Tennessee Ballet Theater presents The ICON: Babbie Lovett, Fashion Legend
What do New York Fashion Week, Broadway, the Clintons, and Memphis have in common? The life, legacy, and influence of Babbie Lovett! A 92 year old Memphian and fashion icon, Babbie’s life spans the realms of New York Fashion Houses, Tony Award winning musical productions, and American ‘royalty.’ Join Tennessee Ballet Theater in their 2025 spring production: The ICON, Babbie Lovett, Fashion Legend, an homage to the life and legacy of one of Memphis’ most influential leaders of the past and the present.
From dancing for our troops through the USO, and making ‘Trashion’ chic, to spearheading fundraisers alongside the likes of the Rockefellers, Babbie has touched every sector of the arts in her richly layered lifetime, and TBT brings those experiences to life in The ICON. You will be immersed in Babbie’s world, as an actor leads you through the peaks and valleys of Babbie’s life, introducing each dance piece with monologues that put the dances into the context of Babbie’s experiences. Join us as we explore what Babbie and Tennessee Ballet Theater are all about-bringing people together and celebrating our colorful history as Memphians.
The ICON, directed by Erin Walter and including works by featured choreographers Max Robinson and Steven Prince Tate, will be at the McCoy Theatre at Rhodes, Babbie’s alma mater. Performances will extend over two weekends: April 4 & 5 at 7:30pm, April 6 at 2:30pm, and April 11 & 12 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $45 (group discount of $40 per ticket available for parties of 6 or more) and include a wine reception immediately following the performance, where you will have a chance to meet Babbie, models and dancers showing Babbie’s collection and Sue Ambrose’s couture designs constructed from bicycle tires, set pieces designed by Memphis-based “Recycle King” Paul Thomas, a protege of Babbie’s, and an interactive multi-sensory exhibit in the lobby.
