The GhostLight Theater in the Benton Harbor Arts District is planning a busy Summer of varied productions. We get details in this update from GhostLight director Paul Mow:
‘Bright Star’ musical by Steve Martin/Edie Brickell kicks off GhostLight season
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s broadway musical “BRIGHT STAR” opens Thursday, June 13th and runs through Sunday June 23rd at The GhostLight Theatre. Directed by Artistic Director/General Manager Paul Mow with Choreography by Paige Mulick, BRIGHT STAR will mark the first musical production of the 2024 GhostLight Theatre season.
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.
Directed by Paul Mow with Choreography by Paige Mulick, this star-studded cast includes New York-based performer Kelly Collins as Alice, Wes Shenker as Billy Cane, and Landon Mitchell as Jimmy Ray. Also featured in the cast of Bright Star are Lane Alsup, Meggie Anderson, Daryl Collins, Sam Donoho, Taylor Fishman, Laura Gomez, Alyssa Hyska, Ella Harris, Abbi Kalin, Karlianne Loshbough, Sofia Pate, Zach Puplis, Doug Peterson, Eric Thiele, Kristen Wielenga, and Percy Wielenga. The live orchestra band includes Music Director Gabriel Palacios (Piano), Laura Chaddock (Fiddle/Mandolin), Dan Moser (Banjo), Ivan Torres (upright Bass), Glenn MacFarland (drums), Matt Lowe (Guitar), Burke Lokey (Viola) and Ryan Lokey (Cello). The crew includes Lindsay Gaspari (Asst. Director), Eni Buckhanan (Costume Design), Collin Wagner (Technical Design), Dan Williams and Dan Cooper (set design/build), Cindy Jakeway (Paint design), Curtis Munson (board operator), and Laura Gomez & Lauren Mow (properties).
In addition to Bright Star, the GhostLight Theatre summer slate includes their first-ever Young Adult production of the play She Kills Monsters (July 18th-21st ) as well as Stephen Schwartz’ classic dance musical Pippin (Aug. 8th-25th) directed and choreographed by Lari Lawrence-Gist, Director of Dance at The Citadel Dance and Music Center. In the midst of the summer, The GhostLight Theatre will also be celebrating it’s 5th year with a Gala Concert Event on Saturday, August 3rd at St. Joseph High School featuring a myriad of returning performers from all of their past productions including West Side Story, The Bridges of Madison County, The Light in the Piazza, The Sound of Music and more!
General Manager and Artistic Director Paul Mow says, “We couldn’t be more excited about our 5th anniversary season here at The GhostLight Theatre. These particular shows are sure to take our audiences on very different journeys this year and each of them will manage to challenge our hearts in one way or the other.”
Sponsors for BRIGHT STAR include Season Sponsors Chicago Records Management and On Base Productions as well as Show Sponsors Scott Berry Promotions, Greenbush Brewing Co., McGhee’s Heating & Air, Mead & White Electrical, and The Herald Palladium.
Tickets for all GhostLight Theatre productions are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for students (18 and under or with student ID). More information and tickets can be found at www.GhostLightBH.com.
NOTE: A limited number of VIP 2-person cabaret tables may be available for each performance and can be purchased as add-ons to tickets via GhostLightBH.com.
GhostLight Theatre 2024 Summer Dates and Details:
· June 13-23: “Bright Star” – directed by Paul Mow, choreography by Paige Mulick
· July 18 – 21: “She Kills Monsters” – a YA Production, directed by Lindsay Gaspari
· August 3rd : The GhostLight 5th Anniversary Gala Concert – St. Joseph High School Auditorium
· August 8 – 25: “Pippin”, directed & choreographed by Lari Lawrence-Gist.
