"It's been my dream to create a character in an original Broadway show!” says Elless. “I feel so lucky and blessed to be part of this project -- creating something with Steve Martin. He is a national treasure! Believe me, I ‘pinch’ myself every other day."
According to the “Bright Star” website, “…This original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.”
The show is currently in preview and opens March 24 at the Cort Theatre. Visit brightstarmusical.com for more information.
"I hope audiences leave Bright Star feeling renewed and knowing more about themselves than they did when they walked in! No matter who you are, there's someone on stage that has part of your story,” Elless said.
Her own story, in fact, revolves around the stage from a very young age. Elless grew up in Southwest Michigan playing music and making movies with her ten other siblings. Today, she can play more than six different instruments.
"When I think about great "art" towns, I think about Kalamazoo. Growing up in that supportive community gave me so many opportunities to practice my craft,” Elless says. “I know that I'm lucky to have a hometown that understands the arts.”
So it’s not a huge surprise that she decided to stay close to home to earn a BFA at Western Michigan University before pursuing her professional career.
Elless made her Broadway debut singing in the revival of Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell,” followed by “The Other Josh Cohen” under the direction of Tony Award-winner Ted Sperling. She also recently starred as lead in “Somewhere in Time,” has been on Fox’s hit television show “Glee,” and also has several screen credits.
But with all this experience, Elless pulled from her past when auditioning for her role in “Bright Star,” using a song her father had taught her to play on guitar when she was only eight. “It's magical when you realize that your whole life has prepared you for one very specific moment,” she said.
As for current students and aspiring performers, Elless’ advice (taken from Steve Martin) is simple, “Be so good they can’t ignore you,” she says. “Cultivate your curiosity for life and everything else will naturally follow.”
Follow Elless on social media @HannahElless.
Photo Credit: Dirty Sugar Photography