October 20, 2026

MSM Musical Theatre will present Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star from October 23 to 25 in the Riverside Theatre.

We spoke with MSM Musical Theatre senior, Ishita Bansal (BM ’27), about the musical, her experience stepping into protagonist Alice Murphy’s shoes, and why you should see the show.

ABOUT ISHITA

Ishita Bansal (BM ’27) is Musical Theatre senior from Long Island, New York currently studying with Angela Owens. Along with Bright Star, Ishita’s MSM production include Into the Woods (Cinderella), A Little Night Music (Swing, U/S Mrs. Nordstrom), Good Luck In Space (Assistant Music Director, U/S Tilley, U/S Hurst), and Freshman Pops. A dedicated member of MSM’s Musical Theatre Honor Society, Alpha Psi Omega, Ishita has performed in their Night of Color cabaret as well as the play Twelve Angry Jurors.

Outside of MSM and musical theatre, Ishita was recently featured in the Netflix movie Don’t Say Good Luck and will be in the upcoming Netflix series Unaccustomed Earth (premiering December 17th).

Tell us about Bright Star! What is this musical about?

Ishita: This musical is about my character, Alice Murphy, reflecting back on her life’s story with the help of our amazing cast. She and the cast relay her story of loss, growth, and reconciliation by bouncing back and forth between 1923 and 1945 in North Carolina.

You’re playing the role of Alice Murphy — how have you stepped into their shoes?

Ishita: I’ve literally been putting on different shoes for when I’m younger and older Alice to remind myself how they walk, talk, and carry themselves differently. Younger Alice bounces around and lives life loudly whereas older Alice is the hardened editor of the Asheville Southern Journal with a fire deep inside. Differentiating how I sing and speak between the two (and doing so in a healthy way) has been one of my greatest challenges with the role.

What is something your character, Alice, taught you, Ishita?

Ishita: As corny as it is, Alice is so unabashedly herself. She’s bold and quick-witted (and sometimes says things that get her in trouble…), and I’ve been learning to bring that unapologetic quality to my rehearsals and classes!

Why should people attend Bright Star?

Ishita: As our music director Noah Teplin put it, “this show is so tuneful” and filled with a lush country bluegrass score. How often do you get the opportunity to hear a banjo, a fiddle, and a mandolin play in a fully produced theatre show? Pair that with our outstanding cast singing their faces off and you have an experience you won’t soon forget.

Why did you decide to study Musical Theatre at MSM?

Ishita: I remember I took my father to attend a masterclass and show here, and after seeing the people here talk about their art, I knew I had to come here. Here at MSM, you’re surrounded by so many passionate individuals and get to meet so many seasoned educators, like our director, Andrew Scoville, our choreographer, Ben Hobbs, and our Music Director, Noah Teplin. They teach you so many vital skills and give you such unconditional support; I cannot thank everyone enough for it.

What do you wish you had known before applying to MSM’s MT program?

Ishita: I was so conflicted back then about if I could “full send” studying this art form as opposed to something that’ll get me a “real job,” but I am so, SO glad I put my trust in this program and just went for it! So, I’d tell my younger self, “Trust your passion and drive a little more. Give yourself permission to try and you won’t regret it.”