Bright Star
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Charles McNulty | Los Angeles Times
…I have nothing but praise for director Matthew McCray, his design team and the production’s superlative cast…
Anthony Byrnes | KCRW
McCray distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.
Steven Stanley | Scenie Awards
Matthew McCray, Director of the Year (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Rent” at Chance Theater)
Bio
Matthew McCray has directed productions, workshops, and concerts at premiere Los Angeles institutions such as Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Philharmonic, South Coast Repertory, Deaf West Theatre, among others. His projects have been headlined by nationally celebrated performers Vanessa Williams and Bob Weir, and cherished local Los Angeles artists. Matthew has received grants from EST/Sloan Science and Technology, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, CCI/Durfee ARC, and was a finalist for the Sherwood Award. He has produced 20 seasons of theatre in Los Angeles as the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Son of Semele Ensemble, a non-profit theatre company funded through local, regional, state, and national sources. KCRW has said, “[McCray] distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.”
Notable directing credits include Our Class (SAGE Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Ovation Award nomination, LA Weekly nomination), Next to Normal (OCTG Award nomination, Scenie Award), The City (LA Weekly nomination), The Other Place (listed as top OC production of 2019). Additional credits include directing at Theatre @ Boston Court, Lewis Family Playhouse, Muse/ique, REDCAT, Chance Theater, Circle X, Son of Semele, and Rogue Machine.
Matthew has also performed on the stages of REDCAT, Disney, REPRISE!, Overtone Industries, Theatre @ Boston Court, Musical Theatre West, Shakespeare Orange County, Son of Semele, as well as on the TV shows Parenthood, New Girl, Will & Grace, Boston Legal, The Cure (pilot), and the feature film The Commission (starring Martin Sheen, Edward Asner and Martin Landau).
He teaches acting and directing, and writes new works regularly for the Symphonies for Youth program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His original works have been produced or workshopped by Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, London Theatre Workshop, and Son of Semele. As a former Ovation Voter for LA Stage Alliance and a former President of Theatre Producers of Southern California, Matthew has contributed valuable service to support the larger thriving Los Angeles theatre community. Matthew holds a BFA from Chapman University and is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG/AFTRA. Insta- @mccray.matthew | www.matthewmccray.com
Most recent press…
Press, ReviewsMichael QuintosBroadway World
ArticlesDiep TranAmerican Theatre Magazine
Awards and NominationsSean MillerLA Drama Critics Circle
A broad range of experiences
“For over 20 years I ran a nonprofit theatre and venue in Los Angeles. During those decades I learned many skills in production, communication, management, and more. They have become an invaluable part of how I create, develop, and realize new and existing work.”
Matthew McCrayDirector | Producer | Performer | Playwright
Director
Producer
Performer
Playwright
Go to Top
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Charles McNulty | Los Angeles Times
…I have nothing but praise for director Matthew McCray, his design team and the production’s superlative cast…
Anthony Byrnes | KCRW
McCray distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.
Steven Stanley | Scenie Awards
Matthew McCray, Director of the Year (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Rent” at Chance Theater)
Bio
Matthew McCray has directed productions, workshops, and concerts at premiere Los Angeles institutions such as Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Philharmonic, South Coast Repertory, Deaf West Theatre, among others. His projects have been headlined by nationally celebrated performers Vanessa Williams and Bob Weir, and cherished local Los Angeles artists. Matthew has received grants from EST/Sloan Science and Technology, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, CCI/Durfee ARC, and was a finalist for the Sherwood Award. He has produced 20 seasons of theatre in Los Angeles as the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Son of Semele Ensemble, a non-profit theatre company funded through local, regional, state, and national sources. KCRW has said, “[McCray] distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.”
Notable directing credits include Our Class (SAGE Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Ovation Award nomination, LA Weekly nomination), Next to Normal (OCTG Award nomination, Scenie Award), The City (LA Weekly nomination), The Other Place (listed as top OC production of 2019). Additional credits include directing at Theatre @ Boston Court, Lewis Family Playhouse, Muse/ique, REDCAT, Chance Theater, Circle X, Son of Semele, and Rogue Machine.
Matthew has also performed on the stages of REDCAT, Disney, REPRISE!, Overtone Industries, Theatre @ Boston Court, Musical Theatre West, Shakespeare Orange County, Son of Semele, as well as on the TV shows Parenthood, New Girl, Will & Grace, Boston Legal, The Cure (pilot), and the feature film The Commission (starring Martin Sheen, Edward Asner and Martin Landau).
