Digital Program: Bright Star
The Footlight Club Presents
Bright Star
Music, Book, and Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics, and Story by Edie Brickell
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Time: 1920’s & 1940’s
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
Bright Star runs for approximately 2 ½ hours. There will be a 15-minute intermission.
CONTENT WARNING: Themes of domestic violence, death, war, child abuse, and strong sexual content.
Written by Steve Martin (Yes, THAT Steve Martin) and Edie Brickell, Bright Star is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and travels imaginatively between the time periods of 1945 and 1923. Billy Cane, a young soldier just home from WWII, meets Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of The Asheville Southern Literary Journal. Together they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives. It’s a beautiful story of love lost and found set to incredible bluegrass music. Bright Star was nominated for Five Tony Awards, six Drama Desk awards and seven Outer Critics Circle Awards winning The Drama Desk Outstanding Music award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway musical and Outstanding New Score. You will walk out singing.
Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Information: 617-524-3200
The Footlight Club is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the state of Massachusetts administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Footlight Club is also supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events.
Our newly accessible Eliot Hall, completed in February 2022, is supported by grants from
the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation.
Director’s Note
Dear Audience member,
As we bring Bright Star to life on one of the oldest stages in America, we are bittersweetly reminded that its themes resonate deeply with our current world. At the heart of this show is a story of redemption and resilience, one that emphasizes the power of human connection and the pursuit of self-worth in a world that doesn’t always value everyone equally. Today, these themes feel especially poignant in the context of women’s rights and the challenges they continue to face in reclaiming autonomy over their bodies. Alice Murphy’s story of strength, sacrifice, and societal judgment echoes the ongoing fight for women’s reproductive rights, as well as society's tendency to prioritize male careers and ambitions over the lived experiences and well-being of women. The way Alice's past is swept aside in favor of protecting a man’s future reflects the same biases we saw in the Brock Turner case, where his career was placed above the survivor’s pain. This is a stark reminder that while we’ve made progress, there’s still much work to be done in achieving true equality.
One of the many reasons I was drawn to this production is the music. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell have created a score that feels like its own character—alive, dynamic, and as much a part of the storytelling as the dialogue itself. The bluegrass and folk influences serve not only as a reflection of the setting but also as a powerful vehicle for emotion, seamlessly intertwining with the characters’ journeys. For me, this music carries the soul of the show, capturing the complexity of grief, love, hope, and triumph in ways words alone cannot.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Lori Shaer, our extraordinary producer, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this production to fruition. I am also immensely thankful to the Footlight Club’s board and staff for welcoming me into this collaborative process. It has been an honor to work with such a talented and passionate team, and there is something truly magical about sharing this story with you on this historic stage. A special thank you to my Assistant Director, Katra and to our wonderful Stage Managers, Charlie and Caitlin, for keeping us all grounded and organized through this process. Your hard work has been invaluable, and I am so grateful to have you all by my side.
In telling this story, it was essential that we not lose sight of the hope that shines through even in the darkest moments. Though Bright Star carries deep sorrow, it also offers moments of light, joy, and humor, reminding us to savor those bright spots in life. It is these moments that make the journey worthwhile, and we hope you leave the theatre carrying a piece of that hope with you.
Enjoy the show!
Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
(Director and choreographer of Bright Star)
Dramaturgy
By Evan Sneider and Katra Laidlaw
How did Steve Martin and Edie Brickell start working together?
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell first met at a party. Steve told her that he had a banjo melody without words to it. Edie said she would be very happy to write the lyrics. Steve sent her the banjo melody that would become the song “Sun’s Gonna Shine” in Bright Star. They wrote and recorded two albums together and they won a Grammy for their music. It was three years before Bright Star made it to Broadway and then they earned five nominations at the 2016 Tony Awards.
What inspired the creation of Bright Star?
Much like the banjo melody that eventually became “Sun’s Gonna Shine” the seeds that would become Bright Star were sown from the very beginning. When writing a song for their first album, Edie was looking for the name of a train and came across the true story of “The Iron Mountain Baby.” So moved by the true story of that baby, that spark became “...essentially a whim that expanded into eight years of our lives,” Martin shared.
What is the story of the Iron Mountain Baby?
**Spoiler alert**
“The Iron Mountain Baby” pulled on the heartstrings of the people across the nation when the story was first published in newspapers in 1902. As the story goes, William Helms, a 72-year-old farmer living just north of the Big River near Irondale, MO was finishing up building a log barn in the early evening on August 14, 1902. Needing a piece of timber for the roof he wandered down to the river. As he stood on the edge of the gully overlooking the river, he recalled:
I heard a small, fine noise like mice make. I looked down at the ground expecting to see a mother field mouse in trouble, for the sound seemed to come from under my feet. But I could see no signs of mice and I looked up at the telegraph wires thinking perhaps it was a bird. As my eyes fell to the ground again they swept the cut on the edge of which I was standing and on the other side I saw a small telescope valise [suitcase]…I picked up the valise and carried it to the top of the bank. There I opened it, and inside was a baby.
