Sierra Madre Playhouse will unveil the world premiere of Flashes of Light, a new musical exploring the electrifying life of inventor Nikola Tesla and his divine muse, Electra, the goddess of storm clouds. Running from May 25 through June 9, 2025, this fantastical new work is directed by acclaimed theatermaker Jon Lawrence Rivera, with music by Billy Larkin and lyrics by Ron Boustead.
A Star-Crossed Tale of Genius and Myth
Set during the industrial revolution in late 19th-century New York City, Flashes of Light reimagines Tesla’s innovations as inspired by the celestial Electra. Through stormy visions, she guides him to scientific breakthroughs just as his rivalry with Thomas Edison ignites the infamous “War of the Currents.” As invention and mythology entwine, the musical charts a passionate and perilous love story that blurs the line between fact and fantasy.
Music, Myth, and History Collide
With a genre-blending score that fuses jazz, rock, and pop, Flashes of Light brings Tesla’s brilliance and torment to life with soaring melodies and poetic lyrics. The show received First Prize in New Musicals Inc.’s 2024 “Search for New Musicals” international competition, cementing its arrival as one of the season’s most anticipated debuts.
“This dramatic and compelling new musical offers a unique mythological twist on a pivotal moment in history,” said Matt Cook, Sierra Madre Playhouse’s Artistic and Executive Director. “It’s an honor to help bring Flashes of Light to the stage.”
Cast and Creative Team
The cast features Devyn Rush as Electra and Thomas Winter as Nikola Tesla. Supporting roles include Guy Noland (Thomas Edison), Patrick Munoz (Prometheus/George Westinghouse), Amir Levi (Dionysus), and Chima Rok (Mark Twain), among others.
Creative credits include:
- Choreography: Tania Possick
- Scenic Design: Christopher Scott Murillo
- Projection/Props Design: Lily Bartenstein
- Costume Design: Mylette Nora
- Lighting Design: Wesley Charles Chew
- Sound Design: John Zelewski
- Stage Manager: Joshua Payuan-Cruz
Performances and Ticket Information
Performances will be held at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA. Tickets range from $12 to $45 and can be purchased online at www.sierramadreplayhouse.org or by phone at 626.355.4318.
Showtimes:
- Sunday, May 25 – 4:00 PM
- Monday, May 26 – 8:00 PM
- Friday, May 30 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, May 31 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, June 1 – 4:00 PM
- Monday, June 2 – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, June 5 – 8:00 PM
- Friday, June 6 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, June 7 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, June 8 – 4:00 PM
- Monday, June 9 – 8:00 PM
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.
About the Creators
Ron Boustead, an Emmy-nominated lyricist and recording artist, has penned songs for legends such as George Benson and Deniece Williams. Flashes of Light marks his debut as a musical theater writer.
Billy Larkin is an award-winning pianist and composer with a background in cabaret, modern dance, and international performance. He brings decades of experience in genre-defying musical storytelling to this production.
