A young girl in a yellow dress and hat stands center stage in a theatrical set resembling a rustic cabin, while three men work around her.

Funny man and tuneful woman pen ‘Bright Star’, a poignant musical


By Ron Jones

For sure, Bright Star, co-written by iconic comedian, Steve Martin and country composer, Edie Brickell, is a melodramatic musical. But don’t take it for face value! Not your grandma’s melodrama, the story is vivid and compelling, the music is highly tuneful, and its emotions are heart felt and real. Nothing is over the top in this fetching and provocative musical comedy/drama. At once, it’s a show that weaves comedy and poignancy into one shining tapestry. Bright Star is presented by Theatre Under the Stars at the Hobby Center.

Martin and Brickell have worked on several country musical albums together. Bright Star was inspired by their song, “Love Has Come for You.†Interestingly, the musical takes place in two different time periods in North Carolina. As the curtain rises, Alice Murphy (Audrey Cardwell), a publisher, sings the haunting “If You Knew My Story.†In a beautiful and lyrical voice, she tells parts of the play’s exposition in her song. It’s 1945 and Billy Cane (Henry Gottfried), an aspiring writer, has returned from serving in World War II. In her office in the publishing firm, editor Murphy mentions representing Tennessee Williams, a struggling playwright, and considers taking on Billy, as well. Flashing back to 1923, a 16-year-old Alice meets the dashing Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Patrick Cummings), the mayor’s son, and quickly becomes pregnant. Her father, Daddy Murphy (John Leslie Wolfe) and Jimmy Ray’s father, Josiah Dobbs (Jeff Austin), motivated by the shame of having an unwed mother and father in the family, conspire to take the male child away from Alice. Another character, Margo Crawford (delightfully played by Liana Hunt) plays Billy’s childhood friend and, eventually, his wife. Going back and forth between the 1920s and ’40s, these colorful characters become the central figures of the interweaving plot. Indeed, it is the performances of these actors, along with their supporting players, that make this show entirely enjoyable.

While the script is intriguing and builds to a surprising climax, the production is also enhanced by expert vocals, terrific choreography and dancing, telling upbeat songs, a handsome set (including the remnants of an old barn that houses the band and moves around the stage effortlessly to help establish locales), whimsical and period-looking costumes, and evocative lighting. Choreographer Josh Rhodes infuses the show with quirky movements and dances that help establish the offbeat nature of the piece. Everyone sings beautifully, giving the soaring ballads and upbeat numbers lives of their own. In crowd scenes, the singing is replete with harmony. The scenic designer, the incomparable Eugene Lee, has created a simple set that can be used fluidly. Costumes by Jane Greenwood are outstanding with their perfect pairing of color and fabric. Special notice must be paid to lighting designer, Japhy Weideman, whose use of lights helped establish the mood in every scene. Moving seamlessly from cheerful brightness to eerie shadows, the lighting is quite inventive.

Bright Star is an endearing, touching, and rousing musical. With its strong dialogue, spirited and clever choreography and melodious music, Houston is lucky to have this bright star shining on it until March 25. Tickets may be purchased at TUTS.com.

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