Photo Flash: First Look at Desi Oakley and More in GIRLSTAR at DC's Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre presents GIRLSTAR, directed by Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Gigi, Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Featuring book and lyrics by Anton Dudley (Second Stage's Getting Home) and music by Brian Feinstein (New World Stages' Mimi Le Duck), this world premiere musical fairytale runs in the MAX Theatre now through November 15. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The production will star Donna Migliaccio (Broadway's Ragtime, Signature's Sunday in the Park with George, Simply Sondheim) as Danielle Espere and Desi Oakley (Broadway's Wicked) as Tina.

Oakley and Migliaccio are joined in the cast by Jamie Eacker (Neela; Signature's The Fix), Sam Edgerly (Jeff; Signature's Gypsy), Kellee Knighten Hough (Ensemble; Signature's Simply Sondheim), Diana Huey (Piper; Signature's Miss Saigon), Nora Palka (Ensemble; Signature's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Bobby Smith(Uncle Derek; Signature's The Fix), and Bayla Whitten (Ensemble; Signature's Elmer Gantry).

The creative team includes Choreography by Lorin Latarro (Barrington Stage's Kiss Me Kate); Musical Direction by Adam Wachter (MCC's Carrie); Orchestration by Doug Besterman (Broadway's The Producers, Tony Award for Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Larry Blank (Broadway's Irving Berlin's White Christmas); Scenic Design by Paul dePoo (Goodspeed's Guys and Dolls); Costume Design by Frank Labovitz (Signature's Cabaret); Lighting Design by Jason Lyons (Signature's Cabaret, Broadway's On the Town); Sound Design by Lane Elms (Signature's The Fix); Wig Design by Anne Nesmith (Signature's Miss Saigon); Video Design by Matthew Haber (Signature's Soon); Production Stage Manager Kerry Epstein (Signature's The Fix); and Assistant Stage Manager Julianne Menassian.

Legendary record producer Daniella Espere is searching for her next international sensation. She discovers it in her long-lost niece, Tina, who dreams of being a world-famous pop star. Despite warning signs that all may not be as it seems, the two eagerly forge a mother/daughter bond and Daniella transforms Tina's image, voice and talent into star quality -- but not by the usual means. With a pop-laden score, Girlstar invites audiences of all ages to follow one girl's breathtaking journey and asks, how far is too far to go to become a star?

For tickets and information, visit www.sigtheatre.org.

Photo Credit: Christopher Mueller