Desi Oakley & Donna Migliaccio & Lead New Musical Girlstar at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre is excited to announce the cast of Girlstar directed by Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Gigi, Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Featuring book and lyrics by Anton Dudley (Second Stage's Getting Home) and music by Brian Feinstein (New World Stages' Mimi Le Duck), this world premiere musical fairytale runs in the MAX Theatre October 13 - November 15.

"I'm thrilled that Signature is presenting the world premiere of Girlstar," said Schaeffer. "This new rock-laced musical turns one girl's path to pop stardom into a fresh unexpected journey with dark magic skyrocketing her to success. This is truly an original, dark, funny contemporary fairy tale musical that promises to entertain and enthrall our audiences."

The production will star Donna Migliaccio (Broadway's Ragtime, Signature's Sunday in the Park with George, Simply Sondheim) as Danielle Espere and Desi Oakley (Broadway's Wicked) as Tina.

Oakley and Migliaccio are joined in the cast by Jamie Eacker (Neela; Signature's The Fix), Sam Edgerly (Jeff; Signature's Gypsy), Kellee Knighten Hough (Ensemble; Signature's Simply Sondheim), Diana Huey (Piper; Signature's Miss Saigon), Nora Palka (Ensemble; Signature's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Bobby Smith (Uncle Derek; Signature's The Fix), and Bayla Whitten (Ensemble; Signature's Elmer Gantry).

The creative team includes Choreography by Lorin Latarro (Barrington Stage's Kiss Me Kate); Musical Direction by Adam Wachter (MCC's Carrie); Orchestration by Doug Besterman (Broadway's The Producers, Tony Award for Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Larry Blank (Broadway's Irving Berlin's White Christmas); Scenic Design by Paul dePoo (Goodspeed's Guys and Dolls); Costume Design by Frank Labovitz (Signature's Cabaret); Lighting Design by Jason Lyons (Signature's Cabaret, Broadway's On the Town); Sound Design by Lane Elms (Signature's The Fix); Wig Design by Anne Nesmith (Signature's Miss Saigon); Video Design by Matthew Haber (Signature's Soon); Production Stage Manager Kerry Epstein (Signature's The Fix); and Assistant Stage Manager Julianne Menassian.

Legendary record producer Daniella Espere is searching for her next international sensation. She discovers it in her long-lost niece, Tina, who dreams of being a world-famous pop star. Despite warning signs that all may not be as it seems, the two eagerly forge a mother/daughter bond and Daniella transforms Tina's image, voice and talent into star quality - but not by the usual means.

With a pop-laden score, Girlstar invites audiences of all ages to follow one girl's breathtaking journey and asks, how far is too far to go to become a star?Performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $40. Family four packs are available for $150 (must include at least two children ages 6-17); or student tickets are always $25. Single tickets are available in person at the Signature Box Office at 4200 Campbell Avenue in Shirlington, by calling the Signature Theatre Box Office (703) 820-9771, and online at www.sigtheatre.org.

This production's Pride performance is scheduled for November 13. Discussion performances are scheduled for October 28 and November 10. Open Caption performances are scheduled for November 3 at 7:30PM and November 8 at 2:00PM.

Sign up now for priority ticket offers at www.sigtheatre.org