Dakota Stage Presents
Bright Star
Directed by Juan Gelpi
Dakota Stage
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About the Show
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star is an epic story of love, loss, and redemption set against the rich backdrop of Appalachia in the 1920’s and ‘40’s. Billy Cane returns from the second world war, with literary ambitions, bringing him into contact with Alice Murphy, the fearsome editor of the esteemed Asheville Southern Journal. Alice’s story is told through a series of flashbacks, revealing the source of her secret sorrow, and the impetus for her journey of discovery and redemption that will change her and Billy’s lives, and the lives of everyone around her. With beautiful melodies informed by the traditions of bluegrass and powerfully moving characters, the story transports us to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for an uplifting theatrical journey that will move you. Bright Star is a refreshing slice of Americana that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve.
A Note About Seating at this Show
Unique to Bright Star, we will be featuring a LIVE pit band. To accommodate the musicians, Row A will be removed and the pit band will be seated on the floor directly in front of the stage.
Additionally, accessible seating for guests using wheelchairs and their companions will be located at the back of the auditorium in the center section (Rows N and O). Please purchase accessible and companion seats as usual, and our ushers will assist you to the seating area upon arrival.
Run Time
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutesContent Advisory
BRIGHT STAR includes themes of grief, loss, and trauma. There are also depictions of physical injury, child endangerment and abandonment, and intense emotional distress.Age Recommendation
We recommend this show for ages 10 and up. While there are only a few mild curse words, the subject matter may not hold the attention of a youngpatron. However, parents are encouraged to use their own judgment when choosing shows for children based on their maturity and interest level.
Auditions
Auditions for this show are past.
Volunteers
Sign upUshers (2) are responsible for scanning tickets, helping patrons to their seats, and cleaning the theater after the show.
Concessions volunteers (2) are responsible for selling drinks and snacks before the show and at intermission.
As a thank you, volunteers can enjoy the show for free!
Cast & Crew
Brittany Bearsheart
Mama Murphy
Read biography Brittany Bearsheart
Mama Murphy
Brittany is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production. A graduate of both University of Mary (2016) and BSC (2022) she holds degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as a Minor in Theatre. She has been involved with many theatre companies through the community as director, music director, and performer; including BSC, Dakota Stage, Shade Tree, Sleepy Hollow and Capitol Shakespeare. Some of her stage credits include “Dolly Levi” in Hello Dolly, “Countess Lily” in Anastasia at BSC, “Snout” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Capitol Shakespeare, “Margaret White” in Carrie and “Ensemble” in Sweeney Todd at Dakota Stage. Her directing credits include Emma at BSC as well as many shows with Shade Tree; her music directing credits include Shrek Jr., Newsies Jr. and many more at Simle Middle School, Hello, Dolly!, Anastasia, and Jekyll and Hyde at BSC, and director of the Rising Stars at Sleepy Hollow. When she is not involved with a show, Brittany is a private vocal teacher in the community and very grateful for all of the opportunities that being in theatre has given her. She would like to give a big shout out to her family and friends for always being there and supporting her in her theatre endeavors.
Pasha Goodman
Lucy
Read biography Pasha Goodman
Lucy
Pasha Goodman is thrilled to be returning to Dakota Stage as Lucy. She had a blast playing Mother in Christmas Story. Pasha and her family enjoyed their very first North Dakota winter since moving from Houston, Texas, where she was active in her local community theater. Some of her favorite roles include Caroline in Detroit '67, Marci in Almost Maine, and Marlene in Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will. Pasha is beyond grateful for her family for supporting her passion for theater and for the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented cast and crew!
Amanda Hoscheit
Alice Murphy
Read biography Amanda Hoscheit
Alice Murphy
Amanda is thrilled to be making her Dakota Stage debut in this production of Bright Star. While this is her first time on this particular stage, she is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed in a wide array of shows and ensembles for over 20 years across three different states. A lifelong lover of the arts, Amanda is also a dedicated weaver and historical reenactor, loving to bring history and Americana traditions to life with her husband and 3 children. These passions deepen her appreciation for the rich, historical tapestry of this story. She has been deeply moved by Bright Star’s poignant themes of love, loss, and redemption, and she feels incredibly fortunate to collaborate with such a talented cast and crew to bring this narrative to life. Amanda hopes you find the performance as moving as she does—enjoy the show!
