Houston's Tony-winning Alley Theatre will present the world premiere of the new musical Cowboy Bob March 3–26 in the Hubbard Theatre.
Loosely based on Texas bank robber Peggy Jo Tallas, the musical was created by Molly Beach Murphy, Jeanna Phillips, and Annie Tippe, with music and lyrics by Phillips, a book and additional lyrics by Murphy, and additional music by Alex Thrailkill.
Directed and choreographed by Tippe, the cast will feature Jackie Burns (Wicked) as Peggy Jo Tallas, Ashley Pérez Flanagan (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) as Rena, Adam Gibbs (Amerikin) as Cop Hank, Brandon Hearnsberger (Lend Me a Soprano) as Manager Bill, Susan Koozin (Clue) as Jerry “Ma” Tallas, Julia Krohn (The Three Musketeers) as Kathy, Camryn Nunley as Cop Roy, Jamila Sabares-Klemm (Merrily We Roll Along) as Tanya, and Nathaniel Tenenbaum (The Wiz at 5th Avenue) as Stan.
The new musical tells the story of one of the FBI’s most unusual suspects through the eyes of a chain-restaurant waitress desperate to buck her flavorless life.
“Cowboy Bob is the story of becoming who you’ve always wanted to be,” shares Galveston native Murphy. “Peggy Jo is almost a tall tale, a mythical Texas figure through whom you can project all your fantasies. Our story, of a waitress inspired by Peggy's life, is a thrilling chase, a warm gift of hope, and a rocking good time.”
“In the process of writing this piece, Molly, Annie, and I keep coming back to the notion that we are all the hero of our own story,” adds Phillips. “So, every time a character takes the stage to sing in Cowboy Bob, they are the headliner of the rock show of their mind. Music provides a psychological space where characters are empowered to croon their confessions and belt out their victories.”
The creative team also includes scenic designer Diggle, costume designer Haydee Zelideth, lighting designer Christopher Bowser, sound designer Jessica Paz, projection designer Stivo Arnoczy, music supervisor and orchestrator Alex Thrailkill, orchestrator and vocal arranger Mike Brun, music director Ada Westfall, casting director Stewart/Whitley, and fight director and intimacy specialist Adam Noble.
The production stage manager is Erin Gioia Albrecht, and the assistant stage managers are Emily Bohannan and Ethan Mitchell.
Cowboy Bob is produced by special arrangement with Sally Cade Holmes and David Denson (Red Tail Entertainment).
Visit AlleyTheatre.org.
