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Where did it all begin?

“I started StageStruck Productions in the ‘80s,� said Embry. “We were involved with theatre in Lebanon, and at that time the theatre was in the oldest brick church in Wilson County. The church was erected before the Civil War. Eventually the building began to fall in and apart, so we had to give that location up. I knew I wanted to keep it going so that was when we decided to form StageStruck.�

Embry said he has no idea how many shows have gone on through StageStruck as the years have gone by.

“I have written between 60 and 70 plays,� said Embry. “I know that a play I wrote titled ‘Revival’ has been performed over 300 times. The play is about a small church choir. The music director has called for a Saturday evening rehearsal for homecoming on the next day. Through the entire rehearsal, there are three socialites that are going to control everything. It has that old religious theme with the music adding to that old timey feel. I wrote that in one day.�

Embry says the inspiration came from the chapel in the old church they were using.

“We had to have new electricity and fixtures and things,� said Embry. “It was going to cost thousands of dollars. So it inspired me to write ‘Revival.’ We were allowed to do the show one weekend at the Heindl Center. We did the show Thursday through Sunday and made over $15,000 that allowed us to redo the electricity components in the church.�

Because of that success he “started getting calls from churches all over.�

“We are talking about a group of about 25-30 people traveling to these churches to perform ‘Revival,’ � he said. “We still get requests to do that show. When we performed it here in Macon County at the Thomas House, Randy East would sing in the production.�

When asked about his memories of those days, Randy replied, “It was great fun and excitement. It was a chance to be a part of this long time favorite for so many who supported this venue at the Thomas House. The hotel has over a hundred years of entertainment history in Red Boiling Springs. Now I have joined the chorus of folks who claim to be a segment of something bigger than themselves, each contributing to memories for performer and guest alike.�

What is in store for Embry in the future?

“In August, we will be performing a play I wrote called ‘Gin Rummy’ here at the Thomas House at David Cole’s request. I think it will be the final performance of that play.

“My daughter feels like she is getting too old for her part in the show, and honestly, we can’t imagine anyone else playing that part. We hope people will show up to see the final performing weekend of that show.�

When asked what he hopes people take away from his plays when they come out to see them, Embry thought for a second, smiled, and answered.

“I just hope that they can come out and see a bit of someone they recognize or know when they watch,� he said. “I hope they find humor in what we create and that it warms their hearts and gives them as much joy as it does for us to put the shows on. Life is short, we must take time to smile and laugh.