Minneapolis Musical Theatre
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BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

brightlights02

October 10 – 26, 2008 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Scott Goodman

Inspired by Jay McInerney’s groundbreaking 1984 novel, this contemporary rock musical chronicles the life of a yuppie New Yorker who seems to have it all: a successful model for a wife, a job at a prestigious magazine and plenty of wild friends.  Then the lights of the city begin to dim as he struggles with the reality of divorce, his mother’s death and a drug addiction.  Ultimately, he escapes the downward spiral and learns valuable lessons about family, loss, love … and hope.

Note:  This production contains adult themes and language.

Director / Choreographer  Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Lori Maxwell

photo credit: Roy Blakey

Scenic Designer / Technical Coordinator – Andrea Heilman
Light Designer – Karin Olson
Video Designer – Christian Unser
Sound Designer – Collin Sherraden
Rehearsal Accompanist – Emily Hanson
Stage Manager – Carrie Kuehl
Prop Designer – Cole Walsh
Dance Captain – Andrea Alioto
Set Construction – Jay Schueller

Cast
Jamie
– Patrick Morgan
Tad / Ensemble – Thomas Karki
Coma Baby / Elaine / Ensemble – Andrea Alioto
Mary O’Brien McCann / Elise / Ensemble – Jessica Halverson
Theresa / Drug Girl / Ensemble – Courtney Miner
Amanda / Ensemble – Emily Brooke Hansen
Mother / Ensemble – Christine Karki
Chuck Bean / Ensemble – Bart Ruf
Blues Man / Ensemble – Ryan Halliday
Secretary / Ensemble – Christian Unser
Clara / Ensemble – Jodi Tripp
Michael / Ensemble – Joseph Bombard
Vicky / Ensemble – Anna Carol
Ensemble – C. Ryan Shipley
Ensemble – Darren T. Hensel

Musicians
Patrick Charbonneau (Guitar)
Jessica Franken (Keyboard 2)
Emily Hanson (Keyboard 1)
Matt Miller (Bass)
Tony Schiefert (Percussion)

Reviews and Quotes

“When theater can plunge us into depths of despair and then convincingly lift us back up the rugged road to hope, we know that we have truly been transported. Such can be said of Minneapolis Musical Theatre’s powerhouse area premiere of “Bright Lights, Big City.”  Andrea Heilman’s scenic design of skyscrapers sprouting upwards like cavernous stalagmites matched with the moody hues of Karin Olson’s lighting create a dark majesty. Christian Unser’s smart video design nods to Max Headroom in contrast with suburban tranquility.  Director/Choreographer Steven J. Meerdink probes the rock musical’s dire content with spectral integrity.  The vocally exquisite cast flows like a magical river through the numerous scenes and dance sequences.” (click here for entire review) – Minneapolis Star Tribune

“The music is as 1980’s as it comes, with power chords and lots of electronic influence, and it’s kept aloft throughout the entire piece by a sharply directed and extremely talented cast. Patrick Morgan, hot off the heels of another performance of a man named Jamie (MMT’s Robber Bridegroom), suffers and shakes his way through the 90-minute orgy of drugs and memories with such convincing presence that you wonder if he didn’t perhaps do a little “character research” himself.  Morgan can sing, there’s never any doubt about that, but this show requires someone who can carry the gravitas of Jamie, and Morgan doesn’t falter.  This isn’t a one-man show, however, and if Morgan is riding high, it’s because he’s got a cast that’s constantly rising to match him. Christine Karki and Joseph Bombard are heartbreaking in their portrayals of Jamie’s mother and brother, respectively. Karki is always impressive vocally, but the shocker here is Bombard, who turns in an absolute masterpiece as Jamie’s left-behind, lesser-known brother. There are other great performances on the stage as well (Tom Karki as Jamie’s best friend and dealer, Emily Brooke Hansen as the parasitic ex-wife), it’s nearly impossible to find the weak link in this cast.” – howwastheshow.com

“Cleverly staged by gay Artistic Director Steven J. Meerdink, Bright Lights, Big City is a smashingly good show.  Among the highlights of the production are Meerdink’s smart use of his ensemble as they move the show along.  Emily Brooke Hansen as Amanda, the wife who chooses a modeling career over marriage is superb, especially in her two biggest scenes.  Christine Karki, a performer who’s often been a standout in MMT productions, adds to her growing list of terrific roles as Jamie’s mother.  Joseph Bombard gives a vocally exciting performance as Jamie’s brother, Michael.  Patrick Morgan as Jamie is the primary purpose for seeing this excellent show.  He seldom leaves the stage and finds the emotional core in this self-destructive character.  Morgan has managed to deliver a remarkable performance.” – On The Purple Circuit