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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.

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Pain, confronting the past, forgiveness, and finding redemption are all part of each person finding their own Bright Star.

When I first saw this production, I was fortunate enough to see carmen Cusack who originated the role of Alice Murphey. Now, I love theater and it all-but-consumes my every day, so I am very versed in good story telling, but when I saw this show and Carmen so eloquently tell this story, I was moved to tears.

This incredible true story combined with the refreshing new music will surely change you as it did me when I first experience it--That is my hope. Please sit back and enjoy the incredible journey you are about to take back to the early twentieth century.

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Kyle Myrick, Director

Act I

If You Knew My Story........................... Alice & Ensemble

She's Gone................................................... Daddy Cane & Billy

Bright Star......................................................... Billy & Ensemble

Way Back in the Day................................Alice & Ensemble

Whoa, Mama.................................Jimmy, Alice, & Ensemble

Firmer Hand / Do Right ... Daddy Murphy, Mama

                                              Murphy, Alice, & Ensemble

A Man's Gotta Do................................................ Mayor Dobbs

Asheville......................................................... Margo & Ensemble

Picnic Dance................. Stanford Adams & Ensemble

What Could Be Better................................... Jimmy, Alice &

                                                                                  Ensemble

I Can't Wait pt.I.............................................. Alice & Ensemble

I Can't Wait pt.II........................ Alice, Jimmy, & Ensemble

Please Don't Take Him................... Mayor Dobbs, Alice,

                 Daddy Murphy, Mama Murphy, Stanford,

                                                                               & Ensemble

A Man's Gotta Do (Reprise)................... Mayor Dobbs &

                                                                                  Ensemble

Act II

Sun's Gonna Shine..................... Alice, Mama Murphy &

                                                                                   Ensemble

Heartbreaker................................................................................... Jimmy

Another Round.......... Lucy, Daryl, Billy & Ensemble

I Had a Vision.............................................................. Jimmy & Alice

Always Will...................................... Billy, Margo & Ensemble

Sun's Gonna Shine (Reprise).................... Mama Murphy

“So Familiar / At Long Last............... Alice & Ensemble

Finale................ Jimmy, Alice, Billy, Margo, & Ensemble

Kyle Myrick (Director) is the founder and Artistic Director of Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company. Bright Star will mark over 42 full-scale productions that Kyle has been involved in since 2007 and he is extremely fortunate to be involved in all theater here in Southern Utah! Kyle has performed with Tuacahn Amphitheater, HVTC, Bumbleberry Theater, SGMT and the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Kyle has a BS in Theatre from Dixie State University and is the Theatre Director at Desert Hills High School. Go Thunder! He is grateful to his family and especially his gorgeous wife, Sammy, his beautiful baby girl Adeline and his studly baby boy, Theadore.

Grace Palfreyman (Music Director, Ensemble, Florence) enjoyed the process of bringing the music of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell to life on the Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company stage. Musical theater doesn't often see/hear this type of folk/bluegrass music, so it was a refreshing break from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rogers & Hammerstein. Grace recently graduated from Dixie State University with a Batchelor's Degree in Piano Performance. She hopes you enjoy this sweeping story and incredibly beautiful music.

Brayden Morgan (Choreographer, Daryl Ames) is excited to be back at HVTC! Brayden was last seen at HVTC as Sketch in Hairspray. Tuacahn's: Little Mermaid (Starfish), When you Wish, Matilda, Cinderella, Prince of Egypt. Other favorite credits include Crazy For You (Bobby Child), The Producers, Shrek. Film: High School Musical 2.

Sammy Myrick (Costume Designer) first took the musical theater stage at the age of 8 and it has been a huge part of her life ever since! Favorite roles include Jo (Little Women), Eponine (Les Mis) Ameris (Aida), Belle (Beauty and the Beast) and Molly (Ghost), Adelaide (Guys and Dolls) She has been a resident costumer and choreographer for Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company for the last 7 years and just made her directing Debut with SGMT’s production of “Freaky Friday”. She is now is living her dream role of “mommy” thanks to her sweet Adeline and Theadore.

