Sidle up to the bar at the Horseshoe Tavern where big-haired, sweet-voiced country darling Charlane Tucker is booked to play a set of barroom classics.
She's not shy about the motor behind her cross-country tour: get her heart broken enough times to be sad enough to write the perfect country song.
But her live show—with the Horseshoe's stellar house band—veers wildly off course when a past fling unexpectedly turns up.
You have a front row seat for a night of whiskey-fueled drama. A story about not giving up, despite the odds, 100 Heartbreaks is a raucous send-up of and love song to the good ol' days of country music.
The show features 17 brand-new, old-school country songs! Music, book and lyrics by Austin-based playwright and musician Joanna Garner.
"One hell of a shit-kickin' musical show"
—Austin Chronicle
CAST
One leading lady, four actor/musicians, and a actor/bartender who can also run sound and lights.
RUNNING TIME
90 minutes, no intermission. Depending on theater/ performance venue set up, drinks can be served before, during, and after the show.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
100 Heartbreaks was developed through Seattle Repertory Theatre's New Play Program, Northwest Playwrights Alliance, Capitol Hill Arts Center, and Bumbershoot Arts and Culture Festival.
The play premiered in Austin, TX, for a sold-out run at the Sahara Lounge, directed by Jess Hutchinson with music direction by Peter Stopschinski.
Songs
Four studio-recorded tracks from the show. Music and lyrics by Joanna Garner; performed by Joanna Garner (lead vocals, guitar), Heath Allyn (lead vocals, guitar), Eric Roach (vocals, lead guitar), Robert Vignisson (vocals, drums), Alexander Villarreal (vocals, bass); produced by Peter Stopschinski. Recorded at Ohm Recording Facility, Austin, TX.
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Charlane Tucker and Mark Larson
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Charlane Tucker
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Charlane Tucker
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Charlane Tucker and Mark Larson
"Charming... cleverly staged... a sweet story"
—Austin American-Statesman
"A great cabaret that treats the genre lovingly, and with a surprising about of pride"
—The Stranger (Seattle)
Nominated For The 2015 B. Iden Payne Awards (Austin) For Best Original Score And Featured Musical Performance.
PRE-PRODUCTION PRESS
Interview on Austin's NPR station, KUT, on Arts Eclectic with Mike Lee
Preview in the Austin American-Statesman
Preview in the Daily Texan
"One hell of a
shit-kickin' musical show"
—Austin Chronicle
"a brilliant, hilarious, short-n-sweet, southern-fried hoot"
—Three Imaginary Girls Music Blog (Seattle)
Nominated for the 2015 Austin Critics Table Awards for Outstanding Musical Production.
Give your audiences a heck of a good time.
100 Heartbreaks operates under a co-production model. If you are a theater or producer interested in partnering with our producing team to set up a run of the show at your theater, bar, or performance venue, please get in touch! Our producers are passionate about theater experiences where the audience is essential, immersed, and entertained.
Look out at the crowd at any performance of 100 Heartbreaks and you'll see a joyful array of audience members. We attract boot-stompin' country fans, young bar-goers, couples on a date (including reluctant partners who tell us after, "I thought I hated country music"), theater lovers looking for a unique live experience; and older folks excited for a taste of country music's golden age—with a new spin.
100 Heartbreaks works in a theater cabaret space, in an actual bar, or any venue with flexible seating, bar availability, and a sound system. The show has minimal set, props, and costumes. We've had success in both regular evening slots and late-night showtimes.
We are happy to discuss casting options, including bringing in the show pre-cast and rehearsed, or working with your local musicians and actors. This small cast musical only calls for six performers: one leading lady, four actor/musicians, and a actor/bartender.
