THE EARL AND RACHEL SMITH STRAND THEATRE PRESENTS
September 5-21, 2025
Inspired By A True Story
Music, Book & Story by
Steve Martin
Music, Book & Story by
Edie Brickell
Produced by
Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson Zebulon LLC, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Len Blavatnik, James L. Nederlander, Carson & Joseph Gleberman, Balboa Park Productions The Shubert Organization, Jamie deRoy/Catherine Adler/Cricket Jiranek
In Association With
Rodger Hess, A.C. Orange International, Broadway Across America, Sally Jacobs & Warren Baker Diana DiMenna, Exeter Capital, Agnes Gund, True Love Productions
And
The Old Globe
World premiere at the Old Globe, San Diego, CA on September 28, 2014. Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director Michael G. Murphy, Managing Director.
A workshop production of BRIGHT STAR was presented by New York Stage and Film & Vassar College at the Powerhouse Theatre, Summer 2013.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Directed By
DAWN PARKER
Music Director
KEVIN SANDERS
Assistant Director
CAMILLA SANDERS
Technical Director/Stage Design
JULIAN MARTIN
Lighting Design
BEN PERKINS
Costume Design
DAWN PARKER
Sound Design
TRENT WATSON
Costume Assistant
KATIE HARMON
Stage Manager
MONTANA LUDLOW
Choreographer
DAWN PARKER
Prop Artist
JOHNNY GRAVELY
Sound Technicians
ZAKHAR SALONIKAU
CHRIS GRAHAM
Production Assistants
GREG MALONEY
Intimacy Coordinator
DELANEY CIRCE
CAST
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Catherine Campbell
ALICE MURPHY
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Garrett McPherson
JIMMY RAY DOBBS
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Ethan Patrick
BILLY CANE
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Taylor Cardiff Harrell
MARGO CRAWFORD
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Amy Coenen
MAMA MURPHY
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Greyson Wade
PAPA MURPHY
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Adam Sechelski
DADDY CANE
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Carly Ann Lovell
LUCY GRANT
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Andrew Mozingo
DARYL AMES
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Diego Turner-Figueredo
MAX
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Victoria Griffin
FLORENCE
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Meghan Gray
EDNA
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Chase Partin
STANFORD
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Zac Phelps
MAYOR JOSIAH DOBBS
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Catherine Campbell
ALICE MURPHY
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Garrett McPherson
JIMMY RAY DOBBS
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Ethan Patrick
BILLY CANE
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Taylor Cardiff Harrell
MARGO CRAWFORD
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Amy Coenen
MAMA MURPHY
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Greyson Wade
PAPA MURPHY
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Adam Sechelski
DADDY CANE
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Carly Ann Lovell
LUCY GRANT
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Andrew Mozingo
DARYL AMES
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Diego Turner-Figueredo
MAX
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Victoria Griffin
FLORENCE
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Meghan Gray
EDNA
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Chase Partin
STANFORD
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Zac Phelps
MAYOR JOSIAH DOBBS
Catherine is incredibly grateful to make her debut at The Strand! She is an artist from Illinois and earned her BFA in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2020. Her most notable credits include Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde (Marietta Theatre Company), Ronnie in Immediate Family (Out Front Theatre Company), Justice Charlier in Rock of Ages (Bellissimo Theatre Company), Heidi in The Heidi Chronicles (Agnes Scott College) and Queen in The Life (IWU). She wants to thank God and her ever supportive friends and family for every little dream come true. “I’m so blessed to finally get to share the stage with one of my best friends, Ethan Patterson, and not dressed as pirates at a Florida Keys resort. I also dedicate this performance to my father, William Campbell, who was found living here in Georgia after 20 years apart.”
