Featuring a Tony®-Nominated Score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star Transports Audiences to North Carolina's Mountains with Storytelling and Soul-Stirring Bluegrass Music.
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts invites audiences to experience Bright Star, a moving tale of love and redemption set in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1920s and 1940s. The critically acclaimed Broadway musical runs January 17 through February 1, 2025, at the Fullwood Theatre in downtown Matthews, and features a Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, blending bluegrass, folk, and Americana.
The production's toe-tapping melodies and masterful storytelling, inspired by true events, have captivated audiences around the country while earning praise from critics.
There will be a Pay What You Can Preview Performance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Net proceeds from this performance will go to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help with the long-term recovery for those imacted by Hurricane Helene. Seating is general admission and donations can be made at the door (suggested donation is $10).
Bright Star is directed by Paula Baldwin, a beloved figure in the Charlotte theatre community. Musical direction is provided by Ellen Robison, renowned by Matthews Playhouse audiences for her recent work on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Hello, Dolly!. Choreography is by Rachel Peterson, whose creative vision infuses energy and vitality into this heartfelt musical.
Meet the Bright Star Production Team
Paula Baldwin - Director
Paula Baldwin (Director) is happy to be directing again at Matthews Playhouse. Other MPH directing credits include "Scrooge! The Musical" (2023) and "Sister Act" (2022). Our patrons will also remember her recent appearances on stage as Edwina in "One Year to Die" and Frau Blucher in "Young Frankenstein", as well as Mrs. Peacock in "Clue" and Big Edie in "Grey Gardens". She is a familiar face to audiences in the Charlotte area, having performed in numerous productions at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Theatre
Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, CAST and CPCC Summer Theatre.Paula is a retired Theatre Arts Educator from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and has directed well over one hundred productions. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting/Directing from UNC-Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Catawba College where she is a member of the Blue Masque Hall of Fame.
Ellen Robison - Musical Director/Conductor/Piano
Ellen is a native of Indiana where she taught high school music before moving to
Wilmington, North Carolina to be on the music faculty at UNCW for 13 years, while
working on the TV shows: “Matlock,” “Dawson’s Creek” and the TV pilot, “Glory.”
She also music directed over 100 musicals for Opera House Theatre Company. Ordained in The United Methodist Church she has served at Myers Park UMC in Charlotte, The Riverside Church in NYC and currently, First UMC in Belmont, NC.
Over the last eighteen years she has enjoyed music directing at Central Piedmont Community College, Actor’s Theatre, Matthews Playhouse, and Theatre Charlotte, most recently Next to Normal.
Rachel Peterson - Choreographer
Rachel Peterson is very excited about her choreographic debut with Matthews Playhouse. Before obtaining her B.A. in Dance, she spent several summers with Matthews Playhouse in their triple threat program and loved it. Her experiences helped lead to her professional work as a dancer and singer with Carowinds and Sigmon Theatrical. Previous work includes: Hadestown with CSD, Hunchback of Notre Dame with Legacy Theater & Music Co., and Cinderella and South Pacific with The Dilworth Players. Upcoming, you can see her work in Cabaret with OCT. She wants to thank her family and friends and hopes you enjoy this beautiful show!
Madison Nivens - Stage Manager
Madison is extremely excited to be stage-managing one of her dream shows and working with some of her favorite people again! This is Maddie’s tenth show at Matthews Playhouse. Some shows she most fondly looks back on include Sister Act (where she met her girlfriend), Hello Dolly, and Young Frankenstein. Maddie is no stranger to community theatre in Charlotte and has worked on shows with CPCC, Davidson Community Players, and Theatre Charlotte. She would like to thank her family, friends, the "Matthews Playhome", Kitty, and Alexandra for always supporting her in her craft! @maddie.nivens
Ellamay Ulman - Assistant Stage Manager
Ellamay Ulman (Assistant/Deck Stage Manager) is so excited to be a part of her seventh Matthews Playhouse Mainstage production! Some of her recent work include Finding Nemo Jr, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, Beautiful:The Carole King Musical, and Gypsy! Her favorite things include reading, cross-stitching, working on puzzles, and napping. Ellamay will be attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in the fall to study stage management.
