“We’re honored to serve as the host for the development, workshop, and world premiere of Some I Wrote, particularly here in Staunton, a place that is synonymous with The Statler Brothers. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Matt Parrish, the artistic director at ShenanArts, which announced on Monday that Some I Wrote: A Musical Story of the Songs of The Statler Brothers, will begin a two-week run at ShenanArts on Oct. 15, 2026.
The musical, based on The Music of The Statler Brothers: An Anthology, a book by Don Reid, the lead singer and songwriter with The Statler Brothers, is being adapted for the stage by ShenanArts regulars Jeff McDaniel and Cori McDaniel.
“As a lifetime Statler Brothers fan, I was honored to receive the blessings of Don Reid and his family to adapt his insightful book for the stage,” said Jeff McDaniel, who will also direct the show. “I am excited the musical will be able to premiere in their hometown and pay homage to their enduring legacy.”
Following a similar structure to the book, the musical will focus on the stories and memories behind the development of some of The Statler Brothers’ biggest hits as well as some of their lesser-known tunes.
The Statler Brothers – Harold and Don Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew Dewitt and Jimmy Fortune – were the premier group in country music for nearly 40 years.
They are considered the most awarded act in the history of country music, including three Grammy Awards and nine CMA Awards.
Their television series, “The Statler Brothers Show,” ran for seven years on The Nashville Network, and remained the number-one show on the network for its entire run.
Some I Wrote will feature an ensemble cast – including local favorites Sandi Belcher, George Coffey, Brittany Frye, Rachel Green, Brent Hull, Sam Kauffman, Kathy Lafon and Matt Wallace – with orchestrations by Eric Hedrick and vocal arrangements by Sam Kauffman.
Video: ShenanArts announces premiere of Some I Wrote
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Chris Graham
