By Madison Moretti
In Ogden, Bright Star at the Ziegfeld Theater is an unique experience for lovers of good story-telling. Based on a true story, this award-winning musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell first premiered in San Diego in 2014 and rapidly grew in popularity due to its unique bluegrass style. The cast demonstrates a genuinely emotional connection to the story while still creating a fun and high-energy experience.
Alternating in timelines between 1923 and 1946, the play is set in South Carolina and explores relationships and ambitions in two very different times. As the play opens in 1946, editor Alice Murphy (Jordyn Aspyn) introduces a town where war veteran Billy Cane (Dylan Panter) is aspiring to be a writer and reconstructing life after his experiences in the second World War. He has family ties and old friendships to tend to, particularly with his father and childhood friend turned love interest Margo (Emma Rosenlund). He is mentored and encouraged by Alice, whose own story of love and loss informs the plot in unexpected ways.
While the strong ensemble and exciting choreography will catch the audience’s attention, what will really keep them in their seats is the emotional power of the actors at the forefront of the story. Aspyn’s ability to portray Alice as the wild and free-spirited teenager as well as the reserved and sophisticated adult is so crucial to this story, and makes the trauma, heartbreak, and joy of her character feel real.
Audiences will also enjoy the sweet chemistry of Panter’s Billy and Rosenlund’s Margo. It’s the kind of sweet new romance that can soften any heart and bring back fond memories of first loves and young dreams.
Charles Teuscher as Jimmy shows a great range of emotion, and the father-son dynamic portrayed between him and Kevin Ireland (Mayor Dobbs) feels very realistic.
Sarah Weyrich leads the ensemble as fellow writer Lucy. Particularly enjoyable is the number “Another Round,” a fantastically choreographed bar room escapade. Weyrich’s big attitude and dance skill make for a showstopper of a number worth watching on repeat.
Also of special note are the performances of Josh Curtis as Daddy Murphy and Ireland as Mayor Dobbs, two characters who show the struggle of trying to be good parents and the failings and shortcomings that accompany the job of being a father.
What will immediately capture the audience’s attention is the set design and the use of every last square inch of space that the stage has to offer, combined with effective lighting design by Alek Burden and sound design by Becky Knowles. Caleb Parry’s set design creates an aesthetic of the 1940’s south without the need for bulky scene changes. Instead, the actors themselves build and dismantle the scenes and even become parts of the set when needed. Another interesting choice to note is that the actors never leave the stage, but rather form an audience of their own, creating an atmosphere of campfire-side storytelling. The overall effect was immersive and made the story flow continuously and uninterrupted. Also of note in this show is the impressive ensemble and dance corps, as Joshua Samuel Robinson‘s choreography makes the most out of every number. The costume design by Timery Reis and Jenny Richardson and music direction by Kelli Morris create the immersive experience.
Bright Star may not be suitable for younger audiences as it deals with trauma, death, and contains sexual themes.
This production of Bright Star by the Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden is an exciting endeavor into storytelling and bluegrass music and well worth seeing. The actors give audiences a profoundly emotional experience not soon to be forgotten. Tickets are on sale now through June 26th, so follow your star to the box office while the show lasts.
The Ziegfeld Theater presents Bright Star, by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.
The Ziegfeld Theater, 3934 S. Washington Blvd, Ogden UT 84403
Jun 4-26, 7:30 PM, matinees 2:00 PM. See the website for individual dates and times.
Tickets: $15–$19
Ziegfeld Theater Facebook Page
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