Garrett McPherson; He/Him is excited to be making his Strand debut as a part of this wonderful ensemble. Recent Atlanta Credits: Earl U/S in Waitress: The Musical (Aurora Theatre), Eli/Victor U/S in The Wedding (OutFront Theatre), Homer U/S in The Game (Horizon Theatre) Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire (Actors Theatre of the South) George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life (Stage Door Theatre), The Man in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Synchronicity Theatre). Film Credits: Doom Patrol (HBOmax). Garrett is a graduate of Baylor University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and double minor in History and Religion. He is represented by Privilege Talent Agency. Follow him on Instagram @garrettraymcpherson
Ethan is so ecstatic to be returning to The Strand stage for this show that’s so full of heart. Most recent theatre credits include Gabe (Next to Normal), Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys) and Drew Boley (Rock of Ages at The Strand!!)). Ethan has been so in love with this show for years and could not be more thankful to get the chance to do it with such an incredible group of artists. “The fact that I get to share a theatre experience with one of my bestest mates, Catherine Cambell, on an actual stage telling an important story and not chasing iguanas in pirate garb (you had to be there), makes this experience all the more memorable.” Thank you to Dawn for taking a chance on him in this role and to the fellowship of cast, crew and creative team for making this an amazing collaborative experience.
Taylor is thrilled for her first show at The Strand! Originally from Nashville, Taylor grew up singing and loving country music. She has a love for all aspects of performing, whether that’s playing the guitar at a bar or with a group of talented individuals, like this amazing cast, on stage! She has enjoyed every minute of singing and telling this beautiful story. Thanks for the support!
The Strand debut! Recent Atlanta credits include Sandra in Big Fish (Red Phoenix), Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Woodstock Arts), and M’Lynn Eatonton in Steel Magnolias (Woodstock Arts). Most Tuesday evenings, you can also find her playing old time and Irish tunes on her fiddle at the Marlay Pub. Thank you to the cast, crew, and production team of Bright Star for a wonderful experience. And a huge shout out to Amble, the most supportive husband on the planet, for always saying “yes go for it!”. Love to my Cs. @amy_onstage
Greyson is thrilled to be making his Strand debut which just so happens to be his first time on stage since 2020! He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from the SC School of the Arts. Professional credits include: Franklin Shepherd –Merrily We Roll Along, Dennis – All Shook Up, Eric – The Little Mermaid and more! Greyson would like to thank his wife Caroline, and his parents for always being his biggest fans!”
Originally from Conyers, Ga, Adam holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shorter College, an MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in Acting from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has acted in over 40 productions regionally in the collegiate, community and professional world, most recently at the Marietta Theatre Company as Vice Principal Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Adam’s main gig since 2004 has been teaching and directing theatre and is currently heading into his 14th year as the head of theatre at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs. Adam wants to thank Sarah for always supporting him.
Carly is thrilled to be a part of this amazing show, cast and crew! Regional credits include: Tzietel in Fiddler On The Roof (City Springs Theatre Company), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Amalia in She Loves Me (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), Ruby in Dames At Sea (Highlands Playhouse), Violet U/S in Violet (Roswell Cultural Arts Center), Heather in Escape to Margaritaville (Marietta Theatre Company), Alice Murphy in Bright Star (Holly Theatre). Carly has directed/choreographed numerous award-winning productions, including two GHSA One-Act State Championships, and many Shuler Hensley awards for high school musical theatre. She has also directed/choreographed many regional theatre productions. Carly holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Brenau University/Gainesville Theater Alliance. By day, Carly works as the Education Manager of the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta and is on the Board of Directors for Georgia Thespian Society. Endless thanks to Dawn, Camilla, The Strand Theatre, cast, crew, and her husband Craig for his constant love and support! @carlyannberglovell
Andrew holds a BFA in Theatre Performance and a Dance Minor from Columbus State University. He works professionally as an actor and recently toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre. Some of his favorite credits include: Schoolhouse Rock Live! (The Springer Opera House), The Prince of Egypt (Theatre Macon), The Prom (Georgia Repertory Theater), Pippin (Columbus State), and Charlotte’s Web (Columbus State Fall Touring Production). Andrew is extremely grateful for this opportunity and thankful for Dawn and the entire team for allowing him to play a part in bringing this story to life. He hopes you enjoy the show! Follow his acting endeavors on insta: @the_moz18