Ian Boyd
Daddy Murphy/Dance Ensemble
Read biography Ian Boyd
Daddy Murphy/Dance Ensemble
This is Ian’s second experience on stage, the first was a few short months ago as Inspector Lestrade / Moriarty in Dakota Stage’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt 2B. In a previous life, he performed with a fire arts dance troupe. Ian would like to express his immense gratitude to his family and friends for their support, fellow cast & staff for their passion, grace, & humor, and to Dakota Stage for the opportunity. To you, reading this during intermission, he says:: “The script alone had me crying, here’s hoping the show is touching your heart and spirit!”
Rob Sandness
Stanford/Station Master
Read biography Rob Sandness
Stanford/Station Master
Rob Sandness is excited to be back at Dakota Stage since Sweeney Todd in 2023. He has also been part of Capitol Shakespeare' s productions of Hamlet (2024) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2025). Rob is especially excited about being in Bright Star not just for the great music, but also for the opportunity to work with wonderful fellow cast and crew members. During the summer you can find Rob giving historic tours of the Custer House and Mandan Village at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. There, he may also give you a fright as a Victorian vampire at Haunted Fort. Rob is also the Librarian at Flasher Public School in Flasher, ND. Thus, one guess is that his favorite hobby is reading, but he also enjoys crocheting, knitting, and quilting in his spare time. Rob wishes to give thanks to his friends, family, and two orange cats (Oscar and Odin) for all their love and support.
Brad Gulbranson
Jimmy Ray
Read biography Brad Gulbranson
Jimmy Ray
Brad is excited to be returned to Dakota Stage for the 6th time, portraying the role of Jimmy Ray Dobbs in the upcoming production of Bright Star. He previously performed at DSL in Sweeney Todd (Anthony Hope), Carrie, the Musical (Billy Nolan), 9 to 5 (Franklin Hart), Spamalot (Sir Lancelot), and the Addams Family Musical (Ensemble). Other credits include Frozen the Musical (Oaken), Anastasia (Count Ipolitov, Tsar Nicholas II, ensemble), Jekyll & Hyde (Henry Jekyll & Edward Hyde), and Xanadu (Danny McGuire) at Bismarck State College Theater. When not on the stage, Brad works as an electrical engineer in town. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their continued support in his artistic endeavors, especially his wife Emilie who he is thrilled to be sharing the stage with once again.
Rachel Morrison
Margo
Read biography Rachel Morrison
Margo
Rachel is delighted to be making her Dakota Stage Debut. Favorite credits include Into the Woods with American Conservatory Theater YPT, and Saint Joan with the University of Mary. Rachel studied at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She’d like to thank Abby and Mandy for their support and encouragement.
Drew Pengilly
Daryl/Daddy Cane
Read biography Drew Pengilly
Daryl/Daddy Cane
Drew is no stranger to Dakota Stage, having been seen in productions such as The Rocky Horror Show, The Crucible, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Sweeney Todd among many others. For money by day, he works for Rock 30 Games, running livestream auction shows on the website Whatnot. His hobbies include feverishly following his favorite baseball team (Go Pirates!), playing the guitar, video games, and listening to all his records he spent too much money on. Drew would like to give special thanks to his wonderful parents for their never ending love and support. Shoutout to the siblings, too. He loves them very much.
Kathryn Steve
Dr. Norquist/Well-Dressed-Lady/Dance Ensemble
Read biography Kathryn Steve
Dr. Norquist/Well-Dressed-Lady/Dance Ensemble
Kathryn was first introduced to performance through dance, sparking a lifelong love of the stage. From a young age, she could often be found in her childhood home’s foyer, dancing and singing along to a mixtape of female pop stars—microphone in hand (or at least a piece of plastic with curled ribbon that did the job just fine). Between dance classes, church choir, and theater camps, she eagerly took every opportunity to perform in front of others. She would like to thank the production team for the opportunity to take on multiple roles in helping bring this story to life, and her dog Fiona for patiently listening to countless rehearsals at home.
