BRIGHT STAR & Montezuma and the Petticoats – This Summer in Kanab
After a year of closed theaters, two theatrical productions will delight audiences in Kanab, Southern Utah’s charming getaway, this summer!
First, on June 18-26, the award-winning Broadway musical BRIGHT STAR will charm audiences with powerful vocals, an unforgettable story, and the toe-tapping sounds of a live bluegrass band.
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. 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 beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
Directed by Rachelle Robinson, BRIGHT STAR is produced by husband-and-wife performers, Lyndsey and Russell Wulfenstein (The W Duo), whose previous stage productions have consistently delighted sold-out audiences with their focus on delivering uplifting entertainment and memorable experiences.
Tickets are available now at kanabmusical.com
Then on August 5, 6, 7, and 9, the all-original Montezuma and the Petticoats debuts. This musical play takes place in early 1900’s Kanab and is inspired by two historical events: i) the election of what would become known as the nation’s first all-women town council in 1911; and ii) prospector Freddie Crystal’s recruitment of the whole town to help him search for Montezuma’s hidden treasure supposedly buried near Kanab.
When Freddie Crystal bicycles into Kanab with a map to Montezuma’s buried gold, soul-searching Mary decides to help him recruit all able-bodied men to look for the treasure. Though distrusting of Freddie and his tales of gold, Mary sees the treasure hunt as a chance for her and her petticoat friends to win the local election from the stingy and self-absorbed current Mayor so that they can change the course of the poorly run town. Mary’s foray into local politics helps her and others confront their own self-doubts, while simultaneously leading to feelings for Freddy—but it may be too late as the Mayor relentlessly pursues arresting Freddie for fraud.
Directed by Tammie Van Dyke, written and produced by Jeff Stott, and musical arrangement by Russell Wulfenstein, Montezuma and the Petticoats is a western comedy that both celebrates and pokes fun at Southern Utah rural life. It’s about treasure-seeking, falling in love, and accepting one’s self—weaknesses and all.
Both shows will be performed at the Kanab High school auditorium.
Tickets can be purchased at www.kanabmusical.com.
