SING ALONG TO CLASSIC TUNES AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE'S HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY
By Kiersten Bjork (April 19, 2025)
Hank Williams: Lost Highway, currently playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through April 27, is an examination, and at times a celebration, of the life and music of country-western singer and musician, Hank Williams. Written by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, Ivoryton’s production features direction and music direction by executive producer Ben Hope. Hope will also step in for the role of Jimmy “Burrhead” April 23-27.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway chronicles Williams’ rise to prominence, from singing amidst bar fights to captivating audiences from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as his chaotic downward spiral, succumbing to the influences of drugs and liquor. At his side are bandmates Hoss, Leon, Jimmy “Burrhead,” and Shag, his overbearing mother (Mama), and his wife, Audrey. Also making appearances are his musical mentor, Tee-Tot, music producer Fred “Pap” Rose, and the waitress who shares a memorable night with the singer. Hank Williams: Lost Highway weaves together the pivotal moments in Williams’ life, backed by the music that made him a household name, from honky-tonk to the blues. Featuring songs such as “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “I Saw the Light,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and more, it’s a heartbreaking tale about the incredible rise and fall of a country music legend, gone far too soon.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway, currently playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through April 27, is an examination, and at times a celebration, of the life and music of country-western singer and musician, Hank Williams. Written by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, Ivoryton’s production features direction and music direction by executive producer Ben Hope. Hope will also step in for the role of Jimmy “Burrhead” April 23-27.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway chronicles Williams’ rise to prominence, from singing amidst bar fights to captivating audiences from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as his chaotic downward spiral, succumbing to the influences of drugs and liquor. At his side are bandmates Hoss, Leon, Jimmy “Burrhead,” and Shag, his overbearing mother (Mama), and his wife, Audrey. Also making appearances are his musical mentor, Tee-Tot, music producer Fred “Pap” Rose, and the waitress who shares a memorable night with the singer. Hank Williams: Lost Highway weaves together the pivotal moments in Williams’ life, backed by the music that made him a household name, from honky-tonk to the blues. Featuring songs such as “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “I Saw the Light,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and more, it’s a heartbreaking tale about the incredible rise and fall of a country music legend, gone far too soon.
Rick Snell, Stephen G. Anthony, Morgan Morse, David Finch, and Eric Scott Anthony in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
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Morgan Morse in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
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Ten years after booking his first Ivoryton production, Morgan Morse takes on the role of Hank Williams himself. Morse is a talented singer, actor, and all around performer. He commands the stage, whether he’s the only one up there, or is leading the entire company. His Williams is intentionally composed and carefully crafted, all so we can watch him take it apart as the show progresses. It’s a beautifully tragic moment, when we watch Morse tearing at his tie and start to see all the cracks in the facade. With the support of a talented company, Morse leads the show with a wonderful portrayal of the iconic musician, delivering a solid rendition of the distinct voice and yodel sound that defined Williams. His version of “Long Gone Lonesome Blues” was a personal favorite.
Williams’ band is comprised of Eric Scott Anthony as Jimmy “Burrhead,” Stephen G. Anthony as Hoss, and David Finch as Leon, with the role of Shag played by Brien Brannigan or Rick Snell depending on the performance – on the night I attended, Rick Snell was on. Anthony, Anthony, and Finch are prominently featured tracks, while Snell plays from the upstage corner for the bulk of the show. Each of the musicians are incredibly talented – they bring the score to life alongside Morris with delightful energy and expert skill. Though there are a handful of ballads, much of the show features foot-stomping tunes that will have you clapping and singing along, and these performers really give each song their all. Their character work is endearing, particularly the loveable Leon, and it’s heartwrenching to watch the rift that grows among them as Williams spirals out of control.
Mama Williams is played by Marcy McGuigan, who commands each scene that she enters. Hank’s mother is portrayed to be what one might call a helicopter parent – the joke is made that she probably even wipes his nose for him – and McGuigan delivers on that with a fierce tone and humorous back and forths with Hank’s new girlfriend.
