Presented through arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). 1180 Avenue of the Americas Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com. The video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Produce r SCERA
President & CEO
Adam J. Robertson
Director / Scenic Designer
Chase Ramsey
Music Director
Rex Kocherhans
Choreographer
Janessa Ramsey
Stage Manager
Alathia Burnside
Lighting Designer
Elizabeth Griffiths
Costume Designer
Kelsey Seaver
Props Designer
Christy Norton
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Hair & Makeup Designer
Kelsea Smellie
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Carpenters
Zippy Hellewell
Ethan Harrison
Collin Ohran
Scenic Artists
Faith Sage
Brighton Aland
Madi Fontana
Olivia Kleven
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Bird Dozhier
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta Lamb
Prop Shop Manager
Christy Norton
Props Assistants
Kaysie Norton
Paige Wright
Electricians
Crysta Lamb
Story Anderson
Sound Assistant
Katie Jeffreys
Deck Crew
Ethan Harrison
Followspots
Story Anderson
Walker Alldredge
Performance Tracks
Right On Cue Services
Rehearsal Pianist
Ronnie Bishop
This project is supported by the Utah Arts Council, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Cast of Characters
Alice Murphy ............................................................................. KELSEY MARINER THOMPSON
Jimmy Ray Dobbs ..........................................................................................CHRISTIAN WAWRO
Billy Cane .................................................................................................................................BRYSON SMELLIE
Margo Crawford ............................................................................................ MCKENNA THOMAS
Mayor Josiah Dobbs .................... ANDY HARRISON (MON/FRI), BEN HENDERSON (TH/SAT)
Daddy Cane .............................................................................................................. BRIAN TANNER
Daddy Murphy .......................................................................................................... MIKE RAMSEY
Mama Murphy..................................................................................................................... SHAWNDA MOSS
Daryl Ames / Ensemble ................................................................................. JARED WILKINSON
Lucy Grant / Ensemble ........................................................................................... COLIE LEMON
Stanford / Ensemble ....................................................................................................... AJ KLOMP
Florence / Ensemble ............................................................................................... ELIZA MORRIS
What Could Be Better.......................................................Alice, Jimmy Ray, Ensemble
Scene 11: 1923, A Doctor’s Office, Zebulon
Scene 12: 1923, Mayor’s House, Zebulon
Scene 13: 1923, Zebulon
I Can’t Wait .........................................................Alice, Jimmy Ray, Spirits, Ensemble
Scene 14: 1945, Alice’s Office, Asheville
Bright Star Scene Change ........................................................................ Billy, Ensemble
Scene 15: 1924, A Shack in the Woods, Zebulon
Please, Don’t Take Him.......... Mayor, Alice, Stanford, Mama Murphy, Ensemble
Scene 16 : 1924, Interior of a Train Car
A Man’s Gotta Do (Reprise) .................................................................. Mayor, Ensemble
ACT II
Scene 1: 1924, Train Depot Outside of Zebulon
Sun’s Gonna Shine .................................................. Alice, Mamy Murphy, Company
Scene 2: 1924, Mayor’s Office, Zebulon
Heartbreaker ...................................................................................................... Jimmy Ray
Scene 3: 1946, Shiny Penny Cafe and Bar, Asheville
Another Round .. ....................................................... Lucy, Daryl, Billy, Ensemble
Scene 4: 1946, Alice’s Office, Asheville
Scene 5: 1946, A Government Office, Raleigh
Scene 6: 1946, A Well-Manicured Street, Raleigh
I Had a Vision........................................................................................... Alice, Jimmy Ray
Scene 7: 1946, Margo’s Bookshop, Hayes Creek
Always Will ..................................................................................Billy, Margo, Ensemble
Scene 8: 1946, Alice’s Childhood Cabin, Zebulon
Sun’s Gonna Shine (Reprise) ..................................................................... Mama Murphy
Scene 9: 1946, Billy’s Home, Outside Hayes Creek
So Familiar / At Long Last........................................................ Alice, Spirits, Ensemble
Scene 10: 1946, Lobby of the Asheville Southern Journal
Finale ........................................................ Jimmy Ray, Alice, Billy, Margo, Company
NOTE: This production uses strobe lights, fog and hazers.
Director's Note
by Chase Ramsey
A Chinese farmer and his only son labored with their last remaining horse. One day, the son didn’t lock the gate of the stable properly, and the horse got away.