Where the baby in the suitcase originally came from remains unclear to this day, but the most likely source was the No. 4 train on route to St. Louis that had passed over the river only five minutes before William Helms arrived. Moreover, the valise in which the baby was placed had a “deep and ragged dent where it had struck the rocky wall, and one end was ripped open. It had been tossed along the wall of the cut more than twenty feet, and how it even escaped going under the wheels of the train is one of the mysteries of Providence.” The infant was wrapped tightly in clothes that were hand-sewn and well-made along with a spool of black thread, further deepening the mystery of the baby’s origins. Helms rushed the baby home to his wife and daughter who nursed the six-pound, five-day-old baby back to health.
Once word of the baby got out, several came to claim the baby as their own. However in caring for the baby, Mrs. Helms had become “attached to it almost as if it were her own child.” They named him William, after his adopted dad who found him, Moses because he was found at the water’s edge, and Gould after the president of the Iron Mountain Railroad, Jay Gould. Willam Moses Gould went on to study the printing trade in college and his studies were paid for by the Iron Mountain Railroad. He never came to find out who his biological parents were. Upon his death in 1953 his body was transported back to Hopewell for burial, crossing over the same tracks he had been thrown from 51 years before.
What would life have been like for Alice, a sixteen-year-old living in rural North Carolina in 1923?
The turn of the 19th to the 20th century was marked by pivotal inventions such as the telephone, gas-powered cars, and the radio. In 1870, a distance of 10 miles was a considerable distance to travel and staying in touch with loved ones living far away relied on written letters. Within the span of 60 years, all this would change. People gained the ability to speak with others in real time despite the distance that separated them and traveling across states became commonplace. However those living in rural areas largely did not have those life-changing amenities. By 1935 only 3 percent of North Carolina farmers had access to electricity.
In addition to being limited by the remoteness of her small town, Alice would have pushed up against the constraints on women in the 20th century. As of 1900, women were allowed to keep their own wages and own property in their name, however the financial freedom of women remained restricted throughout most of the twentieth century. Though the number of women employed in the US grew from 2.6 million to 7.8 million between 1880 and 1910 the vast majority of well-paid positions were held by men. Contraceptive devices were widely available at pharmacies and dry-goods stores in the 1870s, however the passage of “The Comstock Act” in 1873 prohibited the distribution, sale, mail or even possession of “obscene” materials such as contraception. At the time, the US was the only western nation to criminalize family planning. The Comstock Act remained in place until 1972 when the Supreme Court ruled that women had the right to receive contraception from their doctors - 99 years after the passage of the Comstock Act. After a century of protest, women earned the right to vote in 1920, and by 1923 the first version of an Equal Rights Amendment was introduced. For someone ambitious, wild, and free, like Alice, these advancements and setbacks would have dramatically shaped the opportunities available to her and her sense of what was possible.
Scenes/Songs List
ACT ONE
If You Knew My Story
She's Gone
Bright Star
Way Back In The Day
Whoa Mama
Firmer Hand Do Right
A Man's Gotta Do
Asheville
What Could Be Better?
