Theatre Cedar Rapids announces casting for Bright Star, music, book and story by Steve Martin and music, lyrics, and story by Edie Brickell, to be performed live at Brucemore’s Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater June 18 – July 3, 2021. Tickets are on sale now HERE.
The Cast
We were overwhelmed by the turnout to (virtual) auditions for our first in-person musical in 16 months. So many more good people than we could cast. It’s clearly a sign everyone is ready for theatre. Let’s support all of our theatres and arts organizations as we come back to live events—so both audiences and theatre-makers can get back to doing what we love.
Congrats to this wonderful cast!
- Jordan Arnold – Alice Murphy
- Erika Bailey – Margo Crawford
- Levi Boston-Kemple – Stationmaster/Featured Dancer/Ensemble
- Aaron Brewer – Jimmy Ray Dobbs
- Brandon Burkhart – Billy Cane
- Mic Evans – Daryl Ames
- Lauren Galliart – Florence/Featured Dancer/Ensemble (Dance Captain)
- Alex Granfield – Stanford Adams/Ensemble
- Caleb Haselhuhn – Daddy Cane
- Sophie Lindwall – Lucy Grant
- Lucas Lowder – Max/Ensemble
- Sara Maslowski – Mama Murphy
- Justin McDermott – Dr. Norquist/Featured Dancer/Ensemble (Dance Captain)
- Beth Nelson – Gov. Clerk/Spirit/Ensemble
- Meg Norris – Well-Dressed Woman/Spirit/Ensemble (Animal Handler)
- Tad Paulson – Mayor Josiah Dobbs
- Megan Robinson – Ensemble/Featured Dancer
- Lia Scharnau – Spirit/Ensemble
- Susan Scharnau Schultejans – Spirit/Ensemble
- Greg Smith – Daddy Murphy
- Sasha Tyler – Edna/Featured Dancer/Ensemble
The Production Team
- Director – Angie Toomsen
- Music Director – Janelle Lauer
- Choreographer/Movement Director – Bo Frazier
- Associate Director/Dramaturg – Lisa Kelly
- Intimacy/Safety Director – Carrie Pozdol
- Stage Manager – Bonnie Ruble
- Scenic and Lighting Designer – Benjamin Farrar
- Costume Designer – Joni Dee Sackett
- Sound Designer – Darin Ulmer
- Technical Director – Ben Lauer
- Assistant Costumer/Props – Tanja Struve
ABOUT THE SHOW
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.
With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
About Steve Martin AND Edie Brickell
Stephen Martin (music, book, and story) is one of the most well-known and pervasive talents in entertainment. His work has earned him an Academy Award, five Grammy Awards (two for comedy, three for music), an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. As an author, Martin’s work includes the plays Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Underpants, and Meteor Shower. Also an accomplished banjoist, Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award established to reward artistry and bring greater visibility to bluegrass performers.
Edie Brickell (music, lyrics, and story) released the debut multi-platinum album “Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars” with New Bohemians in 1988. Her recent works include a 13-track collaboration with Steve Martin titled “Love has Come for You.” The album won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and inspired the musical Bright Star. Their second album, SO FAMILIAR, is out now.