Diego is thrilled to make his Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre debut! Recent local credits include Ensemble in Ragtime (City Springs Theatre Company), Pippin in Pippin, Ensemble in Reefer Madness (Kennesaw State University), as well as Jack in Into the Woods and Warren in Ordinary Days (Woodstock Arts). Diego is a senior at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. He is deeply grateful to God, his mom, friends, and family for their unwavering love and support. @diego.turner15
Victoria is thrilled to be joining the stage at The Strand! Her professional credits include Frenchie in Cabaret (Studio Tenn), Mrs.Tittlemouse in the World Premiere of The Flopsy Bunnies (Nashville Children’s Theater), Hazel in The Witches (Anakeesta). She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Lipscomb University, where her educational credits include Lizzy Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Tanya in Mama Mia!, Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and others. Additionally she spent a couple of months performing in Washington D.C as a Townsperson at the Disney Immersive Theater Experience- CAMP x Encanto. She has been a Background Vocalist for artists such as Michael Bublé (Higher Tour) and Josh Groban (Harmony Tour). She would love to thank her family, friends, teachers, and David for their never ending love and support and for never missing a moment. thevictoriagriffin.com IG: @victoria.griffin
Meghan Gray (she/ her) is a recent graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, and is so excited to be working with The Strand Theatre again! Previous credits include Shrek (Fiona), Little Women (Marmee), Rock of Ages (Sherrie), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas). She would like to thank her friends and family for their unfailing support and love. @megelizagray
Chase Partin is an Atlanta native and is honored to return to The Strand where he was last seen in A Christmas Tradition (2022). He recently completed two contracts as a lead vocalist with Royal Caribbean. Chase is deeply grateful for every opportunity to share the stage and extends heartfelt thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support. All glory to God.
Zac is an award-winning choreographer, director, and actor. He previously served as founding Artistic Director for Marietta Theatre Company for three years. Zac has performed in, directed and choreographed many productions at The Strand including: 1940’s Radio Hour, Whose Wives Are They Anyway, Jukebox Giants: Motown & More!, A Christmas Tradition, AbbaBeegees Musical Review, Little Shop of Horrors, Forever Plaid, and Footloose. Zac has also been recognized for his direction and choreography work for high schools that have been nominated for Shuler Hensley Awards.
Regional performing credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre Company) Bullets Over Broadway (Georgia Ensemble Theatre); Les Misérables (Alliance Theatre); Big River (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Silence! The Musical (Onstage Atlanta); Great American Trailer Park Musical (Marietta Theatre Company).
CREW
Dawn Parker has been teaching dance and theatre in the Cobb County community for over 35 years. She is the Director of Theatre and Fine Arts Chair at the award-winning program at Kennesaw Mountain High School and a graduate of North Cobb High School. She holds a BS in Dance Education from the University of Georgia and a MAT in Theatre Education from Brenau University. Dawn serves on the production team for Georgia All-State Theatre as well as the Performing Arts Advisory Council for the Cobb County School District and the Performing Arts Resources and Support Team for the Cobb County School District. She was named the first ever recipient of the CCSD Theatre/Dance Teacher of the Year for 2020-21 and is a member of the national Connected Arts Network professional learning group sponsored by the New York Department of Education. Dawn has directed shows such as Once on This Island, Pippin, Children of Eden, Spamalot, Water by the Spoonful, Elephant’s Graveyard, Sweeney Todd and many, many more. She a proud mom to Steven, Brennan, Tehya, Ashlyn and Serena and wife to her high school sweetheart, Todd. This is her first show at The Strand and she is so thankful and honored to have this opportunity. She would like to thank this phenomenal cast and amazing creative team for their unending support and encouragement. She would also like to thank her family, KMHS Drama students and KMHS Fine Arts staff for their grace and patience during this process and sharing her with her new Bright Star family!
Camilla has worked at The Strand Theatre for the past eight years and is now serving as the Production Director. She is a professional pianist and vocalist and has spent 30 years performing in the US. Her favorite recent performance was singing in the Champions Queen Tribute at Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center. Camilla would like to thank her family and friends for all the love, laughter and that rockin’ rooftop party just before tech week. And a very special thank you to Andy Gaines and the Strand staff for making work feel like home away from home. @camillasandersmusic
Kevin Sanders is a pianist, composer, and music director based in Metro Atlanta who has been playing professionally since the age of 18. His playing career has taken him all over the US and he has spent the past six years serving as Music Director for several projects at The Strand Theater: A Christmas Tradition, Jukebox Giants: Motown & More, Rock of Ages, 1940’s Radio Hour and Strand Ole Opry. Kevin has toured with Georgia Players Guild’s Queen, Led Zeppelin and Eagles tribute shows since 2017. With a background that encompasses jazz, rock, and country music styles, Kevin continues to maintain a continuous schedule of performances in concerts, theater productions, and corporate events.