That girlfriend, who later married Hank, is Audrey Williams. Played by Liv Kurtz, Audrey starts off at odds with Hank’s mother, only to find common ground. Later, she becomes the one exerting constant control and pressure over Hank’s life and career, though he never seems to stop loving her. Kurtz is delightful in the role, particularly early on as we see Audrey and Hank falling in love. She leans in to the fact that Audrey can’t sing and gives a goofy, intentionally off vocal performance that has the band leaning in to cover her. As her relationship with Hank changes, Kurtz takes us on the journey, playing off of Morse beautifully to deliver the final chapters of Hank’s life.
Williams’ band is comprised of Eric Scott Anthony as Jimmy “Burrhead,” Stephen G. Anthony as Hoss, and David Finch as Leon, with the role of Shag played by Brien Brannigan or Rick Snell depending on the performance – on the night I attended, Rick Snell was on. Anthony, Anthony, and Finch are prominently featured tracks, while Snell plays from the upstage corner for the bulk of the show. Each of the musicians are incredibly talented – they bring the score to life alongside Morris with delightful energy and expert skill. Though there are a handful of ballads, much of the show features foot-stomping tunes that will have you clapping and singing along, and these performers really give each song their all. Their character work is endearing, particularly the loveable Leon, and it’s heartwrenching to watch the rift that grows among them as Williams spirals out of control.
Mama Williams is played by Marcy McGuigan, who commands each scene that she enters. Hank’s mother is portrayed to be what one might call a helicopter parent – the joke is made that she probably even wipes his nose for him – and McGuigan delivers on that with a fierce tone and humorous back and forths with Hank’s new girlfriend.
That girlfriend, who later married Hank, is Audrey Williams. Played by Liv Kurtz, Audrey starts off at odds with Hank’s mother, only to find common ground. Later, she becomes the one exerting constant control and pressure over Hank’s life and career, though he never seems to stop loving her. Kurtz is delightful in the role, particularly early on as we see Audrey and Hank falling in love. She leans in to the fact that Audrey can’t sing and gives a goofy, intentionally off vocal performance that has the band leaning in to cover her. As her relationship with Hank changes, Kurtz takes us on the journey, playing off of Morse beautifully to deliver the final chapters of Hank’s life.
David Finch, Stephen G. Anthony, Rod Brogan, Morgan Morse, and Eric Scott Anthony in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
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Morgan Morse as Hank Williams in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Ben Hope)
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Rod Brogan takes on the role of music producer Fred “Pap” Rose. Pap is one of the ones responsible for getting Hank out into the larger public eye, though his relationship with Hank wasn’t always perfect. Brogan gives a strong performance in the role, infusing much of his work with an upbeat, delighted air that comes from knowing just how talented this guitar-toting kid really is. However, Brogan balances this against the moments in which he snaps at Hank as things begin to shift out of his control. One of my favorite moments in the show is when Pap tries to give Hank notes on what to do in a song, and Hank and the band let him have it in an amusing, musical way.
Hank’s mentor Tee-Tot is embodied by Tony Perry, who has a stunning sound. I looked forward to the moments when Perry would echo the current song from his chair on the porch on stage right. Tee-Tot is present for much of the show outside of the main action, observing Hank’s story from his porch back home where he showed Hank the ropes of how to really, truly sing. I loved the moment where Morse and Perry are sitting together, exchanging musical phrases before blending together for the final few notes – the two performers play off of each other very well.
Olivia Fenton plays the character just called “waitress,” but captures the audience’s attention fully each time she chimes in. For the bulk of the show, she isn’t given much dialogue, but holds our attention in the periphery as she goes about her work, listening to Hank performing on the radio at the roadside diner she works at. Her monologues, and finally her explosive scene opposite Morse, are a masterclass in making the most of each moment that you’re given. Fenton is incredibly dynamic, and a joy to watch. She has built a vibrant personality for the waitress, her choices and delivery intentional and strong. I enjoyed any moment that she stepped into the scene, and her shared scene with Morse had the whole audience laughing for a heartbeat before things went sideways again.
