Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Douglas Waterbury-Tieman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Douglas, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In the fall of 2021 we were invited to do a full production, the regional premiere, of our musical JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX at the Cumberland County Playhouse. At the time my wife Annabelle was just thirteen weeks pregnant. Flash forward 12 months to the fall of 2022 when we ecstatically walked through the doors for our first day of rehearsal… carrying our five month old baby boy. I had previously worked at the theatre fresh out of college in 2012 so to return to do my own work, with my whole family was a dream come true.
From day one the process was collaborative and joyful. Annabelle and I got to play the leads of Abigail and Johnny opposite each other. We were supported by the brilliant resident company of players at the theatre and directed by Bryce McDonald who has believed in the piece since first reading the script back in 2013. Our show took some major hits with the pandemic; two cancelled productions, a postponed reading, and acancelled workshop but we never gave up hope. Hearing the cast singing the act two anthem “Glorious Song” in the first music rehearsals melted those heartbreaks and validated our valiant faith in the piece. We had waited years for this moment, and now to have a room filled with people singing my music brought me to tears.
We rehearsed for a month. Since this was the first iteration of the show, we knew we would need ample time to get it up on its feet and live up to its greatest potential. It was thrilling to cut lines, add lines, adjust melodies and add in harmonies with this brilliant cast and creative team. Each day felt like a celebration. The show preaches a message of holding tight to music, family, and love… and that’s exactly what the Cumberland County Playhouse offered us. The community welcomed us with open arms and an adoration for the project and for our family. CCP carries beautiful pride for the work they produce. We carry the same pride forever and always for the gorgeous production of JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX that played on their stage.
Not only was it beautiful… it sold out. Every performance sold out. We even added a matinee performance. People came back multiple times bringing their grandma or friend or sister. We heard so many people say, “I just needed to see it again.” Each person claimed it was better than they could have imagined. With standing ovations filled with children, grandparents, teenagers and parents all awash with tear streaked faces at the end of each show, we know it wasn’t just a fluke. It was magic. It is one of the most meaningful experiences we have gotten to have because it was a shared moment with so many that also experienced the magic. We have been changed for good.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an actor, singer, musician, gardener, and writer. I am currently developing the award winning new bluegrass musical JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX and have originated the lead role of Johnny Baker. My wife is an actress, singer, designer, and producer and originated the lead female role of Abigail King in the piece. It was always my dream to create ways for us to perform and work together and provide for our family with our gifts. JOHNNY & the DEVIL’s BOX is much more than just a musical, it is our business and brand.
We met in Nashville, Tennessee while studying Musical Theatre at Belmont University. After graduating, we moved to New York City to further pursue careers in the field. We both had great success performing regionally and in Manhattan. We moved back to Nashville in August of 2020 at the height of the pandemic as we realized NYC was no longer serving us. We will always love our time in New York but we wanted a fresh perspective.
I believe the thing that has set us apart from others is our hunger for various creative outlets, not just performance. I write, fiddle, and produce while Annabelle creates content, designs, and curates. Together we produce beautiful creative opportunities that stem from our greatest passions! I started a collective for composers called New Musical Theatre Nashville where writer’s meet and share work. Annabelle started a blog called Actor Meets Coffee where she interviewed actors across Manhattan at different coffee shops to write down their creative journeys. Right now we are revving up for a concert of JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX all while staying on top of auditions and callbacks. Being creative outside of performance, INFORMS your performance.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Now that we have a child, I realize more than ever that if I don’t follow my dreams, how can I encourage him to follow his? I want to show him firsthand what it looks like to believe in yourself and to believe in the process… as challenging as it can be at times it is still always worth it. We are continuing to chase this dream of setting JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX on bigger stages because why not reach for the stars? The goal initially was to just get the show produced but now the goal is to get it to Broadway. In a post pandemic world the message of hope and faith in humanity that this show sings about is essential. In a way, working on this show pulled me out of myself in the depths of quarantine… and I know it can bring others out of their own messy insecurities and questions of doubt. The lead character Johnny, leaves home to eventually understand that home is the most important place he can be. I want to be that for my son and my family. I want it two-fold, to chase my dreams, but to know home is always the most powerful dream.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is reaping the fruit of our labor! Being a part of JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX at the Cumberland County Playhouse was a dream fully realized. To write, perform, and collaborate with my wife on the show was something I always wanted. One of the reasons I created the show was so that we could perform it together. It was incredibly fulfilling getting to live that dream out.
We also like working hard. Preparing for auditions and callbacks can be tiring, stressful and nerve racking but when the stars align and the work pays off, there is something so validating and satisfying in knowing your work booked the gig. Annabelle and I recently walked through our first official audition season here in Nashville and are proud to share that we booked separate theatrical contracts!
We have always said if we get to just create, perform, and share our gifts with people that will be enough. And right now we are getting to do just that! Performing and exercising these creative facets makes us better people and in turn better parents. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnnyandthedevilsbox.com/
- Instagram: @johnnyandthedevilsbox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fiddlinjohnny7729
Image Credits
ma2la Grace Kirkpatrick Photo Chris Hensley Lauren Frost Photography Keoni Keur