Flashes of Light, New Musical about Inventor Nikola Tesla, Premieres at Sierra Madre Playhouse, May 25-June 9 at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Sierra Madre Playhouse, noted for its eclectic programming and compelling theatrical productions, presents the world premiere of Flashes of Light, a new musical by Billy Larkin and Ron Boustead about visionary inventor Nikola Tesla and his muse, Electra, the powerful goddess of storm clouds. The production, directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera (founding artistic director of Playwrights’ Arena), runs from May 25 to June 9, 2025.

Set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution in New York City in the late 1800s, the story follows inventor Nikola Tesla, guided by Electra, who sends him visions of groundbreaking inventions during lightning storms. Their connection amps up when Tesla’s rivalry with Thomas Edison intensifies during the “War of the Currents,” a battle that shaped the world’s electrical future. As Tesla and Electra become obsessed with pushing the envelope of scientific discovery, a star-crossed love story fraught with peril unfolds as the line between science and mythology begins to blur.

The music’s heartfelt lyrics, soaring vocals, and haunting melodies blending jazz, pop, and rock, bring this fantastical story both tragic and divine to life.

Flashes of Light, received First Prize in the prestigious international competition “Search for New Musicals” for 2024 presented by New Musicals Inc. The cast includes Devyn Rush as Electra and Thomas Winter as Nicola Tesla. Also featured are Sydney Endicott (Mother + Female Chorus Member/Coverage); Nina Kasuya (Athena); Daniel Krause (Robert Johnson + Father + Lab Worker); Amir Levi (Dionysus); Lauren Lorati (Katharine Johnson); Patrick Munoz (Prometheus + George Westinghouse); Guy Noland (Thomas Edison); Chima Rok (Mark Twain); Christopher Romero Sosa (Anton Szigeti); and Steven Wishnoff (Professor Brown + J.P. Morgan). The creative team for Flashes of Light includes choreographer Tania Possick; set designer Christopher Scott Murillo; projection and props designer Lily Bartenstein; costume designer Mylette Nora; lighting designer Wesley Charles Chew; sound designer John Zelewski; and stage manager Joshua Payuan-Cruz. Billy Larkin is the music director.

For tickets ($12 - $45) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Sunday, May 25, 4:00 PM – OPENING NIGHT Monday, May 26, 8:00 PM Friday, May 30, 8:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 8:00 PM Sunday, June 1, 4:00 PM Monday, June 2, 8:00 PM Thursday, June 5, 8:00 PM Friday, June 6, 8:00 PM Saturday, June 7, 2:00 PM Saturday, June 7, 8:00 PM Sunday, June 8, 4:00 PM Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM – CLOSING NIGHT