Rachel Robertson Cox (Alice Murphey) is thrilled to be a part of Southern Utah's premiere of this powerful show! She holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from BYU and completed post-graduate opera studies at the AIMS Institute in Graz, Austria. Favorite stage credits: Mother (When You Wish) at Tuacahn, Anna (The King and I), Milly (7 Brides) & Fiona (Brigadoon). Rachel is president of the St George Chamber Singers, director of the St George Children's Choir and runs a private voice studio. Love & thanks to Beej, McKay, Benson, Lily, Kate, Dad, Moms R&C and the family and dear friends who are a part of her story.

Alivia Foster (Ensemble, Lucy u/s) has received her BS in dance from DSU in 2017. She served as Miss Washington County 2018 as well as the Dance Captain for DSU’s Raging Red 2019. Alivia would like to thank her handsome husband Aaron and her wonderful family for always supporting her through all of her performance.

Karley Garrett (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in Bright Star. Karley recently graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors in Music. Her most recent roles include; Wife (Joseph) and Gym Teacher/Matron (Hairspray). A few of her favorite roles include; Little Red Riding Hood (Into the Woods), Sour Kangaroo (Suessical), Witch (Hansel and Gretel) and Sorceress (Dido and Aeneas). Thanks for coming to the show!

Mikalene Ipson (Alice Murphy u/s) is beyond excited to have this opportunity to be a part of this life changing show! You may have seen her as Medda Larkin last year in the Stage Door Production of Newsies. Mikalene works as a full time Mom and a commissioned songwriter. Her most popular original song has over 1.5 million views on YouTube. Huge thank you to Brett for being her biggest fan and support! "You never know what life will bring, only what you bring to life." Enjoy the show!

Nicole Kimzey (Mama Murphy) has always loved theater & is thrilled to be part of this beautiful show. Roles: Witch (Into the Woods), Madame Thenardier (Les Mis), Narrator (Joseph/Dreamcoat), Eliza (My Fair Lady), Grace (Annie), Marion (Music Man), Martha (White Christmas) & more. Music Direction: Les Mis, Jekyll/Hyde, Hairspray, Shrek, Evita, Forever Plaid, The Fantastiks & more. Stage Manager: Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph/Dreamcoat, and more. She wants to thank her Kyle #1 (hubby) for supporting her crazy love of theater, and her Kyle #2 (Director) for his friendship and trust.

Makayla Klumpp (Ensemble, Margo u/s) is so grateful to have the opportunity to be performing during these times. Her credits include: company manager of Dixie State University's Raging Red, Joseph (narrator), Zombies from the Beyond (Charlie), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Young Frankenstein (Inga) and many more. She is grateful to her husband and family for always supporting her.

Aaron Meadows (Jimmy Ray Dobbs) was last seen at HVTC as Quasimodo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Some of Aaron's favorite Tuacahn/Regional credits include Zombies from the Beyond (Trenton), ‪1776 (Jefferson), RENT (Mark), Footloose (Jeter/Ren u/s), Aida, Joseph...x2, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Singin’ in the Rain, Jekyll/Hyde. Odyssey Dance Theater: (Thriller, Sledgehammer, Let It Be, 2002 Olympics). Aaron was the lead singer of the band "A Coastline Ending" and released their album "In The Name of Progression" on Not Alone Records. Aaron dedicates this show to his wife Darby and daughters Evie, Ruby & Stella. "I Love you!"

Nathan Merrill (Daddy Cane) involves himself with theatre to stay out of trouble (good luck with that). He has been seen on the HVTC stage many times before. Nathan hopes everyone enjoys this wonderful story and knee-slappin' music!

McKenzie Morgan (Margo) has been performing since she was 5, and before that she was always putting on performances for her family and friends. Some of McKenzie’s favorite roles include Esmeralda (Hunchback of Notre dame), Molly (Ghost), Katherine (Freaky Friday), Amber (Hairspray), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Meg (Little Women), Little Red (Into the Woods), and Fiona (Shrek). McKenzie was also a featured dancer in Disney’s High School Musical 2. Luv ya fam!