Meet the Cast of Bright Star
Hilary Powell - Alice Murphy
Hilary is thrilled to make her debut with Matthews Playhouse, having long admired their productions. Favorite roles include Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Cosette in Les Misérables, The Witch in Into The Woods, and Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon. While she loves performing, her true passion lies in directing. She most recently directed Death Takes a Holiday with Post Mortem Players, which garnered numerous MTA nominations and wins. When she's not on stage or behind the scenes, Hilary enjoys watching scary movies with her mom, spending time with her kittens, collecting macabre oddities, and visiting haunted attractions. She’d like to thank the entire creative team for their support, and her incredible castmates for being so welcoming! A special thank you to her friends and family for all their love. This one is for Dad.
Joshua Brand- Billy Cane
Joshua Brand (Billy Cane) is thrilled to be back on the Matthews Playhouse stage! He last appeared with MPH as Inspector Kemp (Young Frankenstein) over the summer, and he's honored to act here again. Other recent theatre credits include Charles Thomson (1776), Hector MacQueen (Murder on the Orient Express), and Crutchie (Newsies). When he's not performing, Joshua enjoys baking, painting miniatures, and writing stories for Dungeons and Dragons, as well as moonlighting as a cosplayer. Extra special thanks to his wife Emma, his friends Wesley and Cadie, his cat Mitty, and to his mother Martha, for making him a "curious lover of words". Thank you for supporting local theatre! Instagram: @josh.u.are
Nick Culp - Jimmy Ray Dobbs
Nick Culp (Jimmy Ray) is excited to be back for his second MPH show working with this fantastic company. You may or may not recognize him from his performance as Igor in last summer's "Young Frankenstein", which earned him a Metrolina Theatre Association award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. No stranger to "Bright Star", Nick played the same role in the Uwharrie Players' 2023 production. He has enjoyed returning to the world of Zebulon, as well as the challenge of revisiting this character and mining new layers worth exploring. Other regional credits include: Robby Hart in "The Wedding Singer" (Old Courthouse Theatre), Mark in "Rent" (Piedmont Players), Robert/Thomas Colleymoore in "The Play That Goes Wrong" (Lee St Theatre) and Rufus in "The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical" (Actor's Theatre of Charlotte). When he's not onstage, Nick works as a Senior Elections Specialist for the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Nick would like to thank the entire creative team for this opportunity and his family for their support. Insta: @NACulp
Darren Spencer- Mayor Josiah Dobbs
Darren Spencer (Mayor Josiah Dobbs) is thrilled to be making his MPH debut. Recent shows: Queen City Concerts - “Secret Garden” (Lt. Wright), “Merrily We Roll Along” (Ensemble/Mr. Spencer), “Ragtime” (Grandfather), “Titanic” (Henry Etches), Davidson Players - “Mary Poppins” (Mr. George Banks) and “9 To 5: The Musical” (Ensemble/Bob). Theatre Charlotte – “Drowsy Chaperone” (Underling), “Pippin” (King Charles Charlemagne), “Something Rotten” (Ensemble), and “Oz” (Guard/Henry). Little Theatrical - “Need a Little Christmas”. CPCC Summer Theatre - “Guys and Dolls” (Ensemble). Dynamic Ballroom – Performance Showcases. The Schroeder Studio – Performance Showcases. Thanks to Paula, Ellen, Maddie, Lindsey, Jon, Zach, Allison, Guy, Howard, Pam, Sheree, Christine, Billy, Lisa, Vicky, Matt, Adam, Colleen, Marcia, My JWU family, Shelby, my Dynamic Ballroom family, and God.
Gabriella Gonzalez- Margo
Gabriella Gonzalez (Margo) is SO excited to be back working with Matthews Playhouse on Bright Star. You may recognize her as “Inga” from last season's show- Young Frankenstein. Her favorite credits include originating Zeriuah in Sticks and Stones, The Witch in Into the Woods, and Veronica in Heathers. When she’s not on stage she’s making Sabrina Carpenters favorite beverage on a daily basis (get it…espresso…ha.) she would like to thank her incredible family for all of their love and support, shoutout to her little nephew who was just born and her big sister who watches over her. Thank you for coming to the show!
