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Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America opens June 30 through July 2, 2026 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor, Michigan, bringing a musical tribute to the beloved country-folk singer’s life and career to Northern Michigan audiences.
Quick Facts
- Performances run June 30 at 7 p.m., July 1 at 7 p.m., and July 2 at 2 p.m.
- Tickets start at $55
- The cast features five performers: Derrick Truby, Lucy Hall, Ricky Hill, Christian Wilder, and Lucy Rossi
- The production celebrates Denver’s hits including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders”
A Musical Journey Through John Denver’s Life
Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America is described as a musical tribute and intimate celebration of John Denver‘s life and career. The production traces his journey from growing up in a military family through his rise on the 1960s folk scene to his superstardom in the 1970s and beyond. Denver was one of the most popular recording artists of the 1970s, and his gentle, environmentally conscious music established him among the most beloved entertainers of his era.
The show brings together five talented actor-musicians who tell Denver’s story through his timeless hits. Derrick Truby, who previously performed as Jesus in the center’s 2022 production of Godspell, has appeared at prestigious venues including Ford’s Theatre, Signature Theatre, and the Folger Theatre. Lucy Hall, a Carnegie Mellon graduate based in New York City, recently played Alana in Dear Evan Hansen at Coachella Valley Rep. Ricky Hill, a Muskegon native now based in Petoskey, toured internationally with The Young Americans and has performed alongside Barry Manilow and Susan Egan. Christian Wilder, a Berklee College of Music graduate, toured as keyboardist for the Michigan Rattlers. Lucy Rossi, from Petoskey, has performed with Disney Cruise Line and toured in Blippi! The Musical.
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Creative Team and Production Details
The production is led by Matthew Kacergis, artistic director at Great Lakes Center for the Arts, whose previous work at the venue includes Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Godspell, and When You Wish… A Tribute to 100 Years of Magic. Owen James, described as one of Northern Michigan’s most accomplished guitarists, serves as music director and has performed at venues including Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, The Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, and the Mount Hood Jazz Festival in Oregon.
The show features original concept by Harold Thau, with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Jeff Waxman. Award-winning choreographer Daniel Cruz, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Prince, and Ashanti, created the musical staging. The live band features Northern Michigan musicians Stephanie Cope, Maya Story, Andy Evans, Seth Kilbourn, and Owen James. Benjamin Arnett designed lighting, and Pamela Campi, whose career includes stage management work on major productions worldwide, leads stage management.
Honoring Denver’s Enduring Legacy
The production coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday and brings together artists with connections to Northern Michigan and stages across the country. Richard and Tracy Hirrel are supporting the production. John Denver’s music celebrates nature, love, and a shared spirit of connection, themes that continue to resonate decades after his rise to fame. The show features over 25 of Denver’s chart-topping hits, from the iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” offering audiences an uplifting evening that honors the life and legacy of an American musical icon whose down-to-earth acoustic sound remains timeless.
Sources
- Great Lakes Center for the Arts — Event details, cast information, production credits, ticket prices, and performance dates
- MLive.com — Production announcement, creative team details, cast backgrounds, and venue information