Julian is on the staff at The Strand Theatre in a full-time capacity serving as Technical Director. He has over 15 years experience with technical production in audio, film, tv, live concerts and events. His recent favorite projects include, Saw X, Dr. Frights Dead Man’s Party. Julian would like to thank The Strand Theater for the opportunity and the cast and crew for putting this amazing show together!
Montana Ludlow is an Atlanta resident who has previously worked with Marietta Theatre Company, Frat Pack Productions, and Georgia Ensemble Theatre. She is excited to work with the Strand on such a fantastic show with the best cast a stage manager could ask for. She’d like to thank Dawn and Delaney, for their collaboration and artistic joy, and especially to her friends and family for letting her crash out on daily basis but loving her anyway.
Ben Perkins grew up in Cobb County, Georgia, where his early exposure to the world of technical production ignited a lifelong passion for lighting design. Starting in 2015, Ben became the principal lighting designer for the Cobb County School District, orchestrating the lighting for hundreds of graduations, special events, and county-wide ceremonies. His hands-on, self-taught journey in the AV field quickly expanded into a full-fledged career.
In 2018, Ben joined The Strand Theatre as a lighting designer, eventually stepping into the role of Technical Director in 2022. Over the next two years, he guided the theatre’s technical team through countless productions, from community showcases to large-scale musicals.
After earning his degree in Information Systems from Kennesaw State University, Ben continued to refine his craft. He recently transitioned to freelance work, bringing his wealth of experience in lighting and technical production to a broader range of projects. Ben remains deeply committed to education and mentorship, always eager to help the next generation of technicians find their light.
Chris has worked as a AVL Tech for over seven years doing live shows, events, concerts, and theater. Chris has previously worked on Movies Under The Stars, Caffeine and Octane, Dr. Frights Dead Man’s Party, Holiday In The Park Sixflags. Chris would like to thank the staff at The Strand for the opportunity to work alongside them in such an awesome show.
Johnny has been involved with The Strand for over 10 years. In addition to his incredible visual art skills, Johnny loves listening to sci-fi podcasts while he paints, playing piano in the lounge and singing with the GSO chorus.
Greg is excited to be working his first show at The Strand. A founding StagePop at Kennesaw Mountain High School Drama, Greg has been instrumental in helping with sets, house management and was a core presence in the program. He would like to thank his wife, Elaina, and sons, Lincoln and Cannon, for their love and support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Katie Harmon is so excited to be back working with the Strand! She recently graduated from The University of Alabama with a dual degree and majors in Theatre and Marketing. Recent credits include Cabaret (Stage Manager), Anastasia: Youth Edition (Stage Manager), and Shrek Jr. (Stage Manager). She would like to thank The Strand team for inviting her to be a part of this journey and her family and friends for their constant support.
Zakhar is a touring lighting and audio engineer based in the ATL area. He has worked on multiple plays and musicals with some of his favorites being Footloose and High School Musical. Zakhar would like to thank Julian and the Strand Theater for allowing him to work alongside such an amazing cast and crew!
BAND
Kevin Sanders is a pianist, composer, and music director based in Metro Atlanta who has been playing professionally since the age of 18. His playing career has taken him all over the US and he has spent the past six years serving as Music Director for several projects at The Strand Theatre: A Christmas Tradition, Jukebox Giants: Motown & More, Rock of Ages, 1940’s Radio Hour and Strand Ole Opry. Kevin has toured with Georgia Players Guild’s Queen, Led Zeppelin and Eagles tribute shows since 2017. With a background that encompasses jazz, rock, and country music styles, Kevin continues to maintain a continuous schedule of performances in concerts, theater productions, and corporate events.
David Ellis has been performing for over 45 years, bringing rich experience and versatility to the stage. A multi-instrumentalist, David plays banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, sharing a lifelong passion for music with every performance. He is looking forward to helping bring this body of music to life through the banjo.
Jared Lanham is a highly accomplished percussionist and multi-instrumentalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a deep-rooted musical background shaped by a family of bluegrass musicians. From an early age, he honed his skills performing alongside his brother, drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rush, The Allman Brothers Band, Metallica, and Dave Matthews Band.
