Beth Malone and 'Starstruck' Landing at New Hope's BCP

Plus, Reading-born Danny Gardner lights up 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Academy, and Philly TV and radio chatter with Neal

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Actress Beth Malone is bringing her new musical 'Starstruck' to the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The show, which Malone co-wrote, features a lesbian lead character that Malone says is a complex, anti-hero type of role not often seen for women on stage. Meanwhile, Reading native Danny Gardner is starring as Lumiere in the touring production of 'Beauty and the Beast' coming to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

Why it matters

Malone's 'Starstruck' aims to challenge traditional gender norms in theater by portraying a female lead character with depth and complexity, while Gardner's role in 'Beauty and the Beast' continues his long career as a versatile, song-and-dance leading man on stage.

The details

Beth Malone has been acting since her teen years in Colorado and is known for roles like Alison Bechdel in 'Fun Home,' for which she earned a Tony nomination. She says she's been wanting to play more complex, flawed characters like those often written for men. So she co-wrote 'Starstruck,' a romantic comedy musical set in a small Idaho town, with a female astronomer as the lead. The show features original music by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. Meanwhile, Danny Gardner, a native of Reading, PA, is playing Lumiere in the touring production of 'Beauty and the Beast,' which is coming to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Gardner has had a long career as a versatile song-and-dance leading man on stage, with roles spanning Broadway, tours, and regional productions.

  • Beth Malone's new musical 'Starstruck' will play at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA from February 26 to March 21, 2026.
  • The touring production of 'Beauty and the Beast' starring Danny Gardner will be at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia from February 11-24, 2026.

The players

Beth Malone

An actress known for roles like Alison Bechdel in 'Fun Home,' for which she earned a Tony nomination. She co-wrote the new musical 'Starstruck' and is starring as the lead character, an astronomer.

Danny Gardner

A native of Reading, PA who has had a long career as a versatile song-and-dance leading man on stage, with roles spanning Broadway, tours, and regional productions. He is currently starring as Lumiere in the touring production of 'Beauty and the Beast.'

Mary Ann Stratton

Malone's co-author on the musical 'Starstruck,' with whom she shares a sensibility and love of drama.

Emily Saliers

The musician known for her work with the band Indigo Girls, who composed the music for 'Starstruck.'

Leigh Fondakowski

A member of the Tectonic Theater Project and one of the creators of 'The Laramie Project,' who helped with the structure of 'Starstruck.'

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What they’re saying

“Men are written to be complicated and flawed. There's no equivocation, no softening like you find so frequently in women's roles. Snooze. Snooze.”

— Beth Malone, Actress (pottsmerc.com)

“Why can't a woman on stage be an anti-hero or curmudgeon? Why can't a woman be portrayed with the edges, the brittleness that parts written for men do?”

— Beth Malone, Actress (pottsmerc.com)

“The show's lead character is a lesbian, but 'Starstruck' is not about lesbians. It's a universal story, a romantic comedy that puts entertainment first.”

— Beth Malone, Actress (pottsmerc.com)

“In all the shows I've done, I've never seen so much excitement for one song. And every night!”

— Danny Gardner, Actor (pottsmerc.com)

“I pay homage to other Lumieres, but I think I bring my own flare to my performance.”

— Danny Gardner, Actor (pottsmerc.com)

What’s next

The Bucks County Playhouse will host the world premiere of 'Starstruck' from February 26 to March 21, 2026, giving audiences the first chance to see Beth Malone's new musical.

The takeaway

Beth Malone's 'Starstruck' aims to challenge traditional gender norms in theater by portraying a complex, flawed female lead character, while Danny Gardner's turn as Lumiere in 'Beauty and the Beast' continues his long career as a versatile song-and-dance leading man on stage.