CLIFTON SPRINGS, NY — The Phelps-Clifton Springs Community Theatre is at it again this summer.
Now celebrating its 47th year, the community theater group is staging "Bright Star." Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. July 25 through July 27 and 2 p.m. July 28 in the air-conditioned Midlakes High School auditorium, 1554 Route 488, Clifton Springs.
What is 'Bright Star' about?
Transitioning between the 1920s and 1940s, this is a tale of love, loss and redemption. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she lost.
Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past and what she finds has the power to transform many lives.
Bright Star boasts music, lyrics and story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The bluegrass score includes “If You Knew My Story,” “Way Back in the Day,” “What Could Be Better” and the title tune. Staged in a theatrical way with the ensemble members not only being performers, but also set movers and even audience members at times, it is a show with much humor, but will be shocking and emotional at times, according to Phelps-Clifton Springs Community Theatre Artistic Director Keith E. Childs, who is directing the musical.
"Alice Murphy’s story is a reminder of a time not so long ago when women had few rights. However, Alice reminds us that hope, determination and love are powerful, even in the darkest of times," Childs stated. "The cast is very talented and hearing their rendition of the show’s captivating music awes me night after night.”
Who is involved in this Phelps-Clifton Springs Community Theatre production?
The cast is led by Rebekah Wachob of Bloomfield as Alice Murphy, Michael Witter of Newark as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, Noah Smith of Seneca Falls as Billy Cane, and Marie Fischer of Phelps as Margo Crawford.
Others in principal roles are Trevor Barcomb and Rayne Hammond-Benz of Clifton Springs, Hayley Briner traveling from Henerietta, Daniel Bish of Newark, Cris Brown of Canandaigua, Jeremy Cummings of Sodus, Ed Krenzer of Phelps and John Christensen of Penn Yan.
Ensemble members are Pip Brown, Jenavieve Brown, Julie Brown, Cassandra Brundage-Wray, Justin Herman, Dalanie Kolz, Michelle Lawson, Carter Maslyn, Carol Millis, Abigail Reagan, Melinda Rosini, Julianna Struzik, Brody Tanner and Cassie VanDamme.
Music director is Jennifer Cornwell. Childs and Stefan Uveges choreograph the show.
Behind the scenes, Charlie King serves as technical director and co-scenic designer with John George and Ross Gifford who is also designing the lights. Costume designers are Nancy Denisi, Susie Bonawitz and Carol Byron. Cris Brown is graphic designer.
The bluegrass orchestra includes Elizabeth Reikine on fiddle, Hannah Nyhan on double bass, John Record playing banjo and guitar, Bryce Norsen covering mandolin and guitar, Anthony Saracino on guitar, pianist Deacon George Bastedo, Nicholas DeMillo on keyboard and Joseph Janover covering percussion.
How to get tickets for 'Bright Star'
Presale tickets for "Bright Star" are $10 and can be purchased at Phelps Hometown Pharmacy, Flowers by Sandy in Clifton Springs, Rooted by Amberg in Geneva, Deb’s Craft and Things in Newark, Renaissance-The Goodie II Shoppe in Canandaigua and from cast members.
Tickets purchased at the door cost an additional $2. Tickets may also be purchased online at the presale rate, with no added fees, and picked up at the door by visiting the Phelps-Clifton Springs Community Theatre’s Facebook or Instagram page and following the link provided..
This production of Bright Star is made possible with funds from the Auburn Public Theatre Regrants program, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Auburn Public Theatre. The production is also made possible with a grant from the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation Part A.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Community theater readies for showtime in Clifton Springs. What's behind the curtain?
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