He teaches acting and directing, and writes new works regularly for the Symphonies for Youth program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His original works have been produced or workshopped by Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, London Theatre Workshop, and Son of Semele. As a former Ovation Voter for LA Stage Alliance and a former President of Theatre Producers of Southern California, Matthew has contributed valuable service to support the larger thriving Los Angeles theatre community. Matthew holds a BFA from Chapman University and is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG/AFTRA. Insta- @mccray.matthew | www.matthewmccray.com
Most recent press…
- Press, ReviewsMichael QuintosBroadway World
- ArticlesDiep TranAmerican Theatre Magazine
- Awards and NominationsSean MillerLA Drama Critics Circle
A broad range of experiences
“For over 20 years I ran a nonprofit theatre and venue in Los Angeles. During those decades I learned many skills in production, communication, management, and more. They have become an invaluable part of how I create, develop, and realize new and existing work.”
Matthew McCrayDirector | Producer | Performer | Playwright
Director
Producer
Performer
Playwright
Go to Top
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Charles McNulty | Los Angeles Times
…I have nothing but praise for director Matthew McCray, his design team and the production’s superlative cast…
Anthony Byrnes | KCRW
McCray distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.
Steven Stanley | Scenie Awards
Matthew McCray, Director of the Year (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Rent” at Chance Theater)
Bio
Matthew McCray has directed productions, workshops, and concerts at premiere Los Angeles institutions such as Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Philharmonic, South Coast Repertory, Deaf West Theatre, among others. His projects have been headlined by nationally celebrated performers Vanessa Williams and Bob Weir, and cherished local Los Angeles artists. Matthew has received grants from EST/Sloan Science and Technology, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, CCI/Durfee ARC, and was a finalist for the Sherwood Award. He has produced 20 seasons of theatre in Los Angeles as the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Son of Semele Ensemble, a non-profit theatre company funded through local, regional, state, and national sources. KCRW has said, “[McCray] distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.”
Notable directing credits include Our Class (SAGE Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Ovation Award nomination, LA Weekly nomination), Next to Normal (OCTG Award nomination, Scenie Award), The City (LA Weekly nomination), The Other Place (listed as top OC production of 2019). Additional credits include directing at Theatre @ Boston Court, Lewis Family Playhouse, Muse/ique, REDCAT, Chance Theater, Circle X, Son of Semele, and Rogue Machine.
Matthew has also performed on the stages of REDCAT, Disney, REPRISE!, Overtone Industries, Theatre @ Boston Court, Musical Theatre West, Shakespeare Orange County, Son of Semele, as well as on the TV shows Parenthood, New Girl, Will & Grace, Boston Legal, The Cure (pilot), and the feature film The Commission (starring Martin Sheen, Edward Asner and Martin Landau).
He teaches acting and directing, and writes new works regularly for the Symphonies for Youth program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His original works have been produced or workshopped by Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, London Theatre Workshop, and Son of Semele. As a former Ovation Voter for LA Stage Alliance and a former President of Theatre Producers of Southern California, Matthew has contributed valuable service to support the larger thriving Los Angeles theatre community. Matthew holds a BFA from Chapman University and is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG/AFTRA. Insta- @mccray.matthew | www.matthewmccray.com
Most recent press…
- Press, ReviewsMichael QuintosBroadway World
- ArticlesDiep TranAmerican Theatre Magazine
- Awards and NominationsSean MillerLA Drama Critics Circle
A broad range of experiences
“For over 20 years I ran a nonprofit theatre and venue in Los Angeles. During those decades I learned many skills in production, communication, management, and more. They have become an invaluable part of how I create, develop, and realize new and existing work.”
Matthew McCrayDirector | Producer | Performer | Playwright
Director
Producer
Performer
Playwright
Go to Top
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Charles McNulty | Los Angeles Times
…I have nothing but praise for director Matthew McCray, his design team and the production’s superlative cast…
Anthony Byrnes | KCRW
McCray distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.
Steven Stanley | Scenie Awards
Matthew McCray, Director of the Year (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Rent” at Chance Theater)
Bio
Matthew McCray has directed productions, workshops, and concerts at premiere Los Angeles institutions such as Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Philharmonic, South Coast Repertory, Deaf West Theatre, among others. His projects have been headlined by nationally celebrated performers Vanessa Williams and Bob Weir, and cherished local Los Angeles artists. Matthew has received grants from EST/Sloan Science and Technology, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, CCI/Durfee ARC, and was a finalist for the Sherwood Award. He has produced 20 seasons of theatre in Los Angeles as the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Son of Semele Ensemble, a non-profit theatre company funded through local, regional, state, and national sources. KCRW has said, “[McCray] distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.”
Notable directing credits include Our Class (SAGE Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Ovation Award nomination, LA Weekly nomination), Next to Normal (OCTG Award nomination, Scenie Award), The City (LA Weekly nomination), The Other Place (listed as top OC production of 2019). Additional credits include directing at Theatre @ Boston Court, Lewis Family Playhouse, Muse/ique, REDCAT, Chance Theater, Circle X, Son of Semele, and Rogue Machine.