Robert Allen - Daryl
Robert Allen (Daryl) is excited to be back for his 2nd production at MPH. He holds a BA in Theatre from Greensboro College, where he mastered the fine art of dramatic flair. His previous credits include The Secret Garden with Queen City Concerts, Young Frankenstein with Matthew’s Playhouse, Love Sick with Three Bone Theatre and a staged reading of The Inheritance.
When not on stage, Rob can most likely be found at Paco's Tacos or sipping a cold brew while walking around Target. Much love to his family, his work wives and most importantly, Alex.
Hannah Daniels- Lucy Grant
Hannah Daniels (Lucy Grant) is thrilled to be part of her first production at Matthews Playhouse! Hannah received much of her training from Flat Rock Playhouse, where she fell in love with the magic of theatre. She now teaches theatre at Hough High School, where she hopes to pass on those same passions that her previous teachers shared with her. She also enjoys directing students during the Matthews Playhouse Summer Camps!
Hannah would like to thank her past and current students for supporting her, and the incredible cast and crew of Bright Star for being so welcoming and kind. Shine on! Instagram: @HDtheatrearts
Liz Waller- Mama Murphy
Liz Waller (Mama Murphy) is excited to be back on the stage at Matthews Playhouse! She was last seen there as Mrs. Mayor in “Seussical”. She has been seen on stages in and around Charlotte as Imogene in “Four Old Broads” (Lee Street Theatre), Vera in “Smoke on the Mountain” and Grace in “What I Did Last Summer” (Theatre Charlotte), The Narrator in “Joseph…” and Mrs. Paroo in “The Music Man” (Dilworth Players), Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast” and Fruma Sarah in “Fiddler on the Roof” (JStage) among other roles. Liz would like to thank her husband Mike and her three sons Sam, Toby and Andrew for all of their support and she dedicates this performance to the memory of Glynis Robbins. Instagram: @ewaller
John West- Daddy Murphy
John West (Daddy Murphy) returns to the Playhouse stage after having previously appeared as Bob Cratchit in the 2023 production of "Scrooge". As a long-time theatre volunteer John has also worked with Theatre Charlotte, CPCC Theatre and QC Concerts. Some favorite roles include the titular characters in "Pippin" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", Bob Wallace in "White Christmas", Vice Principal Panch in "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", John Dickinson in "1776" and Zangara in "Assassins". When not performing John likes to spend time with family and friends, visit breweries, play golf and enjoy his 18-month-old granddaughter Bella. John works as an application specialist in the Epic software for Atrium Health. Instagram: @johnwest9313
Todd Basinger- Daddy Cane
Todd Basinger (Daddy Cane) is a native of Stanly County and currently lives in Albemarle. He is very excited to be on the stage for the first time with Matthews Playhouse. His other credits include “Down to Earth” “Bright Star” “Southern Fried Nuptials” “The Addams Family Musical” and “Four Old Broads” (Uwharrie Players) and “Arsenic and Old Lace”(Old Courthouse Theater), just to name a few. He is excited to be working with these fantastic directors, cast, and crew. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Kristopher Loretz- Stanford
Kris Loretz (Stanford) is a true performer at heart, having been singing, acting, and dancing for most of his life. Some of his proudest accomplishments (besides his family) include touring Russia and Denmark in a cultural dance exchange, performing in the 1999 Outback Bowl halftime show, becoming a USGA certified gymnastics coach, studying opera, and owning a dance studio for ten years. Kris has previously been in “Sister Act”, “Oklahoma”, “Scrooge the Musical”, “Our Town”, and “The Odd Couple” at Matthews Playhouse, as well as performed Shakespeare, and held roles in “Cabaret”, “Chorus Line”, “Godspell”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Pippin”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Runaways”, “South Pacific”, “West Side Story”, “The Wiz” and many more at theaters throughout New England. Recently he’s also done voice-over work, including an upcoming Lego miniseries. His dream roles would be Pilot in “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” or Javert in “Les Miserables”. To unwind, Kris likes to work in his yard, go for a swim or take a drive with the top down. And of course, you could catch him at a local wine bar doing his live music “Ballads & Bourbon.” Instagram: @loretzkris