I Can't Wait
Please Don't Take Him
A Man's Gotta Do (Reprise)
ACT TWO
Entr'acte
Sun Is Gonna Shine
Heartbreaker
Another Round
I Had A Vision
Always Will
So Familiar
At Long Last
Fina
Cast
Alice Murphy: Perry Albert
Jimmy Ray Dobbs: Koda Mehalba
Billy Cane: Conor Long
Margot Crawford/Ensemble: Morgan Kaplan
Daddy Cane: Ian Flynn
Mayor Dobbs: Brian Bakofen
Daddy Murphy: Kenny Kelleher
Mamma Murphy: Jamie Cook
Daryl Ames/Ensemble: Justin Callanan
Lucy Grant/Ensemble: Rebecca Tobin
Stanford Adams/Ensemble: Gina Pasciuto
Florence/Ensemble (Alice u/s): Sophia Samaha
Edna/”Well Dressed Woman”/Ensemble: Juliette McClendon
Max/Ensemble: Ryder Nguyen
Dr. Norquist/Station Master/Ensemble (Billy u/s): Addie Pates
Female Swing: Brenny O’Brien
Male Swing: Peter Daly
Production Team
Director/Choreographer: Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
Music Director: Bethany Aiken
Producer: Lori Shaer
Stage Manager: Charles Waite Clay
Assistant Director: Katra Laidlaw
Assistant Choreographer: Lexi Feldman
Assistant Producer: Isabel Spitalney
Assistant Stage Manager: Caitlin Faria
Technical Director: Paul O’Shaughnessy
Set Designers: Michael Wagner & Hannah Friedman
Master Carpenter: Matt McArthur
Set Dressing: Samantha Moon
Lighting Designer: Oakley Walker
Sound Designer: Mike McHugh
Props Designer: Lisa Andrews
Costume Designer: Maria-Renee Herman
Hair & Makeup Designer: Cara Guappone
Hair & Makeup Assistant: Lizet Medina
Production Advisor: Kathleen Comber
Production Assistant: Julia Silverman
Band
Piano/Conductor: Bethany Aiken
Banjo/Guitar: Chris Felknor
Guitars/Mandolin: Robert Draper
Concertmaster/Fiddle/Violin: Caroline Leguía
Viola/Violin: Chris Evenstar Brainard
Cello: Leina Xu
Bass: Rusty Chandler
Drums/Percussion: Laura Jordan (first two weekends) & Sam LaGrego (closing weekend)
Set Construction Crew
Drew Moss, Mellissa Mann, Kate Hutchinson, Sophie Dulberg, James Garcia, Liz Bean, Brandon Hung, Jeffrey Snyder, Riya Patel, David Green, Sonia Lee, Mel Cave, Zach Best, Carol Kemp, Justin Callanan, Caitlin Enright, Ryder Nguyen, Julia Silverman, Ben Wong, Theo Hutchinson, Meredith Patrell-Fazio, C. Mark Three Stars
Special Thanks
Katie Swimm, Kathleen Castellanos, Kara Chu Nelson, Melissa Paz, David Alger, Sherilyn Levy, Judy Maggs, Sam Schneider, Rachel Veto, Meredith Weaver, Val Tracy, Liz Bean, Michael Colford, Amanda Bovoso, Alicia Powell, Brian Crete, Jason Dawson, Lena Getsios, Gary Silver, Lydia Ahn
Cast and Crew Biographies
Bethany Aiken (she/her) – Music Director
Bethany Aiken is a Boston-based pianist, composer, and teaching artist who has served as music director for more than 100 productions. Previous Footlight credits include A Man of No Importance, The Sound of Music, Seussical, and Willy Wonka. Bethany has also worked as a music director and/or pianist with Weston Drama Workshop, Greater Boston Stage, Lyric Stage, A.R.T., Hub Theater Company, UMass Boston, Northeastern University, and the Big Apple Circus, as well as four seasons at New Hampshire’s Weathervane Theatre, where she also created original scores for Little Red and the Wolf, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Wizard of Magic Island. She is a staff collaborative pianist at Boston Conservatory and a proud member of the NOMTI Advanced Writers Lab.
Perry Albert (she/her) – Alice Murphy
Perry Albert holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College (2011) and a Master's in Theatre Education (2024) from Emerson College. She has continued her musical endeavors as a performer and voice teacher in the MetroWest region. She is grateful to be back on the Footlight Club's stage in her first production since the pandemic. Most 'recent' roles have included Sally Bowles in Cabaret at FLC, and Martha in The Secret Garden at the Concord Players. Special thanks go to: her wonderfully talented cast and crew mates; her amazing big sis Lindsay, Juan Carlos, & the girls for letting her crash at their place after late-night rehearsals; her wonderful vocal coach Victor who reminded her how to breathe; and her incredible husband Michael who has driven her far and wide to rehearsals (and listened to her incessant practicing...love you, Mike).
Lisa Andrews (she/her) – Props Designer
Lisa Andrews joins the team for her second Footlight Club production, after doing set decoration for Out of Sight...Out of Murder earlier this season. As a long-time JP resident, she is delighted to be contributing behind the scenes at this cherished local institution. A graphic designer by day, Lisa studied filmmaking in college and is enjoying revisiting her love of visual storytelling. Thank you to the talented production team and to friends and family for their support.
Brian Bakofen (he/him) – Mayor Dobbs/Artistic Planning Director
Brian returns to the Footlight stage with Bright Star. His many performances on our stage include Tuck, Everlasting (Man in Yellow) A Man of No Importance (Baldy/Wilde), The Wild Party (Eddie), Peter and the Starcatcher (Slank), Seussical (Bass Wickersham), and The Music Man (Quartet), to name a few. He has also co-produced a somewhat-annual 7A show (Cabar7A), including a virtual show during the pandemic, and works at the Footlight behind the scenes to help keep our little theater running, currently on the Board of Directors. He recently produced Stepping Out at The Footlight Club as well. He has performed with other companies around Boston, including Curtain Call (Forever Plaid), Fiddlehead (JCS and The Wiz), Moonbox (Company), and Concord Players (Secret Garden, The Scarlet Pimpernel). He is happy to be exploring the 'bad guy" role once again!