Ryan J. Masset
Mayor Dobbs
Read biography Ryan J. Masset
Mayor Dobbs
As is the tradition, Ryan was cast in Bright Star partly by happenstance. This is Ryan's fourth show at Dakota Stage and his first musical, ever. He'd like to thank his wife for roping him into auditioning again and for her mentorship in the world of theater. Thanks also to all of the cast and crew for creating such a great environment to work in. Every villain is the hero of their own story.
Braedon Ziegler
Max/Dance Ensemble
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Max/Dance Ensemble
Braedon Ziegler is a sophomore student at Bismarck High school. He has performed in recent productions such as Disney: The Little Mermaid, SpongeBob The Musical, and Witness for the Prosecution. This is his first Dakota Stage production and he is excited to perform with such an amazing cast. He would like to thank his parents, his brothers, and his friends for teaching him all he knows. And he hopes you enjoy watching Dakota Stages production of Bright Star.
Serenity Quellhorst
Edna
Read biography Serenity Quellhorst
Edna
Serenity Quellhorst is a sophomore at Bismarck High School and is thrilled to be in Bright Star. She has been in many Conservatory Shade Tree plays and musicals but never a Dakota Stage production before and is more than excited. She has done Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Addams Family, and Agatha Christie’s Witness For the Prosecution. Serenity is so very excited to be a part of the show and is so excited for you all to see it!
Isaac Peterchuk
Billy Cane
Read biography Isaac Peterchuk
Billy Cane
Isaac Peterchuk is a community member making his Dakota Stage debut. Isaac is a full time student at the University of Mary, prior he graduated from Bismarck State College. Previous show credits include Frozen, ‘Hello, Dolly!’, Anastasia, and Jekyll & Hyde at BSC and Annie at Mandan High School. He would like to thank God for the privilege to perform and his loving family and friends for all of their love and support in his theatre journey.
Peyton Schock
Florence/Government Clerk/Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Read biography Peyton Schock
Florence/Government Clerk/Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Peyton Schock is thrilled to be making her Dakota Stage debut in Bright Star. She is currently a student at Bismarck State College, where she has performed in productions such as Hello, Dolly!, Constellations, and Frozen. Additional credits include Bye Bye Birdie at Shiloh Christian School. Peyton is grateful for the support of her family and the guidance of her past and current directors.
Emilie Gulbranson
Dance Ensemble
Read biography Emilie Gulbranson
Dance Ensemble
Emilie Gulbranson is excited to make her Dakota Stage debut! Emilie teaches English at St. Mary’s Central High School where she also directs the theater program. While she loves directing and working behind the scenes, she returned to the stage after a bit of an acting hiatus last year in “Anastasia” at BSC. When she learned there would be opportunities for dancers in this production, she couldn't resist auditioning. Emilie would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, and her husband, Brad, for encouraging her to do another show together.
Aurora Neubauer
Dance Ensemble
Read biography Aurora Neubauer
Dance Ensemble
This is Aurora’s second time performing at Dakota Stage and she is thrilled to be in the ensemble in such a fun musical. She would like to thank Juan and Lindsay for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this amazing production. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Margaret Windingstad
Dance Ensemble
Read biography Margaret Windingstad
Dance Ensemble
This is Margaret's first show with Dakota Stage. She's always loved theater, and grew up performing in ballets. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, backpacking, and hiking.
Kami House Bauer
Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Read biography Kami House Bauer
Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Kami House Bauer is thrilled to be making her debut at Dakota Stage after a long hiatus from the theatre. With a strong background in youth theater, some of her past productions include Annie Get Your Gun, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and her most notable role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Kami was a member of her high school dance team and later went on to coach for six years. Her current performing credits include featured vocalist with Big Al’s Big Band and proud member of the Kaleidoscope Chorus Line for the past eight years. Kami would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support—especially her daughters, for sharing their time with their mom so she can pursue her Bright Star (and occasionally turn the living room into a rehearsal space). Enjoy the show!
