theater - Mill Mountain Theatre

Save the Date: Mill Mountain Theatre’s
2024 Season Announcement

You’re invited to an evening filled with entertainment and excitement. On October 5th, Mill Mountain Theatre has a big announcement – and you are invited!

Starting on October 5th at 5:30 p.m. Mill Mountain Theatre and Three Notch’d Brewing and Craft Kitchen will kick off MMT’s 60th Season Announcement for the upcoming 2024 season. The reception will start across the street at Three Notch’d, where patrons are welcome to purchase food and drinks. At 6:30 p.m., the free event will move across the street to the Trinkle MainStage.

Guests will then be invited to gather inside the Trinkle MainStage for the main event. This occasion will be celebrated with performances from Mill Mountain Theatre’s outstanding Conservatory Students and members of the MMT Staff.

“We have hand-picked these titles built around our audience’s requests and to uplift the Roanoke Valley and we cannot wait to share them with everyone!” Said Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole. “We truly believe that this is an amazing season and we can’t wait for you to return to your seats with us as we celebrate with us in 2024.”

Each show picked by Mill Mountain Theatre aligns with the theatre’s mission to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences.

Join us for the unveiling of MMT’s 2024 Season on October 5th, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Three Notch’d. Can’t make it in person? No worries! We’ll also be streaming the event live on Mill Mountain Theatre’s Facebook page. And here’s the best part – you can enjoy delicious food and drinks available for purchase at Three Notch’d. Plus, there’s no need to RSVP; tickets to the event are completely free!

Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery is located at 24 Campbell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011. The Trinkle MainStage is located across the street at 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011.

Mill Mountain Theatre has served as Roanoke’s ticket to Broadway since 1964. Since the theatre’s founding, Mill Mountain Theatre has produced hundreds of shows in-house and hosted world premieres. As a professional, year-round, regional theatre with roots in its community and excellence as its primary objective, Mill Mountain Theatre has proudly served the region and the industry for nearly sixty years!

Acclaimed Broadway Stars Flock to Roanoke for Mill Mountain Theatre’s Bright Star

The lights of Broadway are about to shine brighter in Roanoke as stars flock to the Star City for Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of “Bright Star.”

Broadway stars James Moye, Mamie Parris and Nick Kepley are heading to Roanoke to work on the upcoming production of “Bright Star” written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. This trio has extensive experience on Broadway Stages.

Moye, a Christiansburg native returns to Mill Mountain Theatre to direct “Bright Star” after directing the acclaimed “Million Dollar Quartet” in 2021 at MMT. The James Madison University alum has worked on over 13 Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Aladdin,” “Dog Fight,” and “Million Dollar Quartet” to name a few. Moye also was a part of the original workshop for “Bright Star” before it hit the Broadway stage.

Parris makes her Trinkle MainStage debut after belting across the globe and on many of Broadway’s largest stages. She sang her way into audiences’ memories after starring as Grizabella in Broadway’s revival of “Cats.” In addition to the Andrew Lloyd Weber classic, Parris rocked audiences as Patty in “School of Rock.” Before she rocked the house, she soared to new heights and defied gravity in the titular role of Elphaba in the first national tour of “Wicked.” Parris tells the “lost lamb” story of the lead character, Alice Murphy.

Kepley, a native of Asheville, NC, returns to Roanoke after previously choreographing Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2018 production of “West Side Story.” In 2015, Kepley joined the choreography behind the renowned Broadway show “Waitress,” and prior to the Broadway debut of “Bright Star,” Kepley collaborated with Josh Rhodes on developing the show’s choreography. Kepley’s versatility shone as a cast member in Disney’s “Mary Poppins” on Broadway, where they adeptly undertook multiple roles. Adding to their repertoire, Kepley graced the NBC cult-classic show, “SMASH” and PBS’s “Great Performances,” while their earlier years were marked by devoted summers of training at the School of American Ballet and The Juilliard School.

“Bright Star” is a musical with an Appalachian core and bluegrass roots. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “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.

Similar to the story’s Appalachian roots, the cast includes actors from Appalachia and Southwest Virginia. The cast consists of Ben Armstrong (Ensemble), Danny Borba (Ensemble/Max/Stanford), Sarah Coleman (Ensemble), Sade Crosby (Ensemble/Edna/Clerk), Alaina Droog (Margo), AnnElese Galleo (Ensemble), *Robert Hancock (Mayor/Daddy Cane), Burke Hutchinson (Dr. Norquist/Daryl), *Trevor St. John-Gilbert (Jimmy Ray), Caitlin McAvoy (Lucy), *Jeffrey McGullion (Daddy Murphy), Jenna Leigh Miller (Ensemble/Mamma Murphy/Florence), James Moledor (Ensemble), James Henry Owens (Billy Cane) and *Mamie Parris (Alice Murphy).

“Bright Star” will feature a live band with Sam Saint Ours (Keys/Conductor), JT Fauber (Drums), Michael Havens (Guitar) and Jeff Hofmann (Upright Bass).

The creative team for Bright Star includes James Moye (Director), Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Nick Kepley (Choreographer), Sam Saint Ours (Music Director), *Peppy Biddy (Production Stage Manager), *Erin Alexis Markham (Assistant Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), Bill Webb (Lighting Designer), l (Props Designer), Jennie Ruhland (Costume Designer), Audrey Hamilton (Costume Designer), Savannah Woodruff (Sound Designer), Matt Shields (Props Designer/Director of Production) and Sydney Poole (Wardrobe).

