Hello Beautiful People,
Last night, I had the privilege of seeing Bright Star on Broadway. 
For those of you who don’t know, Bright Star on Broadway is a new musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, directed by Walter Bobbie.
I had no idea what to expect when walking into the theatre. I was there to support my fellow artists. To see a new show. I knew it was set in the south and it was a “folk” musical – and that’s about it.
For those of you who are in the same boat, the official synopsis is thus:
Bright Star on Broadway is an original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.
Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is something rare — a Broadway musical that’s as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
Hopeful. Hopeful. HOPEFUL. In a world where it’s so easy to fall down a rabbit hole of despair and doom and gloom – hopeful is something to be revered, cherished, and celebrated.
In a word? This show is a delight.
It’s warm, it’s moving, it’s entrancing to watch.
Walter Bobbie’s direction is exceptional; the pacing is fluid and the use of space is brilliant. I was entranced the entire time.
THE DESIGN. Oh, the design. I’m still thinking about the design. Eugene Lee (scenic), Japhy Weideman (lighting), Nevin Sternberg (sound), and Jane Greenwood (costumes), all deserve their own standing ovation. They came together in a minimalist yet gorgeous way to give us an inside and intimate look of small town life.
Stunning.
Now, there were plenty of performances that stuck out to me in the show, but I’m not looking to write the next great American novel in this review, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. The love that a father has for his son is palpable in the performance of Stephen Bogardus. Maddie Shea Baldwin was perfect as Margo Crawford – open, honest, shy, funny, and coy all rolled into one beautiful performance. Jeff Blumenkrantz has the comedic timing of a genius. Michael Mulheren took despicable two a whole new level, and I mean that in the best way possible. It was impossible to take your eyes off of Paul Alexander Nolan – his timing, voice, and visceral reactions were uncanny.
And then there was Carmen Cusack.
If you don’t know that name, learn it now.
Carmen Cusack.
As Alice Murphy, she’s absolutely unbelievable. She transitions between a teenager and and an older woman with seamless ease. From her beautiful voice, to the nuances and strength in her acting – she was mesmerizing. Her performance as Alice was heart, grit, soul, sweat, and tears.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such an open, honest, and raw performance.
I’m pretty sure she leaves a piece of her heart on the Cort stage each and every evening, and I have no doubt audiences will be the better for it.
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team of BRIGHT STAR!
Now, get thee to the Cort.
Live, Love, Learn,