"Broadway Meets Country" is co-hosted by Tony Award® Winner Jane Krakowski ("Nine"), star of the NBC primetime comedy "30 Rock," and two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year award-winning superstar Barbara Mandrell.  The evening will raise funds for both TPAC Education and The Actors' Fund of America and is presented in partnership with CMT, Prilosec OTC and American Airlines - the official airline of "Broadway Meets Country."

The line-up of top artists scheduled to share the stage with Krakowski and Mandrell includes Country Music's Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Raul Malo, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Nichols, Jamie O'Neal, Phil Vassar, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young along with Broadway's Laura Bell Bundy ("Legally Blonde"), Michael Cerveris ("Sweeney Todd"), Felicia P. Fields ("The Color Purple"), Peter Gallagher ("Long Day's Journey Into Night," "The O.C."), Renée Elise Goldsberry ("The Color Purple," "One Life to Live"), Brian d'Arcy James ("Sweet Smell of Success"), Judy Kaye ("Souvenir"), Brian Stokes Mitchell ("Kiss Me Kate"), Julia Murney (national tour, "Wicked"), Ben Vereen ("Pippin"), and Company Members from Disney's "The Lion King" National Tour. Artist line-up is subject to change.

In celebration of  the universality and crossover appeal of these two popular musical genres, those attending "Broadway Meets Country" will have the opportunity to hear Broadway show tunes reinterpreted by Country Music artists and classic Country songs performed by Broadway talent.  A preview of the evening's musical highlights includes:  

."All Jacked Up" by Gretchen Wilson, performed by Laura Bell Bundy
."Still I Long for Your Kiss" by Lucinda Williams, performed by Peter Gallagher

."You're Nothing Without Me" from "City of Angels," performed by Brian d'Arcy James and Chris Young

."Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, performed by Jane Krakowski and Phil Vassar

."Something More" by Sugarland, performed by Julia Murney

."Rain on My Parade" from "Funny Girl" performed by Lee Ann Womack

.A very special finale from company members of "The Lion King" National Tour

To view participating artist photos, biographies, concert information and video highlights of the 2005 NYC concert, click the following link (or paste URL into browser) http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/events/broadwaymeetscountry.asp.

"Broadway Meets Country" is a kick-off to "Nashville Celebrates Country," a week of activities leading up to "The 40th Annual CMA Awards."  The 2006 CMA Awards will be broadcast live Monday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on the ABC Television Network from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville. 

Stephen Oremus, music supervisor for "Wicked" and "Avenue Q" both on Broadway and London's West End, returns as the evening's musical director and arranger.  The event is co-executive produced by Jed Bernstein/Above the Title Entertainment in conjunction with CMA. Bernstein executive produced the 2005 "Broadway Meets Country" event while serving as President of the League of American Theatres and Producers.

"Broadway Meets Country" will take place in Nashville on Monday, Oct. 30 (7:30 PM/CST) at TPAC's James K. Polk Theater (505 Deaderick Street). Ticket prices are $150, $75 and $35. A special VIP ticket is available for $500 which includes priority seating and an exclusive post-concert reception with the "Broadway Meets Country" cast.  Tickets are available online through www.tpac.org; in-person at the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in the Mall at Green Hills); at all Ticketmaster outlets; or by calling Ticketmaster at (615) 255-ARTS (x2787).  For additional concert information, please call (615) 244-2840 or visit www.CMAawards.com.