Ethan Odze- Max/Ensemble
Ethan Odze (Max/Ensemble) is excited to be part of his first production with Matthews Playhouse. Some of his other credits include “Disney’s Freaky Friday Musical”, “The Addams Family Musical”, “Silenced on Barbour Street”, “Queens”, “Puffs Two Act Play”, all with the Marvin Ridge High School and a concert performance of “Oleander Pier” with the Storefront Theater. When he is not on stage, he volunteers as a Blumenthal Junior Ambassador, plays club soccer, participates on the swim team and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He would like to thank his friends and family and the entire cast and crew of Bright Star, and he hopes the audience enjoys the show. Instagram: @ethan_odze
Kayley Carpenter - Florence/Ensemble
Kayley Carpenter (Florence/Ensemble) is returning to the stage after completing her law degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. A proud double Tar Heel, Kayley received her undergraduate degrees in Dramatic Art and Journalism in 2021. Kayley is excited for her debut performance with Matthews Playhouse. Her prior credits include Cumie Barrow in "Bonnie and Clyde;" the Baker’s Wife in "Into the Woods;" and Cecily Cardew in "The Importance of Being Ernest," among other productions. She also performed in the UNC Pauper Players Performance Troupe, a charity-driven musical theatre ensemble. Kayley has also dabbled behind the scenes, having assistant directed "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Bright Star" and directed "Sweet Charity" during her years at Carolina. Kayley now works as a public defender in Union County and a spin instructor at Cyclebar Matthews, bringing her stage presence to the courtroom and the spin studio. She would like to thank her friends, family, and colleagues for indulging her hectic schedule and encouraging her passions in all areas! @kayley_27
Corinn Hovis - Edna/Spirit/Ensemble
Corinn (Edna/Ensemble) is so excited to be making her Charlotte area theatre debut with Matthews Playhouse! Before moving to Charlotte in June of 2023, Corinn performed with multiple companies across south Louisiana at the community, regional, and professional level. Some credits include "Peter Pan" (Peter), "Hairspray" (Penny), "1776" (Samuel Chase) plus many others. Outside of performing, Corinn received her bachelors and masters in Social Work both from Louisiana State University and currently works as the Director of Workforce Development and Housing at Hope Haven. Corinn would like to thank her incredible support system she has here in Charlotte and back in Louisiana. She wouldn't be where she is without their love and guidance. Instagram: @_corinnhovis_
Rahman Williams- Dr. Norquist/Ensemble
Rahman Williams (Dr. Norquist/Ensemble) is thrilled to make his debut performance with Matthews Playhouse! Recently returning to his North Carolina roots after years in his "second home" of Chicagoland, Illinois, Rahman brings a variety of acting experience to the stage. His most recent role was Kevin in “Love/Sick” with Parker Players. Other notable performances include Philip and Thomas in the annual production of “Last Supper Chronicles” (Improv Playhouse), Clifford Lewis in “Daisy” (Village Theater Guild), and Juror No. 6 in “12 Angry Men” (Parker Players). Beyond the stage, Rahman co-starred as Jerry in the film “The Gray Girl” (Phobia Films) and honed his comedic chops performing with the house improv team at the Improv Playhouse. Rahman extends heartfelt thanks to the talented cast and crew for their dedication and hard work. He is especially grateful for the unwavering love and support of his wife Ebony, his cherished children, and his family and friends who inspire him every step of the way. Instagram: @RWilliamsOfTheArts
Erin Gambrel - Government Clerk/Ensemble
Erin Gambrel (Clerk/Ensemble) is excited to be in her 1st production with Matthews Playhouse. Her other credits include Ensemble in "It's a Wonderful Life" in Tennessee, and Olivia in "Twelfth Night" in Florida. When she’s not on the stage, Erin is a Toxicology Consultant and a lover of all things baking, arts, and crafts. She would like to thank her OG mamas (you know who you are), her kids, Elodie and Harrison, and her incredible husband for all of their support.
