Bright Star

It's not every day that you see a small scale local musical and come out thinking that not even Broadway could do this any better. Eclipsed by the musical Hamilton on Broadway, this little-known stage show by actor/musician Steve Martin & singer Edie Brickell is finally getting to 'shine bright' thanks to companies like Pursued By Bear. Inspired by a real event, Bright Star tells a tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920's and '40's. The idea that a traumatic life event doesn't have to define you, but instead presents an opportunity for growth, is the underlying theme for director Mark Taylor's vision. 

From the first bars of 'If You Knew My Story', I fell in love with Kala Gare's honest portrayal of Alice Murphy, a character who is both vulnerable and resilient. Miss Gare's final song 'At Long Last' brought down a packed house of sobbing patrons. It doesn't get much better than this! Matthew Prime's depiction of Alice's love interest Jimmy Ray Dobbs was charismatic, magnetic and vocally brilliant, especially during 'Heartbreaker' and 'I Had A Vision'. Callum O'Malley as Billy Cane and Sarah Krndija as Margo Crawford were equally engaging as the secondary love interest. Callum's title song 'Bright Star' and Sarah's wistful rendering of 'Asheville' were standout performances of the night. Comedy relief was amiably supplied by Ellie Nunan (Lucy Grant) and Lachlan Hewson (Daryl Ames), whose song and dance act 'Another Round' had the audience tapping their toes. For me the surprises of this cast were the roles of the parents. Mike Gardiner (Mayor Dobbs), Tref Gare (Daddy Murphy), Lindy Yeates (Mama Murphy) and Tom Blair's (Daddy Cane), portraying heartbreak and hope, no doubt resonated with parents in the audience. 

Musical direction by Nathan Firmin and his band of ten (including instruments such as banjo, fiddle, autoharp, accordian and double bass) added another layer of excitement to the show. Band members Anthony Craig (banjo) and Ruby Clark (violin) also doubled as ensemble characters Max and Edna, who became a cutesy third love interest whom the audience willed into succeeding. Choreographer Freya List's imaginative direction of the ensemble to meld different worlds and time periods together through dance was highly compelling. The use of apple crates as props was very inventive and the scenes were set up and changed seamlessly. William Yates and Mungo Trumble transported us back in time with their creative soundscape and lighting expertise. Jodi Hope's costumes were charming and authentic to the time periods. 

My only disappointment is that the season is over and that many theatre lovers will never get to see this beautiful piece of theatre. This production could easily play professional houses such as the Regent or Her Majesty's. Who knows, maybe “The Sun Is Gonna Shine Again”.

Jonathan Cox

Images: Fon Photography