By AJ Jaffari

Walking into Fly by Night at Hillbarn Theatre, I had no idea what to expect. This isn’t one of those big-name musicals that everyone’s heard of, and honestly, that’s exactly what made me excited to see it. Admittedly, I went in completely blind, actually thinking I was attending a play. It was a pleasant surprise to discover it is in fact a musical, which I was excited for. In a theater world where so many companies stick to tried-and-true favorites, Hillbarn took a risk on something lesser-known—a choice that not only showcases their adventurous spirit but also gives audiences the chance to discover something fresh and unexpected. And let me tell you, this show is one worth discovering.

Fly by Night is a folk-rock musical that weaves together romance, fate, and the power of human connection, all set against the backdrop of the 1965 Northeast blackout. The story follows a young sandwich maker named Harold, caught in a love triangle between two sisters, Daphne and Miriam, who have recently moved to New York City. As their lives intertwine with an eccentric cast of characters, the show explores themes of destiny, loss, and the unexpected ways in which we find love and purpose. The musical was conceived by Kim Rosenstock (Tigers Be Still) and written by Will Connolly, Michael Mitnick, and Kim Rosenstock. It premiered at the Dallas Theater Center in 2013 before making its Off-Broadway debut at Playwrights Horizons in 2014.

Fly by Night stands out because of its unique storytelling structure, blending humor, heartbreak, and moments of magical realism. The narrative isn’t told in a linear fashion, instead jumping through time to gradually reveal how the characters’ fates are connected. The folk-rock score is both haunting and beautiful, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing that perfectly complements the story’s themes. Unlike many traditional musicals, Fly by Night doesn’t rely on spectacle but rather on its intimate, emotionally rich storytelling—making it a hidden gem in the musical theater world.

It’s the kind of show that leaves an impact, making it a fantastic choice for Hillbarn Theatre to produce—introducing audiences to a lesser-known work that still carries the depth and resonance of a Broadway hit.

And now… onto the review!

Cast: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  This cast was nothing short of stellar. At the heart of the story are Daphne, Miriam, and Harold, and their performances stood out the most for me. Kaylee Miltersen brought so much charm and energy to Daphne, the small-town girl with big Broadway dreams. Her performance was both cheeky and compelling, and her vocals soared in songs that really shaped her character’s journey. Chava Suarez’s Harold was full of heart—equal parts emotional and passionate while still maintaining humor and charisma. But the true standout for me was Markaila Dyson as Miriam. I’ve seen her in productions across the Bay Area, but this performance felt special. She didn’t overshadow her co-stars, but instead brought such an endearing warmth to Miriam that made her impossible not to root for. And after hearing her rendition of Stars I Trust, I can already tell it’s going to be stuck in my head for a while.

With a small cast of just seven, no one fades into the background—everyone gets their moment to shine, whether through tenderness, humor, or both. Sarah Jebian (Crabbie) was witty and sharp, bringing plenty of cheeky fun to the role. Matt Herrero’s physical comedy had me (and the audience around me) absolutely cringing for him—in the best way possible. If you see the show, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Cathleen Riddley (Narrator) carried the show with a sense of purpose, seamlessly shifting between characters and handling a massive amount of dialogue with warmth. And though Lawrence-Michael C. Arias (Mr. McClam) had the least stage time, his performance was gut-wrenchingly tender. Playing a man haunted by grief is no easy feat, but he did so beautifully.

Hats off to this incredible group of actors—this is one of those casts that makes you grateful for live theater.

Theater: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oh, how I love Hillbarn Theatre! If you’re a theater lover, this is definitely a place worth subscribing to—every show feels just as good, if not better, than the last. With convenient parking, a beautiful outdoor courtyard, and a packed season of productions, there’s always something to look forward to. I truly cherish my time here. No matter where you sit, you’ll get a great view, but if you have the option, I’d recommend the middle section for the best experience.

Production: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ As I mentioned earlier, I went into this show completely blind, so my expectations weren’t just met—they were exceeded. First and foremost, a huge shoutout to director Cara Phipps, who crafted such an emotionally rich and beautifully staged production. The way the characters seamlessly moved through different points in time without ever making the storytelling feel confusing? That’s no small feat.

Another major round of applause to music director Diana Lee—who not only conducted and played but also provided some lovely background vocals (and trust me, that did not go unnoticed—we loved it!). The pit was absolutely wonderful. The music in Fly by Night is already gorgeous, but some of those chords? Just breathtaking.

Lighting design by the one and only Pamila Gray (friend of the pod!) was stunning as always. She knows I love good lighting, but I have to give a special mention to the Edison bulbs that resembled stars—they were my personal favorite touch. Sound design by Jeff Mockus was some of the best I’ve experienced in a Bay Area production—flawless work. And the set, designed by Sarah Phykitt, gave the actors so much to work with. The use of space was brilliant, and I especially loved the swing.

I honestly can’t say enough about the production elements of this show—you can feel the heart and dedication that went into every detail. If I had to find one small gripe (and this isn’t on the company at all), it’s that the show is long. If you tend to get antsy, take advantage of that intermission to stretch and reset. But truly—do yourself a favor and grab a ticket. You won’t regret it.

Fly by Night runs through March 23rd.

Tickets are available here.