By Liz Eichler
The Fascinating Journey of a New Musical
Creating a new musical is a complex and exciting process. From initial ideas to final performances, many–many–creative and collaborative steps happen along the way.
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing two key development stages of Bridge City, a new musical by Kennen Butler. It’s being developed by American Legacy Theatre, led by Executive Artistic Director and CEO Matthew David Gellin.
Last November, I saw a workshop featuring early songs and scenes. This past weekend, the team presented a staged reading—one at Artsville in Madisonville and another at the CAC downtown. The performers received the script only a week ago, so they were “on book.” Butler, however, has been working on this idea since July with weekly development meetings with Gellin.
Bridge City is A Story Rooted in Place and Purpose
Bridge City follows Jerica (Vee Gibson), a loving granddaughter who inherits money and becomes the first in her family to attend college. It changes her future, but she doesn’t really want it to change her values.
Jerica pursues a career in Public Relations and excels. She meets her new ride or die, Mindy (Anna Ashburn), who teaches her the unspoken rules of corporate life. Meanwhile, Jerica and her friend Bookie (Dominique Owen) invite Mindy to a party in St. Clair. There, Mindy learns about the social codes of Jerica’s community.
The fictional city, split by the Mozelle River, has two sides—wealthy Ludlow and struggling St. Claire. When a new stadium is proposed (sound familiar?), Jerica must choose where her loyalties lie.
Memorable Music
The show features catchy tunes. “Boom Bop” firmly sets the scene by the river, and celebrates the music festival. (I am still hearing it in my head!) “Before the Party” highlights the cultural differences of both communities. “Morning Huddle,” a tango-inspired piece, captures the awkward dance around a demanding boss (Kayla Vogel). Jerica and Bookie also deliver heartfelt ballads.
Bookie’s character growth—from a playful cousin to a caring confidant—is really well done. The cast also includes:
- Robert Carlton Stimmel (yes, the one who also excels backstage as a projection designer) as the CEO and Michael
- Burgandie Roshjai
- Kammeron Frost
- Garrett H.T. Steagall
- Tangie Wyatt
- Avery Hammonds
- Constance Kavensky
- Colin Waters
- Anita Anderson
- Allison Rogers
- Elijah Webster (Stage Manager)
Music is provided by Stan Ginn (percussion) and Sherry McCamley (piano).
Audience Feedback and Artistic Goals
Each performance ends with a Q&A to gather feedback. It helps the creators refine the story and understand what connects with the audience. This audience 100% wanted to see more of Bridge City.
According to Butler, Bridge City tells a story rarely seen on stage. Think of it as a Black Legally Blonde, but with deeper community roots. The goal is more than entertainment. It aims to give voice to a community and build empathy. The conversations and program notes support this mission.
Keep an Eye on Bridge City by American Legacy Theatre
Follow American Legacy Theatre HERE for updates. They’re taking creative risks—and doing hard, meaningful work. They are developing their next idea with another playwright, at the same time they are moving Bridge City towards a world premiere in 2026.