Edie Brickell – Music, Lyrics & Story
Edie Brickell released the debut multiplatinum 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.
Justin Callahan (he/him) – Daryl Ames/Ensemble
Charles Waite Clay (he/him) – Stage Manager
Charles has traveled far and wide to pursue his passion for technical theater. After studying both Stage Management and Technical Theater at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Charles returned to Boston where he has stage managed several productions for North Shore Community College, as well as Apollinaire Theater Company, The Longwood Players, North End Music and Performing Arts Center, White Snake Projects, TCGT Entertainment, and much more. In his spare time Charles pursues a History degree at Harvard College and is an occasional lighting designer. On a personal note, he dedicates his theater career to his late grandfather.
Kathleen Comber (she/her) – Production Advisor
Kathleen is a long-time member and former Board of Directors member of The Footlight Club. Previous Footlight Club acting credits include Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting, Ms. Fleming in Heathers: The Musical, Meredith Parker in Bat Boy: The Musical, Seasons of Love Soloist in RENT, and Ensemble in Parade. Kathleen has also served as a producer for Our Town and The Doll's House and as an assistant stage manager for Big: The Musical at FLC. Additional acting credits include Nancy in Oliver! (Massasoit), Jo March in Little Women (Hingham Civic), Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (Vokes), and Alison Bechdel in Fun Home (Vokes). In life, Kathleen works as the Department Administrator for The Center for Public Service & Engaged Scholarship at Harvard University. Thank you to the Bright Star cast and crew for welcoming me onto this project and for their collaboration. Thank you to her wife, Ginny, family, and friends for all their love and support.
Jamie Cook (she/her) – Mama Murphy
Jamie is thrilled to be making her debut with the Footlight Club! Jamie has recently appeared as Bea in Something Rotten with Theatre III (DASH nomination) and as Kate Murphy/Eleanor Widener in Titanic with the Concord Players. When not on stage herself, Jamie has been the Hair and Makeup designer for several other theaters. Most recently she worked on the DASH nominated The Play That Goes Wrong with the Concord Players and Silent Sky/Something Rotten with Theatre III. Jamie is also the Choreographer and Hair and Makeup Designer for Burlington High School. Next up for Jamie: Choreographing Urinetown and Directing/Choreographing Songs For A New World with the Concord Players. Love to her friends and family as always and thank you to The Footlight Club for welcoming her into their family!
Peter Daly (he/him) – Male Swing
Peter Daly is thrilled to be returning to theatre after a four year hiatus. This is his first production at the Footlight Club and he couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew to work on this incredible show with. He was most recently seen as Egeus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the University of New Hampshire in 2020, and as one of the Seasons of Love Soloists in RENT School Edition at the Un-Common Theatre Company before that. In high school, he was a part of productions such as Footloose, Grease, Legally Blonde, and Into the Woods with Theatre 370. When not on stage, he enjoys crocheting, reading, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Caitlin Faria (she/her) – Assistant Stage Manager
Caitlin is happy to be a part of the team bringing Bright Star to the Footlight Club stage. Her other credits include The Secretary (assistant director) and The Wolves (props/costume designer) at Hovey Players in Waltham, Massachusetts and FLC's Tuck Everlasting (props designer). She works as a writer for WHDH 7News Boston for their morning show Today in New England. Caitlin would like to thank everyone in the cast and crew for their hard work and all of her loved ones for supporting her.
Lexi Feldman (she/her) – Assistant Choreographer
Lexi is thrilled to return to the Footlight Club this season as Assistant Choreographer for the first time! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Lexi has experience both on and off the stage, from performing to choreographing to stage managing. After graduating in 2023 with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs with a Spanish minor from Northeastern University, Lexi is beyond ecstatic to find herself back in a theater. She currently works at the Community Music Center of Boston as the Development & Events Coordinator. Thanks to Ilana and the rest of the FLC for encouraging growth and new experiences!
Ian Flynn (he/him) – Daddy Cane
Ian Flynn is thrilled to be returning to the Footlight Club, where he was last seen in A Man of No Importance as well as Peter and the Starcatcher, Fiddler on the Roof, Spamalot, The Full Monty, Violet, and Ragtime. Other area credits include The Drowsy Chaperon, Twelfth Night, and A Little Night Music (Arlington Friends of the Drama), Pirates of Penzance, Urinetown, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, She Loves Me, and A New Brain (Longwood Players) and Assassins and Into the Woods (F.U.D.G.E Theatre). Ian earned his BFA and MA in performing arts from Emerson College, where he currently works as a Financial Aid Administrator.
