As a fan of the shows (as in every single show they ever do) at Badgett Playhouse, I’m always excited to read one of their newsletters. I love reading about the talented performers and I’m always anxious to see what shows they have in store for us. As an Owensboro resident, a recent newsletter brought about more excitement than usual. One of our own, beautiful Natasha Neely, has joined the outstanding cast.
The following is the press release, which includes a couple of links at the end you’ll want to check out. Congratulations Natasha!
Natasha Neely brings smiles, talent to the stage of the Badgett Playhouse.
Just a small town girl with big dreams, Natasha Neely is working on making those dreams come true. “There is nothing like being up on stage with a live band, and stage lights performing songs with the sounds of steel guitar, country piano, the fiddle, and more,” says Neely. “I love that feeling!”
Neely, who grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, is one of the many talented cast members at the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Many may have heard the voice of Neely on the radio in a commercial for her father John Neely’s insurance company which has been in the family since 1903, in which she says, “Call Neely Insurance, ’cause I’m a high maintenance girl, and ol’ dad needs the business!” Neely’s mother, Dita Neely, is an elementary teacher. She credits her parents with getting her started in show business. “I think Mom recognized my ability to remember songs and carry a tune,” said Neely. At the age of three, her parents took her to Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Owensboro and signed her up to sing at an open mic night, where she sang “God Bless America”. After performing at the opryhouse several more times, Neely was asked to be a part of the regular cast where she began performing on Friday and Saturday nights, where she continued to perform until the opry closed in 2008. “I chose to be in the show and sing my songs every weekend instead of doing the normal activities my friends would choose such as high school football games and bonfires,” commented Neely. “I loved my Opry family, and of course, being on stage! I still miss Goldie’s to this day. There is no place like it!”
To this day Neely still considers Goldie Payne, owner of Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse, as one of her biggest inspirations. “Goldie is a mentor and a wonderful example of how to entertain and treat people,” she said. “I also look up to Dolly Parton, not only as a singer and entertainer, but as a Christian and as a business woman,” Neely continued.
Neely graduated in 2009 from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in music business. She also took voice lessons from Barbara Mandrell’s daughter-in-law, Christy Sutherland, in her spare time. “I wanted to learn the music industry and how it all works,” said Neely. “I wanted to be able to understand recording contracts and making good business decisions. I felt it was very important, and it has paid off,” she said.
Patrons at the Badgett Playhouse can see Neely perform in two different shows. Neely plays the diner waitress in the Fabulous 50s show. “It’s hard to beat the Doo Wop and harmonies in the good ‘ol 50′s era,” said Neely. She can also be seen in the Variety! Music, Memories and More show. “I get to perform as myself, singing and dancing to good ‘ol songs from various genres like country, gospel, 60′s, Motown, 70′s, Disco, and even some Beach Boys music. There is something to satisfy everyone in that show,” she said. Neely says she enjoys performing at the Badgett Playhouse for numerous reasons. “I am blown away by the character and professionalism at the Badgett Theater. Bill and Sarah Minihan, producers of the shows, are such wonderful people to work for,” she said. Neely also said she loves the enthusiasm of the audience members that show up in the Grand Rivers’ Theater plus wearing the multitude of costumes and performing such a variety of music.
The talented performer can also be seen at Barbara Mandrell’s Fontanel Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee where she regularly performs. The log cabin in which Mandrell raised her family, is now open for tours and boasts a gift shop, amphitheater, restaurant, and a new dinner show called Music City On Stage in which Neely performs. “It has been challenging learning and retaining three different shows, but very beneficial and also rewarding having the opportunity to share the stage and spotlight with such wonderful and talented people,” the young performer said. “I praise God for His many blessings and will never take the opportunities He provides for granted!”
For more information on Natasha Neely or to listen to some of her music, visit her official site at www.natashaneely.com. For more information on the Badgett Playhouse, visit www.grandriversvariety.com.