Whitney Morrison (Clerk/Ensemble) has had a love for performing since the age of 3. She has been a member of Raging Red from DSU for 2 years. During her time in Raging Red she has performed nationally and internationally. Whitney couldn’t be more excited to perform in her first show at HVTC!

Carolyn Murset (Mama Murphy) is a singer/songwriter/play writer/podcaster who has lived in the Hurricane Valley with her husband, Rich and their five children since 1983. She's produced four CD's of her original music. Her one-woman musical, "Tales of Tila" was nominated for the AML Drama Award. Carolyn is thrilled to work with this talented Bright Star cast! Recent credits include: Housekeeper/Flamenco guitarist (Man of La Mancha), Miss Flannery (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Alice (Addams Family Musical), Miss Prism (Importance of Being Earnest.

Stockton Myers (Ensemble, Billy u/s) is absolutely thrilled to be back at HVTC. He was last seen here as John Brooke (Little Women), but has done plenty more since then. His favorite roles include Boy (Peter and the Starcatcher), Schroeder (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Bright Star at CVCT), Robbie Hart (Wedding Singer), and Perchik (Fiddler on the Roof). Stockton would like to thank his family for pushing him to do what he loves, and sends a special thank you to his sister Samantha Myrick for introducing him to this show.

Aaron Naylor (Billy) Is excited to make his Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company debut in this amazing production of Bright Star. Aaron’s past experiences have included sharing the stage with both his amazing wife and beautiful daughter. He is immensely grateful to his family for supporting him in this passion and can’t wait to be on stage with them again soon.

Paul R. Nickels (Daddy Murphy) had his first singing role in 50 years on stage in this theater exactly five years ago. 15 shows later, he has performed with six different theater companies in roles including Joseph Pulitzer (Newsies), Maurice (Beauty and the Beast), Pharaoh (Aida), Alfie Doolittle (My Fair Lady), and Scrooge, in the play of the same name. Though theater seems to have taken over his life, his "off" hours are spent teaching piano, when not building a particularly exotic custom rifle. At 72, he is proof that it's never too late to get active in something new.

Bart Pace (Mayor Josiah Dodds) is excited to be working with Hurricane Valley Theater Company again after playing Narrator/Mysterious Man (Into the Woods) last fall. Other favorite roles include: Joseph Pulitzer (Newsies), File (110 in the Shade), and Tony (Dial M for Murder). Bart has really enjoyed working with this wonder cast and team. He is grateful to the wife of his youth, Debra, for giving him this time to explore his talents.

Morgan Pfunder (Lucy Grant) is so excited to make her HVTC debut in Bright Star! Since returning to Utah from her time as a Disney Cast Member, Morgan is currently a freshman at Dixie State University studying Theatre Education. Notable credits include Rosalie Mullins (School of Rock), Alice Sycamore (You Can't Take it With You), and Dance Captain/Choreographer (Aida). When Morgan isn't on stage, you can probably find her at the local Target. Sending love to all of her wonderful family and friends!

Creighton Phillips (Ensemble) is stoked to be a part of Bright Star. This is is his Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company debut. His performance background is one semester of DSU’s Raging Red, and just one other show. You can often find him swing dancing on Tuesday nights, and he likes to think of himself as pretty good at it.

Jackson Stephenson (Max, Ensemble) has been a part of high school productions such as “Guys and Dolls” and “The Sound of Music”. This is his Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company debut. He has enjoyed being a part of this wonderful cast and hopes you enjoy the show.

Riley Snow (Ensemble) graduated from Tuacahn High School of the Performing Arts, majored in Painting. He is very happy to lend a hand in Bright Star and wants to thank Hurricane Theater for the opportunity. This is one of his first plays hes been in since 2014! He spends most his time riding motorcycles and helping his friends. He also wants to thank everyone who has come out to support, it means so much to him!

Hunter Stevens (Ensemble, Stanford u/s) is dipping his toe into theater for the first time, but has enjoyed being in this production. This also marks his Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company debut and  he hopes everyone can feel the magic of Bright Star.