When neighbors learned what happened, they came to the farmer and said, “How terrible!" Without your horse, you can't maintain the farm. What a failure that your son did not lock the gate properly! This is a great tragedy!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
The next day, the missing horse returned, bringing along with it six wild horses. The farmer’s son locked the gate firmly behind all seven.
The neighbors came to the farmer and said, “How happy! With seven horses, you’ll be able to maintain the farm. What a blessing!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
Photos by Rachael Gibson
The next day the farmer’s son was breaking in one of the wild horses and got thrown from the horse, fell, and broke his leg.
The neighbors came to the farmer and said, “How sad! Now he can't help with the farm. What a tragedy!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
The next day, a general from the Imperial Chinese Army arrived to conscript all the young men of the village into the army.
The farmer’s son, because of his broken leg, was not taken.
The neighbors came to the farmer and said, “What a great joy! Your son avoided the war. What a blessing!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
It makes me think of time travel movies. If someone alters even the smallest moment, then the ripples could shift a person's story completely. At the end when we are looking back... How many of our perceived tragedies were actually the curves in the path to great things. Where are we now? If you think of the people in your life or the person sitting next to you. Is it a blessing or a tragedy? How about tomorrow? How about yesterday? Because joy and sorrow never last. I'll die trying not to live in the past.
Remember the next time you think you're living a tragedy...Maybe yes, maybe no.
Photos by Rachael Gibson
Authors of
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.
EDIE BRICKELL (Music, Lyrics & Story) Edie Brickell released the debut multi platinum 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.
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
ALATHIA BURNSIDE
(Stage Manager) Alathia is thrilled to be stepping into the role of stage manager for the first time with this production of Bright Star. She has been working backstage at SCERA since 2022 and loves being able to work on incredible shows and hang out with her favorite people. Alathia would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and her friends and family for their constant support.
CHASE ELISON
(Sound & Lighting Manager) Chase has been involved in theatre since he was 11 in SCERA’s Oliver. At age 15, he began working at the Lehi Arts Center, where he has run and designed countless productions in lighting and audio. Chase currently serves as SCERA’s Sound and Lighting Manager, and has designed lighting for many of SCERA’s Theatre for
Young Audiences productions, most recently for A Year with Frog and Toad, A Christmas Story The Musical and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. “I dedicate my work to my grandparents Jerry & Barbara. They introduced me to theatre and music at a young age. My grandma taught me piano for many years, and I had the honor of working with my grandpa for several productions here at SCERA. Love and miss you guys, ‘Ya done good!’
ELIZABETH GRIFFITHS
(Lighting Designer)
Elizabeth Griffiths is a graduate of Brigham Young University in Theater Education. She has been a guest lighting instructor at a number of high schools, teaches and designs with the Lehi Arts Council and loves to design for SCERA. Some favorite designs include: The Little Mermaid, Crazy For You, Big Fish, Shrek and Into the Woods. She has four wonderful children and an amazing husband who is so supportive of her theater habit!
ANDY HARRISON
(Mayor Josiah DobbsMon/Fri) Andy is making his SCERA debut after a brief hiatus from the stage, having last been seen in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Hale Center Theatre Orem and Mamma Mia at Sundance Summer Theatre. Andy holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Utah. He is so grateful to his incredible wife Kelsey and other family members for the love and support!
ZIPPY HELLEWELL
(Scene Shop Manager) Zippy graduated from UVU with an AA in Theatre Arts. He has been doing theater since 5th grade when he was in his elementary school's production of Guys and Dolls Jr. and has loved it ever since - he was recently in the ensemble of this past summer’s The Little Mermaid. Zippy started off acting, but he also found his love for backstage along the way. He started working in technical theater in junior high and high school, as well as some classes at UVU. He’s spent the past few years at SCERA working on sets and backstage, and designed the set for The Play That Goes Wrong, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper and A Christmas Story: The Musical
BEN HENDERSON
(Mayor Josiah DobbsTh/Sat) Ben is thrilled to be making his SCERA debut! He is so excited to work with this creative team and is looking forward to sharing this story with an audience. Ben holds an MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University and a Bachelor Degree from Utah Valley University.
