NEWS RELEASE

Centre College graduate Mary Grace Rapier is set to perform in the cast of “The Stephen Foster Story,” “Songs of Stephen Foster,” and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” this summer through the Stephen Foster Drama Association, located in Bardstown.

“The Stephen Foster Story” details the life of legendary songwriter and composer Stephen Foster through dramatic portrayals of his life, and features performances of more than 50 of his greatest compositions, such as “Oh! Susanna,”“Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Hard Times (Come Again No More),” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight.” The show has been performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in Bardstown since 1959.

For this season, the company will also perform Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” A Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of the beloved musical, the show features some of the songwriting duo’s loveliest tunes, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” as well as some new characters and surprising twists.

Now in her 11th season with the Stephen Foster Drama Association, Rapier will play Jane McDowell in “The Stephen Foster Story” and will be included in the ensemble cast for “Cinderella.”

Rapier holds a B.A. in Music from Centre College and will begin her second year of medical school at the University of Louisville this fall. Some of her favorite roles she has played throughout her time with the Stephen Foster Drama Association include Tessie in “Annie” and Teen Fiona in “Shrek.”

“I am so grateful to my family and friends for their support and love as I pursue another exciting season with the Stephen Foster Drama Association,” Rapier said. “I am also very grateful for another summer with my Foster family.”

Performances of “The Stephen Foster Story” are set to take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from June 17 through August 12. “Cinderella” will be performed on select dates from July 12 to Aug. 4 at the amphitheater. “Songs of Stephen Foster” will be performed on Saturdays at 2 p.m. at Nelson County High School between June 24 through August 5.

For more information, visit www.stephenfoster.com.