Hank’s mentor Tee-Tot is embodied by Tony Perry, who has a stunning sound. I looked forward to the moments when Perry would echo the current song from his chair on the porch on stage right. Tee-Tot is present for much of the show outside of the main action, observing Hank’s story from his porch back home where he showed Hank the ropes of how to really, truly sing. I loved the moment where Morse and Perry are sitting together, exchanging musical phrases before blending together for the final few notes – the two performers play off of each other very well.
Olivia Fenton plays the character just called “waitress,” but captures the audience’s attention fully each time she chimes in. For the bulk of the show, she isn’t given much dialogue, but holds our attention in the periphery as she goes about her work, listening to Hank performing on the radio at the roadside diner she works at. Her monologues, and finally her explosive scene opposite Morse, are a masterclass in making the most of each moment that you’re given. Fenton is incredibly dynamic, and a joy to watch. She has built a vibrant personality for the waitress, her choices and delivery intentional and strong. I enjoyed any moment that she stepped into the scene, and her shared scene with Morse had the whole audience laughing for a heartbeat before things went sideways again.
Liv Kurtz and Morgan Morse in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
Scenic design by Glenn Bassett is clever and well-executed. The set has a rustic feel that is evoked by the wooden furniture and framing. I loved the upstage paneling that gave the impression of a guitar on its side. Much of the playing space is dedicated to the musical performances of Williams and his band, and so the center stage area is primarily open, with tiered steps. Stage left houses the diner counter for the waitress, and stage right is Tee-Tot’s front porch and chair. Wood paneling on the sides of the stage, as well as the upstage wall, are used at times for projections, which are a nice touch.
Lighting designer Jessica Ann Drayton paints Williams’ world in an array of colors. Different moments are isolated nicely, as there are usually characters on stage that are incorporated though not a part of the main action, and Drayton does a great job of highlighting the desired action while still giving a soft look to the background work. I particularly liked the choice to spotlight the different radios.
Sound design by Jonathan White is solid, with a good balance throughout the show. The instruments and vocals are mixed well, though at times the performers had to deal with some fuzziness in the mics.
Costumes by designer Elizabeth Saylor are well-suited to the individual characters. I particularly enjoyed the matching music-covered outfits of Hank and Audrey, as well as Audrey’s fringe-covered look.
Lighting designer Jessica Ann Drayton paints Williams’ world in an array of colors. Different moments are isolated nicely, as there are usually characters on stage that are incorporated though not a part of the main action, and Drayton does a great job of highlighting the desired action while still giving a soft look to the background work. I particularly liked the choice to spotlight the different radios.
Sound design by Jonathan White is solid, with a good balance throughout the show. The instruments and vocals are mixed well, though at times the performers had to deal with some fuzziness in the mics.
Costumes by designer Elizabeth Saylor are well-suited to the individual characters. I particularly enjoyed the matching music-covered outfits of Hank and Audrey, as well as Audrey’s fringe-covered look.
Tony Perry and Morgan Morse in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
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Eric Scott Anthony, David Finch, and Stephen G. Anthony in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Ivoryton Playhouse, April 2025 (Jonathan Steele)
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Hank Williams: Lost Highway is a musical journey through the life of a country legend that made his mark with a distinct style and sound. Ivoryton’s production features top-notch musicians and a talented ensemble who tell Hank’s story amidst the soul-stirring, toe-tapping music that made him famous. Catch Hank Williams: Lost Highway at the Ivoryton Playhouse before it closes on April 27.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway plays April 3-27, 2025, at The Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway plays April 3-27, 2025, at The Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.