Just ask Phil Connors.

Phil Connors is the main character in Groundhog Day the movie, and also the main character in Groundhog Day the musical.

And the songs help tell the story in a different way.

Derek Devlieger, who portrays Connors in the upcoming production at Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, said the songs give insight to the other characters and drive the emotion of the overall show.

Derek Devlieger portrays Phil Connors in Groundhog Day The Musical. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

“I think that the songs in the show give a really good insight into the obliviousness of the people that are not Phil, because a lot of it (the show) is very repetitive,” Devlieger said. “we’re watching the same things happening every single day while I’m doing things a little bit differently and changing the scenes a little bit so from my perspective, that would be the major thing.”

According to lbltj.com, Connors, a seasoned big-city weatherman, is frustrated to be reporting the annual Groundhog Day Ceremony in small town Punxsutawney, PA. His arrogance and cynicism are in direct opposition to the cheery townsfolk, who are ready for their favorite Groundhog to not see his shadow and welcome an early spring. After disdainfully covering the rodent’s negative forecast, he awakens the next day only to discover it’s Feb. 2 once more. Initially in disbelief, Connors finally accepts he is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again.

Caleb Roller, who portrays Ralph, said most of the ensemble cast members do the same things.

“And that’s like the signifying marker that we are moving onto a new day, where everyone is the same, except for Phil. … We do the same thing every day, but Phil (he’s) the one that really changes and adapts.”

Director James Foley said the cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring the story to life.

“Fans of the movie will recognize a lot of the gags and themes, but with a musical theatre spin that breathes new life into it,” Foley said. “We’re able to do something that the movie couldn’t do, by looking into Phil’s mind through song. It makes his transformation from a self-absorbed jerk (at least at face value) into someone who recognizes that life is about relationships, meaningful relationships, where we genuinely care about the welfare of others.”

Another way songs propel the story forward is with the character Nancy Taylor. Taylor is naive to Connors’ advances, and finally she realizes his angle and reveals her thoughts and emotions through a song.

JoAnn Lifner, who portrays Taylor, said she feels lucky to have the role.

“But then Nancy has a really heartwarming song where she knows this (her naivete)and you get a little insight to, ‘am I just the pretty naive one? Is there more to me?’ So I love the fact that Nancy gets more depth in this (show) than in the movie,” Lifner said.

The show is scheduled to be performed at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, 18 E. Second St., on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., Aug. 2 at 7 p.m., Aug. 3 at 2 p.m., Aug. 8 at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 at 7 p.m., and Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.

For more information about the show visit lbtj.com, and for more information about tickets email boxoffice@lbltj.com.