Jada Lange
Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Read biography Jada Lange
Spirit/Dance Ensemble
Jada Lange is a graduate of the CLI Conservatory located in Southampton, Massachusetts where she studied a variety of dance styles. This will be Jada’s second main stage performance with Dakota Stage, her first being The Rocky Horror Show as Columbia last fall. She also performed in BSC’s production of Frozen as Bulda earlier this year. Jada would like to thank her family, friends, and girlfriend for supporting her love of dancing and performing.
Lorelei Masset
Ensemble
Embry Fishcer
Ensemble
Jesse Burdick
Orchestra
Geddy Miller
Orchestra
Liz Patton
Orchestra
Warren Granfor
Orchestra
Mark Erhardt
Orchestra
Derek Pich
Orchestra
Becky Crisman-Smith
Orchestra
Elizabeth Odegard
Orchestra
Madison Milbrath
Orchestra
Steve Martin
Music, Book & Story
Read biography 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
Read biography Edie Brickell
Music, Lyrics & Story
Edie Brickell released the debut multiplatinum 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.
Juan Gelpi
Director
Read biography Juan Gelpi
Director
Juan cannot believe his good fortune, getting to direct this stellar cast and crew in his first return to directing in forty years. Juan divides his time between Bismarck, and Virginia Beach, VA. Productions in Bismarck have included Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Crucible, Suite Surrender and Midsummer Nights Dream, and most recently as Stage Manager for Making God Laugh. In Norfolk, VA, he has performed in War of the Worlds, Choir Boy and The Very Special Holiday Special Cabaret. He would like to thank his beloved wife Barbara and his ridiculous wiener dogs Bruno and Berta
Mary Fischer
Assistant Director
Read biography Mary Fischer
Assistant Director
“Musicals are just plays where the people are too emotional to talk.” -Unknown
Lindsay Masset
Choreographer
Read biography Lindsay Masset
Choreographer
Lindsay Masset is a ND native, a wife, and a Mom of 2 amazing girls. She received her BA in Theatre and a Dance Minor at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She studied Theatrical Acrobatics, Mask play, Clown work and more at Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California. Alongside acting, Lindsay has performed; acrobatics, puppetry, single-point dance trapeze, and many styles of dance professionally across the country. She’s toured with notable companies such as; Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre, Portland Actors’ Ensemble, and Do Jump Extremely Physical Theatre Company. Lindsay currently instructs Acrobatics and Physical Theatre at DanceworX Studio and she also teaches Yoga, Barre, and Rebounding fitness classes at Soul Haven Studio. Soon she’ll be opening her own Single-Point Dance Trapeze studio out of her home. Lindsay would love to give a special thanks and shoutout to her Mom and Lee for watching our Imogene so Ryan, Lorelei, and I could be a part of this wonderful production.
Elizabeth Spencer
Stage Manager
Read biography Elizabeth Spencer
Stage Manager
Elizabeth is thrilled to be stage managing her second show with Dakota Stage. She previously stage managed Addams Family last summer for Shade Tree! You may have seen her in recent shows at Dakota Stage including Rocky Horror Show as “ Magenta “ and The Crucible as “Susanna“. She is thrilled for everyone to experience how amazingly touching this show is, and how beautiful all the actors on stage bring the show to life! She would like to thank her co stage manager Kylah, her friends, family, and partner for all the support and love.
Production Team
Director
Juan Gelpi
Assistant Director
Mary Fischer
Music Director
Brittany Bearsheart
Stage Manager
Kylah Anderson, Elizabeth Spencer
Choreographer
Lindsay Masset
Costume Designer
Amanda Perry, Greta Sandel
Scenic Designer
Brian Nelson, Juan Gelpi
Master Carpenter
Jason Bryhn
Lighting & Sound Designer
Chris Roemmich
Accompanist
Warren Granfor
Stage Crew
Velvet Olsen, Kasey Olsen
Crew
Gary Dreher, MaeBelle Oxendahl, Peyton Gray
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