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World Premiere of “Hard Road to Heaven” at Bucks County Playhouse
The highly anticipated country musical “Hard Road to Heaven” is set to make its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse, starting previews on February 28. The official opening night is scheduled for March 8 at 7:30 PM, with performances running through March 23.
Produced by Bucks County Playhouse’s Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler, this musical marks the first of five original productions in the upcoming 2025 subscription series. This initiative is part of the Playhouse’s evolution into a year-round producing theater.
“Hard Road to Heaven” delves into the essence of country music, weaving together themes of fame, family, and faith. The story follows Jenny Dixon, a country music sensation grappling with the challenges of her stardom while reflecting on her gospel-singing family’s roots. With an evocative score and a compelling storyline, the musical captures the dynamics of ambition, sacrifice, and familial connections.
This production is made possible through a special arrangement with Gary and Joane Reamy and Cody Lassen.
“For a long time, we’ve been seeking a well-crafted country musical that beautifully fuses Nashville’s essence with Broadway expertise,” Fraser remarks. “With a score created by distinguished songwriters from both realms—Marty Dodson, a Nashville veteran, and David Spangler, a Broadway stalwart—we are proud to unveil this project alongside playwright Willy Holtzman. We believe it is poised to resonate with contemporary audiences.”
The show features a book by Pulitzer nominee Willy Holtzman (“Hearts”) and a score contributed by notable writers, including David Spangler (“The Magic Show,” “Seesaw”), the late Jerry Taylor, who wrote over 150 songs for legendary artists, and Marty Dodson, known for hits like Kenny Chesney’s “Everyone Wants to Go to Heaven.” Christian Parker serves as dramaturg for this production, which includes choreography by Brandon Kelly and direction by Jackson Gay.
The cast is led by Jackie Burns, known for her roles in Broadway’s “Wicked” and Off-Broadway’s “Titanique,” as Jenny Dixon. She is joined by Leah Hocking (“The Last Ship,” “Billy Elliot”), Elizabeth Teeter (“Beetlejuice”), J. Robert Spencer (“Jersey Boys” and “Next to Normal”), and several others who bring life to this dynamic story.
Additional cast members include Bryan Fenkart, Jerry Dixon, Nathaniel Hackmann, and Marcus Gladney, Jr. The ensemble is rounded out by Imani Brissett, Brad Greer, Alec Ludacka, Christopher McCrewell, Claire Newumann, Shannon Stasiulis, and Cecilia Trippiedi.
The creative team supporting the production includes Riw Rakkulchon (Set Design), Vanessa Leuck (Costume Design), Kirk Bookman (Lighting Design), Jeff Sherwood (Sound Design), J. Jared Janas (Hair/Wig Design), Jacob Yates (Music Supervisor), and Avery Trunko serving as the Production Stage Manager. The casting for the show has been managed by Daryl Eisenberg, CSA.
Tickets for “Hard Road to Heaven” start at $39. A special Pay-What-You-Can Night is scheduled for the first preview on February 28, and student rush tickets priced at $20 will be available for all performances, subject to availability. The official opening night will take place on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 PM.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com