Hannah Friedman (she/her) – Scenic Designer
Hannah is excited to be doing scenic design again after a number of years, and even more excited for everyone to get to see this wonderful show! This is her first production role at the Footlight after previously working on the set crew for Tuck Everlasting and Out of Sight, Out of Murder. A huge thank you to the many, many people who volunteered their time to create the set you see before you, the entire cast, crew, and FLC board, and a special thank you to Michael for being the best co-designer she could ask for.
Cara Guappone (she/her) – Hair & Makeup Designer
Cara Guappone is an actor and designer specializing in hair, makeup & wig design. Notable design credits include The Umbrella Stage Company: Hedwig & the Angry Inch; Sullivan Rep: Steel Pier; Pentucket Players: Sunday in the Park with George (DASH Award), Cabaret (DASH Nominee); Colonial Chorus Players: Into the Woods (DASH Nominee); The Footlight Club: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Dash Nominee), The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Relations, Heathers (DASH Nominee). She is proud to have worked and performed at The Footlight Club for over 10 years, playing Emily Webb in Our Town, Heather McNamara in Heathers The Musical, Liesl in The Sound of Music, a Laker Girl in Spamalot, Sally Brown in the 7A production of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and set designing Peter and the Starcatcher - facebook.com/WigsByCara
Maria-Renee Herman (she/her) – Costume Designer
Maria-Renee Herman is a technical theater design major with a concentration in costume design at Emerson College. She is treasurer of their Christian club and works within the college’s costume shop. Born and raised in San Diego, California, her love of costume design began in high school when she designed outfits for the Helix Highland Players productions of Rent (Helix Charter High School, 2023) and Metamorphosis (Helix Charter High School, 2023). Her more recent projects include: Bat Boy (EmStage 2023), Second Star the Right (EmStage 2023), Almost, Maine (Kidding Around, 2024), On: Being Pluto (EIV productions, 2024), Rabbit Hole (BlueJay Theater, 2024). She would like to thank her family for giving her the opportunity to be in Boston costume designing!
Morgan Kaplan (she/her) – Margo Crawford/Ensemble
Morgan is brand new to the Boston area and is overjoyed to be making her Footlight Club debut! This is Morgan’s first time performing in the theater since 2020. Previous credits include Feste in Twelfth Night and Helen Hobart in Once in a Lifetime. She was the Musical Director for 58 Greene, an ICCA semi-finalist a cappella group at the University of Michigan (think Pitch Perfect). She could not have done this without the support of her friends and family and the kind-hearted members of this cast who welcomed Morgan to Boston and the Footlight Club with open arms! All credit is due to Angeli and Bari for lovingly forcing her out of her comfort zone and back into the bright stage lights, SMACKL for giving her the confidence to try, and her family for supporting her through this (and every) adventure.
Kenny Kelleher (he/him) – Daddy Murphy
Kenny is very happy to be performing in his first show here at FLC. He’s a born and bred Masshole who has lived and performed from Boston to Los Angeles in theater and television over the last 20 years. He’s embracing playing a character named Daddy…it was bound to happen at some point. Thanks to the whole cast & crew for making this such a great time. Much love to his family as always…especially you Mom. Enjoy the show!
Katra Laidlaw (they/them) – Assistant Director
As a recent Jamaica Plain transplant, Katra is elated to be involved with a cornerstone of the JP community, The Footlight Club! Katra spent the majority of their childhood in Durham, North Carolina, so working on Bright Star has really brought back some early memories. In addition to theatre, Katra has a passion for animals and the natural world, and enjoys spending as much time as possible outside.Thank you Ilana, for your kind mentorship and support during this process, and thank you to all the wonderful cast and production team members for making this experience a memorable one! It has truly been an honor working with you all.
Conor Long (he/him) – Billy Cane
Conor is thrilled to be making his debut at the Footlight Club in Bright Star! Conor is currently finishing his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emerson College, studying Creative Writing and specializing in Playwriting. While studying at Emerson, he is also very active with their student theatre organizations, performing in shows such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(Panch) and Ghost Quartet(Brent). Alongside working on stage, he's performed on screen in student films such as Sir Augustus: Man of Men(Sir Augustus), Fast Food Frenzy(Beefer The Burger), Hell Inc.(God), and Little Dog(The Bull). He is currently beginning to pitch new works to local playhouses in anticipation of staging his work post-grad. A massive thank you to friends and family for their unwavering support!
Steve Martin – Music, Book & Story
Stephen Martin 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.
Matt McArthur – Master Carpenter
Matt McArthur's Grandpa was a carpenter. (he shaved even every door!) He's been tinkering from a very young age: building sets and occasionally singing in the high school musical, stage magic, taking the lawnmower apart. Originally a piano player singer-songwriter, he came to Boston to study music and ended up building and operating more than 50,000 square feet of affordable recording and rehearsal space for local musicians. He's grateful for the fun volunteering at The Footlight has offered and proud to have lent both hands (and a screw gun!) to help bring the cast and crew's vision for tonight's sets to life!