Jared’s expertise in percussion was further refined through years of elite marching experience. He performed with distinction as a snare drummer in both the University of Georgia Redcoat Band and the Georgia Tech Marching Band. His leadership and technical mastery earned him the role of drum captain with the internationally competitive Odyssey Percussion Theatre. He later served as drum captain of the Atlanta Falcons Drumline for a decade, leading performances for tens of thousands and representing the city on a professional stage.
As a versatile performer, Jared is active as both a percussionist and mandolinist across a wide range of genres. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education. His academic and artistic pursuits are grounded in a global perspective, with extensive study and performance in traditions including Arabic music, Indian classical music, Afro-Cuban and West African percussion, Irish folk, steel pan, flamenco, bluegrass, gypsy jazz, and Western classical repertoire.
Jared brings a rare combination of scholarly depth, technical excellence, and cultural versatility to every performance, making him a sought-after collaborator, educator, and performer in both professional and academic settings.
Chris has played bass with Josh Groban, Chloe Agnew, Joe Gransden, Gary Motley,
Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Ted Howe, Audrey Shakir, Karla Harris, Gavin Ahearn Trio,
Jerry Fields and Vecinos del Mundo, Keith David, Sarah Partridge, Marcus Lewis, Josh Lawrence,
Raphael Imbert, Matt Catingub, Macon Pops, Jens Lindemann, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Atlanta
Opera, Atlanta Wind Symphony, Jazz Legacy Big Band, 4 th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra, and
Gold Sparkle Band among many others.
Other performance credits include the musicals Wicked, Cats, Anything Goes, Camelot, Beehive, The Sound of Music, Catch Me If You Can, Dreamgirls, and Clyde, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. In 2010, Chris performed in Poland with the Josh Lawrence Jazz 3 at The Sopot Molo Jazz Festival and the jazz club Piwnica pod Baranami in Kraków. In 2024, Chris performed with his jazz trio at the Saraswati Jazz Fest in Poland.Chris holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Georgia State University and teaches bass at Emory University and Oglethorpe University.
Bill has been an active freelance musician since he moved to Atlanta in 2001. He holds degrees in Music Management and Classical Performance in tuba and recently finished a jazz performance bass degree from Kennesaw State University. He plays bass for the live band, heavy metal karaoke, Metalsome. He also plays a number of shows at the Strand Theatre, plays with the jazz group The Troy Brown Collective and the Julian Laury Trio and plays bass with the prog metal band Sight of Theia.
Sean Thrower is a versatile Atlanta-based guitarist with an eclectic performance history. As a classical guitarist, he has concertized as a soloist, with ensembles including the multi-cultural Surya Ensemble, and orchestras. Thrower has also performed for many musicals and Broadway productions at locations including Atlanta’s historic Fox Theater. As a contemporary guitarist, he has shared the stage with artists/groups including Chloë Agnew (formerly of Celtic Woman), Rick Ross, Griogair Labhruidh (formerly of Afro-Celt Sound System), Keith Carlock (Steely Dan), The Atlanta Pops, The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, Jessica Vosk (Broadway performer), David Phelps (vocalist). Thrower is also co-founder of the modern acoustic guitar duo, Terminus Falls. He has authored three books on guitar and is currently on faculty at Kennesaw State University, Berry College, and Reinhardt University. He also runs his own lesson studio, Thrower Guitar Studio. For more information, visit www.seanthrower.com.
Brian Smith is a guitar teacher and performer in the Athens and Atlanta area. Brian began his performance career in Augusta, GA playing for musicals and in jazz, rock, and classical ensembles in the area. He continued his studies at the University of Georgia under the tutelage of John Sutherland where he formed the Georgia Guitar Quartet, a nationally touring classical guitar quartet. Through the ensemble’s 26 year career he toured all over the United States, released several recordings and gained notoriety with musical features on radio and television shows. In addition to classical music, Brian also performs in theater companies across the state, plays in various jazz ensembles, rock groups, country groups and Americana groups across the Southeast. Recently his compositions have been featured on the PBS show “Viewfinders” where his music is featured in the show’s main theme and his group, The Lonesome Dawn, has several songs featured in the show as well. Currently Brian teaches guitar out of his private home studio in Athens and maintains an active performing and recording career across the Southeast.
