By Avery Dall-Hilton
My first experience with the Lehi Arts Council was reviewing the delightful performance of Bright Star for Front Row Reviewers. Everything from the Bluegrass music, rustic scenic design, pristine costuming, and the bright and engaging cast swept me into the joyful and tragic story. From start to finish I was enthralled with the upbeat songs and touching stories of love, loss, and hope showcased in Lehi’s Bright Star.
The immense detail work put forth by a diligent production team are evident in such an intimate space and it pays off hugely. The scenic design (Kurt Elison and Garrett Roblyer) is both simple and meticulous as there are many sets that have to be rushed on and off quickly. They did a great job letting us know where we were, setting the tone for the scene, and also being quick and easy to maneuver. Lighting (Roblyer) is also a huge success in adding to the storytelling and ambiance. It is much more than daylight and evening cues, with many different moods brought in through lighting that enhances the scenes. I even noted a few blinking fireflies during evening scenes; those small details make it a truly immersive experience.
The show begins with a powerful opening number led by Shannon Ricks in the starring role of Alice Murphy, supported by a strong and energetic ensemble. Ricks has the enormous task of playing the character as a woman in her late 30s as well as a teenage girl and shoulders it with great success. As an audience, we are led through the character’s many emotional states with grace and power. Rick’s costar, Ethan Kelso, isn’t a step behind her, delivering an emotionally powerful performance and some of the strongest vocals I’ve heard in Utah County. The pair is dynamic and engaging from start to finish.
With such a unique theatre space, it was so wonderful to have the cast so close to us and to see director Kurt Elison’s creative and thoughtful blocking that gives each audience member a chance to see the action. We had actors coming up and down aisles, artful transitions, full ensemble dance numbers, intimate scenes with just a few characters, all structured and performed to draw the audience right into the story with them. The ambiance and setting is further amplified by the great work of costume designer Denise Gull and hair and makeup design by Annah Ledesma. Dressing the actors to fit in a show like this is especially difficult as it takes place in two distinct time periods (1920s and 1940s). The designers pulled off the looks flawlessly, paying attention to even small details like period accessories and bright or muted colors to complement the moods of the scenes.
Some of my favorite moments of comedy were brought to us by the dynamic duo Lucy and Daryl (Felicia Kelso, Mats Mudrow). The two carry on engaging banter and sing a rousing anthem that is skillfully harmonized along with Billy (Cameron Ward). Ward plays alongside Brooklyn Ashby as the young “will they, won’t they” couple. Their innocence and sometimes ignorance is a delightful part of the story and is masterfully executed by the pair. By contrast, the wicked mayor is expertly portrayed by Andrew Lambert who we loved to hate throughout. Although it may seem an easy to take on the role of the villain, Lambert brings in a level of complexity to the character I hadn’t expected.
Of course, a musical cannot be complete without a dedicated ensemble and this show is no exception. With so many songs sung and danced by the ensemble, this particular production relies heavily on a talented cast, and they did not disappoint. Working with the wonderful and creative choreography of Jeanna Cunningham and the strong leadership of music director Emily Hawkes, this ensemble blew me away with their energy and talent. One of my favorite numbers was the “Picnic Dance” which involves couples having a lovely Southern dance together evening featuring a live fiddle (Yunnie Kim).
This show is all about the strong relationships, hope, love, overcoming challenges, and, as mentioned in the director’s note, redemption. Elison and his assistant director (Cali Wilkes) have led with a beautiful vision for this show along with the many other seen and unseen participants that make this production possible. You will be sure to laugh, cry, and leave the theatre with a little more light in your life when you go see Bright Star produced by Lehi Arts Council.
A review by Front Row Reviewers. Lehi Arts Council Presents Bright Starby Steve Martin (book and music) and Edie Brickell (music).
685 N Center St, Lehi, UT, 84043
May 5-20, Thursday-Saturday, Monday 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-15
Lehi Arts Council Facebook
Photos provided by Lehi Arts Council.
Bright Star Publicity Reel
Content advisory: Discussion of child born out of wedlock, slight suggestion that two characters have sexual relations outside of marriage.
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