Juliette McClendon (they/them) – Edna/”Well-Dressed Woman”/Ensemble
Juliette McClendon is excited to take the stage for their fourth show at the Footlight Club! Juliette previously performed in Out of Sight...Out of Murder (Minna), Sweat (Cynthia), and A Man of No Importance (Ms. Crowe) at the Footlight. Juliette serves on the Board of Directors at the Footlight Club as the Promotions Director. Juliette is thrilled to be a part of this beautiful and powerful production of Bright Star. They would like to give a shoutout to their wife, Lizet, for holding down the fort on long rehearsal nights.
Mike McHugh (he/him) – Sound Designer
This is Mike's third show at the Footlight Club after designing sound for Miss Holmes and A Man Of No Importance. Mike is a newcomer to the world of theater, but has a background as a performing musician, has had a decade-plus professional career in the audio industry, and is an occasional mobile DJ. A big thanks goes out to the staff and community around FLC for being so welcoming, and specifically to Chris Brousseau for his tutelage.
Matt McKee (he/him) - Poster Photography
Matt is proud to have been collaborating with the enthusiastic and creative members of the Footlight Club for the past two decades, creating photography and photo illustrations for over 75 posters. Bright Star represented an opportunity to help brand the Director’s vision for the production and work with the fantastic talents of the actors and production team. During the day, Matt can be found creating photography for a wide variety of marketers, manufacturers and industries in the Greater Boston area (samples at mckeephotography.com).
Koda Mehalba (he/him) – Jimmy Ray Dobbs
Koda Mehalba is beyond grateful for his Footlight Club debut telling this beautiful story! He’s been in the world of Legally Blonde for the last 8 months, playing Emmett Forrest (Stage 284), and Ensemble/Carlos/Padamadan (Prescott Park). Other credits include “Adam” from Mad Ones (Jonesing for Theater), “Michael” from Be More Chill (Cue Zero Theatre), for which he was graciously awarded Outstanding Actor in a Community Production of a Musical by the New Hampshire theater awards! “Grover/Mr.D” from Lightning Thief (Firehouse Center for the Arts), and “Gabe” from Next to Normal (FCA). Koda sends giant hugs to his family, friends (lil stinkas), and cat (Kanga) for being so supportive. MASSIVE thanks to the whole team, cast, and crew here at the Footlight Club for being so warm, welcoming and professional. It has been a pleasure to work and grow with this special group. Thank YOU for coming!
Samantha Moon (she/her) – Set Dressing Designer
Sam couldn't be more excited to join the crew of this wonderful production of Bright Star and to have the opportunity to switch hats to be behind the scenes instead of on the stage. You may recognize her from past productions at the Footlight Club such as playing Elizabeth Jelkes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dorothy Watson in Miss Holmes and Nora Helmer in The Doll's House as well as in 7A Series productions. She hopes you enjoy this dazzling production and thanks you for supporting community theater!
Ryder Nguyen (he/him) – Max/Ensemble
Ryder is excited to make his return to the Footlight stage in this wonderful production of Bright Star. Favorite credits include Xanadu (Urania), Boeing-Boeing (Robert), West Side Story (Baby John), Tick, Tick… Boom! (Michael). He wants to firstly thank the production team for their understanding and support throughout this whole process. Thank you to all who come and support his love for theater and his overall shenanigans.
Brenny O'Brien (she/her) – Female Swing/Dance Captain
Brenny O'Brien is a senior theatre major at Boston Arts Academy. This is Brenny’s Footlight Club Debut! Boston credits include Moonbox Productions: Mermaid Hour (Violet Bardisa-Nickerson), Wheelock Family Theatre @BU: James and the Giant Peach (James), Huntington Theatre Company: Merrily We Roll Along (Frank Jr; IRNE Nomination for Promising Young Performer), SpeakEasy Stage Company: appropriate (Ainsley), Commonwealth Shakespeare Company: Richard III (Prince Richard) and South Boston Theatre Works: Steel Magnolias (Truvy Jones). BAA productions include You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally Brown), Wedding Band (Herman’s Mother), Sense and Sensibility (Mrs.Jennings), and Shrek the Musical (Ensemble/Swing). @brenny.obrien
Paul O'Shaugnessy (he/him) - Technical Director
Paul wandered into the Footlight Club 36 years ago and is a longtime member of the technical team, serving (again) as Technical Director. He’s thrilled with theater’s continuing rebound and restorations. He has designed lighting for Pippin, Our Town (DASH nominee), Spamalot, Wait Until Dark, Hair (DASH nominee), Psycho Beach Party, Gypsy, The Wild Party and others. Paul has appeared onstage at Footlight in Big (twice), The Sound of Music, The Lion in Winter, The Rocky Horror Show, Lend Me a Tenor, No Exit, Cabaret, The Crucible and others. Paul also appeared in last December’s Boston Tea Party re-enactment, and as a British officer in his hometown of Lexington on Patriot’s Day each April.