Matthew has also performed on the stages of REDCAT, Disney, REPRISE!, Overtone Industries, Theatre @ Boston Court, Musical Theatre West, Shakespeare Orange County, Son of Semele, as well as on the TV shows Parenthood, New Girl, Will & Grace, Boston Legal, The Cure (pilot), and the feature film The Commission (starring Martin Sheen, Edward Asner and Martin Landau).
He teaches acting and directing, and writes new works regularly for the Symphonies for Youth program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His original works have been produced or workshopped by Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, London Theatre Workshop, and Son of Semele. As a former Ovation Voter for LA Stage Alliance and a former President of Theatre Producers of Southern California, Matthew has contributed valuable service to support the larger thriving Los Angeles theatre community. Matthew holds a BFA from Chapman University and is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG/AFTRA. Insta- @mccray.matthew | www.matthewmccray.com
Most recent press…
- Press, ReviewsMichael QuintosBroadway World
- ArticlesDiep TranAmerican Theatre Magazine
- Awards and NominationsSean MillerLA Drama Critics Circle
A broad range of experiences
“For over 20 years I ran a nonprofit theatre and venue in Los Angeles. During those decades I learned many skills in production, communication, management, and more. They have become an invaluable part of how I create, develop, and realize new and existing work.”
Matthew McCrayDirector | Producer | Performer | Playwright
Director
Producer
Performer
Playwright
Go to Top
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Opening: April 26, 2019
Closing: May 5, 2019
Creative Team
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
Director: Matthew McCray
Music Director: Dan Redfeld
Choreographer: Kelly Baker
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Technical Director: Brodie Steele
Stage Manager: Eric White
Cast: Brittany Anderson, Taylor Bass, Rhianne Beattie, Alex Britton, Kayla Burson, Adrianne Cuevas, Krist Dreyer, Kyle Fridlund, Jared Hansen, Britney Henley, James Meske, Shannon Meske, Robert Moiser, Gary Raff, Evan Reed, Drake Rezendes, Kianna Schlesinger, Syndey Swett, Justin Viaz, Hannah Wacholpz, Chelsea White, Matthew White
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Scenic: Brodie Steele
Lighting: Zachary Moore
Sound: Erich Schroeder
Costumes: Kim DeShazo
Projections: Brodie Steele
Wig Designer: Michon Gruber-Gonzales
Charles McNulty | Los Angeles Times
…I have nothing but praise for director Matthew McCray, his design team and the production’s superlative cast…
Anthony Byrnes | KCRW
McCray distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.
Steven Stanley | Scenie Awards
Matthew McCray, Director of the Year (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Rent” at Chance Theater)
Bio
Matthew McCray has directed productions, workshops, and concerts at premiere Los Angeles institutions such as Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Philharmonic, South Coast Repertory, Deaf West Theatre, among others. His projects have been headlined by nationally celebrated performers Vanessa Williams and Bob Weir, and cherished local Los Angeles artists. Matthew has received grants from EST/Sloan Science and Technology, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, CCI/Durfee ARC, and was a finalist for the Sherwood Award. He has produced 20 seasons of theatre in Los Angeles as the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Son of Semele Ensemble, a non-profit theatre company funded through local, regional, state, and national sources. KCRW has said, “[McCray] distinguishes himself as one of the most plugged-in theatre makers in LA.”
Notable directing credits include Our Class (SAGE Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Ovation Award nomination, LA Weekly nomination), Next to Normal (OCTG Award nomination, Scenie Award), The City (LA Weekly nomination), The Other Place (listed as top OC production of 2019). Additional credits include directing at Theatre @ Boston Court, Lewis Family Playhouse, Muse/ique, REDCAT, Chance Theater, Circle X, Son of Semele, and Rogue Machine.
Matthew has also performed on the stages of REDCAT, Disney, REPRISE!, Overtone Industries, Theatre @ Boston Court, Musical Theatre West, Shakespeare Orange County, Son of Semele, as well as on the TV shows Parenthood, New Girl, Will & Grace, Boston Legal, The Cure (pilot), and the feature film The Commission (starring Martin Sheen, Edward Asner and Martin Landau).
He teaches acting and directing, and writes new works regularly for the Symphonies for Youth program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His original works have been produced or workshopped by Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, London Theatre Workshop, and Son of Semele. As a former Ovation Voter for LA Stage Alliance and a former President of Theatre Producers of Southern California, Matthew has contributed valuable service to support the larger thriving Los Angeles theatre community. Matthew holds a BFA from Chapman University and is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG/AFTRA. Insta- @mccray.matthew | www.matthewmccray.com
Most recent press…
- Press, ReviewsMichael QuintosBroadway World
- ArticlesDiep TranAmerican Theatre Magazine
- Awards and NominationsSean MillerLA Drama Critics Circle
A broad range of experiences
“For over 20 years I ran a nonprofit theatre and venue in Los Angeles. During those decades I learned many skills in production, communication, management, and more. They have become an invaluable part of how I create, develop, and realize new and existing work.”
Director | Producer | Performer | Playwright
