Shania Twain and other notables will appear on the new Fox drama about a country music dynasty.
Borrowing a page from Nashville, the last major TV series to deal with dreaming and scheming in the world of country music, the producers of Monarch — the new Fox drama that premieres Sept. 11 before settling into its regular Tuesday timeslot Sept. 20 — will be featuring real-life country superstars along with fictional singers and songwriters, movers and shakers, allies and enemies.
Of course, they already have the best of both worlds with multi-Platinum country music star and three-time ACM Award-winner Trace Adkins cast in a lead role. But Monarch also will be showcasing special appearances by such notables as Shania Twain (pictured above), Martina McBride, Little Big Town, and Tanya Tucker throughout the season.
The guest stars doubtless will add credence to a weekly drama that pivots on a power couple who have created a country music dynasty: Dottie Cantrell Roman (Susan Sarandon), the insanely talented but tough-as-nails Queen of Country Music, and her beloved husband Albie Roman (Adkins), a.k.a. “Texas Truthteller.” Unfortunately, even though the Roman name is synonymous with authenticity, the very foundation of their success is a lie. And when their reign as country royalty is jeopardized, Nicolette “Nicky” Roman (Anna Friel), their oldest child and heir to the crown, will stop at nothing to protect her family's legacy — and ensure her own quest for stardom.
Middle child Luke Roman (Joshua Sasse) — CEO of the family’s business, Monarch Entertainment — is the apple of his mother's eye, but has a troubled relationship with his father, whose approval he desperately seeks. Youngest daughter Gigi Tucker-Roman (Beth Ditto) is very close to her older brother and sister. In a family of superstars, however, she has always felt like a bit of an outcast, in spite of her incredible singing voice. Gigi is married to Kayla Roman-Tucker (Meagan Holder), a successful music manager who keeps turning down Luke’s offers to join forces with the family company. Kayla’s relationships with the Romans reflect a complicated history — and a secret she is keeping could destroy her marriage to Gigi.
Ace Grayson (Filipino recording artist Inigo Pascual) also is part of the family. He is a talented and sensitive 18-year-old who, years earlier, was adopted by Nicky and her husband, struggling British actor Clive Grayson (Adam Croasdell), and now dreams of being a country music star like his Grandpa Albie. Given that he is a phenomenal singer with industrial-strength swagger on stage, his dreams just might come true.
But wait, there’s more: Catt Phoenix (Martha Higareda), the stunning and unpredictable mother of 17-year-old Ana Phoenix (Emma Milani), is eager to help her talented daughter get signed to the Roman family’s record label. By any means necessary.