Gina Pasciuto (they/them) – Stanford Adams/Ensemble
Gina Pasciuto is a Boston-based actor and combat choreographer. This is their third show at the Footlight Club- they previously appeared in the ensemble of Tuck Everlasting and won an EMACT-DASH award as part of the cast of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When not on stage, Gina can usually be found reading, embroidering, or fighting with the MBTA (unfortunately, the MBTA usually wins).
Addie Pates (he & she) – Dr. Nordquist/Station Master/Ensemble (Billy Understudy)
Addie Pates is pleased to be back onstage with her Footlight friends, having previously appeared in Legally Blonde, Heathers, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Recent credits include Buckingham (Richard III, DRP), Will Scarlett (Marian, T@F), Swing (T: An MBTA Musical), and Jeremy (Be More Chill, CZT). When he’s not acting, you can find him making props, building sets, or running around backstage. Enjoy the show!
Sophia Samaha (she/her) – Florence/Ensemble (Alice Understudy)
Sophia is excited to return to the stage for the first time since college, and for her Footlight Club debut. Favorite past musical credits include Clopin (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Marta (Company), and Meg (Little Women). She has also enjoyed music directing (Into the Woods) and participating in numerous pit orchestras as a violinist (Cabaret, Jane Eyre, Fugitive Songs, Natasha…Great Comet of 1812). When not onstage, Sophia can be found down the street at the Arnold Arboretum working with plants. She would like to thank Wolf Performing Arts Center and NU Stage Musical Theater Company for inspiring a love of theater, and the cast and crew of Bright Star for making this show a blast!
Lori Shaer (she/her) – Producer
Lori is grateful for the opportunity to produce once again after a hiatus from her career as a producer in children’s television in New York. She is excited to have a role behind the scenes after years as an audience member at Footlight. She has great appreciation and respect for the talented team connected to this production - the cast, the designers, the crew, and the Board of Footlight. Thank you to The Footlight Club and Val for warmly welcoming me into the community, Isabel for your positive attitude and support, and Kathleen for sharing your knowledge. Thank you to Ilana, Bethany, Katra, and Charlie for your collaboration and vision. Special thanks to Jon for your support during this busy period. And thank you to all my friends and audience members for showing up to see this beautiful show, at a theater with a rich past and a bright future!
Julia Silverman – Production Assistant
Evan Sneider (he/him) – Dramaturg
It is my first experience as a Dramaturg, and it is a lot of fun. I have done more than 20 theatrical productions. Some of my favorite shows are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Gypsy and Into the Woods. It has been an honor working with talented people and for the wonderful opportunities. I hope to pursue an acting career. I have done a couple of dance classes in Jazz and Tap. I hope for other opportunities to get involved at The Footlight Club.
Isabel Spitalney (she/her) – Assistant Producer
Isabel is thrilled to join the Bright Star team for her first show at the Footlight Club! While new to the production side of theater, Isabel has a background in music theater as a pit musician (and occasional orchestrator and music director). Outside the theater, Isabel can be found either songwriting indoors or teaching outdoors as a nature-based early childhood educator! Isabel's connection to Bright Star goes back to her college days, where she played guitar and banjo in a production of the show. She's grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this beloved musical in a new capacity. Isabel would like to extend a special thank you to Producer Extraordinaire, Lori Shaer, for her positivity, hard work, and valuable guidance throughout this process.
Rebecca Tobin (she/her) – Lucy Grant/Ensemble
Rebecca is excited for her Footlight Club debut! She is currently a Musical Theater major at Emerson college. Some of her regional theatre credits include Spring Awakening (Wendla) with Madison Lyric Stage; Heathers (Veronica) and Spelling Bee (Olive) with Distance Theater; Footloose (Ariel) with the Whitney Players Theater Company; and Pippin (Catherine) with Paperhouse Productions. Her most recent production at Emerson College was Second Star to the Right (Scorpia). Becca would like to thank her incredible friends, family, boyfriend, and dogs -of course- for their constant support and love. She wouldn’t be where she is without them. She can’t wait for you to see the work that this incredible cast, crew, and production team created!
