis is portrayed by the incredibly talented Nathan Mann, who really nails his voice and gestures.
My three very favorite parts of the show are these: when the entire cast sings “Peace in the Valley.” This, my dear readers, is worth the ticket price alone. I had chills from head to toe as the leads and ensemble dive into this old hymn. I felt about their rendition of “Peace” as I do “Defying Gravity “in the monster hit “Wicked.” I would pay full admission just to hear those numbers!
My second favorite scene is when Britt Hancock, playing the controversial Col. Tom Parker, confronts Elvis about some of his behaviors. This scene was so intense that Hancock received thunderous applause from the audience after delivering his stern lines.
My third favorite part was at the end when the mashup of Elvis songs began, the audience was on their feet, and everyone was singing along. It is a fabulous show, and you do not have to be an Elvis lover like me to enjoy it!
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs on the Mainstage through Sept. 14. Call the Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000 for ticket prices and showtimes.
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Lots of activities going on around the town this weekend: the annual 127 Yard Sale is underway, it is the first full day of school for Cumberland County School Students; Peaks of Hope has scheduled an open house; and the United Fund’s annual golf fundraiser is just days away.
The 127 Yard Sale spans six states and is 690 miles long. It begins in Michigan and runs down through Florida. You can find anything you want along the corridor including cars, animals, arts and crafts, livestock, food vendors, and much more.
Just remember to watch out for motorists and pedestrians as you are stopping along the route.
Friday at the Crossroads returns today from 4-8 p.m. This quarterly event features vendors, food trucks, ice cream, and more. It is located on Main Street and is sponsored by Downtown Crossville Inc.
Cumberland County’s elementary and high school students return to the classroom today for the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year. The students will have their first break on Labor Day. It is Monday, Sept. 7.
Peaks of Hope has scheduled an open house this month at their facility on Peavine Road. It is set for Tuesday, August 25th, from 4-6 p.m. While there, you may see all the events and classes that are scheduled; meet facilitators, and enjoy light refreshments, and sign up to volunteer. The address is 4188 Peavine Road.
The United Fund’s annual Golf fundraiser benefiting more than 33 agencies is set for next Saturday, Aug. 15. It will be held at the Dorchester Golf Course. Registration is available online at cumberlandunitedfund.org. It is a four-person scramble and lunch will be served. If you require additional information, call 931-484-4082.