Star Inc. Theatre’s Broadway Nights Brings Songs and Talent to the Stage
UPDATED 10/16/22: Due to the popularity of this production, Star Inc. has added one more performance for Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Star Inc.’s production of Broadway Nights opens on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Fair Theater in Somerville and promises to be everything anyone who loves Broadway musicals will enjoy. The show is a cabaret style performance of Broadway songs over the years. There are songs from Fiddler on the Roof, Company, Rent, Les Misérables, Hamilton, and more.
Although the basis is Broadway songs, the production itself is original and one that has been in the making for five years.
“About five years ago, I saw Wicked at the Orpheum Theatre and fell in love with musical theatre,” said Thomas Farmer who is directing for the first time and appearing in the production. “The songs of course are all from different shows, but the structure of the show is original. The show is a great view into everything Broadway over the years and is why the rest of the cast and I love it.”
Thomas had a vision of how he wanted the show to be on the stage and the quality of singers to perform the wide variety of songs. He even had some favorite songs that he definitely wanted to include.
“‘Wait for Me (Reprise)’ from Hadestown and ‘One Day More’ from Les Misérables were must-haves for me,” said Thomas.
The cast of 21 people not only includes actors from Fayette County, but Hardeman County actors Kayla and Jeremiah Miller, Marnina Smeltser, and RJ Wetherbee, who have also appeared in productions at the Hardeman County Arts Council (HCAC) in Bolivar. All four performed in the HCAC’s production of Disney Aladdin JR. earlier this year.
“I have been a part of many groups of performers, and this is one of the most talented, exciting, and friendly cast,” said Marnina who played Jasmine in Disney Aladdin JR. and is performing for the first time with Star Inc. “I love each of my castmates and am so proud to be a part of Broadway Nights. If I were not on the stage, I would want a front row seat each night.”
RJ has done performances with other theatre companies and shared his experience with this production.
“I enjoy doing a show that’s different from what I’ve done in the past,” said RJ who had the lead role as Aladdin in Disney Aladdin JR., which was a musical. “I love singing so a show that’s just a variety of songs from musicals has been so much fun. I have also really enjoyed working with so many talented people in one show. “
Kayla Miller and her husband, Jeremiah, have performed in several Star Inc. productions. The couple lost their two-month-old daughter Guinevere Hope “Gwennie” Miller on July 5, 2022. One of the songs Kayla sings especially reminds her of Gwen and brings her joy.
“My favorite song is “For Good”,” said Kayla. “It has a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my beautiful daughter Gwen and the impact she has made on this world. The lyrics ‘because I knew you, I have been changed for good’ have a special meaning for me.”
Jeremiah’s theatrical bio includes him in a number of musicals in which he had lead parts. He is a natural on the stage with his acting as well as his singing.
“The vocal talent in this show is second to none,” said Jeremiah. “Even if you’re not a big fan of musicals, even though I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t like a musical, you will be blown away by the talent in this show. My favorite song in the show is “For Good”.”
Thomas has been involved with Star Inc. for four- and one-half years first performing in the summer of 2018 in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Since that time, he has appeared in other Star Inc. productions that include Disney’s High School Musical On Stage and Little Women.” Most recently, Thomas performed in the HCAC’s production of Honky Tonk Angels. Since moving to Oakland, he has seen the value of local theatre in small communities.
“I grew up in the lower end of Memphis,” said Thomas. “It wasn’t until later after moving into a smaller town, that I started appreciating having a venue like this that is local which is a great way to bring unity to the area. It is a simple thing, but something about going out and just having fun and enjoying a show together brings joy and friendship.”
The cast has been rehearsing since August. They have put in a lot of work and long hours into Broadway Nights. The acting is expected to be very good and the singing superb. Thomas is pleased with the finished product.
“I hope the audience leaves with a smile on their faces,” said Thomas. “For those who love Broadway already, I hope it will go above and beyond expectations, and do justice to some of their favorite songs and shows. For the ones who are indifferent about Broadway prior to seeing the show, I hope they will begin to understand and share that same love and appreciation that we do.”
Broadway Nights will be presented at the Fair Theatre, 116 East Market Street, Somerville, 38068, Friday and Saturday, October 14 – 15, 2022, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 16 and October 23, 2022 (second Sunday added), at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online and at the box office one hour before each performance.
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