Photos: Kenna Ashley and Fred Koll perform at Obrigados to raise money for the Musical

The Louisa Arts Center will debut the original musical Chick’s Diner this June, written by longtime collaborators Kenna Ashley and Fred “Freddy Fingers” Koll. The production marks a significant milestone for the songwriting duo, whose partnership spans multiple projects across stage and online platforms.

Scheduled for a three-show run from June 6 to June 8, Chick’s Diner is an off-Broadway-style musical featuring an original book and score. The show is directed by its writers and produced locally by the Louisa Arts Center.

Ashley, a veteran singer-songwriter and performer, wrote the script and co-composed the music alongside Koll, a multi-instrumentalist and co-creator of The Kenna Ashley Show. The pair also collaborated on lyrics and arrangements for the production’s original songs, which draw influence from blues, Broadway, country, and pop genres.

The musical is set in a small-town diner and follows Sasha, a young woman with Broadway ambitions, as she reconnects with her goals through unexpected friendships. The story incorporates themes of resilience, community, and personal growth, presented through ensemble pieces and solos that highlight Ashley and Koll’s genre-crossing musical style.

Local Lake Anna residents patron Obrigado’s to support the show

Some of the songs—such as “All Good Girls,” “Soon,” and “Grow Old Gracefully”—were inspired by prior work with the Freddy Fingers Band and adapted to fit the stage format. The creators describe the score as a blend of musical storytelling that doesn’t adhere to a single genre but instead reflects their diverse backgrounds.

SHOWTIMES
📅 Friday, June 6 – 7:00 PM
📅 Saturday, June 7 – 7:00 PM
📅 Sunday, June 8 – 2:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Adults $20 | Youth $10
🎟️ Purchase at louisaarts.org

About the Writers:
Kenna Ashley has performed professionally for over five decades and written for stage and screen. Fred Koll is a seasoned musician known for his live performances and original compositions. Together, they created Chick’s Diner as their first full-length stage musical, building on their prior collaborations in music and digital media.

Venue Information:
Louisa Arts Center
212 Fredericksburg Ave, Louisa, VA 23093
Contact: Melissa Young, Marketing Manager

About Louisa Arts Center:
The Louisa Arts Center hosts performances, exhibits, and arts programming throughout the year. Its mission is to promote access to the arts, support local creators, and enhance cultural life in the region.

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