MCKENNA HIXSON JOHNSON
(Government Clerk / Spirit / Ensemble) McKenna is so excited to be back on the SCERA stage! Her love and passion for theatre started
young and has continued to grow as she now directs the SCERA Youth Theatre program. Some of her favorite theatrical roles include: Rusty in Footloose, Elle in Legally Blonde, and Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. McKenna would like to thank her amazing husband Spencer and son Danny for always cheering her on! @mckennahixson.j
JAKE JAMIESON
(Max / Ensemble) Jake is so excited to be making his SCERA debut in Bright Star! Jake has loved performing since he was 13, playing roles such as The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Marcellus in Music Man, and Smee in Peter Pan. He wants to thank his family for always supporting him and hopes you enjoy the show!
EMALYN KAUFMAN
(Ensemble) Emalyn is thrilled to be performing at SCERA and to be part of this incredible production with such a talented cast and directors! Some of Emalyn’s recent credits include Vi in Footloose Youth Edition (HCTO), Dance Ensemble in Matilda (LPHS), Valentine in Mary Poppins (MRJH), and Timon in The Lion King (Elevate Acting Academy), among others. When she's not on stage, Emalyn is likely obsessing over Harry Potter and Elvis. She is grateful to the entire Bright Star production team for this wonderful opportunity and a special thanks to her supportive family, especially her dad, who always encourages her to pursue her passions.
TARA KEARL
(Well Dressed Woman / Spirit / Ensemble) Tara is thrilled to return to the SCERA stage after playing Mother in A Christmas Story here in 2020. Bright Star is one of her bucket list shows, and she's grateful to tell this story and sing this beautiful music with these talented and lovely people! Her favorite roles include Donna in Mamma Mia,
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Ms. Sheinkopf in School of Rock with Hale Centre Theatre. Besides performing, she enjoys hiking, scrapbooking, traveling, reading, and being with her friends and family. She sends all the love to her favorite peopleBry, Soph, Jamo, and Vic!
ADELLE REMKE KLOMP
(Edna / Ensemble / Dance Captain) Adelle is thrilled to be returning to the SCERA stage for her second production. Previously, she appeared in Disney's The Little Mermaid. She has enjoyed delving into the world of Bright Star and is grateful for the opportunity to bring Edna to life. When not performing, Adelle enjoys making pasta and losing at Mario Kart to her husband, AJ, who is also in the show!
AJ KLOMP
(Stanford / Ensemble)
AJ is pleased to return to the SCERA stage after his role as King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid this past June. The magic of theater continues to inspire him, especially when shared with his talented and lovely wife, Adelle. AJ is excited to bring Bright Star to life and hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoys being a part of it.
REX KOCHERHANS
(Music Director) Recent music direction credits include Daddy Long Legs (Lehi Arts), The Little Mermaid (SCERA Shell) and Beauty and the Beast (BYU Broadway Bootcamp). Rex is founder and Artistic Director of Consortium Men's Ensemble and Deseret Chamber Singers, chamber ensembles based in Salt Lake City. He has been a featured soloist with many leading
arts organizations including the Tabernacle Choir, Salt Lake Choral Artists, Utah Baroque Ensemble, and BYU Singers. Favorite theater credits include Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Hale Centre Theatre), Javert in Les Miserables and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Hale Center Theater Orem), and Reverend Shaw in Footloose (West Valley Arts). He regularly performs in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with American Performing Arts International. Rex is a founding member of the nationally renowned men's acapella quartet Reprise, which won the Gold Medal at the international collegiate barbershop competition and has shared the stage with the King’s Singers. He performed in Europe, West Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East with the BYU Singers, including concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. Rex has studied with Betty Jeane Chipman and Rebecca Wilberg, and his voice can be heard on numerous TV, video game, and film projects.
COLIE LEMON
(Lucy / Ensemble) Colie is so excited to be in this production! She graduated with a BFA in Acting from Utah Valley University in 2022 and then took a little time to explore life. She would like to thank Chase, Janessa, Rex, and Alathia for this incredible opportunity to get on stage again!
DARRIK MILLER
(Dr. Norquist / Ensemble)
Darrik is thrilled to make his debut on the SCERA stage with Bright Star! Inspired by the passion within this wonderful community, he began his foray into musical theatre earlier this year. His premier role was as Mush in Newsies at the Draper Historic Theatre, and most recently, he played Dan in Sandbox Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Bright Star’s
Now Showing
A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
story of love, hope, and resilience makes it one of Darrik’s all-time favorite shows. He hopes you feel the same after tonight. All the love to Maren for her inspiration and support. “You never know what life will bring, only what you bring to life.”
