The Robber Bridegroom
by Alchemy Theatre Company
May. 29 - Jun. 14
The Robber Bridegroom is a witty and fast-pacedtheatrical adventure inspired by a Grimm fairy tale that later became a novella by Eudora Welty. Directed by Michael Cooper, this intimate reimagining transforms the musical into an immersive, concert-like experience filled with live bluegrass music, storytelling, and Southern charm. Set in 18th-century Mississippi along the Natchez Trace, the story follows the mysterious Jamie Lockhart —Gentleman by day, infamous robber by night — as he woos Rosamund, the daughter of the richest planter in the region. Packed with colorful characters, romance, comedy, and adventure, The Robber Bridegroom blends folk storytelling with a lively score performed by onstage musicians playing fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and piano.
“Part concert, part theatrical event, The Robber Bridegroom is pure joy,” said producer Marnie Near. “Audiences are ncredibly close to the action in The Whisenhunt, and with the musicians onstage alongside the actors, the entireevening feels like a live bluegrass jam session wrapped inside a hilarious and heartfelt story.”
The production features an 11-member cast accompanied by live musicians Billy Curtis (fiddle and mandolin), Stevie Trudell (guitar and banjo), and Dr. Ellie Jarrett Shattles, who serves as Music Director and performs on piano throughout the production.
Music by Robert Waldman
Book and Lyrics by Alfred Uhry
Based on the novella The Robber Bridegroom by Eudora Welty
Directed by Michael Cooper
Choreographed by Noah Wood
Musical Direction by Ellie Jarrett Shattles
Produced by Marnie Near
The cast includes:
Taylor Bini as Rosamund; Cameron La Brie as Jamie Lockhart / The Robber Bridegroom; Rachel Pallante as Salome; Matt Kennedy as Little Harp; Kevin Pellicone as Big Harp; Sebastian Vitale as Clement Musgrove; Noah Steele as Goat; Brittany Marino as Goat’s Mother; Kyra Jackson as Airie; Alicia Frias as the Raven; and Tony Nielson as the Landlord. Musicians include Billy Curtis on Fiddle; Stevie Trudell on Guitar & Banjo and Dr. Ellie Jarrett Shattles leading the team on Keyboard.
The creative team includes:
Michael Cooper (Director), Ellie Jarrett Shattles (Music Director), Noah Wood (Choreographer), Pam Fletcher Friday (Costume Designer), Holly Crowley and Patrick Crowley (Set Designers), Britney Salyer (Props Designer & Fight Coordinator), Kallie Pierce (Sound & Lighting Designer), Sarah-Marie Curry (Intimacy Coordinator), Olivia Dockens (Assistant Stage Manager), Paige Freeman (Graphic Designer), and Marnie Near (Producer).
[poster art by Paige Freeman @paigefreemanhoover]
The Robber Bridegroom
by Alfred Uhry and Robert Waldman
Alchemy Theatre Company
May 29 – June 14, 2026
Opening Weekend performances on May 29, May 30, and May 31 will launch the production with a festive atmosphere as audiences experience this immersive musical for the very first time.
Opening Night on May 29 will also feature a champagne toast and appearances by the Tiff’s Treats hot cookie truck following the performance.
Whisenhunt at Zach Theater in Austin
The Alchemy Theatre will also present special events during the run:
• May 31 — “From Page to Stage” — a post-show conversation with director Michael Cooper and Dalia Azim from the Texas Book Festival exploring the journey from Grimm fairy tale to Eudora Welty novella to musical adaptation.
• June 6 — Tecovas Western Wear Night, where audiences are encouraged to wear their favorite western attire and one lucky audience member will win a free pair of Tecovas boots.