“Bright Star” will take place from September 13th through October 1st on the Trinkle MainStage. For more information, visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740.

Sponsors and Grantors for “Bright Star” include 5Points Creative, B.J. Preas, Business Solutions Inc., Davidson’s Clothing for Men, Delta Dental, Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Innovative Insurance Group, Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Candy Store, TheRoanokeStar.com, Trane Technologies, The W.E. McGuire Foundation, TXTUR, Zenbusiness, Actors’ Equity Association, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, Theatre Communications Group, Center in the Square, Radio IQ/WVTF, Friends of the Fringe and Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Mill Mountain Theatre Presents “Bright Star”

The Sun is going to shine again. From the clever and hilarious minds of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell is “Bright Star,” an original musical based on a true story.

A musical rooted in bluegrass music, Appalachian culture and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. “Bright Star” features the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star,” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.

This musical follows a literary editor, Alice Murphy as she 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.

“Bright Star” opens the Fringe Series on the Trinkle MainStage at Mill Mountain Theatre. “The Fringe Series tackles challenging topics and shares different perspectives as we invite our audiences to step into someone else’s shoes.” Said Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole. “We later encourage our audiences to discuss these important topics and hope to shed light on these difficult subjects.”

Returning to the director’s chair is Christiansburg native, James Madison University Alumni and Broadway star, James Moye. Moye worked on the original workshop for “Bright Star,” before it hit the big stage on Broadway. He returns to Mill Mountain Theatre after directing the 2021 production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Moye has over 14 credits for both Broadway and Off-Broadway, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Aladdin,” “Dog Fight,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” and “Ragtime” to name a few.

“Bright Star” will feature a live band with Sam Saint Ours (Keys/Conductor), JT Fauber (Drums), Michael Havens (Guitar) and Jeff Hofmann (Upright Bass).

The creative team for Bright Star includes James Moye (Director), Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Nick Kepley (Choreographer), Sam Saint Ours (Music Director), Peppy Biddy* (Production Stage Manager), Erin Alexis Markham* (Assistant Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), Bill Webb (Lighting Designer), Jackson Yowell (Props Designer), Jennie Ruhland (Costume Designer), Savannah Woodruff (Sound Designer), Matt Shields (Director of Production) and Sydney Poole (Wardrobe).

“Bright Star” will take place from September 13th through October 1st on the Trinkle MainStage. For more information, visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740.

Holiday Inn at Mill Mountain Theatre

Irving Berlin’s Holiday inn features classic holiday music such as “White Christmas.” Join us Nov. 30 – Dec. 23

Christmas shopping doesn’t need to be stressful. This holiday season, make a beautiful memory and embrace the holiday season with Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn.

Fans of the 1942 film of the same name from Paramount Pictures and newcomers, will love the stage version even more! Bundle up with your closest friends and family with this holiday classic, Holiday Inn at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Trinkle MainStage. Experience the warming thrill of Irving Berlin’s classic songs such as “White Christmas,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Blue Skies” and more!

This timeless comedy features thrilling tap dances, joyous music and more. This story follows Jim who ditches the bright lights of show business to settle down in a small Connecticut farmhouse. His world takes a spectacular turn when he meets a talented teacher named Linda. Will Jim salvage his last chance at love?

“We’ve been in the memory-making business for nearly sixty years.” Said Ginger Poole, Producing Artistic Director. “We are excited to invite families and friends back to the theatre for a long-standing holiday tradition at Mill Mountain Theatre. Our holiday shows are a part of what makes the holiday season for many of our patrons so special.”

Mill Mountain Theatre has brought talent from all over the country to tell this outstanding story. In addition to Mill Mountain Theatre’s resident creative team, returning is Legally Blonde’s Kristen Brooks Sandler, who will be directing Holiday Inn.

Additional creative team members for Holiday Inn include Ginger Poole, Producing Artistic Director; Peppy Biddy*, Production Stage Manager; Erin Markham*, Assistant Stage Manager; Christopher D. Littlefield, Music Director; Marissa Danielle Duricko, Costume Designer; Jimmy Ray Ward, Scenic Designer; Bill Webb, Lighting Designer; and Matt Shields, Director of Production.

Holiday Inn will also feature a live orchestra directed by Littlefield. The orchestra will feature Roanoke residents, JT Fauber, Mike Havens, Evin Bowman and Teresa Hedrick.

*Appearing Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Holiday Inn begins performances on November 30th and runs through December 23rd on the Trinkle MainStage. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling the box office at 540-342-5740.

Sponsors for Holiday Inn at Mill Mountain Theatre include Avis Construction Company, Better Sofas, B.J. Preas, Brandon Oaks Retirement Community, Business Solutions Inc., Carolina Connection, Claytor/Wirt Associates, Elk Hill Advisors, Entré Computer Center, Freedom First Credit Union, Frith Anderson and Peake, Gentry Locke Attorneys, Howell’s Motor Freight Inc., Jewell Machinery, John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation, The Liberty Trust Hotel, Lunsford a Trustpoint Company, MarshMcLennan Agency, Mast General Store, Member One Federal Credit Union, Miller Long & Associates, Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Skyline Capital Strategies, Roanoke Animal Hospital, Roanoke Gas Co., Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, Skyline National Bank, Spilman Thomas & Battle, Steel Dynamics Inc. and The Candy Store. Grantors include National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Center in the Square, Radio IQ WVTF, Theatre Communications Group, Actors’ Equity Association and Blue Star Theatres.
“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

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