Nick Edelstein has performed as music director, pianist and/or guitarist both nationally (Opera Carolina tours) and locally (Actor’s Express, Aurora, Kenny Leon’s True Colors, Horizon, Limelight, Lyric, KSU). He is blessed to have played on many notable productions, including The Color Purple at Actor’s Express (2018 Suzi Bass “Outstanding Musical, Music Direction”); and the Jennie T. Anderson’s Next To Normal (2022 Suzi Bass “Music Direction”). Beyond theatre, Nick has played thousands of concerts on guitars, keys, and horns including asMD-arranger-trombonist of Atlanta Brass Cats (“Best Rock Band” and “Best Dance Band” – Creative Loafing). His stage career includes symphony orchestras, casinos, universities and international festivals, at venues such as Atlanta’s Fox Theater and Chastain Amphitheater. In the studio, Nick has produced seven albums and appeared on dozens more alongside GRAMMY-winning and signed artists, and his songs have been featured on TV and radio. He has arranged for many of the Southeast’s top bands and scored scenes for film such as Show Me What You Got, which premiered and won “Best Film” at Italy’s Taormina Festival. His engineering credits include the Music Junkies podcast produced by Shawn Williams at WNNX 99.1 FM (99X/Q100). Nick studied guitar, piano, and trombone at the University of Georgia. He is a BMI Songwriter and a voting member of The Recording Academy. Fun fact: he appears in the Warner Bros.film We Are Marshall.
Alex has a diverse performing background including performances with Smokey Robinson, Michael Buble, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, as well as numerous orchestras from Atlanta, GA all the way out to Denver, CO. She has been playing and performing since the age of five and absolutely loves taking the stage. While Alex performs often in the classical setting, she loves new music and playing pop/rock on violin with various touring groups and local artists. When she isn’t off performing, Alex teaches private lessons to her favorite kiddos in Roswell and Midtown, GA. She also shows her passion for music education through numerous concerts given every year in hopes of enriching and educating the local community on music (and how to keep the arts alive!).
Huijeong Lee holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree in Violin and a degree in Music Education. She is an active performing and teaching violinist, known for her dynamic presence on stage and dedication to music education. A winner of the KSU Concerto Competition for the 2017-2018 year, Huijeong has also had the privilege of having master classes with internationally renowned violinists, including Midori Goto and Augustin Hadelich.
She frequently performs across Atlanta and neighboring states, engaging in a diverse range of concerts and performances, while also working regularly in recording studios. Her collaborations include recording with notable artists such as Baby Rose and Raiche, adding to her diverse musical repertoire.
Mary Horst has been playing cello since the fifth grade, and studying music in some way since the age of three. An Atlanta native, she studied cello performance at Indiana University in Bloomingtons and graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Mary’s truest love is chamber music, and she performs in ensembles from duet to octet and everything in between. She also plays with several regional symphony orchestras, including those of Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Valdosta. Mary has also enjoyed venturing into the worlds of musical theatre and opera, and has performed at the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, and Capital City Opera Company. She has toured in China with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra, performing music from film and television. Mary teaches music lessons to students aged 3 to 103, and is on the faculty of Waldorf School of Atlanta and Suzuki Talent Education Program in Buckhead. She loves to travel and recently spent a month teaching English and Math in Jaipur, India. After she finishes teaching for the day, you might find her taking yoga or ballet class or practicing while her dog, Dolly, sleeps under the chair.
Atlanta-based cellist Giancarlo Ortiz, known professionally as Maestro G, is a dynamic multi-genre artist originally from Miami, Florida. Renowned for his soulful and electric style, he seamlessly blends genres like R&B, hip-hop, classical, jazz, and Latin. His diverse performance experience spans studio recordings, film scores, orchestras, and chamber ensembles across the Eastern
U.S.Maestro G is a dedicated educator and teaching artist with programs including the Atlanta Music Project, Westminster, and Music By Tritone. He’s also an avid content creator, streaming live performances and connecting with global audiences on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and TikTok.
