News:

Dr. Phillips Center Unveils Orlando Cast for the World Premiere of Brooklyn’s Bridge on February 21

All-Local actors, musicians and designers will be featured across 17-performance run

Orlando, FL – In its world-premiere, Dr. Phillips Center presents Brooklyn’s Bridge, a new musical featuring an all-local Orlando cast. From actors, musicians to set designers, exceptional Central Florida talent will be on display for Brooklyn’s Bridge debut February 21 to March 6, 2025, inside Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.

Laurel Hatfield will lead the cast starring as Emily Roebling, a Victorian woman in a man’s world who saves the Brooklyn Bridge. Laurel is a singer, actor, writer and director, who most recently directing the critically acclaimed production of Steel Magnolias at Theater West End. She also choreographed for the 10th Annual Applause Awards at Dr. Phillips Center. Earlier this month, Laurel performed in front of a sold-out crowd inside Judson’s Live, the arts center’s newest music room, known for showcasing local talent.

Familiar Orlando musicians will also take the stage including pianist Assel Jean-Pierre, who has been playing piano since the age of three and drummer Colin Robinson, who played with the well-known Blue Man Group.

Leading the design team is Orlando costume designer Ethan Henry, who recently won Orlando BroadwayWorld’s Best Costume Design of a play or musical—for his work on PIPPIN.

Brooklyn’s Bridge is inspired by the true story of Emily Roebling and brings the story of one of America’s most iconic engineering feats to the stage. The musical takes place between 1869 and 1883, told through the eyes of political cartoonist Thomas Nast. The production, directed by New York-based Ray Roderick, features his book and lyrics, with music by composer Joseph Baker.

“The passion and talent that Orlando’s musical theater community brings has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Ray Roderick, director of Brooklyn’s Bridge, a new musical. “The local cast has breathed new life into this story and it’s been an absolute joy working with them. We couldn’t have asked for a better place than Dr. Phillips Center to nurture this new work and to help it come to life. “The production is part of Community at Dr. Phillips Center supported by OUC—The Reliable One, bringing a spotlight to the collaborative ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the diverse talents of the Central Florida community.

Brooklyn’s Bridge is also supported by Nicholas Seidule, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines Central Florida's arts community.

Full cast can be found here.

Cast Members:
Laurel Hatfield - Emily Roebling
John Cavazos - William "boss" Tweed/Seth Low
Alex Albrecht – Washington Roebling
Janine Papin - Thomas Nast
Brian Love - E.F. (Frank) Farrington
Andrew Meidenbauer - William C. Kingsley
Kristen Brock - Ensemble - alto 1
Emily Camargo - Ensemble - alto 2
Stephen White - Ensemble - tenor 1 (O'Malley)
Carlos Ashby - Ensemble – tenor 2 (Meyers)
Rob Valenti - Ensemble – baritone (Foreman)
Victor J. Wisehart – Ensemble - bass (Engineer Director)

Designers:
Ethan Henry - Costume Design
Patrick Dalton - Sound Design
Justin Kersey – Sound Design
Emily DeNardo - Production Stage Manager

Musicians:
Colin Robinson - Drum Set/Percussion
Caitlin Pequignot – Electric/Acoustic Violin
Assel Jean-Pierre – Piano
Alejandro Imanas - Electric/Acoustic Guitar
Ross Kratter - Electric/Acoustic Bass
Joseph Baker - Piano/Conductor

Interviews are available in both English and Spanish. Please reach out to Sade Teel, show/pr manager at sade.teel@drphillipscenter.org

Photos are available here.


About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) in downtown Orlando, Florida. The arts center produces, presents and serves as home to regional, national and international works and co-presents Broadway in Orlando. This year, the arts center celebrates its 10th Anniversary, hosting 6,500+ performances and events, welcoming 4.7 million+ guests and contributing over $21.7 million to purpose and community since opening in November 2014. The arts center features renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, recognized among Architectural Digest’s 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide. Judson's Live the new live music room, enhances the arts center alongside established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace and Seneff Arts Plaza. Additionally, the AdventHealth School of Arts offers year-round performing arts education. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.

About OUC—The Reliable One: For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting the Central Florida community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.