Welcome to North Carolina, 1946!
Bright Star is a story about family, community, following your dreams, and links between the present and the past. With Wellington Footlights having our 10-year anniversary next year, we are so excited to be doing this musical now, and as always, our production is intrinsically a celebration of the people who make our shows possible – incredibly talented volunteers who give an immense amount of time, energy, and expertise.
Our show also explores the less wholesome side of a community – the suspicion and wariness that are bred when the community is nosy and judgmental. Personally, I have had a turbulent year, but throughout the production of this show I have found that I am lucky enough to have a community around me that is nothing but acceptance and love. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been there for me this year, and to everyone who has put your effort in to make this show shine.
And to the audience – I know you will enjoy the stunning bluegrass music, and may even be converted to a fan of it like I have been. Enjoy the show, and remember to follow your own bright star!
Alice Murphy - Cassandra Tse
Jimmy Ray Dobbs - Chris McMillan
Billy Cane - Fynn Bodley-Davies
Margo Crawford- Nadia Newman
Daddy Murphy - Alex Rabina
Mama Murphy - Karen Anslow
Mayor Josiah Dobbs - Mike Bryant
Lucy Grant - Kirsty Huszka
Daryl Ames - Corey Moir
Daddy Cane - Vishan Appanna
Stanford Adams - Abigail Helsby
Ensemble
Emerson McMartin, Emily K Brown (Alice Murphy understudy), Helena Savage, Jonathan Howes, Margaret Hill, Ollie Levy, Tara Terry, Ukiah Reynolds
Director - Stanford Reynolds
Musical Director - Michael Stebbings
Assistant Musical Director - Shawn Condon
Choreographer - Mel Heaphy
Production Manager - Laura Gardner
Stage Manager - Ed Blunden
Publicity Manager - Letitia Garrett
Assisted by Corey Moir
Props Coordinator - India Loveday
Wardrobe Coordinator - Stacey O'Brien
Assisted by Catherine Gavigan-Binnie, Nadia Newman
Lighting Design & Operation - Tom Smith, Lucas Zaner
Sound Design & Operator - Jacob Cannell
Set Concept & Coordinator - Stanford Reynolds
Assisted by Vince Jennings
Intimacy Coordinator - Aimee Sullivan
Poster Design - Sandra McKee
Producer - Corey Moir
Front of House Manager - Margaret Hill
Photography - Emily K Brown, Aimee Sullivan
Piano - Shawn Condon
Accordion - Katie Morton
Fiddle - Sayaka Kirkman
Violin/Viola - Stephen Clothier
Cello - Tomos Christie
Bass - Luigi Ibanez
Banjo - Wayne Robinson
Guitar (Acoustic & Electric) - Steve Morrison
Drum Kit/Percussion - Steve Swanson
Check out https://wellingtonbluegrass.net.nz/ for more information about bluegrass music.
Peter Moir