McKinley Marshall - Spirits/Ensemble
McKinley Marshall (Ensemble) is ecstatic to make her Matthews Playhouse debut in Bright Star! She is no stranger to the stage, having been performing for audiences since the age of 6. Her credits include: "Frozen" (Olaf - Showtime Theatre Company), "Footloose" (Ariel - Acting Out Studio), "Mean Girls" (Gretchen - Acting Out Studio), and many more! Outside of the theatre world, she enjoys writing, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. McKinley is immensely grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life and would like to thank her friends, family, and mentors for their unwavering support! Insta: @mckinleymrshll
Sarah Halsell- Spirits/Ensemble
Sarah Halsell (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of her first Matthews Playhouse show! She is originally from Bellingham, WA and has only been in the NC Theatre scene for about a year. Her theatre credits include “9 to 5”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, and a number of original musicals she got to be a part of in Washington and Florida. Her most recent introduction to the NC theatre scene was “Alice By Heart” (Legacy Theatre). When she is not singing and dancing you can typically find her at your local coffee shop making yummy lattes and baking up fresh baked goods! She also is the co-owner of a non-profit theatre company, Living Pages Theatre, in which the aim is to bring joy to the community around them with the power of the arts. She is so excited for this show and to get to help tell this beautiful story! @sweet_sarah_13
Sawyer Christian- Ensemble
Sawyer Christian is very blessed to be in the cast of Bright Star at Matthews Playhouse. Sawyer grew up in Charlotte and has loved participating in and watching the theatrical talent throughout our amazing city.
His wife and son (while not in this production) also perform with him on the stage. He is so blessed to have such a supportive family and looks forward to performing for you with this talented cast.
Brian Dedora- Ensemble
Brian is excited to be part of this production of "Bright Star". Coming off his performance in CPCC's "The Addams Family," and Matthews Playhouse's own "One Year to Die" before then, Brian has been booked and busy!
Aside from doing shows, Brian is a student at Central Piedmont and serves tables at The Office in Indian Land. Brian would like to encourage you to be a courteous seat neighbor, share the armrest, and, most importantly, enjoy the show. Brian also says, "Hey, mom!" Instagram: @b.dedora
Winston Sims- Ensemble
Winston Sims (Ensemble) is so excited to be performing in this bucket-list show. He has been fortunate enough to perform in TEN other MP musicals, including as the Cat in the Hat in "Seussical: The Musical" (twice!), the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz", Lord Farquaad in "Shrek: The Musical", Ali Hakim in "Oklahoma!", Hero in ".... Forum", and Lt. Cable in "South Pacific." He has a BFA in Theatre Education and an MEd in Theatre from UNC-Greensboro, and he is a National Board Certified Teacher. He has been the Theatre Arts teacher at Marvin Ridge High School since 2008 and is also an adjunct instructor at CPCC. He enjoys building with LEGO, baking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time with his family. A special thanks goes to his own "Bright Stars": Alex, Veda Grace and Elliott, for all their love and support! Instagram: @bricksnbettersleep
Performance Details:
Preview/Pay What You Can Performance: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Theatre lobby opens at 6:30 p.m. - doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Seating is general admission and limited to first come first serve.
Donations will be accepted at the door via cash or credit - the suggested donation is $10 per person, but any amount will be accepted.
Net proceeds will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Run Dates: January 17–February 1, 2025
Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours with intermission
Location: Fullwood Theatre 100 McDowell St, Matthews, NC
Show Sponsor: Alpha Graphics
Restaurant Partner: Cantina Louis in Matthews, NC
eep
Performance Details:
Preview/Pay What You Can Performance: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Theatre lobby opens at 6:30 p.m. - doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Seating is general admission and limited to first come first serve.
Donations will be accepted at the door via cash or credit - the suggested donation is $10 per person, but any amount will be accepted.
Net proceeds will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Run Dates: January 17–February 1, 2025
Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours with intermission
Location: Fullwood Theatre 100 McDowell St, Matthews, NC
Show Sponsor: Alpha Graphics
Restaurant Partner: Cantina Louis in Matthews, NC
sleep
Performance Details:
Preview/Pay What You Can Performance: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Theatre lobby opens at 6:30 p.m. - doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Seating is general admission and limited to first come first serve.
Donations will be accepted at the door via cash or credit - the suggested donation is $10 per person, but any amount will be accepted.
Net proceeds will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Run Dates: January 17–February 1, 2025
Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours with intermission
Location: Fullwood Theatre 100 McDowell St, Matthews, NC
Show Sponsor: Alpha Graphics
Restaurant Partner: Cantina Louis in Matthews, NC
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