NMTN Presents The First Stage

THE FIRST STAGE is an exciting new initiative to jumpstart the development of new works for the stage by connecting writers with performers, musicians, and audiences. These dynamic concerts invite you up close as songwriting, theatre, and music combine to create something brand new, and you get the first look!

ABOUT SARAH AILI

BACK IN BIRMINGHAM

When a rising singer returns home for a pivotal hometown performance, she's confronted by the past she escaped, prompting three generations of women to reckon with regret, forgiveness, and what it means to love. Back in Birmingham is a one-woman theatrical work (mostly) rooted in music and memory.

The piece took shape when Sarah Aili and Radney Foster sat down at the writing table to explore the human condition, drawing from family, trauma, triumph, and the emotional rollercoaster of life.

Sarah Aili is a Nashville-based multidisciplinary performer, singer, songwriter, and creator blending music, theater, and design into work that is raw, soulful, and story-driven. Known for her distinctive voice and emotionally grounded performances, she moves seamlessly between jazz music, original songs, and live theater. Through each performance and creative project, Sarah creates meaningful experiences rooted in truth, connection, and lived-in beauty.

Radney Foster is a Texas singer-songwriter, author, producer, and actor, widely regarded as a songwriter's songwriter. His songs have been recorded by artists including Guy Clark, The Chicks, Keith Urban, and Hootie & the Blowfish, and he's earned over 20 Top Ten hits, including "Just Call Me Lonesome" and "Nobody Wins." Recently inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Hall of Fame, Foster is currently touring, developing film projects, and writing his second book of short fiction.

ABOUT MEREDITH DIMENNA

I MAKE SENSE IN TEXAS

I Make Sense in Texas is a rock n roll cabaret about big ideas and that little voice in your head. Through comedic narrative and original songs, Meredith DiMenna shares inimitable personal anecdotes and mind-altering perspectives on everything from romantic love to world peace.

Meredith DiMenna is a powerhouse performer and producer known for her velvet-meets-fire vocals and fearless stage presence. Originally from the mean streets of Connecticut, she developed as the lead vocalist and songwriter for indie darlings, Saint Bernadette. She made a mark in NYC with Queen of the Beatniks, a bold, bluesy tribute to downtown icon Judy Henske. She is best known to Nashvillians as the frontwoman for Broken Champion, named by Nashville Scene as the Best (only?) Cabaret Rock band in the city.

ABOUT NEW MUSICAL THEATRE NASHVILLE

New Musical Theatre Nashville (NMTN) is a collective of writers that fosters the creation of new works, reimagining the possibilities of an American art form through meaningful collaboration to connect art with audiences in Music City.

Through connection, writers round concerts and now The First Stage at Analog with ASCAP, NMTN is forging a development pipeline here in Nashville toward the creation of original and dynamic new works of musical theatre. Our goal is to launch a whole host of new musicals into existence by connecting writers with performers, musicians, audiences, and ultimately producers that can take them to their next stage of development.

Follow us at: @new_musicals_nashville

ABOUT ASCAP 

Founded and governed by music creators, ASCAP is a performing rights organization (PRO) of more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. ASCAP, the only U.S. PRO that operates on a not-for-profit basis, puts music creators first by advocating for their rights, driving innovation, building community, and providing resources to support members throughout their careers.

Parking for Analog ticket holders is just $10 flat in our on-site garage—available exclusively for guests attending shows at Analog at Hutton Hotel. QR code located inside the venue to scan for a discount.

Before the lights dim and the first note hits, indulge in an evening of elevated dining at Evelyn's, where timeless American flavors meet a touch of Southern sophistication. As an Analog ticket holder, enjoy 15% off your meal—because a night of exceptional music deserves an equally refined prelude.