ELIZA MORRIS
(Florence / Ensemble)
Eliza is elated to be in this production of Bright Star playing Florence! She is currently studying acting, and dances with the Folk Dance team at BYU. She wants to thank the many people who have supported her including family, friends, and teachers. Enjoy the show!
SHAWNDA MOSS
(Mama Murphy) Shawnda is a director, actress, and theatre educator. Her career path has led to her specialization in teacher preparation and training in pedagogy and methodology and she is the alternate licensing program director for Canyons School District. She has taught directing, acting, and theatre education for several Utah universities as well as in the public school system. She was the Artistic Director for the Hill Cumorah Pageant and directs at various theaters in Utah and Salt Lake Valleys, including 2023’s Next to Normal Shawnda performs on stage whenever she has the time and opportunity, most recently in Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, and Titanic
CHRISTY NORTON
(Props Designer) Christy grew up in Orem and remembers going to SCERA as a child. She taught dance for 20+ years and was the Youth Dance director at SCERA for four years. Christy started designing props for SCERA in 2014. Her first production was The Cat in the Hat and since that time
she has designed more than 80 productions. Christy loves the unique creative challenge of designing props to help tell the story! Special thanks to her husband Ben and three children and to her SCERA family for believing in me and supporting me.
MIKE RAMSEY
(Daddy Murphy) Mike is excited to work on another SCERA show with his son Chase Ramsey and daughter-in-law Janessa Ramsey. He was last seen at the SCERA Shell this summer in The Little Mermaid. His other recent SCERA shows have been SpongeBob the Musical, Tarzan and The Music Man. Mike has performed at Sundance Summer Theatre where he has been in The Sound of Music (twice), The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and Big River. For 20 years Mike has also been in Savior of the World at the LDS Conference Theatre, and has had roles at Hale Center Theatre Orem and West Valley. He wants to thank Chase and Janessa for the opportunity to share the story that is Bright Star. “Thanks to Katy for love and laughter!”
CHASE RAMSEY
(Director / Scenic Designer) Chase can currently be seen in movie theaters for Horizon: Part 1 from Warner Brothers. Also Falling for Christmas (Netflix), Sweet Pecan Summer (Hallmark), The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (Amazon), Yellowstone (Paramount), and The Book of Mormon Musical on Broadway playing Elder Cunningham. Director of the new film Scratchy, Cage, and Tumbleweed as well as Forget the Rest. Also known for his work as a past Food Network host and director/ writer for the Walt Disney Company. He is the co-founder of King Cup Productions. Recent directing credits with SCERA have been The Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Oklahoma, and The Play that Goes Wrong. Sending love to Doug, Ben, Chris, and Brandon. “We've got a story to tell!” Instagram: @chaseramseyreally
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
JANESSA RAMSEY
(Choreographer) Janessa has been dreaming of working on this show since she first saw it! It’s such a beautiful and heartbreaking story told in such a unique way. Some of her favorite productions she’s worked on are Oklahoma, SpongeBob The Musical, and The Play That Goes Wrong, all here at SCERA. Thanks to Chase for being an artistic genius as well as being a dream to collaborate with. Also a big thanks to Mom, Dad, Jude, Beckett, and Finn for their support.
KELSEY SEAVER
(Costume Designer)
Kelsey is grateful for the opportunity to design and work in the SCERA Costume Shop for the last sixteen years. Some favorite shows she has designed are Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, A Christmas Story, Seven Brides, Willy Wonka, The Little Mermaid, My Fair Lady, Seussical, Shrek, Aida, Beauty and the Beast and many others too numerous to mention. "Thanks to my family for their support, and my husband and three great kids that put up with late nights!"
AUSTIN SIMCOX
(Ensemble) Austin is thrilled to be back at SCERA, having previously appeared in the ensembles of The Addams Family and The Drowsy Chaperone. He has also appeared as the King of Tchahd/Demon in A Room Full of Glass and as a caroler in HCTO's 2019 production of A Christmas Carol. An experienced choral singer, Austin sang for four years with the BYU Men's Chorus and now sings with Amavi Chorale. He is currently a high school history teacher living in Provo with his cats and an assortment of house
plants. A big shout-out to his friends for their support and to his cats for letting him leave the house to rehearse.