Ilana Ransom Toeplitz (she/her) – Director/Choreographer
Thank you to everyone for making her FLC debut so special! Broadway: The Prom (AD: 2018, Tony Nomination), Violet (AD; 2014, Tony Nomination - starring Sutton Foster). Lincoln Center: Crazy For You 25th Anniversary (2017). Associate Director: A Christmas Story! (1st National Tour), Dirty Dancing (Tour), Sondheim on Sondheim, Modern Masters! & Ragtime (all w/Boston Pops). Favorite NYC & Regional Credits: Reefer Madness (director, feat. Alan Cumming), Chicago (Dir/choreo), The Drowsy Chaperone (Dir/choreo), Rocky Horror Show (Dir/choreo), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Choreo), Cabaret (Director), Bat Boy (Director, inc. a revised reading with Laurence O’Keefe), Little Shop of Horrors (Director - upcoming: Greater Boston Stage Co). World premiere direction with: Drama League, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, NYMF, Keen Company & world premiere of Drew Gasparini’s We Aren’t Kids Anymore. Ilana lives in Rozzie now but is a proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, the 2018 SDC Foundation Mike Ockrent Fellow, a Drama League Directors Project Alum, and an assistant professor of Musical Theatre at Emerson College. Insta: @IlanaRansom, www.IlanaDirects.com
Michael Wagner (he/him) – Scenic Designer
Michael Wagner has had an amazing time co-scenic designing for Bright Star! This is his first production at The Footlight Club, after moving to Boston from the Hudson Valley, NY, in 2022. In the Hudson Valley he assistant directed and scenic designed Rumors!, has performed with Rhinebeck Theatre Society as Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, as well as performing in New Deal Creative Arts Center's Hell is Empty. At Carnegie Mellon University, he was Vice President of Scotch'n'Soda Theatre where he co-directed Young Frankenstein: The New Mel Brooks Musical, as well as building sets for The House of Yes, The Outsiders, and The Motherf*cker with the Hat. Thanks so much to my family, my theatre friends, our fantastic set builders, and mostly to my wonderful roommate Hannah.
Oakley Walker (they/them) – Lighting Designer
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Bean, Michael Colford, Zach Best, Rob Guptill, Brian Bakofen, Anne Hoppe, Jerry Wheelock, Jude Torres, Rachel Veto, Val Tracy, Meredith Weaver, Lorie Komlyn, Juliette McClendon, Paul O’Shaughnessy, Amanda Bovoso, Ryder Nguyen, Trevor St. Pierre
Board of Trustees
Paul Campbell, Shannon Daly, Katie Taylor, Shelly Norton, Stephen Lussier, Lorie Komlyn, Anne Hoppe, Jerry Wheelock, Jason Sheehan, Bill Shamilan, Matt McKee
Promotions and Publicity
Juliette McClendon (Promotions Director), Kristin MacDougall, Michael Colford, Elizabeth Curran, Matt McKee (Photographer)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Jude Torres, Michael Colford, Kara Chu Nelson, Lessie Tyson, Ally Rzesa, Amanda Bedford, Melissa Paz, Mordecai Choi, Steven Key
Special thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who continue to help keep the Footlight Club running day in and day out, from front of house, to club clean-outs, we appreciate you!
If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteers@footlight.org
And to our loyal members and patrons, thank you for continuing to support the Footlight Club!
Our 148th Season
Out of Sight… Out of Murder by Fred Carmichael
Bright Star, music and lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell; book by Steve Martin
A Carol Christmas
Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang
The Prom, Book & Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar, Based on an original concept by Jack Viertel
Thank You to Our Footlight Family
We Are So Grateful for Your Support
As you walked in this evening, you no doubt noticed the beautiful new accessible entrance to the Footlight. This project – a new exterior ADA-compliant ramp and interior elevator to all four floors of Eliot Hall – ensures that all our guests can fully access all our spaces. Along the way, extensive repairs needed to be made to the foundation and existing chimneys. New spaces in our basement and on the third floor will provide essential props storage, and we’re already feeling warmer with an upgraded furnace system.
These upgrades were only possible through the generous financial support of our community partners. We extend our thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilitates Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation. Most of our funding came from donations large and small from our Footlight Family. Thank you to everyone who donated.
The continued revitalization and restoration of Eliot Hall will always be one of Footlight’s top priorities. Your contributions will continue to make it possible to take on large-and-small-scale restoration projects, as well as maintaining the day-to-day operations of the building.
Every Gift Counts
If you are thinking about making your first gift, now is the time to make a gift in any amount.
Please give now at: www.footlight.org/donate
Or mail a check payable to The Footlight Club to:
Treasurer, The Footlight Club, 7A Eliot Street , Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Other Ways to Give
Email Treasurer@Footlight.org to make a gift of stock.
Become a Footlight Club Monthly Sustainer. For gift of over $500, your donation will renew, and your credit or debit card will automatically be billed each month. Please email Development@Footlight.org for more details