Giancarlo’s career is marked by a wide range of collaborations—from recording with Tree Sound Studios for artists like Jai’len Josey and Tevin “Penny” McGuire, to performing with Latin stars such as Pitizion on Univision and Despierta América. He’s also toured internationally with the Peruvian ensemble Kuyayky and recorded original scores with Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex (MAGIC).
Born in 1998 into a non-musical family, Giancarlo began playing cello at 11 and quickly advanced, later becoming a finalist winner in the 2015 Young Talent Big Dreams Competition with Kuyayky. He earned his Bachelor of Music from New World School of the Arts collegiate program and a Master of Music from Florida State University. Today, Maestro G continues to inspire both in the classroom and on stage, helping shape the next generation of musicians through private teaching and community engagement.
Jonah has worked with the Tech Department at The Strand for the past two years and has performed with the Strand Ole Opry since 2021. He is a recent Honors Graduate of Kennesaw Mountain High School and the former Percussion Captain of The Kennesaw Mountain High School Band. He is a member of the 2025 GMEA All-State Symphonic Band and the 2025 GMEA All-State Percussion Ensemble. Theatre performance credits include: Sweeney Todd (Kennesaw Mountain HS – Pit Percussionist), Rock of Ages (Strand Theatre-Stagehand), and Beauty & The Beast (Kennesaw Mountain HS – Pit Percussionist). Jonah would like to thank his family and Ben Perkins for teaching him his foundation.
STRAND STAFF & BOARD
Andy Gaines
Executive Director
Manda Costoulas
Operations Director
Chris DeLeo
Facilities and Events Director
Camilla Sanders
Production Director
Julian Martin
Technical Director
Jackie Garvin
Box Office Manager
Paloma White
Marketing Manager
Madison Willits
House Manager
Jazmine Mooney
Bar and Concessions Manager
Clay Moore
Sales and Event Manager
Debbie Hall
Accountant
Chris Graham
Theatre Technician
Savannah Patton
Education Program Manager
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Holly Tuchman, Chair
Terri Guthrie, Vice Chair
Ron King, Treasurer, Finance Chair
Tracy Styf, Secretary
Cassandra Buckalew, Facilities Chair
Kim Gresh, Past Chair, Nominating Chair, Development Chair
Mazi Mazloom, Governance Chair
Dana Johnson, Governance Chair
Stan Wise, Development Chair
Linda Beggs, Liaison to Advisory Board
Wendy Bunch
Lindsey Burruss
Lisa Crossman
Jay Cunningham
Karen Hallacy
The Honorable Latonia Hines
Arnold Huffman
Stephen Imler
Don Keller
Karen Lockhart
The Honorable Sam Olens
David Persson
ADVISORY BOARD
John Alday
The Honorable Roy Barnes
Michael Bohling
Deanne Bonner
Bill Bruton, Jr.
Katy Ruth Camp
Luci Hogue
Michele Howard
Sam Kelly
Sheree Knowles
John Loud
Jackie McMorris
JK Murphy
The Honorable Bert Reeves
The Honorable D. Victor Reynolds
The Honorable Devan Seabaugh
Alice Summerour
TRUSTEES EMERITUS
Debbie Abernathy
Ron Carter
The Honorable William Dunaway
Carol Ann King Massih
Ralph Knight
Becky Paden
Earl Smith*
SPECIAL THANKS
Kennesaw Mountain High School Graphic Design Department, Kailei Faglier
Kennesaw Mountain High School Drama Department
STRAND SPONSORS
BRIAN WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY
COBB TRAVEL & TOURISM
HLB GROSS COLLINS
LGE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
MARIETTA POWER & WATER
NETEVATE
THE STYF FAMILY
WALTON COMMUNITIES
ACCESS COBB, A CRAFT BANK
ED VOYLES AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
RABBI STEVEN LEBOW AND MADELINE SABLE
MANNING PROPERTIES
YEOMANS, YOURRETIREMENTCOACH.COM
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Box Office Hours
Tue – Thur, 12 pm – 4 pm
Fridays 12pm – 6pm
Two hours before showtime
It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
© 2026 Friends of the Strand, Inc. All rights reserved
EIN 20-0210688
It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Box Office Hours:
Tue – Thur, 12 pm – 4 pm
Fridays 12pm – 6pm
Two hours before showtime
© 2026 Friends of the Strand, Inc. All rights reserved
EIN 20-0210688