Independent Arts News Reporting 
Pictured Above: Beth Malone, Krysta Rodriguez and Sam Gravitte in “Starstruck” at Bucks County Playhouse through March 21. Photo by Joan Marcus.
A Modern Cyrano Takes Shape in Starstruck at Bucks County Playhouse
By: Keith Loria
In his latest feature for Arts News Now, Keith Loria takes readers inside Starstruck, the new musical now lighting up the stage at the Bucks County Playhouse. With Broadway talent and a lively mix of humor and heart, the production brings fresh energy to one of the region’s most beloved theaters.
A new musical comedy that blends romance, humor and a touch of cosmic wonder is now lighting up the stage at Bucks County Playhouse as the world premiere of Starstruck is currently running through March 21.
The show, a contemporary reimagining of Cyrano de Bergerac, brings together an impressive creative team, including Tony Award nominee Beth Malone, who not only co-created the musical but also stars as astronomer Cyd DeBerg. Joining her in the cast are Broadway veterans Krysta Rodriguez as journalist Roxanne Cooley and Sam Gravitte as Chris.
“I really love being part of developing new musicals,” said Rodriguez, who has appeared in10 Broadway shows throughout her career. “It’s exciting to help shape something from the ground up.”
Set in the fictional mountain town of Sawtooth, Idaho, Starstruck revolves around a small community’s attempt to secure Dark Sky Reserve status, a designation meant to preserve the brilliance of the night sky by limiting artificial light. The effort is championed by Cyd, a determined astronomer who believes the town’s future lies in protecting its natural darkness. Her campaign meets resistance from local bar owner J.D., whose neon sign threatens to disrupt the pristine skies.
Pictured Above: (L-R) Beth Malone, Krysta Rodriguez in “Starstruck” at Bucks County Playhouse through March 21. Photo by Joan Marcus.
“I play Roxanne, a reporter who comes to this tiny town in Idaho to cover the story about the dark sky movement,” Rodriguez said. “While she’s there, she meets Chris, this charming park ranger who maybe isn’t so great with words.”
In the show’s twist on the familiar story, Chris asks Cyd for help expressing his feelings through written messages. Roxanne finds herself captivated by the sincerity and poetry of the words, unaware of who is truly behind them.
Rodriguez’ involvement with Starstruck began several years ago when Malone reached out about participating in an early reading of the show. She joined that workshop in 2023 and immediately connected with the material. Although development readings often end without moving forward, this project continued to evolve, eventually leading to the Bucks County premiere.
The role of Roxanne also adds another chapter to Rodriguez’s wide-ranging career in theater and television. She first discovered her love for performing as a child after seeing the musical Annie when she was just 6 years old.
“That was all it took,” Rodriguez said. “I saw a young girl onstage and thought, whatever this is, I want to do that.”
A trip to New York soon afterward only strengthened her desire. Rodriguez later attended an arts high school and began pursuing musical theater professionally at a young age.
Her Broadway debut came in 2004 in the ill-fated Good Vibrations, where she worked as a swing, responsible for covering multiple roles in the show. As such, her first time stepping onto the Broadway stage came with almost no warning. She had only about half an hour’s notice before going on during previews after sudden changes in the show required her to step in.
“It was completely chaotic,” she said. “They were putting a wig on me that wasn’t finished and giving me instructions about where to run and what props to carry. Then suddenly they pushed me onstage and the show started.”
From that whirlwind debut, Rodriguez went on to build a strong career that includes Broadway productions, national tours and television work, including a role on the musical drama series Smash. She has also appeared in productions of Into the Woods, The Addams Family and First Date.
Those experiences have deepened her appreciation for new theatrical work like Starstruck. Beyond the humor and romance, Rodriguez noted the musical resonates with audiences because of its emotional themes.
The story’s central romance—which unfolds between two women—offers meaningful representation for some viewers, while still speaking to broader universal experiences.
Pictured Above: Beth Malone in “Starstruck” at Bucks County Playhouse through March 21. Photo by Joan Marcus.
“There’s a line in the show about how when we’re young, we learn to outrun our painful past,” she said. “Both of these characters have spent their lives doing that. Eventually they realize they’re worthy of love, and that’s something everyone can relate to. It’s really about what it feels like to be seen and loved for who you are. That’s something everyone understands.”
Starstruck features a book by Malone and writer Mary Ann Stratton, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Indigo Girls co-founder Emily Saliers. Direction and choreography are by Lorin Latarro.
Rodriguez said one of the unexpected joys of joining Starstruck has been performing music written by Saliers, whose songs she has admired for years.
“I was a huge Indigo Girls fan growing up,” she said. “I’ve always loved their music, so getting to sing Emily’s songs in this show is really special for me.”
The production also features Aurelia Williams as Sunny, Scott Stangland as J.D., Sandra Valls as Crash, Donald Corren as Woody and Sydney Patrick as Linda.
“There are so many incredible people involved who came together because they believe in this show,” Rodriguez said.
She hopes audiences continue to embrace the story and its message about connection, vulnerability and finding love where it is least expected.
“This is a show about people who finally stop running and realize they deserve love,” she said. “And sometimes all it takes is looking at the stars to remind us of that.”