BRYSON SMELLIE
(Billy Cane) The story of Bright Star is so beautiful and wondrous, and to be a part of sharing this story is a gift in and of itself for Bryson. SCERA regulars may recognize Bryson for his performances in Big Fish as Will and in The Play That Goes Wrong as Thomas Colleymore. Other recent credits include David in The Foreigner at HCTO, as well as Mr. Green in Clue at HCTO. Bryson was cast as a lead in an episode of an indie horror anthology series entitled Bizzaria! which will be releasing soon. Bryson thanks his family for their endless support and love and thanks you for being here tonight. “May you and your loved ones have a memorable and magical evening.”
BRIAN TANNER
(Daddy Cane) Brian is excited to make his SCERA debut as Daddy Cane. He studied music at the University of Utah and the University of Michigan. Most recently he played the role of Da (as well as the guitar and mandolin) in Once at Hale Center Theater Orem. Other favorite past roles: Harry in Company, The Baker in Into the Woods, Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, and Ferrando in Mozart's Così Fan Tutte. By day he is the senior producer of the long-running storytelling podcast The Apple Seed and the creator, co-host, and head writer/director of the family-friendly audio fiction series Kaboom: An Audio Adventure Podcast (find both shows on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube). Brian thanks his wife Amy for all her support and sends beijos and abraços to his kids Miles and Anya.
MCKENNA THOMAS
(Margo) McKenna is happy to be back home on the stage after breaking her five-year hiatus last year in SCERA’s Into the Woods. A singer/ songwriter and graduate of BYU’s Commercial Music program, her original tunes have over 175k streams on Spotify, which is higher than most people can count on one hand. In her free time, McKenna enjoys game nights, writing, and pole fitness. She would like to spend the rest of her bio thanking Britney Spears for inspiring her to start singing in 1998.
KELSEY MARINER THOMPSON
(Alice Murphy) Kelsey is humbled to be playing Alice Murphy. She holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from UVU and has performed throughout the United States, as well as in the UK and Spain. Favorite directing/music directing credits include: Mary Poppins, The SpongeBob Musical (SCERA Shell); The Addams Family (SCERA, CYT Houston); A Year with Frog and Toad TYA (SCERA). Performing credits include: Tammy in May We All (HCT), Marguerite St. Just in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Fantine in Les Miserables, Anita in West Side Story, Eliza Doolittle u/s in My Fair Lady (SCERA), Belle in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), Grandma in The Addams Family (Lehi Arts), and Reverend Mother in Nuncrackers (PG Players).
“Thank you Chase, Rex, and Janessa for this incredible opportunity and learning experience. All my love to my husband, Jake, and two beautiful children, Kody and Jack.”
BRANDI WASHBURN
(Spirit / Ensemble) Getting to tell this story with this incredible cast is a dream come true! Brandi is so happy to be back on the SCERA stage. She wants to thank the production team and everyone behind the scenes who make this magic happen. Her biggest and best thanks go out to her husband who is endlessly supportive and
her amazing children. They have her whole heart. “Drink some Dr. Pepper for me and enjoy the show!”
CHRISTIAN WAWRO
(Jimmy Ray Dobbs) Christian is excited to return to SCERA, where he was in his first show, Peter Pan, in 2005. Most recently, he was found music directing for SCERA's 2024 summer production of Fiddler on the Roof Performing credits include Jervis in Daddy Long Legs (Lehi Arts Center), Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof (Hale Centre Theatre Sandy), Joey in Sister Act (Hale Center Theater Orem), and Vice-President of the BYU Young Ambassadors. He would like to thank the incredible staff at SCERA that he has worked around and with for the last 20 years. Most importantly, Christian would like to thank his wife, Ryann Bailey Wawro, for being his biggest support and joy.
JARED WILKINSON
(Daryl /Ensemble) Jared is excited to be back performing at SCERA for Bright Star. He last performed at SCERA as Zacky in Big Fish and George in The Drowsy Chaperone. He's also enjoyed roles as Legs in Give My Regards to Broadway and Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Jared spent two summers performing in Nauvoo, Illinois as a Young Performing Missionary. He'd like to thank Rebecca Soelberg for continuously pushing him to perform, and Michael for being his biggest support.
