January 23 - February 7, 2026
Recommended for ages 12+
A beautifully genuine and soul-stirring musical, BRIGHT STAR captivates audiences with its deeply moving story and lively bluegrass score.
Music, Book and Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics and Story by Edie Brickell
Synopsis
Inspired by a true story, BRIGHT STAR is a sweeping, heartfelt musical featuring a Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s, this deeply emotional tale explores love, loss, and the transformative power of redemption. 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 its stunning melodies and richly developed characters, BRIGHT STAR weaves an uplifting and poignant journey through time, filled with hope, heartache, and the promise of second chances. A beautifully genuine and soul-stirring musical, BRIGHT STAR captivates audiences with its deeply moving story and lively bluegrass score.
Tickets
NOTABLE DATES:
Sunday, February 1st - ASL Interpreted
Monday, February 2nd - Industry Night*
Saturday, February 7th (2 p.m.) - Understudy Performance!
*On Industry Night you can pre-purchase a regular priced ticket in advance. In addition we also offer “Pay-What-You-Can” at the door for all remaining tickets for that evening’s performance.
Saturday, February 7th (2 p.m.) - Understudy Performance!+
+See our two talented understudies step out of their ensemble track and perform the roles of Alice & Billy before the show closes. Understudies are so valuable to a production, and those cast members spend the time to learn a role and we love getting the chance to let them shine in their own light (at least once)!
TICKET PRICES:
Adult: $24
Students* & Seniors**: $22
*Students classified as age 18 & under
**Seniors classified as age 60+
If you require a handicap seat, please call the Ashland Productions Box office at 651-274-8020.
Cast
Billy Cane: Sam Sides
Jimmy Ray Dobbs: Thomas Friebe
Alice Murphy: Marissa Noe
Mayor Josiah Dobbs: Dean Elwell
Margo Crawford: Erica Kerstetter
Stanford Adams: Jad Stanfield
Government Clerk: Ro Tripi
Florence: Christian Erben
Edna: Maggie Mogren
Max: Joshua Cabrales-Robles
Dr. Norquist: Tobi Williams
Mama Murphy: Marcae Woodward
Daddy Murphy: Ron Stewart
Daddy Cane: Zach Winkler
Lucy Grant: Reagan Moss
Darryl Ames: Alex Link
Ensemble:
Jordan Barker, Elmy Beckwith, Bridget Benson, Joshua Cabrales-Robles, Rachel Cathey, Michael Clark, Abby Covert, Laini Devin, Christian Erben, Jessie Fanshaw, Thomas Frias, Elizabeth Gabriel, Riley Graygrove, Heather Greene, Jackson Jwanouskos, Shawn Krueger, Layla Lee, Zander Livingston, Liam McIntyre, Maggie Mogren, Dan O'Shea, Sydney Payne, Tony Peterson, Kara Salava, Elizabeth Sarsfield, Jad Stanfield, Nate Swanson, Ada Thompson, Ro Tripi, AnnaRose Wayne, Tobi Williams
Understudy for Billy Cane: Nate Swanson
Understudy for Alice Murphy: Bridget Benson
Creative Team
Director: Christopher Teipner
Assistant Director: Joe Mogren
Music Director: Emily Olson
Choreographer: Meg Gronau
Stage Manager: Sierra Hinkel
Costume Designers: Genevieve Kafka
Set Designer: Adam Oster
Lighting Designer: Jacob Lee Hofer
Sound Designer: Abe Gabor
Props Designer: Holly Forsberg
Deck Manager: TBA
Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by TRW. www.theatricalrights.com